Superframe Extension Mode for Multi-Protocol Partition Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems in home networks are limited in the number of partitions they can support, making them unsuitable for premises with a large number of devices, such as high-rise apartment buildings.
Innovation Solution
A communication extension mode is introduced, allowing a hub device to transition from a default mode supporting up to four partitions to an extended mode supporting up to sixteen partitions by utilizing the beacon slot payload and allocating additional slots for different communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.15.4 and BLUETOOTH, to increase bandwidth and support more devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hub device operates in communication default mode, then the system complexity is low, but the number of supported partitions is limited to four
Solution Approach 1:
The communication frame is segmented into multiple slots, with the first slot dedicated to IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and the second slot dedicated to BLUETOOTH protocol. This segmentation allows the hub device to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously, enabling communication with more than four partitions by distributing devices across different protocol slots within a single superframe structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hub device operates in communication extension mode with multiple protocol slots, then the number of supported partitions increases to sixteen, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both communication default mode and communication extension mode. The same hub device can dynamically switch between supporting up to four partitions in default mode and supporting up to sixteen partitions in extension mode by activating different protocol slots, eliminating the need for separate hardware designs for different partition scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication frame structure is made dynamic by allowing the hub device to transition between different operational modes. In communication extension mode, the frame includes multiple slots that can be activated or deactivated based on the number of partitions, enabling the system to adapt its complexity to match the actual deployment requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the beacon slot payload is fully utilized in communication extension mode, then the payload capacity increases to support more partitions, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon slot payload is pre-configured with allocation information for multiple protocol slots before actual data transmission begins. By embedding slot allocation details in the beacon frame, the system establishes the communication framework in advance, allowing devices to know their assigned slots and protocols beforehand, which simplifies the processing during actual data transmission phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes entering a communication extension mode. After entering the communication extension mode, the method includes outputting via a network, to at least a first device of a first partition and a second device of a second different partition, a first beacon signal of a first communication extension mode frame. The first beacon signal can include a first indication of one slot of the first communication extension mode frame to be output after the first beacon signal and corresponding to a first communication protocol and a second indication of another slot of the first communication extension mode frame to be output after the first beacon signal and corresponding to a second different communication protocol. After outputting the first beacon signal, the method includes using the one slot of the first communication extension mode frame, corresponding to the first communication protocol, to transmit data from the first device of the first partition. And, after outputting the first beacon signal, the method includes using the another slot of the first communication extension mode frame, corresponding to the second communication protocol, to transmit data via the network from the second device of the second partition.