WLAN PS-Poll Transmission Rate Optimization for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area network (WLAN) modules in mobile devices face challenges in reducing power consumption and coexisting with other wireless transmission technologies like Bluetooth and WiMAX, due to interference and varying time slot requirements, which affect battery life and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A WLAN module operates in a power-saving mode by transmitting a polling request (PS-Poll) at a supported rate higher than the basic rate to quickly obtain buffered data from an access point, reducing transmission time and battery power consumption, while avoiding interference with coexisting wireless transmissions by encoding rates in announced rate sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If WLAN module transmits PS-Poll at basic rate, then transmission reliability is improved, but transmission time increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission rate parameter from basic rate to supported (higher) rate for PS-Poll frames. This parameter change reduces transmission time and power consumption while maintaining reliability through rate selection from announced rate sets and retransmission mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If WLAN module uses higher transmission rate, then transmission time is reduced and power consumption is reduced, but transmission reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the AP announces supported rate sets including higher rates, and the WLAN module receives acknowledgments for PS-Poll transmissions. This feedback enables adaptive rate selection and retransmission if needed, maintaining reliability while using higher rates.
3Productivity
If WLAN module operates in power saving mode with frequent polling, then data retrieval efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission rate parameter to higher supported rates for PS-Poll frames, which reduces the time the WLAN module needs to be awake for transmission and reception. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining or improving data retrieval efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN and Bluetooth/WiMAX operate simultaneously, then connectivity versatility is improved, but interference between transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission opportunities by identifying specific time windows when Bluetooth or WiMAX are not transmitting. The WLAN module is scheduled to transmit PS-Poll frames only during these non-interfering time slots, allowing coexistence of multiple wireless technologies without mutual interference.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a system for the coexistence of a wireless local area network (WLAN) and another type of wireless transmission is provided. A WLAN module in a power saving mode is configured to transmit a polling request (PS-Poll) at a supported rate higher than any basic rate in order to obtain buffered data from an access point (AP) when the coexisting wireless transmission module is operating. The supported rate is encoded in a supported rate set announced by the AP, and the basic rate is encoded in a basic rate set announced by the AP, and the PS-Poll is a polling request relating to a power saving mode of operation.