Distributed Dynamic Channel Selection in Communication Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic channel selection techniques in communication networks rely on centralized controllers, which can lead to inefficiencies in channel transition management and network agility, especially in scenarios where channels become unusable or when nodes need to form or reform networks without pre-existing knowledge of each other's channels.

Innovation Solution

A distributed dynamic channel selection approach where each node in a network can independently transmit and receive probe messages to determine whether to change its channel based on local sensing and control message exchanges, allowing nodes to autonomously select new channels without a central controller, ensuring connectivity with neighboring nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized controller is used to manage channel transitions, then channel selection decisions are coordinated, but network agility and transition speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection coordinationVSAvoidnetwork transition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized controller is segmented into multiple distributed nodes, each capable of independent channel selection decisions. Nodes exchange probe messages to discover channels and negotiate transitions locally, eliminating the single-point bottleneck while maintaining coordinated channel selection through distributed consensus mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple nodes are merged into a single logical decision-making unit through the probe message exchange protocol. Each node independently discovers channels and negotiates transitions with neighbors, combining their collective intelligence to achieve coordinated channel selection without requiring a separate centralized controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If pre-existing channel knowledge is required for network formation, then initial channel allocation is simplified, but adaptability to dynamic environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork formation simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Nodes perform preliminary channel discovery actions by transmitting and receiving probe messages before formal network formation. This preliminary probing phase allows nodes to automatically identify available channels and negotiate initial channel assignments without requiring pre-configured channel knowledge, simplifying deployment while enabling environmental adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Nodes serve themselves by autonomously discovering channels and forming networks without external configuration or pre-existing channel knowledge. Each node independently transmits probe messages, processes responses from neighbors, and self-determines its channel assignments, eliminating the need for centralized channel allocation while maintaining network formation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If nodes independently select channels without centralized coordination, then network agility is improved, but channel conflicts and interference may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel transition speedVSAvoidchannel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Nodes incorporate feedback mechanisms by exchanging probe messages that contain channel quality information and interference measurements. Each node uses this feedback from neighboring nodes to adjust its channel selections, avoiding channels that are already occupied or experiencing high interference, thus maintaining fast independent decision-making while reducing channel conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The channel selection process is made dynamic through continuous probe message exchanges that adapt to changing network conditions. Nodes can rapidly transition between channels based on real-time feedback from the environment and neighboring nodes, maintaining high agility while dynamically avoiding interference through adaptive channel negotiation rather than static centralized allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7664120B2Multiple-transceiver distributed dynamic channel selection in a communication network

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

In certain embodiments, a first node among a plurality of distributed nodes capable of forming or reforming a communication network between the nodes, each of the nodes including one or more transceivers, includes a memory for storing values for variables for the first node and includes a plurality of transceivers. The first node is operable to: (1) spontaneously and independent of a centralized controller associated with the network, transmit a probe message for purposes of forming or reforming a network; (2) receive a probe message from a second node for purposes of forming or reforming a network, the probe message including values for variables for the second node; (3) compare the values for the variables for the first node to the values for the variables for the second node within the probe message to determine, independent of a centralized controller associated with the network, whether the first node should set a home channel of one of its transceivers to a new channel; and (4) if so, set the home channel of a determined one of the transceivers of the first node to the new channel.