Shared Timeslot Allocation for WPAN Downlink and Uplink Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless personal area networks (WPANs), the inefficiency in downlink communication and firmware updates is exacerbated by the fixed allocation of timeslots, leading to underutilization of resources due to the frequent occurrence of uplink communication over downlink communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize shared timeslots for efficient data transmission and firmware updates by dynamically allocating timeslots based on communication needs, allowing for indirect or direct data transmission between network nodes and the network managing apparatus, thereby optimizing the use of available timeslots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If timeslots are fixedly allocated for downlink communication, then downlink communication can be established, but uplink communication efficiency deteriorates due to underutilization of downlink timeslots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making timeslot allocation flexible rather than fixed. The network managing apparatus dynamically assigns timeslots based on actual communication needs, allowing a timeslot to serve as downlink for one node and uplink for another node depending on real-time requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to varying communication patterns while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing timeslots to serve multiple purposes. A single timeslot can be configured for different nodes to perform either downlink or uplink functions based on the communication scenario. This universal approach allows the same timeslot resource to efficiently support both downlink communication efficiency and uplink communication flexibility simultaneously.
2Reliability
If dedicated downlink timeslots are allocated to each network node, then downlink communication is ensured, but resource utilization deteriorates due to frequent underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dedicated timeslot allocation approach with shared timeslot utilization. Instead of assigning exclusive timeslots to each node, the system combines multiple nodes' timeslot requirements and allocates them sharedly based on actual needs. This merging strategy ensures downlink communication reliability while eliminating resource underutilization by only allocating timeslots when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from fixed dedicated assignment to dynamic shared assignment. The network managing apparatus adjusts timeslot allocation parameters in real-time based on communication requests, assigning timeslots to nodes only when downlink communication is actually required. This parameter change maintains communication reliability while optimizing resource utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional firmware update methods are used, then firmware can be updated, but transmission time increases and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network managing apparatus prepare and broadcast firmware update information in advance. The system pre-allocates timeslots and notifies all network nodes about the upcoming firmware update schedule. This preliminary preparation allows nodes to be ready for simultaneous updates, significantly reducing total transmission time while maintaining ease of firmware updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing simultaneous firmware updates across multiple nodes during dedicated timeslots. Instead of updating nodes sequentially, the system coordinates continuous parallel updates where multiple nodes receive firmware updates concurrently. This continuous parallel processing dramatically reduces the total time required for firmware updates while maintaining update reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A network managing apparatus and a transmission method thereof are provided. The transmission method includes: broadcasting a plurality of packets using a plurality of shared timeslots shared by a plurality of network nodes for downlink communication and a base channel; determining one or more missed packets that are not received by the plurality of network nodes among the plurality of packets; determining a distributor that is to transmit the one or more missed packets and a distribution timeslot and a distribution channel for transmission of the one or more missed packets; and broadcasting transmission schedule information including information on the distributor and information on the distribution timeslot and the distribution channel using the base channel.