Coordinated PON and Wi-Fi Scheduling for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Passive Optical Networks (PON) and Wi-Fi networks lack coordination in scheduling, assignments, and configurations, leading to high latency and unreliable data delivery, particularly in applications requiring low network delay such as edge computing, Extended Reality, and autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution coordinates PON and Wi-Fi scheduling, assignments, and configurations to optimize performance and reduce latency. This is achieved through joint optimization of schedules, configurations, and time assignments across both network segments, either via central control or distributed coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PON and Wi-Fi networks operate independently without coordination, then each network can maintain its own scheduling simplicity, but network latency increases and data delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges PON and Wi-Fi scheduling into a unified coordinated scheduling system. The OLT and Wi-Fi AP exchange scheduling information and jointly determine transmission time assignments, combining the scheduling functions of both networks to achieve deterministic data delivery times and eliminate the reliability issues caused by independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where the OLT and Wi-Fi AP act as mediators exchanging scheduling information. This intermediary communication layer enables both networks to align their scheduling decisions without requiring complete integration, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through structured information exchange.
2Loss of time
If PON and Wi-Fi use separate scheduling mechanisms, then implementation is simpler, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the OLT and Wi-Fi AP exchange scheduling information in advance before data transmission. This allows both networks to pre-coordinate their time assignments and prepare for synchronized transmission, reducing actual transmission latency while managing complexity through upfront planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scheduling coordination where the OLT and Wi-Fi AP periodically exchange scheduling information and align their time assignments. This periodic synchronization mechanism reduces latency by ensuring regular coordination cycles while keeping the complexity manageable through structured periodic interactions rather than continuous coordination.
3Reliability
If Wi-Fi uses random access CSMA/CA, then network operation is simple, but delay increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static random access nature of CSMA/CA into a dynamic coordinated scheduling system. The Wi-Fi AP receives dynamic scheduling information from the OLT and adjusts its transmission timing accordingly, enabling adaptive time assignments that improve reliability while managing complexity through structured dynamic coordination rather than pure random access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method coordinates Passive Optical Networks (PON) scheduling and assignments with Wi-Fi scheduling and assignments and provides information to PON and Wi-Fi nodes that coordinates PON and Wi-Fi transmission. A method including assigning a plurality of optical network logical ports to a plurality of quality of service levels for a wireless network, disseminating first data to a portion of an optical network, disseminating second data to a portion of the wireless network, and facilitating an exchange of packets between the portion of the optical network and the portion of the wireless network.