WLAN MAC Layer Extension for C2X Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available WLAN routers using the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standards experience long channel setup times, limiting their usability for vehicle-to-X communication, despite offering higher data rates suitable for multimedia applications.

Innovation Solution

Expanding the MAC layer of the 802.11 WLAN standard to include a new data packet type (frame types 2 and 3 with subtypes 8 to 15) to enable efficient C2X communication, allowing simultaneous use with other WLAN communications like Internet browsing, by using an extended MAC software driver to filter and route data frames based on frame types and subtypes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN standards are used for C2X communication, then high data rates suitable for multimedia applications are achieved, but channel setup times become too long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidchannel setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a WLAN connection in advance before C2X communication is needed. The connection is set up during periods when C2X communication is not active, allowing the channel to be pre-configured and ready for immediate use when vehicle-to-vehicle communication requirements arise, thus reducing channel setup time while maintaining high data rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If existing WLAN radio technology is used for C2X communication, then connection setup times are reduced, but the ability to simultaneously support other WLAN communications (Internet, multimedia) is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection setup timeVSAvoidsimultaneous communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data transmission into separate logical channels within the WLAN framework. C2X communication data and other WLAN communications (Internet, multimedia) are segmented into distinct data streams that can be simultaneously transmitted over the same physical WLAN connection, allowing multiple communication types to coexist without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the WLAN system to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same WLAN radio technology and connection infrastructure are used for both C2X communication and other WLAN applications (Internet browsing, multimedia streaming), making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated connections for each communication type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2241075B1Use of the WLAN standard for c2c communication by adding new packet types

Publication Date: 2015.11.18 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a C2X communication efficiently enabled via WLAN by devices and a method for filtering data frames (31) received via a WLAN connection (30) by a receiver (20) by a vehicle (21), wherein the decision is made with reference to a frame type (16: "2'; "3') given in a received data frame (31) which unit (22; 23) data (13) of the data frame (31) is to be transferred to.