Low Power Wireless Node Sleep Control for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in WBANs, interference between overlapping networks leads to performance degradation and increased energy consumption, posing a risk of system defects due to high energy usage by nodes with limited power capacity.
Innovation Solution
A low-power wireless communication apparatus that includes a receiver to detect beacon signals from neighboring hubs, a controller to determine if the hub is in an exclusive access phase, and to maintain nodes in a sleep mode until the phase ends, thereby reducing energy consumption by minimizing unnecessary channel detection during exclusive access periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes continuously monitor wireless channels for network access opportunities, then network access reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of wireless channels by nodes, where nodes wake up at specific intervals to check for network access opportunities and then return to sleep mode. This periodic action pattern allows nodes to maintain network access reliability by periodically detecting available networks while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring. The controller manages the sleep-wake cycles of nodes based on detected EAP periods from neighboring hubs.
2Speed
If nodes operate continuously to ensure system responsiveness, then system responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having nodes detect and respond to beacon signals from hubs in advance before actual data transmission is needed. Nodes wake up early in the RAP period to sense network availability and prepare for potential data transmission during the subsequent EAP period. This preliminary detection allows nodes to maintain system responsiveness without requiring continuous operation, as they are already awake and ready when data transmission opportunities arise.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple WBANs operate simultaneously in overlapping areas, then network coverage is improved, but interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication timeline into distinct phases: RAP (Random Access Phase) and EAP (Exclusive Access Phase). By dividing the communication period into these segmented phases, the patent allows multiple WBANs to coexist in overlapping areas without interference. During EAP periods, only specific nodes with exclusive access rights transmit data, while other nodes remain silent. This temporal segmentation prevents collisions and interference between multiple networks operating in the same geographic area, thereby maintaining network coverage while eliminating harmful interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are low-power wireless communication apparatuses and a method thereof. A hub may receive a beacon signal from a neighboring hub that is within a predetermined area from the hub, and control an operation of a node served by the hub based on information received from the neighboring hub.