UWB and Wi-Fi Coexistence Through Dynamic WLAN Puncturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The coexistence of UWB and Wi-Fi technologies is challenged by interference due to their proximity in frequency bands, differences in bandwidth, and transmission power levels, leading to deteriorated performance in shared network environments.

Innovation Solution

Implementing techniques such as dynamic radio resource management, frequency-domain puncturing, beamforming, and adjusting UWB packet structures to mitigate interference, including synchronization schedules and zone of non-interference strategies to optimize coexistence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If UWB channel 5 is used for transmission, then range improvement is achieved, but interference with Wi-Fi 6E increases due to frequency overlap

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverangeVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum by establishing zones of non-interference around UWB channels, dividing the operational spectrum into protected UWB regions and available Wi-Fi regions. This allows UWB to maintain its range advantage on channel 5 while Wi-Fi operates in other channels, resolving the interference conflict through spectral segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating zone-of-non-interference regions with specific characteristics around UWB channels. Within these zones, Wi-Fi transmissions are restricted or modified to protect UWB operations, while outside these zones, Wi-Fi can operate normally. This localized approach preserves UWB range performance while managing interference in specific spatial-frequency regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If UWB and Wi-Fi operate in the same frequency band, then spectrum utilization is improved, but transmission performance deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidtransmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic radio resource management where the system continuously monitors and adjusts channel assignments based on real-time interference conditions. The access point dynamically selects optimal channels for Wi-Fi clients while protecting UWB channels, allowing the system to adapt to changing spectral conditions and maintain reliable transmissions for both technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of zone-of-non-interference zones and dynamic channel selection algorithms. These intermediaries coordinate between UWB and Wi-Fi operations, mediating the frequency conflict by identifying and protecting critical UWB frequencies while allowing Wi-Fi to utilize remaining spectrum resources efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If Wi-Fi transmits at high power levels, then transmission distance is improved, but interference with UWB increases due to power difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the access point proactively identify and prevent Wi-Fi transmissions that would interfere with UWB operations. Through zone-of-non-interference zone mapping and dynamic channel selection, the system preemptively avoids creating harmful interference, rather than reacting to interference after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting Wi-Fi channel selections and transmission parameters based on UWB channel usage. When UWB is active on channel 5, the system modifies Wi-Fi transmission parameters to avoid overlapping frequencies, thereby reducing interference while maintaining Wi-Fi transmission distance through alternative channel assignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250254529A1Coexistence of UWB and wi-fi optimizations
Publication Date: 2025.08.07 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250254529A1 patent drawing
  • US20250254529A1 patent drawing
  • US20250254529A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for optimizing the coexistence of UWB and Wi-Fi transmissions are provided. One or more frequency bands causing spectral leakage that impacts an ultra-wideband (UWB) network device are identified. A synchronization schedule is received from the UWB network device. The synchronization schedule is analyzed to determine one or more timings for one or more UWB transmissions. One or more Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transmissions are punctured to avoid interference with the one or more UWB transmissions.