Antenna-Aware Packet Transmission for Wireless Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, the use of beamforming techniques can lead to interference issues due to the limited range of omni-directional antenna advertisements, which may not reach all neighboring nodes impacted by directional data transmissions, resulting in collisions and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An antenna-aware method is implemented to transmit packets, where scheduled access advertisements are broadcast based on the specific beamforming modes used by nodes during reserved times, ensuring that neighboring nodes within the directional beamforming range are informed to avoid interference, and omni-directional broadcasts prevent collisions within the omni-directional coverage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If beamforming techniques are used to improve link rates and extend range, then transmission performance is improved, but interference issues arise because omni-directional antenna advertisements cannot reach all neighboring nodes impacted by directional data transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the advertisement transmission by using two different antenna modes: omni-directional antennas for RTS/CTS exchange and beamforming antennas for data transmission. This segmentation allows each antenna type to perform its specialized function optimally - omni-directional for wide-area coordination and beamforming for high-rate directed communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the transmitting node broadcasts its beamforming transmission schedule using omni-directional antennas before actual data transmission. This intermediary advertisement acts as a warning signal to neighboring nodes, allowing them to adjust their transmissions and avoid interference with the beamformed data transmission.
2Area of stationary object
If omni-directional antennas are used for advertisements, then all neighbors can be reached, but nodes outside the omni-directional range cannot be informed of beamforming transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the transmitting node broadcast its intended beamforming transmission schedule in advance using omni-directional antennas. This preliminary advertisement occurs during the RTS/CTS phase, allowing neighboring nodes to know about upcoming transmissions before they occur, enabling them to take preventive measures to avoid interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (either omni-directional or beamforming) to a two-dimension approach by combining both antenna modes in different phases of communication. Omni-directional antennas provide 360-degree coverage for coordination, while beamforming antennas provide focused high-gain transmission for data, creating a multi-dimensional solution.
3Ease of operation
If scheduled mesh access advertisements are broadcast to all neighbors, then channel coordination is improved, but beamforming nodes outside omni-directional range remain unaware and cause collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameters by using different antenna patterns for different message types. RTS and CTS messages use omni-directional transmission for wide coverage, while data messages use beamforming for high-rate directed transmission. This parameter change allows the system to maintain good channel coordination while achieving high productivity for actual data transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for transmitting packets in a wireless communication network includes taking into consideration an antenna mode prior to transmission. The method includes determining a transmit antenna mode for a transmission between the node and at least one other node; when the transmit antenna mode is omni-directional, broadcasting a transmission schedule for the transmission omni-directionally; and when the transmit antenna is beamforming directional, broadcasting a transmission schedule for the transmission directionally on one or more transmitter beams. The method optionally can also take into consideration an antenna mode of a receive antenna between the node.