Joint Neighbor Discovery and Beamforming Training in mmWave Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh networking technologies are inadequate for directional wireless communications, particularly in mmWave frequencies, as they struggle with neighbor discovery, beamforming patterns, channel access issues, and channel impairments due to blockage and reflections, and are not designed for networks using directional wireless communications.
Innovation Solution
A joint neighbor discovery and beamforming training protocol that integrates scanning frames for simultaneous mesh network discovery and beamforming training, using sector sweeping to identify neighbor mesh stations and record beamforming sectors, with new information elements in SSW frames to facilitate efficient directional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If directional transmission with beamforming is used, then interference to other neighbor STAs is mitigated and system capacity is improved, but neighbor discovery complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines neighbor discovery and beamforming training into a single integrated process. The sector sweep procedure simultaneously performs both functions: transmitting SSW frames in different sectors discovers neighbors while training beamforming patterns. This merging eliminates the need for separate discovery and beamforming phases, resolving the contradiction between improved system capacity through directional transmission and reduced neighbor discovery complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSW (Sector Sweep) frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beacon for neighbor discovery, carries beamforming training information, and enables sector identification. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve directional transmission benefits without proportionally increasing discovery complexity, as a single protocol mechanism handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate procedures.
2Measurement precision
If sector sweeping is performed for neighbor discovery in directional networks, then beamforming patterns can be established, but channel access issues due to communication collisions and deafness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sector sweeps where stations transmit SSW frames at regular intervals across different sectors. This periodic structure allows stations to systematically cover all directions while providing predictable transmission opportunities. The periodic nature helps manage channel access by creating structured time slots for discovery, reducing random collisions compared to ad-hoc directional transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSW frame acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates channel access during sector sweeps. It provides a standardized format for transmissions that includes timing and sector identification information, allowing stations to coordinate their discoveries. This intermediary structure reduces deafness issues by providing clear frame delimiters and timing information that help stations synchronize their access attempts.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing mesh networking protocols are used in directional networks, then implementation is straightforward, but they are not designed for directional communications and cannot handle blockage and reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies existing mesh networking concepts by introducing directional parameters into the discovery process. Instead of omnidirectional beacon transmissions, the system uses sector-specific SSW frames with directional information elements. This parameter change from omnidirectional to directional transmission enables the protocol to handle blockage and reflections by allowing stations to identify and adapt to optimal sectors, while maintaining familiarity with basic mesh discovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic sector sweeping where transmission parameters change based on detected channel conditions. Stations can adjust their sweep patterns, sector widths, and transmission powers based on feedback from received SSW frames. This dynamic behavior enables adaptation to blockage and reflections in real-time, allowing the system to reconfigure beamforming patterns when obstacles are detected, thereby achieving directional communication adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless mesh networking protocols for directional transmissions in the PHY layer over multiple hops between a mix of mesh and non-mesh stations (STAs). Joint beamforming (BF) training and mesh network discovery is described including adaptive signaling with the mesh network. The mesh networking protocol can be utilized in a mix of wireless nodes including portals, access points (APs), personal control points (PCPs), and mesh stations (STAs).