Wireless Channel Coordination for MU-MIMO Resource Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLAN) using the 802.11ac standard, the radio resource is underutilized due to limitations in channel bandwidth, as the channel bandwidth is gated by the smallest channel bandwidth supported by participating stations, leading to unused channels and inefficient resource management, especially when coexisting with legacy OBSSs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a coordinating wireless communications device selects a primary channel and organizes stations into communication groups, assigning non-overlapping operating channels for MU MIMO communication, allowing for dynamic channel management and utilization of available narrow-band channels to form wideband channels, thereby optimizing radio resource allocation and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the channel bandwidth is determined by the smallest channel bandwidth supported by participating stations in MU-MIMO, then compatibility with legacy STAs is maintained, but radio resource utilization deteriorates due to unused channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide channel bandwidth into multiple narrower non-overlapping sub-channels. Each STA is assigned to specific sub-channels based on its capability, allowing the system to achieve wide bandwidth utilization while maintaining compatibility with legacy STAs that support only narrower channels. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling partial participation in wider bandwidth operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of channel organization by creating multiple parallel non-overlapping operating channels within the wider bandwidth. Instead of using a single wide channel that must accommodate the minimum capability of all STAs, the system creates multiple narrower channels that can be independently utilized by different STA groups, thereby improving overall radio resource utilization while maintaining backward compatibility.
2Productivity
If the AP aggregates multiple narrow channels into a wide band channel for spatial diversity, then throughput is increased, but channel management complexity increases when coexisting with legacy OBSS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide band channel into multiple non-overlapping narrow sub-channels, each of which can be independently managed. This segmentation simplifies channel management when coexisting with legacy OBSS because the AP can select and manage individual sub-channels rather than attempting to manage a single wide channel, reducing the complexity of coordination with legacy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the spectrum (different sub-channels) to have different operational characteristics. Each sub-channel can be independently selected for MU-MIMO operations based on local conditions such as interference from legacy OBSS, enabling the AP to optimize throughput by utilizing only the most suitable sub-channels rather than managing the entire wide band as a single unit.
3Productivity
If multiple non-overlapping operating channels are assigned for MU-MIMO communication, then radio resource utilization is improved, but the system complexity for coordinating channel assignments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the AP pre-determine and pre-announce the set of non-overlapping operating channels before MU-MIMO communication begins. The AP identifies suitable channels based on network conditions and legacy OBSS presence in advance, then communicates this information to participating STAs beforehand. This preliminary coordination reduces the complexity of real-time channel management and enables more efficient radio resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for allocating radio resources by a coordinating wireless communications device in a wireless communications network including a plurality of wireless communications devices includes: obtaining a plurality of supported narrow-band channels in the wireless communications network; selecting a primary channel from the supported narrow-band channels and using the primary channel to communicate with the plurality of wireless communications devices; organizing the plurality of wireless communications devices into one or more communication groups; and assigning one of the one or more communication group a non-overlapping operating channel for multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU MIMO) communication with the coordinating wireless communications device.