Wireless Network Scanning for Stable Donor Node Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network connection metrics, such as SINR and CINR, are not suitable for optimizing connections due to their variance, leading to instability and repeated fluctuations, and there is a need for a more stable metric to improve connection quality.
Innovation Solution
A dual-metric approach using RSRP dominance and spectral efficiency, combined with fine- and coarse-granularity scanning processes, to refine wireless connections by maintaining existing connections during fine-granularity scanning, employing directional antennas with motor or electronic beam steering to adjust antenna direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SINR or CINR metrics are used to optimize wireless connections, then connection quality indication is provided, but the metrics exhibit high variance causing instability and repeated fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from instantaneous SINR/CINR values to average received power over a time period. This parameter transformation reduces variance and provides a more stable metric for connection optimization while still indicating connection quality accurately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coarse-granularity scanning is performed by rotating antenna through 360 degrees, then available donor nodes are identified, but existing connections are broken requiring re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into two distinct phases: coarse-granularity scanning for donor node identification and fine-granularity scanning for connection optimization. This segmentation allows each phase to perform its specific function without interfering with ongoing connections, maintaining continuity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs coarse-granularity scanning as a preliminary action to identify available donor nodes before establishing connections. By completing the identification phase first, the system avoids interrupting connections during optimization scanning, thus maintaining connection continuity.
3Reliability
If fine-granularity scanning is performed with connection maintenance, then connection optimization is achieved, but scanning duration increases requiring more time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning where fine-granularity scanning is performed at optimized intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains connection quality through regular optimization while minimizing time loss by avoiding unnecessary continuous scanning.
4Measurement precision
If directional antenna rotation is used for scanning, then beam alignment is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to motor usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using motor-driven antenna rotation only during coarse-granularity scanning when full 360-degree coverage is needed. During fine-granularity scanning, the antenna makes only small adjustments around the previously identified optimal direction, significantly reducing motor usage and energy consumption while maintaining beam alignment precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a node for operating in a wireless network, including: coarse-granularity scanning circuitry that performs a coarse-granularity scanning process to detect one or more donor nodes of the wireless network according to a first metric. Connection circuitry forms a connection to a selected donor node in the one or more donor nodes. The connection is broken as a consequence of the coarse-granularity scanning process being performed. Fine granularity scanning circuitry performs a fine granularity scanning process to determine a configuration in which a quality of the connection is improved according to a second metric. The connection is maintained during the fine granularity scanning process.