R-TWT Scheduling for Low Latency mmWave Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-link communications systems, especially those using mmWave links, existing technologies face challenges in managing latency for high-priority traffic such as voice and video, as EDCA parameters are not suitable for mmWave bands, leading to increased latency and computational overhead, and the lack of support for trigger-based TB PPDU complicates efficient frame transmission.

Innovation Solution

The method involves announcing R-TWT support and negotiating R-TWT schedule membership between wireless stations, using low latency indications and identifying low latency TIDs, and sending frames according to the negotiated schedule, while disabling EDCA backoff and retry requests outside the R-TWT schedule to ensure low latency traffic is prioritized, and using a different EDCA parameter set for R-TWT members to manage mmWave transmit opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If EDCA parameters are used for traffic prioritization in mmWave links, then latency for high-priority traffic can be reduced, but computational overhead and signaling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidcomputational overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic into different TID categories (low latency TIDs vs. other TIDs) and applies different transmission rules. Low latency traffic uses R-TWT scheduled transmissions with predetermined parameters, while other traffic uses standard EDCA mechanisms. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex real-time latency calculations for all traffic, reducing computational overhead while maintaining low latency for priority traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of transmission parameters during the R-TWT negotiation phase. Parameters such as AIFS, CWmin, CWmax, and TXOP limits are predetermined and agreed upon before actual data transmission. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time parameter adjustments during transmission, reducing computational overhead while ensuring low latency for high-priority traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If EDCA parameters are used for traffic prioritization, then latency for high-priority traffic can be reduced, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of transmission parameters during the R-TWT negotiation phase. Parameters such as AIFS, CWmin, CWmax, and TXOP limits are predetermined and agreed upon before actual data transmission. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time parameter adjustments during transmission, reducing computational overhead while ensuring low latency for high-priority traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard EDCA mechanisms are used in mmWave links, then device compatibility is maintained, but latency for time-sensitive traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic into different TID categories (low latency TIDs vs. other TIDs) and applies different transmission rules. Low latency traffic uses R-TWT scheduled transmissions with predetermined parameters, while other traffic uses standard EDCA mechanisms. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex real-time latency calculations for all traffic, reducing computational overhead while maintaining low latency for priority traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality characteristics to different traffic streams. Low latency traffic receives specialized R-TWT treatment with predetermined parameters and protected transmission opportunities, while other traffic uses standard EDCA mechanisms. This local quality approach ensures optimal performance for time-sensitive applications without compromising overall system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of time

If R-TWT scheduled transmissions are implemented, then latency for low latency traffic is reduced, but medium access flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidmedium access flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic into different TID categories (low latency TIDs vs. other TIDs) and applies different transmission rules. Low latency traffic uses R-TWT scheduled transmissions with predetermined parameters, while other traffic uses standard EDCA mechanisms. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex real-time latency calculations for all traffic, reducing computational overhead while maintaining low latency for priority traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic medium access mechanism where the transmission method adapts based on traffic type. Low latency traffic uses predetermined R-TWT schedules for guaranteed low latency, while other traffic uses flexible EDCA mechanisms that adapt to current channel conditions. This dynamic approach maintains both low latency for priority traffic and flexibility for other traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240237066A9Low latency support in mmwave link
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 NXP USA INC
  • US20240237066A9 patent drawing
  • US20240237066A9 patent drawing
  • US20240237066A9 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for wireless communications are disclosed which includes announcing R-TWT support from a first wireless station to a second wireless station in a broadcast PPDU, negotiating R-TWT schedule membership with the second wireless station, the negotiating comprising sending a low latency indication and identifying low latency TIDs of a R-TWT schedule, and sending frames in accordance with the R-TWT schedule in the identified low latency TIDs.