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 current MU-MIMO scheme only utilizes channels supported by the STA with the smallest bandwidth, and coexistence with legacy OBSSs prevents active channel management, leading to wasted radio resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for coordinating wireless communications devices by selecting a primary channel, organizing devices into communication groups, and assigning non-overlapping operating channels for MU DL and MU UL MIMO operations, allowing concurrent communication across multiple narrow-band channels, thereby optimizing channel utilization and managing channel allocation dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the current MU-MIMO scheme is used to allow simultaneous transmissions to a group of STAs, then the network throughput is improved, but the radio resource is underutilized because channels not involved in the current MU-MIMO operation are left unutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the available channels into multiple non-overlapping operating channels, each supporting a different subset of STAs. This allows the system to divide the radio resource into distinct segments that can be utilized simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between throughput and resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of channel organization by creating multiple non-overlapping operating channels that operate simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to utilize previously idle channels during MU-MIMO operations, transforming wasted radio resources into productive capacity.
2Length of stationary object
If the 802.11ac AP coalesces multiple narrow channels into a wide band channel to support higher bandwidth, then the channel bandwidth is increased, but the actual channel bandwidth utilized is limited by the STA having the smallest channel bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments STAs into different groups based on their channel bandwidth capabilities, with each group assigned a non-overlapping operating channel. This segmentation allows the system to maximize bandwidth for each group according to their capabilities while avoiding the bottleneck of the minimum bandwidth STA limiting the entire group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the operating channel parameters to the specific capabilities of each STA group. Each group receives a customized channel assignment that optimizes bandwidth utilization according to the individual bandwidth capabilities of STAs in that group, rather than uniformly limiting all groups to the minimum capability.
3Length of stationary object
If the 802.11ac AP attempts to acquire wider channels for BSS operation, then the available bandwidth is increased, but legacy OBSSs occupying contiguous channels prevent the AP from acquiring the full bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the available spectrum into multiple non-overlapping operating channels, allowing the AP to establish multiple independent BSS operations. This segmentation enables the AP to work around legacy OBSSs by creating separate channels that avoid their occupied bands, maintaining flexibility in channel management despite spectral constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the channel acquisition limitation by transitioning from a single-channel approach to a multi-channel approach. By organizing STAs into multiple groups with different non-overlapping operating channels, the AP effectively operates in a higher-dimensional spectral space, allowing simultaneous operations that bypass legacy OBSS constraints.
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.