WLAN QoS Request Signaling for Adaptive Network-Centric Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Access Controller (AC) based Quality of Service (QoS) implementations are device-centric, making it difficult for stations (STAs) to manage QoS parameters effectively, especially when application needs change, and there is a lack of network-centric QoS management solutions for enterprises with specific applications like cloud and voice.
Innovation Solution
A station (STA) sends a QoS request message to an access point (AP) indicating a requested QoS, and the AP applies the QoS when it matches existing policies or allocates network resources based on tentatively allocated resources, facilitating network-centric QoS management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If device-centric QoS management is used, then STAs can independently manage their QoS parameters, but it becomes difficult for STAs to effectively manage QoS parameters when application needs change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional device-centric QoS management approach by implementing network-centric QoS management. Instead of STAs independently managing their own QoS parameters, the network (specifically the OSM and PCF) takes control to allocate and manage QoS parameters centrally. This inversion resolves the contradiction by making QoS management more adaptable to changing application needs while reducing the operational burden on individual STAs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate network entities (OSM and PCF) that act as mediators between STAs and the QoS management system. These intermediaries handle the complexity of QoS parameter management, receiving QoS requests from STAs and translating them into appropriate QoS parameter allocations based on network conditions and policies. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by shielding STAs from management complexity while enabling adaptive QoS through centralized control.
2Reliability
If network-centric QoS management is implemented, then QoS delivery is enhanced through centralized control, but device complexity increases due to additional network entities and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS management functionality into distinct network entities with specific roles: OSM (Operating and Maintenance System) for overall QoS policy management and PCF (Policy Control Function) for real-time QoS parameter allocation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing complexity across specialized entities rather than concentrating it in a single complex system, thereby enhancing QoS delivery reliability through dedicated functions while managing overall system complexity through clear separation of concerns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS parameters are dynamically adjusted based on application needs, then QoS adaptability improves, but managing changing network conditions becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the PCF continuously monitors network conditions and application needs, then dynamically adjusts QoS parameters accordingly. STAs send QoS requests indicating their application needs, and the PCF uses this feedback along with network status information to make informed QoS parameter allocations. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by enabling QoS adaptability through automated responses to changing conditions while reducing management complexity through systematic monitoring and adjustment protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The application provides a method, method, comprising: a station (STA) sending a first quality of service (QoS) request message to an access point (AP) indicating a requested QoS for a traffic stream from the AP to the STA; the AP receiving the first QoS request message from the STA and sending a first traffic stream applied with the requested QoS to the STA when the requested QoS matches with an existing QoS policy for the STA in the AP or there is no existing QoS policy for the STA in the AP, and the STA receiving the first traffic stream applied with the requested QoS from AP.