WiFi AP Scheduling With IDC Conflict Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face inefficiencies and resource wastage in uplink resource allocation for WiFi devices supporting multiple communications standards, such as LTE, due to the lack of detailed information about potential in-device coexistence (IDC) conflicts.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where a WiFi Access Point (AP) requests or requires devices to report IDC interference information, which is then taken into account when scheduling uplink resources. This is achieved through the use of trigger frames that instruct stations (STAs) to provide IDC reports, allowing the AP to allocate resources that minimize or avoid IDC conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the WiFi AP schedules uplink resources without IDC information, then resource allocation can proceed without additional signaling overhead, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to potential IDC conflicts and wasted uplink resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having STAs report IDC information (such as LTE downlink resource allocations and potential conflict periods) to the WiFi AP. This feedback mechanism enables the AP to make informed scheduling decisions that avoid IDC conflicts, thereby improving uplink resource allocation efficiency while managing signaling overhead through targeted information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having STAs proactively report their IDC information before the AP performs uplink resource allocation. This advance information provision allows the AP to pre-plan resource assignments that avoid conflicts, improving allocation efficiency before actual uplink transmissions occur.
2Ease of operation
If the WiFi device makes autonomous uplink transmission decisions, then transmission can be controlled locally without AP scheduling, but IDC interference cannot be avoided since the device lacks information about LTE receiver operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the AP as an intermediary that collects IDC information from the STA and uses this information to make informed scheduling decisions. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain autonomous device operation while avoiding IDC interference through centralized coordination based on comprehensive information.
3Productivity
If the AP assigns uplink resources without IDC information, then resource allocation can be performed quickly and simply, but resource waste occurs when assigned resources cause IDC conflicts and must be left unused
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism where STAs report IDC information to the AP enables the AP to identify and avoid assigning uplink resources that would cause IDC conflicts. This prevents resource waste by ensuring that assigned resources are actually usable, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency and reducing energy loss from unused allocated resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and/or apparatus for reducing or avoiding (IDC) in-device coexistence problems in devices which support multiple communications protocols, e.g., WiFi and LTE, are described. In various embodiments a WiFi AP can request or require devices, e.g., STAs to report IDC information pertinent to the individual device. This is done by sending one or more trigger frames, e.g., as part of a multicast or unicast operation. Alternatively, devices can voluntarily report IDC information. The AP, e.g., WiFi AP, takes the IDC information it receives, e.g., from multiple devices, e.g., STAs, into account when scheduling UL resources to be used by the wireless devices. By taking into consideration the IDC information provided by STAs, IDC conflicts can be avoid even though a WiFi AP is scheduling resources for WiFi communication in devices which are also using resources for another communications standard, e.g,, LTE, over which the AP does not have control.