Variable ATIM Window for Ad-hoc Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ad-hoc wireless networks, the Announcement Traffic Indication Map (ATIM) window is often sub-optimal, leading to inefficient power consumption, reduced data throughput, and increased latency due to its fixed length, which does not adapt to the number of active conversations between stations.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a transceiver and control module that detects beacons and probe responses to determine the number of active conversations, adjusts the ATIM window length dynamically, and transitions between power modes to optimize power usage and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ATIM window length is increased, then more ATIM frames can be transmitted, but power consumption increases and data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ATIM window length variable rather than fixed. The window length is dynamically adjusted based on the number of active conversations detected in the network, allowing the system to optimize between power consumption and transmission completeness according to actual network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ATIM window length from a static value to a dynamic value that adapts to network conditions. By monitoring the number of active conversations and adjusting the window length accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between ensuring complete ATIM frame transmission and minimizing power consumption.
2Reliability
If the ATIM window length is increased, then more ATIM frames can be transmitted, but data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ATIM window length based on the number of active conversations. When fewer conversations are detected, the window length is reduced to increase data throughput. When more conversations are detected, the window length is extended to ensure transmission completeness, thus resolving the throughput contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the ATIM window length according to network conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize data throughput when possible while maintaining transmission reliability when needed, resolving the contradiction between these two performance metrics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the ATIM window length is decreased, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ATIM window length based on the number of active conversations. When fewer conversations are detected, the window length is reduced to minimize power consumption. When more conversations are detected, the window length is extended to reduce latency and prevent packet loss, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the ATIM window length according to network conditions. This adaptive adjustment allows the system to minimize power consumption when the network is idle while maintaining low latency and preventing packet loss when the network is active, resolving the contradiction between these two performance metrics.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the ATIM window length is decreased, then power consumption is reduced, but packet loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ATIM window length based on the number of active conversations. When fewer conversations are detected, the window length is reduced to minimize power consumption. When more conversations are detected, the window length is extended to ensure reliable packet transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and packet reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the ATIM window length according to network conditions. This adaptive adjustment allows the system to minimize power consumption when the network is idle while maintaining packet transmission reliability when the network is active, resolving the contradiction between these two performance metrics.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device including a transceiver and a control module. The transceiver is configured to detect beacons or probe responses transmitted between stations in a network, wherein each of the stations is separate from other ones of the stations, and a first one of the stations includes the network device. The control module is configured to (i) determine a number of active conversations in the network based on the beacons or probe responses, (ii) adjust a length of a window based on the number of active conversations, and (iii) transition between power modes based on the length of the window. During the window, the control module is configured to transmit a frame via the transceiver, and wherein the frame indicates the network device has a packet to transmit to a second one of the stations.