Predictable Latency Access Category for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in predicting latency and throughput, particularly in scenarios with varying numbers of contending station devices, due to sensitivity to legacy devices and complexities in coordination and scheduling, which affect network reliability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a Predictable Latency Access Category (AC_PL) system that prioritizes uplink multi-user mode, reduces collisions through AP coordination, and implements enhanced control mechanisms with variable parameters to manage channel access, ensuring optimal operation under diverse conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If legacy channel access mechanisms are used, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but latency predictability deteriorates due to sensitivity to varying numbers of contending station devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatency predictabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with varying station devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel access mechanism into two distinct modes: scheduled access for predictable latency scenarios and unscheduled access for legacy compatibility scenarios. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate access mode based on the number of contending stations, thereby achieving both latency predictability and adaptability to different device configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between scheduled and unscheduled access modes based on real-time network conditions, specifically the number of contending station devices. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize for latency predictability when conditions permit while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If coordination and scheduling mechanisms are implemented, then network efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for enhanced control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial coordination mechanisms only when necessary for optimizing network efficiency, rather than implementing full coordination in all scenarios. By selectively enabling scheduled access with enhanced control mechanisms only when the number of contending stations warrants it, the system improves network efficiency while avoiding unnecessary complexity in simpler network configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If uplink multi-user mode is prioritized, then throughput is enhanced, but collision sensitivity increases affecting network reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidcollision sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary scheduling mechanism that mediates between uplink multi-user transmissions and collision avoidance. The scheduled access mode acts as an intermediary that coordinates uplink transmissions, allowing high throughput multi-user operation while preventing collisions through centralized scheduling control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240137992A1Predictable latency access category with varying number of contending station devices

Publication Date: 2024.04.25 INTEL CORP

AI summary

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to predictable latency access category (AC). A device may control the initiation of a contention period for network communication. The device may broadcast a reservation/defer signal at a predetermined time after the start of the contention period for an Access Category for Predictable Latency (AC_PL). The device may receive reservation/defer signals from connected Station (STA) devices. The device may process the received reservation/defer signals to manage network access priorities and channel access specifically for the AC_PL. The device may adjust network parameters based on the received reservation/defer signals to minimize collisions.