WO2024102573A1 - Attribution de ressources sans fil pour des communications pair à pair - Google Patents

Attribution de ressources sans fil pour des communications pair à pair Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024102573A1
WO2024102573A1 PCT/US2023/077504 US2023077504W WO2024102573A1 WO 2024102573 A1 WO2024102573 A1 WO 2024102573A1 US 2023077504 W US2023077504 W US 2023077504W WO 2024102573 A1 WO2024102573 A1 WO 2024102573A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
peer
wireless
wireless channel
channel
devices
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/077504
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Brian D. Hart
Malcolm M. Smith
Pooya Monajemi
Jerome Henry
Robert E. Barton
Matthew A. Silverman
Original Assignee
Cisco Technology, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/177,020 external-priority patent/US20240155710A1/en
Application filed by Cisco Technology, Inc. filed Critical Cisco Technology, Inc.
Publication of WO2024102573A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024102573A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W92/00—Interfaces specially adapted for wireless communication networks
    • H04W92/16—Interfaces between hierarchically similar devices
    • H04W92/18—Interfaces between hierarchically similar devices between terminal devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W72/00—Local resource management
    • H04W72/40—Resource management for direct mode communication, e.g. D2D or sidelink
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W72/00—Local resource management
    • H04W72/50—Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources
    • H04W72/54—Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources based on quality criteria
    • H04W72/542—Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources based on quality criteria using measured or perceived quality
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Definitions

  • Embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to peer-to-peer communications. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to delegated peer-to-peer communications using allocated resources.
  • WLAN wireless local area network
  • P2P peer-to-peer
  • C2C client-to-client
  • This can more generally be viewed as a network allowing one or more other devices to directly communicate with each other without requiring uplink/downlink from the network (e.g., without transmitting data to or receiving data from a wireless access point (AP) that provides the WLAN connectivity).
  • AP wireless access point
  • peer-to-peer support is limited to APs allocating time slots (e.g., TXOPs) and/or resource units (RUs) for peer-to-peer stations (STAs), such as within a multiuser (MU) trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB-PPDU).
  • TXOPs time slots
  • RUs resource units
  • STAs peer-to-peer stations
  • MU multiuser
  • TB-PPDU physical layer protocol data unit
  • Figure 1 depicts an example environment for allocation of resources for peer-to-peer communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 is a flow diagram depicting an example method for facilitating peer-to-peer communication using allocated resources, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a flow diagram depicting an example method for collecting connectivity metrics to allocate resources for peer-to-peer communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 is a flow diagram depicting an example method for allocating resources for clusters of peer-to-peer devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5 is a flow diagram depicting an example method for peer-to-peer resource allocation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 depicts an example computing device configured to perform various aspects of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • One embodiment presented in this disclosure provides a method, including collecting a set connectivity metrics among a set of wireless devices on a plurality of wireless channels in a wireless network; identifying, by a wireless access point (AP), a first wireless channel, of the plurality of wireless channels, to use for peer-to-peer communication based on the set of connectivity metrics; receiving a request, from a peer-to-peer device, for peer-to-peer communications; and indicating the first wireless channel to the peer-to-peer device, wherein the peer-to-peer device uses the first wireless channel for peer-to-peer communications in response to the indication.
  • AP wireless access point
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and techniques for improved peer-to-peer communications via resource allocation.
  • one or more APs may instead coordinate and agree to allocate a subset of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum (e.g., one or more channels) specifically for peer-to- peer traffic so as to minimize interference with the WLAN traffic (e.g., data transmitted to and from the AP(s) from client devices), which may include mission critical infrastructure traffic.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the WLAN system can use one or more techniques, such as Radio Resource Management (RRM), to scan the available spectrum and choose portions of the spectrum (e.g., one or more channels) that is or are suitable or preferable for peer-to-peer use (e.g., for devices to use for peer-to- peer communication) as opposed to AP usage (e.g., for APs to use to transmit or receive data from devices).
  • RRM Radio Resource Management
  • the criteria for connectivity between client devices and APs may be relaxed in order to select channel(s) for peer-to-peer use, as the target connectivity matrix is unknown when the channel is assigned. That is, though an AP may seek to find channels with some minimum connectivity/quality between itself and the client(s), channels that will be used for peer-to-peer use may be subject to relaxed or reduced requirements. For example, using coverage hole detection, APs can seek to identify areas in the WLAN with weak or non-existent signal, and configure channel usage to account for these holes.
  • the planned or existing proxy/companion connectivity matrix may be used as a lower bound on RRM channel selection thresholds, with the assumption that such peer-to-peer devices are “close” to each other.
  • the AP may use additional and/or smaller peer-to-peer transmission power and/or received signal strength indicator (RSSI) target parameters. That is, the AP may determine that a given channel is suitable for peer- to-peer use because it is predicted to satisfy the (relatively lower) power and RSSI target parameters, as compared to such parameters for AP usage.
  • RSSI received signal strength indicator
  • the WLAN system may use feedback from the peer-to-peer device(s) themselves, such as RSSI information (e.g., in a beacon report), in order to identify a suitable channel for peer-to-peer communications.
  • the AP may seek to find a channel that has little or no perceived signal or noise, from the perspective of the peer-to-peer devices, based on the provided beacon report(s).
  • the WLAN system can select one or more channels that are predicted to be suitable or appropriate for peer-to-peer use by using the current channel connectivity for the AP and applying appropriate frequency offset adjustment(s) for a target channel, allowing the AP to predict the peer-to-peer coverage or connectivity of the target channel(s).
  • the AP(s) can use a variety of techniques to advertise or indicate them to peer- to-peer devices. For example, in some embodiments, the AP(s) can use an 802.11v Channel Usage element for advertisement purposes (e.g., indicating that the selected channel(s) have been delegated or allocated for peer-to-peer use), suggesting or instructing that the peer-to-peer device(s) perform their peer-to-peer communications on the specified channel(s). In some embodiments, the 802.11v message can be augmented to include or indicate specific available APs that are capable of supporting peer-to-peer communications (e.g., that respect the allocation of the channel(s) for peer-to-peer use).
  • the peer-to-peer devices are dynamically clustered into coverage areas (e.g., by an AP). Groups of peer-to-peer devices that are all in one area or region may be deemed a cluster, and, in some embodiments, a spectrum hole can be created for that cluster to operate on a channel. That is, an AP may identify a cluster of peer-to-peer devices, and intentionally create a spectrum hole for the cluster (e.g., by refraining from using one or more channel(s) in that region, allowing the peer-to-peer group to use these channel(s)).
  • this approach further uses one or more feedback operations (e.g., indications of latency and/or throughput requirements for the peer- to-peer devices) to the WLAN, which can ensure that clusters are not oversubscribed.
  • the AP(s) can cluster peer-to-peer devices based on a variety of data, such as the RSSI of each peer-to-peer device.
  • the AP(s) can use techniques such as fine timing measurements (FTM) and/or antenna array analysis for rough directionality (e.g., to determine the sector where the peer-to-peer devices are located).
  • FTM fine timing measurements
  • antenna array analysis for rough directionality (e.g., to determine the sector where the peer-to-peer devices are located).
  • the AP can thereby choose a channel to serve the known peer-to-peer devices in a cluster or cell/sector.
  • the peer-to-peer devices themselves find or select a channel to begin peer-to-peer communication.
  • the peer-to-peer devices may scan and select a channel based on information such as neighbor beacons, channel utilization, and the like.
  • the peer-to-peer device may be incentivized to share that channel information and/or neighbor list with the WLAN in order to avoid the network moving a nearby AP onto the selected channel.
  • the peer-to-peer device(s) may indicate, to the AP(s)/WLAN, that they are using (or would like to use) the specific channel for peer-to-peer communications (effectively requesting that the WLAN avoid using the indicated channel).
  • the peer-to-peer device(s) may request the channel for some period of time (e.g., the next minute), and the WLAN/APs can return some form of agreement (e.g., rejecting the request, accept for /V minutes, accept with caveats, and the like).
  • the peer-to-peer devices may undertake various forms of peer-to-peer group scheduling among themselves on the allocated peer-to-peer channel(s) in order to actually perform peer-to-peer communications.
  • Figure 1 depicts an example environment 100 for allocation of resources for peer-to-peer communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • a wireless AP 110 is communicatively coupled with a set of peer-to-peer devices 115A-C.
  • the wireless AP 110 is generally representative of an infrastructure network, such as a WLAN. Though a single AP 110 is depicted for conceptual clarity, in embodiments, there may be any number of APs 110.
  • the AP(s) 110 are used to provide wireless communication via the WLAN. For example, each AP 110 may receive traffic requests from associated devices (e.g., indicating the amount of data to be transmitted, the priority of the flow, and the like). The AP 110 may then allocate available network resources to associated devices, such as by scheduling transmissions into defined timeslots and/or portions of the spectrum.
  • the AP 110 may assign RU(s) or physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) to one or more connected devices, where each connected device uses the scheduled resources to transmit data to the AP 110 (or to receive data from the AP 110).
  • TXOP transmission opportunity
  • PPDUs physical layer protocol data units
  • the scheduled transmissions managed by the AP 110 can include uplink transmissions (e.g., data transmitted from one or more connected devices to the AP 110) and downlink transmissions (e.g., data transmitted from the AP 110 to one or more connected devices).
  • the AP 110 may delegate the scheduling/management of peer-to-peer transmissions (which are transmitted and received directly between peer-to-peer devices 115) to the peer-to- peer devices themselves.
  • the AP 110 may manage/schedule uplink and/or downlink transmissions between itself and the peer-to-peer devices 115A-C (e.g., to enable the peer-to-peer devices 115 to communicate with each other via the WLAN, or to communicate with other devices and systems on the WLAN or beyond the WLAN, such as via the Internet), the AP 110 may refrain from such active scheduling of peer-to-peer communications, delegating or allocating this peer-to- peer scheduling to the devices themselves (or to another device).
  • peer-to-peer devices 115 are present. Some of these devices (e.g., peer-to-peer devices 115A, 115B, and 115C) are communicatively coupled/associated to the AP 110. Some (e.g., peer-to-peer devices 115D, 115E, and 115F) do not have this direct connection.
  • the peer-to-peer device 115B may act as a proxy, companion, or soft AP for the peer-to-peer devices 115D and 115E.
  • the peer-to-peer device 115C acts as a proxy or soft AP for the peer-to-peer device 115F.
  • the peer-to-peer devices 115D, 115E, and 115F may be referred to as “subtended” devices, as discussed above. In this way, the peer-to-peer devices 115D and 115E may access the WLAN indirectly via the peer-to-peer device 115B, and the peer-to- peer device 115F may similarly access the WLAN indirectly via the peer-to-peer device 115C.
  • the subtended peer-to-peer devices 115D, 115E, and 115F may rely on their proxies to provide transmission scheduling, connectivity, and the like.
  • the subtended devices may include communication links to one or more other peer- to-peer devices.
  • the peer-to-peer device 115D may be able to communicate directly with the peer-to-peer device 115E.
  • the subtended devices may use their proxies for all communications.
  • the peer-to-peer device 115D may transmit data to the peer-to-peer device 115E via the peer-to-peer device 115B (e.g., where the peer-to-peer device 115B acts as a soft AP).
  • the peer-to-peer devices 115 higher in the hierarchy may communicate directly with each other.
  • some or all of the subtended peer-to-peer devices 115D-F may additionally include one or more links to the AP 110. That is, one or more of the subtended devices may actually be associated directly to the WLAN, in addition to supporting peer-to-peer communications via their proxy.
  • the AP 110 may determine, select, or identify one or more portion(s) of the RF spectrum to be allocated for peer-to-peer use. That is, portion(s) of the spectrum (e.g., one or more channels) may be allocated or reserved for peer-to-peer use (e.g., for peer-to-peer communications among peer-to-peer devices 115), as opposed to conventional WLAN use (e.g., for communications to and/or from the AP 110).
  • portion(s) of the spectrum e.g., one or more channels
  • peer-to-peer use e.g., for peer-to-peer communications among peer-to-peer devices 115
  • conventional WLAN use e.g., for communications to and/or from the AP 110.
  • the AP 110 selects one or more channels, independently of other devices (e.g., without seeking agreement from other APs in the WLAN). For example, the AP 110 may determine to allocate one or more channels for peer-to-peer use, instructing or suggesting that peer-to-peer devices 115 in the vicinity of the AP 110 (e.g., associated to it or within a defined distance from it) use the indicated channel(s) if they need peer-to-peer communication. In one such embodiment, other APs may similarly select one or more channel(s), which may differ from those selected by the AP 110.
  • the AP 110 may select the peer-to-peer resources in coordination with one or more other devices or systems, such as one or more other APs in the WLAN, in conjunction with the WLAN controller, and the like.
  • the APs may jointly select one or more channels to be used for peer-to- peer communications throughout the coverage area of the network.
  • the AP 110 may select the peer-to-peer resources using a variety of techniques and criteria. For example, the AP 110 may periodically scan one or more channels in the spectrum (e.g., periodically scanning all channels in turn) to collect/evaluate connectivity metrics for each (e.g., noise, interference, signal strength, channel utilization, and the like) for each channel.
  • Such metrics may enable the AP 110 to identify one or more channels that are well-suited for peer-to- peer communications. For example, the AP 110 may select channel(s) that are unused by the AP 110 and/or have low channel utilization, channel(s) that have low noise/interference, channel(s) with high signal strengths (indicating good RF propagation in the environment), and the like. In some embodiments, the AP 110 may receive or request similar information from neighboring APs.
  • the AP 110 may determine that the channel(s) are not well-suited for AP use. For example, the AP 110 may identify a channel that has relatively high noise from the perspective of the AP 110. Although this noise may make the channel sub-optimal for transmissions to and from the AP 110, it may nevertheless be a good channel for peer-to-peer use (e.g., due to the relatively proximity of peer-to-peer devices among each other, which may result in reduced noise to such peer-to-peer transmissions).
  • the AP 110 may additionally or alternatively consider other data, such as via beacon reports from associated devices (e.g., from the peer-to-peer devices 115A-C).
  • the AP 110 may request and/or receive beacon reports from associated devices, where each beacon report includes information such as the detected signals (e.g., probes or broadcasts from one or more APs) and/or signal strengths on one or more channels, perceived noise or interference on the one or more channels, and the like.
  • the AP 110 may be able to select a channel for peer-to-peer usage that has high quality connectivity metrics.
  • the AP 110 may use one or more frequency offset or adjustment techniques to predict the connectivity metrics at the peer-to-peer channel without actually measuring or evaluating the channel directly.
  • the AP 110 may use one or more equations or models for radio propagation.
  • a model may be used that predicts or indicates path loss based on carrier frequency.
  • the AP 110 may predict or infer the path loss (e.g., resulting signal strength) at a second frequency (e.g., for a second channel), which may be within the same band (e.g., within the 2.4GHz band) or in a different band (e.g., predicting the quality of a channel in the 5GHz band based on metrics in the 2.4GHz band).
  • a known path loss e.g., RSSI
  • the AP 110 may predict or infer the path loss (e.g., resulting signal strength) at a second frequency (e.g., for a second channel), which may be within the same band (e.g., within the 2.4GHz band) or in a different band (e.g., predicting the quality of a channel in the 5GHz band based on metrics in the 2.4GHz band).
  • the AP 110 may additionally or alternatively identify (or generate) a cluster or group of peer-to-peer devices 115, and proactively generate or create a spectrum hole for peer-to-peer communications.
  • the AP 110 may identify a set of peer-to-peer devices 115 in an area (e.g., in the coverage area of the AP 110, or within a more granular region).
  • the AP 110 may use RSSI information, FTM techniques, and the like to identify peer-to-peer devices 115 within a defined proximity or distance to each other.
  • the AP 110 may additionally or alternatively identify or create the group based on other information, such as determining that the set of peer-to-peer devices 115 are engaged in (or wish to engage in) peer-to-peer communications (e.g., based on signaling from one or more of the peer-to-peer devices). In an embodiment, the AP 110 may select one or more channels to serve the cluster of peer-to-peer devices 115 based on this grouping and/or location of the group.
  • the AP 110 may monitor connectivity/communication metrics for the group to ensure the group/resources do not become oversubscribed. For example, one or more of the peer-to-peer device(s) 115 in the cluster may provide feedback related to latency and/or throughput requirements (e.g., desired metrics) and/or experience (e.g., the actual metrics for the currently allocated channel). If the AP 110 determines, based on such metrics, that the cluster is oversubscribed (e.g., the allocated channel(s) are insufficient to serve the cluster), the AP 110 may select and allocate additional resources (e.g., one or more additional channels) to the cluster.
  • additional resources e.g., one or more additional channels
  • peer-to-peer devices 115 may request one or more specific resources (e.g., channels) for some period of time. For example, a peer-to-peer device 115 may determine that a specific channel would be well-suited for peer-to- peer use (e.g., based on low utilization, low noise, and the like). In response, the peer-to-peer device 115 may transmit a request to the AP(s) 110 in the WLAN indicating the identified channel(s), and requesting that the APs 110 refrain from using them and/or allocate them to peer-to-peer communication. In some embodiments, such a request can include a specified duration (e.g., for five minutes).
  • a specified duration e.g., for five minutes
  • the AP(s) 110 may take various steps, including accepting the request (e.g., refraining from using the indicated channel(s) for the indicated duration), rejecting the request, proposing/negotiating alternatives (e.g., different channel(s) and/or different duration), and the like.
  • the AP 110 can allocate resources for peer-to-peer communication without actively managing the peer-to-peer communications or devices themselves, allowing the peer-to-peer devices 115 to independently perform peer-to-peer communications without interfering with the WLAN (e.g., independently from the AP 110 managing communications on the WLAN). This can improve the efficiency of the scheduling and peer-to-peer communications, as well as reducing computational burden on the WLAN components (e.g., the AP 110), reducing the potential for interference to WLAN-connected devices, and generally improving the operations of the WLAN and the peer-to-peer devices 115.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 200 for facilitating peer-to-peer communication using allocated resources, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method 200 is performed by a component of a WLAN, such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1 ), a wireless controller (e.g., a WLC), and the like.
  • a component of a WLAN such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1 ), a wireless controller (e.g., a WLC), and the like.
  • the AP collects connectivity metrics for one or more wireless channels (e.g., one or more frequencies or subcarriers) in the environment.
  • the metrics can include a variety of data related to the quality of the RF medium at each frequency, such as the RSSI, noise level, interference, utilization, and the like.
  • the AP may scan each channel in the 2.4 GHz band to determine corresponding connectivity metrics for each.
  • the AP in addition to or instead of scanning each channel, can collect the connectivity metrics using various other techniques, such as via beacon reports from connected devices, via queries transmitted to neighboring AP(s), via frequency offset adjustments to known metrics, and the like.
  • the AP selects one or more channels to designate or allocate for peer-to-peer communication.
  • the AP may select these channel(s) using a variety of techniques and criteria. For example, the AP may select a channel that is not currently used any the AP and/or by neighboring AP(s). In some embodiments, the AP may select a channel that has metrics meeting one or more criteria, such as sufficiently low noise or interference. In at least one embodiment, the AP may select the channel(s) using relatively more relaxed criteria, as compared to when the AP selects a channel for its own use.
  • the AP may use a first threshold level of noise or interference to determine whether a given channel is suitable for its own use (e.g., for uplink or downlink to and from the AP), the AP may use a second relatively lower threshold for determining whether a given channel is suitable for peer-to-peer use (with the assumption that peers are relatively closer together in most deployments).
  • a first threshold level of noise or interference e.g., for uplink or downlink to and from the AP
  • the AP may use a second relatively lower threshold for determining whether a given channel is suitable for peer-to-peer use (with the assumption that peers are relatively closer together in most deployments).
  • the AP selects the channel based on determining that it satisfies one or more peer-to-peer criteria (e.g., satisfying thresholds indicating the channel is suitable for peer-to-peer use) while failing to satisfy one or more AP criteria (e.g., failing to satisfy thresholds indicating the channel is suitable for AP use). That is, the AP may select a channel that is considered insufficient for AP use (e.g., too noisy), and allocate it for peer-to-peer use.
  • one or more peer-to-peer criteria e.g., satisfying thresholds indicating the channel is suitable for peer-to-peer use
  • AP criteria e.g., failing to satisfy thresholds indicating the channel is suitable for AP use
  • the AP is determining to refrain from using the selected channels for at least some period of time (e.g., until the next time the AP scans the channels to evaluate connectivity metrics). That is, the AP is determining to allocate the channel(s) to peer-to-peer use, rather than retaining them for AP/WLAN use.
  • the illustrated example depicts a single AP selecting the channels, in some embodiments, the AP(s) may coordinate their selection of peer-to-peer channels, as discussed above.
  • the AP determines whether a request for peer-to-peer communications has been received (e.g., from a peer-to-peer device).
  • this request may include a request to transmit data via a peer-to-peer link (e.g., a request for a transmission opportunity or airtime for the peer-to-peer communication).
  • this request may include a request to indicate which resources (e.g., channels), if any, are designated for peer-to-peer use.
  • the request corresponds to a channel usage request (e.g., and 802.11v frame), where a non-AP device requests channel usage information (with or without associating to the WLAN) to determine the usage (if any) of each channel.
  • the AP can additionally or alternatively advertise the peer-to-peer allocations (e.g., in beacon frames) without waiting for such requests.
  • the method 200 returns to block 205. In this way, the AP can continue to evaluate the RF medium to select peer-to-peer channels. In some embodiments, the iterative evaluation is performed according to various criteria, such as periodically (e.g., every five minutes), upon occurrence of other events (e.g., connectivity metrics on a given channel changing substantially, or the AP determining to migrate to a different channel), and the like.
  • the method 200 continues to block 220, where the AP determines whether the request indicates a specific channel. That is, the AP can determine whether the request is a generic or agnostic request (e.g., requesting whether any peer-to-peer resources/channels are available or have been allocated, and what these channels are), or a specific request (e.g., requesting whether the device can use a specific/indicated channel for peer-to-peer communication).
  • the method 200 determines that the request does not indicate a specific channel, the method 200 continues to block 235, where the AP indicates the channel(s) it selected in block 210. The method 200 then returns to block 205. If, at block 220, the AP determines that the request does indicate one or more specific channels, the method 200 continues to block 225.
  • the AP determines whether to accept the request.
  • the AP may determine whether to accept the request based on connectivity metrics for the indicated channel, as discussed above. For example, the AP may determine whether it and/or one or more neighbor APs are using the channel (or plan to use the channel), what the noise and interference metrics are for the channel, and the like.
  • the AP can consider whether to accept based at least in part on this duration. For example, the AP may compare the duration to one or more thresholds, which may be static or may be dynamic (e.g., based on current utilization or traffic on the WLAN).
  • the method 200 determines to decline the request (e.g., because the requested channel is needed or used by the WLAN, and/or the duration is too long), the method 200 continues to block 235, where the AP denies the request and indicates the channels that it selected in block 210. The method 20 then returns to block 205. If, at block 225, the AP determines to accept the request, the method 200 continues to block 230, where the AP indicates its acceptance and refrains from using the indicated channel(s) for the indicated duration. The method 200 then returns to block 205.
  • the AP can allocate resources for peer-to-peer communication based on a variety of metrics, thereby enabling improved peer-to-peer communication, reducing interference with the WLAN, and reducing the computational burden on the AP itself (e.g., by refraining from actively managing the peer-to-peer communications themselves).
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 300 for collecting connectivity metrics to allocate resources for peer-to-peer communication, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method 300 provides additional detail for block 210 of Figure 2.
  • the method 300 is performed by a component of a WLAN, such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1 ), a wireless controller (e.g., a WLC), and the like.
  • AP e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1
  • a wireless controller e.g., a WLC
  • each block of the method 300 may correspond to an optional technique to collect connectivity metrics. That is, each of the blocks may be used alternatively (e.g., independently) or in conjunction with one or more other blocks in order to generate or evaluate connectivity metrics for an environment.
  • the AP selects a channel for evaluation.
  • the AP may select the channel using any suitable criteria or technique (including randomly or pseudo-random ly). Though the illustrated example depicts sequentially selecting and evaluating each channel in turn, in some embodiments, the AP may select/evaluate some or all of the channels in parallel.
  • the AP optionally scans the selected channel to determine connectivity metrics for the channel (e.g., RSSI, noise, interference, utilization, and the like).
  • the AP can optionally evaluate beacon reports indicating the selected channel (e.g., indicating the RSSI of any beacons or probes that connected devices received on the selected channel).
  • the AP optionally predicts the metrics at one or more channels based on the metrics at the selected channel (or predicts the metrics for the selected channel based on metrics from one or more other channels were such metrics are available). That is, as discussed above, the AP may use one or more frequency offset techniques to predict the metrics at the channel. For example, the AP may use a path loss model to predict path loss on a given channel based on a determined path loss on another channel.
  • the AP may never use such frequency offset predictions, depending on the particular implementation. In some embodiments, the AP always uses such techniques when estimating or predicting connectivity metrics. Additionally, in some embodiments, the AP may selectively use frequency offset techniques to predict the connectivity metrics. [0065] For example, in some embodiments, the AP may apply frequency offset prediction techniques only if the respective bands of the two channels differ (e.g., when the measurements are collected for a channel in the 2.4GHz band, and selected/potential peer-to-peer channel is in the 5GHz band).
  • the offset predictions can be used for multiple frequencies (e.g., two frequencies within each band, such as the middle frequencies, lower/outer frequencies, upper/inner frequencies, and the like).
  • the AP selectively uses frequency offset prediction techniques if the respective frequencies differ by more than a defined frequency difference or ratio. For example, the AP may determine whether to use such prediction techniques based on determining whether 10 * log(— ) is greater than 2 dB f2 or less than -2 dB, where and f 2 are the first and second frequencies, respectively. If so, the AP may determine to use frequency offset techniques to better predict the metrics at f 2 .
  • the AP determines whether there is at least one additional channel remaining to be evaluated. If so, the method 300 returns to block 305. If not, the method 300 terminates at block 330.
  • FIG 4 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 400 for allocating resources for clusters of peer-to-peer devices, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method 400 is performed by a component of a WLAN, such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1), a wireless controller (e.g., a WLC), and the like.
  • AP e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1
  • WLC wireless controller
  • the AP identifies (or creates) a cluster of peer-to-peer devices. For example, as discussed above, the AP may detect a group of peer-to- peer devices within a defined area and/or within a defined distance from each other (e.g., using RSSI, FTM, angle of arrival and/or angle of departure measurements, and the like).
  • the AP can create a spectrum hole for the cluster. That is, the AP can determine to allocate one or more portions of the spectrum (e.g., one or more channels) to the cluster, such as by refraining from using the allocated channels entirely, refraining from using the allocated channels when communicating with devices in or near the identified physical area, instructing or requesting that other AP(s) refrain from using the channels entirely and/or within the area, and the like.
  • one or more portions of the spectrum e.g., one or more channels
  • the AP monitors cluster connectivity. For example, as discussed above, the AP may monitor the current throughput, latency, utilization, and the like of the allocated channels in the cluster.
  • the AP determines whether one or more criteria are satisfied based on the connectivity metrics. For example, the AP may determine whether the cluster is oversubscribed. If not, the method 400 returns to block 415 to continue monitoring the cluster.
  • the method 400 continues to block 425, where the AP optionally expands the spectrum hole (e.g., by allocating one or more additional channels to the cluster). The method 400 then returns to block 415 to continue monitoring the cluster.
  • the AP can allocate resources for clusters of peer-to-peer devices based on a variety of metrics, thereby enabling improved peer-to-peer communication, reducing interference with the WLAN, and reducing the computational burden on the AP itself (e.g., by refraining from actively managing the peer-to-peer communications themselves).
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting an example method 500 for peer-to- peer resource allocation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the method 500 is performed by a component of a WLAN, such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1 ), a wireless controller (e.g., a WLC), and the like.
  • a component of a WLAN such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1 ), a wireless controller (e.g., a WLC), and the like.
  • a set connectivity metrics among a set of wireless devices on a plurality of wireless channels in a wireless network is collected.
  • a request is received, from a peer-to-peer device, for peer- to-peer communications.
  • the first wireless channel is indicated to the peer-to-peer device, wherein the peer-to-peer device uses the first wireless channel for peer-to- peer communications in response to the indication.
  • Figure 6 depicts an example computing device 600 configured to perform various aspects of the present disclosure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Although depicted as a physical device, in embodiments, the computing device 600 may be implemented using virtual device(s), and/or across a number of devices (e.g., in a cloud environment). In one embodiment, the computing device 600 corresponds to a WLAN component, such as an AP (e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1).
  • AP e.g., AP 110 of Figure 1
  • the computing device 600 includes a CPU 605, memory 610, storage 615, a network interface 625, and one or more I/O interfaces 620.
  • the CPU 605 retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in memory 610, as well as stores and retrieves application data residing in storage 615.
  • the CPU 605 is generally representative of a single CPU and/or GPU, multiple CPUs and/or GPUs, a single CPU and/or GPU having multiple processing cores, and the like.
  • the memory 610 is generally included to be representative of a random access memory.
  • Storage 615 may be any combination of disk drives, flash-based storage devices, and the like, and may include fixed and/or removable storage devices, such as fixed disk drives, removable memory cards, caches, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), or storage area networks (SAN).
  • I/O devices 635 are connected via the I/O interface(s) 620.
  • the computing device 600 can be communicatively coupled with one or more other devices and components (e.g., via a network, which may include the Internet, local network(s), and the like).
  • the CPU 605, memory 610, storage 615, network interface(s) 625, and I/O interface(s) 620 are communicatively coupled by one or more buses 630.
  • the memory 610 includes a connectivity component 650 and an allocation component 655, which may perform one or more embodiments discussed above.
  • the connectivity component 650 may be used to collect and/or evaluate connectivity metrics for one or more portions of an RF spectrum, as discussed above. For example, the connectivity component 650 may determine and/or evaluate the RSSI, noise, interference, utilization, and the like at each channel. The connectivity component 650 may do so by scanning each channel, evaluating beacon reports, and the like.
  • the allocation component 655 may be used to select and/or allocate portions of the spectrum (e.g., channels) based on the collected metrics, as discussed above. For example, the allocation component 655 may identify channel(s) with metrics that satisfy peer-to-peer criteria and/or do not satisfy AP criteria.
  • the storage 615 includes connectivity metric(s) 670.
  • the connectivity metric(s) 670 generally indicate the current and/or historical metrics for one or more channels in the spectrum. Although depicted as residing in storage 615, the connectivity metrics 670 may be stored in any suitable location, including memory 610.
  • embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
  • Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
  • Computer program code for carrying out operations for embodiments of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.
  • the program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.
  • the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • Internet Service Provider for example, AT&T, MCI, Sprint, EarthLink, MSN, GTE, etc.
  • These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the block(s) of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams.
  • the computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block(s) of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams.
  • each block in the flowchart illustrations or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).
  • the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des techniques pour des communications pair à pair améliorées. Une métrique de connectivité définie parmi un ensemble de dispositifs sans fil sur une pluralité de canaux sans fil dans un réseau sans fil est collectée, et un canal sans fil de la pluralité de canaux sans fil est identifié, sur la base de l'ensemble de métriques de connectivité, à utiliser pour des communications pair à pair. Une demande est reçue, en provenance d'un dispositif pair à pair, pour des communications pair à pair, et le canal sans fil est indiqué au dispositif pair à pair, le dispositif pair à pair utilisant le premier canal sans fil pour des communications pair à pair en réponse à l'indication.
PCT/US2023/077504 2022-11-08 2023-10-23 Attribution de ressources sans fil pour des communications pair à pair WO2024102573A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263382825P 2022-11-08 2022-11-08
US63/382,825 2022-11-08
US18/177,020 2023-03-01
US18/177,020 US20240155710A1 (en) 2022-11-08 2023-03-01 Allocating wireless resources for peer-to-peer communications

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024102573A1 true WO2024102573A1 (fr) 2024-05-16

Family

ID=88874629

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2023/077504 WO2024102573A1 (fr) 2022-11-08 2023-10-23 Attribution de ressources sans fil pour des communications pair à pair

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024102573A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060165035A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-07-27 Interdigital Technology Corporation Peer-to-peer wireless communication system
US20070104138A1 (en) * 2005-11-03 2007-05-10 Interdigital Technology Corporation Method and system for performing peer-to-peer communication between stations within a basic service set
US20080019324A1 (en) * 2006-07-13 2008-01-24 Nec Communication Systems, Ltd. Interference prediction apparatus, interference prediction method, and interference prediction program in computer-readable medium

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060165035A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-07-27 Interdigital Technology Corporation Peer-to-peer wireless communication system
US20070104138A1 (en) * 2005-11-03 2007-05-10 Interdigital Technology Corporation Method and system for performing peer-to-peer communication between stations within a basic service set
US20080019324A1 (en) * 2006-07-13 2008-01-24 Nec Communication Systems, Ltd. Interference prediction apparatus, interference prediction method, and interference prediction program in computer-readable medium

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6402162B2 (ja) マルチ搬送波通信システムにおける適時的な無線リソース割り付けのための方法及び装置
US10568104B2 (en) System and method for heterogenous spectrum sharing between commercial cellular operators and legacy incumbent users in wireless networks
JP5104769B2 (ja) 通信システム
JP5228884B2 (ja) 通信システム
JP5925895B2 (ja) ワイヤレス通信システムにおける、オペレータ間スペクトル共有制御、オペレータ間干渉コーディネーション方法、及び無線リソーススケジューリング
EP2630729B1 (fr) Procédés et appareil pour réseau auto-organisé à coordination de brouillage entre cellules
RU2598530C1 (ru) Устройство и способ управления беспроводными ресурсами передачи данных
CN107710833A (zh) 异构网络中的毫米波小小区中的波束检测、波束跟踪和随机接入
US20050195968A1 (en) Systems and methods for network channel characteristic measurement and network management
CN109923920A (zh) 用于资源管理装置、数据库和对象的电子设备和方法
US9668141B2 (en) Systems and methods for clustering optimization to help resolve boundary problems in communication systems
CN111543110A (zh) 多ap环境中的经协调的频率使用
JP5815137B2 (ja) チャネル品質インジケータを受信するための方法、基地局、および集積回路
US20240155710A1 (en) Allocating wireless resources for peer-to-peer communications
WO2024102573A1 (fr) Attribution de ressources sans fil pour des communications pair à pair
US11510191B2 (en) Decentralized radio resource allocation using a distributed cache
CN103987079A (zh) 一种邻区干扰确定方法及装置
US11412502B2 (en) Cooperative sounding based on coherent subcarrier assignments
US20240291590A1 (en) Dynamic interference response in wireless local area networks
US20240155665A1 (en) Delegated peer-to-peer scheduling on allocated channels
US20210191772A1 (en) Adaptable hierarchical scheduling
US20240163939A1 (en) Peer grouping for multi-link operations
KR20180099332A (ko) 이동 통신 시스템에서 캐리어를 선택하기 위한 방법 및 장치
EP3656152B1 (fr) Attribution de ressources de transport
WO2023212313A1 (fr) Coordination de réutilisation de ressources temps-fréquence partielle pour atténuation de brouillage dans des réseaux radio à réutilisation de fréquence

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23809867

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1