Wi-Fi P2P RU Allocation Under NR-U Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference from 5G new radio (NR-U) cellular technology affects peer-to-peer (P2P) Wi-Fi communications, as the Wi-Fi infrastructure is often unaware of cellular transmissions causing interference, leading to communication failures and inefficient retries.
Innovation Solution
A network device evaluates interference severity based on endpoint device reports and allocates frequency resources to avoid interference by selecting safe resource units (RUs) for P2P communication, using a method that includes determining a set of frequency resources that minimize interference impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual-capability STAs use both NR-U and Wi-Fi simultaneously, then cellular communication capability is improved, but Wi-Fi P2P communication reliability deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple resource units (RUs) and allocates specific RUs for P2P communications that are less susceptible to NR-U interference. By dividing the available spectrum and selectively assigning RUs based on interference conditions, the system maintains dual-capability operation while protecting P2P communication reliability through frequency-domain segmentation.
2Reliability
If the Wi-Fi infrastructure is made aware of cellular interference, then P2P communication reliability can be improved through interference avoidance, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where STAs report detected interference conditions to the AP, and the AP uses this information to dynamically adjust RU allocations. This feedback loop enables the Wi-Fi infrastructure to become aware of cellular interference without requiring complex changes, as STAs already have the capability to detect and report interference, and the AP simply needs to respond by reallocating RUs based on received reports.
3Productivity
If frequency resources are allocated to avoid interference, then communication efficiency is improved, but the available bandwidth for P2P communication decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic RU allocation where the set of RUs allocated for P2P communications is not fixed but adapts based on detected interference conditions. When NR-U interference is detected on certain RUs, the system dynamically switches to alternative RUs that are less affected. This dynamic approach ensures that the full available bandwidth is utilized whenever possible, while automatically avoiding interfered frequencies, thus maintaining communication efficiency without permanently reducing available bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and method for avoiding interference in direct communication between peers in a Wi-Fi network. A station (STA) desiring to communicate directly with another STA reports a change in interference to a function that determines a set of unsafe frequencies caused by interference near the STA. The function sends a report containing the set of unsafe frequencies to the AP for the STA. The AP then evaluates the severity of the interference and selects a set of RUs that are suitable for a TXOP for direct communication between the STA and another STA. The AP informs the STAs of the selected set of RUs, and the STAs communicate with each other using the selected RUs. If allowed, the STA sends feedback regarding the success of the communication to the AP.