Dynamic Band Allocation in Wireless Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability of radio frequency bands for wireless communication due to stringent allocation and the inefficiency of current frequency band usage, resulting in underutilization of spectrum resources and increased costs for bandwidth allocation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device that dynamically adjusts its frequency band allocation by expanding into adjacent, underutilized or unutilized bands and guard bands, using adaptive techniques to determine activity levels and minimize interference, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequency bands are allocated to multiple technologies with guard bands separating them, then interference between neighboring bands is prevented, but significant portions of the frequency band are consumed and unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic band allocation where guard bands are not fixed but adaptively adjusted based on real-time detection of neighboring band activity. The system transitions from static guard band separation to dynamic allocation, allowing the usable bandwidth to expand when neighboring bands are inactive and contract when they are active, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable interference prevention and maximizing usable bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of guard band width from a fixed value to a variable that adjusts based on detected signal activity in neighboring bands. By monitoring the presence or absence of signals in adjacent frequency bands, the system dynamically modifies the effective guard band size, allowing maximum bandwidth utilization while maintaining interference prevention when necessary
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radios are used to monitor and communicate in multiple bands simultaneously, then band activity detection and communication flexibility are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single radio capable of performing multiple functions: it can both detect activity in neighboring bands and communicate in the allocated band. The radio is configured to sweep through neighboring frequencies to detect signals while also maintaining communication in the primary band, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection radios and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication radio serves itself by performing band activity detection as part of its normal operation. Instead of requiring a separate detection system, the radio uses its own capabilities to monitor neighboring bands for signals that would indicate potential interference, thereby simplifying the device architecture while maintaining adaptability
3Device complexity
If a single radio is used for both detection and communication, then device complexity is reduced, but the radio cannot simultaneously detect in one band and communicate in another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sweeping of neighboring bands interspersed with communication periods. The radio alternates between detecting signals in adjacent frequency bands and communicating in the allocated band, using time-division multiplexing to achieve both functions with a single radio without requiring simultaneous operation, thus reducing complexity while maintaining effective monitoring and communication capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device is disclosed that is capable of utilizing bandwidth outside of its allocated bandwidth in order to maximize frequency coverage. The allocated band is separate from a neighboring band by a guard band. The device performs a scan of the neighboring band in order to determine an activity level within the neighboring band. Based on the determined activity level, the device expands its communication frequency range to include the guard band and/or the neighboring band. Once expanded, the device periodically rescans the neighboring band in order to determine whether the device must contract its frequency band out of the expanded area. The device can also receive activity level information of the neighboring band from a server via a common network infrastructure, and can coordinate expansion with other devices.