Improving wireless personal area network performance in dense wireless environments

Abstract

Methods and systems for improving wireless personal area network performance in dense wireless environments. The disclosed method includes, among other things, receiving a band congestion alert from a wireless personal area network (WPAN) subsystem of a wireless device, the band congestion alert indicating congestion on a band shared by the WPAN subsystem and a wireless local area network (WLAN) subsystem of the wireless device; and causing the WPAN subsystem to update, in an adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) channel map of the WPAN subsystem, a classification of a first subset of the plurality of WPAN channels within a frequency band associated with a first WLAN channel of the plurality of WLAN channels within a frequency band utilized by the WLAN subsystem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless devices, and more particularly to improving the performance of wireless personal area networks in dense wireless environments. Background Technology

[0002] Multiple wireless devices using different communication protocols can share a common wireless medium. For example, Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) technology, including... (BT), low power consumption (BLE) Infrared and including Wireless local area networks (WLANs) share a common wireless medium within a specific gigahertz (GHz) frequency band. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The various aspects and implementations of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings with reference to the various aspects and implementations of this disclosure. However, these aspects and implementations should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to any particular aspect or implementation, but are intended for explanation and understanding only.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless system according to an implementation of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram of a set of channels for different communication protocols for a shared medium, according to an implementation of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 A dense wireless environment according to an implementation of this disclosure is described.

[0007] Figure 4 A dense wireless environment according to an implementation of this disclosure is described.

[0008] Figure 5 A flowchart is provided illustrating an example method for improving the performance of wireless personal area networks in dense wireless environments, according to an implementation of this disclosure.

[0009] Specific implementation method

[0010] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to improving the performance of wireless personal area networks in dense wireless environments. Coexistence refers to the situation where a WLAN subsystem coexists with another wireless technology (e.g., a WPAN subsystem) in a shared environment (potentially on a single piece of hardware or in close proximity). Due to the coexistence of the WLAN and WPAN subsystems, their corresponding radios may interfere with each other when data is transmitted on the same channel in a frequency band referred to herein as a shared medium (e.g., the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band).

[0011] Typically, Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is implemented on WLAN and WPAN subsystems with controllers featuring low passive isolation to manage coexistence. More specifically, TDM refers to the method of dividing the channel used by both the WLAN and WPAN subsystems into time slots and allocating specific time slots for transmission to each subsystem (e.g., WLAN and WPAN subsystems). This prevents the WLAN and WPAN subsystems from interfering with each other, even if they are operating on the same radio channel. Low passive isolation refers to the amount of isolation between the WLAN and WPAN radios, which allows for more efficient use of the channel.

[0012] In some cases, to further mitigate potential interference, the WLAN subsystem may transmit a CTS-to-Self (CTS-2-Self) frame. The CTS-to-Self frame includes the expiration time of coexisting radio activity (e.g., an impending WPAN subsystem) and indicates to other subsystems (e.g., peer subsystems) that the channel is occupied for the duration of the expiration time. This helps inform peer subsystems that they should not transmit during that time, thereby avoiding collisions.

[0013] The WPAN subsystem employs Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) to manage potential interference between various devices operating within the frequency band. FHSS is a method that rapidly switches WPAN channels within the band according to a hopping sequence to ensure coordinated coexistence by extending transmission across WPAN channels within the band. This minimizes interruptions, allowing the two subsystems to maintain reliable communication without interference. Typically, the hopping sequence is predetermined or pseudo-random. However, predetermined or pseudo-random hopping sequences cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as varying interference levels or channel conditions.

[0014] Typically, the WPAN subsystem employs Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) to dynamically adjust the hopping sequence based on real-time feedback. The AFH-equipped WPAN subsystem continuously monitors the communication quality on each WPAN channel within the frequency band. The WPAN subsystem evaluates each WPAN channel by measuring various parameters such as signal strength, noise level, error rate, and interference from other devices operating nearby. Based on this evaluation, the WPAN subsystem classifies each WPAN channel in the AFH channel map as either "good," indicating low levels of interference (e.g., below a specific interference threshold), or "bad," indicating high levels of interference (e.g., above a specific interference threshold). The AFH channel map is used to dynamically adjust the hopping sequence. Specifically, the WPAN subsystem aims to utilize WPAN channels classified as "good" in the AFH channel map, thereby avoiding WPAN channels classified as "bad."

[0015] Typically, the WPAN subsystem preemptively classifies any WPAN channel with known interference as "defective" in the AFH channel diagram. For example, a WLAN channel utilized by the coexisting WLAN subsystem, referred to as the currently operating WLAN channel, overlaps with one or more WPAN channels in the frequency band. The currently operating WLAN channel operates at its center frequency within a frequency band with a predetermined bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz). In the AFH channel diagram, one or more WPAN channels within (or overlapping with) the frequency range of the band occupied by the currently operating WLAN channel are classified as "defective."

[0016] When the WPAN subsystem operates using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which typically uses a total of 40 WPAN channels within its operating band, approximately 10 WPAN channels are classified as "bad" in the AFH channel diagram due to overlap with the currently operating WLAN channels. In other words, 30 out of the 40 WPAN channels in the AFH channel diagram remain classified as "good." When the WPAN subsystem operates using Classic Bluetooth (often referred to as Bluetooth Basic Rate / Enhanced Data Rate or BR / EDR), which typically uses a total of 79 WPAN channels within its operating band, approximately 20 WPAN channels are classified as "bad" in the AFH channel diagram due to overlap with the currently operating WLAN channels. In other words, 59 out of the 79 WPAN channels in the AFH channel diagram remain classified as "good." This is done to prevent interference from the Basic Service Set (BSS) of the coexisting WLAN subsystems, which may include access points and associated client devices transmitting on the currently operating WLAN channels.

[0017] In some cases, other nearby WLAN devices can operate on various WLAN channels within the frequency band, resulting in a dense environment. A dense environment refers to an area with a high density of wireless devices operating close to each other. This leads to increased interference, congestion, and contention for available communication channels, which can degrade the performance and reliability of the wireless network. The WPAN subsystem classifies WPAN channels overlapping with various WLAN channels occupied by other WLAN devices as "bad" in the AFH channel map based on an evaluation of the remaining WPAN channels, thereby significantly reducing the number of WPAN channels classified as "good" in the AFH channel map. Therefore, the WPAN subsystem is limited by the minimum number of WPAN channels available for channel selection. Consequently, the WPAN subsystem suffers from interference, increased retransmissions, performance degradation, and higher power consumption.

[0018] The aspects and embodiments of this disclosure address these and other limitations of the prior art by enabling the WPAN subsystem to update its AFH channel map based on the operating WLAN channels of the WLAN subsystem. For example, the WPAN subsystem may indicate to the WLAN subsystem that the WPAN subsystem is experiencing congestion in a frequency band. In response, the WLAN subsystem provides the WPAN subsystem with an indication of a frequency range corresponding to the WLAN channel in which the WLAN subsystem is operating. Based on the frequency range, the WPAN subsystem determines the WPAN channels within the frequency range provided by the WLAN subsystem. The WPAN subsystem determines whether the WPAN channels are classified as "good" in the AFH channel map. If not, the WPAN subsystem classifies the WPAN channels as "good" in the AFH channel map. Therefore, the AFH channel map can be updated to include the WPAN channels associated with the operating WLAN channels, enabling the WPAN subsystem to operate on the WPAN channels associated with the operating WLAN channels and benefit from TDM in dense environments.

[0019] The aspects of this disclosure overcome these and other defects by reducing the impact of interference from other wireless devices in dense environments, thereby reducing retransmissions and improving WPAN performance.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device 100 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The wireless device 100 may include a WLAN subsystem 120 and a WPAN subsystem 170.

[0021] The WLAN subsystem 120 includes, but is not limited to: radio frequency front-end circuitry (RF) 122, physical layer (PHY) 124, media access control layer (MAC) 126, memory 130, and processor core 140.

[0022] RF 122 is responsible for handling the radio signals involved in WLAN communications. RF 122 is coupled to one or more antennas of the wireless device 100 that receives and transmits radio signals. RF 122 may also include, but is not limited to, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier, one or more filters, and one or more switches. The LNA is used to amplify the weak signal received by the antenna without significantly increasing noise. The power amplifier increases the power of the signal to be transmitted through the antenna, ensuring it is strong enough to reach the intended receiver. One or more filters select an appropriate frequency band, such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. When a single antenna is used for both transmission and reception, one or more switches alternate between transmission and reception modes. In some embodiments, RF 122 may be a single component for multiple frequency bands or multiple components for each of the frequency bands.

[0023] The PHY 124 is configured to transmit and receive radio signals in a frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz band). Additionally, the PHY 124 is responsible for modulating data bits into transmittable radio signals, coordinating channel access with other wireless devices (e.g., WLAN subsystems or WLAN devices), and detecting / correcting errors that may occur during transmission. The MAC 126 is responsible for managing and maintaining wireless communications, such as... Specifically, MAC 126 encapsulates data into frames with specific MAC addresses for transmission and decapsulation, employs protocols to manage media access and minimize data transmission conflicts, implements power-saving protocols to manage energy usage on the network interface, and, among other responsibilities, manages fair bandwidth allocation among all connected devices. Processor core 140 is responsible for executing instructions stored in memory 130. These instructions specifically manage communication protocols, process signals, coexistence strategies, etc. Memory 130 includes, but is not limited to, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories for storing instructions, firmware, operational data, etc.

[0024] The WPAN subsystem 170 includes, but is not limited to, RF 172, PHY 174, link layer 176, memory 178, and processor core 180. Processor core 180 is responsible for executing instructions stored in memory 178. Memory 178 includes, but is not limited to, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories.

[0025] Similar to RF 122 in WLAN subsystem 120, RF 172 is responsible for handling WPAN communications (e.g., (BT), BLE, Z-wave TM The radio signals involved in (etc.). In some embodiments, RF 172 is coupled to one or more antennas of the wireless device 100 that receives and transmits radio signals. In some embodiments, RF 172 is coupled to an antenna separate from and independent of one or more antennas of the wireless device 100 that are coupled to RF 122 of the WLAN subsystem. RF 122 may also include, but is not limited to: a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier, one or more filters, and one or more switches. The LNA is used to amplify the weak signal received by the antenna without significantly increasing noise. The power amplifier increases the power of the signal to be transmitted through the antenna, ensuring that it is strong enough to reach the intended receiver. The one or more filters ensure that the WPAN subsystem 170 operates within its designated frequency band (e.g., the 2.4 GHz band) and minimizes interference from other RF sources. When a single antenna is used for both transmission and reception, the one or more switches alternate between transmission and reception modes.

[0026] PHY 174 is configured to transmit and receive radio signals in a frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) to enable wireless communication between other WPAN subsystems and / or WLAN subsystems. PHY 174 uses various modulation schemes to achieve specific data rates and employs various techniques to improve communication reliability, such as error detection and correction, frequency hopping, and time-division duplexing. Link layer 176 implements the link layer of the WPAN protocol stack and is responsible for transmitting and receiving data packets, managing the physical link, and handling errors. Link layer 176 interacts with a link manager stored in memory 178 to implement power-saving and security aspects of the link layer protocol. Therefore, the link manager provides information about link status and receive instructions.

[0027] The WPAN protocol stack comprises lower layers implemented by various components of the WPAN subsystem and / or devices, and higher layers implemented by the host. Lower layers include, for example, the physical layer implemented by PHY 174 and the link layer implemented by link layer 176. Higher layers include, for example, the Logical Link Control and Adaptation (L2CAP) layer, the Attribute Protocol (ATT) layer, the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) layer, the Security Manager Protocol (SMP) layer, and the Generic Access Profile (GAP) layer. The L2CAP layer provides critical services for communication between WPAN subsystems and / or devices. The ATT layer provides standardized schemes for accessing and manipulating data on WPAN subsystems and / or devices. The GATT layer defines a hierarchical structure of attributes organized into services and features, providing a consistent and organized way to access and manipulate data relevant to specific WPAN applications. The SMP layer protects communication between WPAN subsystems and / or devices by establishing secure connections and protecting data from unauthorized access. The GAP layer facilitates basic communication and discovery of subsystems and / or devices by providing basic services, common features, and advertising and scanning capabilities.

[0028] Interface 160 refers to the communication protocol used to facilitate the coexistence of WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170, especially when WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170 operate in overlapping frequency bands (e.g., the 2.4 GHz band) (referred to herein as "shared medium"). Interface 160 may be, for example, a 2-wire Serial Enhanced Coexistence Interface (SECI) or a 3-wire General Coexistence Interface (GCI). Interface 160 serves as a communication channel between WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170, thereby allowing them to coordinate their operation. Specifically, it manages transmission timing, power levels, and channel selection.

[0029] The existing coexistence strategy stored in the memory 130 of the WLAN subsystem 120, when executed by the processor core 140, manages the shared medium by allocating specific time slots for transmissions by the WLAN subsystem 120 and the WPAN subsystem 170 using TDM, thereby ensuring coexistence without interference. When executed by the processor core 140, the existing coexistence strategy causes the WLAN subsystem 120 to send itself a CTS-2-Self frame with an expiration time associated with the transmission of WPAN packets from the WPAN subsystem 170, thereby allowing the WLAN subsystem 120 to avoid transmissions during that time period.

[0030] Memory 130 may include congestion management component 135. In some embodiments, congestion management component 135 may be stored on memory 178 and executed by processor core 180. In some embodiments, congestion management component 135 may be stored in other components of wireless device 100 and executed by processor cores 140 and / or 180. In some embodiments, congestion management component 135 may be stored externally (i.e., outside the wireless device) and executed by processor cores 140, 180 and / or an external processor.

[0031] In some embodiments, during the initialization of the WPAN subsystem 170, an AFH channel map is generated that can be stored in memory 178. During operation, the WPAN subsystem 170 uses the AFH channel map to determine which WPAN channels to include in its hopping sequence. For example, WPAN channels classified as “good” in the AFH channel map are included in the hopping sequence, while WPAN channels classified as “bad” are avoided or excluded from the hopping sequence. The WPAN subsystem 170 hops from WPAN channel to WPAN channel according to the hopping sequence defined by the AFH channel map, following a predetermined hopping pattern, by periodically switching WPAN channels to transmit and receive data while avoiding WPAN channels with significant interference. As previously described, the AFH channel map stored in memory 178 is periodically updated based on changes in the shared medium.

[0032] In some embodiments, the WPAN subsystem 170 can determine whether the shared medium is congested. In some embodiments, the WPAN subsystem 170 determines that the shared medium is congested by meeting a retransmission threshold criterion and / or a channel classification threshold criterion.

[0033] WPAN subsystem 170 determines a retransmission threshold criterion indicating shared medium congestion by maintaining the number of retransmissions encountered on the shared medium. Specifically, the number of retransmissions increases whenever WPAN subsystem 170 is forced to retransmit WPAN packets in response to an interruption in the transmission of WPAN packets. Once the number of retransmissions encountered on the shared medium exceeds the retransmission threshold (i.e., a predetermined number of allowed retransmissions), WPAN subsystem 170 transmits a band congestion alarm via interface 160. The band congestion alarm indicates that the shared medium is being used by other devices, such as WLAN subsystems other than WPAN subsystem 170 (e.g., one or more additional WLAN subsystems).

[0034] WPAN subsystem 170 determines the channel classification threshold criteria that indicate shared medium congestion by identifying the number of WPAN channels classified as "bad" among multiple WPAN channels in the AFH channel diagram. During operation, as previously described, WPAN subsystem 170 continuously monitors and evaluates multiple WPAN channels in the shared medium for high levels of interference (e.g., above a specific interference threshold). Once a WPAN channel among the multiple WPAN channels experiences a high level of interference, the WPAN channel is classified as "bad" (e.g., first classification), while a WPAN channel among the multiple WPAN channels experiencing a low level of interference (e.g., below a specific interference threshold) is classified as "good" (e.g., second classification). Once the number of WPAN channels classified as "bad" exceeds the classification threshold (i.e., a predetermined number of WPAN channels classified as "bad"), WPAN subsystem 170 transmits a band congestion alarm via interface 160.

[0035] When executed by a processor (e.g., processor core 140), congestion management component 135, in response to receiving a band congestion alarm from WPAN subsystem 170, determines whether a subset of multiple WPAN channels overlapping with the currently operating WLAN channel of WLAN subsystem 120 (e.g., the WPAN channel associated with the currently operating WLAN channel) is classified as "good". More specifically, WLAN subsystem 120 provides WPAN subsystem 170 with a frequency range (e.g., the frequency range of the currently operating WLAN channel) associated with the currently operating WLAN channel of WLAN subsystem 120. Therefore, WPAN subsystem 170 identifies the WPAN channels associated with the currently operating WLAN channel based on the frequency range of the currently operating WLAN channel. WPAN subsystem 170 determines whether the WPAN channels associated with the currently operating WLAN channel are classified as "good".

[0036] If the WPAN channel associated with the currently operating WLAN channel is not classified as "good" (i.e., the WPAN channel associated with the currently operating WLAN channel is classified as "bad"), then the congestion management component 135 causes the WPAN subsystem 170 to update the classification of the WPAN channel associated with the currently operating WLAN channel to "good" in the AFH channel graph. Classifying the WPAN channel associated with the currently operating WLAN channel as "good" in the AFH channel graph generates an updated AFH channel graph. Therefore, the WPAN subsystem 170 can perform hopping from WPAN channel to WPAN channel according to the hopping sequence defined by the updated AFH channel graph.

[0037] Congestion management component 135 determines the protection mechanism of WLAN subsystem 120 simultaneously or sequentially. The protection mechanism may include, for example, Clear Transmission (CTS), Ready to Transmit (RTS), Clear Transmission to Self (CTS-2-Self), Notification of Abnormality (NOA), Power Management Protection (PMP), etc. If congestion management component 135 determines that the protection mechanism is not CTS-2-Self or NOA, then congestion management component 135 changes the protection mechanism to CTS-2-Self or NOA.

[0038] Congestion management component 135 determines simultaneously or sequentially whether WLAN subsystem 120 is a soft access point (soft AP) (or access point (AP)). Congestion management component 135 determines whether WLAN subsystem 120 is a soft AP by analyzing one or more indicators and / or configurations of WLAN subsystem 120. For example, the software configuration of WLAN subsystem 120 may indicate that soft AP mode is enabled, the operating mode of WLAN subsystem 120 may indicate that WLAN subsystem 120 is operating in soft AP mode, the network interface of WLAN subsystem 120 may indicate the presence of a soft AP, the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of WLAN subsystem 120, etc.

[0039] If the congestion management component 135 determines that the WLAN subsystem 120 is a soft AP, the congestion management component 135 causes the WLAN subsystem 120 to establish a new operational WLAN channel. Specifically, the WLAN subsystem 120 transmits a broadcast probe request on each of the plurality of WLAN channels to discover all nearby WLAN subsystems, devices, or APs, or to request information from all WLAN subsystems, devices, or APs within range. In some embodiments, the broadcast probe request is transmitted using a destination media access control (MAC) address set to FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF.

[0040] WLAN subsystems, devices, or access points within the range of WLAN subsystem 120 will receive broadcast probe requests and can respond using probe responses containing information about their network, including SSID, supported security modes, signal strength, and other parameters. This allows WLAN subsystem 120 to monitor multiple WLAN channels to identify all WLAN subsystems, devices, or access points on each WLAN channel. Based on the probe responses received on each of the multiple WLAN channels, WLAN subsystem 120 identifies the WLAN channel with the lowest interference level (or the least amount of WLAN activity) as a new operational WLAN channel for WLAN subsystem 120.

[0041] In some embodiments, the identification of the new operational WLAN channel can be determined based on the WLAN channel having the lowest number of probe responses. In some embodiments, more than one WLAN channel has the minimum number of probe responses (i.e., two or more channels receive the same number of probe responses, and these are the minimum number of probe responses for a given WLAN channel). Therefore, the WLAN channel with the weakest probe response is identified as the new operational WLAN channel. More specifically, the signal strength of each probe response in each of the more than one WLAN channel having the minimum number of probe responses is accumulated. The WLAN channel among the more than one WLAN channel having the minimum number of probe responses and the lowest accumulated signal strength is identified as the new operational WLAN channel.

[0042] Once a new operational WLAN channel is identified, WLAN subsystem 120 can establish a Business Set Service (BSS) on the new operational WLAN channel or migrate the BSS from the current operational WLAN channel to the new operational WLAN channel. Additionally, congestion management component 135 enables WPAN subsystem 170 to update the classification of a subset of multiple WPAN channels overlapping with the new operational WLAN channel of WLAN subsystem 120 as "good" in the AFH channel map. As previously described, WLAN subsystem 120 provides WPAN subsystem 170 with a frequency range associated with the new operational WLAN channel (e.g., a new operational WLAN channel frequency range). WPAN subsystem 170 identifies a subset of multiple WPAN channels within the new operational WLAN channel frequency range (e.g., WPAN channels associated with the new operational WLAN channel) based on the new operational WLAN channel frequency range. WPAN subsystem 170 classifies the WPAN channels associated with the new operational WLAN channel as "good" in the AFH channel map to generate a newly updated AFH channel map. Therefore, the WPAN subsystem 170 is able to switch from WPAN channel to WPAN channel according to the switching sequence defined by the newly updated AFH channel map.

[0043] Therefore, in the event of congestion in the frequency band, during the time slot allocated to WPAN subsystem 170, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits a CTS-2-Self frame to itself. This CTS-2-Self frame includes the expiration time of WPAN activity (e.g., WPAN packets) of WPAN subsystem 170, indicating to other subsystems the duration for which an operational WLAN channel (e.g., the currently operating WLAN channel or a new operating WLAN channel) has been occupied until its expiration time. Since WPAN subsystem 170 transitions from WPAN channel to WPAN channel according to a transition sequence defined by the updated AFH channel (or a newly updated AFH channel), WPAN subsystem 170 may utilize a WPAN channel associated with an operational WLAN channel that has been blocked by WLAN subsystem 120 via the CTS-2-Self frame.

[0044] Figure 2 The illustration shows a spectrum of the shared medium utilized by the WLAN subsystem 120 and the WPAN subsystem 170 according to an implementation of this disclosure.

[0045] Spectrum diagram 210 provides a visual representation of a WPAN subsystem 170 that communicates over a shared medium (e.g., 2.4 GHz) using the BR / EDR protocol (or Bluetooth Classic protocol). The shared medium is divided into multiple Bluetooth Classic channels (e.g., WPAN channels) (e.g., 79 Bluetooth Classic channels). Each Bluetooth Classic channel (e.g., 0-78) corresponds to a frequency centered at a specific frequency in the shared medium and has a bandwidth of 1 MHz. For example, Bluetooth Classic channel 0 has a center frequency of 2402 MHz and a width of 1 MHz in the shared medium, Bluetooth Classic channel 1 has a center frequency of 2403 MHz and a width of 1 MHz in the shared medium, and so on, up to Bluetooth Classic channel 78.

[0046] Spectrum diagram 220 provides a visual representation of a WPAN subsystem 170 communicating over a shared medium (e.g., 2.4 GHz) using the BLE protocol. The shared medium is divided into multiple BLE channels (e.g., WPAN channels) spaced 2 MHz apart (e.g., 40 BLE channels), each BLE channel (e.g., 0-39) corresponding to a frequency centered at a specific frequency in the shared medium and having a bandwidth of 2 MHz. For example, BLE channel 0 has a center frequency of 2402 MHz and a width of 2 MHz in the shared medium, BLE channel 1 has a center frequency of 2404 MHz and a width of 2 MHz in the shared medium, and so on, up to BLE channel 39.

[0047] Spectrum diagram 230 provides a visual representation of a WLAN subsystem 120 operating over a shared medium using protocols from the IEEE 802.11 standard protocol family for communication. The shared medium (e.g., 2.4 GHz) is divided into multiple WLAN channels (e.g., 11 WPAN channels). Each WLAN channel (e.g., 1-11) corresponds to a frequency centered at a specific frequency in the shared medium and having a bandwidth of 20 MHz. The WLAN channels in the shared medium are spaced 5 MHz apart from their center frequencies, resulting in overlapping WLAN channels. For example, WLAN channel 1 has a center frequency of 2412 MHz and is 20 MHz wide in the shared medium, WPAN channel 2 has a center frequency of 2417 MHz and is 20 MHz wide, and so on, up to WPAN channel 11. Therefore, each WLAN channel overlaps with various WPAN channels (e.g., Bluetooth Classic channels or BLE channels). For example, WLAN channel 1 overlaps with Bluetooth Classic channels 0-22 and BLE channels 0-10, WLAN channel 2 overlaps with Bluetooth Classic channels 4-26 and BLE channels 2-12, and so on.

[0048] Figure 3 The non-use of the implementation method according to this disclosure is described. Figure 1 The congestion management component 135 is used in dense wireless environments (e.g., congested shared media). As described above, the shared media can be divided into multiple time slots (e.g., time slots 302A-D).

[0049] WPAN Activity 300 refers to one or more WPAN packets transmitted by WPAN subsystem 170 on various WPAN channels in the shared medium based on the AFH channel map. WLAN Channel 320 refers to a WLAN channel (e.g., WLAN Channel 6) in the shared medium in which WLAN subsystem 120 operates (e.g., the operating WLAN channel of WLAN subsystem 120). WLAN Channel 320 can be used to transmit WLAN packets 324A-D. WLAN Channel 340 refers to a WLAN channel (e.g., WLAN Channel 1) in the shared medium in which a WLAN subsystem other than WLAN subsystem 120 operates. WLAN Channel 340 can be used to transmit WLAN packets 350A-F. WLAN Channel 360 refers to a WLAN channel (e.g., WLAN Channel 11) in the shared medium in which a WLAN subsystem other than WLAN subsystem 120 operates. WLAN Channel 360 can be used to transmit WLAN packets 370A-D.

[0050] WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170 can implement TDM, which divides and assigns time slots to each of WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170 for use of a shared medium. As previously described, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frames to itself during the time slots allocated to WPAN subsystem 170.

[0051] During time slot 302A, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 322A to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 310A. Based on the AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 310A on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 340. Another WLAN subsystem can transmit WLAN packet 350A on WLAN channel 340 during the time period when WPAN packet 310A is being transmitted on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 340. Therefore, portion 384 of WLAN packet 350A interrupts portion 380 of WPAN packet 310A, resulting in the failed transmission of WPAN packet 310A.

[0052] During time slot 302B, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 322B to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 310B. Based on the AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 310B on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 320. WLAN subsystem 120 blocks the WPAN channel associated with WLAN channel 320 of WPAN packet 310B via CTS-2-Self frame 322B.

[0053] During time slot 302C, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 322C to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 310C. Based on the AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 310C on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 360. Another WLAN subsystem can transmit WLAN packet 370C on WLAN channel 360 during the time period when WPAN packet 310C is being transmitted on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 360. Therefore, portion 386 of WLAN packet 370C interferes with portion 382 of WPAN packet 310C, resulting in the failure of transmission of WPAN packet 310C.

[0054] During time slot 302D, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 322D to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 310D. Based on the AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 310D on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 320. WLAN subsystem 120 blocks the WPAN channel associated with WLAN channel 320 of WPAN packet 310D via CTS-2-Self frame 322D.

[0055] Figure 4 The use of the implementation according to this disclosure is described. Figure 1 The congestion management component 135 is used in dense wireless environments (e.g., congested shared media). As described above, the shared media can be divided into multiple time slots (e.g., time slots 402A-D).

[0056] WPAN activity 400, similar to Figure 3 WPAN Activity 300 refers to one or more WPAN packets transmitted by WPAN subsystem 170 on various WPAN channels in a shared medium based on the AFH channel map. Similar to... Figure 3WLAN channel 320 and WLAN channel 420 refer to the WLAN channel (e.g., WLAN channel 6) of the shared medium in which WLAN subsystem 120 operates (e.g., the operating WLAN channel of WLAN subsystem 120). WLAN channel 420 can be used to transmit WLAN packets 424A-D. Similar to... Figure 3 WLAN channel 340 and WLAN channel 440 refer to the WLAN channels (e.g., WLAN channel 1) of the shared medium in which WLAN subsystems other than WLAN subsystem 120 operate. WLAN channel 440 can be used to transmit WLAN packets 450A-F. Similar to... Figure 3 WLAN channel 360 and WLAN channel 460 refer to WLAN channels (e.g., WLAN channel 11) on a shared medium in which WLAN subsystems other than WLAN subsystem 120 operate. WLAN channel 460 can be used to transmit WLAN packets 470A-D.

[0057] WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170 can implement TDM, which divides and assigns time slots to each of WLAN subsystem 120 and WPAN subsystem 170 for use of a shared medium. As previously described, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frames to itself during the time slots allocated to WPAN subsystem 170.

[0058] During time slot 402A, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 422A to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 410A. Based on the AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 410A on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 440. Another WLAN subsystem can transmit WLAN packet 450A on WLAN channel 440 during the time period when WPAN packet 410A is being transmitted on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 440. Therefore, a portion of WLAN packet 450A interrupts a portion of WPAN packet 410A, resulting in the failure of transmission of WPAN packet 410A.

[0059] Congestion management components (e.g., Figure 1The congestion management component 135 can receive a band congestion alarm from the WPAN subsystem 170. The band congestion alarm may be a result of the WPAN subsystem 170 needing to retransmit WPAN packets 410A, thereby increasing the number of retransmissions to exceed a retransmission threshold. The band congestion alarm may also be a result of the WPAN subsystem 170 marking additional WPAN channels as "bad," causing the number of WPAN channels classified as "bad" to exceed a classification threshold. In response to receiving a band congestion alarm, if the WPAN channel associated with WLAN channel 420 has not yet been classified as "good," the congestion management component causes the WPAN subsystem 170 to update the AFH channel map based on WLAN channel 420 (e.g., the operating WLAN channel of WLAN subsystem 120). In some embodiments, the congestion management component (e.g., ...) Figure 1 The congestion management component 135 can receive band congestion alerts before or after time slot 402A. As previously described, the band congestion alert is received in response to meeting the retransmission threshold criterion or the channel classification threshold criterion.

[0060] During time slot 402B, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 422B to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 410B. Based on the updated AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 410B on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 420. WLAN subsystem 120 blocks the WPAN channel associated with WLAN channel 420 of WPAN packet 410B via CTS-2-Self frame 422B.

[0061] During time slot 402C, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 422C to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 410C. Based on the updated AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 410B on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 420, instead of WLAN channel 460 (as in...). Figure 3 (As shown in WLAN channel 360). WLAN subsystem 120 blocks the WPAN channel associated with WLAN channel 320 via CTS-2-Self frame 322D and WPAN packet 310D.

[0062] During time slot 402D, WLAN subsystem 120 transmits CTS-2-Self frame 422D to itself for the duration of WPAN packet 410D. Based on the AFH channel map, WPAN subsystem 170 can transmit WPAN packet 410D on a WPAN channel overlapping with WLAN channel 420. WLAN subsystem 120 blocks the WPAN channel associated with WLAN channel 420 of WPAN packet 410D via CTS-2-Self frame 422D.

[0063] Figure 5 A flowchart is depicted of an example method 500 for improving the performance of a wireless personal area network in a dense wireless environment, according to an implementation of this disclosure. Method 500 can be executed by processing logic, which can include hardware (circuit, dedicated logic, etc.), software (e.g., instructions running on a processing device), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, some or all of the operations of method 500 can be performed by… Figure 1 The WLAN subsystem 120 may be executed by one or more components. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 500 may be performed by... Figure 1 The congestion management component 135 performs this function, as described above.

[0064] At block 510, the processing logic determines whether congestion exists in the frequency band. As previously described, the WPAN subsystem determines congestion in the frequency band by determining whether a retransmission threshold criterion and / or a channel classification threshold criterion are met. The retransmission threshold criterion is met in response to the number of retransmissions encountered on the frequency band exceeding a retransmission threshold (i.e., a predetermined number of allowed retransmissions). The channel classification threshold criterion is met in response to the number of WPAN channels classified as "bad" exceeding a classification threshold (i.e., a predetermined number of WPAN channels classified as "bad"). If the retransmission threshold criterion and / or the channel classification threshold criterion are met, a frequency band congestion alarm indicating that the frequency band is being used by other devices (such as other WLAN subsystems besides WPAN subsystem 170) is transmitted to the WLAN subsystem.

[0065] At block 520, in response to determining that congestion exists in the frequency band, the processing logic determines whether a predetermined number of WPAN channels associated with the operational WLAN channels are classified as "good" in the AFH channel map. As previously described, the WLAN subsystem may provide the WPAN subsystem with frequency ranges associated with the operational WLAN channels of the WLAN subsystem, which assists the WPAN subsystem in identifying the WPAN channels associated with the operational WLAN channels. The predetermined number of WPAN channels may be a percentage of the total number of WPAN channels (e.g., 90%).

[0066] In response to determining that a predetermined number of WPAN channels associated with the operational WLAN channel are classified as "good" in the AFH channel graph, the processing logic proceeds to block 510. Otherwise, the processing logic proceeds to block 540. At block 540, the processing logic causes the WPAN subsystem to classify the WPAN channels associated with the operational WLAN channel as "good" in the AFH channel graph.

[0067] At block 550, the processing logic determines whether to change the operational WLAN channel of the WLAN subsystem to a new operational WLAN channel. As previously described, the processing logic determines whether the WLAN subsystem is a soft AP by analyzing one or more indicators and / or configurations of the WLAN subsystem. In response to determining that the WLAN subsystem is a soft AP, the WLAN subsystem transmits a broadcast probe request on each of a plurality of WLAN channels in the frequency range. Based on the probe responses received on each of the plurality of WLAN channels, the processing logic selects the WLAN channel with the lowest number of probe responses. If more than one WLAN channel has the lowest number of probe responses, the WLAN channel with the weakest cumulative signal strength is selected and identified as the new operational WLAN channel. If the selected WLAN channel is different from the operational WLAN channel, the operational WLAN channel should be changed to the selected WLAN channel (e.g., the new operational WLAN channel). Otherwise, the operational WLAN channel should remain unchanged.

[0068] At block 560, in response to determining that the operating WLAN channel of the WLAN subsystem should be changed to a new operating WLAN channel, the processing logic changes the operating WLAN channel of the WLAN subsystem to the new operating WLAN channel.

[0069] At box 570, in response to changing the operating WLAN channel of the WLAN subsystem to a new operating WLAN channel, the processing logic causes the WPAN subsystem to classify the set of WPAN channels associated with the new operating WLAN channel as "good" in the AFH channel graph.

[0070] At block 580, the processing logic determines whether the protection mechanism of the WLAN subsystem is set to CTS-2-Self or NOA. The protection mechanism can be CTS, RTS, CTS-2-Self, NOA, PMP, etc. At block 590, in response to determining that the protection mechanism is not CTS-2-Self or NOA, the processing logic changes the protection mechanism of the WLAN subsystem to CTS-2-Self or NOA.

[0071] Throughout this specification, references to "an implementation," "an embodiment," "implementation," or "embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an implementation and / or embodiment is included in at least one implementation and / or embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrase "in an implementation" or "in an implementation" throughout the specification may, but does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, depending on the context. Furthermore, in one or more implementations, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0072] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “including,” variations thereof, and other similar words used in the detailed description or claims are intended to be included in such a manner as to use the term “comprising” as an open transitional term, without excluding any additional or other elements.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,” etc., are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware (e.g., circuitry), software, a combination of hardware and software, or an entity associated with an operating machine having one or more specific functions. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to: a processor (e.g., a digital signal processor), a processor object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a process running on a computer. As an example, both an application running on a controller and the controller itself can be components. One or more components can reside within a process and / or an execution thread, and components can be located on one computer and / or distributed across two or more computers. Furthermore, a “device” can take the form of specially designed hardware; general-purpose hardware specifically implemented by executing software thereon, which enables the hardware to perform specific functions (e.g., generating points of interest and / or descriptors); software on a computer-readable medium; or a combination thereof.

[0074] The aforementioned systems, circuits, modules, etc., have been described with respect to the interactions between several components and / or boxes. It will be appreciated that such systems, circuits, components, boxes, etc., can include those components or designated sub-components, designated components or some of their sub-components, and / or additional components, according to the various permutations and combinations described above. Sub-components can also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to other components rather than being included within a parent component (hierarchy). Furthermore, it should be noted that one or more components can be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several individual sub-components, and any one or more intermediate layers (such as a management layer) can be provided to communicatively couple to such sub-components to provide integrated functionality. Any component described herein can also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein but known to those skilled in the art.

[0075] Furthermore, the terms “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the terms “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a specific manner. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise stated, “X adopts A or B” is intended to indicate any natural inclusive substitution, as is clear from the context. That is, “X adopts A or B” is satisfied in any of the foregoing instances if X adopts A; X adopts B; or X adopts both A and B. Additionally, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be interpreted as meaning “one or more” unless otherwise stated or clearly pointed to from the context in the singular form.

[0076] Finally, the implementations described herein include datasets describing users and / or their activities. In one implementation, such data is collected only when the user provides consent for its collection. In some implementations, the user is prompted to explicitly allow data collection. Furthermore, the user can opt in or out of such data collection activities. In one implementation, the collected data is anonymized before any analysis is performed to obtain any statistical patterns that prevent the user's identity from being determined from the collected data.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Receive a band congestion alert from the wireless personal area network (WPAN) subsystem of the wireless device, the band congestion alert indicating congestion on a frequency band shared by the wireless local area network (WLAN) subsystem and the WPAN subsystem of the wireless device; as well as This causes the WPAN subsystem to update the classification of a first subset of the multiple WPAN channels in the frequency band associated with a first WLAN channel among the multiple WLAN channels in the frequency band utilized by the WLAN subsystem in the adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) channel map of the WPAN subsystem.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The frequency band congestion alarm is transmitted by the WPAN subsystem in response to the fulfillment of the retransmission threshold standard or the channel classification threshold standard.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The retransmission threshold criterion is satisfied when the number of retransmissions by the WPAN subsystem exceeds the retransmission threshold.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, In response to the number of the plurality of WPAN channels classified as having a first category exceeding a classification threshold, the channel classification threshold criterion is met, and the first classification indicates that the interference level is higher than a specific threshold.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The classification that enables the WPAN subsystem to update the first subset of the plurality of WPAN channels in the AFH channel graph of the WPAN subsystem includes: For each WPAN channel in the first subset, the corresponding WPAN channel is classified using a second classification method, which indicates that the interference level is below a certain threshold.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The WLAN subsystem transmits a clear transmit-to-self (CTS-2-Self) frame on the first WLAN channel during the time slot in which the WPAN subsystem is assigned to WPAN activities; as well as Interrupt WLAN activity on the first WLAN channel to make use of the WPAN activity.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to receiving the frequency band congestion alarm, a second WLAN channel among the plurality of WLAN channels is identified, wherein the second WLAN channel is a WPAN channel among the plurality of WLAN channels, the WPAN channel having a minimum amount of WLAN activity from one or more additional WLAN subsystems utilizing the frequency band; This causes the WLAN subsystem to use the second WLAN channel for WLAN activities; and This causes the WPAN subsystem to update the classification of a second subset of the plurality of WPAN channels within the frequency band associated with the second WLAN channel in the AFH channel map of the WPAN subsystem.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The second WLAN channel is identified by: For each of the plurality of WLAN channels within the frequency band, a probe request is transmitted; For each of the plurality of WLAN channels, the corresponding WLAN channel is monitored in response to one or more probe responses, wherein each of the one or more probe responses corresponds to an additional WLAN subsystem in one or more additional WLAN subsystems utilizing the corresponding WLAN channel; as well as The WLAN channel with the lowest number of probe responses among the plurality of WLAN channels is identified as the second WLAN channel.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, The WPAN subsystem updates the classification of the first subset in response to determining that the first subset is classified into a first category in the AFH channel graph.

10. A wireless device, comprising: A wireless local area network (WLAN) subsystem, which includes a processor, and A wireless personal area network (WPAN) subsystem operates on a frequency band shared with the WLAN subsystem, wherein the processor of the WLAN subsystem performs operations including: Receive a frequency band congestion alarm indicating congestion on the frequency band from the WPAN subsystem; and This causes the WPAN subsystem to update the classification of a first subset of the multiple WPAN channels in the frequency band associated with a first WLAN channel among the multiple WLAN channels in the frequency band utilized by the WLAN subsystem in the adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) channel map of the WPAN subsystem.

11. The wireless device of claim 10, wherein, The frequency band congestion alarm is transmitted by the WPAN subsystem in response to the fulfillment of the retransmission threshold standard or the channel classification threshold standard.

12. The wireless device of claim 11, wherein, The retransmission threshold criterion is satisfied when the number of retransmissions by the WPAN subsystem exceeds the retransmission threshold.

13. The wireless device of claim 11, wherein, In response to the number of the plurality of WPAN channels classified into a first category, the channel classification threshold criterion is met, wherein the first classification indicates an interference level higher than a specific threshold.

14. The wireless device of claim 10, wherein, The classification that enables the WPAN subsystem to update the first subset of the plurality of WPAN channels in the AFH channel graph of the WPAN subsystem includes: For each WPAN channel in the first subset, the corresponding WPAN channel is classified using a second classification method, which indicates that the interference level is below a certain threshold.

15. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein, The processor of the WLAN subsystem performs the following operations: The WLAN subsystem transmits a clear transmit-to-self (CTS-2-Self) frame on the first WLAN channel during the time slot in which the WPAN subsystem is assigned to WPAN activities; as well as Interrupt WLAN activity on the first WLAN channel to make use of the WPAN activity.

16. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein, The processor of the WLAN subsystem performs the following operations: In response to receiving the frequency band congestion alarm, a second WLAN channel among the plurality of WLAN channels is identified, wherein the second WLAN channel is a WPAN channel among the plurality of WLAN channels, the WPAN channel having a minimum amount of WLAN activity from one or more additional WLAN subsystems utilizing the frequency band; This causes the WLAN subsystem to use the second WLAN channel for WLAN activities; and This causes the WPAN subsystem to update the classification of a second subset of the plurality of WPAN channels within the frequency band associated with the second WLAN channel in the AFH channel map of the WPAN subsystem.

17. The wireless device according to claim 16, wherein, The second WLAN channel is identified by: For each of the plurality of WLAN channels within the frequency band, a probe request is transmitted; For each of the plurality of WLAN channels, the corresponding WLAN channel is monitored in response to one or more probe responses, wherein each of the one or more probe responses corresponds to an additional WLAN subsystem in one or more additional WLAN subsystems utilizing the corresponding WLAN channel; as well as The WLAN channel with the lowest number of probe responses among the plurality of WLAN channels is identified as the second WLAN channel.

18. The wireless device according to claim 10, wherein, The WPAN subsystem updates the classification of the first subset in response to determining that the first subset is classified into a first category in the AFH channel graph.

19. A wireless local area network (WLAN) subsystem for a wireless device, comprising: processor; as well as A memory including a congestion management component, wherein the congestion management component performs the following operations when run by the processor: Receive a band congestion alert from the wireless personal area network (WPAN) subsystem of the wireless device, the band congestion alert indicating congestion on a frequency band shared by the wireless device's WLAN subsystem and the WPAN subsystem; as well as This causes the WPAN subsystem to update the classification of a first subset of the multiple WPAN channels in the frequency band associated with a first WLAN channel among the multiple WLAN channels in the frequency band utilized by the WLAN subsystem in the adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) channel map of the WPAN subsystem.

20. The WLAN subsystem according to claim 19, wherein, When the congestion management component is executed by the processor, it also includes the following operations: The WLAN subsystem transmits a clear transmit-to-self (CTS-2-Self) frame on the first WLAN channel during the time slot in which the WPAN subsystem is assigned to WPAN activities; as well as Interrupt WLAN activity on the first WLAN channel to make use of the WPAN activity.

Images