Power-Efficient WLAN Broadcasting Through eBCS Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN systems face inefficiencies in managing enhanced broadcast services (eBCS) due to the lack of mechanisms for stations (STAs) to negotiate continuation of eBCS beyond the designated end time, leading to potential service disruptions and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a frame-based negotiation mechanism where STAs receive an end-of-broadcast-service announcement and can negotiate with the access point (AP) to continue receiving eBCS service, using frames like End of Broadcast Service Announcement and Negotiation Address frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the eBCS service is terminated at the designated end time, then energy consumption is reduced and network resources are freed, but service continuity is disrupted and STAs cannot continue receiving the service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service duration adjustment through negotiation between STAs and AP. The service duration is not fixed but can be extended based on STA demand and network conditions, allowing the system to adapt between energy saving mode (terminating service) and service continuity mode (extending service) as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where STAs send negotiation requests to the AP when they wish to extend the eBCS service beyond the designated end time. The AP responds with negotiation responses indicating whether extension is granted, creating a closed-loop feedback system that balances service continuity needs with energy consumption constraints.
2Reliability
If the eBCS service continues beyond the designated end time without negotiation, then service continuity is maintained, but network resources are wasted and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables STAs to autonomously initiate service extension negotiations based on their own service needs. STAs that no longer require the service can simply stop sending negotiation requests, allowing the system to automatically transition to energy-saving mode without requiring explicit termination signals from the AP or other STAs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows partial service extension only for STAs that actively negotiate for continued service, rather than extending the service for all STAs uniformly. This selective extension approach ensures that network resources and energy are allocated only to the extent necessary for actual service needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a negotiation mechanism is introduced for service continuation, then service flexibility is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing WLAN protocol elements (management frames, information elements) for the negotiation process, making the new service extension functionality universal with existing infrastructure. The AP and STAs use standard 802.11 frame formats and fields, avoiding the need for entirely new protocol layers or complex dedicated negotiation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines a designated end time for the eBCS service in advance, allowing STAs to plan and initiate negotiation requests before the service naturally terminates. This preliminary timing approach organizes the negotiation process and prevents chaos at the exact termination moment, simplifying the protocol implementation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, methods, and/or systems for broadcasting in a wireless local area network (WLAN). A STA receives a frame from a wireless access point (AP) which includes an indication that an enhanced broadcast service (eBCS) service is ending. The frame may include an end-of-broadcast-service announcement information element, and/or an indication of a time at which the eBCS service is ending. The STA may negotiate with the AP for continuation of the broadcast service if the STA desires to continue receiving the eBCS service beyond the time at which the eBCS service ends. The STA may receive a trigger frame from the AP which triggers a response from the STA indicating that it desires to continue receiving the eBCS service beyond the time at which the eBCS service ends.