Wireless Rate Adaptation via Fine Timing Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices in WLANs face challenges in dynamically selecting and adapting data rates based on the distance between devices, leading to inefficiencies in communication due to factors like packet error rate and throughput, which existing protocols do not effectively address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distance determination module and a rate selection module that use fine timing measurement procedures to calculate the time of flight between devices, allowing for the selection and adjustment of data rates based on the calculated distance and attenuation, thereby optimizing communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless communication devices use fixed data rates according to existing protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency and throughput are degraded due to inability to adapt to distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance determination using FTM procedures before data transmission begins. The distance measurement is calculated in advance using timestamp comparisons from FTM exchange frames, allowing the device to pre-select an appropriate data rate from available rates based on the measured distance and attenuation characteristics, rather than reacting to errors after transmission attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rate adaptation mechanisms (which rely on error feedback and incremental adjustments) with a distance-based selection system. By substituting the error-driven rate adaptation with direct distance measurement and lookup-based rate selection, the system achieves more efficient adaptation without the trial-and-error overhead of conventional approaches
2Reliability
If wireless communication devices dynamically adjust data rates based on distance, then throughput is maximized and packet error rates are minimized, but device complexity increases due to additional distance determination and rate selection modules
Solution Approach 1:
The FTM infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both location/distance determination and data rate selection guidance. The same FTM frame exchanges used for positioning also generate the distance information needed for rate selection, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall device complexity despite the added adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rate selection module as an intermediary between the distance determination module and the data transmission function. This intermediary translates raw distance measurements into appropriate data rate selections by referencing attenuation characteristics and available rates, simplifying the control logic and making the system more manageable despite the added complexity of dynamic adaptation
3Productivity
If wireless communication devices use existing protocol-based rate selection, then ease of operation is maintained, but communication performance deteriorates due to lack of distance-based adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing distance determination and data rate selection without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The device autonomously measures distance using FTM procedures, determines attenuation characteristics, selects appropriate data rates from available options, and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly, all without user involvement
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where distance measurements continuously inform data rate selections. By monitoring changes in distance between devices and automatically adjusting data rates in response to these changes, the system maintains optimal communication performance dynamically adapting to the wireless environment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables wireless communication devices to dynamically select and adjust data rates to maximize throughput while minimizing packet error rates, improving communication efficiency by preemptively adapting to changes in distance and attenuation between devices.
Implementation Method 1
using a fine timing measurement procedure to calculate a time of flight between devices
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless communication device including a distance determination module. The distance determination module is configured to calculate a distance between the first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device is configured to communicate with the second wireless communication device at one of a plurality of available data rates. A rate selection module is configured to select, based on the distance between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, a first data rate from the plurality of available data rates and/or adjust, based on the distance, the first data rate. The adjusted first data rate corresponds to a second data rate selected from the plurality of available data rates. A transceiver is configured to communicate with the second wireless communication device at the first data rate and/or the second data rate.