Wake-Up Receiver Protocol for Low-Power WLAN Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN technologies lack clear communication protocols for low-power operation modes, leading to degraded performance due to transmission and reception failures between communication nodes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves specific operation methods for access points and stations, including the transmission of wake-up packets with a legacy preamble and WUR part, and the use of CTS, PS-poll, and TIM frames to manage power states and prevent retransmissions, thereby improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a communication node operates in low-power mode with separate wake-up receiver and main transceiver, then power consumption is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to undefined protocols between components
Solution Approach 1:
The communication node is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a wake-up receiver (WURx) for low-power operation and a main transceiver (PCR) for full communication functionality. The WURx operates independently in ultra-low-power mode to detect wake-up packets, while the PCR remains in sleep mode until activated, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability through clear protocol definition between segments
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized protocol acts as an intermediary between the wake-up receiver and main transceiver, defining clear interaction rules for state transitions, frame reception, and activation signals. This intermediary protocol ensures reliable communication between the two components by establishing predetermined procedures for wake-up packet detection, acknowledgment, and main transceiver activation, eliminating the reliability issues caused by undefined interactions
2Speed
If wake-up packets are transmitted frequently to maintain communication readiness, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous wake-up operations
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up receiver operates periodically rather than continuously, entering sleep mode after detecting and processing wake-up packets. The system uses periodic beacon frames and controlled wake-up intervals to maintain communication readiness while allowing the WURx to power down between periods, thereby achieving a balance between responsiveness and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up receiver is designed to autonomously detect wake-up packets, determine whether activation is necessary, and manage its own power state transitions without requiring continuous main transceiver involvement. This self-service capability allows the WURx to remain in low-power mode longer while still maintaining system responsiveness
3Productivity
If the main transceiver remains in wake-up state continuously to ensure immediate data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wake-up receiver performs preliminary detection and validation of incoming packets before activating the main transceiver. By pre-processing wake-up signals and determining transmission necessity in advance, the system avoids unnecessary main transceiver activation, thereby maintaining fast response capability while reducing power consumption through selective activation
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a communication node for supporting a low power mode in a wireless LAN is disclosed. A method for operating an access point comprises: a step of transmitting a CTS frame to protect transmission of a wake-up packet, a step of transmitting the wake-up packet to wake up a station including PCR and WURx; and a step of transmitting a data frame to the station. Therefore, the performance of the communication system can be improved.