Wireless Device Dynamic CCA Threshold for Hidden Terminal Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Dynamic Sensitivity Control (DSC) technique for increasing frequency use efficiency in wireless communication systems is hindered by the presence of hidden terminals within the same Basic Service Set (BSS), leading to reduced throughput due to undetected signals from other networks.
Innovation Solution
The wireless device dynamically adjusts the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) threshold to minimize the detection of signals from other networks, thereby preventing the generation of hidden terminals and improving throughput by ensuring that only signals from the same BSS are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CCA threshold is set low to detect all signals in the communication range, then signals from other networks can be detected, but hidden terminals within the same BSS cannot be detected leading to throughput reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between signals from the same BSS and other networks. The wireless device sets different CCA thresholds for these two cases: a lower threshold for same-BSS signals to ensure detection and avoid hidden terminal problems, and a higher threshold for other network signals to filter out unnecessary interference. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by making the detection sensitivity context-dependent rather than uniform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the CCA threshold parameter based on the source of the detected signal. When a signal is identified as being from the same BSS, a lower threshold is applied; when from another network, a higher threshold is applied. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize both detection accuracy and throughput by adjusting the threshold according to the specific communication context.
2Loss of energy
If the CCA threshold is set high to filter out signals from other networks, then frequency use efficiency is improved, but signals from hidden terminals in the same BSS are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differential threshold settings based on signal origin. Instead of using a single high threshold that would filter out all external signals but also miss hidden terminals, the system locally adapts the threshold: high for external network signals to improve frequency efficiency, and low for same-BSS signals to maintain reliable detection. This resolves the contradiction by making threshold sensitivity location-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the CCA threshold parameter based on whether the signal originates from the same BSS or another network. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve high frequency use efficiency by filtering external signals while maintaining reliable hidden terminal detection through lower thresholds for same-BSS signals.
3Productivity
If the CCA threshold is dynamically adjusted based on signal source, then throughput is improved by preventing hidden terminal problems, but device complexity increases due to additional signal source identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) as an intermediary to identify the signal source. By measuring the RSSI and comparing it against threshold values, the system can infer whether a signal comes from the same BSS or another network without requiring complex identification mechanisms. This intermediary approach simplifies the device complexity while enabling dynamic threshold adjustment to improve throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the wireless device automatically adjusts its own CCA threshold based on the signals it receives. The device uses its existing reception capabilities to measure RSSI and autonomously determines the appropriate threshold level, eliminating the need for external control or complex coordination mechanisms. This self-service approach improves throughput while keeping device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a wireless device includes: a receiver configured to receive a first frame and a second frame; and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, when a reception level of the first frame is a first threshold or more, whether a transmission source of the first frame belongs to a same wireless network as the wireless device, determine, when the transmission source of the first frame belongs to the same wireless network as the wireless device, a second threshold based on a reception level of the first frame, and perform, when a reception level of the second frame is a second threshold or more, reception processing of the second frame.