Coexistence Bus for Bluetooth Wi-Fi Spectrum Reservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of co-located isochronous and asynchronous communication devices in a shared radio frequency spectrum is challenging due to the asynchronous nature of Bluetooth communication, which leads to pre-emption of Wi-Fi traffic and disruptions in medium access control.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an isochronous communication device, such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device, and a co-located asynchronous communication device, such as a Wi-Fi device, connected via a coexistence bus. The isochronous device transmits isochronous data information including the interval and duration of data transmission, allowing the asynchronous device to reserve the spectrum and aggregate asynchronous data for transmission during the isochronous interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous Bluetooth communication is used for audio data transmission, then flexibility in data scheduling is improved, but predictability of transmission interval and duration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the Bluetooth audio device pre-notify the Wi-Fi device of upcoming audio data transmissions through the coexistence bus. This advance notification includes transmission timing and duration information, allowing the Wi-Fi device to proactively reserve the radio medium and avoid conflicts before they occur, thus maintaining both asynchronous flexibility and predictable coexistence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the coexistence bus communication channel between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. The Bluetooth device provides feedback about its transmission schedule to the Wi-Fi device, enabling the Wi-Fi device to adjust its medium access decisions based on this feedback information, resolving the contradiction between asynchronous operation and predictable coexistence
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi medium access is pre-empted by Bluetooth transmission requests, then Bluetooth audio transmission reliability is improved, but Wi-Fi communication continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the Wi-Fi device reserve the radio medium in advance based on advance notification from the Bluetooth device. This pre-reservation prevents pre-emption conflicts because the Wi-Fi device already has the medium reserved when Bluetooth transmission occurs, eliminating packet drops and maintaining Wi-Fi communication continuity while still allowing Bluetooth audio transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the coexistence bus as an intermediary communication channel between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. This intermediary enables coordinated medium access decisions, allowing both devices to share transmission information and resolve conflicts without direct pre-emption, thus maintaining both Bluetooth reliability and Wi-Fi continuity
3Reliability
If Wi-Fi device reserves medium for the longest Bluetooth packet duration, then Bluetooth transmission completeness is improved, but Wi-Fi medium access efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the medium reservation duration based on the actual Bluetooth transmission duration information received through the coexistence bus. Instead of always reserving for the maximum possible duration, the Wi-Fi device reserves for the precise duration needed, ensuring Bluetooth transmission completeness while maximizing Wi-Fi medium access efficiency by minimizing unnecessary reservations
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems and associated methods includes an isochronous communication device and a co-located asynchronous communication device, where the isochronous communication device and the asynchronous communication device share a common radio frequency spectrum. Also includes is a coexistence bus coupled between the isochronous communication device and the asynchronous communication device to transmit isochronous data information to the asynchronous communication device, where the isochronous data information includes an isochronous interval and a duration of isochronous data for transmission within the isochronous interval. The asynchronous communication device is configured to reserve the common radio frequency spectrum for the duration of the isochronous data transmission, and to aggregate asynchronous data for transmission within the isochronous interval after the duration of the isochronous data transmission.