Wake-Up Radio Instant Tethering Auto-Connect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in efficiently managing resource sharing among multiple devices, leading to bandwidth limitations and slow response times, particularly due to device hardware and communication protocol constraints, and require user intervention for tethering or data synchronization, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wake-up radio (WUR) communications enables instant tethering and auto-connection between devices by using a WUR frame to automatically trigger a wireless hotspot and configure peripheral devices for synchronization, reducing the need for user intervention and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional wireless communication protocols are used for device connection and tethering, then devices can establish connections, but the process requires user intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring devices with connection parameters and using wake-up radio to pre-notify target devices before main radio activation. This allows the connection process to be initiated in advance, eliminating the need for user intervention and reducing setup time when actual connection is needed.
2Speed
If devices remain in active state to enable quick connections, then connection speed improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio system into two parts: a low-power wake-up radio that remains active to detect connection requests, and a main radio that stays in sleep mode until needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain quick response capability while minimizing power consumption by keeping only the essential wake-up function active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through duty-cycling the main radio, activating it only during specific time windows when connection establishment is anticipated, and keeping it in low-power state otherwise. This periodic activation maintains connection readiness while significantly reducing average power consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple devices share WLAN resources simultaneously, then network coverage is improved, but bandwidth per device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic resource allocation where the system adjusts bandwidth distribution based on real-time connection demands and device priorities. When tethering connections are established, the system dynamically allocates dedicated resources to ensure sufficient bandwidth for the connected device while maintaining overall network coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are described to detect, by processing circuitry of a station (STA), a communication link (e.g., of a primary connectivity radio) of the STA is unavailable. A wake-up radio (WUR) packet is encoded for transmission to a second STA based on unavailability of the communication link. The WUR packet includes a command to enable a wireless hotspot of the second STA. A beacon signal received from the second STA is decoded. The beacon signal includes a service set identifier (SSID) of the wireless hotspot enabled by the second STA. A data packet is encoded for transmission to the second STA based on the SSID of the wireless hotspot.