Tier-Based Frame Structure for Multi-Hop Channel Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-hop communication systems lack efficient channel allocation schemes and frame structures to support fully distributed and infrastructure-less peer-to-peer communications, leading to deficiencies in capacity and latency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tier-based frame structure with overlapping subframes, allowing peers to communicate using the same channel without interference by dividing the network into tiers and sectors, and employing time reuse to allocate channels effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing channel allocation schemes are used for single-hop communication, then the system can maintain simple MAC layer protocols, but the system cannot support multi-hop communication effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple hierarchical tiers (Tier-0 to Tier-N) with distinct frame structures for each tier. Tier-0 uses initiator-subframes while Tier-1 and above use hopper-subframes, allowing each segment to operate with appropriate complexity for its function while collectively supporting multi-hop communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension through time-division multiplexing of frame structures across different tiers. By assigning different time slots (initiator-subframes vs. hopper-subframes) to different communication functions, the system enables multi-hop support without requiring simultaneous complex resource allocation across all nodes
2Productivity
If peers communicate using the same channel simultaneously, then channel utilization increases, but interference occurs between communicating peers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where different tiers transmit in alternating periodic intervals. Tier-0 communicates during initiator-subframes while higher tiers communicate during hopper-subframes, creating a periodic pattern that allows same-channel reuse without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary tier-based frame structure assignments before communication occurs. Each peer is pre-assigned to a specific tier with predetermined time slots, allowing the system to proactively prevent interference by ensuring that peers using the same channel are scheduled in non-overlapping time intervals
3Productivity
If a centralized controller is used for channel allocation, then channel allocation can be optimized, but the system requires infrastructure that reduces distributed autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each peer to autonomously determine its tier level based on its position in the multi-hop network and self-configure its frame structure accordingly. Peers independently select appropriate time slots and frame types without centralized assignment, allowing optimized channel allocation through distributed decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal frame structure template that can be applied across all tiers with minor parameter adjustments. The same basic frame format is used throughout the network, but with tier-specific modifications (initiator vs. hopper subframes), allowing a single distributed algorithm to handle channel allocation for all peers regardless of their position in the network
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of using time reuse frame structures for improving multi-hop communications are disclosed. Namely, the system is networked and includes a superframe structure for multi-hop communication including tiers. The system also includes a computer-implemented device located in an initiator subframe of a first tier frame of the superframe. The device including a non-transitory memory including executable instructions for multi-hop communication and a processor operably coupled thereto for executing the multi-hop communication. The system also includes a second tier frame of the superframe including at least two hopper subframes. Each of the at least two hopper subframes including a contention access period and a contention free period.