Multi-Protocol Station Timing Coordination for Wi-Fi Bluetooth Coexistence

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless local-area networks, multi-protocol stations face challenges in coexisting with access points due to collisions between IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth transmissions, particularly with synchronous connection-oriented Bluetooth packets, as existing coexistence mechanisms do not effectively prevent interference.

Innovation Solution

A multi-protocol station transmits timing information to an IEEE 802.11 access point indicating its Bluetooth packet transmissions, allowing the access point to refrain from transmitting IEEE 802.11 frames during these times, thus avoiding interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the access point transmits IEEE 802.11 frames to multi-protocol stations, then network throughput is improved, but collisions with Bluetooth transmissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access point receives timing information from the multi-protocol station in advance, indicating when Bluetooth transmissions will occur. This preliminary knowledge allows the access point to proactively schedule IEEE 802.11 frame transmissions around Bluetooth transmission times, preventing collisions before they occur and maintaining both high throughput and reliable transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the access point refrains from transmitting during Bluetooth transmissions, then collisions are reduced, but network throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point dynamically adjusts its transmission schedule based on the timing information received from multi-protocol stations. Instead of statically refraining from transmissions during fixed time intervals, the access point flexibly schedules IEEE 802.11 frames to fill available time slots around Bluetooth transmissions, optimizing throughput while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The access point changes its transmission parameters (timing, duration, frequency) based on the received timing information about Bluetooth transmissions. By adjusting when and how IEEE 802.11 frames are transmitted according to the actual Bluetooth transmission schedule, the system maintains high reliability while maximizing overall network throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8107882B2Intelligent downstream traffic delivery to multi-protocol stations

Publication Date: 2012.01.31 DATASPHERE LLC

AI summary

A technique is disclosed for improving how stations that operate in accordance with different protocols coexist with an access point that operates in accordance with a single protocol. In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a station provides timing information to an IEEE 802.11 access point. The access point uses the timing information to determine when it may transmit any available frames to the station, so as not to interfere with any ongoing Bluetooth packet transmissions that are made by the station.