WLAN Bluetooth Coexistence via Power Save Poll Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Bluetooth communication systems often interfere with each other, leading to disruptions in WLAN throughput during Bluetooth inquiry or paging phases, as Bluetooth transmissions can desensitize WLAN receivers, causing them to drop packets or operate at low rates.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a WLAN communication link sends power save indicator signals and power save poll messages during gaps between Bluetooth communication slots, allowing WLAN packets to be transmitted before the start of Bluetooth inquiry or paging phases, thus minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Bluetooth inquiry or paging phases are performed, then Bluetooth device discovery and connection are enabled, but WLAN receiver sensitivity deteriorates causing packet loss and reduced throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBluetooth device discovery capabilityVSAvoidWLAN packet reception reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by sending power save indicator signals before the Bluetooth inquiry or paging phases begin. This allows the WLAN access point to anticipate upcoming interference and prepare accordingly, transmitting data packets during intervals before Bluetooth transmissions start, thereby maintaining WLAN reliability while enabling Bluetooth functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts WLAN communication timing based on Bluetooth phase detection. By monitoring for Bluetooth inquiry or paging phases and adaptively modifying WLAN transmission schedules to occur during suitable intervals, the system optimizes both Bluetooth adaptability and WLAN reliability in real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If Bluetooth transmissions are performed continuously, then Bluetooth communication functionality is maintained, but WLAN receiver desensitization increases causing severe interference

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBluetooth communication continuityVSAvoidWLAN receiver desensitization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments WLAN transmissions to occur during specific intervals between Bluetooth transmissions. By dividing WLAN communication into discrete time slots that avoid Bluetooth inquiry and paging phases, the system maintains Bluetooth communication continuity while reducing receiver desensitization effects through temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic WLAN transmissions synchronized with Bluetooth transmission patterns. By sending power save indicator signals and data packets at regular intervals that coincide with Bluetooth off-periods, the system maintains both Bluetooth productivity and minimizes harmful desensitization effects through rhythmic, non-overlapping operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If WLAN data transmission occurs during Bluetooth inquiry phase, then WLAN throughput is maintained, but packet reception fails due to receiver saturation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWLAN data transmission rateVSAvoidWLAN packet reception success

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits WLAN data packets in advance during intervals before the Bluetooth inquiry or paging phases begin. By sending power save indicator signals and accumulating data packets during these pre-phase intervals, the system ensures WLAN productivity is maintained while guaranteeing packet reception reliability by delivering data before receiver saturation occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9532311B1Method and apparatus for maintaining a wireless local area network connection during a bluetooth inquiry phase or a bluetooth paging phase

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 NXP USA INC

AI summary

In response to determining that a Bluetooth inquiry phase or the Bluetooth paging phase will begin, a power save indicator signal is sent from a first communication device to a second communication device prior to a start of the Bluetooth inquiry phase or the Bluetooth paging phase. A gap between a first Bluetooth communication slot and a second Bluetooth communication slot is determined, and a time period within the gap is determined, where an end of the time period occurs at a defined amount of time prior to a start of the second Bluetooth communication slot. During the time period, one or more power save poll messages are sent from the first communication device to the second communication device, each first power save poll message prompting the second communication device to transmit a respective first WLAN packet to the first communication device.