Uplink Reorder Buffer Handling for Seamless AP Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in handling uplink frames during access point assisted roaming in wireless local area networks, particularly in determining how to manage and forward frames between access points to ensure seamless connectivity and sequence number continuity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device requests uplink reorder buffer handling instructions during roaming, indicating whether to forward, discard, or reset frames, and selects sequence numbering schemes based on the handling approach, allowing for individual or collective user priority value management across access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uplink frames are forwarded from one access point to another during roaming, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases due to buffer management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an uplink reorder buffer as an intermediary component at the access point to temporarily store and reorder uplink frames during roaming transitions. This buffer acts as a mediator between the mobile station and the network, allowing frames to be forwarded correctly even when the mobile station switches access points, thereby maintaining service continuity while managing complexity through a dedicated buffering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing the uplink reorder buffer before roaming occurs and pre-managing frame sequencing. The access point proactively buffers incoming uplink frames and reorders them based on sequence numbers before forwarding to the network, preventing delivery issues during roaming transitions rather than reacting to problems after they occur.
2Device complexity
If sequence numbers are reset during access point transition, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases due to sequence number discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sequence number management function from the mobile station and relocates it to the access point's uplink reorder buffer. The access point independently tracks and manages sequence numbers for buffered frames, allowing the mobile station to reset its sequence numbers during roaming without causing discontinuity in the overall frame delivery sequence, as the access point maintains the correct ordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the access point monitors frame sequence numbers and provides feedback information about buffered frames to the mobile station. This feedback allows the mobile station to understand the state of its uplink frames at the access point, enabling proper sequence number management and preventing information loss during transitions.
3Reliability
If uplink frames are buffered at the access point during roaming, then service continuity is improved, but loss of time increases due to buffering delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the uplink reorder buffer operational state dynamic rather than static. The buffer actively reorders frames based on current sequence number information and forwarding conditions, adapting its behavior in real-time during roaming transitions. This dynamic reordering minimizes the time frames spend in the buffer by immediately forwarding them once proper sequencing is established, reducing overall buffering delay while maintaining service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to methods for handling uplink frames in access point assisted roaming in a wireless local area network. A wireless device may establish a wireless association with a first access point. The wireless device may perform signaling to transition from the first access point to a second access point. The signaling may include an uplink reorder buffer handling request.