Wireless LAN Mesh Beacon Offset Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, beacon signal collisions can occur due to overlapping transmission ranges, leading to network segregation and failure of Mesh Points to join the network, as existing synchronization methods are inadequate in preventing such collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method where each Mesh Point transmits a beacon signal with a unique time offset, and periodically transmits beacon timing information including a first and second offset, allowing nodes to detect and prevent collisions by selecting a new offset if conflicts are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each MP transmits beacon signal with the same timing, then synchronization is simplified, but beacon signal collision occurs causing network segregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beacon signal transmission time period into multiple slots, assigning each MP a unique offset within this period. This segmentation prevents beacon signal collisions by ensuring that MPs transmit at different times, while still maintaining synchronization through the structured offset assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic offset assignment where MPs can adjust their transmission offsets based on detected collisions. The system monitors beacon signal transmissions and allows MPs to change their offsets dynamically to avoid collisions, balancing simplicity with collision prevention.
2Reliability
If beacon signal transmission time period is extended to avoid collision, then collision prevention improves, but network convergence speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transmission time period into distinct offset slots for different MPs, the patent enables collision-free transmissions without requiring a complete extension of the overall beacon transmission period. Multiple MPs can transmit simultaneously in different time slots within the same period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses probe beacon timing information transmitted before the actual beacon signals to预先 detect potential collisions. This preliminary action allows the system to identify and resolve conflicts before they occur, maintaining fast convergence while preventing collisions.
3Measurement precision
If probe beacon timing information is transmitted periodically, then collision detection accuracy improves, but transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of probe beacon timing information at strategically determined intervals. This periodic action provides sufficient collision detection accuracy while minimizing unnecessary transmissions, balancing detection precision with overhead reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for transmitting beacon timing information from a transmission node in a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) mesh network. In the method, each of a plurality of nodes transmits a beacon signal with its unique offset within a beacon signal transmission time period and the transmission node periodically transmits beacon timing information including a first unique offset within the beacon signal transmission time period. The transmission node sets a second offset different from the first offset and transmits probe beacon timing information including the first offset and the second offset.