Multi-Channel DFS Master for Radar-Aware Spectrum Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi and LTE-U networks face congestion and unreliable connections due to inefficient management of unlicensed spectrum, particularly in DFS channels, where devices must vacate channels upon detecting radar signals, leading to lost bandwidth and poor network performance.
Innovation Solution
A wireless agility agent employing multi-channel radar detection and in-service monitoring, along with a cloud-based intelligence engine, to continuously analyze and manage multiple DFS channels, providing real-time spectrum analysis and control protocols for efficient channel selection and avoidance of occupying signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DFS channels are used to provide additional bandwidth, then network capacity and bandwidth are improved, but network reliability deteriorates due to channel vacating when radar signals are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the DFS channel monitoring function into multiple independent radio units, where each radio can independently monitor and operate on different channels. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple channels simultaneously, reducing the impact when one channel needs to be vacated due to radar detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from single-channel to multi-channel operation by implementing simultaneous monitoring and transmission on multiple DFS channels. This parameter change allows the system to provide additional bandwidth while maintaining reliability through channel diversity.
2Device complexity
If single radio DFS master services are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of DFS channel ability during radar events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each radio unit universally capable of performing DFS master services independently. Each radio can function as a complete DFS master, providing multi-functionality that ensures network productivity is maintained even when one radio experiences radar events, as other radios can continue operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by having multiple radios ready to provide DFS master services. When a radar event occurs on one channel, the system already has backup radios that can immediately take over, preventing productivity loss without adding complex recovery mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If passive scanning is used by client devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect occupying signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DFS master radios as intermediary devices that perform active radar detection and channel monitoring. These intermediary radios detect occupying signals and provide this information to client devices, enabling accurate signal detection without requiring complex active scanning capabilities in each client device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables client devices to self-service by providing them with channel availability information from DFS master radios. Client devices can make informed channel selection decisions based on the monitoring data provided by the DFS masters, maintaining low device complexity while achieving accurate signal detection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to wireless networks and more specifically to systems and methods for selecting available channels free of radar signals from a plurality of 5 GHz radio frequency channels. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a standalone multi-channel DFS master that includes a switch and embedded processor that are programmed to switch a 5 GHz radio transceiver to a first channel of the plurality of 5 GHz radio channels, cause a beacon generator to generate a beacon in the first channel of the plurality of 5 GHz radio channels, cause a radar detector to scan for the radar signal in the first channel of the plurality of 5 GHz radio channel, and then repeat these steps for each of the other channels of the plurality of 5 GHz radio channels during a single beacon transmission duty cycle.