Network coexistence through active superframe interleaving

摘要

Embodiments of the invention provide coexistence among independent networks through active superframe interleaving. Network hubs and devices exchange signals over a selected channel only during active superframes of their network. Network hubs broadcast coexistence information during their active superframes. A hub of network B desiring to use the selected channel first attempts to fit its active superframes within network A's inactive superframes, if available. If network A is not providing inactive superframes, then the network B hub determines whether network A is willing to coexist using active superframe interleaving on the channel. If so, the network B hub sends an interleave request message to the network A hub, which may accept the message and send back an interleave response message. The network A hub then offers new inactive superframes, and the network B hub adapts the transmissions and receptions of network B to fit within these inactive superframes.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
detecting, at a first body area network (BAN) device in a first body area network (BAN1), a second device in a second body area network (BAN2), the second BAN device transmitting and receiving signals on a selected channel during the second body area network's active superframes; wherein the superframe is operating in a beacon mode as a beacon period; determining, at the first BAN device, whether the second BAN device supports coexistence of independent body area networks through active superframe interleaving between body area networks on the selected channel; sending an interleaving request from the first BAN device in the first body area network to the second BAN device in the second body area network if the second BAN device supports coexistence through active superframe interleaving between body area networks; receiving an interleaving response at the first device from the second BAN device, the response identifying one or more inactive superframes of the second BAN device; and adapting active superframes at the first BAN device to fit within the inactive superframes of the second BAN device.