WLAN-WPAN Airtime Sharing Using Variable CTS-2-Self Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network coexistence operations often underprotect or overprotect network operational cycles, leading to interference, data loss, reduced transmission rates, increased latency, and inefficient use of radio frequency spectrum, impacting the performance and cost-effectiveness of coexisting wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A scheme with variable protection is implemented, using Clear To Send to Self (CTS-2-Self) messages to dynamically adjust network operational cycles, preventing data traffic during overlapping periods, and employing signal-to-noise ratio calculations to optimize coexistence processes, thereby reducing interference and optimizing airtime utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional network coexistence operations are used to allow WLAN and WPAN networks to share airtime, then both networks can operate simultaneously, but interference occurs leading to data loss and reduced transmission rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending CTS-2-Self messages before actual data transmission to reserve airtime and prevent overlapping transmissions. The protecting network sends these control messages in advance to notify other networks of upcoming transmissions, allowing them to defer their transmissions and avoid interference, thus ensuring reliable data transmission while maintaining network productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The CTS-2-Self message acts as an intermediary mechanism between coexisting networks. Instead of networks directly interfering with each other, the intermediary control message coordinates airtime usage by informing other networks when the medium will be occupied, preventing direct interference and enabling reliable simultaneous operation of multiple networks
2Reliability
If protection mechanisms are increased to prevent interference between networks, then data transmission reliability improves, but airtime utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the protection level variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the duration and frequency of CTS-2-Self messages based on actual network conditions, traffic patterns, and interference levels. This allows the protection mechanism to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining reliability when needed while minimizing airtime loss when interference is not present
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as CTS-2-Self message duration, transmission timing, and frequency based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between providing sufficient protection against interference and maximizing airtime utilization efficiency, avoiding both overprotection and underprotection
3Reliability
If CTS-2-Self messages are sent to protect network operational cycles, then interference is reduced, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sending CTS-2-Self messages at regular intervals or at specific triggers rather than continuously. This periodic protection mechanism ensures interference prevention is maintained while allowing gaps between protection messages where data transmission can occur without unnecessary delays, thus reducing overall latency while maintaining signal protection
4Productivity
If variable protection schemes are implemented to optimize airtime sharing, then network efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling networks to autonomously manage their own airtime protection needs. Each network monitors its own transmission requirements and sends CTS-2-Self messages based on its own schedule, without requiring complex centralized coordination. This self-service approach optimizes airtime utilization while keeping individual device complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies related to network coexistence is described. A wireless personal area network (WPAN) module receives a first message with a length value corresponding to a length of the first message. A wireless local area network (WLAN) module obtains the length value. The WLAN module sends a second message over the WLAN that prevents other devices from sending traffic over the WLAN for an amount of time based on the length value.