Wireless LAN Antenna Switching to Reduce Scan and Roaming Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
WLAN systems with densely installed external electronic devices experience increased interference, leading to higher latency and decreased transmission rates due to the need to scan multiple channels across additional frequency bands, prolonging initial connection and roaming times.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is equipped with multiple communication circuits and antennas supporting different frequency bands, with a processor controlling the electrical connection between these components based on their operating modes, allowing efficient switching between scan and communication modes to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device scans multiple channels across additional frequency bands to find external electronic devices, then the available frequency resources increase, but the scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process by separating scan mode operations from communication mode operations. The first communication circuit handles scanning operations in scan mode, while the second communication circuit handles communication operations in communication mode. This segmentation allows parallel processing of scanning and communication tasks, reducing overall scan time while maintaining access to multiple frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between scan mode and communication mode based on operational requirements. The processor determines whether to operate in scan mode or communication mode and switches the electrical connection accordingly. This dynamic switching enables the system to adapt between scanning and data transmission needs, optimizing the balance between available frequency resources and scan time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device increases the number of channels to scan across additional frequency bands, then the available frequency resources increase, but the time for initial connection and roaming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication circuits into a first communication circuit for scanning operations and a second communication circuit for communication operations. This segmentation allows simultaneous execution of scanning and communication tasks, reducing the time required for initial connection and roaming while maintaining access to multiple frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary scanning actions using the first communication circuit before initiating data communication. By completing the scanning process in advance and storing information about available external electronic devices, the system can quickly establish connections without needing to perform full scans during the connection process, thereby reducing initial connection and roaming times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device uses multiple communication circuits for different frequency bands, then the available frequency resources increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling both communication circuits to operate in either scan mode or communication mode depending on the operational requirements. The first communication circuit can perform scanning operations or data transmission, and the second communication circuit can similarly perform both scanning and communication functions. This universality reduces the need for dedicated separate circuits for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining access to multiple frequency bands.
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic device may include at least one first antenna supporting a first frequency band and a second frequency band of a wireless LAN communication method, a first communication circuit supporting a first subband and a second subband of the first frequency band, a second communication circuit supporting the second subband of the first frequency band and the second frequency band A processor may identify an operating mode of at least one of the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit, release an electrical connection of at least one of the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit operating in a scan mode with the at least one first antenna in a case in which at least one of the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit operates in the scan mode, and electrically connect the at least one first antenna to at least one of the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit operating in a communication mode in a case in which the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit operates in the communication mode.