Group Scheduling Controller for Wireless Network Throughput

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In densely populated wireless communication networks, the carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mechanism leads to inefficiencies and reduced throughput due to devices refraining from transmitting even when they wouldn't interfere with other networks, causing latency and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a modified mechanism that classifies devices based on their ability to communicate concurrently, using a group scheduling controller to assign transmission opportunities (TXOPs) and allow concurrent communications on overlapping channels without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mechanism is used in densely populated wireless networks, then devices can detect and avoid interfering transmissions, but network throughput is reduced and latency increases due to devices refraining from transmitting even when they wouldn't interfere

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless network into multiple independent networks, each with its own set of devices. By dividing the network topology, devices in one network can transmit concurrently with devices in another network without causing interference, as long as they are assigned to non-overlapping spatial regions. This segmentation allows parallel transmissions that would otherwise be blocked by CSMA's conservative collision avoidance mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission characteristics to different spatial regions. Each network is given specific spatial boundaries and transmission opportunities tailored to its local environment. Devices transmit based on their local network's assigned parameters rather than globally sensing all transmissions, allowing optimized local throughput while maintaining overall network reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mechanism is used in densely populated wireless networks, then devices can detect ongoing transmissions, but latency increases due to devices waiting for channel clearance even when concurrent transmission would be safe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission safetyVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning transmission opportunities (TXOPs) to networks before transmissions occur. Each network is given scheduled time slots and spatial regions in advance, eliminating the need for devices to wait and sense the channel during transmission attempts. This pre-planning allows devices to transmit immediately during their assigned TXOPs without latency-inducing channel sensing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic TXOP assignment where transmission opportunities are adaptively allocated based on network conditions, traffic demands, and spatial relationships. The system dynamically adjusts which networks can transmit concurrently and for how long, optimizing the balance between transmission safety and latency reduction in real-time rather than using static CSMA rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If multiple wireless networks operate in the same area using traditional access mechanisms, then network coverage is provided, but interference occurs and throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to network operation by assigning three-dimensional spatial boundaries to each network. Instead of networks competing for the same wireless medium in a flat sense, each network operates in its own spatial region. This dimensional separation allows multiple networks to coexist in the same physical area without interference, as long as their assigned spatial regions do not overlap during concurrent transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network controller or coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between multiple wireless networks. This intermediary manages TXOP assignments, monitors spatial relationships, and coordinates transmissions across networks to prevent interference while maximizing overall throughput. The intermediary enables networks to operate independently in their assigned regions while maintaining global optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3064021B1Systems and methods for scheduling group access in wireless networks
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3064021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3064021B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for wireless communication are described herein. In some aspects, a method includes determining one or more classes of compatible transmissions from one or more wireless devices. The method further includes defining scheduled time slots for each of the one or more classes. The method further includes defining a channel access procedure associated with each of the scheduled time slots. The method further includes accessing a wireless medium during an associated scheduled time slot according to the channel access procedure by one or more of the wireless devices.