TDMA Multi-AP Coordination Framework to Reduce BSS Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack a generalized framework for time division multiple access (TDMA) based multi-access point (MAP) coordination, leading to interference and throughput degradation due to overlapping basic service sets (BSS), especially in next-generation WLAN systems.
Innovation Solution
A framework for coordinated TDMA (C-TDMA) is introduced, enabling multi-AP coordination through discovery, negotiation, and resource allocation, including a single trigger frame for TXOP allocation to multiple APs, accommodating both enterprise and residential deployment scenarios, and allowing participation from APs of different vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple access points operate independently in overlapping BSS, then each AP can serve its own clients, but interference increases and throughput degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent AP operations into a coordinated multi-AP system where APs share channel access through TDMA. The coordinated APs act as a unified entity, dividing time resources to eliminate interference while maintaining individual client service capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between independent operation and interference reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiple access where coordinated APs transmit in alternating time slots. Each AP has designated transmission periods separated by silent periods when other coordinated APs transmit, creating a periodic pattern that eliminates continuous interference and improves overall throughput.
2Reliability
If a TDMA-based multi-AP coordination framework is implemented, then interference and latency are reduced, but system complexity increases due to negotiation and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coordination framework that can be applied across different vendor APs and deployment scenarios (enterprise and residential). The standardized negotiation mechanisms and common protocol enable multi-functional coordination that simplifies implementation compared to vendor-specific solutions, reducing the effective complexity barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated APs perform self-organization through automated negotiation protocols. APs automatically discover each other, negotiate TDMA parameters, and form coordination groups without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity and enables dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If APs from different vendors participate in coordination, then network versatility improves, but compatibility and negotiation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal coordination framework with standardized protocols that enable APs from different vendors to participate in the same coordination group. The common negotiation mechanisms and parameter formats ensure compatibility across vendor boundaries, achieving multi-vendor support without proportionally increasing negotiation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for a framework for time division multiple access (TDMA) based multi-access point (MAP) coordination. A method of wireless communication performed by a first access point (AP) comprises transmitting, to a second AP, a message including coordination information for coordinating with the first AP on a basis of MAP. The method includes negotiating, with the second AP, a MAP coordination mechanism to be used for the MAP coordination; and forming a MAP coordination group based on the negotiated MAP coordination mechanism.