Long Frame M2M Protocol for Whitespace Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks operating in whitespace, particularly in the UHF TV band, face challenges due to variable bandwidth, interference from TV broadcasts, and power constraints, which affect communication reliability and efficiency, especially in machine-to-machine networks.
Innovation Solution
A communication protocol using bidirectional frames with a duration greater than one second, employing time division multiple access (TDMA) for both downlink and uplink transmissions, and utilizing the lowest data rate supported by the device to maximize control information reception, along with spreading codes to increase robustness and frequency hopping to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a terminal enters low power sleep mode to improve power efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but the terminal cannot rapidly wake up and begin communicating at unscheduled times
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing to the frame structure and maintaining knowledge of frame boundaries and control information locations. This allows the terminal to quickly wake up at predetermined intervals and immediately begin communication without extensive synchronization procedures, thus reducing wake-up time while maintaining sleep mode power savings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network operates in whitespace with variable bandwidth to accommodate unlicensed access, then spectrum utilization is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference from TV broadcasts and other sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation to varying interference conditions by using long frames that can accommodate changing bandwidth availability. The protocol adjusts to dynamic whitespace conditions while maintaining reliable communication through robust error handling and retransmission mechanisms within the extended frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol incorporates beforehand cushioning by including extensive error detection and correction capabilities, as well as retransmission mechanisms within the long frame structure. This prepares the system in advance for potential interference issues in whitespace environments, ensuring communication reliability despite variable conditions.
3Productivity
If conventional short frames are used for communication, then communication speed is improved, but re-transmissions increase due to interference and power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The communication frame is segmented into distinct functional portions: downlink control information, uplink data, and acknowledgment sections. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently and enables selective retransmission of only the affected segments rather than entire frames, improving overall efficiency and reducing redundant retransmissions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to communication via a series of bidirectional frames. A communication device is configured to communicate according to a protocol in which data is communicated via a series of frames, and every frame comprises: a downlink portion for transmissions by the communication device, said downlink portion comprising a control portion; and an uplink portion for transmissions to the communication device; and the duration of each frame is greater than one second.