PBSS Cluster Beacon Interval Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently allocating and sharing beacon intervals among overlapping Personal Independent Basic Service Set (PBSS) networks, particularly in harmonizing contention-based, isochronous, and asynchronous service periods, leading to interference and inefficient resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Each PBSS in a cluster has its own master sub-beacon interval, with a synchronization PCP coordinating the allocation of beacon intervals, allowing idle time to be shared among members while ensuring priority access for the master sub-beacon interval, and implementing a protocol for fair allocation and dynamic bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PBSS networks operate in overlapping clusters using the same channel, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but interference between networks increases and resource utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon interval is segmented into multiple sub-beacon intervals, with each PBSS network assigned a specific master sub-beacon interval. This temporal segmentation allows multiple PBSS networks to operate simultaneously in overlapping clusters without interfering with each other, as each network transmits during its designated time slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each PBSS network operates periodically with its own master sub-beacon interval within the larger beacon interval framework. This periodic structure enables predictable, non-conflicting transmission schedules for multiple networks, reducing interference while maintaining regular communication cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If beacon intervals are allocated to multiple PBSS networks in a cluster, then resource sharing is improved, but coordination complexity and allocation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The S-PCP performs preliminary allocation of master sub-beacon intervals to each PBSS network before actual data transmission begins. This advance assignment establishes a clear, pre-coordinated schedule that simplifies ongoing operations and reduces the complexity of real-time coordination between multiple networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The S-PCP acts as an intermediary that centralizes the coordination function for beacon interval allocation. By introducing this mediator, the complex task of coordinating multiple PBSS networks is managed centrally, simplifying the overall system complexity while enabling effective resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If master PBSS retains priority access to its own sub-beacon interval, then reliability and immediate access are improved, but fairness in resource sharing among other member PBSS deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate accessVSAvoidresource sharing fairness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each PBSS network is granted priority access to its own master sub-beacon interval, creating locally optimized quality of service for each network. This local quality assurance ensures reliable immediate access for each network's critical transmissions while the overall system maintains fairness through the structured allocation framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the time allocation parameter by dividing the beacon interval into distinct sub-beacon intervals with different priority levels. Master PBSS receives guaranteed time slots for reliable access, while member PBSS are allocated remaining time slots, creating a parameter-based differentiation that balances reliability and fairness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If idle time in beacon intervals is shared among member PBSS, then resource efficiency is improved, but access coordination and allocation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidallocation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Member PBSS are enabled to autonomously utilize idle time slots in the beacon interval without requiring complex centralized coordination for each transmission. This self-service approach allows networks to independently access unused resources, improving efficiency while minimizing allocation complexity through pre-established rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8351954B2Personal independent basic service set cluster resource sharing

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

AI summary

In a PBSS cluster environment, the beacon interval is allocated such that each PBSS in a PBSS cluster possesses its own master sub-beacon interval. Moreover, each member of the PBSS cluster can share unoccupied sub-beacon intervals. When a master PBSS fails to use its own master sub-beacon interval or the beacon intervals which are unoccupied, the available idle time within the beacon interval can be utilized by other member PBSSs in the PBSS cluster. As available or idle beacon interval time is allocated, each master PBSS retains the highest priority to its own master sub-beacon interval thus providing immediate access to a beacon interval when necessary.