Wireless Frame Segmentation for Mixed Duplex Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network technologies face challenges in efficiently serving both half-duplex and full-duplex mobile stations due to differences in transmission and reception capabilities, leading to synchronization and resource allocation issues.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting frames that include dedicated regions for both half-duplex and full-duplex mobile stations, with overlapping uplink and downlink regions to allow flexible data transmission and management message handling, enabling simultaneous data transmission and reception in full-duplex stations while ensuring efficient resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network uses separate time slots for uplink and downlink transmissions to accommodate half-duplex stations, then half-duplex stations can operate reliably, but full-duplex stations cannot transmit and receive simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehalf-duplex station operationVSAvoidfull-duplex station capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into multiple downlink regions (all-group downlink region, group 1 downlink region, group 2 downlink region) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the network to provide dedicated resources for half-duplex stations while simultaneously enabling full-duplex operations by allowing full-duplex stations to transmit in uplink regions that overlap with downlink regions in time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to be dynamic, where the network can flexibly allocate and activate different downlink regions based on the current mix of half-duplex and full-duplex stations. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions and support both half-duplex and full-duplex stations simultaneously without fixed time slot constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the network allocates dedicated time slots for management messages to all stations, then all stations can receive management information reliably, but half-duplex stations cannot transmit data during these slots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement message deliveryVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The all-group downlink region provides management messages to all stations, but half-duplex stations are given the option to partially participate by transmitting data in overlapping uplink regions when they have urgent data to send. This partial participation approach allows stations to prioritize data transmission over management message reception when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping uplink region acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows half-duplex stations to transmit data during periods when management messages are being transmitted to all-group downlink regions. This intermediary time slot enables data transmission without completely sacrificing management message delivery capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network creates overlapping uplink and downlink regions to enable full-duplex operations, then full-duplex stations can transmit and receive simultaneously, but half-duplex stations face synchronization challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefull-duplex simultaneous transmission and receptionVSAvoidsynchronization management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into distinct regions with clear boundaries and identifiers. Each downlink region (all-group, group 1, group 2) is separately defined with specific time-frequency resources. This segmentation simplifies synchronization for half-duplex stations by providing clear structural markers while still allowing full-duplex stations to utilize overlapping regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides dedicated downlink regions for half-duplex stations to receive management messages, allows full-duplex stations to transmit and receive in overlapping regions, and maintains clear synchronization points for all station types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate synchronization mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2198637B1Techniques for link utilization for half-duplex and full-duplex stations in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2198637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2198637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2198637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various example embodiments are disclosed herein. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a controller (1704), and a wireless transmitter (1702) coupled to the controller, the apparatus being configured to transmit (1410) at least a portion of a frame via wireless link to one or more mobile stations in a wireless network, the at least a portion of a frame including: an all-group downlink region (e.g., 716, 914, 1014, 1114, 1216, or 1316) directed to group 1 half-duplex (HD) mobile stations, group 2 HD mobile stations, and full-duplex (FD) mobile stations, a group 1 downlink region (e.g., 718, 912, 1012, 1112, 1212, or 1312) directed to the group 1 HD mobile stations and the FD mobile stations, and a group 2 downlink region (e.g., 719, 1214, or 1314) directed to the group 2 HD mobile stations and the FD mobile stations.