Wi-Fi Antenna Selection Within a Single TXOP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi devices require multiple TXOPs for link assessment with multiple antennas, leading to prolonged assessment times due to competition for channel access, especially with increasing numbers of antennas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for Wi-Fi devices to perform antenna and transmission parameter selection within a single TXOP using a sequence of probe packets (PPDUs) to determine optimal settings, allowing simultaneous assessment of multiple antennas and parameters without requiring additional TXOPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple TXOPs are used for link assessment with multiple antennas, then comprehensive antenna evaluation can be performed, but assessment time increases and channel access competition intensifies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna assessments into a single TXOP by transmitting probe packets from multiple antennas sequentially within the same transmit opportunity. This merging approach allows comprehensive antenna evaluation without requiring multiple separate TXOPs, thereby reducing assessment time and minimizing channel access competition while maintaining evaluation comprehensiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary antenna assessment actions within the current TXOP before actual data transmission begins. By completing the link assessment with multiple antennas during the same TXOP that will be used for data transmission, the system eliminates the need for separate assessment TXOPs and reduces overall assessment time
2Measurement precision
If multiple TXOPs are used for link assessment, then accurate transmission parameter selection can be achieved, but device productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna probe packet transmissions into a single TXOP, allowing accurate transmission parameter selection through comprehensive antenna evaluation without sacrificing device productivity. The sequential transmission of probe packets from multiple antennas within one TXOP maintains measurement precision while eliminating the productivity loss associated with multiple separate assessment TXOPs
3Reliability
If multiple TXOPs are used for antenna assessment, then thorough link adaptation can be performed, but interference from other devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna assessments into a single TXOP, performing thorough link adaptation in one concentrated time window rather than spreading it across multiple TXOPs. This approach reduces the total time the channel is occupied for assessment purposes, thereby minimizing interference from other devices while maintaining adaptation thoroughness
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes obtaining, in a probing Wi-Fi device a transmit opportunity (TXOP) on a Wi-Fi channel. The method also includes transmitting a probe packet from the probing Wi-Fi device to a receiving Wi-Fi device during the TXOP with a first antenna. The method includes receiving first feedback responsive to transmitting the probe packet with the first antenna. The method also includes transmitting the probe packet from the probing Wi-Fi device to the receiving Wi-Fi device during the TXOP with a second antenna. The method includes receiving second feedback responsive to transmitting the probe packet with the second antenna. The method also includes setting, by the probing Wi-Fi device, a transmission parameters set and a selected antenna based at least in part on the first feedback or the second feedback.