Shared Risk Medium Groups for Multi-Access Point Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face interference issues due to overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) even with the use of beamforming, particularly when Stations (STAs) are near each other and associated with different Access Points (APs, leading to hidden terminal interference.
Innovation Solution
Implement Multi-Access Point Coordination (MAPC) using a Shared Risk Medium Group (SRMG) to coordinate APs, identifying STAs within overlapping ranges and scheduling transmissions to avoid simultaneous communications, thereby preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple Access Points transmit simultaneously to Stations in overlapping ranges, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but interference and collisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time division by creating transmission periods for different APs. Each AP is assigned specific time windows during which it can transmit to STAs in the SRMG, while other APs remain silent. This periodic scheduling eliminates simultaneous transmissions and interference while maintaining network capacity through structured time-multiplexed access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinator entity that acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate transmissions among multiple APs. The coordinator receives transmission requests, determines the SRMG composition, creates transmission periods, and sends notifications to APs about when they can transmit. This intermediary resolves conflicts between APs and prevents interference through centralized scheduling.
2Productivity
If Access Points use beamforming to communicate with Stations, then transmission efficiency is improved, but hidden terminal interference persists when STAs are near each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of STAs that are within range of multiple APs and creates an SRMG before transmissions occur. By pre-establishing the SRMG and scheduling transmission periods in advance, the system prevents hidden terminal interference before it can occur, rather than reacting to collisions after they happen. This preliminary coordination ensures that beamforming transmissions from different APs do not interfere with each other.
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
MAPC using SRMG effectively reduces interference by ensuring only one AP transmits to STAs in the SRMG at a time, enhancing network performance and reducing collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The schedule comprises a first AP transmission period, wherein the first AP is operable to communicate with one or more STAs of the plurality of STAs using beamforming
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-Access Point Coordination (MAPC) to address interference and, specifically, MAPC using a Shared Risk Medium Group (SRMG) may be provided. Addressing interference via MAPC using a SRMG includes determining a plurality of Stations (STAs) are within range of a first Access Point (AP) and a second AP. A SRMG including the plurality of STAs is created, and a schedule for transmitting to the SRMG is determined. The schedule comprises a first AP transmission period, wherein the first AP is operable to communicate with one or more STAs of the plurality of STAs using beamforming, and the second AP cannot communicate with any of the plurality of STAs, and a second AP transmission period, wherein the second AP is operable to communicate with one or more STAs of the plurality of STAs using beamforming, and the first AP cannot communicate with any of the plurality of STAs.