WLAN Channel Access Using Single Physical Queue for MU-MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area network (WLAN) systems face complexity in managing multiple user-multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) transmissions due to the need for separate queues for each user, which increases implementation complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that classify packets into access categories (ACs) and apply a channel access function independently to each queue, allowing multiple users to share a single physical queue, using an enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) function to avoid collisions and manage MU-MIMO transmissions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate queues are created for each user in MU-MIMO transmissions, then user-specific queue management is achieved, but implementation complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple user-specific queues into a single shared physical queue structure. Instead of maintaining separate queues for each user, the system implements a unified queue that can dynamically allocate transmission opportunities to different users based on their channel conditions and data priority, thereby reducing implementation complexity while preserving user-specific management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single physical queue is designed to serve multiple users simultaneously, making it a universal queue structure that can handle transmissions for different users. The queue incorporates user identification fields and dynamic allocation mechanisms that allow it to function as multiple logical queues within a single physical structure, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Reliability
If multiple queues by access categories are implemented for different users, then packet classification and collision avoidance are improved, but queue management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the queue management function by implementing access categories (ACs) that divide traffic into different priority levels. Each AC has its own channel access parameters and transmission opportunities, allowing packets to be classified and handled differently based on their importance. This segmentation provides collision avoidance through prioritized access while keeping the underlying queue structure unified and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of access category classification between the packet input and the physical queue. This intermediary structure organizes packets into different AC groups before they enter the shared queue, providing a systematic method for collision avoidance and priority management without requiring separate physical queues for each user or AC combination
Data Source
AI summary
A channel access method in WLAN system is provided. The method includes receiving packets transmitted from a higher protocol layer, classifying the packets to map the packets to ACs to which the packets correspond, transmitting the packets to queues corresponding to the ACs to which the packets are mapped, among a plurality of queues by ACs, independently applying a channel access function to each of the plurality of queues by ACs by avoiding a collision among the plurality of queues by ACs, transmitting a packet determined to be transmitted first, according to the application result of the channel access function. The packet includes a first frame to be transmitted to a first terminal and a second frame to be transmitted to a second terminal. The plurality of queues by ACs are queues with respect to the first frame to be transmitted to the first terminal.