Trigger Frame Channel Access for IoT Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

In densely deployed WLAN networks, especially those supporting IoT devices, existing channel access methods like CSMA-CA and scheduled OFDMA face inefficiencies due to high power consumption and increased complexity with growing numbers of user devices, leading to suboptimal power management and throughput.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power-efficient channel access mechanism using trigger frames with minimal information fields, allowing IoT devices to transition between deep sleep and shallow sleep modes based on scheduled trigger frames, reducing unnecessary power usage and enabling quick wake-up times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CSMA-CA or scheduled OFDMA channel access methods are used in densely deployed WLAN networks, then channel access capability is provided, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases with growing numbers of user devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel access capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic wake-up schedules where IoT devices alternately enter deep sleep mode and wake up to check for trigger frames. Devices wake up at predetermined intervals to receive downlink data or uplink grants, then return to sleep mode. This periodic action reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining channel access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables IoT devices to autonomously manage their own power consumption by independently determining when to wake up and check for trigger frames based on their traffic patterns and QoS requirements. Each device self-regulates its wake-up schedule without requiring centralized control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If CSMA-CA or scheduled OFDMA channel access methods are used in densely deployed WLAN networks, then channel access capability is provided, but device complexity increases with growing numbers of user devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel access capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel access mechanism into distinct components: trigger frames for scheduling, wake-up schedules for each device, and deep sleep/wake states. This segmentation allows the system to handle dense deployments by dividing complex scheduling decisions into manageable, standardized trigger frame formats and predetermined wake-up patterns, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of IoT devices by introducing discrete wake-up schedules and trigger frame-based scheduling. Instead of continuous operation with complex real-time decisions, devices operate with predetermined wake-up times and simple trigger frame recognition, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different traffic patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If IoT devices continuously monitor the channel for uplink opportunities, then channel access responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel access responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the AP send trigger frames in advance that schedule future uplink transmission opportunities. IoT devices wake up at predetermined times to check for these pre-scheduled trigger frames, allowing them to prepare for uplink transmission without continuous monitoring. This maintains responsiveness while enabling extended sleep periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal trigger frame structure that serves multiple functions: scheduling downlink data transmissions, granting uplink transmission opportunities, and coordinating wake-up schedules. This multi-functional trigger frame eliminates the need for separate signaling mechanisms, maintaining channel access responsiveness while reducing power consumption through consolidated scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3248433B1Power saving channel access for wireless devices in dense wireless networks

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 INTEL CORP

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AI summary

Example systems, methods, and devices for channel access in dense wireless networks are discussed. More specifically, methods may include transmitting one or more trigger frames from an access point to one or more communication stations, the one or more trigger frames comprising a plurality of components, the plurality of components indicating whether trigger frames within a beacon interval are scheduled in a periodic or aperiodic manner, and if periodic trigger frames are scheduled, then indicating a countdown to the next trigger frame, and if aperiodic trigger frames are scheduled, then indicating the time to the next trigger frame scheduled by the access point. Methods, apparatus, and systems described herein can be applied to 802.1 lax or any other wireless standard.