Synchronized Channel Access for Co-located Wireless Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices with co-located transceivers for different networks, such as Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11, experience performance degradation due to collisions and interference when accessing overlapping frequency spectrum, leading to an 'avalanche effect' of reduced transmission rates and increased collisions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed scheduling algorithm that uses notification signals to coordinate channel access, synchronizing activities on the second wireless network based on timing signals from the first network, reducing the need for multiple notification signals and protecting transmissions by specifying exclusive access intervals, thereby minimizing collisions and performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices use multiple transceivers for different networks (Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11) simultaneously, then device functionality and convenience are improved, but channel collisions and interference increase causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices transmit notification signals before performing wireless transactions on the second network. This advance notification allows receiving devices to schedule their transactions during specified time periods, preventing collisions before they occur. The notification signal includes timing information that enables proactive coordination of channel access across multiple networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the notification signal mechanism where devices communicate their intended transaction timing to other devices. This feedback loop allows the network to adapt to each device's transaction schedule, enabling dynamic coordination that prevents collisions while maintaining high device functionality across multiple wireless networks.
2Reliability
If devices transmit notification signals frequently to coordinate access, then channel collision reduction is improved, but network overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By transmitting notification signals in advance before transactions occur, the patent reduces the need for frequent coordination messages. Devices can schedule their transactions based on the notification timing, which simplifies the ongoing coordination mechanism while maintaining reliable channel access. This preliminary scheduling approach reduces overhead compared to continuous negotiation protocols.
3Reliability
If devices wait for notification signals before transmitting on the second network, then channel collisions are reduced, but transmission delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The notification signal mechanism provides preliminary action by informing devices of upcoming transaction opportunities in advance. This allows devices to prepare and transmit during the specified time periods without experiencing delays, as the timing is predetermined and communicated beforehand. The advance notification eliminates waiting time while maintaining collision avoidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for arbitrating channel access in a wireless device including co-located network transceivers are disclosed herein. A wireless device includes a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver. The first transceiver is configured for operation with a first wireless network. The second transceiver is configured for operation with a second wireless network. The wireless device further includes logic that determines which of the first and second transceivers is enabled to transmit at a given time. The logic causes the first transceiver to transmit a notification signal indicating a time period during which the second transceiver of the wireless device will perform a first wireless transaction, and during which, based on receiving the notification signal, a different wireless device performs a second wireless transaction via the second wireless network without transmitting a notification signal.