Surrogate AP Enables WUR on DFS Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.11ba standard prohibits the use of wake-up radios (WUR) in DFS channels due to false radar signal detection, limiting their use in high-density Wi-Fi deployments where DFS channels are desirable for minimizing interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a primary AP operating on a DFS channel selects a neighboring surrogate AP operating on a non-DFS channel to handle WUR communications, enabling WUR functionality by negotiating parameters and using the surrogate AP to send wake-up signals to stations, thus allowing WUR operation without triggering false radar detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wake-up radio (WUR) is used in DFS channels, then power consumption is reduced and low-latency operation is achieved, but false radar signal detection occurs triggering channel vacating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surrogate AP as an intermediary that operates on non-DFS channels to handle WUR communications. The primary AP on DFS channels delegates WUR packet transmission to the surrogate AP, which acts as a mediator. This allows the primary AP to maintain DFS channel operation while the surrogate AP handles the radar-sensitive WUR communications on safe non-DFS channels, eliminating false radar detections while preserving power-saving functionality.
2Productivity
If DFS channels are used to minimize interference in high-density deployments, then network performance is improved, but WUR functionality is prohibited due to radar avoidance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AP functionality into two distinct roles: primary AP and surrogate AP. The primary AP handles DFS channel operations and maintains network performance, while the surrogate AP handles WUR communications on non-DFS channels. This segmentation allows both DFS channel benefits and WUR functionality to coexist by dividing responsibilities between two specialized entities rather than requiring a single AP to perform conflicting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The surrogate AP serves multiple functions: it operates as a normal AP on non-DFS channels while simultaneously acting as a WUR surrogate for primary APs on DFS channels. This multi-functionality allows the same device to support both DFS-based high-performance networks and WUR-based power-saving operations, increasing system adaptability without sacrificing network performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WUR parameters are negotiated and transmitted to surrogate AP, then WUR operation is enabled on DFS channels, but additional communication overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the primary AP negotiate WUR parameters with stations and pre-transmit these parameters to the surrogate AP before actual WUR operation begins. This advance preparation ensures that when WUR packets need to be sent, the surrogate AP already has all necessary parameters (such as station identifiers, timing information, and communication settings), eliminating the need for real-time parameter exchange and reducing operational overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to dynamic frequency selection (DFS) for wake up radio (WUR). An embodiment of a storage medium includes instructions to cause operations including select, by a primary access point (AP), a surrogate AP to communicate with a wake up radio of a station that is associated with the primary AP operating on a Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channel; provide, by the primary AP to the surrogate AP, wake up radio parameters negotiated between the station and the primary AP; cause, by the primary AP, the surrogate AP to send a wake up signal to the station, the wake up signal to cause the wake up radio of the station to enable a primary connectivity radio of the station; and exchange, by the primary AP, data with the station via the primary connectivity radio after the primary connectivity radio is enabled.