mmWave Network Controller Interference Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications networks operating at high frequencies, directional communications often experience interference between adjacent personal area networks (PANs) due to unsynchronized beacon intervals and overlapping channel time allocations, which existing methods like RTS/CTS are not well-suited to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a method where network controllers (NCs) and wireless communication devices (STAs) use a format for conveying scheduling constraint information to avoid interference by identifying and scheduling around potential interference periods, using information elements (IEs) to convey timing constraints and adjust beacon timing synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If directional communications are used in mmWave wireless networks, then signal range is extended and interference is reduced, but scheduling complexity increases and interference management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having STAs report repeating interfering signal parameters to their NCs in advance, allowing NCs to pre-calculate non-interfering time periods and pre-schedule communications accordingly. This proactive approach avoids the complexity of real-time interference management while maintaining effective directional communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where STAs act as sensors that detect interfering signals from adjacent PANs and relay this information to their NCs. This intermediary reporting system simplifies the NC's task by providing pre-processed interference information, reducing the scheduling complexity while maintaining interference avoidance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RTS/CTS scheduling methods are used, then channel access is managed, but they are not well-suited for directional communications and repeating interfering signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for scheduling by incorporating repeating interfering signal characteristics (time periods, frequencies, directions) into the scheduling decision process. Instead of using traditional RTS/CTS timing only, the system now schedules communications based on multiple parameters including interference patterns, making it adaptable to directional communications while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scheduling process into distinct phases: interference detection by STAs, parameter reporting to NCs, non-interfering time period calculation, and final communication scheduling. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, making the overall system more adaptable to directional communications while ensuring reliable interference avoidance through dedicated interference management steps.
3Device complexity
If NCs schedule channel time without awareness of adjacent PAN interfering signals, then scheduling is simple, but overlapping transmissions cause interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having STAs autonomously detect interfering signals from adjacent PANs and automatically report the interfering signal parameters to their NCs. This self-service approach allows NCs to maintain simple scheduling logic while still achieving interference avoidance, as the complexity of interference detection is distributed to the STAs themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where STAs continuously monitor for interfering signals and provide feedback to their NCs about repeating interference patterns. This feedback mechanism enables NCs to adjust their scheduling decisions based on actual interference conditions without requiring complex real-time analysis, balancing scheduling simplicity with interference prevention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network controller may schedule directional communications between two devices in its own network in such a way as to avoid potential interference from anticipated transmissions from another device. In some instances, the network controller may be one of the two devices using the directional communications. The timing of the anticipated transmissions may be determined by the network controller based on its own observations, or it may be informed of that timing in a transmission from a device in its own network. A possible format is given for transmitting that information to the network controller.