WLAN Padding and Backoff for Synchronized Multi-Segment Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) standards face challenges in efficiently managing simultaneous transmissions across multiple frequency segments due to synchronization and contention window management issues, particularly with the upcoming IEEE 802.11be Standard allowing for aggregation of up to 320 MHz aggregate communication channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication device with multiple backoff counters for each frequency segment and a synchronized transmission controller to ensure synchronized starts of transmissions across multiple frequency segments, allowing for simultaneous packet transmission in both segments at the same time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple backoff counters are implemented for each frequency segment to enable independent transmission timing, then transmission synchronization across multiple frequency segments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission management into separate segments by implementing individual backoff counters for each frequency segment. This allows independent control and timing management for each segment, enabling precise synchronization without requiring complex inter-segment coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple backoff counters with appropriate contention window values before transmission begins. This preliminary setup establishes the timing framework in advance, simplifying the actual transmission synchronization process and reducing real-time computational complexity.
2Productivity
If transmissions in multiple frequency segments are synchronized to start at the same time, then channel utilization is optimized, but loss of time increases due to waiting for later backoff counters to expire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment by allowing the synchronized transmission start time to be determined by the maximum backoff counter expiration across all frequency segments. This dynamic timing mechanism optimizes channel utilization by ensuring all segments are ready simultaneously, while the system adaptively manages the waiting period based on actual backoff conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transmission timing of multiple frequency segments by coordinating their backoff counter expirations. By combining the timing requirements into a unified synchronized start, the system achieves efficient channel utilization across all segments while managing the inherent time loss through coordinated waiting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent backoff operations are performed for each frequency segment, then transmission flexibility is improved, but coordination overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backoff operation into independent instances for each frequency segment, allowing each segment to perform its own backoff calculations and timing adjustments. This segmentation provides transmission flexibility while the patent reduces coordination overhead by using a standardized backoff mechanism that can be independently applied to each segment without complex inter-segment communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device performs a first backoff operation with a first backoff counter to determine when to transmit in a first frequency segment, and performs a second backoff operation with a second backoff counter to determine when to transmit in a second frequency segment. In response to i) determining that first starts of first transmissions in the first frequency segment are to be synchronized with second starts of second transmissions in the second frequency segment, and ii) the first backoff counter expiring before the second backoff counter expires, the communication device waits to transmit a first packet in the first frequency segment for the second backoff counter to expire, and transmits the first packet in the first frequency segment and a second packet in the second frequency segment beginning at a same start time in connection with the second backoff timer expiring.