Wi-Fi Access Point TWT Scheduling for Non-Compliant Device Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, non-compliant terminal devices with the IEEE802.11ax standard cannot interpret control signals, leading to interference with compliant devices during power-saving operations, causing retransmissions and preventing seamless transitions to sleep states.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that transmits specific radio signals to control the operation of both compliant and non-compliant devices, using CTS-to-self frames to set navigation periods and PSMP frames to designate communication periods, ensuring that non-compliant devices do not interfere with multiuser communications by the compliant devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the access point designates TWT for power saving, then power consumption of terminal apparatus is reduced, but non-compliant terminal apparatus cannot interpret the signal and transmit interference signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intermediary mechanism (CTS-to-self frame or PSMP frame) that translates the TWT schedule information into a format that non-compliant terminal apparatus can understand and respect. This intermediary signal acts as a mediator between the compliant terminals using TWT and non-compliant terminals, preventing interference without requiring non-compliant terminals to interpret actual TWT signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point transmits preliminary control signals (CTS-to-self or PSMP frames) before the actual TWT communication occurs. These preliminary signals establish navigation periods or communication periods that preemptively prevent non-compliant terminals from transmitting during critical TWT communication windows, thereby preventing interference before it can occur.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-compliant terminal apparatus transmits signals freely, then communication flexibility is maintained, but interference occurs with TWT control signals and data signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the communication behavior of non-compliant terminals by implementing time-varying communication periods. Non-compliant terminals are allowed to transmit freely during designated communication periods but must remain silent during navigation periods when compliant terminals are actively communicating using TWT. This dynamic time-division approach maintains communication flexibility while ensuring reliability during critical transmission windows.
3Reliability
If trigger signal retransmission occurs due to interference, then communication reliability is improved, but power saving benefit is lost as terminals cannot shift to sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by transmitting CTS-to-self frames or PSMP frames that establish protected communication periods before actual data transmission. This preliminary setup ensures that non-compliant terminals are aware of when to remain silent, preventing interference with trigger signals and other critical communications. By preventing interference in advance, the system eliminates the need for retransmissions and maintains power-saving benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus that includes a transceiver capable of communicating with the first another communication apparatus operable in accordance with information of a schedule for causing another communication apparatus to operate in a communicable state and the second another communication apparatus inoperable in accordance with the information on the schedule is provided, the information being contained in a first radio signal transmitted by the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus controls, by the schedule, the transceiver so as to transmit the second radio signal for limiting transmission of a radio signal by the second other communication apparatus in at least a part of a period in which the first other communication apparatus operates in a communicable state in a case where the first radio signal is transmitted.