Single Radio Switching for Concurrent High-Throughput and Low-Latency Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in simultaneously maintaining high-throughput and low-latency connections using a single wireless interface radio, as they often require strict time-based channel switching, which can lead to missed data transmissions and synchronization issues with client devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a combination of frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM) using non-overlapping time allocations, allowing the wireless interface radio to dynamically adjust channel switching times based on ongoing transmissions to ensure reliable communication and synchronization with both access nodes and client devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If strict time-based channel switching is used to maintain multiple wireless links, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to missed data transmissions and synchronization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel allocation where the wireless interface radio adjusts time allocations for different frequency bands based on real-time transmission needs. The system monitors ongoing transmissions and dynamically extends or shortens time allocations to ensure complete data transfer while maintaining multiple wireless links, resolving the contradiction between simple switching and reliable transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the wireless interface radio monitors transmission status and uses this information to adjust subsequent channel switching decisions. By detecting whether transmissions are complete or ongoing, the system dynamically modifies its behavior to prevent data loss, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex additional hardware.
2Ease of operation
If fixed time allocations are used for channel switching, then synchronization is simplified, but throughput deteriorates due to inability to adapt to real-time traffic needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time allocation where the duration of channel assignments is adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions and transmission requirements. The wireless interface radio monitors ongoing transmissions and extends or shortens time allocations dynamically, allowing the system to maintain simple synchronization logic while adapting to varying throughput demands.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless interface radio switches channels at fixed intervals, then power consumption is reduced, but data loss increases when transmissions are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts channel switching timing based on transmission status. When a transmission is detected as incomplete or ongoing, the wireless interface radio extends the current channel allocation to allow completion, rather than switching at fixed intervals. This adaptive approach prevents data loss while maintaining energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary channel switches.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device (such as a computer gaming console) uses only a single radio to concurrently communicate with a wireless network access point and wireless client devices such as game controllers or peripherals. To establish and maintain both a high-throughput link with the access point, and a low-latency link with the client device(s), the single Wi-Fi radio of the computing device is configured to periodically switch between a channel used for the high-throughput link and a different channel that is used for the low-latency link—thus implementing a combination of frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM). The console may use aspects of the Wi-Fi protocol standard to ensure that periodically switching its single radio between the two channels is accomplished while maintaining reliable communication on both channels.