Directional Transmission Sequence Selection for Wireless Network Collision Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dense wireless network environments, the sequential pattern of directional beacon transmissions can lead to collisions with nearby networks, affecting the ability of devices to discover, synchronize, and associate with the network, thereby impacting network robustness.

Innovation Solution

Employing a sequence selection module to dynamically change the directional transmission patterns, such as using random or round robin techniques, to reduce the likelihood of transmission collisions by varying the sequence of directional transmissions over time periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If directional beacon transmissions are performed in a fixed sequential pattern, then the transmission sequence is simple and predictable, but transmission collisions with nearby networks increase and network robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork robustnessVSAvoidtransmission sequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the beacon transmission sequence variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the transmission sequence across different time periods, allowing the network to adapt to varying interference conditions and reduce collisions with nearby networks, thereby improving robustness without requiring complex centralized coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by cycling through different transmission sequences over time. Each time period uses a different sequence from the set of available sequences, creating a periodic variation in transmission patterns that reduces systematic collisions while maintaining simplicity through the repetitive cycling of predefined sequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If omnidirectional beacon transmission is used, then all client devices can be reached easily, but transmission power is wasted in directions where no devices are present and interference with nearby networks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice discovery easeVSAvoidtransmission power waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the omnidirectional transmission space into multiple directional sectors. Each beacon transmission is directed toward a specific sector, allowing the system to concentrate power where needed rather than broadcasting in all directions simultaneously. This segmentation enables targeted communication while reducing overall power consumption and interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by making transmission characteristics direction-dependent. Each directional transmission is optimized for its specific sector, with power and timing adjusted according to local conditions in that direction. This allows efficient power usage in each local direction while collectively covering all areas where client devices may be present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3136772B1Directional transmission techniques
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 INTEL CORP
  • EP3136772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3136772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3136772B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments provide techniques for the transmission of broadcasts. For instance, an apparatus may include a sequence selection module, and multiple radiating elements. The sequence selection module selects sequences of directional transmission patterns, where each selected sequence corresponds to a time period. The multiple radiating elements wirelessly transmit a broadcast at the time periods in accordance with the selected sequences. The broadcast may include, for example, beacons, and/or a data broadcast, and/or a control broadcast and/or a management broadcast.