Wireless Communication Apparatus Using Shared TXOP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless LAN standards face limitations in supporting high-throughput communications, especially in high-density environments, and there is a need for improved methods to manage transmission opportunities (TXOP) to enhance efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus and method utilizing a shared TXOP, where a non-access point station receives a MU-RTS TXS trigger frame from an AP, responds with a CTS frame, and transmits a third PPDU within the shared TXOP, configuring bandwidth and subchannel settings based on recent AP designations and previous PPDU exchanges to optimize transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless LAN standards (802.11n/ac/ad) are used to increase communication speed and throughput, then data transmission rate is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring transmission opportunities worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TXOP into shared and non-shared portions, allowing different stations to utilize different parts of the transmission opportunity. The AP retains control of the entire TXOP while granting shared access to specific stations for specific PPDUs, simplifying the management of high-speed transmissions by dividing the transmission opportunities into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic TXOP sharing where the AP can dynamically allocate shared TXOPs to different non-AP stations based on current network conditions, traffic requirements, and station priorities. This dynamic allocation mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining high throughput, rather than using static complex configurations.
2Productivity
If TXOP sharing is implemented to improve communication efficiency in high-density environments, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where non-AP stations respond to TXS trigger frames with CTS frames, and the AP monitors the shared TXOP utilization. This feedback loop allows the AP to adjust future TXS allocations based on current network conditions, station performance, and traffic patterns, simplifying the operation of TXOP sharing by using automated feedback-driven adjustments rather than manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service operation where eligible non-AP stations can autonomously transmit their PPDUs during allocated shared TXOPs without requiring continuous AP intervention. Once a station receives a TXS trigger frame, it can independently transmit within the allocated parameters, and the system self-regulates through the CTS/SIFS timing mechanism, reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple PPDUs are transmitted within shared TXOP to support high-throughput applications, then productivity is improved, but reliability and difficulty of detecting and measuring transmission parameters worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by sending the TXS trigger frame before the actual data transmission, which pre-allocates the shared TXOP and notifies eligible stations of the upcoming transmission opportunity. The CTS frame response further confirms the allocation before data transmission begins. This preliminary setup ensures that all stations are synchronized and aware of the transmission parameters before actual high-throughput data transfer, improving reliability through advance coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the CTS frame as an intermediary signal between the TXS trigger frame and the actual data transmission. The CTS frame serves as a confirmation and coordination mechanism that validates the shared TXOP allocation and ensures proper synchronization between the AP and non-AP stations. This intermediary step enhances transmission reliability by providing an additional verification layer before high-throughput data transfer begins.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-AP station for communicating with an access point (AP) is disclosed. The non-AP station comprises a transceiving unit and a processor. The processor: receives, from the AP by using the transceiving unit, a first PPDU including a multi user-request to send (MU-RTS) TXOP sharing (TXS) trigger frame; for the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame, allocates, to the non-AP station, a shared TXOP that is a portion of a TXOP acquired by the AP; transmits, to the AP by using the transceiving unit, a second PPDU including a CTS frame in response to the MU-RTS TXS frame; and transmits a third PPDU within the shared TXOP by using the transceiving unit.