Backscatter WLAN Coordination for Power Scheduling and Low Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in managing and powering backscatter communication devices, which are often unknown to the network infrastructure, rely on ambient energy availability, and can introduce interference with Wi-Fi devices, leading to disruptive communication.
Innovation Solution
A managed network infrastructure using a WLAN controller coordinates APs to discover, power, and manage backscatter devices, minimizing interference by scheduling energy delivery and communication times, optimizing Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and employing adaptive access methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If backscatter devices rely on ambient energy availability, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a WLAN controller as an intermediary that coordinates between APs and backscatter devices. The controller manages energy delivery scheduling, allocating specific time slots for energy transmission to ensure reliable power supply to backscatter devices without requiring complex power management in the devices themselves. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing centralized power management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by scheduling energy delivery in advance before backscatter devices need power. The WLAN controller pre-allocates time slots for energy transmission to devices, ensuring that power is available when needed. This preliminary energy provisioning resolves the reliability issue while keeping devices simple.
2Ease of operation
If backscatter devices use ambient RF energy, then ease of operation is improved, but interference with Wi-Fi devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling backscatter communication in specific time slots separated from Wi-Fi traffic. The WLAN controller coordinates APs to transmit energy and receive backscatter signals during designated periods, creating a periodic pattern that avoids continuous interference with Wi-Fi devices. This time-division approach allows backscatter devices to operate easily while minimizing harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the wireless medium into different time slots for different purposes: Wi-Fi communication slots and backscatter energy/communication slots. By dividing the communication resource in time, the patent allows both Wi-Fi devices and backscatter devices to operate without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and interference generation.
3Productivity
If APs provide radio frequency links for multiple devices, then productivity is improved, but signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic time-slot allocation where APs dedicate specific periods for serving backscatter devices and other periods for Wi-Fi clients. This periodic scheduling ensures that when an AP serves a backscatter device, it provides focused attention and energy, maintaining high signal quality. Meanwhile, multiple devices are served across different time slots, preserving overall system productivity.
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
Enables reliable operation of backscatter devices with minimal interference to Wi-Fi clients, ensuring consistent power supply and efficient communication through coordinated energy harvesting and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
power at least one of the plurality of devices with energy transmitted from at least one Access Point (AP) to the at least one of the plurality of devices at its location
Implementation Method 2
backscatter communication devices, which are often unknown to the network infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A managed network supporting backscattering communication devices may be provided. A computing device may determine a plurality of locations respectively associated with a plurality of devices in a preterminal space. At least one of the plurality of devices may be power with energy transmitted from at least one Access Point (AP) to the least one of the plurality of devices at its location. Data may be received from the at least one of the plurality of devices in response to powering the at least one of the plurality of devices.