STA Grouping-Based Channel Access for Wireless LAN Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless LAN systems operating at frequencies below 1GHz, the increased number of STAs associated with an access point leads to inefficiencies in the Traffic Indication Map (TIM) protocol and channel access operations, particularly for STAs in power save mode, due to the need for more efficient data transceiving methods.
Innovation Solution
A grouping-based data transceiving method where STAs receive channel access information including STA group and subgroup information, allowing them to communicate with the access point during designated channel access periods, thereby optimizing data exchange and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of STAs associated with the AP is increased to expand service coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the TIM protocol efficiency and channel access operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large number of STAs into multiple groups based on their Association IDs (AIDs). Each STA group is assigned a specific channel access period within the beacon interval, allowing grouped STAs to wake up and access the channel simultaneously at their designated time. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining efficient TIM protocol operation through structured group-based access while supporting a large number of STAs for expanded coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of STAs associated with the AP is increased to expand service coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the channel access operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic channel access periods for different STA groups within each beacon interval. Each STA group is assigned a specific periodic time window during which they can wake up from power save mode and access the channel. This periodic structure simplifies channel access operation by providing predictable, organized access opportunities for each group, preventing chaos even with a large number of STAs.
3Reliability
If STAs wake up frequently to check for data in power save mode, then data reception reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments STAs into different groups, each assigned to specific channel access periods within the beacon interval. STAs only need to wake up during their designated group's channel access period to check for data, rather than waking up for the entire beacon interval. This segmentation maintains data reception reliability by ensuring STAs wake up at the correct time while significantly reducing power consumption by limiting wake-up duration and frequency.
4Speed
If all STAs access the channel simultaneously, then data transmission speed is improved, but channel collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel access opportunity by dividing STAs into different groups with distinct channel access periods. Each group accesses the channel during its assigned time window, preventing simultaneous access conflicts. This segmentation maintains efficient data transmission by ensuring each group has dedicated access time while eliminating channel collisions that would occur with completely simultaneous access from all STAs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a data transceiving method performed by a station (STA) in a wireless LAN system. The method comprises receiving a channel access information element from an access point, said channel access information element containing STA group information and channel access interval information, said STA determining whether the channel access interval specified by the channel access interval information is for the STA based on the STA group information; and transceiving data to/from said access point during the channel access interval if the channel access interval is for the STA.