WLAN BSS Load Information Element for MU-MIMO Station Count and Channel Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional IEEE 802.11n MAC/PHY protocol is limited in achieving a data processing rate of 1 Gbps or higher in wireless communication networks due to its single station architecture, leading to increased overhead and limitations in throughput, necessitating a new system for higher efficiency in WLAN systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting load information in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, including a BSS load information element with MU-MIMO capable STA count and bandwidth utilization fields, allowing non-AP stations to select an access point based on available resource information, thereby increasing network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional IEEE 802.11n MAC/PHY protocol is used, then the network can support basic wireless communication, but the throughput is limited and cannot achieve 1 Gbps or higher due to single station architecture overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function by introducing a separate load management entity that operates independently from the traditional single-station MAC/PHY protocol. This segmentation allows the system to collect and manage load information from multiple stations simultaneously, enabling throughput enhancement without being constrained by the single-station architecture limitations of conventional IEEE 802.11n protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The load management entity performs multiple functions: collecting load information from various stations, determining network load status, and providing this information to stations for autonomous AP selection. This multi-functional approach enables the system to support high throughput while maintaining protocol simplicity, as the universal load management mechanism serves multiple purposes without requiring complex changes to the base MAC/PHY protocol
2Productivity
If more stations are served simultaneously to increase throughput, then the network capacity increases, but the overhead and complexity of managing multiple stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling stations to autonomously determine AP selection based on load information provided by the load management entity. Each station independently collects load information, processes it according to predetermined criteria, and makes its own AP selection decision without requiring continuous centralized control. This self-service mechanism reduces management overhead while supporting high network capacity, as stations autonomously adapt to network conditions without consuming additional management resources
3Reliability
If load information is collected and processed to enable informed AP selection, then network efficiency improves, but the complexity of information processing and transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts essential load information from the complex network state by the load management entity, which collects key parameters (such as number of associated stations, channel utilization) and presents them in a simplified format. This extraction process filters out unnecessary complexity while maintaining the essential information needed for reliable AP selection, reducing the processing burden on individual stations while ensuring accurate selection decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reporting load information, performed by an access point (AP), in a wireless local area network system, the method includes determining first utilization information for a first channel having a bandwidth of 40 MHz; and transmitting basic service set (BSS) load information, the BSS load information including a multi user (MU) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) capable station count field and the first utilization information, wherein the MU-MIMO capable station count field indicates a total number of stations with MU reception capability currently associated with a BSS managed by the AP, and wherein the first utilization information includes information about a time during which the first channel is busy.