Self-Forming Full-Duplex Network Without Master Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks require a master device or access point for multiple devices to communicate simultaneously, leading to complexity, high setup times, and a single point of failure, limiting real-time full-duplex functionality in applications like emergency responses and industrial control systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-forming and self-managing mono-channel full-duplex communication network that allows devices to create ad hoc networks without a master device, using unique device identifiers and time-division multiplexing to enable simultaneous communication among multiple devices, allowing for network formation, synchronization, and management without a central coordinator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a master device or access point is used to coordinate multiple devices, then network formation and management become possible, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each communication device autonomously performs network formation, synchronization, and management functions without requiring a master device. Devices self-assign time slots, self-synchronize using maintenance packets, and dynamically join or leave the network independently, eliminating the need for centralized coordination and reducing both complexity and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The network coordination functions are segmented and distributed across all devices rather than concentrated in a single master device. Each device handles its own time slot assignment, synchronization, and network management tasks, dividing the coordination burden into independent units that operate autonomously.
2Reliability
If a master device is used to manage communications, then network coordination is achieved, but reliability decreases due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The network maintains reliability through autonomous operation of each device. Since no single device serves as a master, the failure of any individual device does not compromise network functionality. Each device independently continues to transmit and receive data, and the network self-heals by redistributing time slots among remaining devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture segments coordination functions across all devices rather than relying on a centralized master. This distribution eliminates the single point of failure, as each device operates as an independent node capable of maintaining network functionality alone if needed.
3Productivity
If time-division multiplexing is used for full-duplex communication, then simultaneous communication capability is achieved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices achieve synchronization autonomously through exchange of maintenance packets containing timing information. Each device independently adjusts its clock based on received packets from other devices, self-correcting drift without external coordination. This decentralized approach enables full-duplex communication while keeping synchronization mechanisms simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism uses feedback from maintenance packets to continuously adjust device timing. Each device monitors the arrival times of packets from others and makes real-time corrections to its transmission schedule, creating a self-regulating synchronization system that adapts to drift and maintains precise time-division multiplexing.
4Loss of time
If ad hoc network formation is enabled without master device, then network setup time is reduced, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Network management is handled autonomously by each device through self-assignment of time slots and independent handling of join/leave operations. When devices join or leave the network, they independently negotiate time slot assignments with other members without requiring master coordination, enabling rapid setup while maintaining organized resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for self-formation and self-management of full-duplex communication networks. In an embodiment, a communication device determines whether there is an available self-assignable device-data time slot. If there is, the device selects an available time slot for outbound transmissions, updates its network-status table to associate the selected time slot with a device identifier of the communication device, and transmits outbound device data during the selected time slot of at least one ensuing frame. The device also, during each of a plurality of ensuing frames, makes a determination as to whether to transmit a maintenance packet during a shared time slot of the current frame. If the determination is made in the affirmative, the device transmits such a packet during that shared time slot. Each such packet contains at least a subset of the network-status table.