WiFi TIM Compression via Multi-Block Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing WiFi technology is limited in supporting a large number of STAs (Station) as it can only effectively manage up to 2007 STAs, leading to increased TIM message length and reduced transmission efficiency due to inefficient compression methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for compressing the TIM message by using multi-block compression algorithms and bit flipping, which includes encoding bitmaps and indicating compression methods within the TIM message to efficiently manage and transmit traffic indication data for a larger number of STAs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of STAs is increased beyond 2007, then the network coverage and user capacity are improved, but the TIM message length increases and transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of STAsVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the TIM message into multiple blocks, where each block contains a limited number of STA indication bits (e.g., 2007 bits per block). Instead of transmitting a single long TIM message for all STAs, the system segments the STA list and transmits multiple shorter TIM blocks sequentially or in parallel. This segmentation reduces the length of each individual TIM message, improving transmission efficiency while maintaining the ability to support a large total number of STAs across multiple blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If the TIM message includes all STA indication bits, then complete traffic information is provided, but the message length increases and compression effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic information completenessVSAvoidTIM message length
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complete TIM message into multiple smaller blocks, each containing indication bits for a subset of STAs. Each block is transmitted separately but collectively they provide complete traffic information for all STAs. This approach maintains information completeness while reducing the length of each individual transmission unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional organization by dividing the TIM message space into multiple blocks along the STA index dimension. Instead of a single linear TIM message, the system uses a multi-dimensional structure where blocks are organized by STA ranges, allowing efficient compression and transmission while maintaining complete coverage of all STAs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of stationary object

If existing compression methods are used for TIM messages, then some message size reduction is achieved, but the compression effectiveness is insufficient for large numbers of STAs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTIM message lengthVSAvoidcompression effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation to enable more effective compression by dividing the TIM message into blocks. Each block can be compressed independently using existing compression methods, and the segmented structure allows better utilization of compression algorithms by creating more uniform and compressible data units. This improves overall compression effectiveness compared to compressing a single large TIM message.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial compression by applying compression selectively to each block rather than attempting to compress the entire TIM message as one unit. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve sufficient compression effectiveness for practical purposes without the complexity of compressing the complete large-scale TIM message, balancing compression effort with effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2802098B1Transmission method, device and system for traffic indication message
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2802098B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2802098B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2802098B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for transmitting a traffic indication message, which relate to a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity, wireless fidelity) technology. The method includes: compressing a delivery traffic indication message, and generating a traffic indication message; and transmitting the traffic indication message, where the traffic indication message includes compression method indication information and the compressed delivery traffic indication message. The embodiments of the present invention are mainly applicable to a traffic indication message processing procedure.