Ad Hoc Wireless Channel Selection via Stimulatory Inhibitory Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ad hoc wireless networks face challenges in coordinating channel selection to avoid interference among nodes, particularly in decentralized networks where nodes need to dynamically respond to changes and interference sources.

Innovation Solution

The use of stimulatory and inhibitory control messages between nodes to manage channel preferences, where stimulatory messages increase preference scores for paired channels and inhibitory messages decrease scores for unpaired channels, allowing for dynamic channel selection and allocation to maintain network stability and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If nodes use decentralized channel selection without coordination, then network flexibility and autonomy are improved, but channel interference and conflicts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidchannel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces control messages as intermediary signals that mediate channel selection between nodes. These messages carry channel preference information and enable indirect coordination without centralized control, allowing nodes to adjust their channel choices based on network conditions while maintaining decentralized autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where nodes transmit control messages containing channel quality measurements and preference scores. Other nodes receive this feedback and adjust their channel selections accordingly, creating a distributed feedback loop that reduces interference while preserving network flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes continuously monitor and adjust channel preferences, then channel selection adaptability is improved, but processor resource usage and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection adaptabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the patent implements periodic channel preference updates triggered by specific events such as receiving control messages or detecting significant channel quality changes. This periodic action maintains adaptability while reducing the continuous processor load and power consumption associated with constant monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Nodes autonomously determine when to update their channel preferences based on received control messages and local measurements, rather than being forced to continuously monitor. This self-service approach allows nodes to conserve energy by performing channel selection adjustments only when necessary, based on actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2039196B1Channel selection in ad hoc wireless network

Publication Date: 2014.07.30 BRITISH TELECOM PLC

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AI summary

The present invention relates to channel selection in ad hoc wireless networks. The present invention provides a method of selecting a channel for a node in an ad hoc network of nodes, the method comprising: increasing a preference score (430) for a channel (E) in response to receiving a stimulatory control message (hoot x) associated with the channel from another node; decreasing the preference score (465) for the channel (A) in response to receiving an inhibitory control message (hoot y) associated with the channel from another node; selecting a channel (355, 365) dependent on the preference score for the channel.