PSMP Frame Multicast Signaling for Wireless Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 802.11n Power Save Multi Poll (PSMP) management frame provides inadequate support for multicast data transmissions in wireless networks, limiting efficient power management and data transmission scheduling for multiple recipients.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a multi-purpose field in the PSMP frame to identify both unicast and multicast data transmissions, including fields for multicast address, start time, and duration, allowing for efficient scheduling and power management across multiple wireless nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the PSMP frame uses dedicated fields for multicast transmission scheduling, then multicast support is improved, but frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making existing PSMP frame fields multi-functional. Specifically, the STA ID field can identify either a unicast receiver or a multicast group, and the DLT/ULT time and duration fields serve both unicast and multicast scheduling purposes. This allows the frame structure to support both unicast and multicast transmissions without adding dedicated multicast fields, thereby improving multicast support while avoiding increased frame complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible interpretation of frame fields based on transmission type. The same field values can represent different meanings depending on context - for example, when a multicast transmission is detected, the STA ID field is interpreted as a multicast group identifier rather than a station ID. This dynamic field interpretation allows the frame structure to adapt to different transmission modes without requiring separate dedicated structures for each mode
2Use of energy by moving object
If power save scheduling is implemented for multicast transmissions, then energy efficiency is improved, but transmission coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing power save schedules for multicast transmissions in advance through the PSMP frame. The access point pre-negotiates and announces downlink and uplink transmission times, durations, and offsets for multicast groups before actual data transmissions occur. This allows receiving stations to enter power save mode during non-transmission periods and wake up only at scheduled transmission times, improving energy efficiency while maintaining coordination through pre-established timing information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the uplink transmission schedules included in the PSMP frame. The access point specifies uplink transmission times and durations for multicast group members to send acknowledgments or data. This feedback loop allows the access point to coordinate power save schedules with actual transmission needs, adjusting future schedules based on observed traffic patterns and acknowledgment timing, thereby improving energy efficiency while managing coordination complexity through adaptive feedback
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to multicast address signaling for power save delivery in a wireless network. According to an example embodiment, a wireless node may transmit a management frame (201) (e.g., a PSMP frame) to identify a scheduled data transmission time for one or more receiver nodes in a wireless network (102). The management frame, for example, may include a number of fields relating to a multicast transmission, such as one or more of a first field (225 or 832) set to a value indicating a multicast transmission, a second field (233B or 838) identifying a multicast address, a third field (227 or 834) identifying a time for the multicast transmission, and a fourth field (229 or 836) identifying a duration for the multicast transmission.