Adaptive Radar Channel Sampling for WLAN Interference

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar detection methods in radio frequency bands, such as the 5 GHz band, are disruptive to Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) traffic due to prolonged and frequent channel checks, which are inefficient and can lead to false positives.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive sampling method using a wireless transceiver with radar detection logic that switches between channels, employing two different time periods for detection, allowing for efficient radar signal identification with minimal disruption to WLAN traffic by varying the interval and dwell times based on traffic conditions and radar characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contiguous checks of 60 seconds or 10 minutes are implemented for radar detection, then radar detection reliability is improved, but WLAN traffic disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar detection reliabilityVSAvoidWLAN traffic throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic channel checks at predetermined intervals rather than contiguous monitoring. The system performs radar detection by switching to a different channel at specific intervals, dwelling for a predetermined time period, and then returning to the original channel. This periodic approach maintains radar detection capability while minimizing disruption to WLAN traffic flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a first predetermined time period for initial radar detection that is shorter than the traditional 60-second or 10-minute contiguous checks. If radar is detected during this partial monitoring period, the system then performs a second, longer monitoring period. This partial action approach reduces overall channel switching time and WLAN disruption while maintaining detection reliability through the conditional second monitoring phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Device complexity

If fixed time periods are used for channel switching and dwell time, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to traffic conditions and radar patterns decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection logic complexityVSAvoidadaptation to traffic conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation where the system switches between a first and second predetermined time period based on radar detection results. The detection logic adapts its behavior: using the shorter first time period for normal operation and switching to the longer second time period when radar is detected. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different traffic conditions and radar patterns without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the monitoring time period parameter based on detection needs. The system uses a first predetermined time period for initial checks and extends to a second predetermined time period when radar is detected. This parameter change allows the system to balance between minimizing WLAN disruption and ensuring reliable radar detection, adapting to different operational scenarios without complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If longer dwell times are used on detection channels, then measurement precision for radar detection is improved, but loss of time for WLAN operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar signal detection precisionVSAvoidWLAN operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic channel switching with predetermined dwell times rather than continuous or excessively long monitoring. The system dwells on the detection channel for a first predetermined time period, which is optimized to provide sufficient measurement precision for radar detection while limiting the time lost from WLAN operations. This periodic approach with optimized dwell times balances detection precision with network performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a two-stage monitoring approach where the first predetermined time period provides initial detection precision with minimal time loss. If radar is detected during this partial monitoring period, the system then performs a second, longer monitoring period to confirm detection. This partial action strategy ensures adequate measurement precision while minimizing overall time lost from WLAN operations by avoiding unnecessarily long initial dwell times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables reliable radar detection with a small fraction of the wireless access point's time, minimizing impact on Quality of Service (QoS) and throughput, while reducing false positives by adapting to traffic conditions and radar patterns.

Implementation Method 1

dwell on the second channel a first predetermined time period to detect energy events on the second channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7764218B2Adaptive sampling of radio frequency channels for radar detection
Publication Date: 2010.07.27 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7764218B2 patent drawing
  • US7764218B2 patent drawing
  • US7764218B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described in an example embodiment herein is a procedure that comprises sampling one or more channels that are not in use for a short time at certain intervals. In particular embodiments, the interval duration is irregular so as to prevent “out of step” lock with a radar's pulses. During the sampling period, detection events are stored in terms of start time and duration. If potential radar events are detected, the channels are sampled for a longer, second interval to determine whether the detection events are indicative of radar. The length of the sampling period determines the number of samples needed to get an acceptable detection probability.