Wireless Network Coexistence Scheduling Through STA-AP Notifications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack a mechanism for a station (STA) to inform an access point (AP) about coexistence events between peer-to-peer (P2P) STAs, leading to unmanaged interference and reduced availability for latency-sensitive communications.

Innovation Solution

A frame-based mechanism where the STA informs the AP about an upcoming coexistence event schedule, including information about peer STAs, duration, and unavailability, allowing the AP to adjust its communication with the STA accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If STA performs peer-to-peer communication with peer STAs, then coexistence events can be managed and interference reduced, but STA becomes unavailable for communication with AP during those events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoexistence event managementVSAvoidSTA availability for AP communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The STA sends a notification frame to the AP in advance before the coexistence event begins, informing the AP of the upcoming unavailability. This allows the AP to proactively manage its communication schedule and avoid attempting transmissions during the peer-to-peer communication period, thus preventing wasted transmission opportunities and ensuring smooth transition when the STA becomes available again.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If AP continues communication with STA during coexistence events, then channel utilization is maintained, but interference with peer-to-peer communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel utilizationVSAvoidinterference with peer-to-peer communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The STA provides feedback to the AP by sending a notification frame that indicates the timing and duration of upcoming coexistence events. The AP uses this feedback information to adjust its communication schedule, suspending transmissions to and from the STA during the indicated coexistence event periods. This feedback mechanism ensures that the AP can maintain high channel utilization during non-coexistence periods while avoiding interference during peer-to-peer communication events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If STA informs AP about coexistence events, then interference is reduced and peer-to-peer communication quality improves, but additional frame transmission overhead is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeer-to-peer communication qualityVSAvoidframe transmission overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification frame is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it notifies the AP of upcoming coexistence events, provides timing and duration information for event management, and can include additional parameters for enhanced coordination. By consolidating multiple information elements into a single frame structure, the overhead is minimized while achieving comprehensive coexistence event management and improved peer-to-peer communication quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250317999A1Coexistence management in wireless networks

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A station (STA) in a wireless network. The STA has a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory. The STA transmits, to an access point (AP), a frame indicating an upcoming coexistence event schedule. The STA performs peer-to-peer communication with one or more peer STAs during the upcoming coexistence event schedule.