Wireless Station Channel Access Switching for Power Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, power asymmetry between devices can hinder secure connections, particularly in HEW networks where an access point may have more power than a wireless station, making it difficult for the station to transmit signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that switches between Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) and OFDMA-based Distributed Channel Access (ODCA) for retransmissions, using a linear random backoff method to reduce collisions and ensure timely communication, by dynamically adjusting the backoff counter value based on successful receptions of trigger frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an access point transmits with high power (20 dBm) while a wireless station transmits with low power (10 dBm), then the access point can cover a larger area and more stations, but the wireless station cannot effectively transmit signals back to the access point due to power asymmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two transmission methods (EDCA and ODCA) based on communication conditions. The wireless station adaptively selects the appropriate access method depending on power asymmetry levels and communication success, transforming a static power limitation into a dynamic system that can overcome the limitation through method switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission method parameter from a fixed approach to a variable approach. By introducing ODCA as an alternative to traditional EDCA, the system can adjust the access method parameter based on power conditions, allowing low-power stations to use OFDMA-based distributed channel access which better suits their transmission capabilities
2Productivity
If multiple wireless stations attempt to transmit simultaneously in a power-asymmetric environment, then channel utilization increases, but collision probability increases and communication reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel access method into two distinct approaches: EDCA for traditional contention-based access and ODCA for OFDMA-based distributed access. This segmentation allows the system to choose the appropriate segment based on conditions, reducing collisions by distributing stations across different access methodologies rather than forcing all stations into a single access pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces trigger frames as intermediary signals that coordinate transmissions. These trigger frames act as mediators between multiple wireless stations and the access point, enabling synchronized transmissions that reduce collisions while maintaining high channel utilization
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes methods, apparatus, systems, and computer readable media related to: receiving one or more trigger frames from an access point at a wireless communication station, wherein each of the one or more trigger frames comprises allocation information for a transmission; executing a first transmission attempt at the wireless communication station using a first transmission method; determining the first transmission attempt is unsuccessful; executing one or more retransmission attempts at the wireless communication station using the first transmission method; determining the one or more retransmission attempts are unsuccessful; determining a number of unsuccessful retransmission attempts at the wireless communication station has met or exceeded a threshold; and activating a second transmission method at the wireless communication station for executing a second transmission attempt.