Centralized QoS Beamforming via Real-Time Locationing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous Wi-Fi standards like IEEE 802.11n lack specific guidance on implementing beamforming, leading to compatibility issues between routers/access points and stations, and do not prioritize beamforming services, resulting in inconsistent network performance.
Innovation Solution
A system that centrally controls real-time locationing of stations using signal strength (RSSI) to determine beamforming location information and quality of service, allowing beamforming to be optimized and provided independently of station capability, with a central locationing server and access points directing antenna signals based on determined location and QoS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beamforming is implemented using previous standards like IEEE 802.11n without specific implementation guidance, then beamforming capability is supported, but compatibility issues arise between routers/access points and stations with different implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that manages beamforming operations independently of station capabilities. The central controller determines location information and controls beamforming transmissions from access points, acting as a mediator between the beamforming capability and stations that may or may not have native beamforming support. This resolves compatibility issues by centralizing the intelligence required for beamforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the beamforming control logic from the station device and relocates it to a central controller. By taking out the location determination and beamforming management functions from the endpoint devices, the system achieves compatibility across different station types without requiring each station to implement complex beamforming protocols.
2Ease of operation
If beamforming is provided without inherent priority between stations, then standard network services are available to all stations, but quality of service differentiation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated beamforming services to different stations based on their specific needs and locations. The central controller can prioritize certain stations (e.g., CEO or CTO devices) over others, creating quality variations in service delivery while maintaining standard network access for all. This allows QoS differentiation without preventing basic network operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If location information is not available for implementing beamforming capability, then beamforming cannot be effectively implemented, but obtaining location information increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having access points automatically determine location information for stations through signal strength measurements (RSSI). The system uses existing wireless communications infrastructure to obtain location data without requiring additional specialized hardware or complex external location systems. The central controller processes this automatically generated location information to enable beamforming.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach optimizes beamforming resources for better access point performance and ensures quality of service for stations, enhancing network efficiency and compatibility across different beamforming capable and non-capable stations.
Implementation Method 1
location information is organically determined for the plurality of stations from the plurality of access points. The station location information for a specific station determined by a signal strength of a signal (RSSI) as received by different access points at known locations.
Implementation Method 2
beamforming concentrates the signal directly at the target that is faster, stronger, and has a longer range, with improved SNR. Beamforming is enabled by transmitters and receivers that use MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A quality of service is determined for the specific station. Quality of service defines whether the specific station receives beamforming service or not, independent of beamforming capability of the specific station. QoS can be implemented by centrally controlling the locationing for beamforming. The beamforming location information and QoS information are transmitted to an access point servicing the specific station. The access point transmits network packets with beamforming signals to the specific station based on the beamforming location information.