Network Channel Measurement via Opportunistic Broadcast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in maximizing channel bandwidth for data transmission due to the bandwidth consumption required for channel estimation, which can impact Quality of Service (QoS) and reduce the ability to carry user traffic.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where network devices opportunistically measure channel characteristics using broadcast transmissions and a Central Coordinator (CCo) manages channel allocation and priority, allowing channel estimation to be performed without dedicated bandwidth and minimizing its impact on user traffic by utilizing existing broadcast messages for measurement purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated bandwidth is allocated for channel estimation measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but network bandwidth for user traffic is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel characterization accuracyVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling broadcast transmissions to serve dual purposes: delivering user traffic information and providing channel estimation measurements. Network devices measure channel characteristics during reception of regular broadcast messages, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement bandwidth while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If channel estimation measurements are performed frequently, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity of user traffic transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel characterization accuracyVSAvoiduser traffic throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous channel measurement by utilizing ongoing broadcast transmissions that occur regularly as part of normal network operation. This continuous exposure to broadcast signals allows devices to perform measurements continuously without interrupting or reducing user traffic throughput, as the measurements occur during regular traffic periods rather than requiring separate dedicated measurement intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If more network resources are allocated for channel measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time for user traffic is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel characterization accuracyVSAvoiduser traffic delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the channel measurement function with regular broadcast traffic operations. By combining these two previously separate functions into a single integrated process, the system eliminates the need for separate measurement time slots that would cause user traffic delays. Measurements are performed concurrently with normal broadcast transmissions, so no additional time is lost from user traffic perspective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8213301B2Systems and methods for network channel characteristic measurement and network management

Publication Date: 2012.07.03 SHARP KK

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for detecting and applying network channel characteristic measurements.