WLAN TXOP Sharing for Low-Latency Uplink Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN systems face challenges in quickly transmitting data with low latency, particularly during data reception from another WLAN terminal.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are introduced to enable request-based low latency communication by allowing a WLAN terminal to share a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) with another terminal, utilizing frames to request and negotiate the sharing of a TXOP, thereby facilitating rapid data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a WLAN terminal performs standard channel access procedures to transmit data, then transmission reliability is maintained, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the receiving terminal pre-allocate a TXOP (Transmission Opportunity) before the transmitting terminal needs to send data. The receiving terminal identifies upcoming data transmissions and reserves channel access time in advance, allowing the transmitting terminal to send data immediately without performing standard channel access procedures, thus reducing latency while maintaining reliability through pre-coordinated channel access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the receiving terminal as an intermediary that facilitates fast transmission for other terminals. Instead of each terminal independently accessing the channel, the receiving terminal acts as a mediator that has already secured channel access and can immediately forward or allocate transmission opportunities to terminals with data to send, bypassing the standard channel access contention process.
2Speed
If a WLAN terminal continuously monitors the channel for transmission opportunities, then transmission speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having terminals exchange TXOP allocation information in advance through control frames. Terminals can determine their transmission opportunities beforehand based on received allocation information, allowing them to enter low-power states during periods when they don't need to transmit or receive, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining fast transmission readiness when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for request-based low latency communication in a WLAN system are provided. A method of operating a first device in a WLN system includes receiving downlink data from a second device that is a transmit opportunity (TXOP) holder, transmitting information that requests sharing of the TXOP to the second device, receiving information on a shared TXOP from the second device, and obtaining the shared TXOP, and the shared TXOP is a time segment during which the first device is able to transmit uplink data.