Wireless Bandwidth Selection via Carrier Sensing Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, the transition to a 40 MHz transmission band requires longer carrier sensing times compared to 20 MHz, leading to potential throughput inefficiencies, as existing systems lack a method to optimally select between these bandwidths based on acquisition times.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication apparatus that predicts and compares the time required to capture a transmission right for both 20 MHz and 40 MHz channels, using a judging unit to determine and notify the recommended bandwidth for superior throughput through a notification frame, allowing dynamic adjustment of transmission bandwidth based on channel utilization and capture times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the transmission band is extended to 40 MHz to increase throughput, then the communication speed and data rate are improved, but the carrier sensing time becomes longer leading to reduced transmission efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcarrier sensing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the channel bandwidth selectable and adjustable based on current channel conditions. The system dynamically switches between 20 MHz and 40 MHz bandwidth modes, allowing the communication parameters to adapt to changing environmental conditions rather than being fixed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to use 40 MHz for high throughput when conditions permit, while falling back to 20 MHz when carrier sensing time becomes excessive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted between 20 MHz and 40 MHz. By monitoring channel utilization and carrier sensing performance, the system modifies the bandwidth parameter to optimize the trade-off between throughput and sensing time. This parameter adjustment strategy directly addresses the technical contradiction by allowing flexible adaptation to different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the channel bandwidth is increased to 40 MHz for higher throughput, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the time required to capture transmission right increases due to extended carrier sensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidtransmission right capture time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the channel bandwidth based on real-time channel conditions and transmission success rates. When the channel is busy or carrier sensing takes too long, the system transitions from 40 MHz to 20 MHz mode, reducing the time to capture transmission rights while maintaining acceptable throughput. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between transmission capacity and capture time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary monitoring of channel conditions before initiating data transmission. By assessing channel utilization and estimating carrier sensing time in advance, the system can pre-determine the optimal bandwidth mode, avoiding situations where 40 MHz transmission would result in excessive sensing delays. This preliminary assessment allows the system to proactively select the appropriate bandwidth mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If 40 MHz bandwidth is used continuously to maximize throughput, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to varying channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic bandwidth selection mechanism that continuously monitors channel conditions and adjusts the operating bandwidth accordingly. The system transitions between 20 MHz and 40 MHz modes based on measured channel utilization, carrier sensing performance, and transmission success rates. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal communication efficiency while maintaining flexibility to respond to varying channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring transmission outcomes and channel conditions, then using this information to adjust bandwidth selection. When 40 MHz transmission results in excessive carrier sensing time or failed transmissions, the system receives feedback and switches to 20 MHz mode. This feedback-driven adaptation maintains high communication efficiency while preserving versatility across different channel environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7957346B2Wireless communication apparatus for managing high throughput bandwidth channel availability
Publication Date: 2011.06.07 KK TOSHIBA
  • US7957346B2 patent drawing
  • US7957346B2 patent drawing
  • US7957346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless communication apparatus for performing a first wireless communication with a first channel having a first bandwidth, and a second wireless communication with a second channel having a second bandwidth wider than the first bandwidth and having a frequency band covering the first channel, in accordance with CSMA/CA system by carrier sense, including: a predicting unit predicting a first time required until a transmission right for the first wireless communication is captured, and a second time required until a transmission right for the second wireless communication is captured; a judging unit judging that either one communication is recommended based upon the first and second times; and a producing unit producing, when judged that a wireless communication different from a present wireless communication is recommended, a notification frame including information indicative of the recommended wireless communication.