MIMO Channel Scanning Using Parallel Multi-Antenna Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MIMO communication devices perform sequential channel scanning, which is inefficient and prolongs the channel scanning time, especially when operating like SISO devices, affecting fast roaming and dynamic frequency selection.
Innovation Solution
A MIMO communication apparatus and method that simultaneously scans multiple channels using multiple antennas for active and passive scanning, allowing each antenna to independently transmit and receive search or beacon frames across different channels, reducing scanning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequential channel scanning is performed using multiple antennas in the same manner as SISO devices, then device compatibility is maintained, but channel scanning time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel scanning task into parallel segments by assigning different channels to different antennas simultaneously. Each antenna independently scans a specific channel, transforming a sequential process into a parallel one, thereby reducing total scanning time while maintaining compatibility with SISO devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to channel scanning by utilizing multiple antennas in parallel. Instead of scanning channels sequentially in time (one dimension), the system scans multiple channels simultaneously across different spatial paths (adding another dimension), thus reducing scanning time without sacrificing compatibility.
2Device complexity
If sequential channel scanning is performed, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and scanning efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning process is segmented into independent parallel tasks assigned to each antenna. The controller simply assigns channels to antennas and collects results, avoiding complex sequential coordination while achieving high scanning efficiency through parallel execution.
3Speed
If multiple antennas are used for simultaneous scanning, then scanning speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function across multiple antennas, with each antenna independently handling a specific channel. This segmentation enables parallel scanning (increasing speed) while keeping individual antenna operations simple, thus avoiding exponential increases in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna is designed to perform the same universal scanning function independently. This multi-functionality approach allows any antenna to scan any channel, simplifying the control logic and reducing the complexity of coordination compared to specialized antenna configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A MIMO communication apparatus and a channel scanning method thereof that can reduce a channel scanning time are provided. The channel scanning method includes receiving an input request for channel scanning, and scanning for a plurality of channels simultaneously by independently using a plurality of antennas in accordance with the input request. The apparatus includes a control unit which designates channels for scanning; a frame generating unit which generates a search frame if the channel scanning is active scanning; and a transceiver unit which includes a plurality of antennas and which assigns the channels designated by the control unit to the plurality of antennas, transmits the search frame generated by the frame generating unit through the plurality of antennas, and receives a response frame to the transmitted search frame; wherein the transceiver unit assigns different channels to the plurality of antennas, respectively.