Selective Beamforming Grouping for Network Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network access points (APs) using MU-MIMO beamforming select client devices on a first-come, first-served basis, which is inefficient as it does not target devices that would provide the greatest improvement in overall network throughput, leading to suboptimal data transfer rates and reduced system performance.
Innovation Solution
A selective beamforming grouping scheme that aggregates and categorizes client devices based on their modulation and coding scheme (MCS) rates, using a combinatorial optimization method to select a subset of devices for simultaneous beamforming, thereby optimizing the use of spatial stream capacity and improving network throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If client devices are selected for beamforming on a first-come, first-served basis, then the selection process is simple and fast, but the overall network throughput is reduced because low MCS rate devices consume excessive airtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from arrival order (first-come, first-served) to MCS rate performance. By sorting client devices based on their MCS rates and selecting devices with higher MCS rates for beamforming, the system optimizes throughput while maintaining a relatively simple selection mechanism that doesn't require complex algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beamforming selectively to specific client devices based on their individual MCS rate characteristics rather than applying it uniformly to all devices. This localized approach ensures that beamforming resources are concentrated on devices that will benefit most, improving overall network throughput without unnecessarily complicating the selection process
2Productivity
If beamforming is applied to all client devices simultaneously, then more devices benefit from increased MCS rates, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments client devices into different groups based on their MCS rates and beamforming capabilities. By dividing the client device population into distinct categories (e.g., devices eligible for SU-MIMO beamforming, devices eligible for MU-MIMO beamforming, and devices not eligible for beamforming), the system can apply appropriate beamforming strategies to each segment, reducing overall computational complexity while maximizing the number of devices that benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beamforming to a subset of client devices rather than all devices simultaneously. By selecting only those devices with MCS rates above certain thresholds and that meet specific criteria, the system achieves significant throughput improvement without the excessive computational burden of processing all devices, effectively applying 'partial action' that is sufficient to solve the problem
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
The scheme enhances network throughput by prioritizing client devices with higher data transfer rates for beamforming, resulting in increased data transmission efficiency and reduced airtime requirements, leading to improved overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
beamforming involves the transmission of wireless signals from multiple antennas towards a single client device
Implementation Method 2
This is accomplished by applying different amplitude and phase shifts between the antenna elements of the AP
Implementation Method 3
multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radio architectures. In general, MIMO involves the use of multiple antennas operating simultaneously as transmitters and/or receivers
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, a network device comprises a plurality of antenna elements, one or more hardware processors, and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more hardware processors. The memory comprises selective beamforming grouping logic that, upon execution by the one or more processors, aggregates a plurality of beamforming-enabled client devices within a coverage area of the network device. Furthermore, the selective beamforming grouping logic further categorizes the plurality of beamforming enabled client devices into a plurality of groups based on a data transfer rate level supported by each of the plurality of beamforming-enabled client devices, determines a subset of client devices within a first group of the plurality of groups associated with a lowest data transfer rate level, and applies transmit beamforming simultaneously or at least concurrently for each client device of the subset of client devices.