Wireless Network Time Synchronization for Low-Interference Data Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in synchronizing devices with different clock speeds, leading to delayed data delivery and radio interference, especially in complex scatternet topologies where data packets may be lost, affecting the efficiency and accuracy of operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques for accurate clock synchronization, time multiplexing, and frequency multiplexing to synchronize devices and stage communication windows, reducing interference and ensuring timely data delivery through cascade synchronization and link coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If time synchronization and multiplexing are implemented, then data delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization process into hierarchical levels (master clock, slave clocks at different tiers) and divides time multiplexing into structured slots. This segmentation allows complex synchronization to be managed through simpler, hierarchical relationships rather than requiring all devices to coordinate simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary slave clocks at intermediate tiers that bridge master clocks and peripheral devices. These intermediaries simplify the synchronization architecture by creating layered communication paths, where each layer manages its own timing independently, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while improving overall data delivery efficiency.
2Loss of time
If cascade synchronization is used, then time delays are reduced, but radio interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time slots for different tiers to transmit synchronization signals. By organizing communications in periodic cycles where each tier transmits at designated intervals, the system minimizes time delays through efficient cascading while preventing radio interference through structured time-division multiplexing that ensures only one tier transmits at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization setup and signal transmission in controlled sequences before actual data communication begins. This preliminary action establishes timing references and synchronizes all devices before data transfer, reducing operational time delays while avoiding radio interference by completing all synchronization transmissions in advance during dedicated periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scatternet topology is implemented, then network versatility is improved, but packet loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scatternet into hierarchical tiers with dedicated communication paths. This segmentation provides network versatility through flexible topology configuration while improving packet delivery reliability by creating structured, prioritized communication channels that ensure timely data transmission between tiers, reducing packet loss through organized data flow management.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations disclosed describe techniques and systems to facilitate efficient operations of wireless networks organized in a topology of communicating nodes. Techniques include cascade synchronization of various nodes of the network by generating and maintaining a common time using times associated with ordered communications between nodes. The common time maintained by the network allows performance of synchronous action for precise industrial, medical, and testing applications. The described techniques and systems further include management of communication windows between different nodes in a way that facilitates fast and efficient propagation of data collected by the network from multiple source nodes to one or more destination nodes. The techniques further include efficient assignment and flexible management of communication frequencies (channels) to various nodes of the network to reduce interference and noise by assigning different communication frequencies to the nodes that utilize concurrent communications windows.