MAC Preprocessor for Multi-Protocol Wireless Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless access points (APs) face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for dedicated protocol-specific hardware components to support multiple wireless protocols, leading to cumbersome installation and compatibility issues with different networking protocols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an agnostic Medium Access Control (MAC) preprocessor in combination with agnostic hardware components and protocol-specific virtual gateways, which use a multi-protocol schedule to detect and transmit packets to the appropriate virtual gateways, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated protocol-specific hardware components are used to support multiple wireless protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal MAC preprocessor that can handle multiple wireless protocols (IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.4, Bluetooth, etc.) through a single hardware component. The preprocessor uses protocol identification fields in packet headers to determine which protocol is being used and routes packets accordingly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each protocol while maintaining full protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC preprocessor acts as an intermediary layer between the physical radio interface and the upper network layers. It receives packets from the radio, identifies the protocol type using identification fields, and forwards packets to appropriate virtual gateways or processing queues. This intermediary approach allows one hardware component to mediate multiple protocols that would otherwise require separate dedicated hardware paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF radios are included to provide sufficient coverage and accommodate various networking protocols, then protocol support is improved, but power consumption and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single RF radio that can operate across multiple frequency bands and protocols, controlled by the universal MAC preprocessor. The radio is dynamically configured based on the detected protocol type, allowing one radio to perform the functions of multiple dedicated radios while consuming less power. The preprocessor manages the radio's operation mode based on the active protocol, reducing unnecessary power consumption from idle or unused radio configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a micro-controller with full application-level gateway is embedded to support different protocols, then protocol adaptability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual gateways that are software-based representations of protocol-specific processing functions. Instead of embedding complex application-level gateways in hardware, the system creates virtual copies of gateway functionality that run as software modules. These virtual gateways can be dynamically instantiated and configured without physical hardware changes, simplifying installation and deployment while maintaining protocol adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protocol-specific processing logic from the hardware layer and places it in the software layer. The MAC preprocessor handles protocol identification and routing at a lower level, while protocol-specific application logic is separated into independent virtual gateway software components. This extraction allows the hardware to remain simple and universal, while protocol adaptability is achieved through software configuration rather than complex embedded hardware
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes: obtaining a multi-protocol schedule, wherein the multi-protocol schedule includes scheduling information characterizing packets associated with a plurality of wireless protocols, wherein each of the plurality of wireless protocols is associated with a respective virtual gateway of a plurality of virtual gateways; detecting, by a wireless transceiver, a first packet related to a first wireless protocol of the plurality of wireless protocols based on the multi-protocol schedule; and transmitting, by the wireless transceiver, the first packet related to the first wireless protocol to a first virtual gateway of the plurality of virtual gateways. According to some embodiments, the method is performed by a device (e.g., a MAC preprocessor) that includes a wireless transceiver, one or more processors, and non-transitory memory.