Overlay WLAN Frame Encapsulation for Coverage Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IEEE 802.11n MAC/PHY protocol is limited in achieving a throughput of 1 Gbps or more due to its single station architecture, and the overlay WLAN system faces inefficiencies in service coverage and communication distance, particularly with non-AP VHT STAs unable to use the 60 GHz channel when outside the AP's coverage.
Innovation Solution
A protocol architecture for the overlay WLAN system that encapsulates MAC management frames for a 60 GHz band within frames for a less than 6 GHz band, allowing non-AP VHT STAs to communicate using the 60 GHz channel in both ad-hoc and infrastructure modes even when outside the AP's coverage, and extends service coverage by using the 60 GHz band for nearby stations and less than 6 GHz band for distant stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the 60 GHz band is used for high throughput communication, then the data rate is improved, but the service coverage and communication distance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the service area into two zones: a 60 GHz service area for high-speed communication and a less than 6 GHz service area for extended coverage. The AP transmits beacon frames indicating both service areas, allowing stations to select the appropriate frequency band based on their location and communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both 60 GHz and less than 6 GHz bands simultaneously. It can transmit beacons on both frequencies, manage multiple service areas, and handle station associations across different bands, making it adaptable to various communication scenarios.
2Productivity
If non-AP VHT STAs communicate directly in ad-hoc mode using 60 GHz, then high throughput is achieved, but connectivity beyond AP coverage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The access point acts as an intermediary that relays management frames (beacons, probe requests/responses, association frames) between stations in different service areas. This allows stations to discover and associate with each other indirectly through the AP, extending connectivity beyond direct 60 GHz communication range while maintaining high throughput capabilities.
3Productivity
If the overlay WLAN system uses separate service areas for 60 GHz and less than 6 GHz, then frequency band efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the management functions for both 60 GHz and less than 6 GHz bands into a unified architecture. The AP uses a single beacon transmission mechanism that includes information about both service areas, and stations use standardized association procedures that work across both bands, reducing overall system complexity despite operating in multiple frequency bands.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless local area network (WLAN) apparatus for a WLAN system is provided that includes a first medium access protocol (MAC) entity supporting a first frequency band and a second MAC entity supporting a second frequency band, where a MAC management frame for the first frequency band is encapsulated in a MAC management frame for the second frequency band and transmitted via the second frequency band.