Wireless Node Resource Allocation via Real-Time Packet Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods in industrial wireless communication networks are unable to efficiently couple fragmentation and aggregation with a communication schedule, leading to suboptimal channel utilization and increased latency due to fixed slot durations that may not match the size of high-priority packets.
Innovation Solution
A method for wireless nodes in industrial communication networks that continuously receive assignments of fixed-duration slots, allowing for real-time fragmentation, aggregation, and PHY reconfiguration based on packet duration and queue information, ensuring optimal slot utilization and minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed slot durations are used in TDMA scheduling, then synchronization is simplified and channel access is deterministic, but channel utilization becomes suboptimal when packet sizes do not match slot durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides packets into multiple fragments that can be transmitted across multiple slots. When a packet is larger than the fixed slot duration, it is segmented into smaller pieces that fit within the predetermined slot structure, allowing complete transmission without changing the fixed slot timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of packet fragmentation and aggregation at the data link layer, operating above the physical layer's fixed slot structure. This allows packets to be broken down or combined to match the fixed slot durations, resolving the mismatch between variable packet sizes and fixed time slots.
2Productivity
If packet fragmentation is performed, then packets can fit into fixed slots, but additional overhead and processing complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fragmentation and aggregation operations in advance, before transmission, at the data link layer. By preparing the packet structure beforehand to match the fixed slot durations, the actual transmission process becomes simpler and more efficient, reducing real-time processing complexity.
3Loss of time
If slot duration is increased to accommodate larger packets, then fewer slots are needed, but smaller packets cause underutilization of channel resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of channel capacity for each packet. Through aggregation of multiple small packets into larger units that fill slots more efficiently, or fragmentation of large packets to match slot boundaries, the system avoids both underutilization and excessive transmission time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of allocating resources to at least one wireless node in a wireless communication network, comprising: continuously receiving, at a wireless node, assignment of a number of slots, wherein the slots have a fixed slot time; obtaining (S1) information regarding physical layer parameters together with said assignment of said number of slots and said slot time; extracting (S2) a packet from a packet transmission queue maintained by said wireless node; computing (S3), based on the obtained information regarding physical layer parameters, a duration of said packet; comparing (S4A, S4B, S4C) said packet duration with said slot time;performing in real time at least one of fragmentation (S5C), aggregation (S5A) and reconfiguration (S5B) of said physical layer parameters, depending on the results of said comparison step and/or an amount of packets in said packet transmission queue; and mapping (S6) said packet to a first one of the assigned slots.