Unified MAC Layer for Dual PHY Wireless Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in adapting to changing network environments and optimizing between different frequency bands, such as 802.11 WLAN and 802.15 PAN, due to varying operating conditions and parameters like device mobility and environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for wireless communications that monitor channel conditions and selectively use either a 5GHz or 60GHz physical layer based on these conditions, processing messages with a common media access control (MAC) protocol layer to ensure seamless switching between the two layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single physical layer is used for wireless communication, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing network environments and optimal network type changes over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing network environmentsVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MAC layer is designed to support multiple physical layers (802.11 WLAN and 802.15 PAN) through a unified interface, enabling a single MAC layer to perform multiple functions and interface with different PHY layers based on environmental conditions and application requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple physical layers are supported with separate MAC layers, then each physical layer can be optimized independently, but the system complexity increases and seamless switching between layers becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidMAC layer complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the MAC layer functionality into a common, unified structure that serves multiple physical layers, eliminating the need for separate MAC layers for each PHY layer while maintaining optimized communication protocols for both 802.11 and 802.15 standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical layer switching is implemented without a common MAC protocol, then switching between physical layers can be achieved, but message processing consistency and seamless communication are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical layer switching capabilityVSAvoidmessage processing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The common MAC protocol layer is designed to handle messages uniformly regardless of which physical layer is currently active, providing consistent message processing and maintaining communication stability while allowing flexible switching between 802.11 and 802.15 physical layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2417791B1MAC architectures for wireless communications using multiple physical layers

Publication Date: 2015.09.02 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for wireless communications using two different physical layers with a common medium access control layer.