Multi-Channel PAN Coordinator for TV White Space Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-channel personal area networks (PANs) face challenges in maintaining network synchronization and avoiding inter-channel interference, which hinders efficient data transmission and reception, especially in TV white space (TVWS) utilization for utility information like electricity, gas, and water supply.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing multiple channels in a multi-hop based low-speed personal wireless communication network, where a PAN coordinator secures and maps available TVWS channels, allocates dedicated beacon slots, and broadcasts beacon frames to manage channel allocation and reduce interference, enabling energy-efficient network formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single channel is used in conventional PANs, then device complexity is reduced, but inter-channel interference cannot be avoided and network synchronization becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channels by allocating different channels to different PAN coordinators. The super PAN coordinator assigns specific channels to child PAN coordinators, dividing the channel resource space to avoid inter-channel interference between networks while maintaining manageable complexity through hierarchical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to channel management by creating a super PAN coordinator level above regular PAN coordinators. This additional organizational layer enables coordinated multi-channel allocation across multiple PANs, solving the interference problem while distributing management complexity across different hierarchical levels.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple channels are allocated to multiple PAN coordinators, then inter-channel interference is avoided, but maintaining network synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where child PAN coordinators report their channel allocation status and network state to the super PAN coordinator. The super coordinator uses this feedback to adjust beacon slot allocations and channel assignments, maintaining synchronization across the distributed multi-channel network through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The super PAN coordinator performs preliminary channel allocation and beacon slot assignment before networks begin operation. By pre-configuring channel assignments and timing slots in advance, the system establishes synchronization frameworks that prevent conflicts before they occur, reducing the difficulty of maintaining synchronization during active operation.
3Productivity
If channel allocation is performed without dedicated beacon slots, then device complexity is reduced, but message delivery is delayed and network topology changes cannot be efficiently managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic beacon slots at defined intervals where PAN coordinators exchange network information and confirm channel allocations. These periodic communication opportunities enable timely message delivery and efficient topology management while maintaining predictable timing patterns that simplify the overall management complexity through regular, structured interactions.
4Productivity
If TVWS channels are utilized without multi-channel allocation, then ease of operation is improved, but channel use efficiency is reduced and interference with other utilities cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The super PAN coordinator serves multiple functions: it manages channel allocations across multiple child PANs, coordinates beacon slot assignments, monitors network synchronization, and handles interference avoidance. This universal coordinator entity consolidates multiple management responsibilities into a single node, improving channel use efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating networks by utilizing a multi-channel so that channels may be efficiently used, inter-channel interference may be avoided, and a network may be energy efficiently managed is provided. Through a super personal area network (PAN) coordinator that manages all networks based on a multi-channel, a PAN capable of avoiding inter-channel interference may be formed. In addition, it is possible to grasp use states of channels used for transmitting and receiving beacon frames, to observe a change in a network topology, and to form an energy efficient PAN.