Cognitive Communication Device Dynamic SIS/MAC Protocol Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication technologies fail to maximize bandwidth utilization and ensure low probability of exploitation (LPE) due to reliance on static SIS/MAC protocols, leading to suboptimal performance in diverse RF conditions and limited interoperability between devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of cognitive communication devices that utilize separately configurable SIS/MAC protocols, enabling dynamic selection of optimal SIS/MAC pairs based on environmental conditions, allowing for agile switching and efficient bandwidth management across multiple frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static SIS/MAC protocols are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but bandwidth utilization is insufficient and adaptability to diverse RF conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to diverse RF conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic SIS/MAC protocol selection where the communication device continuously monitors RF conditions and dynamically switches between different SIS/MAC protocol pairs based on current environmental parameters. This allows the system to adapt to diverse RF conditions (urban, rural, indoor, outdoor) by selecting the optimal protocol combination in real-time, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by selecting from multiple configurable SIS/MAC protocol pairs. Each protocol pair represents a different configuration of physical layer and MAC layer parameters. The cognition application monitors environmental conditions and selects the appropriate parameter set (SIS/MAC pair) to optimize performance for the current RF environment, effectively using parameter changes to achieve adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If cognitive communication devices with dynamic SIS/MAC selection are implemented, then bandwidth efficiency is improved and network performance is enhanced, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating support for multiple SIS/MAC protocol pairs within a single device. Rather than requiring separate specialized devices for different protocols, this universal device can operate with various protocol combinations (e.g., OFDM with TDMA, OFDM with CDMA, DSSS with ALOHA) depending on the RF conditions, achieving high bandwidth efficiency across diverse scenarios while consolidating functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the cognition application continuously monitors RF environmental conditions and uses this feedback to dynamically select the optimal SIS/MAC protocol pair. The feedback loop includes monitoring current protocol performance, detecting changes in RF conditions, and adjusting protocol selection accordingly. This feedback-driven approach maximizes bandwidth efficiency by ensuring the system always operates with the most appropriate protocol configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If separately configurable SIS/MAC protocols are used, then interoperability between devices is improved and channel access is optimized, but the complexity of protocol management and coordination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteroperability between devicesVSAvoidprotocol management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cognition application autonomously monitors RF conditions and selects appropriate SIS/MAC protocol pairs without requiring complex external coordination or manual configuration. Each device independently assesses the environment and makes protocol selection decisions, reducing the need for inter-device negotiation and simplifying protocol management. The system serves itself by automatically adapting to conditions rather than requiring external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple SIS/MAC protocol pairs and having the cognition application evaluate them based on monitored conditions. Rather than attempting complex real-time coordination when interference or opportunities are detected, the device has already prepared multiple protocol options and can quickly switch between them based on pre-established selection criteria, reducing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If dynamic protocol switching is implemented, then low probability of exploitation is improved and secure communication is enhanced, but the time required for protocol transitions and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow probability of exploitationVSAvoidprotocol transition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple SIS/MAC protocol pairs and maintaining them in readiness. When the need for protocol switching arises (for security or performance reasons), the device can quickly transition to a pre-prepared alternative protocol rather than needing to negotiate or configure a new protocol from scratch. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces transition time while maintaining the ability to provide low probability of exploitation through protocol diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic protocol switching capability allows the system to rapidly change SIS/MAC protocol pairs in response to changing conditions or security requirements. By implementing dynamic switching with pre-configured options, the system achieves low probability of exploitation through frequent protocol changes while minimizing the time penalty associated with transitions, as the switching mechanism is optimized and protocols are pre-established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8743708B1Device and method supporting cognitive, dynamic media access control
Publication Date: 2014.06.03 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC
  • US8743708B1 patent drawing
  • US8743708B1 patent drawing
  • US8743708B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and a device for reconfiguring communication transmission characteristics in response to a changing communication environment is provided. An environment at a communication device is characterized to determine if a transmission parameter associated with processing of a communication signal at a physical layer or a network interface layer should change based on current conditions at the communication device. If a need is identified, a second transmission parameter is selected based on the environment monitoring. A request identifying the second transmission parameter is sent to a second communication device using an existing communication link. A response from the second communication device is received indicating acceptance or rejection of use of the second transmission parameter. If the response indicates acceptance of use of the second transmission parameter, the physical layer and/or the network interface layer are reconfigured based on the selected second transmission parameter.