WLAN Operating Mode Requests for Coordinated STA Mode Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing WLAN systems lack the ability for an initiating station (STA) to request a responding STA to change its operating mode or parameters, limiting network performance enhancements such as improved coexistence and reduced interference in scenarios like multi-AP and peer-to-peer connections.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an operating mode request (OMR) mechanism that allows an initiating STA to request a responding STA to change its operating mode or parameters, including bandwidth, number of spatial streams, and other settings, with an expected start time, and enabling a response to the request.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing WLAN notification mechanisms (OMN/OMI) are used, then operating mode changes can be notified to other STAs, but the initiating STA cannot request the responding STA to change its operating mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating mode adaptabilityVSAvoidmode change control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional notification approach by allowing the receiving STA to send requests to the transmitting STA for mode changes. The OMR message enables the responding STA to actively request operating mode changes from the initiating STA, reversing the conventional unidirectional notification flow and enabling bidirectional mode negotiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the responding STA can send OMR messages back to the initiating STA to request mode changes. This feedback loop allows the receiving end to influence the transmitting end's operating parameters, creating a negotiated mode selection process rather than unidirectional imposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If unidirectional operating mode notification is used, then the notifying STA can change its mode, but network-wide optimization through coordinated mode changes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidcoordinated mode adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The OMR mechanism creates a feedback channel where the responding STA can request mode changes from the initiating STA. This enables coordinated optimization where both STAs can negotiate and agree on operating modes that maximize overall network performance rather than allowing unilateral changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic mode negotiation capability where operating modes can be adjusted based on real-time network conditions and mutual agreement between STAs. The system transitions from static unidirectional notification to dynamic bidirectional negotiation, allowing adaptive optimization of network-wide performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4648474A1System and method for performing operation mode request in wireless local area network

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A first device, a second device, a system and a method are disclosed for performing operating mode changes in a wireless system. A method performed by the first device includes transmitting (401), to the second device, an operating mode request, OMR, indicating a requested operation mode change by the second device and an expected start time; receiving (402), from the second device, a response to the OMR; and transmitting or receiving (406) data, to or from the second device, based on the response to the OMR. A corresponding method performed by the second device is also disclosed.