MAC Abstraction Sub-layer for Converging Multiple Communication Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices face challenges in efficiently using multiple communication standards due to high power consumption and inefficient manufacturing costs, as well as complexity in system parameter settings and module redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that includes a medium access control (MAC) abstraction sub-layer and a corresponding service management entity (SME) to converge multiple communication standards by arranging the MAC abstraction sub-layer between upper and MAC layers, and SME between MAC and PHY layers in the control plane, facilitating communication through an application programming interface (API).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate modules are used for each communication standard, then each standard can be fully supported, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication standards (802.3, 802.11, 1901, MoCA) into a unified MAC abstraction sub-layer that handles all standards through a single interface to the upper layers. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each communication standard, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining support for all standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC abstraction sub-layer is designed as a universal interface that can manage multiple communication standards through a single unified structure. The service management entity and MAC table work together to provide multi-functional capability, allowing the system to adapt to different communication standards without requiring separate specialized hardware modules for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate modules are used for each communication standard, then each standard can be fully supported, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple communication standard implementations into a single unified MAC abstraction sub-layer. Instead of having separate modules for 802.3, 802.11, 1901, and MoCA standards, the system uses one abstracted layer that manages all standards, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating redundant code and circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC abstraction sub-layer acts as an intermediary between the upper layers and the various MAC/PHY layers of different communication standards. This intermediary layer provides a unified interface that simplifies the system architecture by hiding the complexity of individual standards behind a consistent abstraction layer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication standards are implemented with separate modules, then each standard is fully supported, but system parameter settings become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC abstraction sub-layer serves as an intermediary that presents a unified interface to upper layers, abstracting away the complexity of individual communication standard parameters. This allows system parameter settings to be managed through a single consistent interface rather than multiple separate modules, simplifying configuration and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the MAC layer into an abstraction sub-layer and service management entity that can independently manage different communication standards. This segmentation allows for simplified parameter settings by separating the universal interface from the standard-specific implementations.
4Loss of energy
If traditional packet transmission is used without flooding, then network resources are conserved, but packet delivery reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the service management entity that monitors packet transmission status and adjusts routing decisions accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to conserve network resources by avoiding redundant transmissions while maintaining packet delivery reliability through intelligent routing based on real-time network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of converging a plurality of communication standards is disclosed. The method comprises providing a medium access control (MAC) abstraction sub-layer, wherein the MAC abstraction sub-layer is arranged between an upper layer and a plurality of MAC layers of the plurality of communication standards; and providing a corresponding service management entity (SME) between the MAC abstraction sub-layer and the plurality of MAC layers and a plurality of physical (PHY) layers of the plurality of communication standards in a control plane; wherein the MAC abstraction sub-layer communicates with the plurality of MAC layers and the plurality of PHY layers in the control plane via the corresponding SME, and the corresponding SME communicates with the MAC abstraction sub-layer via an application programming interface (API).