Network Node Channel Access Coordination for Unlicensed Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in coordinating and prioritizing channel access among network nodes using a shared communication channel, leading to transmission collisions and reduced spectral efficiency, especially in unlicensed spectrum environments.
Innovation Solution
A first network node determines channel access time intervals for second network nodes based on network information messages, allowing for centralized coordination and prioritization of channel access, thereby reducing collisions and improving spectral efficiency by configuring channel access times, priorities, and load balancing across shared communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network nodes use CSMA/CA for uncoordinated spectrum access on shared communication channels, then spectrum access flexibility is improved, but transmission collisions occur and spectral efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between contending network nodes. The first network node receives network information messages from the second network node, determines channel access time intervals based on this information, and transmits control messages back to coordinate their access. This intermediary coordination resolves the collision problem while preserving the flexibility of uncoordinated spectrum access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having network nodes exchange network information messages before actual data transmission. The first network node determines channel access time intervals in advance based on received network information, and transmits control messages to establish the access schedule. This preliminary coordination prevents collisions before they occur, improving spectral efficiency while maintaining access flexibility.
2Speed
If network nodes transmit simultaneously on shared communication channels without coordination, then channel access speed is improved, but transmission collisions increase and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes exchange network information messages about their transmission status, channel conditions, and access intentions. The first network node receives this feedback information, processes it to determine appropriate channel access time intervals, and sends control messages back. This feedback loop enables fast channel access while preventing collisions through coordinated scheduling, thereby improving transmission reliability.
3Productivity
If centralized coordination of channel access is implemented, then transmission collisions are reduced and spectral efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coordination function into distributed components. Rather than requiring a single centralized controller, each network node independently receives network information messages, determines its own channel access time intervals, and transmits control messages. This segmented approach reduces system complexity while maintaining the collision-reduction benefits of centralized coordination through distributed intelligence.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a first network node and a second network node. The first network node (100) comprises a transceiver (104) configured to receive a network information message (NIM) from a second network node (300) configured to use a shared communication channel for wireless communication, the network information message (NIM) indicating a set of third network nodes (300a, 300b,..., 300z) configurable (or contending) to use the shared communication channel for wireless communication; a processor (102) configured to determine, for the second network node (300), at least one first channel access time interval for accessing the shared communication channel based on the network information message (NIM); wherein the transceiver (104) further is configured to transmit a first network control message (NCM1) to the second network node (300), the first network control message (NCM1) indicating the first channel access time interval for accessing the shared communication channel. The second network node (300) comprises a processor (302) configured to determine a set of third network nodes (300a, 300b,..., 300z) configurable to (or contending to) use a shared communication channel for wireless communication; a transceiver (304) configured to transmit a network information message (NIM) to a first network node (100), the network information message (NIM) indicating the set of third network nodes (300a, 300b,..., 300z); receive a first network control message (NCM1) from the first network node (100), the first network control message (NCM1) indicating at least one first channel access time interval for the second network node (300); wherein the transceiver (304) further is configured to use the shared communication channel according to the first network control message (NCM1). Furthermore, the present invention also relates to corresponding methods, a wireless communication system, a computer program, and a computer program product.