Wireless Network Scheduling Protocol for Interference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing deployment of wireless devices with different protocols and data transmission schedules leads to network congestion, interference, and communication problems, necessitating more sophisticated methods for managing network device transmissions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a scheduling protocol that specifies timing information, such as time windows, start times, and periodicity for sending and receiving transmissions, tailored to specific communication protocols and device types, to coordinate transmissions and prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless devices with different protocols are deployed in the network, then device versatility and network adaptability are improved, but network interference and communication reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network transmission time is segmented into distinct time windows, with each time window allocated to specific communication protocols or device types. This segmentation allows multiple protocols to coexist without interference, as each protocol operates in its designated time slot rather than competing for simultaneous access to the network medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling protocol implements periodic time windows that repeat in a structured sequence, allowing different protocols to transmit data periodically at predetermined intervals. This periodic action ensures that each protocol gets regular access to the network while maintaining predictable transmission patterns that avoid random collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If devices transmit data according to different data transmission schedules, then device autonomy and operational flexibility are improved, but network congestion and interference worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidnetwork interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A central scheduling protocol acts as an intermediary that receives transmission requests from autonomous devices and assigns them to appropriate time windows. This mediator coordinates the schedules of multiple autonomous devices, transforming their independent transmission attempts into a harmonized sequence that avoids collisions while preserving device autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling protocol performs preliminary action by pre-assigning time windows to devices based on their communication requirements before actual data transmission occurs. This advance planning ensures that devices know when they can transmit without needing to contend for access in real-time, eliminating interference while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a scheduling protocol is implemented to coordinate transmissions, then network reliability and latency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling protocol is designed as a universal framework that can accommodate multiple communication protocols and device types through a single unified time window allocation mechanism. Rather than implementing separate scheduling systems for each protocol, this multi-functional approach manages diverse transmissions through one cohesive structure, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240430886A1Network scheduling for improved reliability
Publication Date: 2024.12.26 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC
  • US20240430886A1 patent drawing
  • US20240430886A1 patent drawing
  • US20240430886A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing communications among network devices are disclosed. An example method can comprise determining a time window for transmission based on a scheduling protocol. The scheduling protocol can specify time windows for using corresponding wireless protocols to transmit signals. Different wireless protocols can be associated with different time windows and different devices. A device can prevent transmissions during the time window, thereby allowing other devices to provide transmissions during the time window according to the scheduling protocol.