Beacon Map Coordination for Wireless Mesh Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless meshed networks, beacon message collisions occur frequently due to the lack of contention resolution in existing WLAN standards, leading to inefficiencies and data corruption, especially when multiple Access Points transmit on the same frequency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Beacon Map system, where wireless nodes generate and share maps containing timestamped information about received beacons, allowing nodes to determine collision status and relocate their beacon transmission times to minimize collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple Access Points transmit beacon messages on the same frequency in a wireless meshed network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but beacon message collisions increase leading to data corruption and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having each Access Point transmit a beacon map before actual beacon transmission. This beacon map contains information about the transmission times of beacons from other APs, allowing each AP to predict potential collisions and adjust its beacon transmission time in advance to avoid conflicts, thereby maintaining reliable beacon transmission even in dense networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making beacon transmission times adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. Each Access Point dynamically modifies its beacon transmission schedule based on real-time information from beacon maps received from neighboring APs, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions and prevent collisions while maintaining comprehensive coverage
2Ease of operation
If Access Points use fixed beacon transmission intervals according to IEEE 802.11 standards, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but beacon collisions occur frequently without contention resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a beacon map exchange mechanism where each Access Point receives information about other APs' beacon transmission times and uses this feedback to adjust its own beacon schedule. This creates a closed-loop system that automatically resolves collisions while maintaining operational simplicity for individual APs
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon map serves as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates coordination between Access Points without requiring complex direct negotiation. Each AP uses the beacon map information as a mediator to determine optimal transmission times, simplifying the interaction while improving overall network efficiency and reducing collisions
3Stability of the object's composition
If wired connections are used for Access Point deployment, then connection stability is ensured, but deployment complexity and cost increase for certain locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling wireless mesh Access Points to automatically perform beacon collision detection and resolution without manual configuration or intervention. Each AP independently generates and processes beacon maps, calculates optimal transmission times, and adjusts its schedule autonomously, providing connection stability through intelligent automation while eliminating complex wired deployment requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to beacon transmissions in wireless networks. A wireless node may receive a beacon (312, 314) from one or more wireless nodes (MP1, MP2, MP3). The receiving node may generate and transmit a beacon map to other wireless nodes in the network. The beacon map may provide information relating to one or more of the received beacons, such as a time stamp or other time information for the beacon and the originating wireless node for the beacon, such as an address of the originating wireless node. The beacon map may be transmitted upon request or within a beacon, or within another message. In another example embodiment, a beacon map may be received at a receiving wireless node, including information relating to beacons from one or more other wireless nodes. A status of at least one of the beacons may be determined based upon the beacon map.