Relay Device Beacon Forwarding for WiFi Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WiFi systems face challenges in effectively extending the range of beaconing in wireless local area networks, particularly when access points cannot directly communicate with distant stations due to distance limitations, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a relay device that forwards beacons between access points and leaf stations using ultra-high reliability PHY protocol data units, with precise timing and interframe space adjustments, and utilizing backoff procedures to ensure accurate transmission and reception of beacon information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If an access point transmits beacons directly to distant stations, then the beacon transmission range is limited, but the system complexity and timing synchronization requirements increase when using relay devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary between the access point and distant stations. The relay device receives beacons from the access point and forwards them to stations that cannot directly receive beacons from the access point, thereby extending the effective beacon transmission range without requiring the access point to directly communicate with all stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the beacon transmission process into two distinct stages: (1) the access point transmits beacons to relay devices within direct range, and (2) relay devices forward beacons to distant stations. This segmentation allows the system to overcome distance limitations while managing complexity through divided responsibilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If relay devices forward beacons with precise timing adjustments, then interframe space accuracy is improved, but the data transmission reliability may deteriorate due to multiple hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the relay device receives acknowledgments from stations and relays them back to the access point. This feedback loop ensures that even with multiple hops and timing adjustments, the transmission reliability is maintained through confirmation and retransmission protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies prior cushioning by implementing retransmission mechanisms and error checking before data transmission failures occur. The system prepares for potential transmission errors by having backup mechanisms in place, such as retransmitting beacons if acknowledgments are not received, thereby maintaining reliability despite multiple hops.
3Reliability
If the relay device forwards beacons using backoff procedures, then collision avoidance is improved, but the data transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic backoff procedures where the relay device waits for specific interframe spaces before forwarding beacons. This periodic action pattern, governed by standardized WiFi timing protocols, systematically avoids collisions while maintaining efficient throughput through optimized waiting periods and transmission windows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of broadcasting a beacon by a relay device in a basic service set, including: receiving an announcement from a first device indicating whether the relay device is to forward a received beacon to a second device; receiving a beacon from the first device; and forwarding the beacon to the second device based upon the announcement.