Seamless Radio Link Switching for Video Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining seamless data transfer between radio links, particularly with higher-speed links like 60GHz experiencing connectivity issues due to deep fades and tight directionality, leading to delays and poor user experience in applications such as video streaming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize dual-speed radio links, where the system generates an index for packets, determines transmission state information, and switches to a lower-speed link like 2.4/5GHz when the higher-speed link is unavailable, ensuring continuous data transfer and preserving application connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If 60GHz radio link is used for high throughput data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to deep fades and tight directionality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radio links with different characteristics (60GHz for high speed, 2.4/5GHz for reliability) into a unified communication system. The transmitter and receiver maintain simultaneous connections on both frequency bands, allowing seamless switching and combining of data streams to achieve both high throughput and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters by switching between different frequency bands based on channel conditions. When 60GHz link quality degrades due to deep fades or directionality issues, the system transitions to 2.4/5GHz bands, adjusting operating parameters to maintain reliable communication while adapting to environmental changes.
2Productivity
If higher-speed radio link is used for data transfer, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to connection re-establishment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining persistent connections and pre-establishing backup radio links before failures occur. The transmitter and receiver keep both 60GHz and 2.4/5GHz links active simultaneously, so when the high-speed link fails, the backup link is already ready for immediate use without re-establishment delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous data transmission by implementing seamless switching between radio links. The system maintains uninterrupted data flow by transferring ongoing communications from the 60GHz link to the 2.4/5GHz link without breaking the connection, preserving application state and eliminating idle time during transitions.
3Speed
If 60GHz radio link is used for short distance high throughput transfers, then data transmission speed is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to tight directionality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements multi-functionality by supporting multiple frequency bands (60GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz) within a single device. Each band serves different functions: 60GHz for high-speed short-range transfers when line-of-sight is available, and 2.4/5GHz for more versatile communication in various environmental conditions, making the system adaptable to diverse scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operating characteristics by switching between frequency bands based on environmental conditions. When 60GHz directionality requirements cannot be met due to obstacles or movement, the system transitions to the more omnidirectional 2.4/5GHz bands, adjusting its behavior in real-time to maintain connectivity across varying conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for wireless communications is provided that includes generating an index for a plurality of packets for use in a first radio link for transmission to an apparatus; transmitting the plurality of packets using a second radio link to the apparatus; determining transmission state information indicating whether each packet in the plurality of packets have been received by the apparatus; and transmitting additional packets based on the index and the transmission state information. Apparatuses for performing the methods are also disclosed.