Wireless PAN Coordinator Synchronization with WLAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of different technologies for WLAN and wireless PAN connectivity increases cost, weight, and power usage, and can lead to interference between independent LANs and PANs sharing a common frequency band, impairing the seamless user experience.
Innovation Solution
A computing device interfaces with a wireless PAN in an environment with coexisting WLANs, using a partially compliant wireless PAN communication protocol that coordinates with WLAN devices to reserve the wireless medium, reducing interference and optimizing power consumption through synchronization and traffic scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated technologies are used for WLAN and wireless PAN connectivity, then reliability of communication is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges WLAN and wireless PAN communication functions into a single integrated system. The access point device simultaneously handles both WLAN client communications and wireless PAN coordinator functions, consolidating what would traditionally require separate dedicated hardware into one unified device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The access point device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a WLAN client and a wireless PAN coordinator. This universal device performs multiple roles including WLAN data transmission, PAN network coordination, and interference management across both network types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated technologies
2Reliability
If separate dedicated technologies are used for WLAN and wireless PAN connectivity, then communication reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines WLAN and wireless PAN communication capabilities into a single integrated access point device. By merging the functions of WLAN client and wireless PAN coordinator into one physical device, the total weight is reduced compared to using separate dedicated devices for each communication type
3Reliability
If separate dedicated technologies are used for WLAN and wireless PAN connectivity, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates WLAN and wireless PAN communication functions into a single access point device with shared hardware resources. The common wireless transceiver and processing units are dynamically allocated between WLAN and PAN tasks, reducing overall power consumption compared to maintaining separate dedicated systems that would each require independent power supplies
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages the wireless transceiver between WLAN and PAN operations. The access point can switch between serving WLAN clients and coordinating PAN networks based on current communication needs, optimizing power usage by activating only the necessary functions at any given time rather than maintaining both systems continuously
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent WLANs and PANs operate in the same frequency band, then adaptability is improved, but harmful interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the wireless medium for interference between WLAN and PAN operations. By detecting channel conditions and adjusting transmission parameters dynamically, the system can identify and mitigate harmful interference while maintaining adaptability across different frequency bands
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary that coordinates between WLAN and PAN networks operating in the same frequency band. It manages channel access and transmission timing to prevent conflicts, serving as a mediator that reduces harmful interference while allowing both network types to operate adaptively
Data Source
AI summary
Devices of a personal area network (PAN) use a wireless medium that is shared with a wireless local area network (WLAN) using power-efficient methods. PAN devices power up as needed to listen for frames. Once a PAN device determines that a frame is not for a PAN device, the PAN device can return to a power down state. In some cases, where a PAN coordinator determines that the wireless medium is congested, setting a PAN device backoff period during which the PAN device can remain in a power down state for an additional time period. Where collisions of PAN device frames are detected, differential backoffs for colliding PAN devices can be assigned. Where the PAN coordinator device needs to send precursor frames into the wireless medium prior to communications with the PAN device, it can arrange for PAN devices to remain powered down during at least a part of the time period during which a precursor frame is being transmitted.