Wireless communication protection method and system

Abstract

A wireless communication protection method includes: a first device receiving a transmission request from a third device; after recognizing that the transmission request represents a transmission request, the first device arbitrates the coexistence of the first network and the third network at least according to the access priority order of the first network and the third network; when the third device is authorized to communicate with the fourth device through the third network, the first device sends a protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device; and after communication from the second device to the first device is disabled, the first device sends an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device to enable the third device to communicate with the fourth device through the third network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for the coexistence of multiple wireless communication networks, and in particular, to a wireless communication protection method and system capable of reducing coexistence interference for coexisting networks. Prior Art

[0002] The rapid development of wireless communication technology has led to a proliferation of standard protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Thread. However, some of these technologies operate in the same frequency band (such as 2.4 GHz), creating the possibility of interference and performance degradation.

[0003] Traditional systems usually lack strong mechanisms to prevent such interference. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a wireless communication protection method to mitigate interference. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following overview is provided to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious technologies described herein. Selected embodiments are further described in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a wireless communication protection method, comprising: a first device receiving a transmission request from a third device, wherein the first device and the third device are connected via a wired interface, the first device is configured to communicate with a second device via a first network, and the third device is configured to communicate with a fourth device via a third network; after recognizing that the transmission request represents a sending request, the first device arbitrates the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network based on at least the access priority of the first network and the third network; when the third device is authorized to communicate with the fourth device via the third network, the first device sends a protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device; after communication from the second device to the first device is disabled, the first device sends an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device to enable the third device to communicate with the fourth device via the third network.

[0006] In some embodiments, the transmission request includes a first request status signal and a first request type signal, wherein the first request status signal indicates whether the transmission request is in an activated state, and the first request type signal indicates whether the transmission request is a sending type or a receiving type for communicating with a fourth device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first network is a Wi-Fi network, the third network is a Thread network, the first device supports the first network and the second network, the first device and the third device communicate via a wired interface, the second network is different from the first network and the third network, and the method further includes: the first device obtaining access priority of the first network, the second network, and the third network.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first device sending the protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device includes: when the first device does not support the Neighbor Awareness Network function (Non-NAN), the first device sending an empty packet carrying a power management (PM) field to the second device to disable communication from the second device to the first device; wherein, when the PM field corresponds to a first flag, it indicates that the second device should temporarily stop transmitting to the first device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first device sending the protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device includes: when the first device supports the Neighbor Awareness Network function NAN, the first device periodically sends CTS-to-self packets within a time interval to disable communication from the second device to the first device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after the third device receives the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, the third device sends a data packet to the fourth device via the third network; after sending the data packet, the third device receives a confirmation signal from the fourth device; and, after the third device receives the confirmation signal, the third device sends a second transmission request to the first device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first device sending an authorization signal indicating an unauthorized state to the third device to prevent the third device from communicating with the fourth device through the third network; and, after sending the authorization signal indicating the unauthorized state, enabling communication between the second device and the first device through the first network.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after the third device receives the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, sending the data packet to the fourth device via the third network; when the second network supported by the first device is activated, the first device disabling communication between the third device and the fourth device; and, after the second network of the first device enters an idle state, the third device resending the data packet to the fourth device via the third network.

[0013] In some embodiments, the access priority of the third network is lower than that of the first network and the second network, the first network is a Wi-Fi network, and the second network is a Bluetooth BT network.

[0014] In some embodiments, the third network has the lowest access priority, and the first device arbitrating the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network includes: the first device delaying the arbitration of the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network until all other networks of the first device enter an idle state.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless communication protection system, wherein the wireless communication protection system includes a first device and a third device connected to the first device via a wired interface, the first device being configured to communicate with a second device via a first network, and the third device being configured to communicate with a fourth device via a third network; wherein the first device is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a transmission request from the third device; after recognizing that the transmission request represents a transmission request, arbitrate the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network based on at least the access priority of the first network and the third network; when the third device is authorized to communicate with the fourth device via the third network, send a protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device; and, after communication from the second device to the first device is disabled, send an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device to enable the third device to communicate with the fourth device via the third network.

[0016] In some embodiments, the transmission request includes a first request status signal and a first request type signal, wherein the first request status signal indicates whether the transmission request is in an activated state, and the first request type signal indicates whether the transmission request is a sending type or a receiving type for communicating with a fourth device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first network is a Wi-Fi network, the third network is a Thread network, the first device supports the first network and the second network, the first device and the third device communicate through the wired interface, the second network is different from the first network and the third network, and the first device is further configured to: obtain access priority of the first network, the second network, and the third network.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first device is further configured to: when the Neighbor Awareness Network (Non-NAN) function is not supported, send an empty packet carrying a power management (PM) field to the second device to disable communication from the second device to the first device; wherein, when the PM field corresponds to a first flag, it indicates that the second device should temporarily stop transmitting to the first device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first device is further configured to: when the first device supports Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) function, periodically send CTS-to-self packets within a time interval to disable communication from the second device to the first device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the third device is further configured to: after receiving the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, send a data packet to the fourth device via the third network; after sending the data packet, receive a confirmation signal from the fourth device; and after receiving the confirmation signal, send a second transmission request to the first device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first device is further configured to: send an authorization signal indicating an unauthorized state to the third device to prevent the third device from communicating with the fourth device via the third network; and after sending the authorization signal indicating the unauthorized state, enable communication between the second device and the first device via the first network.

[0022] In some embodiments, the third device is further configured to: send a data packet to the fourth device via the third network after receiving the authorization signal indicating the authorization status; disable communication between the third device and the fourth device when the second network supported by the first device is activated; and resend the data packet to the fourth device after the second network of the first device enters an idle state.

[0023] In some embodiments, the access priority of the third network is lower than that of the first network and the second network, the first network is a Wi-Fi network, and the second network is a Bluetooth BT network.

[0024] In some embodiments, the third network has the lowest access priority, and the first device is further configured to: after the transmission request is identified as the send request, postpone arbitration for coexistence of at least the first network and the third network until all other networks of the first device enter an idle state.

[0025] The present invention can effectively manage the coexistence between at least two networks, reduce coexistence interference, and improve network performance.

[0026] This disclosure is provided by way of example and is not intended to limit the present invention. Additional embodiments and advantages are described in the detailed description below. The present invention is defined by the scope of the claims. Simple diagram description

[0027] The accompanying drawings (in which like numbers represent like components) illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as some components may be shown out of scale with actual dimensions to clearly illustrate the concepts of the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system in the first mode. FIG3 shows the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system in the second mode. FIG4 shows the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system in the third mode. FIG5 shows the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system in the fourth mode. FIG6 shows the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system in the fifth mode. FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of the wireless communication protection method executed by the wireless communication protection system in FIG. 1 . In the following detailed description, for illustrative purposes, many specific details are set forth to enable those skilled in the art to more thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present invention. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details, and that different embodiments or different features disclosed in different embodiments may be combined as needed, and the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Implementation Method

[0028] The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical features of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Certain terms are used throughout this specification and claims to refer to specific components. A person skilled in the art will understand that manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in their functionality. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims. The terms "including" and "comprising" used in the following description and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to..." Furthermore, the term "coupled" refers to either an indirect or direct electrical connection. Therefore, when a device is described as being coupled to another device, this means that the device may be directly electrically connected to the other device or indirectly electrically connected to the other device through other devices or connections.

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication protection system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Wireless communication protection system 100 is designed to mitigate interference and ensure efficient communication between different wireless technologies (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread) coexisting in the same device. The motivation behind wireless communication protection system 100 is to create a robust mechanism to prevent interference, especially for technologies like Thread that are susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi communications. Wireless communication protection system 100 incorporates a coexistence arbitration process that prioritizes different wireless technologies based on their access priority, ensuring efficient allocation of wireless transmissions / air time. This arbitration process helps resolve conflicts and improve overall system performance by effectively managing interference and prioritizing communication needs.

[0030] In Figure 1, a wireless communication protection system 100 includes a first device 10 and a third device 30, and optionally, a second device 20 and a fourth device 40. The first device 10 can be a combination chip / module supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) functions, or a device (such as a communication device 50) containing such a combination chip / module. The first device 10 can communicate with the second device 20 via a Wi-Fi network (as an example of a first network). The first device 10 includes an arbitration module 10a, a Wi-Fi module 10b, and a BT module 10c. Arbitration module 10a, also known as a Packet Traffic Arbitration (PTA) module, is configured to perform coexistence arbitration (ARB). Specifically, the arbitration module 10a is configured to examine the transmission request and the priority of each relevant network, and determine which network (e.g., Wi-Fi, BT, or Thread network, for example, BT network can be used as an example of a second network) can perform data transmission and reception. In this embodiment, the third device 30 uses the Thread network communication protocol and is configured to communicate with the fourth device 40 over the Thread network (as an example of a third network). For example, when the third device 30 needs to transmit or receive data over the Thread network, it sends a transmission request to the first device 10. (The transmission request can indicate a transmission request, a reception request, or an idle state. In this embodiment, the transmission request is implemented using the request status signal REQ_S and the request type signal REQ_T. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, similar functionality can be implemented using at least two bits of a specific signal.) The request status signal REQ_S indicates whether the transmission request is in an activation state, while the request type signal REQ_T indicates the type of the transmission request, for example, a sending / transmitting (TX) type requesting to send / transmit data or a receiving (RX) type requesting to receive data. In one example, the request status signal REQ_S indicating the activation state and the request type signal REQ_T indicating the TX type may together indicate a sending request, meaning that the third device wishes to perform a transmission operation via the third network.In another example, the request state signal REQ_S indicating the active state and the request type signal REQ_T indicating the receive (RX) type can together indicate a receiving request, meaning that the third device wishes to perform a receive operation over the third network. Furthermore, the request state signal REQ_S indicating the idle state indicates that transmission requests are not enabled (i.e., no transmission opportunity is required), regardless of the request type signal REQ_T. The first device 10 then sends a grant signal GS to the third device 30. The grant signal GS indicates whether the third device's request is authorized. Here, the grant signal GS carries information regarding the authorization status of the third device 30 approved by the first device 10 and is hereinafter referred to as the grant signal GS indicating the authorized or unauthorized status. The Wi-Fi module 10b is connected to the arbitration module 10a and is configured to perform Wi-Fi communications based on the Wi-Fi request signal W_REQ and the Wi-Fi grant signal W_GS. The BT module 10c is connected to the arbitration module 10a and is configured to perform BT communications based on the BT request signal BT_REQ and the BT grant signal BT_GS.

[0031] The second device 20 is used to communicate with the first device 10 via the first network Net1 (hereinafter referred to as the first (Wi-Fi) network Net1). The second device 20 includes a transceiver 20a, a processor 20b connected to the transceiver 20a, and a memory 20c connected to the processor 20b. The transceiver 20a transmits and receives radio frequency signals via the first (Wi-Fi) network Net1, thereby achieving wireless communication. The processor 20b is configured to execute instructions and control the overall operation of the second device 20. The memory 20c stores data and instructions required for the operation of the second device 20, such as operating system information, network communication protocols, and any dedicated software. The second device 20 can be an access point (AP) in the first (Wi-Fi) network Net1.

[0032] The third device 30 is connected to the first device 10 via a predefined wired interface (such as the three-wire interface illustrated in this embodiment, but not limited thereto; for example, a two-wire interface is also possible). The third device 30 includes a transceiver 30a, a processor 30b connected to the transceiver 30a, and a memory 30c connected to the processor 30b. The transceiver 30a transmits and receives radio frequency signals (such as transmit signal TX_D and receive signal RX_D) via a third network Net3 (hereinafter referred to as the third (Thread) network Net3), thereby achieving wireless communication. The processor 30b is configured to execute instructions and control the overall operation of the third device 30. The memory 30c stores data and instructions required for the operation of the third device 30. In this embodiment, the third device 30 can be a wireless chip operating based on the Thread network communication protocol. The Thread network communication protocol is different from the Bluetooth protocol and Wi-Fi protocol, but they all operate in the same frequency band (such as 2.4 GHz). The third device 30 is used to communicate with the fourth device 40 via the third (Thread) network Net3. When the third device 30 needs to send or receive data via the third (Thread) network Net3, it sends a request status signal REQ_S and a request type signal REQ_T to the first device 10. Furthermore, the third device 30 and the first device 10 can be integrated into a communication device 50, enabling the communication device 50 to support Wi-Fi / BT and Thread functions. In this embodiment, the wireless communication protection system 100 includes at least the first device 10 and the third device 30, which can be integrated into the communication device 50. It should be noted that the examples of various networks in the embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0033] The fourth device 40 is configured to communicate with the third device 30 via the third (Thread) network Net3. The fourth device 40 includes a transceiver 40a, a processor 40b connected to the transceiver 40a, and a memory 40c connected to the processor 40b. Similarly, the transceiver 40a transmits and receives radio frequency signals via the third (Thread) network Net3, thereby achieving wireless communication. The processor 40b is configured to execute instructions and control the overall operation of the fourth device 40. The memory 40c stores data and instructions required for the operation of the fourth device 40.

[0034] In the wireless communication protection system 100, when a third device 30 desires to communicate with a fourth device 40 via the third (Thread) network Net3, the first device 10 receives a request status signal REQ_S and a request type signal REQ_T from the third device 30. After the first device 10 recognizes that the first request status signal REQ_S and the first request type signal REQ_T jointly indicate a transmission request, the first device 10 arbitrates the coexistence of at least the first (Wi-Fi) network Net1 and the third (Thread) network Net3 based on at least their access priority. When the third device 30 is authorized to communicate with the fourth device 40 via the third (Thread) network Net3, the first device 10 transmits a protection signal via the first network Net1 (i.e., the network used for communication between the first device 10 and the second device 20) to disable communication from the second device 20 to the first device 10. After communication from the second device 20 to the first device 10 is disabled, the first device 10 sends an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device 30 to enable the third device 30 to communicate with the fourth device 40 via the third (Thread) network Net3.

[0035] In other words, the wireless communication protection system 100 is designed to facilitate communication between devices (or appliances) using different wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Thread. The wireless communication protection system 100 includes two pairs of devices: a first device 10 and a second device 20, which communicate via a first (Wi-Fi) network, Net1; and a third device 30 and a fourth device 40, which communicate via a third (Thread) network, Net3. For example, the wireless communication protection system 100 can temporarily suspend Wi-Fi communication between the first device 10 and the second device 20, prioritizing communication between the third device 30 and the fourth device 40. This is achieved by the first device 10 sending a specific signal (the aforementioned protection signal) that prompts the second device 20 to temporarily suspend or disable Wi-Fi communication from the second device 20 to the first device 10. Once Thread communication is complete, the first device notifies the second device 20, allowing it to resume Wi-Fi communication. Details of the Wi-Fi protection mechanism are provided below.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system in the first mode. Generally, the first device 10 may also support a second network, but is not limited thereto. The second network is different from the first and third networks. In this embodiment, the second network is a Bluetooth (BT) network. In the first mode, the first device 10 determines the access priority order for Wi-Fi networks, BT networks, and Thread networks. In the first mode shown in Figure 2, the Thread network has the highest priority (for example, the access priority order is: Thread network > BT network > Wi-Fi network, or Thread network > Wi-Fi network > BT network). It will be appreciated that the access priority order can be predetermined or determined based on a combination of factors, such as the type of wireless technology, specific use case, and desired performance characteristics. These access priorities are typically determined during the system design and configuration phase. They are programmed into the device's firmware or software and can be adjusted by the user. In Figure 2, the X-axis represents time. The request status signal REQ_S indicates whether the third device 30 (e.g., a Thread chip) is requesting wireless communication over the Thread network. For example, a request status signal REQ_S = 1 indicates that the third device 30 is requesting access (active state). A request status signal REQ_S = 0 indicates that the third device 30 is not requesting access (idle state). The request type signal REQ_T specifies the type of communication to be performed. For example, a request type signal REQ_T = 1 indicates that the transmission request is for data transmission (TX type). A request type signal REQ_T = 0 indicates that the transmission request is for data reception (RX type). The grant signal GS is sent by the first device 10 (e.g., a Wi-Fi / Bluetooth combination chip) to the third device 30 to indicate whether the transmission request is authorized. For example, a grant signal GS = 0 indicates that the transmission request is authorized, and is referred to as the grant signal GS indicating the authorized state. The third device 30 is permitted to access the Thread network. A grant signal GS = 1 indicates that the transmission request is not authorized, and is referred to as the grant signal GS indicating the unauthorized state. Therefore, the third device 30 must wait when accessing the Thread network.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, at time T1, the third device 30 sends a request status signal REQ_S = 1 (i.e., in the active state) to the first device 10, indicating that a transmission request to send / receive data over the Thread network has been initiated. A request type signal REQ_T = 1 (indicating the TX type) is transmitted from the third device 30 to the first device 10. The grant signal GS is set to "1," indicating a non-granted state, as coexistence arbitration has not yet been completed. At time T2, the request status signal REQ_S remains at "1." The request type signal REQ_T remains at "1." The grant signal GS remains at "1." The first device 10 enters the PTA process to perform coexistence arbitration. The first device 10 examines the request type and priority of the Thread network. Because the Thread network has the highest priority, the first device 10 decides to grant access to the third device 30. At time T3, the request status signal REQ_S remains at "1." The request type signal REQ_T remains at "1." The grant signal GS remains at "1." The first device 10 sends a protection signal over the first network Net1 to disable (or, alternatively, disabling) Wi-Fi communication from the second device 20 to the first device 10 (e.g., entering a protected state). Upon receiving the protection signal, the second device 20 temporarily suspends or disables Wi-Fi communication with the first device 10, thereby preventing the second device 20 from causing airborne interference. It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may utilize two types of protection signals. One type of protection signal is a null packet carrying a power management (PM) field. The other type of protection signal is a clear-to-send (CTS)-to-self packet (also described as a CTS-to-self packet or a self-sent CTS packet). Details will be described later. At time T4, the request status signal REQ_S remains at "1." The request type signal REQ_T remains at "1." The grant signal GS changes from "1" to "0," indicating a change from an unauthorized state to an authorized state. Therefore, the third device 30 is now authorized to communicate with the fourth device 40 via the Thread network. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions of the first device 10 are in an idle state. After receiving the authorization signal GS = 0, indicating the authorization status, the third device 30 sends a data packet to the fourth device 40 via the Thread network. After sending the data packet, at time T5, the request status signal REQ_S remains at "1." The request type signal REQ_T changes from "1" to "0," indicating that the third device 30 has switched to data reception (RX mode). The authorization signal GS remains at "0." The third device 30 can receive an acknowledgment (ACK) signal (i.e., an Ack packet) from the fourth device 40.After the third device 30 receives the confirmation signal, at time T6, the request status signal REQ_S changes from "1" to "0," indicating that the transmission request is no longer active. The request type signal REQ_T remains at "0." The grant signal GS changes from "0" to "1," indicating that the authorized state has changed to the unauthorized state. The first device 10 notifies the third device 30 that it is no longer authorized to access the Thread network. After time T6, the first device 10 can send another empty packet with PM=0 to the second device, causing the second device to leave Wi-Fi Protection. Thus, communication between the first device 10 and the second device 20 can be restored. In other words, at time T6, since the third device 30's TX / RX cycle has completed, the first device 10 can send a grant signal GS=1 to the third device 30, indicating the unauthorized state, to prevent the third device 30 from communicating with the fourth device 40 via the Thread network.

[0038] Briefly, the present invention introduces a four-step process to mitigate interference between coexisting networks. In step 1, a first device 10 receives a transmission request from a third device 30. This transmission request may include two key pieces of information: a request status signal REQ_S and a request type signal REQ_T. In step 2, the first device 10 identifies / samples the request status signal REQ_S and the request type signal REQ_T to determine whether the third device 30 is requesting to transmit (TX type) data or receive (RX type) data. In step 3, after identifying that the request status signal REQ_S and the request type signal REQ_T indicate a transmit request, the first device 10 initiates a coexistence arbitration process. This process involves determining which network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Thread) is granted access to data communications. The coexistence arbitration process takes into account the access priorities of the involved networks. These access priorities are typically pre-programmed into the device's firmware or software (i.e., the access priorities for each network can be predefined), but they can be adjusted by the user. In step 4, the first device 10 sends a grant signal GS to the third device 30, indicating the result of the arbitration process (authorized or unauthorized). This grant signal GS informs the third device 30 whether it has been granted access to the Thread network for data communication. It is important to note that the grant signal GS is set to "authorized" (e.g., GS = 0, indicating authorized) only after the arbitration process is complete and the Wi-Fi protection mechanism is successfully activated. This ensures that the third device 30 can transmit data without interference from Wi-Fi communications.

[0039] As previously mentioned, the protection signal can be a CTS-to-self packet or an empty packet with a PM field. For example, if the first device 10 supports Wi-Fi Neighborhood Aware Networking (NAN) functionality, the first device 10 can activate Wi-Fi protection by periodically sending CTS-to-self packets. This causes the second device 20 to temporarily cease communication with the first device upon receiving the CTS-to-self packets. This involves periodically sending CTS-to-self packets at predetermined intervals, effectively prompting the second device 20 to temporarily cease transmission to the first device 10. This mechanism ensures that the second device 20 remains silent to the first device 10 during Wi-Fi protection. To deactivate or exit Wi-Fi protection, the first device 10 stops sending CTS-to-self packets. Consequently, the second device 20 recognizes the cessation of CTS-to-self packets (i.e., it does not recognize CTS-to-self packets from the first device 10) and resumes communication with the first device 10. This straightforward approach effectively manages Wi-Fi protection in NAN scenarios, ensuring smooth communication and minimizing interference. For another example, if the first device 10 does not support Wi-Fi Non-Neighbor Aware Network (Non-NAN) functionality, the first device 10 can enable Wi-Fi protection by sending an empty packet (or other packet type, such as a control packet) with the PM field set to the "first flag." Upon receiving the empty packet with the "PM = first flag," the second device 20 temporarily suspends transmission (TX) to the first device 10. To exit Wi-Fi protection, the first device 10 sends an empty packet (or other packet type, such as a control packet) with the PM field set to the "second flag" to the second device 20. This allows the second device 20 to resume communication with the first device 10.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system 100 in the second mode. In the second mode, the access priority order for Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth (BT) networks, and Thread networks can be expressed as Wi-Fi networks > Bluetooth (BT) networks > Thread networks. The Thread network has the lowest access priority. The mechanism in Figure 3 is similar to that in Figure 2. The differences between Figure 3 and Figure 2 are as follows. In Figure 3, when both the Bluetooth (BT) network and the Wi-Fi network are idle, the first device 10 initiates arbitration (at time T7) to determine and authorize the use of the Thread network. However, if the Bluetooth (BT) network becomes active while the Thread network is in use (at time T8), the first device 10 temporarily suspends its use of the Thread network because the Thread network has the lowest access priority. In one embodiment, after the arbitration result indicates that the Thread network will be authorized for use, the first device 10 can enable the second device 20 to enter Wi-Fi protected mode (at time T3), for example, by sending an empty packet carrying the PM="first flag" or periodically sending CTS-to-self packets to the second device 20. The first device 10 then sends an authorization signal GS=0 indicating an authorized state to the third device 30 (at time T4), allowing the third device 30 to transmit over the Thread network. During the transmission process of the third device 30, if the Bluetooth (BT) network supported by the first device 10 needs to become active (at time T8), the first device 10 immediately sends an authorization signal GS=1 indicating an unauthorized state to the third device 30, causing the third device 30 to suspend communication. Accordingly, after the Bluetooth (BT) network in the first device 10 becomes idle, the first device 10 can send an authorization signal GS=0 indicating an authorized state to the third device. Therefore, after receiving the authorization signal GS=0 indicating an authorized state, the third device 30 performs reception, such as receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) packet.

[0041] In short, in Figure 3, after receiving the authorization signal GS = 0, indicating the authorization status, the third device 30 transmits a data packet to the fourth device 40 via the Thread network. When the Bluetooth (BT) network supported by the first device 10 is activated, communication between the third device 30 and the fourth device 40 is disabled. After the Bluetooth (BT) network of the first device 10 enters the idle state, the data packet is resent (or an ACK packet is received) via the Thread network.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system 100 in the third mode. In this mode, the access priority order for Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth (BT) networks, and Thread networks can be expressed as Bluetooth (BT) network > Wi-Fi network > Thread network. Therefore, the Thread network has the lowest access priority. The mechanism in Figure 4 is similar to that in Figure 3. The differences between Figures 4 and 3 are as follows. In Figure 4, when the Bluetooth (BT) network becomes active between time points T9 and T10, it is granted access due to its highest priority. Therefore, the Thread network and Wi-Fi network are temporarily suspended. Similarly, the first device 10 initiates arbitration and grants access to the Thread network to the third device 30 only when both the Bluetooth (BT) network and the Wi-Fi network are idle. The wireless communication protection system 100 also enters Wi-Fi protection before sending the authorization signal GS=0 to the third device 30, indicating the authorization status.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system 100 in the fourth mode. In this mode, the access priority order for Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth (BT) networks, and Thread networks is Wi-Fi network > Thread network > Bluetooth (BT) network. Therefore, the Wi-Fi network has the highest access priority. The mechanism in Figure 5 is similar to that in Figure 2. The differences between Figure 5 and Figure 2 are as follows. In Figure 5, because the Wi-Fi network has the highest access priority, the first device 10 begins authorizing the third device 30 to access the Thread network through the PTA process after the Wi-Fi network is idle (at time T7). The first device 10 can first initiate the Wi-Fi protection process and then send an authorization signal GS=0 to the third device 30, indicating the authorization status. Because the Thread network has a higher access priority than the Bluetooth (BT) network, after the third device 30 is authorized to access the Thread network, the Bluetooth (BT) network is suspended.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates the Wi-Fi protection mechanism of the wireless communication protection system 100 in the fifth mode. In this mode, the access priority order for Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth (BT) networks, and Thread networks can be expressed as Bluetooth (BT) network > Thread network > Wi-Fi network. Therefore, the Bluetooth (BT) network has the highest access priority. The mechanism in Figure 6 is similar to that in Figure 4. The differences between Figure 6 and Figure 4 are as follows. In Figure 6, because the Bluetooth (BT) network has the highest access priority, the first device 10 will begin authorizing the third device 30 to access the Thread network through the PTA process after the Bluetooth (BT) network becomes idle (at time T7). The first device 10 can first initiate the Wi-Fi protection process and then send an authorization signal GS=0 to the third device 30, indicating the authorization status. When the Bluetooth (BT) network becomes active between time T9 and T10, it obtains access permission due to its highest priority. Similarly, while the third device 30 is transmitting, if the Bluetooth (BT) network in the first device 10 needs to become active (at time T8), the first device 10 immediately sends an authorization signal GS=1 indicating an unauthorized state to the third device 30, causing it to suspend communication. Accordingly, after the Bluetooth (BT) network in the first device 10 becomes idle, the first device 10 can send an authorization signal GS=0 indicating an authorized state to the third device. Therefore, after receiving the authorization signal GS=0 indicating an authorized state, the third device 30 performs reception, such as receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) packet.

[0045] In the above embodiment, it is understood that when the Thread network has the highest access priority, once the first request state signal REQ_S and the first request type signal REQ_T are identified by the first device 10 (e.g., REQ_S = 1 and REQ_T = 1) as a request to send, the first device 10 can arbitrate for the coexistence of heterogeneous networks (i.e., including multiple different networks). Conversely, when the Thread network has the lowest access priority, the first device 10 delays arbitrating for the coexistence of heterogeneous networks until all other networks of the first device 10 are idle. Furthermore, while the embodiments are described using an example scenario in which Wi-Fi, BT, and Thread coexist (i.e., the same device / system supports communication over all three networks), the present invention is not limited to this example scenario. For example, the present invention is also applicable to scenarios involving only Wi-Fi and Thread (i.e., the same device supports communication over Wi-Fi and Thread networks) or Wi-Fi and ZigBee (i.e., the same device supports communication over Wi-Fi and ZigBee networks). In other words, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to devices or scenarios where Wi-Fi coexists with another network (i.e., Thread, ZigBee, or Z-Wave, which operate in the same frequency band as Wi-Fi). In practice, Wi-Fi and BT are often integrated into a single chip, commonly referred to as a combo chip or multi-mode wireless chip. Such a chip can support both Wi-Fi and BT communication protocols, providing flexible wireless connectivity for devices.

[0046] FIG7 shows a flow chart of a wireless communication protection method performed by wireless communication protection system 100. The wireless communication protection method includes steps S701 to S704. Any technical or hardware modifications fall within the scope of the present invention. Steps S701 to S704 are as follows.

[0047] Step S701: A first device receives a transmission request from a third device, wherein the first device and the third device are connected via a wired interface, the first device is configured to communicate with the second device via a first network, and the third device is configured to communicate with a fourth device via a third network.

[0048] Step S702: After recognizing that the transmission request represents a sending request, the first device arbitrates the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network based on at least the access priority order of the first network and the third network.

[0049] Step S703: When the third device is authorized to communicate with the fourth device via the third network, the first device sends a protection signal (via the first network) to disable communication from the second device to the first device;

[0050] Step S704: After the communication from the second device to the first device is disabled, the first device sends an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device, so as to enable the third device to communicate with the fourth device via the third network.

[0051] The details of steps S701 to S704 have been described above and are omitted here. Wireless communication protection system 100 can reduce / minimize interference between Wi-Fi and Thread communications by temporarily disabling Wi-Fi transmissions when Thread needs to transmit data, thereby preventing data loss and retransmissions. Furthermore, wireless communication protection system 100 allows for prioritization of different wireless technologies based on their access priorities, ensuring that high-priority communications are prioritized, thereby improving efficiency and performance. By effectively managing interference and prioritizing communication needs, the wireless communication protection method optimizes overall system performance, particularly in scenarios where multiple devices need to transmit simultaneously.

[0052] In summary, embodiments of the present invention disclose a wireless communication protection system and method. This wireless communication protection system can effectively reduce the coexistence interference generated by different devices operating under different network communication protocols. For example, by introducing a mechanism to temporarily disable Wi-Fi transmissions from Wi-Fi devices, interference from Wi-Fi devices can be reduced or avoided. Consequently, this wireless communication protection system improves the overall performance and efficiency of wireless communications in multi-network environments.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications and variations can be made to the apparatus and method while retaining the teachings of the present invention. Therefore, the above disclosure should be construed as being limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

[0054] The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in the claims to modify claim elements does not, in itself, indicate any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element relative to another, or the temporal order of performing method actions, but serves solely as a marker to distinguish one claim element from another with the same name using ordinal numbers.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention and the scope defined by the claims. For example, new embodiments may be derived by combining parts of different embodiments. The described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention in all respects. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. Persons skilled in the art will make modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] 100: Wireless communication protection system 10: First Device 20: Second Device 30: The Third Device 40: The Fourth Device 50: Communication equipment 10a: Arbitration Module 10b: Wi-Fi module 10c: BT module 20a, 30a, 40a: transceiver 20b, 30b, 40b: processor 20c, 30c, 40c: Memory Net1: First Network Net3: Third Network S701, S702, S703, S704: Steps

Claims

1. A method for protecting wireless communication, comprising: A first device receives a transmission request from a third device, wherein the first device and the third device are connected via a wired interface, the first device is configured to communicate with a second device via a first network, and the third device is configured to communicate with a fourth device via a third network; after recognizing that the transmission request indicates a send request, the first device arbitrates the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network according to the access priority order of the first network and the third network; when the third device is authorized to communicate with the fourth device via the third network, the first device sends a protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device; after communication from the second device to the first device is disabled, the first device sends an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device to enable the third device to communicate with the fourth device via the third network; wherein the transmission request includes a first request status signal and a first request type signal, the first request status signal indicating whether the transmission request is in an initiated state, and the first request type signal indicating whether the transmission request is a send type or a receive type for communication with the fourth device.

2. The method as described in request item 1, wherein, The first network is a Wi-Fi network, the third network is a Thread network, the first device supports the first network and the second network, the first device and the third device communicate via a wired interface, the second network is different from the first network and the third network, and the method further includes: the first device obtaining the access priority order of the first network, the second network and the third network.

3. The method as described in request item 1, wherein, The first device sending the protection signal to disable communication between the second device and the first device includes: when the first device does not support the Non-NAN neighborhood sensing network function, the first device sends an empty packet carrying a power management PM field to the second device to disable communication between the second device and the first device; wherein, when the PM field corresponds to a first flag, it indicates that the second device should temporarily stop transmitting to the first device.

4. The method as described in request item 1, wherein, The first device sending the protection signal to disable communication between the second device and the first device includes: when the first device supports the Neighborhood Aware Network Function (NAN), the first device periodically sends CTS-to-self packets at time intervals to disable communication between the second device and the first device.

5. The method as described in request item 1, wherein, The method further includes: after the third device receives the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, the third device sends a data packet to the fourth device through the third network; after sending the data packet, the third device receives an acknowledgment signal from the fourth device; and after the third device receives the acknowledgment signal, the third device sends a second transmission request to the first device.

6. The method as described in claim 5, wherein, The method further includes: the first device sending an authorization signal indicating an unauthorized state to the third device to prevent the third device from communicating with the fourth device through the third network; and, after sending the authorization signal indicating the unauthorized state, enabling communication between the second device and the first device through the first network.

7. The method as described in request item 1, wherein, The method further includes: after receiving the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, the third device sends a data packet to the fourth device through the third network; when the second network supported by the first device is activated, the first device disables communication between the third device and the fourth device; and after the second network of the first device enters an idle state, the third device resends the data packet to the fourth device through the third network.

8. The method as described in request item 7, wherein, The third network has lower access priority than the first and second networks, the first network being a Wi-Fi network and the second network being a Bluetooth BT network.

9. The method as described in request item 1, wherein, The third network has the lowest access priority, and the arbitration of the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network by the first device includes: the first device delays the arbitration of the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network until all other networks of the first device become idle.

10. A wireless communication protection system, wherein, The wireless communication protection system includes a first device and a third device connected to the first device via a wired interface. The first device is configured to communicate with a second device via a first network, and the third device is configured to communicate with a fourth device via a third network. The first device is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a transmission request from the third device; after recognizing that the transmission request indicates a transmission request, arbitrate the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network according to their access priority; when the third device is authorized to communicate with the fourth device via the third network, send a protection signal to disable communication from the second device to the first device; and after communication from the second device to the first device is disabled, send an authorization signal indicating an authorization status to the third device to enable communication from the third device to the fourth device via the third network. The transmission request includes a first request status signal and a first request type signal. The first request status signal indicates whether the transmission request is in an initiated state, and the first request type signal indicates whether the transmission request is a sending type or a receiving type for communicating with the fourth device.

11. The system as described in claim 10, wherein, The first network is a Wi-Fi network, the third network is a Thread network, the first device supports the first network and the second network, the first device and the third device communicate through the wired interface, the second network is different from the first network and the third network, and the first device is also configured to: obtain the access priority order of the first network, the second network and the third network.

12. The system as described in claim 10, wherein, The first device is also configured to send an empty packet carrying a power management PM field to the second device when the neighborhood sensing network function (Non-NAN) is not supported, so as to disable communication from the second device to the first device; wherein, when the PM field corresponds to a first flag, it indicates that the second device should temporarily stop transmitting to the first device.

13. The system as described in claim 10, wherein, The first device is also configured to periodically send CTS-to-self packets at time intervals when the first device supports the Neighborhood Aware Network Function (NAN) to disable communication between the second device and the first device.

14. The system as described in claim 10, wherein, The third device is further configured to: upon receiving the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, send a data packet to the fourth device via the third network; after sending the data packet, receive an acknowledgment signal from the fourth device; and upon receiving the acknowledgment signal, send a second transmission request to the first device.

15. The system as described in claim 14, wherein, The first device is further configured to: send an authorization signal indicating an unauthorized state to the third device to prevent the third device from communicating with the fourth device through the third network; and after sending the authorization signal indicating the unauthorized state, enable communication between the second device and the first device through the first network.

16. The system as described in claim 10, wherein, The third device is also configured to: upon receiving the authorization signal indicating the authorization status, send a data packet to the fourth device via the third network; disable communication between the third device and the fourth device when the second network supported by the first device is activated; and resend the data packet to the fourth device after the second network of the first device enters an idle state.

17. The system as described in claim 16, wherein, The access priority of the third network is lower than that of the first network and the second network, the first network being a Wi-Fi network and the second network being a Bluetooth BT network.

18. The system as described in claim 10, wherein, The third network has the lowest access priority, and the first device is also configured to: postpone arbitration of the coexistence of at least the first network and the third network after the transmission request is identified as the transmission request, until all other networks of the first device enter an idle state.

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