Method and system to coordinate the communication channel access in a technology independent way in order to improve channel efficiency and to provide QoS guarantees

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a method and system for coordinating access to communication channels in a technology-independent way (primarily in wireless networks). It introduces a master-slave architecture using a token-based software approach—'SoftToken'—where the master collects information from multiple slaves (devices) about their data needs and assigns transmission opportunities based on various scheduling algorithms. The system aims to avoid the need for tight time synchronization (required by traditional TDMA) while improving channel efficiency and providing quality-of-service (QoS) guarantees.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improving WiFi (IEEE 802.11) or similar wireless network efficiency and QoS, especially in crowded environments.
• Wireless mesh networks requiring efficient, collision-free data transmission and support for real-time applications like voice, video, or IoT sensors.
• Deployment in any communication system (including multi-hop scenarios) where predictable and efficient channel access is necessary.
• Enhancing existing wireless infrastructure with better resource allocation and QoS management without hardware upgrades.
• Industrial automation or smart factory environments with many wireless devices needing coordinated access to shared communication resources.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Technology-agnostic: Can be implemented on top of existing wireless systems, independent of specific hardware or protocols.
• No need for tight synchronization: Reduces system complexity compared to traditional time division systems.
• Deterministic channel access enables reliable QoS support (important for real-time or priority traffic).
• Reduces collisions and interference, improving network throughput and stability.
• Software-based solution—no hardware changes required, allowing for easy integration and deployment in existing networks.
• Supports flexible scheduling, prioritization of traffic, and dynamic resource allocation based on current network needs.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system to coordinate the communication channel access in a technology independent way in order to improve channel efficiency and to provide QoS guarantees by comprising a master that collects traffic demands from a plurality of slaves within a token based access approach. Transmission opportunities are assigned by the master to the plurality of slaves by means of scheduling algorithms. Additional traffic related information of the slaves such as priority considerations of traffic queues or any other scheduling relevant information such as an overarching resource coordination function may be taken into account. The invention specifically overcomes the tight synchronization requirement of time division multiple access systems while still providing a flexible and efficient way of coordinating channel access.