Offset beacon for distributed management and control of wireless networks

• US 20050265306A1
• Filed: 05/04/2005
• Published: 12/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc., TriplePoint Capital, LLC
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Strivers, Fred S., Schrum, Sidney B. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,684,381 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/350
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/0652 Synchronisation among time division multiple access [TDMA] nodes, e.g. time triggered protocol [TTP] bus network with centralized control in which slots are of a TDMA packet structure H04L12/4035
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/26 Resource reservation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/08 Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery signalling during connection H04W76/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0216 using a pre-established activity schedule, e.g. traffic indication frame
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0219 where the power saving management affects multiple terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/04 Scheduled access hybrid access H04W74/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Using this methodology, a wireless network can be self-forming or “ad-hoc” in nature. That is, the formation of the network does not depend upon the presence of a pre-determined central coordinator. Second, it can accommodate relatively rapid changes in network configuration, including changes in the number and location of the devices participating in the network, and changes in the channel conditions experienced by communication devices. Third, it can accommodate an extended network system where the population of devices that are able to communicate wirelessly, either directly, or indirectly via devices that also act as repeaters, may be spread over a relatively large geographic area. Fourth, it can provide robust Quality of Service through the use of time reservations or “slots” during which one device or a limited number of devices are allowed to transmit. Fifth, it can provide good power management qualities, such that there are mechanisms which allow devices minimize active time and to transition in and out of reduced power “sleep” states while still maintaining the ability to communication.

Claims

1. A method of establishing a timing framework for a wireless network comprising the steps of:

(a) transmitting a first beacon signal from a first wireless device;

(b) transmitting a second beacon signal from a second wireless device wherein the first and second beacon signals include an offset value.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the offset value is equal to a zero milliseconds if the first wireless device establishes the wireless network.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprises establishing a superframe timing scheme.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprises the first and second wireless devices detecting the presence of a wireless network.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the offset value is a positive number.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the offset value is a negative number.

7. The method of claim 3 further comprises aligning a superframe between the first device and the second device.

8. The method of claim 3 wherein the first wireless device transmits at least one beacon during any superframe.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprises:

(c) transmitting a dependency relationship between the first and second wireless devices.

10. A system for establishing a timing framework for a wireless network comprising:

(a) means for transmitting a first beacon signal from a first wireless device;

(b) means for transmitting a second beacon signal from a second wireless device wherein the first and second beacon signals include an offset value.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the offset value is equal to a zero milliseconds if the first wireless device establishes the wireless network.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprises establishing a superframe timing scheme.

13. The system of claim 10 further comprises the first and second wireless devices detecting the presence of a wireless network.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein the offset value is a positive number.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein the offset value is a negative number.

16. The system of claim 12 further comprises aligning a superframe between the first device and the second device.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein the first wireless device transmits at least one beacon during any superframe.

18. The system of claim 10 further comprises:

(c) means for transmitting a dependency relationship between the first and second wireless devices.

19. A wireless network comprising:

(a) a first wireless device;

(b) a second wireless device;

(c) a fully distributed protocol for managing communications between the first and second devices, wherein the protocol includes a beacon signal and an offset signal.

20. The wireless network of claim 19 wherein said protocol further comprises means for aligning a superframe established by at least one of the wireless devices.