FreeBee Beacon Timing Shift for WiFi ZigBee Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of wireless technologies has led to severe coexistence problems due to incompatible spectrum sharing, resulting in inefficiencies and interference between different wireless protocols like WiFi and ZigBee.

Innovation Solution

The FreeBee communication framework allows for transparent, band-free communication by shifting the timing of beacon frames in WiFi signals, enabling mutual supplementation between WiFi and ZigBee networks, and using interval multiplexing to coordinate channel access, thereby alleviating Cross Technology Interference (CTI) and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless technologies operate simultaneously in the same spectrum, then wireless convenience and functionality are improved, but wireless coexistence problems and interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless functionalityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic beacon transmission at adjusted intervals to create structured communication opportunities between WiFi and ZigBee devices. By using periodic beacons with modified timing, the system establishes predictable interaction patterns that reduce random interference while maintaining both wireless protocols' functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the beacon interval parameter from standard WiFi beacon timing to adjusted intervals that accommodate both WiFi and ZigBee protocols. This parameter modification allows the system to optimize coexistence by altering transmission timing characteristics, reducing spectrum conflict while preserving communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard WiFi beacon intervals are used, then WiFi protocol compatibility is maintained, but communication efficiency with ZigBee devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the beacon interval parameter to optimized values that improve communication efficiency between WiFi and ZigBee devices. By adjusting this timing parameter, the system achieves better coordination and data transmission performance while maintaining interoperability through preserved beacon functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beacon interval adjustment based on communication needs and channel conditions. The system can adaptively change beacon timing to optimize performance for different operational scenarios, balancing compatibility requirements with efficiency goals through flexible parameter control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If WiFi interfaces operate continuously to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic beacon transmission instead of continuous WiFi interface operation. Devices wake up at scheduled beacon intervals to exchange information, allowing the WiFi interface to remain dormant between beacons. This periodic operation maintains communication reliability through regular updates while dramatically reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses beacon-based announcements where devices self-advertise their presence and status periodically. Other devices can detect these beacons and initiate communication only when needed, eliminating the need for continuous active listening and reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10142821B2Wireless communication between devices that use different wireless protocols

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

AI summary

Techniques of this disclosure include modulating messages by shifting the timing of periodic beacon frames already mandatory for certain wireless protocols without incurring extra traffic. Such a band-free design allows continuous broadcast from a first computing device to reach a second computing device operating on a different wireless protocol than the first wireless protocol. Further techniques of this disclosure enable concurrent broadcasts from multiple computing devices or boost the transmission rate of a computing device.