Uplink Power Control in Multi-User Unlicensed Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-user wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi networks, experience performance degradation due to varying uplink power levels from multiple stations, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference, as existing power control methods are limited in maintaining consistent received power at the access point.
Innovation Solution
Implementing uplink power control mechanisms that involve determining and adjusting transmission power parameters based on path loss and imbalance between stations and the access point, using open loop, closed loop, or hybrid power control methods to ensure consistent received power levels, thereby coordinating transmissions to arrive at the access point with similar power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stations transmit uplink signals simultaneously in an unlicensed wireless network, then network throughput and multi-user efficiency are improved, but performance degradation occurs due to varying received power levels at the access point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements uplink power control by dynamically adjusting the transmission power parameter of each station based on its downlink received power. This parameter change ensures that uplink signals from multiple stations arrive at the access point with consistent power levels, preventing performance degradation while maintaining high network throughput through simultaneous multi-user transmissions
2Reliability
If uplink transmission power is increased to ensure reliable reception at the access point, then signal reliability is improved, but interference to other stations and network performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission power parameters to different stations based on their individual downlink received power levels. Each station adjusts its uplink power locally according to its specific channel conditions, ensuring reliable reception without causing excessive interference to other stations, thus achieving both reliability and reduced harmful effects
3Reliability
If complex power control mechanisms are implemented to maintain consistent received power levels, then performance consistency is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based power control mechanism where the access point measures the downlink received power at each station and communicates this information back to the station. The station then uses this feedback to adjust its uplink transmission power parameter, achieving consistent received power levels through a relatively simple feedback loop rather than complex centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing each station to autonomously adjust its own transmission power based on the downlink received power information provided by the access point. Each station independently calculates and applies the appropriate power parameter without requiring complex coordination with other stations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power consistency
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems of providing uplink (UL) transmission power control are provided. The UL transmission power control is provided between access points (APs) and wireless stations in a multi-user (MU) unlicensed wireless network. The disclosed method includes participating in a first wireless communication between an AP and at least one station of a plurality of stations in an unlicensed wireless network, and using an uplink UL transmission power parameter transmitted from the AP to the at least one station to regulate UL power control of UL transmissions between the at least one station and the AP.