Channel Access via Shared NAV Occupancy for Zero-Power Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices that do not support channel access mechanisms, such as zero-power devices, are unable to autonomously occupy channels for communication in unlicensed spectrum scenarios, leading to issues with channel access, collision, and interference.
Innovation Solution
A first device transmits a frame with a field indicating channel occupation time to set or update the network allocation vector (NAV) for a second device, allowing first-type devices, which do not support channel access, to communicate on the channel using the indicated time, ensuring fair channel access and priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If communication devices do not support channel access mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot autonomously occupy channels for communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first device as an intermediary that performs channel access on behalf of first-type devices. The first device obtains channel occupation time through channel access and shares this time with the first-type device, enabling the latter to communicate without supporting channel access mechanisms itself. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by allowing simple devices to gain channel access capability through assistance from capable devices.
2Ease of operation
If channel access parameter priority is assigned to first-type devices, then communication requirements of first-type devices are satisfied, but fairness of channel usage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different channel access parameters to different device types. The first device determines channel access parameters specifically tailored for first-type devices, allowing these devices to communicate during designated time periods. This localized approach ensures first-type devices can communicate while maintaining overall channel usage fairness through structured time sharing rather than unrestricted priority access.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a channel access method and apparatus and a communication device. The method includes: a first device sends a first frame, the first frame comprising a first field, and the first field being used for indicating a channel occupancy time of a first channel; the first field is used for a second device to set or update a network allocation vector (NAV), and the NAV is used for the second device to determine a busy time of the first channel; all or part of the channel occupancy time is used for a first type of devices or a third device to perform communication on the first channel, and the third device belongs to the first type devices.