Backward Compatible Wireless Mode Switching via AP Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadband wireless networks face challenges in switching between different working modes due to variations in channelization schemes, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities, particularly in frequency bands like 5GHz where conventional and enhanced channelization schemes result in center frequency deviations, preventing seamless expansion and communication between devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for mode switching in WLANs that involve an Access Point (AP) indicating its current working mode to associated non-APs through system configuration messages, instructing them to switch modes via frame exchange sequences, and allowing data transmission on channels defined by specific bandwidths within channelized sets, enabling compatibility between different channelized sets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a more effective channelization scheme is adopted to increase bandwidth utilization, then frequency band utilization is improved, but center frequency deviation occurs between different channelization schemes, causing incompatibility between devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band utilizationVSAvoidcompatibility between devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic working mode switching that allows the wireless device to adapt between different channelization schemes (first working mode with conventional channelization and second working mode with enhanced channelization) based on network conditions and device capabilities, resolving the incompatibility issue while maintaining high frequency band utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the channelization scheme parameter by introducing a second working mode with a different channelization approach (120MHz bandwidth with six 20MHz channels) compared to the conventional scheme, allowing the system to optimize frequency band utilization while maintaining compatibility through parameter variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different working modes coexist to support both conventional and enhanced channelization schemes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to support and switch between multiple modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple channelization schemesVSAvoidcomplexity of mode switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining two distinct working modes with their respective channelization schemes before operation, allowing devices to switch between predetermined configurations rather than dynamically calculating new parameters, thereby reducing the complexity of mode switching while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2632200B1Method and system for switching operation modes in a backward compatible large bandwidth wireless network
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 ZTE CORP
  • EP2632200B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2632200B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The disclosure discloses a method and a system for switching a working mode for a backward compatible broadband wireless network, in order to solve the technical problem of switching between each working mode when various compatible modes based on different channelized sets exist in the broadband wireless network. In the disclosure, an access point (AP) indicates its current working mode by a system configuration message; the AP instructs a non-AP associated with the AP to switch a working mode by a mode switching message or a frame exchange sequence; and the non-AP switches the working mode according to instruction information included in the mode switching message or the frame exchange sequence after receiving the mode switching message or the frame exchange sequence. Through the scheme of the disclosure, a wireless point can be switched between each working mode when various compatible modes based on different channelized sets exist in the broadband wireless network, thereby setting up a broadband wireless network supporting backward compatibility.