PCP Handover in 60 GHz Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In personal wireless networks, efficiently handing over the coordination point (PCP) role between stations is challenging, especially in 60 GHz networks where oxygen attenuation limits distances and requires directional communication, and existing methods lack sufficient criteria for selecting a capable replacement, leading to potential disruptions in communication.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a handover process where the existing PCP selects a new PCP based on attributes like power supply level and station support capacity, using explicit and implicit methods to minimize disruptions, including beam-forming and pseudo-static service period management to ensure seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PCP role is handed over using traditional methods, then the network can adapt to PCP departure, but communication disruptions occur during handover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary beam-forming training and capability exchange before the actual PCP handover occurs. The target station prepares its beam-forming capabilities and exchanges capability information with the current PCP in advance, so that when handover is triggered, the transition can occur with minimal disruption to ongoing communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capability information frames as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the handover process. These frames carry essential capability data between the current PCP, target stations, and ultimately the new PCP, enabling a structured and controlled transition that maintains network stability.
2Productivity
If beam-forming is used for directional communication at 60 GHz, then data rate can be maintained at 1 Gbps, but handover complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters exchanged during handover from full beam-forming matrices to simplified capability information that includes beam-forming support indicators and capability levels. This allows the system to maintain high data rates through beam-forming while reducing handover complexity by exchanging only essential parameter information rather than complete beam-forming configurations.
3Reliability
If explicit handover selection criteria are established, then the most capable station can be selected as new PCP, but the handover process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential capability parameters needed for PCP selection from the complete station capability set. By identifying and exchanging only the most critical capability information (beam-forming support, power supply capability, station support capacity), the system can make informed selection decisions without the complexity of evaluating and processing all possible capability parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Handover of the role of a personal basic service set coordination point (PCP) in a personal wireless area network occurs with the issuance of a PCP handover request by the existing PCP station. A response from a PCP handover capable station within the BSS includes attributes of the responding station pertinent to its ability to carry out the role of a PCP. Once a new PCP station has been identified, handover steps are undertaken to modify beacon filtering and beam-forming in other non-PCP stations within the BSS to facilitate interruption free transition from the old PCP to the new PCP.