Wireless Frame Size Adaptation for Shared-Band Airtime Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coexistence-constrained devices face challenges in managing frame sizes efficiently due to overlapping radio frequencies, leading to interference and data packet corruption in wireless communication protocols like mesh networks, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, particularly when a continuous 5-ms slot is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic frame size adaptation is implemented, allowing coexistence-constrained devices to adapt frame sizes based on coexistence conditions and share negotiated sizes with neighboring devices, optimizing resource use and improving network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a fixed maximum frame size of 127 bytes is used, then data transmission capacity is maximized, but interference and packet corruption occur due to unavailable continuous 5-ms slots in coexistence-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frame size adaptation where the frame size is adjusted based on coexistence conditions. The system transitions from a static 127-byte frame size to a dynamic sizing mechanism that selects from multiple frame sizes (e.g., 127, 90, 60, 30 bytes) depending on the availability of continuous time slots and interference levels from other wireless technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frame size parameter adaptively based on coexistence conditions. The system monitors the availability of continuous 5-ms slots and adjusts the frame size parameter accordingly, selecting smaller frame sizes when continuous slots are unavailable to prevent packet corruption, and larger frame sizes when conditions permit to maximize data transmission capacity.
2Reliability
If smaller frame sizes are used to avoid interference, then communication reliability improves, but data transmission capacity and airtime utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts frame size based on real-time coexistence conditions rather than using a fixed small size. When continuous 5-ms slots are available, the system switches to larger frame sizes (127 bytes) to maximize productivity, and only reduces to smaller sizes (30-90 bytes) when necessary to maintain reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the transmitter monitors coexistence conditions and frame transmission outcomes, then adjusts subsequent frame sizes accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that frame size decisions are based on actual channel conditions and transmission success rates, optimizing both reliability and productivity.
3Productivity
If dynamic frame size adaptation is implemented, then airtime utilization and network performance improve, but device complexity increases due to negotiation and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements frame size negotiation as a preliminary action before data transmission begins. The transmitter and receiver exchange information about supported frame sizes and coexistence conditions in advance, establishing the frame size to be used during the communication session. This preliminary negotiation simplifies subsequent transmissions by avoiding continuous adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal frame size indicators that can be embedded in existing mesh network protocol messages. The frame size adaptation mechanism works across different device types and scenarios, providing a multi-functional solution that handles various coexistence conditions without requiring protocol-specific implementations for each case.
4Reliability
If frame size is reduced to fit available time slots, then packet corruption is avoided, but power consumption increases due to more frequent transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the optimal frame size by evaluating the availability of continuous time slots before transmission. When sufficient continuous slots are available, larger frame sizes are used to reduce the number of transmissions and conserve power. When slots are fragmented, smaller frame sizes are used to ensure packet integrity, thus balancing power consumption and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject technology provides for dynamic frame size adaptation. An apparatus may apply a frame size adaptation to a resource allocation associated with a first wireless communication protocol based on a coexistence between activity associated with the first wireless communication protocol and activity associated with a second wireless communication protocol different than the first wireless communication protocol on a shared frequency band. The apparatus also may monitor for reception of a data transmission associated with the first wireless communication protocol on the shared frequency band based at least in part on the frame size adaptation. By dynamically adapting the frame size, the reliability of transmissions in a mesh network is increased and coexistence between radios sharing the same frequency band can be improved.