Wi-Fi Link Adaptation Using Channel Temporal Occupancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current link adaptation methods in telecommunications systems are restrictive and inefficient, particularly in wireless communication systems, as they focus solely on maximizing instantaneous throughput or energy efficiency without considering temporal channel occupancy, leading to sub-optimal operation and potential channel congestion.

Innovation Solution

A link adaptation method that selects a transmission mode based on a metric γ of temporal occupancy of the channel, ensuring optimal channel use by evaluating the ratio of channel availability time to transmission time, thereby guaranteeing average throughput and quality of service while minimizing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If link adaptation methods focus solely on maximizing instantaneous throughput, then throughput is improved, but channel congestion occurs and temporal availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstantaneous throughputVSAvoidchannel occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission mode selection adaptive and time-varying based on channel conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the selected transmission mode according to real-time channel state information, temporal occupancy metrics, and availability predictions, rather than using a static selection criterion. This allows the system to optimize throughput while preventing congestion by responding to changing channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by using temporal occupancy metrics and channel availability predictions to inform transmission mode selection. The system continuously monitors channel usage patterns, calculates occupancy metrics, and uses this feedback to adjust mode selection decisions. This closed-loop approach ensures that throughput maximization does not lead to channel congestion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If link adaptation methods focus on maximizing energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but throughput and temporal availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by considering multiple transmission modes with different energy efficiency characteristics and selecting the optimal mode based on a composite criterion. Instead of always selecting the most energy-efficient mode, the system adjusts the selection based on temporal occupancy metrics and channel availability predictions, balancing energy efficiency with throughput requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts energy efficiency optimization based on real-time channel conditions and temporal occupancy. When channel availability is high and occupancy is low, the system can select more energy-efficient modes. When throughput requirements increase or channel conditions deteriorate, the system transitions to higher-throughput modes, creating a dynamic balance between energy efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If transmission modes with high instantaneous rates are selected, then throughput is improved, but temporal occupancy increases leading to channel congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstantaneous rateVSAvoidtemporal occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by not always selecting the highest instantaneous rate transmission mode, but rather selecting modes that provide sufficient throughput while maintaining acceptable temporal occupancy. The system uses temporal occupancy metrics to determine when to use high-rate modes and when to opt for lower-rate modes to prevent channel congestion, achieving partial utilization of maximum rate capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces temporal occupancy metrics and channel availability predictions as intermediary variables that mediate between instantaneous rate selection and channel congestion prevention. These metrics serve as intermediate indicators that guide the transmission mode selection process, allowing the system to balance throughput objectives with channel occupancy constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If channel access is random type, then system complexity is reduced, but channel congestion and temporal availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access controlVSAvoidchannel availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling each transmission entity to autonomously determine optimal transmission modes based on locally computed temporal occupancy metrics and channel availability predictions. The system uses self-service mechanisms to monitor channel usage patterns, calculate occupancy metrics, and adjust transmission mode selections without requiring complex centralized coordination, maintaining low system complexity while improving channel availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3014920B1Method for adapting a link for selecting a frame transmission mode and corresponding wi-fi access point
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 ORANGE SA
  • EP3014920B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP3014920B1 patent drawingFigure 4~10
  • EP3014920B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (1) for adapting a link, using a selection criterion for selecting a frame transmission mode PPDU to be transmitted over a channel of a telecommunications system comprising an access point and a plurality of stations comprising different transmission modes with which different throughputs are associated, the access to the channel being of a random type. The selection uses a metric γ of temporal occupation of the channel.