Wireless Access Point Transmission Timing Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with overlapping service areas operating on the same frequency range, stations may incorrectly synchronize with early-arriving radio signals instead of stronger signals, leading to reduced data throughput and reliability due to radio frequency interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where access points shift the transmission of data frames by a time offset to prevent stations from synchronizing with early-arriving signals, allowing them to resynchronize with stronger signals, which involves determining the time shift value based on received downlink frames and adjusting the start of subsequent transmission windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If access points transmit data frames starting at the beginning of transmission windows, then transmission efficiency is maximized, but stations may incorrectly synchronize with early-arriving signals from overlapping service areas causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having access points pre-determine time offsets based on received downlink frames before transmitting their own data frames. This advance preparation allows stations to correctly anticipate the timing of strong signals, preventing incorrect synchronization with early-arriving weak signals from overlapping service areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter by introducing a time offset that shifts the transmission window start time. Instead of all access points transmitting at the same absolute time, each access point adjusts its transmission timing parameter based on received signals, ensuring stations synchronize with the strongest signals rather than earliest signals.
2Reliability
If access points apply time offsets to shift transmission windows, then stations can synchronize with stronger signals, but transmission timing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having each access point autonomously determine its own time offset based on downlink frames it receives from other access points. Each access point independently adjusts its transmission timing without requiring centralized coordination, simplifying the overall system control while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If stations synchronize with early-arriving signals, then synchronization is simpler, but data throughput and reliability decrease due to interference from stronger delayed signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having access points monitor received downlink frames from other access points and use this information to adjust their own transmission timing. This feedback mechanism ensures that transmission windows are shifted appropriately so stations synchronize with strong signals, maximizing data throughput while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a communication system, an access point in communication with one or more stations is configured to shift the start of transmission of its downlink data. The access point may automatically shift the transmission of the downlink data (750) in response to receiving downlink data (720) transmitted by a neighbouring access point. Shifting the start of transmission of its downlink data permits stations to correctly synchronize to the downlink data. The transmission of data may be synchronized to a synchronization event. In some instances, the access point updates its downlink data with a value corresponding to the shift. The access point may not shift the transmission of the downlink data if the signal strength of the received downlink data is below a threshold.