Wireless Node Propagation Delay Estimation Using GNSS Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data networks face inefficiencies due to high volumes of low-bandwidth devices competing for limited network resources, leading to low useful data ratios, particularly in uncoordinated environments like GPS tracking, where propagation delays in wireless communication systems are unpredictable and variable, affecting synchronization and network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically estimating propagation delays between nodes in a wireless network by using kinematic information of satellites and GNSS time and location data to determine holding delays for packet transmission, ensuring timely arrival and reducing timing uncertainty, thereby optimizing resource utilization and network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If devices communicate in an uncoordinated environment without propagation delay estimation, then device simplicity is maintained, but network efficiency deteriorates due to low useful data ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary propagation delay estimation using GNSS time and location information before actual data transmission. Nodes calculate expected delay values in advance based on their positions and satellite kinematic data, allowing them to pre-schedule transmissions and avoid uncoordinated access conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where nodes continuously update propagation delay estimates by comparing expected delays with actual measured delays from received packets. This feedback loop allows dynamic adjustment of transmission timing to maintain optimal network efficiency as conditions change.
2Measurement precision
If propagation delays are not dynamically estimated, then computational resources are conserved, but timing precision deteriorates leading to synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of propagation delay estimation from static to dynamic by continuously updating delay values based on current GNSS time, location information, and satellite kinematic data. This allows precise timing synchronization while using efficient calculation methods that balance accuracy with computational energy consumption.
3Loss of time
If holding delays are not applied based on propagation delay estimation, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but latency increases due to unpredictable packet arrival times
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes calculate holding delays in advance based on estimated propagation delays before transmitting packets. By determining the required waiting time beforehand using GNSS-based propagation delay estimation, nodes can schedule transmissions to arrive at optimal times, reducing overall network latency while maintaining manageable transmission control.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for estimating a propagation time between a first node and a second node of a wireless network are disclosed. One method includes determining a first time propagation delay between the first node and the second node based on location of the second node and the kinematic information of a third node, receiving, by the second node, a packet from the first node containing a timestamp representing a transmit time of the packet from the first node, determining a second time propagation delay between the first node and the second node based upon the difference between the reception time of the packet, and the first time stamp included within the packet, transmitting, by a second node a TX packet after a holding delay based on the first propagation delay and the second propagation delay.