TXOP Request Packet HARQ Identifier for 802.11 Channel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 802.11-based networks do not support Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) protocols in contention-based transmissions due to independent allocation of transmission and retransmission resources, leading to inefficiencies in channel utilization and resource management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transmission type identifier in TXOP request packets to request HARQ operation, allowing communication devices to negotiate and allocate TXOP durations that accommodate both original and retransmitted packets, enabling efficient use of channel resources through HARQ protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If channels are reserved for dedicated transmitter-receiver pairs in 802.11 networks, then transmission reliability is improved through HARQ protocols, but channel access complexity increases due to resource allocation overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines contention-based channel access with HARQ protocols by allowing TXOP holders to perform multiple transmissions (including retransmissions) without releasing the channel. This merging enables HARQ operations in previously contention-based networks, improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple access mechanisms through the existing TXOP framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic TXOP duration allocation where the channel reservation duration is adapted based on the number of transmissions required. The TXOP holder can transmit multiple packets within a single TXOP, and the duration is dynamically adjusted to accommodate retransmissions without requiring new channel access procedures, thus managing complexity while improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission and retransmission resources are independently allocated in contention-based networks, then channel access flexibility is maintained, but channel efficiency deteriorates due to inability to aggregate transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transmission and retransmission resources into a single contiguous TXOP allocation. Instead of independent allocation, the TXOP holder receives a continuous channel reservation that encompasses both initial transmissions and potential retransmissions, enabling aggregation and improving channel efficiency while preserving flexibility through the existing TXOP request mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous channel usage within a TXOP by allowing the holder to perform multiple transmissions without releasing the channel. This continuity eliminates gaps between transmissions and retransmissions, maximizing channel utilization and efficiency while maintaining the flexible contention-based access model through which TXOPs are initially obtained.
3Productivity
If multiple packets are transmitted sequentially during a TXOP, then system capacity is improved compared to DCF, but TXOP duration requirements increase to accommodate multiple transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allocating sufficient TXOP duration in advance to accommodate the expected number of transmissions including retransmissions. The TXOP holder requests and receives a duration that is pre-calculated to be sufficient for multiple packet transmissions, eliminating the need for additional channel access procedures and reducing overall latency despite the longer individual TXOP duration.
4Productivity
If HARQ protocols are implemented in contention-based transmissions, then channel efficiency is enhanced through aggregation of transmissions, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing TXOP mechanism universal by enabling it to support both traditional single-transmission operations and HARQ-based multi-transmission operations. The same TXOP request and allocation framework is used for both purposes, allowing the system to perform multiple functions (contention-based access and HARQ operations) through a single unified mechanism, thereby enhancing channel efficiency without proportionally increasing protocol complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for use in a communication device. The method may add a transmission type identifier to a transmission opportunity (TXOP) request packet, wherein the transmission type identifier includes one or more bits indicating a request for either Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) operation or for non-HARQ operation. The method may further causes the communication device to transmit the TXOP request packet to a TXOP responder and receives a subsequent transmission from the TXOP responder indicating acceptance, modified acceptance, or rejection of the request. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.