Soft AP Resource Allocation for Wireless Cluster Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clustered wireless networks suffer from low efficiency in resource allocation, with spatial reuse techniques prioritizing robustness over efficiency, leading to unreliable internal cluster communications and inefficient main network transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A device and AP system that allocates resources centrally, allowing reuse of resources for internal cluster communications while maintaining transparency to the main network, using resource request and allocation messages that specify distinct resources for cluster and uplink transmissions, with parameters like cluster size, QoS, and communication parameters to optimize resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spatial reuse techniques are used for internal cluster communications, then robustness is improved, but efficiency of resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into multiple clusters, each managed by a soft AP device. Resources are allocated separately to each cluster, allowing independent optimization. This segmentation enables efficient resource utilization within clusters while maintaining robustness through dedicated resource allocation, resolving the contradiction between robustness and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allocating specific resources (time slots, frequency bands) locally to each cluster based on its specific requirements. Each cluster receives tailored resource allocation that optimizes both robustness for internal communications and efficiency for overall network utilization, rather than applying uniform resource management across the entire network.
2Reliability
If dedicated frequency bands are allocated to each cluster, then reliability of internal communications is improved, but efficiency of the main network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cluster-specific resource allocation with main network resource management under a unified framework. The soft AP device receives resource allocations from the main AP that are specifically designated for cluster use, while still participating in overall network resource management. This merging allows reliable internal communications through dedicated resources while maintaining main network efficiency through coordinated resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes resources universal by allowing the same time-frequency resources to serve dual purposes: main network transmissions and internal cluster communications. The soft AP device can use allocated resources for both cluster member communications and interactions with the main network, eliminating the need for completely separate dedicated bands and improving overall network efficiency while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If resources are allocated centrally by the main AP, then resource management efficiency is improved, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the soft AP device as an intermediary between the main AP and cluster members. The soft AP receives centralized resource allocations from the main AP and translates them into cluster-specific resource management decisions. This intermediary role simplifies the main AP's burden while maintaining centralized coordination efficiency, reducing system complexity by distributing management functions to the soft AP level.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a device (100) for providing a soft AP, and provides an AP 200 in a wireless network. The device (100) sends, to the AP 200, a resource request message (101) including cluster information about a cluster (111) of network units (110) connected to the device (100). The AP 200 allocates first resources for communications (103) within the cluster (111) according to the cluster information, and sends to the device (100) a resource allocation message (102) specifying the first resources. The device (100) uses the first resources for communications (103) within the cluster (111).