Wireless Switch Node Channel Weight Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In IEEE 802.11s mesh networks, carrier sensing in basic service set traffic can affect mesh transfer traffic, leading to packet loss and connection interruptions when using multiple channels with fewer transceivers, resulting in inefficient channel utilization and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A channel utilizing method and system that calculates a channel weight set and stay-in period using the Time Ratio Aware Switching Superintendent (TRASS) algorithm, allowing a switch node with fewer transceivers to select and stay in channels optimally, while notifying neighbor nodes of its state through suitable mechanisms to minimize packet loss and channel waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple channels are used to handle both BSS traffic and mesh transfer traffic, then channel utilization is improved, but packet loss and connection interruptions increase due to carrier sensing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel utilizationVSAvoidpacket loss and connection interruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the traffic into two distinct types: BSS traffic and mesh transfer traffic. It allocates specific channels for each traffic type, preventing carrier sensing interference between them. The switch node separately manages BSS channels and mesh channels, ensuring that carrier sensing operations for BSS traffic do not interfere with mesh transfer traffic transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection and switching mechanisms. The switch node dynamically selects appropriate channels based on traffic type, channel conditions, and interference levels. It can dynamically switch between BSS channels and mesh channels to optimize performance and avoid packet loss, adapting to changing network conditions in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple transceivers are used to handle multiple channels, then packet loss is reduced, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket loss reductionVSAvoidnumber of transceivers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single transceiver perform multiple functions by implementing dynamic channel switching capabilities. The same transceiver can operate on different channels (BSS channels and mesh channels) at different times, effectively replacing the need for multiple dedicated transceivers. This multi-functional approach maintains reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic channel switching where the transceiver alternates between monitoring BSS channels and transmitting on mesh channels according to predetermined schedules and traffic patterns. This periodic action allows a single transceiver to handle multiple channel responsibilities, reducing the total number of transceivers needed while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If transceivers frequently switch between channels, then channel utilization is optimized, but channel time is wasted during switching transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel utilizationVSAvoidchannel time waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary channel selection and preparation mechanisms. Before switching channels, the switch node预先 selects the target channel and prepares the transceiver to minimize transition time. This preliminary action reduces the effective switching duration and minimizes channel time waste, allowing faster channel utilization optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If carrier sensing is performed for BSS traffic, then collision avoidance is improved, but mesh transfer traffic processing is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidmesh transfer traffic processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier sensing operations into separate domains: BSS carrier sensing for BSS traffic and mesh carrier sensing for mesh transfer traffic. By performing these sensing operations on separated channels or at separated time intervals, the patent prevents BSS carrier sensing from interfering with mesh transfer traffic processing, maintaining both collision avoidance and mesh productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8243748B2Channel utilizing method and system for wireless networks

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A channel utilizing method for a wireless network is adapted for channel utilization by a switch node having a number (N) of transceivers in an environment with a number (M) of channels, wherein (N)<(M). The channel utilizing method includes the steps of: calculating a channel weight set, and selecting one of the (M) channels according to the channel weight set; determining a notify mechanism according to a relation between the switch node and a neighbor node; using the notify mechanism to notify the neighbor node of a current state of the switch node; and calculating a channel stay-in period, and causing the switch node to stay in the selected one of the channels for a duration of the channel stay-in period. A channel utilizing system is also disclosed.