Per-Packet Relay Activation in IEEE 802.11be Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional amplify-and-forward (AF) relay nodes in wireless networks always keep their relay functionality 'always on', which is not energy-efficient and can cause severe interference to neighboring nodes.

Innovation Solution

Activating relay functionality of a relay node on a per-physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) basis using new PPDU formats that include a 'relay-on' field, allowing the relay node to turn on its relay functionality only when needed and turn it off otherwise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If relay functionality is always kept on, then data exchange can occur without delay, but energy consumption increases and interference to neighboring nodes occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The relay functionality is made dynamic by introducing a relay indicator field in the PPDU format. The relay node dynamically switches between relay mode and normal communication mode based on the value of this indicator field, allowing the system to adapt between always-on (high speed) and selective activation (low energy consumption) operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the relay node by introducing a control mechanism through the relay indicator field. When the indicator is set, the relay node transitions from a static always-on state to a controlled selective-relay state, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining data exchange capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If relay functionality is always kept on, then data exchange can occur without delay, but interference to neighboring nodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange speedVSAvoidinterference to neighboring nodes

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The relay node dynamically controls its transmission behavior based on the relay indicator field. By switching between relay mode and normal mode, the system reduces unnecessary transmissions that cause interference to neighboring nodes while maintaining the ability to relay data quickly when the indicator is set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the relay function from being a permanent state and makes it a conditional, selective function. By using the relay indicator field to control when relaying occurs, the system removes unnecessary relay transmissions that would interfere with neighboring nodes while preserving the relaying capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If relay functionality is activated selectively, then energy efficiency improves, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The relay indicator field is prepared in advance within the PPDU format before transmission. The relay node can pre-process and identify packets that need relaying by checking this indicator field, allowing it to activate relay functionality immediately when needed without significant processing delay, thus balancing energy efficiency with speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If relay functionality is activated selectively, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PPDU format by adding a dedicated relay indicator field. This segmentation allows the relay node to easily identify and process relay packets through a simple field check, rather than requiring complex analysis of the entire packet structure, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling selective relay activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250158700A1Per-packet amplify and forward relay for beyond IEEE 802.11be wireless lans

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 NEWRACOM INC

AI summary

An embodiment is a method performed by a source node to activate relay functionality of a relay node on a per-physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) basis. The method includes generating a PPDU that includes a first set of preamble fields, followed by a relay-on field indicating that the relay node should relay the PPDU, followed by a second set of preamble fields, followed by a data field that includes a frame intended for a destination node, wherein the first set of preamble fields includes a first legacy short training field (L-STF) field, a first legacy long training field (L-LTF) field, and a first legacy signal (L-SIG) field, wherein the second set of preamble fields includes a second L-STF field, a second L-LTF field, and a second L-SIG field. The method further includes transmitting the PPDU.