VHT Mesh Peer Link Configuration for 1 Gbps Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IEEE 802.11s based mesh networks lack the capability to support Very High Throughput (VHT) wireless local area network (LAN) technology, specifically in terms of exchanging VHT capability information among mesh points and utilizing wide bandwidth channel switch functions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to configure mesh peer links in a wireless mesh network by exchanging VHT capability information through mesh peering open and confirm frames, and utilizing a wide bandwidth channel switch function by transmitting channel switch announcement frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If IEEE 802.11s based mesh network uses traditional communication protocols, then network compatibility is maintained, but data throughput is limited below 1 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the capability parameters of mesh points by introducing VHT capability information elements that indicate support for 1 Gbps throughput, 4x4 MIMO, and 80 MHz channel bandwidth. This allows the mesh network to adapt to VHT requirements while maintaining backward compatibility with traditional IEEE 802.11s protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mesh points universal by enabling them to function with both traditional IEEE 802.11s protocols and VHT protocols. Mesh points can exchange capability information and dynamically adapt their communication mode, allowing the network to support multiple throughput levels and protocol versions simultaneously.
2Productivity
If mesh network supports multiple channel bandwidths, then data throughput increases, but channel switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having mesh points exchange VHT operation information elements during the peer link establishment phase. This information includes supported channel bandwidths (20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz) and preferred operating channels. By pre-negotiating channel capabilities before data transmission begins, the network avoids complex real-time channel switching decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic channel bandwidth selection where mesh points can adaptively choose operating bandwidth based on network conditions and capability matching. The system dynamically adjusts between 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz channels while maintaining stable peer links, rather than requiring static configuration or complex real-time switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mesh points exchange detailed capability information, then VHT compatibility is improved, but frame overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts VHT capability information into separate, dedicated information elements (VHT capability IE and VHT operation IE) that are appended to existing mesh peer link establishment frames. This extraction approach allows capability exchange without modifying the core mesh protocol frames, adding minimal overhead while ensuring complete VHT capability documentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for configuring mesh peer link and a method and apparatus for switching channel in wireless mesh network are provided. A method of configuring a mesh peer link in a wireless mesh network includes a first mesh station transmitting a mesh peering open frame to a second mesh station, and the first mesh station receiving a mesh peering confirm frame from the second mesh station in response to the mesh peering open frame, wherein the first mesh station and the second mesh station support a very high throughput (VHT), and wherein the mesh peering open frame and the mesh peering confirm frame comprise a VHT capability information element.