Radio Command Scheduler for Concurrent Wireless Protocol Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless sensor networks lack a single wireless protocol that can efficiently handle multiple applications, leading to the need for concurrent execution of multiple protocols on a single wireless sensor device, while minimizing CPU cycles and memory resources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus for concurrent execution of multiple protocols using a single radio in a wireless communication device, which involves a radio command scheduler that determines a scheduling policy based on the current state of each protocol stack and schedules radio commands in a radio command queue to optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocols are executed concurrently on a single wireless sensor device, then the device can support diverse wireless applications (e.g., lighting networks, home automation), but CPU cycles and memory resources are wasted due to resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol execution by creating separate protocol stacks (e.g., Thread stack, Wi-Fi stack, Bluetooth stack) that can be independently managed and scheduled. Each protocol stack operates in its own namespace with dedicated resources, allowing the system to selectively activate only the protocols needed for specific applications, thereby avoiding waste of CPU cycles and memory resources while maintaining versatility across multiple wireless standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic protocol stack management where protocol stacks can be selectively enabled or disabled based on application requirements. The system dynamically allocates resources to active protocol stacks and suspends or terminates inactive ones, allowing the wireless sensor device to adapt its resource consumption to the current operational context, thus preventing resource waste while supporting multiple protocols
2Device complexity
If a single radio is used for multiple protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but protocol interference and scheduling conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol stack manager as an intermediary layer between the single radio hardware and multiple protocol stacks. This manager coordinates radio access, handles scheduling conflicts, and manages resource allocation among competing protocols. By inserting this intermediary control layer, the system maintains a simple single-radio configuration while ensuring reliable protocol execution through centralized coordination and conflict resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary scheduling and resource reservation where the protocol stack manager pre-allocates radio time slots and resources to different protocol stacks based on their requirements. By planning and reserving resources in advance, the system prevents scheduling conflicts before they occur, ensuring that multiple protocols can execute reliably on the single radio without interference
Data Source
AI summary
A method for concurrent execution of multiple protocols using a single radio of a wireless communication device is provided that includes receiving, in a radio command scheduler, a first radio command from a first protocol stack of a plurality of protocol states executing on the wireless communication device, determining a scheduling policy for the first radio command based on a current state of each protocol stack of the plurality of protocol stacks, and scheduling the first radio command in a radio command queue for the radio based on the scheduling policy, wherein the radio command scheduler uses the radio command queue to schedule radio commands received from the plurality of protocol stacks.