Wireless Communication Device NAV Parameter Update for Inter-AP Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems using carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), the proposed method for cooperative operation of access points (APs) in wireless local area networks (WLANs) fails to allow APs or their subordinate stations to transmit frames in allocated resources due to the setting of a network allocation vector (NAV) protecting the transmission opportunity (TXOP).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless communication device that updates parameters based on the source of received packets to determine communication opportunities, allowing APs to disregard the NAV when allocating and using wireless resources from other APs, enabling efficient resource sharing and transmission opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NAV is set to protect the TXOP in a wireless communication system using CSMA/CA, then the transmission opportunity is protected from collisions, but the AP or its subordinate STA cannot transmit frames in the allocated resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanism where the NAV setting behavior differs based on the source of the transmission opportunity allocation. When an AP receives a frame indicating TXOP allocation from another AP in the same ESS, it updates the Duration/ID field without setting the NAV, allowing local quality (NAV setting) to be adjusted according to the specific context of inter-AP resource allocation versus regular CSMA/CA operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a Trigger frame as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate inter-AP resource allocation. The Trigger frame carries information about TXOP allocation from one AP to another, enabling the receiving AP to understand that it should not set NAV for these allocated resources, thus mediating between the TXOP holder and the resource-using AP
2Adaptability or versatility
If the proposed cooperative operation method is simply applied to the wireless communication system using CSMA/CA, then the resource allocation mechanism is established, but the AP or its subordinate STA cannot transmit in the allocated resources due to NAV setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the behavior of the NAV parameter based on the type of frame received. When a frame indicating inter-AP resource allocation is received, the Duration/ID field is updated but the NAV is not set, effectively changing the parameter's effect from 'block transmission' to 'allow transmission with updated timing information'
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a wireless communication device updates a first parameter when a received packet is from a first communication group, updates a second parameter when the received packet is not from the first communication group and is from an extended communication group, updates a third parameter when the received packet is not from the first communication group and is from the extended communication group, and determines whether to communicate a packet based on the first, second, and third parameter.