Trigger Signal Mechanism for Dynamic Uplink Resource Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in uplink resource utilization, particularly in WLANs, where wireless stations may request smaller bandwidth subchannels or fewer spatial streams than supported by the wireless access point, leading to underutilization of available resources.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a trigger signal mechanism that allows the wireless access point to allocate resources more efficiently by allocating the requested subchannel bandwidth and additional available resources to multiple wireless stations, thereby optimizing the use of communication bandwidth and spatial streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless station requests a smaller bandwidth subchannel or fewer spatial streams than the access point supports, then the wireless station can successfully transmit its data, but the available communication resources are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on real-time channel conditions and station capabilities. The access point senses channel availability and dynamically assigns different bandwidth portions and spatial streams to different stations, transforming the static resource allocation into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes both transmission reliability and resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bandwidth is segmented into multiple portions, and spatial streams are divided and assigned to different wireless stations. This segmentation allows the access point to allocate specific bandwidth portions and spatial stream combinations to multiple stations simultaneously, enabling efficient resource utilization while ensuring each station receives appropriate resources for reliable transmission
2Reliability
If the access point allocates resources to only one wireless station at a time, then each station receives dedicated resources, but other available bandwidth and spatial streams remain unused
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple resource allocations into a single coordinated transmission opportunity. Multiple wireless stations are assigned different bandwidth portions and spatial streams simultaneously within the same transmit opportunity, combining what would otherwise be separate dedicated allocations into an efficient multi-user transmission that eliminates wasted air-time
Solution Approach 2:
The access point implements a universal resource allocation mechanism that can serve multiple wireless stations with different requirements simultaneously. The system provides multi-functionality by handling diverse station capabilities (different bandwidth needs, different spatial stream support) through a unified trigger signal-based allocation framework
3Device complexity
If the access point waits for individual transmission requests from each station, then resource allocation is simple and direct, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary channel sensing and resource preparation before stations need to transmit. By proactively identifying available bandwidth portions and spatial streams, and pre-configuring resource allocations through trigger signals, the system reduces waiting time and communication latency while maintaining a relatively simple allocation mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for providing a trigger signal in response to a request to send. Some aspects more specifically relate to utilizing available uplink channel bandwidth, spatial streams, or a combination thereof in response to a request to send (RTS). In some examples, a wireless station may transmit a RTS signal requesting a subchannel bandwidth of a channel bandwidth supported by the wireless access point. Additionally or alternatively, a wireless station supporting fewer spatial streams than are supported by an AP may transmit a RTS signal The wireless access point may, responsive to the RTS signal, transmit a trigger signal to multiple wireless stations allocating bandwidth of the communication channel determined to be clear with respect to the RTS, allocating a number of spatial streams supported by the AP, or a combination thereof.