WLAN Resource Unit Allocation via Utility Function Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource allocation mechanisms in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are inefficient in maximizing bandwidth utilization, particularly when a large number of client stations share a transmission channel with a low-cost access point, as they fail to effectively determine the optimal time-frequency bandwidth allocation and transmit power for each user.
Innovation Solution
A method where the access point estimates channel quality indicators and obtains queue information for each client station, computes a utility function based on these factors, and allocates resource units to the client station with the highest utility value, using a rate adaptation table to adjust transmission rates and incorporating channel and queue awareness for efficient resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing resource allocation mechanisms are used in WLANs with a large number of client stations, then the system can operate with simple allocation rules, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates and fails to maximize system-level efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the access point pre-estimate channel quality indicators for all client stations before resource allocation occurs. This advance assessment of channel conditions enables the system to make informed allocation decisions that maximize bandwidth utilization, rather than using simple or reactive allocation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by dynamically computing utility functions that combine channel quality indicators with queue information. This parameter-based approach allows the system to adapt resource allocation to varying channel conditions and traffic demands, transforming static allocation into dynamic optimization that improves bandwidth utilization efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If channel quality estimation and queue information are collected for all client stations, then resource allocation accuracy improves, but computational complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the access point to perform multiple functions: it estimates channel quality indicators, obtains queue information, computes utility functions, and makes allocation decisions all within a single centralized controller. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity in the access point rather than distributing it across multiple client stations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If utility function computation is performed for each resource unit allocation, then allocation optimality improves, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by computing utility functions selectively for resource unit allocation decisions rather than continuously or excessively. The system computes channel quality indicators and utility functions only when needed for allocation decisions, balancing optimization requirements with processing time constraints through targeted computation rather than exhaustive calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for allocating a plurality of resource units among a plurality of client stations in a wireless local area network is disclosed herein. An access point (AP) estimates a channel quality indicator for each of the respective channels between the AP and the plurality of client stations, obtains queue information corresponding to each of the plurality of client stations, and computes a utility function for each of the plurality of client stations based on the channel quality indicator and the obtained queue information. The AP then allocates each resource unit to a client station of the plurality of client stations having a highest value output by the respective utility function.