Waveform-Independent Contention Access in Hub-Spoke Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy wireless communication systems, designed for point-to-point arrangements, face inefficiencies and delays when transitioning to networked communications, especially in high-speed data transmission, due to the need for human intervention and inefficiencies in access control methods like TDMA and ALOHA, which are not well-suited for shared channel access.
Innovation Solution
A method for waveform-independent contention access in a hub-spoke network using Internet Protocol (IP) packets for link allocation and release, allowing spoke terminals to contend for the uplink channel based on reception of link allocation packets, enabling efficient data transmission without modifying the existing waveform or media access control layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual protocols with human operator intervention are used to control channel access, then collisions between transmitters are avoided, but system efficiency and speed deteriorate due to operator delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables spoke terminals to autonomously contend for channel access using IP-based contention protocols without human operator intervention. Each terminal independently transmits data packets and handles collision resolution, eliminating manual polling delays while maintaining reliable channel access control through automated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (human operator polling) with automated electronic IP-based contention protocols. The system uses IP packets for channel access requests and automated collision detection/resolution mechanisms, substituting human intervention with machine-to-machine communication that operates at high speed without manual delays
2Ease of operation
If traditional access control methods like TDMA or ALOHA are used in legacy point-to-point systems, then channel access is managed, but networked communication efficiency deteriorates due to protocol incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal IP-based contention protocol that functions across diverse network configurations and waveform types. The IP packet structure and contention mechanism are designed to be waveform-independent, allowing the same protocol to operate efficiently in networked environments while maintaining ease of channel access management, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and broad adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of channel access control from waveform-specific protocols (TDMA, ALOHA) to waveform-independent IP-based contention. This parameter change enables the protocol to adapt to different waveforms and network configurations without modification, improving versatility while maintaining ease of operation through standardized IP networking principles
3Reliability
If waveform-specific access control protocols are used, then channel access is controlled for that specific waveform, but system complexity increases and integration with existing systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IP packets as an intermediary layer between the physical waveform and the channel access control mechanism. This intermediary abstraction allows waveform-independent contention control, where IP packets carry channel access requests and data without being tied to specific waveform characteristics, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable control across different waveforms
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts waveform-specific details from the channel access control protocol, separating the access control logic from waveform characteristics. By taking out the waveform dependency, the protocol becomes universally applicable across different waveforms without requiring waveform-specific implementations, thereby reducing integration complexity while preserving reliable channel control
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and terminals can use Internet Protocol (IP) packets for waveform independent contention access in a hub-spoke network. In some embodiments, a spoke terminal can transmit a link allocation packet on an uplink when the uplink is available and the spoke terminal has data to transmit. The link allocation packet can be embedded within an IP packet. When the spoke terminal receives the link allocation packet on the downlink, the spoke terminal can transmit one or more IP packets with data, followed by a link release packet. The link release packet can be embedded within an IP packet.