Mesh Channel Switch Announcement for Regulatory Class Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mesh networks, there is a need for a procedure to switch the regulatory class and channel of a mesh point (MP) to accommodate changes in frequency bandwidth and minimize interference with other networks, while ensuring all MPs operate within the same regulatory class and channel for effective communication.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the configuration of a peer link between MPs, transmission of a mesh channel switch announcement frame with new regulatory class and channel information, and the use of a Mesh Channel Switch (MCS) timer to manage the channel switch process, allowing MPs to switch to a new regulatory class and channel while announcing the change to peer MPs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an MP switches to a new regulatory class and channel to accommodate frequency bandwidth changes and minimize interference, then adaptability and interference reduction are improved, but communication synchronization and reliability between peer MPs may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory class and channel switching capabilityVSAvoidcommunication synchronization between peer MPs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the initiating MP send a channel switch announcement frame to peer MPs before actually switching channels. This allows peer MPs to prepare for the switch in advance, ensuring they can maintain communication synchronization. The announcement includes necessary information such as the new channel number and regulatory class, enabling peer MPs to configure their communication parameters beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the channel switch announcement mechanism, where the initiating MP provides information about the upcoming channel switch to peer MPs. This feedback loop ensures that all MPs have consistent information about the regulatory class and channel changes, maintaining communication reliability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If all MPs operate within the same regulatory class and channel for effective communication, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability to different frequency bandwidths and interference conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency bandwidth accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different MPs to operate in different regulatory classes and channels based on their local interference conditions and frequency bandwidth requirements. Each MP can independently select and switch to appropriate regulatory classes and channels suited to its local environment, while maintaining synchronization through the announcement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling MPs to dynamically switch between different regulatory classes and channels based on changing communication conditions. The channel switch announcement frame allows MPs to adapt their operational parameters in real-time, transitioning from static same-channel operation to dynamic multi-channel capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If an MP unilaterally switches channel without notifying peer MPs, then switching speed is improved, but communication reliability and peer link stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel switching speedVSAvoidpeer link stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the initiating MP to send a channel switch announcement frame to peer MPs before executing the channel switch. This preliminary notification ensures peer MPs are aware of the upcoming switch and can prepare accordingly, maintaining peer link stability while enabling relatively fast switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The channel switch announcement frame serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the initiating MP's desire to switch channels and the peer MPs' need to maintain stable communication. The announcement frame carries essential information about the channel switch, enabling coordinated transition without direct peer-to-peer negotiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8634327B2Method for switching channel in mesh network

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A method of performing a channel switch in a mesh network by a first Mesh Point (MP) includes configuring a peer link between the first MP and a second MP, and transmitting a mesh channel switch announcement frame from the first MP to the second MP. The mesh channel switch announcement frame includes a new regulatory class field and a new channel number field. The new regulatory class field indicates the number of a new regulatory class after the channel switch and the new channel number field indicates the number of a new channel to which the first MP is moving.