Relay Nodes in TDMA Networks Using Dithered Retransmission Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for managing relays in wideband TDMA systems are difficult to implement in modern RF networking environments due to the need for synchronized time-division multiple access (TDMA) schemes that require receivers to incorporate artificial multipath, which is challenging in today's demanding telecommunications networks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring nodes to control multipath spreading by dithering retransmission delays, using a coding scheme with forward error correction, and implementing a feedback protocol with automatic repeat requests to optimize signal routing and power management across multiple subslots and frequencies, allowing for adaptive adjustment of subslots and power levels based on network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If synchronized TDMA scheme with fixed retransmission timing is used, then relay coordination is simplified, but multipath spreading causes signal collisions and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay coordination complexityVSAvoidsignal reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, synchronized TDMA relay timing to dynamic, unsynchronized relay transmissions. Each relay node independently determines its retransmission timing based on its own reception time of the original signal, creating time-dispersed multipath signals that avoid collisions and improve reliability without requiring complex centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If receivers incorporate artificial multipath from multiple simultaneous transmitters, then signal reliability improves, but implementation becomes difficult in modern RF networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidimplementation feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by not requiring receivers to incorporate artificial multipath from simultaneously transmitting relays. Instead, it makes relays transmit at different times so that receivers naturally receive time-dispersed signals without needing complex multipath processing capabilities, thereby simplifying receiver implementation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Area of stationary object

If all nodes retransmit the same message in the next subslot, then network coverage extends through multiple relay stages, but signal collisions increase without time dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidsignal collision interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the relay transmission process into distinct time segments for different relay nodes. Instead of simultaneous retransmissions, each relay node transmits in its own time slot determined by its reception timing, creating time-dispersed segments that extend network coverage while avoiding signal collisions through temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3876455B1Relays in structured ad hoc networks
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC
  • EP3876455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3876455B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3876455B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of routing a first signal in a telecommunication network is disclosed. The telecommunication network comprises plural nodes (110) and uses time-division multiple access (TDMA) frames (210), with each TDMA frame divided into time slots (220) and each time slot is divided into subslots (230). The method includes the step of transmitting a first signal (130) from an initiating node (120) in a first subslot. The method further includes the step of receiving the first signal at other nodes in the network in the first subslot, wherein the first signal is retransmitted in a second subslot subsequent to the first subslot. An improvement in the method includes the step of preparing for the retransmission at least one of a time-dispersed first signal or time-dispersed algorithmically related first signal by two or more nodes via a controller.