Wireless Network Mode Coordination for Pending Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless networks face challenges in coordinating the transition between Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc modes, particularly in notifying mobile stations of pending data and efficiently transmitting data between these modes, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize Ad-Hoc mode to notify mobile stations of pending data and switch to Infrastructure mode for data transmission, with criteria-based decision-making for selecting the transmission mode based on data size and priority, ensuring efficient data delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If Ad-Hoc mode is used for data transmission, then device complexity and energy consumption are reduced, but transmission reliability and data rate are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork structure complexityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes based on real-time network conditions and data characteristics. The system transitions from static mode selection to dynamic adaptation, allowing the network to optimize between simplicity and reliability depending on current requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the wireless network by switching between two distinct transmission modes (Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure). This parameter change allows the system to adapt its complexity and reliability characteristics based on the specific data transmission needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If Infrastructure mode is used for data transmission, then transmission reliability and data rate are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmobile station energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transmission modes to different data scenarios rather than using a single mode for all transmissions. Ad-Hoc mode is used for small, low-priority data where energy efficiency is paramount, while Infrastructure mode is used for large, high-priority data where reliability is critical. This local optimization of transmission quality resolves the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses Infrastructure mode selectively only when necessary (for large or high-priority data), rather than continuously. This partial application of the higher-complexity mode reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If mobile station switches between Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes, then data transmission efficiency is optimized, but coordination complexity and switching delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidmode switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent sends a notification message in advance to inform the mobile station that data is pending and that a mode switch will occur. This preliminary action allows the mobile station to prepare for the switch, reducing actual switching delays and coordination complexity during the critical data transmission phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a notification message as an intermediary communication between the access point and mobile station. This intermediary carries information about pending data and triggers the mode switch, facilitating smoother coordination and reducing switching time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If Ad-Hoc mode is used for notifying pending data, then energy consumption is reduced, but notification reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile station energy consumptionVSAvoidnotification delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses Ad-Hoc mode for sending notification messages, which are temporary, low-criticality communications. Since the notification itself is not mission-critical (the actual data transmission will use more reliable Infrastructure mode if needed), using the lower-cost Ad-Hoc channel for notifications optimizes energy consumption without significantly compromising overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8681696B2Coordinating operation in infrastructure and ad-hoc modes for wireless networks

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Various example embodiments are disclosed herein. In an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a controller, a memory coupled to the controller and a wireless transceiver coupled to the controller. The apparatus may be configured to receive, at a mobile station operating in Ad-Hoc mode in a wireless network, a message indicating that an access point (AP) has pending data in infrastructure network for the mobile station, and receive, at the mobile station the pending data from the AP.