Dynamic Superframe Slotting for Multi-Frequency Home Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home network systems face inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation and reliability due to the use of fixed superframe modes that do not adapt to the varying communication needs of devices operating at different frequency bands and protocols, leading to potential interference and reduced wireless range.
Innovation Solution
A hub device employs dynamic superframe slotting that allocates slots dynamically across multiple frequency bands, allowing devices to communicate using time-division duplexing, thereby optimizing bandwidth allocation and reducing interference by introducing slots at different frequency bands as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed superframe mode is used to allocate slots for wireless communication, then the network structure is simple and easy to manage, but the bandwidth allocation is inefficient and cannot adapt to varying communication needs of devices at different frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic superframe slotting where the hub device can dynamically allocate and adjust time slots within a superframe based on real-time communication needs. The system transitions from a fixed superframe structure to a dynamic one where slots can be added, removed, or reconfigured depending on which frequency band (2.4 GHz or sub-1 GHz) is being used, enabling efficient bandwidth allocation while adapting to varying device requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the superframe by introducing frequency band-specific slot configurations. When devices communicate at 2.4 GHz, one superframe structure is used; when sub-1 GHz communication is needed, the superframe parameters are adjusted to include appropriate slots for that frequency band, optimizing bandwidth allocation for each scenario
2Reliability
If devices communicate only at a single frequency band (2.4 GHz), then the network configuration is simple, but the wireless range is limited and reliability is reduced due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device is designed with multi-functionality to support both 2.4 GHz and sub-1 GHz frequency bands within a single network infrastructure. The dynamic superframe slotting mechanism enables the system to universally accommodate devices operating at either frequency band, selecting the appropriate frequency and slot configuration based on device capabilities and communication requirements, thereby improving reliability and extending wireless range
3Productivity
If multiple protocols (IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth) are supported at the same frequency band using fixed slot allocation, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but slot allocation becomes inefficient and protocol-specific performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating protocol-specific and frequency band-specific slot allocations within the superframe. Instead of uniform slot allocation for all protocols, the system configures dedicated slots with appropriate characteristics for each protocol (IEEE 802.15.4 or Bluetooth) at each frequency band, optimizing communication efficiency for each protocol while maintaining overall system versatility
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
An apparatus includes processing circuity configured to output a first superframe configured in an initial superframe mode that allocates each slot of a plurality of slots for wireless communication to a first protocol at a first frequency band, a second protocol at the first frequency band, or a third protocol at the first frequency band. The processing circuitry is also configured to output a second superframe configured in a multi-frequency superframe mode that allocates: i) at least one slot of a plurality of slots for wireless communication to the first protocol, the second protocol, or the third protocol at the first frequency band, and ii) at least one slot of the plurality of slots for wireless communication to the first protocol, the second protocol, or the third protocol at the second frequency band.