Synchronization Frame Requests for Low-Power Wireless Resync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices in low power states face delays in re-synchronizing with network controllers due to the lack of defined mechanisms for requesting synchronization frames, leading to inefficient battery usage and prolonged wait times.
Innovation Solution
A method for a wireless communication device to proactively request a synchronization frame before entering a low power state, ensuring timely synchronization upon awakening by communicating with the network controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the device waits for the next beacon frame to re-synchronize after waking from low power state, then the device can maintain power conservation, but the synchronization delay becomes unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The device sends a synchronization frame request before entering the low power state, so that the network controller can prepare and send the synchronization frame immediately upon the device's wake-up, eliminating the waiting delay for the next beacon frame while maintaining power conservation
2Loss of time
If the network controller sends a synchronization frame immediately upon device wake-up, then synchronization delay is reduced, but the device must remain awake longer to receive it, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The device sends a synchronization frame request before entering the low power state, allowing the network controller to prepare the synchronization frame in advance. This coordination enables the device to wake up and receive the frame immediately without extending its awake period unnecessarily
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides feedback to the network controller by sending a synchronization frame request, indicating its need for synchronization. This feedback mechanism enables the network controller to adjust its behavior and send the synchronization frame at the appropriate time, optimizing both delay and power consumption
3Loss of time
If current communication protocols are used without synchronization frame requests, then the system maintains simplicity, but excessive time passes before synchronization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization frame request mechanism is designed to work within existing communication protocol frameworks, utilizing existing frame structures and communication channels. This allows the system to add synchronization request functionality without fundamentally changing the protocol architecture, maintaining compatibility and relative simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the invention describe a format and procedure for a wireless communication device to request a network controller to transmit a synchronization frame so that the device may synchronize its communication activities with the network controller. This operation may be used in various types of wireless networks, such as but not limited to those conforming to IEEE standard 802.11ah.