WLAN Station Simultaneous Infrastructure Ad Hoc Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks cannot enable simultaneous communication on both infrastructure and ad hoc networks without manual configuration changes, limiting the versatility and efficiency of wireless communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing medium access protocols such as DCF, EDCA, and HCCA to allow WLAN stations to communicate directly with each other and an AP, regardless of association, while adhering to IEEE 802.11 standards, enabling concurrent wireless networking on both infrastructure and ad hoc networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a station communicates with an AP in an infrastructure network, then it cannot simultaneously communicate with another station in an ad hoc network without manual configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines infrastructure network communication and ad hoc network communication into a single unified system. The station is capable of simultaneously participating in both types of networks without requiring manual configuration changes, merging two previously separate communication modes into one integrated capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The station is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both infrastructure network mode (communicating with AP) and ad hoc network mode (communicating with peer stations) simultaneously. This universal design eliminates the need for manual configuration changes and allows the station to adapt to different communication scenarios automatically.
2Productivity
If a station uses DCF to gain medium access, then it can transmit to AP or peer station, but only one frame at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the medium access mechanism. When using EDCA or HCCA, the station can dynamically switch between transmitting to AP, peer station, or both alternately within a single TXOP, rather than being statically limited to one recipient. This dynamic capability improves transmission efficiency by utilizing the medium more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the station to transmit multiple frames within a single TXOP obtained through EDCA or HCCA. Instead of requiring separate medium access procedures for each frame or recipient, the station can maintain continuous transmission to AP, peer station, or both alternately, maximizing the utilization of the obtained transmission opportunity.
3Reliability
If separate procedures are used for medium access in infrastructure and ad hoc networks, then protocol compliance is maintained, but communication efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate medium access procedures for infrastructure and ad hoc networks into a unified approach. By combining these procedures, the system maintains protocol compliance (as both IEEE 802.11 standards are supported) while significantly improving communication efficiency, allowing simultaneous participation in both network types without requiring separate access procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal medium access mechanism that works for both infrastructure network communication (with AP) and ad hoc network communication (with peer stations). This multi-functional approach allows the station to comply with both IEEE 802.11 infrastructure and ad hoc protocols simultaneously while achieving higher communication efficiency through coordinated access.
Data Source
AI summary
Maintaining a simultaneous communication between a first wireless station and both an access point and a second wireless station includes the first wireless station gaining an instance of medium access by using applicable medium access protocols. Once the first wireless station gains an instance of medium access, it transmits frames to the access point on an infrastructure network and to the second wireless station on the same infrastructure network or an ad hoc network.