Multi-channel Load Balancing in Wireless Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with multiple user terminals and a single access point, efficiently allocating stations to operate on different channels to achieve load balancing and Quality of Service (QoS) targets is challenging, as each station can only transmit or receive on one channel at a time, while the access point can handle multiple channels concurrently.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the access point manages channel allocation for downlink transmissions and allowing stations to autonomously switch channels for uplink data, using algorithms like 'AP managed' and 'STA managed' schemes to balance traffic load across channels, and transmitting messages about channel traffic loading to facilitate efficient channel switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stations communicate concurrently on multiple channels via an access point, then overall system throughput is improved, but channel allocation complexity and difficulty of managing channel assignments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where stations autonomously monitor channel traffic loading messages and independently decide when to switch channels based on load balancing criteria, eliminating the need for complex centralized channel allocation management while maintaining high system throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The access point periodically transmits channel traffic loading messages that provide feedback information about current channel conditions to all stations. This feedback enables stations to make informed autonomous decisions about channel switching, resolving the contradiction between throughput improvement and allocation complexity
2Productivity
If stations autonomously switch channels based on traffic loading information, then load balancing is improved, but channel switching overhead and potential for channel ambiguities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point proactively transmits channel traffic loading messages before stations need to make switching decisions. This preliminary provision of information allows stations to plan channel switches in advance during low-traffic periods, improving load balancing while minimizing switching overhead and avoiding channel ambiguities
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a protocol to allow for load balancing between multiple frequency channels in a wireless communications system.