Wireless Branch Channel Alignment for Interference-Aware Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks, particularly those conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards, suffer from suboptimal communication performance due to inefficient automatic channel selection methods, leading to interference among nodes using nearby operational channels.

Innovation Solution

A method for selecting operational channels in a communications network where nodes connected only by wireless links form branches, which are connected by wired links, involves each branch selecting and aligning operational channels within identified groups based on radio propagation visibility and performance metrics, ensuring common channels are used among visible branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each node independently selects operational channels using ACS (Automatic Channel Selection), then the selection process is simple and decentralized, but communication performance degrades due to interference when nearby nodes use similar channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection processVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the channel selection decisions of multiple visible branches by identifying groups of branches that share common channels and realigning their selections. Instead of completely independent selection, branches within the same group coordinate their channel choices to avoid interference while maintaining the decentralized nature of the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having each branch inform other branches of its channel selection, allowing branches to detect common channels and adjust their selections accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables branches to adapt their channel choices based on the selections of visible branches, reducing interference while maintaining operational autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a single master node performs automatic channel selection and propagates decisions to all other nodes, then channel coordination is centralized and simplified, but the system lacks adaptability to local radio propagation conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection architectureVSAvoidadaptability to radio propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into multiple independent branches connected by wired links, where each branch performs autonomous channel selection. This segmentation allows each branch to adapt to local radio propagation conditions independently while maintaining overall network coordination through the identification of visible branches and group-based realignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by enabling each branch to make channel selection decisions based on its specific radio propagation environment and visible branches. Instead of a uniform centralized decision, each branch adapts its channel selection to local conditions while coordinating with other visible branches through the group realignment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If branches use independently selected operational channels without coordination, then each branch operates autonomously, but interference increases when visible branches use nearby channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebranch autonomyVSAvoidinterference between branches

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having each branch inform other branches of its channel selection before finalizing the configuration. This advance notification allows visible branches to detect potential conflicts and adjust their selections proactively, preventing interference while maintaining branch autonomy throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4240049B1Method for selecting operational channels in a communication network and communication network implementing said method

Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A method for selecting operational channels in a communications network comprising a plurality of collection nodes connected to each other by wired and wireless links is described.The procedure includes: - for each branch, selecting and using at least one operational channel, and informing the other branches of its selection; - for each branch, determining whether there is at least one operational channel selected in common between said branch and another branch; - identifying at least one group of branches in which each branch has at least one channel selected in common with another branch of said group and in which each branch sees, from a radio propagation point of view, at least one other branch of said set; - for each identified group of branches, selecting at least one operational channel by realigning within the group the selections of at least one operational channel made by each branch; - for each group of branches, applying the at least one operational channel selected by said group.