Communication Path Switching via Bidirectional Setup Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, particularly those using millimeter wave communication, face challenges in accurately switching communication paths due to insufficient consideration of communication conditions at 60 GHz, leading to difficulties in seamless switching between millimeter wave and wireless LAN communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that includes a first communicator for millimeter wave communication, a second communicator for wireless LAN communication, a communication-path monitor, a switching-setup-packet generator, and a switching controller, which sequentially generates and transmits switching-setup packets through both paths and controls switching based on the arrival order and type of response data, improving path switching accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switching control is performed based on packet loss detection in millimeter wave communication, then communication path switching is triggered, but switching accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient consideration of communication conditions at 60 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the communication apparatus monitors communication conditions through exchange of control packets between endpoints. The switching controller receives feedback information about communication quality and uses it to make informed switching decisions, thereby improving switching accuracy by considering actual communication conditions rather than relying solely on packet loss detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by exchanging switching setup packets before actual data transmission begins. The switching controller prepares switching configurations in advance and validates communication conditions beforehand, ensuring that switching decisions are based on comprehensive pre-assessment rather than reactive packet loss detection alone.
2Speed
If Fast Session Transfer is used for seamless switching between millimeter wave and wireless LAN communication, then switching speed is improved, but switching accuracy deteriorates due to lack of bidirectional coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Fast Session Transfer's rapid switching capability with bidirectional coordination mechanisms. Both endpoints exchange switching setup packets and coordinate their switching actions simultaneously, combining the speed advantage of FST with the accuracy benefit of mutual coordination, ensuring that both sides switch to the same path without mismatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where each endpoint monitors whether the other has successfully received and processed switching setup packets. This feedback mechanism ensures that switching actions are coordinated bidirectionally, preventing scenarios where one endpoint switches while the other remains on the old path, thereby maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes: a first communicator that communicates with another communication apparatus through a first communication path; a second communicator that communicates with the other communication apparatus through a second communication path; a communication-path monitor that monitors a condition of a communication through the first communicator; a switching-setup-packet generator that sequentially generates switching-setup packets to be transmitted through the first and second communicators, based on a determination indicating that the condition of the communication through the first communicator is bad; and a switching controller that switches between communications through the first and second communicators, based on a type of which response data for the switching-setup packets arrive from the other communication apparatus and an order in which response data for the switching setup packets arrive from the other communication apparatus.