TWT Time Offset Adjustment via Traffic Delay Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, particularly with IEEE 802.11ax, Target Wake Time (TWT) operations can introduce latency due to packets being ready to transmit before the start time of the next TWT interval, as non-AP STAs lack timing information about packet arrival at the AP, leading to misaligned TWT parameter settings and suboptimal latency and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a communication device to request and obtain traffic delay information from another device during the TWT setup phase, allowing for a time offset adjustment to align the start time of the next TWT interval with packet readiness, thereby reducing latency and improving power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If TWT operation is implemented without traffic delay information, then power efficiency is improved through scheduled wake times, but latency increases due to misalignment between packet arrival and TWT start time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the first communication device request and receive traffic delay information from the second communication device. This feedback loop enables the requesting device to adjust its TWT parameters based on actual traffic conditions at the peer device, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and latency by making TWT scheduling informed rather than blind.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by requesting traffic delay information during the TWT setup phase, before the actual TWT intervals begin. This allows the device to pre-calculate and pre-configure appropriate TWT parameters (such as offset values) that will align wake times with packet arrival, preventing latency issues before they occur.
2Device complexity
If TWT parameters are set without traffic delay information, then device complexity is reduced through simpler negotiation, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust to network and service status variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by requesting only the specific traffic delay information needed for TWT parameter adjustment, rather than exchanging all possible network parameters. This selective information exchange maintains relatively simple negotiation while providing sufficient data for adaptive TWT configuration, balancing complexity and adaptability.
3Loss of energy
If non-AP STAs wake up at pre-scheduled time without traffic delay information, then power consumption is reduced, but latency performance deteriorates for latency-sensitive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining traffic delay information during the TWT setup phase, before scheduled wake times begin. This allows the non-AP STA to calculate accurate wake times that align with packet arrival, ensuring low latency for applications like cloud gaming and AR while maintaining the power-saving benefits of scheduled waking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using received traffic delay information to adjust TWT parameters. This feedback mechanism enables non-AP STAs to optimize their wake schedules based on actual traffic patterns at the peer device, achieving both low power consumption and low latency for time-sensitive applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for obtaining timing information and performing a time offset adjustment for target wake time (TWT) operations in a wireless network. The apparatuses include a first communication device comprising a transceiver and a processor operably coupled to the transceiver. The transceiver is configured to transmit, during a target wake time (TWT) setup phase, a TWT element including a request for information on a traffic delay of a second communication device and receive the information on the traffic delay. The processor is configured to determine a time offset to adjust a start time of a next TWT interval based on the information on the traffic delay.