TWT WLAN Full-Duplex Communication With Self-Interference Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Full-duplex communication in dense wireless local area networks (WLANs) is challenging due to interference between uplink and downlink signals, especially in power saving modes like Target Wake Time (TWT), which affects network throughput and compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 standards.

Innovation Solution

A communication protocol is developed to enable full-duplex communication in IEEE 802.11ax power saving mode by canceling interference between uplink and downlink signals using self-interference cancellation (SIC) technology, maintaining compatibility with previous IEEE standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If full-duplex communication is implemented in TWT power saving mode, then network throughput is improved, but interference between uplink and downlink signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidinterference between uplink and downlink signals
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-interference cancellation technology to convert the harmful interference between uplink and downlink signals into a manageable signal. By using the received downlink signal to generate a cancellation signal that is subtracted from the received uplink signal, the system eliminates the harmful interference effect, enabling full-duplex communication in TWT power saving mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If full-duplex communication is implemented, then spectral efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 standards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication protocol into two independent parts: a MAC layer protocol that maintains compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 standards, and a PHY layer full-duplex mechanism that enables simultaneous transmission and reception. This segmentation allows the system to achieve improved spectral efficiency through full-duplex communication while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If full-duplex communication is implemented in power saving mode, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidself-interference cancellation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-interference cancellation where the system uses its own transmitted downlink signal to generate the cancellation signal for removing self-interference from the uplink signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external interference management systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This protocol enhances network throughput by allowing simultaneous transmission and reception through the same channel, improving efficiency in dense WLAN environments while supporting power saving modes.

Implementation Method 1

canceling interference between uplink and downlink signals using self-interference cancellation (SIC) technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-interference cancellation: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3766291B1Full-duplex communication method during target wake time service period in high efficient wireless LAN network and station apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SENSCOMM SEMICON CO LTD
  • EP3766291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3766291B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP3766291B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(D)

AI summary

A full-duplex communication method in a target wake time (TWT) service period of a high-efficiency wireless local area network (WLAN) is performed by a TWT responding station, and includes transmitting TWT schedule information to at least one TWT requesting station; transmitting information regarding a resource unit (RU) to the at least one TWT requesting station through a reference frame in a TWT service period (SP); receiving an uplink frame from the TWT requesting station in a time period determined on the basis of the reference frame through the RU; and transmitting a downlink frame to the TWT requesting station in a specific time duration of the time period. The uplink frame and the downlink frame are transmitted through the same channel.