Uplink Path Selection for Millimeter Wave Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless personal area networks operating at millimeter wave frequencies, such as the 60 GHz band, signal attenuation and interference issues lead to inefficiencies in data transmission, particularly in half-duplex systems where simultaneous transmission is prevented, resulting in wasted time and bandwidth when evaluating multiple communication paths for reliable data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two uplink modes is implemented, where all nodes initially transmit a message sequentially during the first period, followed by a reception period for acknowledgement messages containing path evaluation information, allowing for informed selection of the best communication paths for subsequent transmissions, thereby optimizing path selection and reducing overall communication time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all communication paths are evaluated by transmitting messages sequentially from all second nodes, then path selection reliability is improved, but transmission time and bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary path evaluation by having all second nodes transmit test messages sequentially in a first uplink mode, collecting path evaluation information before actual data transmission. This preliminary action enables informed path selection for subsequent transmissions, resolving the contradiction by preparing path metrics upfront without compromising actual data transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into two distinct uplink modes: a first uplink mode for path evaluation where all nodes transmit sequentially, and a second uplink mode for actual data transmission where only selected nodes transmit. This segmentation allows the system to separate the reliability-oriented path evaluation phase from the efficiency-oriented data transmission phase
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are used to transmit and receive the same information, then signal reliability is improved, but protocol complexity and bandwidth efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple second nodes (antennas) to transmit the same message sequentially in the first uplink mode, which is more than strictly necessary for basic communication. This excessive action enables comprehensive path evaluation and selection, allowing the system to achieve high signal reliability through diverse paths while managing complexity by establishing clear operational modes
3Productivity
If all second nodes transmit simultaneously, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but half-duplex constraints and interference prevent reliable communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic sequential transmissions from all second nodes in the first uplink mode, where each node transmits in a time slot followed by a reception period for acknowledgments. This periodic action pattern, repeated for multiple messages, enables the system to overcome half-duplex constraints while maintaining comprehensive path evaluation and reliable communication
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for communicating between a first node and a plurality of second nodes in a network, including a first uplink mode in which a first message is transmitted from multiple second nodes in sequence, and a second uplink mode in which a second message is sent from only a subset of nodes. A first receiving node evaluates communication path information based on messages received in the first uplink mode and returns this information via an acknowledgement to allow the subset to be selected. The first message from multiple nodes includes sequence information to allow the first node to acknowledge at an appropriate point in time. This is particularly applicable where multiple spatially separated antennas offer a receiver several observations of the same signal in an antenna diversity scheme.