Interference Management Between Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
As wireless networks, particularly WPAN and WWAN, operate in close proximity and share the same spectrum, interference becomes a significant concern, necessitating effective cooperation to manage and mitigate interference between networks.
Innovation Solution
A processing system is configured to support communications in both WPAN and WWAN networks with common spectra but different air interface protocols, generating messages to suppress transmissions in one network to reserve the medium for the other, allowing directional or omnidirectional transmissions in the second network, thereby reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple wireless networks operate in close proximity sharing the same spectrum, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference between networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-based channel access control where networks alternately access the shared spectrum in defined time slots. The coordinator device establishes time division multiplexing schedules that periodically grant exclusive access to different networks, reducing interference while maintaining high spectrum utilization through systematic time-sharing of the radio frequency resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the shared spectrum access by dividing it into distinct time slots and frequency channels that are allocated to different wireless networks. The coordinator device creates segmented access patterns where each network operates in designated time periods or frequency bands, preventing simultaneous transmissions that would cause interference while ensuring efficient use of the available spectrum resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If networks use different air interface protocols, then network diversity and functionality are improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator device that acts as an intermediary between wireless networks using different air interface protocols. This coordinator translates and mediates communication between networks with incompatible protocols, managing resource allocation and conflict resolution without requiring direct complex interactions between the diverse network protocols themselves, thereby reducing coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator device implements universal functionality by supporting multiple air interface protocols simultaneously and providing a common control plane that can manage diverse network types. This multi-functional approach allows the system to coordinate heterogeneous networks (such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) through a single unified control mechanism, simplifying the overall system architecture despite protocol diversity.
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for interference management between multiple wireless networks are disclosed. The apparatuses, and methods for doing the same, communicate with one or more wireless devices in each of first and second wireless networks, the first and second wireless networks having a common spectrum and different air interface protocols, and generate a message for transmission into the first wireless network to suppress transmission in the first network and to reserve a medium for wireless transmissions in the second wireless network.