Relay Node Donor Selection Using Multi-Band Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network connectivity methods require re-scanning and consume significant energy when conditions change, such as when a wireless band becomes unusable, leading to downtime and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A node with radio circuitry capable of operating in multiple configurations calculates a metric by weighting measurements from different radio configurations, allowing selection of a device that performs well in both primary and alternative configurations, reducing the need for immediate re-scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device scans for candidate devices using one or more wireless bands and applies a metric to select the most appropriate candidate, then connection quality is optimized, but if conditions change (e.g., a wireless band becomes unusable), the entire scanning process must begin again, consuming significant energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing metrics for multiple radio configurations (e.g., different frequency bands, transmission types) during the initial scanning process. When a band becomes unusable, the relay node can immediately switch to a pre-evaluated alternative configuration without performing a complete re-scan, thus avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by evaluating and storing performance metrics across multiple radio configurations (frequency bands, transmission types) simultaneously. When conditions change, the system switches between pre-configured parameter sets rather than re-scanning, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity through adaptive parameter selection
2Reliability
If a device performs complete re-scanning when conditions change, then it can find alternative connections, but this process causes downtime for the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of multiple radio configurations during initial scanning and stores the results. When a band becomes unusable, the relay node immediately switches to a pre-evaluated alternative, avoiding the time-consuming complete re-scan process while ensuring connection availability is maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between pre-configured radio configurations based on real-time conditions. The system maintains multiple evaluated options and can rapidly transition between them when needed, reducing downtime while preserving connection availability through adaptive reconfiguration rather than static single-band operation
3Productivity
If a device uses a single radio configuration for connection, then the scanning process is simpler and faster, but if that configuration becomes unusable, the device must restart the entire scanning process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the relay node to operate across multiple radio configurations (different frequency bands, transmission types) with pre-evaluated metrics. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high connection establishment speed through immediate switching while adapting to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a node that includes radio circuitry that wirelessly connects to other devices in a wireless network using either a first radio configuration or a second radio configuration. Scan circuitry determines a first measurement related to using the radio circuitry to connect to an analysed device in the other devices in the first radio configuration and a second measurement related to using the radio circuitry to connect to the analysed device in the second radio configuration. Metric calculation circuitry calculates, for each device in the other devices, a metric, wherein each metric is calculated by applying a first weighting greater than zero to the first measurement obtained for that device and a second weighting greater than zero to the second measurement obtained for that device. Selection circuitry adapted to select one of the other devices in dependence on the metric calculated for each of the other devices.