Network Node Communication Scheduling via Virtual Timeslots

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Solution Overview

Problem

In shared networks, collisions occur when nodes are unaware of each other's presence, leading to inconsistent network topology views and inefficient bandwidth utilization, especially for newly joining nodes that disrupt ongoing data exchange.

Innovation Solution

The Virtual Timeslot (VSLOT) technique improves network scheduling by introducing a virtual node for consistent topology views, allowing nodes to reconcile inconsistencies through virtual timeslots and efficient control information exchange, combining NAMA scheduling with CSMA for network entry control timeslots to minimize disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If nodes transmit data simultaneously in shared networks, then bandwidth utilization increases, but collisions occur and data is corrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control slots are segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion using a first scheduling scheme and a second portion using a second scheduling scheme. This segmentation allows different collision avoidance strategies to be applied to different parts of the control slot structure, enabling simultaneous data transmission while maintaining data integrity through appropriate scheduling in each portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple scheduling schemes are used in control slots, then collision-free scheduling is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision-free schedulingVSAvoidscheduling scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different scheduling schemes are applied to different portions of control slots based on local requirements. The first scheduling scheme is used in the first portion where it is most effective, while the second scheduling scheme is used in the second portion. This local quality approach ensures collision-free scheduling in each specific context without requiring a single complex universal scheme.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control slot structure is designed to accommodate multiple scheduling schemes universally. The same control slot framework can support different scheduling approaches in different portions, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various scheduling needs without requiring separate dedicated structures for each scheme.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If new nodes join the network dynamically, then network adaptability improves, but topology inconsistency and collisions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidtopology consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Control slots are allocated and prepared in advance before new nodes need to join the network. These pre-allocated control slots provide a structured mechanism for new nodes to introduce themselves and synchronize with the network topology beforehand, preventing topology inconsistency and collisions that would occur with ad-hoc joining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling system incorporates feedback mechanisms where nodes transmit control information in allocated control slots, allowing the network to detect and adapt to topology changes. This feedback loop ensures that when new nodes join, their presence is detected and the scheduling is adjusted to maintain topology consistency and prevent collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2208387B1Communication scheduling of network nodes
Publication Date: 2015.04.22 RAYTHEON CO
  • EP2208387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2208387B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2208387B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

In one aspect, a method to schedule network communications includes transmitting a node identification associated with a first node joining a network over a first portion of control timeslots based on a first probability, detecting nodes in the network using a second portion of the control timeslots and receiving acknowledgments from at least one of the nodes in the network. The method also includes that if a ratio of a number of acknowledgments received to a number of the nodes in the network detected is greater than a predetermined percentage: transmitting control data over the first portion of the control timeslots based on a second probability associated with a number of the nodes detected and transmitting data over the second portion of the control timeslots based on a network schedule.