WO2025180640A1

WO2025180640A1 - A method of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network.

Info

Publication number: WO2025180640A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/055312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charlie PETTERSSON; Rocco Di Taranto; Abhishek AMBEDE; Leif Wilhelmsson; Sebastian Max
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2024-03-01
Filing date: 2024-03-01
Publication date: 2025-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-01

Abstract

A method of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network, wherein communication in the first and second wireless communication network utilizes frequency hopping on a set of frequency channels, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving, by the device in the first wireless communication network, from the device in the second wireless communication network, coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network, and implementing, by the device in the first wireless communication network, said frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization.

Description

Title

A method of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network.

Technical field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of wireless communication and, more specifically, to performing coordination between two devices in different, but the same type of, wireless communication networks.

Background

In license-exempt frequency bands like the 2.4 GHz ISM band, the 5 GHz band, or 6 GHz band, effective spectrum sharing mechanisms may be of importance, especially when transmissions are not restricted to very low power. The primary spectrum sharing methods are listen-before-talk, LBT, also referred to as carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance, CSMA/CA, and frequency hopping, FH.

LBT, as the name implies, involves the transmitter determining if the channel is idle before initiating a transmission. If busy, the transmitter waits until the channel is available. This method is used in IEEE 802.11 , also commonly referred to as Wi-Fi, operating in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, for example. On the other hand, FH, utilized by for example Bluetooth, BT, involves using a specific part of the band for a small fraction of the total time, leaving room for other transmissions.

Choosing between LBT and FH depends on factors such as channel bandwidth and dynamic usage. LBT is typically favoured for wider bandwidths with dynamic channel requirements, while FH typically suits narrowband systems with predictable channel usage.

However, both LBT and FH work effectively when all devices employ the same mechanism. Mismatched usage, i.e., when a first system using LBT is to coexist with a second system using FH, can lead to issues. For example, a wideband system using LBT may defer transmission due to detecting a narrowband signal, even if it wouldn't harm the narrowband system. Conversely, the wideband system may not detect a narrowband signal, potentially causing harmful interference.

In the 2.4 GHz ISM band, coexistence challenges arise between Wi-Fi, using LBT, and Bluetooth, using FH. Bluetooth addresses this with adaptive FH, AFH, allowing devices to report and update the set of channels being used for FH. Specifically, the channels that are identified as likely being used by Wi-Fi are not used by Bluetooth (assuming that there still is a sufficient number of channels available that can be used). A central node distributes a channel map to determine the operating channels for hopping. Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, further minimizes interference to Wi-Fi by only using three channels during initial link establishment, strategically avoiding the most commonly used non-overlapping Wi-Fi channels i.e., avoiding channels 1 , 6, and 11 in the 2.4 GHz band.

When a narrowband frequency hopping device has many available channels, it may not be advantageous to utilize all these available channels, especially when sharing the spectrum with other wireless technologies. Narrowband interference poses challenges to wideband systems in multiple ways.

Firstly, a narrowband transmission can restrict a wideband device's access to the medium, leading to inefficient resource utilization. Secondly, dealing with interference from a narrowband signal is challenging for wideband systems due to the concentrated power on a narrow bandwidth.

Summary

It would be advantageous to achieve methods of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network, wherein the method takes into account its impact on a third wireless communication network operating in a same, or overlapping, frequency range.

It would further be advantageous to achieve corresponding devices and computer program products.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network, wherein communication in the first and second wireless communication network utilizes frequency hopping on a set of frequency channels.

The method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the device in the first wireless communication network, from the device in the second wireless communication network, coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network; implementing, by the device in the first wireless communication network, said frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization.

The inventors have found that it may be beneficial if coordination between the devices in the first and second wireless communication network perform coordination with respect to the utilization of their resources, in order to reduce any impact on a third communication network that may operate in the same, or overlapping, frequency range.

The coordination is such that the information exchanged between the devices in the first and second wireless communication networks is directed to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization that is to be implemented in both the first and second wireless communication networks. The first and second wireless communication networks will thus adhere to the same frequency channels utilization and/or the same time utilization. This is counterintuitive as this would lead to increased interference between these two wireless communications networks and/or to reduced capacities of those two wireless communications networks. The inventors have found that it may still be useful to do so, to reduce the impact that these two wireless communications networks may have on a third, for example unknown, wireless communication network that operates in the same, or overlapping, frequency range.

The above may be explained using a particular example.

The first and second wireless communication networks may, for example, be related to Bluetooth communication networks. In accordance with the present disclosure, the first and second wireless communication networks are different networks, but may be of the same type - for example both Bluetooth communication networks. Such Bluetooth communication networks may deploy frequency hopping within the 2.4 GHz frequency band. A third wireless communication network may be deployed as well, for example a Wi-Fi based wireless communication network. Such a Wi-Fi based wireless communication network utilizes the Listen-Before-Talk, LBT, principle. The third wireless communication network may operate in the same, or overlapping, 2.4 GHz frequency band as the first and second wireless communication network.

The present disclosure is directed to a concept in which coordination between the first and second wireless communication networks is performed to reduce the impact of these wireless communication networks on the third wireless communication network.

In the 2.4GHz band, the Wi-Fi based communication network typically utilizes a plurality of frequency channels, for example channels 1 to 13. Three channels 1 , 6 and 1 1 do not overlap and are, therefore, often used from a pragmatic point of view. In between the channels 1 and 6, and in between the channels 6 and 1 1 , other frequency channels are located but are omitted for readability purposes. Typically, in the 2.4 GHz range, the frequency channels of the Wi-Fi based communication network are 20 MHz wide. Here, the Wi-Fi channels are typically spaced 5 MHz apart from each other. The center frequencies of the standard Wi-Fi channels start from 2.412 GHz, channel 1 , and increase by 5 MHz increments for each subsequent channel.

Consider the situation in which the Wi-Fi based wireless communication network operates on channel 1.

The coordination information exchanged between the devices in the first and second wireless communication networks may be directed to frequency channels utilization of these devices in their corresponding wireless communication networks. In this particular case, the frequency channels utilization may comprise those frequency channels that do not fall within channel 1 of the Wi-Fi based wireless communication network. The set of frequency channels that are implemented, or used, by both devices in the first and second wireless communications networks is then limited to frequency channels outside the frequency range corresponding to channel 1 of the Wi-Fi based wireless communication network.

In other words, frequency channels in the set of available frequency channels that “map” onto, i.e. at least partially overlap with, channel 1 of the Wi-Fi based wireless communication network may be excluded. These excluded frequency channels may thus not be used by the devices in the first and second wireless communication networks for their respective frequency hopping scheme.

The above will thus reduce the impact of both Bluetooth networks onto the Wi-Fi based communication network. The above just provides a detailed example of a possible implementation of the method in accordance with the present disclosure.

In wireless communication, frequency channels play a role in managing the allocation of the radio frequency spectrum. The radio frequency spectrum is divided into distinct frequency channels. These frequency channels represent specific frequencies on which wireless devices can transmit and receive signals.

Frequency hopping is a technique employed to improve the robustness and efficiency of wireless communication systems, particularly in the presence of interference. Instead of staying on a fixed frequency channel, a device utilizing frequency hopping switches between different frequency channels. This dynamic approach helps mitigate the impact of interference on a specific frequency channel.

The process of frequency hopping involves known sequences or patterns that dictate the order and timing of channel changes. This sequence is shared between devices, ensuring synchronized frequency hopping and allowing them to stay connected even as they move through different channels.

Frequency hopping spreads the communication over multiple frequencies, providing a level of resilience against interference and contributing to a more reliable and secure wireless communication environment.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the first and second wireless communication network utilize frequency hopping. Devices operating in the first and second wireless communication networks may thus utilize all available frequency channels when performing frequency hopping. However, the inventors have found that frequency channel utilization may be coordinated between devices in the first and second wireless communication networks. In other words, the devices in the first and second wireless communication networks may agree on a limited set of available frequency channels to implement, to thereby reduce the impact on a third wireless communication network.

The coordination information may be comprised by a coordination message, or any other type of message. The message may be broadcasted, or may be unicasted between the first and second device. In an example, the coordination information comprises information with respect to which frequency channels of said set of frequency channels to use, or avoid, for said frequency hopping, wherein said step of implementing comprises: implementing, by the device in the first wireless communication network, said frequency hopping on frequency channels of said set of frequency channels taking into account said frequency channels to use, or avoid.

The coordination information may comprise a list of channels, or a frequency range, that is to be used by the devices in the first and second wireless communications network. Alternatively, the coordination information may comprise a list of channels, or a frequency range, that is to be excluded by the devices in the first and second wireless communications network.

The actual frequency hopping scheme of the devices in the first and second wireless communications network may differ from one another. The sequency in which the frequency channels are used may not need to be the same, although both frequency hopping schemes will utilize the same frequency channels.

In another example, coordination information comprises a frequency hopping scheme for said frequency channels of said set of frequency channels, wherein said step of implementing comprises: implementing, by said device in the first wireless communication network, said frequency hopping scheme.

The inventors have found that it may be advantageous if the frequency hopping schemes of the devices in the first and second wireless communications networks are also the same. That is, the order of the sequency in which the frequency channels are utilized may be the same. A time offset may be implemented between the frequency hopping schemes to reduce any possible interference between the first and second wireless communications network.

In a further example, said coordination information comprises timing parameters with respect to connection intervals in which said devices in the first and second wireless communication networks are allowed to perform a transmission, wherein said step of implementing comprises: implementing, by the device in the first wireless communication network, said timing parameters for said connection intervals. As an alternative, or in addition, to the frequency coordination as explained above, the devices may also agree on timing parameters with respect to connection intervals in which the devices are allowed to perform a transmission. The result is that the devices will use available frequency spectrum at the same time and will both be silent during other time periods at the same time. This will allow the third wireless communications network to use the available frequency spectrum during periods in which the devices are silent.

In yet another example, the step of receiving comprises: receiving, by said device in said first wireless communication network, said coordination information on an anchor channel.

In wireless communication, an anchor channel typically refers to a specific communication channel or frequency that is designated for certain functions within a network. This channel may serve as a reference or anchor for various purposes, such as synchronization, coordination, or establishing a reliable connection between devices.

The anchor channel may play a role in ensuring the stability and efficiency of wireless communication systems. It may be used for tasks like time synchronization among devices, enabling them to operate in a coordinated manner. Additionally, it can be employed to establish initial connections or handovers between different network nodes.

In another example, the frequency of said anchor channel is predetermined.

This allows the devices of the first and second wireless communications network to communicate with one another.

In a further example, the first and second wireless communication networks are Bluetooth networks, and wherein said anchor channel corresponds to an advertisement channel in said Bluetooth networks.

In Bluetooth technology, an advertisement channel refers to a specific radio frequency channel that is used for broadcasting information. Bluetooth devices use advertising channels to, for example, announce their presence and capabilities to nearby devices in a process known as "advertising." This allows devices to discover and connect to each other. Bluetooth devices periodically broadcast short packets of information, known as advertisements, on one or more advertisement channels. These packets contain details such as the device's identity, supported services, and other relevant information. Nearby devices can scan these channels to discover and establish connections with the advertising devices.

In an example of the present disclosure, the coordination information is provided in such broadcasted packets of information.

In a further example, the method further comprises the step of: detecting, by the device in the first wireless communication network, a third wireless communication network of a different type than the first and second wireless communication network, wherein said third wireless communication network operates in at least an overlapping frequency range with said first and second wireless communication network.

In another example, the steps of receiving and implementing are triggered by said step of detecting.

In yet another example, the method comprises a step preceding said receiving step of: sending, by the device in the first wireless communication network, to the device in the second wireless communication network, requested coordination information, wherein the requested coordination information comprises information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented in both said first and second wireless communication network.

The above may be some sort of handshake protocol. In the context of the present disclosure, a handshake protocol may be a process that facilitates the establishment of coordination agreement between two devices. This protocol may involve a series of messages exchanged to ensure a smooth initiation of communication and to establish a coordination between the devices.

The process typically begins with one device sending an initiation request to another, signaling the intent to establish coordination. Upon receiving the request, the recipient may send back an acknowledgment to confirm successful reception and readiness to proceed. Following this, the devices may engage in a negotiation phase, exchanging information about, for example, their capabilities and agreeing on a coordination between them. In an example, the requested coordination information further comprises a reason for coordination, said reason being any of: co-existence with a third wireless communication network in an overlapping frequency range; dual communication capabilities of the device in the first wireless communication network, being able to communicate in the first wireless communication network as well as in the third wireless communication network.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device in a first wireless communication network arranged for performing coordination with a device in a second wireless communication network, wherein communication in the first and second wireless communication network utilizes frequency hopping on a set of frequency channels.

The device in the first wireless communication network comprises: receiving equipment arranged for receiving, from the device in the second wireless communication network, coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network; processing equipment arranged for implementing said frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization.

It is noted that the advantages as explained with respect to the first aspect of the present disclosure, being the method of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network, are also applicable to the second aspect of the present disclosure, being the device in the first wireless communication network.

In an example, the coordination information comprises information with respect to which frequency channels of said set of frequency channels to use, or avoid, for said frequency hopping, wherein said processing equipment is further arranged for: implementing said frequency hopping on frequency channels of said set of frequency channels taking into account said frequency channels to use or avoid.

In a further example, the coordination information comprises a frequency hopping scheme for said frequency channels of said set of frequency channels, wherein said processing equipment is further arranged for: implementing said frequency hopping scheme.

In another example, the coordination information comprises timing parameters with respect to connection intervals in which said devices in the first and second wireless communication networks are allowed to perform a transmission , wherein said processing equipment is further arranged for: implementing said timing parameters for said connection intervals.

In a further example, the receive equipment is further arranged for receiving said coordination information on an anchor channel.

In yet another example, a frequency of said anchor channel is predetermined.

In an example, the first and second wireless communication networks are Bluetooth networks, and wherein said anchor channel corresponds to an advertisement channel in said Bluetooth networks.

In yet another example, the process equipment is further arranged for detecting a third wireless communication network of a different type than the first and second wireless communication network, wherein said third wireless communication network operates in at least an overlapping frequency range with said first and second wireless communication network.

In an example, the device further comprises: sending equipment arranged for sending, to the device in the second wireless communication network, requested coordination information, wherein the requested coordination information comprises information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented in both said first and second wireless communication network.

In a further example, the requested coordination information further comprises a reason for coordination, said reason being any of: co-existence with a third wireless communication network in an overlapping frequency range; dual communication capabilities of the device in the first wireless communication network, being able to communicate in the first wireless communication network as well as in the third wireless communication network. In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a device in a first wireless communication network, cause said device to implement a method in accordance with any of the examples as provided above.

The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

The above and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 discloses an example of first, second and third wireless communication network;

Fig. 2 discloses an example of a device for operation in a first wireless communication network, in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 discloses an example of spectrum sharing between the first, second and third wireless communication networks;

Fig. 4 discloses an example of a device able to communicate in the first as well as in the second wireless communication network;

Fig. 5 discloses an example of a flow chart of a method in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 discloses an example of a result of frequency coordination between devices in the first and second wireless communication networks; Fig. 7 discloses an example of a result of time coordination between devices in the first and second wireless communication networks.

Detailed description

It is noted that in the description of the figures, same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components performing a same or essentially similar function.

A more detailed description is made with reference to particular examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings, such that the manner in which the features of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail. It is noted that the drawings only illustrate typical examples and are therefore not to be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the embodiments. The drawings are incorporated for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. Advantages of the subject matter as claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The ensuing description above provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements, including combinations of features from different embodiments, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the embodiments, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, electromagnetic, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the following detailed description. While the description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the description appears, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

In general, the terms used in the following embodiments should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of three wireless communication networks 10. A first wireless communication network 11 may comprise a plurality of devices 15. A second wireless communication network 12 may also comprise a plurality of devices 16. The first and second wireless communication network may be of the same type, for example both communication networks may be a Bluetooth based communication network.

A third wireless communication network is indicated with reference numeral 13, which comprises a plurality of devices 14a, 14b. The third wireless communication network is of a different type compared to the first and second wireless communication network 11 , 12 and is, for example, a Wi-Fi based communication network.

The first wireless communication network 1 1 and the second wireless communication network 12 may comprise narrowband wireless devices. The third wireless communication network 13 may comprise a plurality of wideband wireless devices 14a, 14b.

A wideband wireless device 14a, 14b may be configured to include a listen before talk, LBT, unit, which is configured for checking if a frequency channel is idle before transmitting on that frequency channel to avoid collisions.

A narrowband wireless device 15, 16 may be configured to include a frequency hopping unit, which is configured for hopping between frequency channels during transmission and/or reception of data.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that a narrowband wireless device 15, 16 may also be capable of wideband communication, and a wideband wireless device 14a, 14b may also be capable of narrowband communication, such that a single wireless device may be either or both of a narrowband wireless device and/or a wideband wireless device, depending on the context, use case, configuration, etc.

For example, a wireless device may be configured for both Bluetooth capability and Wi-Fi capability, such that when it is communicating via Bluetooth, it is referred to as a narrowband wireless device, whereas when it is communicating via Wi-Fi, it may be referred to as a wideband wireless device.

The method in accordance with the present disclosure may be most effective in situations wherein the first and second wireless communication networks utilize frequency channels that have a smaller bandwidth compared to the bandwidth of the frequency channels utilized in the third wireless communication network.

So, the device in the first wireless communication network may be referred to as a narrowband wireless device.

The method in accordance with the present disclosure may be viewed as an improved version of adaptive frequency hopping, which is a technique used in wireless communication, like Bluetooth, where devices continuously switch between different frequency channels in a synchronized manner to avoid interference and maintain a stable connection; this dynamic hopping pattern is adjusted based on coordination between the devices 15, 16 in the first and second wireless communication network.

It is further noted that the third wireless communication network might not utilize a frequency hopping mechanism. Communications between devices and/or between devices and an Access Point, AP, may be performed using one frequency channel.

Example implementations, in accordance with an example, of the narrowband wireless device 15 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. In a first wireless communication network, the narrowband wireless device 15 may have hardware 20 that may include a radio interface 22 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection with one or more other narrowband wireless devices 16 in a second wireless communication network 12. The radio interface 22 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers.

The hardware 20 of the narrowband wireless device 15 further includes processing circuitry 24. The processing circuitry 24 may include a processor 26 and memory 28. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 24 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 26 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) memory 28, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the narrowband wireless device 15 may further comprise software 30, which is stored in, for example, memory 28 at the narrowband wireless device 15, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the narrowband wireless device 15. The software 30 may be executable by the processing circuitry 24.

The processing circuitry 24 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by narrowband wireless device 15. The processor 26 corresponds to one or more processors 26 for performing narrowband wireless device 15 functions described herein. The narrowband wireless device 15 includes memory 28 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 30 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 26 and/or processing circuitry 24, causes the processor 26 and/or processing circuitry 24 to perform the processes described herein with respect to narrowband wireless device 15. For example, the narrowband wireless device 15 may include a Frequency Hopping, FH, unit arranged for configuring a subset of the set of frequency channels for performing the frequency hopping .

The method in accordance with the present disclosure is now discussed with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example wherein a first and second wireless communication network, being Bluetooth based communication networks, share a frequency spectrum with a third wireless communication network, being a WiFi based communication network.

The Wi-Fi based communication network may utilize a plurality of frequency channels, although at one particular instant of time only one of the possible channels is used. Figure 3 shows three frequency channels, being channel 1 , channel 6 and channel 1 1 . These three channels 1 , 6 and 1 1 do not overlap and are, therefore, often used from a pragmatic point of view, because using another channel would then partially overlap with two of these commonly used channels and as a result lead to poor performance due to interference. These channels are located in between the channels 1 and 6, and in between the channels 6 and 11 , but are omitted for readability purposes.

Typically, in the 2.4GHz band, the frequency channels of the Wi-Fi based communication network are 20MHz wide. In the 2.4 GHz band, the Wi-Fi channels are typically spaced 5 MHz apart from each other. The center frequencies of the standard Wi-Fi channels start from 2.412 GHz, channel 1 , and increase by 5 MHz increments for each subsequent channel. Thus, channel 6 has a center frequency at 2437 MHz and channel 1 1 has a center frequency at 2462 MHz.

In the 5 GHz band, there is more available spectrum compared to the 2.4 GHz band. This allows for a larger number of non-overlapping channels, providing more flexibility in channel selection and reducing the likelihood of interference. The channels in the 5 GHz band are typically 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz wide.

For 5 GHz Wi-Fi, the non-overlapping channels are not as restricted as in the 2.4 GHz band. However, the best practice is to still choose channels that do not overlap to minimize interference.

The Bluetooth based communication network utilizes many more frequency channels. In the original Bluetooth standard, sometimes referred to as Bluetooth Classic , 79 frequency channels are used, each about 1 MHz width. These frequency channels are not overlapping. In BLE, the number of frequency channels is reduced to 39, due to that the instantaneous bandwidth of the signal is increased and therefore the center frequencies of the frequency hopping channels is increased from 1 MHz to 2 MHz.

It is noted that the Bluetooth based communication network utilizes frequency hopping. A device operating in the Bluetooth based communication network hops from one frequency channel to another in accordance with a particular hopping pattern.

The Wi-Fi based communication network does not utilize such a hopping scheme. A device in a Wi-Fi based communication network typically uses one frequency channel for communication. For example, channel 1 is allocated for communications for a particular Wi-Fi enabled device.

The present disclosure is directed to a mechanism to exchange coordination information between devices in the first and second wireless communication network. The coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network.

The underlying idea is to perform such coordination to limit the impact of the first and second wireless communication network on the third wireless communication network.

For example, the coordination may be directed to frequency channels utilization. If it is detected, or estimated, that the Wi-Fi based communication network is utilizing channel 1 , then the frequency channels of the Bluetooth based communication networks (first and second wireless communications network) that map onto channel 1 of the Wi-Fi based communication network (the third wireless communications network) may be excluded, i.e. may not be used by the devices in the first and second wireless communications networks.

As such, the number of utilized frequency channels in the Bluetooth based communication network is limited in a smart manner, and both the first and second wireless communication networks adhere to these frequency channels. The number of available frequency channels is not limited in an arbitrary manner.

Some specific examples are elucidated below for a better understanding of the present disclosure.

In this disclosure a method for a (narrowband) frequency hopping device in a first wireless communication network is disclosed, wherein the device is to coordinate, or negotiate, with a device in a different, i.e. second, wireless communication network on frequency channels utilization and time utilization of transmissions. Both the first and second wireless communication network are to adhere to the agreed coordination.

The first device may, for example, propose a frequency channels utilization to the second device in the second wireless communication network, based on knowledge about the third wireless communication network. For example, the first device may exclude any frequency channels that map onto a particular channel in the Wi-Fi based communications network, i.e. the third wireless communication network.

The rational for this may be as follows. The first device in the first wireless communication network may experience interference from the third wireless network and may therefore make use of AFH to better coexist with the third wireless network as is common according to prior art. The second device in the second wireless network may, however, not experience interference from the third wireless network and may therefore be unaware of the existence of a third network. Although the second wireless network is not interfered by the third wireless network, the second wireless network may still cause interference to the third wireless network. Therefore, thanks to the coordination between the first wireless network and the second wireless network, this interference caused by the second wireless network to the third wireless network can be avoided if also the second wireless network uses AFH in a similar way as the first wireless network.

In this disclosure, coordination method is introduced for devices that typically operate in a non-static manner, such as narrowband frequency hopping devices that may switch their operating channel in a pseudo-random manner and may attempt to transmit at certain pre-defined points in time instances, as for example Bluetooth.

The coordination may be performed using standard packet exchange or by the devices transmitting broadcast messages on a so called “anchor channel”. The former may be the most pragmatic approach if the coordination is only between two different sets of devices.

As a specific example, there are two sets of devices operating in range of one another, using different Frequency Hopping, FH, sets. This could e.g., correspond to two Bluetooth piconets, where each piconet has a central device and one or more peripheral devices. If e.g. one of the peripheral devices happens to be part of both piconets, this device could inform the respective central devices about the FH sets and the timing and then one of the central devices may decide to update its FH set such that the same frequencies are used (still keeping a sufficiently low probability that the same frequencies are used by more than one piconet at a time) and/or to update the timing to align when packets are sent.

Another option for coordinating the two piconets is that one of the central devices joins the other piconet as a peripheral device and then directly obtains and exchange information with the central device in the other piconet so that the two piconets can be aligned in either frequency, time, or both. Although this approach is feasible when only two piconets need to synchronize, it does not scale well. Specifically, if there are many piconets, it is typically more efficient if the information about one piconet can be distributed to all other piconet in range at once, rather than exchanging this information with one other piconet at a time. To address this more complex situation, the latter, i.e., the approach with an anchor channel is disclosed in an example. This may be seen as a more general approach which scales well in case the coordination will be among a large number of FH sets.

Figure 4 shows an example 101 of a device that is able to communicate in the first wireless communication network as well as in the third wireless communication network. The first wireless communication network being the Bluetooth 102 based communication network and the third wireless communication network being the Wi-Fi 103 based communication network. In this particular case, the device may be able to directly determine the frequency channels of the third wireless communication network. The information obtained may be used for creating the subset of frequency channels, in the first and second wireless communication network, wherein the subset of frequency channels is utilized for frequency hopping by the devices in the first and second wireless communication networks.

Fig. 5 discloses an example of a flow chart 150 of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

The method is directed to performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network and a device in a second wireless communication network, wherein communication in the first and second wireless communication network utilizes frequency hopping on a set of frequency channels.

The method comprises the steps of: receiving 151 , by the device in the first wireless communication network, from the device in the second wireless communication network, coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network; implementing 152, by the device in the first wireless communication network, said frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization.

Fig. 6 discloses an example 201 of a result of frequency coordination between devices in the first and second wireless communication networks.

One possible way narrowband devices can coordinate, is to form subbands to which they restrict their operation. By subband a limited part of a frequency band is intended. For example the 2.4 GHz license exempt ISM band is divided into 40 Bluetooth channels, each 2 MHz wide. A subband could be formed by grouping together a set of channels such that e.g. 10 consecutive 2 MHz channels would form a 20 MHz wide subband.

According to the present disclosure, the subbands are agreed, or negotiated, between devices in different communication networks. These devices may jointly determine how many channels are needed to have a sufficiently low probability of not selecting the same FH channel. The least complex implementation would have the devices simply broadcast on an anchor channel what their operating parameters are, i.e., what subbands and time schedule it adheres too. For example, a narrowband device that discovers that its environment has changed due to a Wi-Fi network operating on some certain channels may choose to stop using those channels and instead form one or more subbands outside of that Wi-Fi operating channel.

It could then broadcast this information on an anchor channel for other devices to take into consideration for their own operation. It is then up to the other device to either choose to accept or disregard this shared information, either partially or fully. Thus, it allows for a way to coordinate among devices, especially when there might be many devices that could coordinate together. However, it leaves little room for negotiation which may lead to unoptimized channel usage.

Alternatively, it is possible to define a protocol between the narrowband devices to negotiate a more optimized usage of the channel.

To give an example of how negotiation may be performed, one device may send a request to the other device with a suggested set of channels to be used. Upon receiving this request, the other device may accept the suggested set of channels if found acceptable. Alternatively, if the suggested set of channels is not found acceptable, the other device may reject the request and in addition provide a set of channels which would be acceptable. When the requesting device receives this response, it may then send a new request to the other device, this time taking into account the provided information regarding what set of channels would be acceptable. Specifically, by taking this provided information into account, the other device can be expected to accept the updated request so that the negotiation will be successful.

Figure 6 shows such a case where the two pairs of frequency hopping devices have agreed to form two subbands in a band separated by some frequency distance in order to still take advantage of the frequency diversity provided by the band.

The advantage of this scheme is that it provides a more predictable situation for the wideband system that can detect the narrowband communication and still take advantage of the unused spectrum in between the subbands.

Figure 7 discloses an example 301 of a result of time coordination between devices in the first and second wireless communication networks. Taking Bluetooth again as an example, a device may offset its connection interval in order to line up its connection interval with another nearby Bluetooth device, as can be seen in Figure 7.

Similarly, as to the frequency coordination, coordinating in time provides more predictable behavior for the wideband system which is able to more reliably access the medium.

To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology are presented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. For example, while some aspect of the technology may be recited as a computer-readable medium claim, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a means-plus-function claim.

In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of implementations of the disclosed technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without some of these specific details.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A method (15) of performing coordination between a device in a first wireless communication network (1 1 ) and a device in a second wireless communication network (12), , wherein communication in the first and second wireless communication network (1 1 , 12) utilizes frequency hopping on a set of frequency channels, wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving (151 ), by the device in the first wireless communication network (1 1 ), from the device in the second wireless communication network (12), coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network (12); implementing (152), by the device in the first wireless communication network (1 1 ), said frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said coordination information comprises information with respect to which frequency channels of said set of frequency channels to use, or avoid, for said frequency hopping, wherein said step of implementing comprises: implementing (152), by the device in the first wireless communication network (11 ), said frequency hopping on frequency channels of said set of frequency channels taking into account said frequency channels to use, or avoid.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2, wherein said coordination information comprises a frequency hopping scheme for said frequency channels of said set of frequency channels, wherein said step of implementing comprises: implementing (152), by said device in the first wireless communication network (11 ), said frequency hopping scheme.

4. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said coordination information comprises timing parameters with respect to connection intervals in which said devices in the first and second wireless communication network (12)s are allowed to perform a transmission, wherein said step of implementing comprises: implementing (152), by the device in the first wireless communication network (11 ), said timing parameters for said connection intervals.

5. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said step of receiving comprises: receiving (151 ), by said device in said first wireless communication network (11 ), said coordination information on an anchor channel.

6. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein a frequency of said anchor channel is predetermined.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein said first and second wireless communication networks (1 1 , 12) are Bluetooth networks, and wherein said anchor channel corresponds to an advertisement channel in said Bluetooth networks.

8. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said method further comprises the step of: detecting, by the device in the first wireless communication network (11 ), a third wireless communication network (13) of a different type than the first and second wireless communication network (12), wherein said third wireless communication network (13) operates in at least an overlapping frequency range with said first and second wireless communication network (12).

9. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said method comprises a step preceding said receiving step of: sending, by the device in the first wireless communication network (1 1 ), to the device in the second wireless communication network (12), requested coordination information, wherein the requested coordination information comprises information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented in both said first and second wireless communication network (12).

10. A method in accordance with claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, wherein said step of sending is triggered by said step of detecting.

1 1. A method in accordance with any of the claims 10 - 1 1 , wherein said requested coordination information further comprises a reason for coordination, said reason being any of: co-existence with a third wireless communication network (13) in an overlapping frequency range; dual communication capabilities of the device in the first wireless communication network (11 ), being able to communicate in the first wireless communication network (11 ) as well as in the third wireless communication network (13).

12. A device in a first wireless communication network (1 1 ) arranged for performing coordination with a device in a second wireless communication network (12), wherein communication in the first and second wireless communication network (12) utilizes frequency hopping on a set of frequency channels, wherein device in the first wireless communication network (1 1 ) comprises: receiving equipment arranged for receiving, from the device in the second wireless communication network (12), coordination information being information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented within both said first and second wireless communication network (12) ; processing equipment arranged for implementing said frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization.

13. A device in accordance with claim 12, wherein said coordination information comprises information with respect to which frequency channels of said set of frequency channels to use, or avoid, for said frequency hopping, wherein said processing equipment is further arranged for: implementing said frequency hopping on frequency channels of said set of frequency channels taking into account said frequency channels to use, or avoid.

14. A device in accordance with claim 13, wherein said coordination information comprises a frequency hopping scheme for said frequency channels of said set of frequency channels, wherein said processing equipment is further arranged for: implementing said frequency hopping scheme.

15. A device in accordance with any of the claims 12 - 14, wherein said coordination information comprises timing parameters with respect to connection intervals in which said devices in the first and second wireless communication network (12)s are allowed to perform a transmission, wherein said processing equipment is further arranged for: implementing said timing parameters for said connection intervals.

16. A device in accordance with any of the claims 12 - 15, wherein said receive equipment is further arranged for receiving said coordination information on an anchor channel.

17. A device in accordance with claim 16, wherein a frequency of said anchor channel is predetermined.

18. A device in accordance with claim 17, wherein said first and second wireless communication network (12)s are Bluetooth networks, and wherein said anchor channel corresponds to an advertisement channel in said Bluetooth networks.

19. A device in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for detecting a third wireless communication network (13) of a different type than the first and second wireless communication network (12), wherein said third wireless communication network (13) operates in at least an overlapping frequency range with said first and second wireless communication network (12).

20. A device in accordance with claim 19, wherein said device further comprises: send equipment arranged for sending, to the device in the second wireless communication network (12), requested coordination information, wherein the requested coordination information comprises information with respect to frequency channels utilization and/or time utilization to be implemented in both said first and second wireless communication network (12).

21. A device in accordance with claim 20, wherein said requested coordination information further comprises a reason for coordination, said reason being any of: co-existence with a third wireless communication network (13) in an overlapping frequency range; dual communication capabilities of the device in the first wireless communication network (11 ), being able to communicate in the first wireless communication network (11 ) as well as in the third wireless communication network (13).

22. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a device in a first wireless communication network (1 1 ), cause said device to implement a method in accordance with any of the claims 1 - 1 1.