Boosting Preamble Transmit Power to Extend Wireless Network Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks using the IEEE 802.11 standard face limitations in range due to asymmetric links caused by stations having lower maximum transmit power compared to access points, resulting in unreceived transmissions from stations to access points.
Innovation Solution
The method involves boosting the transmit power of preamble segments in wireless network frames, allowing for independent adjustment of transmit power for segments like STF, LTF, and SIG, beyond the power used for data segments, to enhance detection capability and extend the range of access points and stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If stations transmit at their maximum power, then the transmit power is still insufficient to reach the access point, but increasing power beyond maximum is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless transmission frame into distinct parts (preamble and data payload) and applies different power levels to each segment. The preamble is transmitted at a higher power level than the data payload, ensuring that the access point can reliably detect and decode the frame header and synchronization information even when the overall transmit power is constrained. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize critical frame detection over full-data transmission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different power characteristics to different parts of the transmission. Specifically, the preamble portion of the frame is transmitted with elevated power relative to the data portion, creating a localized power boost where it is most needed for frame detection. This allows the transmission to meet minimum detection requirements without unnecessarily increasing overall power consumption or violating maximum power constraints.
2Measurement precision
If uniform transmit power is used for all frame segments, then the implementation is simple, but the detection capability at the access point is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission frame is divided into segments (preamble and data) with different power allocation. The preamble segments are transmitted at a higher power level to ensure reliable detection, while data segments use standard power levels. This segmentation enables improved detection capability without requiring complex continuous power adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter selectively for different frame segments rather than maintaining a uniform power level. By adjusting the power parameter for the preamble portion independently from the data portion, the system achieves better detection capability while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple and manageable.
3Length of stationary object
If transmit power is increased to extend range, then the transmission can reach farther distances, but regulatory power limits may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by increasing power only for the preamble portion of the frame rather than uniformly increasing power for the entire transmission. This selective power boost extends the effective detection range for frame arrival without requiring a proportional increase in overall transmit power, thereby extending range while maintaining compliance with regulatory power limits for total transmission power.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for extending range of devices in a legacy wireless network. Generally, the method involves providing in a transmitter of the system a frame having a first field including a number of preamble segments and a second field including a number of data segments. The transmitter in the system is then operated to transmit at least one of the preamble segments with at least a first transmit power, and to transmit the segments of the second field at a second transmit power, wherein the first transmit power is greater than the second transmit power. Other embodiments are also described.