Uplink MU-MIMO Access Point Synchronization Window

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless local area networks, achieving accurate time synchronization for uplink communication among multiple terminals is challenging due to independent channel access, which limits throughput in random access communication environments.

Innovation Solution

An access point receives request frames from terminals, waits for additional requests during a predetermined window, and transmits response frames to synchronize and assign resources for simultaneous uplink communication, adjusting the waiting window based on the number of users and available resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple terminals independently transmit frames during uplink communication, then each terminal can access the channel autonomously, but accurate time synchronization cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent channel accessVSAvoidtime synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The access point transmits a preliminary synchronization frame before the uplink communication period. This frame contains timing information that terminals use to synchronize their transmissions in advance, ensuring that despite independent channel access, all terminals transmit at precisely synchronized times during the uplink slot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the access point waits for additional request frames during a predetermined window, then resource allocation can be optimized, but communication delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The access point dynamically adjusts the length of the predetermined window based on network conditions, terminal activity, and resource availability. When traffic is light, the window is shortened to minimize delay. When multiple terminals are active, the window is extended to capture more request frames, optimizing the balance between resource allocation efficiency and communication delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2681962B1Communication method of terminals and access point for uplink MU-MIMO channel access
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2681962B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1H
  • EP2681962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2681962B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a communication method of an access point and a plurality of terminals that are capable of enhancing a throughput of an overall network in a random access environment by enabling the access point to wait for additional terminals to transmit data through uplink communication during a predetermined waiting window.