Relay NAV Protection With MU-RTS Frame Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, devices out of range of each other face challenges in maintaining low-latency communication and avoiding collisions due to inconsistent NAV protection, particularly when using relays.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Multi-User Request to Send (MU-RTS) signals with additional bits for frame sequence indication and Clear to Send (CTS) responses to ensure accurate NAV setting across all RF domains, allowing for efficient relay operations in both direct and indirect communication scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay operations are used to enable communication between devices out of range, then communication coverage is improved, but NAV protection consistency deteriorates leading to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay station as an intermediary device to forward frames between transmitting and receiving stations that are out of direct range. The relay station receives frames from the transmitting station, processes them, and forwards them to the destination station, enabling extended communication coverage while maintaining NAV protection through proper frame sequence indication.
2Reliability
If traditional RTS/CTS handshaking is used, then collision avoidance is improved for direct communication, but it fails to provide adequate NAV protection in relay scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the RTS/CTS handshaking mechanism to be dynamic and adaptive for relay operations. It introduces frame sequence indication bits that dynamically indicate whether a frame is part of a relay operation, allowing the system to adapt the NAV protection mechanism based on whether direct or relay communication is being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the RTS/CTS protocol by adding frame sequence indication bits to the frame structure. These bits modify the behavior of receiving stations, enabling them to properly set their NAV duration based on whether they are involved in relay operations or direct communication, thus maintaining collision avoidance while supporting relays.
3Reliability
If NAV duration is extended to cover relay operations, then collision avoidance is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having different receiving stations set their NAV duration based on their specific role in the communication. Stations directly involved in the relay operation set NAV for the minimal required duration, while other stations use the frame sequence indication to determine appropriate NAV settings, avoiding excessive NAV extension and reducing unnecessary latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Network Allocation Vector (NAV) protection in a relay may be provided. Providing NAV protection in a relay can include determining a frame sequence for sending a data signal to a destination Station (dSTA). A Multi-User Request to Send (MU-RTS) is transmitted, the MU-RTS comprising a MU-RTS user information field with a plurality of available bits, the plurality of available bits including one or more frame sequence bits of indicating the frame sequence. One or more Clear to Send (CTS) signals is received, and the data signal is transmitted in response to receiving the CTS. One or more acknowledge signals are received based on the frame sequence.