Antenna Tracking in TDMA Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mmWave WPAN networks using TDMA protocol, accurately determining the optimal antenna angle for data reception is challenging due to short wavelengths and movement, leading to data loss and quality issues, especially when exact node positions are unknown and communication is ongoing.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves determining a set of antenna angles for receiving data from multiple sending nodes, correlating redundant data copies to identify unnecessary ones, and updating the antenna angle during specific time slots where these unnecessary copies are received, allowing for dynamic beam pointing without disrupting data reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exhaustive angle sweeping is performed to find the optimal antenna angle, then the reception quality is improved, but data loss occurs during the sweeping process and the time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary angle sweeping during idle time slots before actual data transmission begins. This allows the optimal antenna angle to be determined in advance, so that when data transmission occurs, the antenna is already properly aligned and no time is lost during communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own redundant data transmissions to serve dual purposes: data reception and antenna tracking. By correlating redundant copies received at different angles, the system automatically identifies the optimal angle without requiring external calibration signals or additional overhead.
2Reliability
If antenna angle is dynamically adjusted during ongoing communication, then reception quality is maintained, but data loss occurs due to beam orientation checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic antenna tracking at predetermined intervals during data reception. Instead of continuous adjustment, the system periodically updates the antenna angle using redundant copies, maintaining reception quality while minimizing disruption to ongoing communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the antenna angle parameter dynamically based on correlation results from redundant copies. By adjusting the angle parameter in response to detected signal variations, the system maintains optimal reception without requiring exhaustive re-sweeping that would cause data loss.
3Reliability
If redundant data copies are used for antenna tracking, then continuous optimization is achieved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses redundant copies of data transmissions as the basis for antenna tracking. These copies, which would otherwise be unnecessary for data delivery, are utilized for correlation-based angle determination, eliminating the need for separate tracking signals or additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant data copies serve multiple functions simultaneously: data transmission, error correction, and antenna angle tracking. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple purposes into a single mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If exhaustive angle sweeping is performed, then the optimal angle is found, but the method cannot be applied during ongoing communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static angle determination (performed only during initialization) to dynamic angle tracking that operates continuously during communication. By using correlation of redundant copies received at different angles, the system can adaptively update the optimal angle without interrupting ongoing data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
In a mesh network using a TDMA protocol: determination is made of a first set of antenna angles to be used by a receiving antenna of a recipient node to capture data respectively sent by a plurality of sending nodes; reception is made of data sent by the sending nodes using the respective antenna angle of the first set; at least one correlation operation is made between the various redundant copies of the same item of data, received by the recipient node; at least one copy not necessary for the decoding of the received data is deduced determination is made of at least one time slot during which the copy not necessary for the decoding is received; and during that time slot, the antenna angle used by the receiving antenna to receive data sent by the sending node allocated to that time slot is updated.