Coordinated WLAN Frame Format for Multi-AP Spatial Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for coordinated spatial reuse control in wireless LANs, such as those discussed in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, lack an efficient frame format for controlling signal transmission among multiple access points, leading to suboptimal interference management and reduced communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A frame format is introduced for coordinated spatial reuse control that allows each access point to calculate and transmit parameters for coordinated communication, enabling efficient interference management and improved transmission control through centralized and distributed types of control procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If coordinated spatial reuse control is implemented without an efficient frame format, then interference management capability is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal transmission control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference managementVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a frame format that enables dynamic parameter exchange between access points, including transmission power levels, spatial reuse parameters, and coordination timing. This allows coordinated spatial reuse control while optimizing communication efficiency through structured parameter negotiation and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access points perform coordinated communication without standardized parameter exchange, then spatial reuse is improved, but transmission control efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial reuseVSAvoidtransmission control efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame format segments coordination information into distinct fields including spatial reuse parameters, transmission control parameters, and acknowledgment fields. This structured segmentation enables efficient processing and exchange of coordination data between multiple access points while maintaining standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If access points exchange detailed coordination information, then coordinated communication quality is improved, but information transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinated communication qualityVSAvoidinformation overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The frame format extracts and transmits only the essential coordination parameters needed for spatial reuse control, such as transmission power adjustments, timing synchronization data, and spatial reuse indicators. This selective extraction reduces information overhead while maintaining coordinated communication quality by focusing on critical parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4694465A1Communication device and communication method

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

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AI summary

This communication device comprises: a reception circuit that receives first information pertaining to the setting of cooperative communication from another communication device that controls cooperative communication; and a transmission circuit that transmits, to the other communication device, second information including a result of determining whether to participate in cooperative communication based on the first information.