Wireless Device Discovery Using Directional Antenna Sector Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices using directional antennas in networks face challenges in discovering and communicating with each other due to the need for pre-coordination of antenna directivity and beacon transmission, leading to network partitioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable wireless devices to discover and communicate with each other by scanning multiple antenna sectors during designated beacon periods, sending response beacons, and alternating between receiving and sending beacons to avoid conflicts, allowing for coordinated beacon transmission without prior synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If directional antennas are used to extend transmission range, then communication range is improved, but device discovery becomes difficult without pre-coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having devices alternately transmit and scan before actual communication begins. The scanning device performs sector-by-sector scanning while the other device transmits beacons in alternating intervals, ensuring discovery happens before coordinated communication starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating transmission and scanning intervals. Devices switch between transmitting beacons and scanning for signals in periodic cycles, allowing both devices to eventually discover each other without requiring simultaneous operation or pre-coordination.
2Ease of operation
If pre-coordination of antenna directivity and beacon transmission is implemented, then device discovery is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by allowing each device to independently perform scanning and beacon transmission without external coordination. Each device autonomously attempts to discover the other by scanning its sectors while the other device transmits beacons, eliminating the need for complex centralized coordination protocols.
3Ease of operation
If beacons are broadcast in all directions, then device discovery is improved, but transmission efficiency decreases with directional antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the 360-degree scanning process into discrete antenna sectors. Instead of continuously scanning all directions, the system segments the space into sectors and alternates between transmitting in one sector while scanning other sectors, improving both discovery capability and transmission efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If devices scan all antenna sectors continuously, then complete device discovery is improved, but communication reliability with joined devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing alternating intervals between beacon transmission and sector scanning. Devices periodically switch between maintaining communication with joined devices and scanning for new devices, ensuring both communication reliability and continuous discovery capability without constant scanning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus discover hidden wireless devices in a wireless network using a directional antenna system, preventing partitioning of the wireless network. A first wireless device located in a first antenna sector is joined in response to an initial first beacon. First beacons are received from the joined first wireless device during corresponding first beacon periods. At least a second antenna sector is scanned during at least one first beacon period to listen for second beacons from a second wireless device in the second antenna sector, while remaining joined with the first wireless device. The first beacons are not received while the second antenna sector is scanned. The second wireless device is joined in response to an initial second beacon. Second beacons are then received from the joined second wireless device during corresponding second beacon periods, and the first beacons are received during the corresponding first beacon periods.