Wi-Fi BSS Discovery Policy for Contention Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely deployed Wi-Fi networks, the excessive number of management frames generated by a large number of devices leads to significant contention and interference, resulting in degradation of Quality of Service (QoS) and throughput performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing BSS- and ESS-based BSS discovery policies to limit or control management frames, such as probe requests and association requests, by allowing stations to use specific scanning methods like passive scanning or fast initial link setup (FILS) based on interference metrics and capacity availability, thereby reducing contention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of Wi-Fi devices transmit management frames in dense networks, then device connectivity and network coverage are improved, but contention and interference increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of scanning behavior by introducing BSS discovery policies that control whether active scanning is permitted. The AP sets a parameter (active scanning prohibition) that prevents STAs from performing active scanning, thereby reducing management frame transmissions while maintaining passive scanning capability for BSS discovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces BSS discovery policies as an intermediary mechanism between STAs and APs. These policies act as control signals that mediate the scanning behavior, allowing the network to coordinate discovery activities and reduce contention without preventing connectivity.
2Speed
If stations perform active scanning to discover BSS, then BSS discovery speed is improved, but management frame overhead and channel contention increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the scanning method parameter from active scanning to passive scanning by setting the active scanning prohibition parameter. This reduces management frame overhead while maintaining BSS discovery capability through passive listening of beacon frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing passive scanning (a subset of scanning methods) while prohibiting active scanning. This partial approach to BSS discovery reduces management frame overhead sufficiently to solve the contention problem while maintaining essential discovery functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access points allow multiple associations to increase network capacity, then user connectivity is improved, but QoS and throughput performance degrade due to excessive management frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the BSS discovery behavior parameter to reduce management frame transmissions. By controlling scanning parameters through BSS discovery policies, the system maintains network capacity while improving throughput performance through reduced contention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through BSS discovery policies that provide information to STAs about appropriate scanning behavior. The AP feeds back policy information that guides STA scanning decisions, creating a feedback loop that optimizes network performance while maintaining capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed for reducing contention in a wireless network. An IEEE 802.11 station (STA) may send a request frame to an IEEE 802.11 access point (AP). The AP may be able to accommodate the IEEE 802.11 STA. The STA may receive a response frame that may include a basic service set (BSS) discovery policy. The IEEE 802.11 STA may send a revised request frame, when the indicated BSS discover method is active scanning. The revised request frame may be sent based on the BSS discovery policy received from the IEEE 802.11 AP during the period of time. The IEEE 802.11 STA may send the revised request frame, e.g., when time elapsed since last second request exceeds an active scanning interval. The IEEE 802.11 STA may refrain from sending the second request frame, e.g., when the indicated BSS discovery method received from the IEEE 802.11 AP is passive scanning.