Multi-Channel FHSS Transceiver Autonomous Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) systems in wireless mesh networks face inefficiencies due to synchronization overhead and transmission latency, which reduce overall network throughput and increase link transmission latencies, especially as utilization increases and channel collision probabilities rise.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that employs a multi-channel frequency hopping spread spectrum communication technique, where a digital radio transceiver can simultaneously listen to multiple channels without prior synchronization, allowing for efficient data transmission and reception by using a center channel that remains persistent or dynamically adjusted, thereby simplifying hop synchronization and reducing related overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) systems are used in wireless mesh networks, then interference among nodes transmitting on common radio frequency channels is avoided, but synchronization overhead and transmission latency substantially reduce overall network throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency hopping process into independent channel selection at each node, where each node autonomously selects channels from its own sequence rather than following a synchronized global sequence. This segmentation eliminates the need for system-wide synchronization while maintaining interference avoidance through distributed channel diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node independently generates and follows its own frequency hopping sequence without requiring synchronization with other nodes. The system serves itself through autonomous channel selection at each node, eliminating synchronization overhead while maintaining the benefits of frequency hopping for interference avoidance.
2Reliability
If synchronization procedure is conducted between transmitter and receiver in FHSS systems, then reliable communications channel is maintained, but overhead and transmission latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization requirement from the FHSS system by allowing each node to independently generate frequency hopping sequences without needing to synchronize with transmitters or receivers. This removal of synchronization eliminates the associated overhead and latency while maintaining communication reliability through autonomous channel selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of synchronizing nodes to follow the same frequency hopping sequence, the patent inverts the approach by having each node independently generate its own sequence. Rather than coordinating frequency hopping across the network, each node autonomously selects channels, eliminating synchronization needs while maintaining reliable communications.
3Productivity
If nodes transmit on the same channel simultaneously, then channel utilization is maximized, but channel collision probability increases leading to dropped packets and retransmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of channel selection from synchronized global sequences to independent random selections at each node. By varying the channel selection mechanism at each node independently, the system maintains high channel utilization while reducing collision probability through distributed diversity in channel choices.
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transmitting data in a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) wireless communication system. A multi-channel receiver is configured to receive data from one or more channels simultaneously. The multi-channel receiver enables efficient implementation of a transmission protocol in which multiple candidate nodes within a wireless mesh network are polled for availability to receive a packet of data. The packet of data is transmitted to one or more available nodes based on prevailing link conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful delivery. Data flooding may be selectively implemented to further increase the likelihood of successful delivery.