Patent 11950105
Derivative works
Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.
Active provider: Google · gemini-2.5-flash
Derivative works
Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.
Defensive Disclosure: Derivatives of US Patent 11,950,105
This document describes derivative variations of the technology disclosed in US Patent 11,950,105, titled "Method and apparatus for processing bandwidth intensive data streams using virtual media access control and physical layers." The aim is to establish prior art for potential future incremental improvements, rendering them obvious or non-novel, and thereby enhancing the defensive posture of the core invention. The derivatives are structured around core aspects of Independent Claim 1.
Core Claim 1 Elements Addressed:
The variations herein build upon the foundational concept of utilizing a processing interface to virtualize MAC and PHY layers, enabling intelligent aggregation and allocation of diverse wireless transceiver resources (operating in different frequency bands) to satisfy application-specific bandwidth requirements, transparently and without requiring disassociation of the recipient. A key aspect is the ability to use subsets of frequencies and allow simultaneous use of remaining bandwidth.
1. Material & Component Substitution
This section explores alternative materials and components that could achieve the same functional results described in Claim 1, demonstrating that the inventive concept is not tied to specific hardware implementations but can be realized across various technological platforms.
Derivative 1.1: Software-Defined Radio (SDR) with Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Backend
Enabling Description: Instead of traditional ASIC-based wireless transceivers, this derivative utilizes Software-Defined Radio (SDR) modules, implemented on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The first and second wireless transceivers are replaced with reconfigurable SDR platforms (e.g., using Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC for RFSoC capabilities or Analog Devices ADALM-PLUTO). The actual MAC and PHY layers are instantiated as configurable logic blocks and soft-core processors within the FPGA fabric. The virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers, residing in the processing interface (e.g., a host CPU coupled to the FPGA), dynamically reconfigure the SDR's baseband processing, modulation schemes, and frequency bands through hardware description language (HDL) parameters and firmware updates. This allows for extreme flexibility in adapting to new wireless standards or optimizing existing ones by modifying the physical layer characteristics on the fly rather than being bound by fixed hardware. Bandwidth portions are allocated by programming specific digital up/down converters and filter banks within the FPGA, transparently to the application layer.
graph TD
A[Application Interface] --> P[Processing Interface (Host CPU)]
P --> VMA[Virtual MAC Layer]
P --> VPH1[Virtual PHY 1 Interface]
P --> VPH2[Virtual PHY 2 Interface]
VMA <--> VPH1
VMA <--> VPH2
VPH1 --> FPGA1{SDR Transceiver 1 (FPGA-based)}
VPH2 --> FPGA2{SDR Transceiver 2 (FPGA-based)}
FPGA1 -- Controls --> RF1(RF Front-End 1)
FPGA2 -- Controls --> RF2(RF Front-End 2)
RF1 <--> W1[Wireless Link 1 (Band 1)]
RF2 <--> W2[Wireless Link 2 (Band 2)]
W1 -- Data Stream --> R(Recipient)
W2 -- Data Stream --> R(Recipient)
VPH1 -- Feedback: BW Avail --> VMA
VPH2 -- Feedback: BW Avail --> VMA
Derivative 1.2: Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) Substrates for mmWave Antennas
Enabling Description: For wireless transceivers operating in millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands (e.g., 60 GHz for IEEE 802.11ay or future 5G NR FR2 bands), the first and second wireless transceivers incorporate antennas fabricated on Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) substrates. LCP offers low dielectric loss and stable electrical performance across wide frequency ranges and varying temperatures, making it superior to traditional FR-4 for high-frequency applications. The actual PHY layers directly control these LCP-based phased array antenna elements, allowing for dynamic beamforming and beam steering. The virtual PHY layer, managed by the processing interface, optimizes antenna array configurations (e.g., phase shifts, amplitude tapering) in real-time based on environmental feedback, to maximize signal integrity and bandwidth utilization for the allocated frequency subsets, transparently fulfilling the application's bandwidth requirement.
graph TD
A[Application Layer] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1 (mmWave)]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2 (mmWave)]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VPHY1 -- Controls --> AP1(Actual PHY 1)
VPHY2 -- Controls --> AP2(Actual PHY 2)
AP1 -- Drives --> LCP_ANT1[LCP Substrate Phased Array 1]
AP2 -- Drives --> LCP_ANT2[LCP Substrate Phased Array 2]
LCP_ANT1 <--> WL1(Wireless Link 1 @ Band 1)
LCP_ANT2 <--> WL2(Wireless Link 2 @ Band 2)
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
LCP_ANT1 -- Env. Feedback --> VPHY1
LCP_ANT2 -- Env. Feedback --> VPHY2
Derivative 1.3: Gallium Nitride (GaN) Power Amplifiers and Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs)
Enabling Description: To enhance power efficiency, linearity, and bandwidth capability in high-power wireless networking devices (e.g., base stations or high-throughput access points), the first and second wireless transceivers incorporate Gallium Nitride (GaN) based Power Amplifiers (PAs) and Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) within their RF front-ends. GaN HEMTs provide higher power density, efficiency, and breakdown voltage compared to GaAs or Si LDMOS, particularly at higher frequencies (e.g., sub-6 GHz and mmWave). The actual PHY layers interface with these GaN components for signal amplification and reception. The virtual PHY layer, through the processing interface, dynamically adjusts the operating points (e.g., bias voltages, gain settings) of the GaN PAs and LNAs to optimize power consumption versus output power and linearity for different allocated bandwidth portions and data streams, ensuring transparent and efficient satisfaction of bandwidth requirements under varying load conditions.
graph TD
APP[Application Layer] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_GA1[Virtual PHY 1 (GaN Optimized)]
PI --> VPHY_GA2[Virtual PHY 2 (GaN Optimized)]
VMAC <--> VPHY_GA1
VMAC <--> VPHY_GA2
VPHY_GA1 -- Control Signals --> AP_GA1(Actual PHY 1 with GaN RF)
VPHY_GA2 -- Control Signals --> AP_GA2(Actual PHY 2 with GaN RF)
AP_GA1 --> GAN_PA1[GaN PA 1]
AP_GA1 <-- GAN_LNA1[GaN LNA 1]
AP_GA2 --> GAN_PA2[GaN PA 2]
AP_GA2 <-- GAN_LNA2[GaN LNA 2]
GAN_PA1 --> ANT1(Antenna 1)
GAN_LNA1 <-- ANT1
GAN_PA2 --> ANT2(Antenna 2)
GAN_LNA2 <-- ANT2
ANT1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
ANT2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
Derivative 1.4: Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for Optical Wireless (LiFi) Integration
Enabling Description: This derivative expands beyond traditional RF to incorporate hybrid optical wireless (e.g., LiFi) links, where the first and second "wireless" transceivers can also include Visible Light Communication (VLC) or Infrared (IR) transceivers. The PHY layers for these optical transceivers are realized using Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) composed of silicon photonics or indium phosphide, allowing for high-bandwidth data transmission via modulated light. The processing interface's virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers manage the allocation of spectrum portions in both RF and optical domains. For instance, a high-bandwidth data stream for an application (e.g., 4K video) might be split, with critical low-latency control data sent over RF and the bulk video stream over a LiFi link. The virtual layers dynamically decide the optimal mix of RF and optical resources, treating the optical links as additional "wireless transceiver resources" with distinct frequency bands (optical spectrum), thus enabling transparent and flexible aggregation.
graph TD
APP[Application Layer] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_RF[Virtual PHY RF]
PI --> VPHY_OP[Virtual PHY Optical]
VMAC <--> VPHY_RF
VMAC <--> VPHY_OP
VPHY_RF -- Control --> APRF[Actual PHY RF]
VPHY_OP -- Control --> AP_PIC[Actual PHY Optical (PICs)]
APRF --> RF_TX_RX(RF Transceiver)
AP_PIC --> OPT_TX_RX(Optical Transceiver with PIC)
RF_TX_RX <--> WL_RF[Wireless RF Link]
OPT_TX_RX <--> WL_OPT[Wireless Optical Link (LiFi/IR)]
WL_RF -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL_OPT -- Data --> R(Recipient)
OPT_TX_RX -- Env. Feedback --> VPHY_OP
Derivative 1.5: Graphene-based Antennas and RF Components
Enabling Description: This derivative involves the substitution of traditional metallic antenna elements and some RF components with graphene-based structures. Graphene's exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and tunability (e.g., by electrostatic gating) offer advantages for reconfigurable antennas and broadband communication. The first and second wireless transceivers incorporate reconfigurable graphene patch antennas or metamaterial arrays whose resonant frequency and radiation pattern can be dynamically adjusted. The actual PHY interfaces, under the control of the virtual PHY layer in the processing interface, tune these graphene elements to optimize performance for specific frequency subsets identified for allocation. This allows for highly agile spectrum utilization and interference mitigation, transparently adapting to the application's demands while maintaining performance and allowing simultaneous use of other frequency ranges.
graph TD
APP[Application Layer] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_G1[Virtual PHY 1 (Graphene)]
PI --> VPHY_G2[Virtual PHY 2 (Graphene)]
VMAC <--> VPHY_G1
VMAC <--> VPHY_G2
VPHY_G1 -- Control/Feedback --> APG1(Actual PHY 1)
VPHY_G2 -- Control/Feedback --> APG2(Actual PHY 2)
APG1 --> G_ANT1[Graphene Tunable Antenna 1]
APG2 --> G_ANT2[Graphene Tunable Antenna 2]
G_ANT1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1 (Band 1)]
G_ANT2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2 (Band 2)]
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
2. Operational Parameter Expansion
This section expands the operational parameters of the described system to extreme scales and conditions, demonstrating the robustness and versatility of the virtualized MAC/PHY approach across diverse environments.
Derivative 2.1: Ultra-High Density Urban Micro-Cell Deployment with Dynamic Interference Management
Enabling Description: This derivative applies the system to an ultra-high density urban micro-cell environment, where hundreds of wireless networking devices (access points, small cells) are deployed within a square kilometer. The first and second wireless transceivers within each device are configured for various unlicensed and licensed bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz Wi-Fi, CBRS, mmWave). The processing interface's virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers are designed to operate under extreme co-channel and adjacent-channel interference. The system continuously monitors interference levels across all frequency bands and dynamically reallocates bandwidth portions, not just for bandwidth aggregation but also for interference avoidance. This involves rapid switching between transceivers or using narrow, less-congested frequency subsets (e.g., dynamic channel bonding or fragmentation in 802.11ax/be) for data transmission, ensuring the first application's bandwidth requirement is met transparently despite severe spectral congestion.
graph TD
APP[Application Layer] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VPHY1 -- Controls --> AP1(Actual PHY 1 - Band 1)
VPHY2 -- Controls --> AP2(Actual PHY 2 - Band 2)
AP1 <--> TR1(Transceiver 1)
AP2 <--> TR2(Transceiver 2)
subgraph Urban Environment
TR1 <--> AIR1(Air Interface 1)
TR2 <--> AIR2(Air Interface 2)
AIR1 -- Congestion/Interference --> ENV[High Density Interference Environment]
AIR2 -- Congestion/Interference --> ENV
end
ENV --> VPHY1 (Feedback)
ENV --> VPHY2 (Feedback)
AIR1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
AIR2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
Derivative 2.2: Deep-Space Communication with Extreme Latency and Fading
Enabling Description: The system is adapted for deep-space communication, where wireless networking devices (e.g., interplanetary probes, orbital relays) operate over immense distances, encountering extreme signal attenuation, multi-path fading due to planetary bodies, and significant light-speed latency. The first and second wireless transceivers are configured for highly directional, high-gain antennas operating in X-band, Ka-band, or even optical frequencies for space-to-space links. The processing interface's virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers incorporate predictive models for signal propagation, planetary occlusions, and Doppler shifts. Bandwidth allocation is optimized not just for throughput but also for link robustness and error correction capabilities. For example, during a predicted fade, the system transparently shifts to a lower-bandwidth, more robust coding scheme on one transceiver while attempting to maintain critical telemetry on another, ensuring the first application's (e.g., scientific data downlink) requirements are met within acceptable latency and reliability bounds, even if bandwidth is temporarily degraded.
graph TD
APP[Telemetry/Science App] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_X[Virtual PHY X-Band]
PI --> VPHY_Ka[Virtual PHY Ka-Band]
VMAC <--> VPHY_X
VMAC <--> VPHY_Ka
VPHY_X -- Controls --> AP_X(Actual PHY X-Band)
VPHY_Ka -- Controls --> AP_Ka(Actual PHY Ka-Band)
AP_X --> TX_RX_X(High-Gain X-Band Transceiver)
AP_Ka --> TX_RX_Ka(High-Gain Ka-Band Transceiver)
subgraph Deep Space Environment
TX_RX_X <--> DS_X[Deep Space Link (Extreme Latency/Fading)]
TX_RX_Ka <--> DS_Ka[Deep Space Link (Extreme Latency/Fading)]
end
DS_X -- Environment Feedback --> VPHY_X
DS_Ka -- Environment Feedback --> VPHY_Ka
DS_X -- Data Stream --> R(Earth Station)
DS_Ka -- Data Stream --> R(Earth Station)
Derivative 2.3: High-Temperature Industrial Environment with Extreme EMI
Enabling Description: This derivative deploys the wireless networking device in industrial environments characterized by extreme temperatures (e.g., steel mills, power plants, engine compartments) and high electromagnetic interference (EMI) from heavy machinery. The first and second wireless transceivers are ruggedized with high-temperature ceramic or polyimide substrates for their PCBs and heat-tolerant GaN components (as in Derivative 1.3). They operate in frequency bands less susceptible to common industrial EMI (e.g., specific ISM bands or licensed private LTE/5G bands). The processing interface's virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers implement advanced EMI detection and mitigation algorithms, dynamically identifying "clean" frequency windows or employing spread-spectrum techniques on specific bandwidth portions to transmit the first data stream. Temperature sensors integrated into the transceivers provide feedback to the virtual PHY, allowing for thermal throttling or active cooling control to maintain operational integrity, all transparently to the application managing sensor data or control commands.
graph TD
APP[Industrial Control App] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_HT1[Virtual PHY 1 (High-Temp/EMI)]
PI --> VPHY_HT2[Virtual PHY 2 (High-Temp/EMI)]
VMAC <--> VPHY_HT1
VMAC <--> VPHY_HT2
VPHY_HT1 -- Controls --> AP_HT1(Actual PHY 1 - Ruggedized)
VPHY_HT2 -- Controls --> AP_HT2(Actual PHY 2 - Ruggedized)
AP_HT1 --> TRX_HT1(Transceiver 1 - Temp/EMI Hardened)
AP_HT2 --> TRX_HT2(Transceiver 2 - Temp/EMI Hardened)
subgraph Industrial Zone
TRX_HT1 <--> AIR_HT1[Air Interface 1 (High EMI/Heat)]
TRX_HT2 <--> AIR_HT2[Air Interface 2 (High EMI/Heat)]
AIR_HT1 -- EMI/Temp Data --> SENSOR[Environmental Sensors]
AIR_HT2 -- EMI/Temp Data --> SENSOR
end
SENSOR -- Feedback --> VPHY_HT1
SENSOR -- Feedback --> VPHY_HT2
AIR_HT1 -- Control Data --> R(Remote Actuator)
AIR_HT2 -- Control Data --> R(Remote Actuator)
3. Cross-Domain Application
This section demonstrates the broad applicability of the patent's core mechanism by translating it into three distinct and unrelated industrial domains.
Derivative 3.1: Autonomous Agricultural Robotics for Precision Farming
Enabling Description: In precision agriculture, autonomous robots require high-bandwidth, reliable connectivity for real-time sensor data (e.g., hyperspectral imaging, soil analysis) and command/control. A wireless networking device embedded in an agricultural robot would utilize multiple transceivers: a long-range LoRaWAN or private LTE/5G transceiver (first transceiver) for broad-area coverage and command link, and a short-range Wi-Fi 6E/mmWave transceiver (second transceiver) for high-throughput data offload when near a base station or for inter-robot communication. The processing interface's virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers dynamically allocate bandwidth portions. For instance, while traversing fields, low-bandwidth telemetry uses the LoRaWAN link. Upon detecting a high-priority event (e.g., pest infestation requiring high-res imaging), the system transparently aggregates or switches to the high-bandwidth Wi-Fi 6E link for image upload when within range, without disrupting the ongoing LoRaWAN telemetry. This ensures critical data is transferred efficiently based on real-time needs and available network conditions across vast, varying terrains.
graph TD
APP[Agriculture Data/Control] --> PI(Processing Interface - Robot)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_LR[Virtual PHY LoRaWAN/LTE]
PI --> VPHY_WF[Virtual PHY WiFi 6E/mmWave]
VMAC <--> VPHY_LR
VMAC <--> VPHY_WF
VPHY_LR -- Controls --> APLR(Actual PHY LoRaWAN/LTE)
VPHY_WF -- Controls --> APWF(Actual PHY WiFi 6E/mmWave)
APLR --> TRX_LR(LoRaWAN/LTE Transceiver)
APWF --> TRX_WF(WiFi 6E/mmWave Transceiver)
subgraph Agricultural Field
TRX_LR <--> WL_LR[Long-Range Link]
TRX_WF <--> WL_WF[Short-Range High-BW Link]
WL_LR -- Telemetry --> BS_LR(Farm Base Station/Cloud)
WL_WF -- Imaging Data --> BS_WF(Local Access Point/Edge)
BS_LR <--> CLOUD[Cloud Processing]
BS_WF <--> CLOUD
end
VPHY_LR -- Link Quality Feedback --> VMAC
VPHY_WF -- Link Quality Feedback --> VMAC
Derivative 3.2: High-Fidelity Multi-User Virtual Reality (VR) Venue
Enabling Description: In a multi-user, high-fidelity VR venue (e.g., arena-scale free-roam VR), each user's headset is a wireless networking device requiring massive, low-latency bandwidth for streaming immersive content and uploading tracking data. Each headset integrates multiple transceivers: a primary Wi-Fi 6/7 transceiver (first) for the main video stream and a secondary UWB (Ultra-Wideband) transceiver (second) for high-precision positional tracking and low-latency control signals. The processing interface within the headset's embedded computer (or a local edge server for multi-headset management) employs virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers. The virtual MAC ensures the bandwidth requirement for the immersive VR experience is met by dynamically allocating channels on the Wi-Fi transceiver and integrating UWB data streams. If Wi-Fi congestion increases, the virtual PHY might offload more critical tracking data to the UWB link or request specific bandwidth portions on less congested Wi-Fi channels, transparently maintaining a seamless VR experience for the recipient (user).
graph TD
APP[VR Render Engine] --> PI(Processing Interface - Headset)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_WIFI[Virtual PHY WiFi 6/7]
PI --> VPHY_UWB[Virtual PHY UWB]
VMAC <--> VPHY_WIFI
VMAC <--> VPHY_UWB
VPHY_WIFI -- Controls --> APWIFI(Actual PHY WiFi)
VPHY_UWB -- Controls --> APUWB(Actual PHY UWB)
APWIFI --> TRX_WIFI(WiFi Transceiver)
APUWB --> TRX_UWB(UWB Transceiver)
subgraph VR Arena
TRX_WIFI <--> WL_WIFI[High-BW VR Link]
TRX_UWB <--> WL_UWB[Low-Latency Tracking Link]
WL_WIFI -- Video Stream --> R(VR User)
WL_UWB -- Tracking Data --> R(VR User)
end
VPHY_WIFI -- Latency/BW Feedback --> VMAC
VPHY_UWB -- Positional Data --> VMAC
Derivative 3.3: Maritime Environmental Monitoring and Autonomous Navigation
Enabling Description: For maritime autonomous surface vessels (MASVs) or buoy networks, reliable communication is paramount for environmental data collection (e.g., oceanographic sensors, sonar) and remote control. A MASV acting as a wireless networking device would feature multiple transceivers: a satellite modem (e.g., Iridium or Starlink) for global, intermittent connectivity (first transceiver) and a local Wi-Fi/mesh radio for short-range communication with other vessels or a shore station (second transceiver). The processing interface on the MASV uses virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers to intelligently manage these disparate links. High-priority command and control data or critical alerts might be routed via the always-on, but lower-bandwidth, satellite link. When within range of a shore station or another MASV, the high-bandwidth sensor data offload would transparently leverage the Wi-Fi/mesh link. The virtual layers continuously monitor link quality, latency, and cost of each link, dynamically switching or aggregating bandwidth portions to ensure the application's data transfer requirements are met optimally for the unpredictable maritime environment.
graph TD
APP[Nav/Sensor Data App] --> PI(Processing Interface - MASV)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC]
PI --> VPHY_SAT[Virtual PHY Satellite]
PI --> VPHY_MESH[Virtual PHY Mesh/WiFi]
VMAC <--> VPHY_SAT
VMAC <--> VPHY_MESH
VPHY_SAT -- Controls --> APSAT(Actual PHY Satellite)
VPHY_MESH -- Controls --> APMESH(Actual PHY Mesh/WiFi)
APSAT --> TRX_SAT(Satellite Modem)
APMESH --> TRX_MESH(Mesh/WiFi Radio)
subgraph Open Ocean
TRX_SAT <--> WL_SAT[Satellite Link (Global)]
TRX_MESH <--> WL_MESH[Local Mesh Link]
WL_SAT -- Critical Data --> GS(Ground Station)
WL_MESH -- Bulk Data --> SS(Shore Station/Other MASV)
end
VPHY_SAT -- Link Status Feedback --> VMAC
VPHY_MESH -- Link Status Feedback --> VMAC
4. Integration with Emerging Tech
This section integrates the patent's mechanism with AI-driven optimization, IoT sensors for real-time monitoring, and blockchain for secure record-keeping and dynamic spectrum sharing.
Derivative 4.1: AI-Driven Predictive Bandwidth Allocation and Anomaly Detection
Enabling Description: The processing interface's virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers are augmented with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) module, specifically a deep reinforcement learning agent. This AI continuously observes network conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio, packet loss rates, latency, transceiver temperature, application QoS requirements) from the virtual PHY feedback loop. Over time, the AI learns optimal bandwidth allocation strategies across the first and second wireless transceivers (operating in different bands) to satisfy the application's demands. It can predict future congestion or link degradation based on historical data and environmental factors (e.g., time of day, weather, user density patterns), preemptively reallocating bandwidth portions or switching transceivers before performance degradation occurs. Furthermore, the AI can detect anomalous network behavior or resource contention, transparently reporting these to a network administrator while attempting self-healing actions.
graph TD
A[Application Interface] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VPHY1 -- BW Avail/Perf Metrics --> AI[AI Learning Agent (DL/RL)]
VPHY2 -- BW Avail/Perf Metrics --> AI
AI -- Predictive Allocation Cmds --> VMAC
AI -- Anomaly Alerts --> ADMIN(Network Administrator)
VMAC -- Allocates --> MAC1[Actual MAC 1]
VMAC -- Allocates --> MAC2[Actual MAC 2]
MAC1 --> PHY1[Actual PHY 1]
MAC2 --> PHY2[Actual PHY 2]
PHY1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Band 1)
PHY2 --> TRX2(Transceiver 2 - Band 2)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
TRX2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
Derivative 4.2: IoT-Enhanced Environmental Contextual Resource Management
Enabling Description: The wireless networking device itself, or its immediate environment, is equipped with an array of IoT sensors (e.g., localized RF spectrum analyzers, atmospheric pressure/humidity/temperature sensors, GPS for location context). These IoT sensors feed real-time environmental data directly into the processing interface, specifically influencing the virtual PHY layer's resource availability determination. For example, if a localized weather sensor indicates heavy rain, the virtual PHY layer might prioritize frequency bands less affected by rain fade (e.g., lower GHz bands over mmWave) or immediately increase power output for specific allocated portions. A nearby RF spectrum analyzer can provide granular, real-time interference maps, enabling the virtual MAC to identify and allocate "clean" frequency subsets for the first data stream with higher precision, all transparently to the application layer. This provides highly adaptive and robust connectivity based on immediate environmental context.
graph TD
APP[Application Interface] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VPHY1 -- Influenced By --> IOT_SENSORS[IoT Environmental Sensors]
VPHY2 -- Influenced By --> IOT_SENSORS
IOT_SENSORS -- Real-time Data --> PI
PI -- Resource Allocation --> VMAC
VMAC -- Controls --> AMAC1[Actual MAC 1]
VMAC -- Controls --> AMAC2[Actual MAC 2]
AMAC1 --> APHY1[Actual PHY 1]
AMAC2 --> APHY2[Actual PHY 2]
APHY1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Band 1)
APHY2 --> TRX2(Transceiver 2 - Band 2)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
TRX2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
Derivative 4.3: Blockchain-Based Transparent Spectrum Leasing and Allocation Auditing
Enabling Description: This derivative integrates blockchain technology to manage and audit the dynamic allocation of bandwidth portions, particularly in shared or licensed spectrum environments. Each wireless networking device participates in a localized blockchain network (e.g., using a permissioned consortium blockchain). The processing interface, specifically the bandwidth allocator within the virtual MAC layer, records all requests for bandwidth portions, actual allocations across first and second transceivers, and utilization metrics onto the blockchain. Smart contracts govern dynamic spectrum leasing and sharing agreements between different network operators or devices. This enables transparent and auditable allocation decisions. For example, if the first application requires a burst of bandwidth, the virtual MAC might query a smart contract to temporarily lease an unused frequency subset from a neighboring device's second transceiver, with the transaction recorded on-chain, and then allocate it, transparently fulfilling the demand while maintaining accountability.
graph TD
APP[Application Interface] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VMAC -- Allocation Log/Request --> BC[Blockchain Network (Smart Contracts)]
BC -- Spectrum Lease/Audit --> VMAC
VMAC -- Controls --> AMAC1[Actual MAC 1]
VMAC -- Controls --> AMAC2[Actual MAC 2]
AMAC1 --> APHY1[Actual PHY 1]
AMAC2 --> APHY2[Actual PHY 2]
APHY1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Band 1)
APHY2 --> TRX2(Transceiver 2 - Band 2)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
TRX2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode
This section explores how the invention can operate in a degraded, low-power, or safe-failure mode, highlighting its resilience and fault tolerance.
Derivative 5.1: Graceful Degradation to Critical Services Mode
Enabling Description: In the event of significant resource constraint (e.g., severe power loss, critical transceiver failure, or overwhelming interference), the wireless networking device's processing interface is configured to enter a "Critical Services Mode" transparently. In this mode, the virtual MAC layer dynamically re-prioritizes application bandwidth requirements, allowing only essential "first data streams" (e.g., emergency calls, critical sensor alarms, control signals) to utilize a minimal, most robust bandwidth portion of the remaining operational transceiver(s). For example, if the primary high-bandwidth transceiver fails, the virtual MAC automatically switches all traffic to the secondary, lower-bandwidth, but more robust (e.g., longer range, lower frequency) transceiver, allocating only the necessary frequency subsets for critical services. Non-critical applications are paused or shut down, maintaining a lifeline connection for the recipient without requiring disassociation from the logical network.
graph TD
APP[Application Interface] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VPHY1 -- Status: Healthy --> VMAC
VPHY2 -- Status: Failed/Degraded --> VMAC
VMAC -- Detects Failure --> CSM[Critical Services Manager]
CSM -- Reprioritize/Allocate --> VMAC
VMAC -- Allocates (Critical Only) --> MAC1[Actual MAC 1]
MAC1 --> PHY1[Actual PHY 1 (Remaining)]
PHY1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Only Available)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1 (Critical Stream)]
WL1 -- Critical Data --> R(Recipient)
CSM -- Notifies --> USER[User/Admin]
CSM -- Logs --> LOG[Failure Log]
Derivative 5.2: Adaptive Low-Power Standby and Wake-on-Demand
Enabling Description: For energy-constrained wireless networking devices, the processing interface implements an "Adaptive Low-Power Standby" mode. The virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers monitor overall network traffic patterns and application activity. When bandwidth requirements for the "first application" are minimal or intermittent, the system transparently scales down power consumption. This involves placing one or both wireless transceivers into a low-power listening state or entirely disabling unused frequency bands/resources within a transceiver. Only a minimal "beacon" or control channel (a small bandwidth portion) remains active for wake-on-demand signaling. When a new "first data stream" with a higher bandwidth requirement arrives, the virtual MAC quickly and transparently brings the necessary transceiver(s) and frequency subsets online, optimizing energy efficiency without compromising connectivity when needed.
graph TD
APP[Application Interface] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VMAC -- Monitors Activity --> LPM[Low Power Manager]
LPM -- Cmds Power State --> VPHY1
LPM -- Cmds Power State --> VPHY2
LPM -- Triggers Wake-up --> VMAC
VPHY1 -- Controls --> AP1(Actual PHY 1)
VPHY2 -- Controls --> AP2(Actual PHY 2)
AP1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Active/Standby)
AP2 --> TRX2(Transceiver 2 - Active/Standby)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
TRX2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
LPM -- Power State Feedback --> TRX1
LPM -- Power State Feedback --> TRX2
WL1 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data --> R(Recipient)
Derivative 5.3: Limited-Functionality Debug and Diagnostic Mode
Enabling Description: When critical operational parameters (e.g., link quality, hardware integrity, firmware errors) fall below a predefined threshold, the processing interface transparently activates a "Limited-Functionality Debug and Diagnostic Mode." The virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers switch to a highly resilient, fixed-low-bandwidth configuration on a single, most stable frequency band, dedicating a specific, small bandwidth portion for diagnostic data transmission. This mode disables advanced features like MIMO, beamforming, or multi-band aggregation to minimize complexity and maximize reliability. The "first data stream" in this mode would primarily consist of internal diagnostic logs and status reports transmitted to a designated debugging recipient, allowing engineers to remotely diagnose issues without full network functionality. Other application data streams are temporarily halted or severely throttled.
graph TD
APP[Application Interface] --> PI(Processing Interface)
PI --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VPHY1 -- Health Monitor --> DDM[Debug/Diagnostic Manager]
VPHY2 -- Health Monitor --> DDM
DDM -- Detects Issues --> VMAC
VMAC -- Switches to --> LFM[Limited Functionality Mode]
LFM -- Allocates (Diagnostic Only) --> MAC_DBG[Actual MAC (Debug)]
MAC_DBG --> PHY_DBG[Actual PHY (Fixed Band)]
PHY_DBG --> TRX_DBG(Transceiver - Stable Band)
TRX_DBG <--> WL_DBG[Wireless Link (Diagnostic Stream)]
WL_DBG -- Diagnostic Data --> DEBUG_R(Debug Recipient)
DDM -- Notifies --> OPERATOR[Operator]
Combination Prior Art Scenarios with Open-Source Standards
These scenarios illustrate how the core concepts of US Patent 11,950,105, particularly the virtualization of MAC/PHY and dynamic resource allocation, could be combined with existing open-source standards to create novel systems that would be obvious in light of this patent.
Combination Prior Art 1: Integration with OpenFlow (Software-Defined Networking - SDN)
Scenario: A wireless networking device, implementing the virtual MAC and virtual PHY layers of US11950105, is deployed within a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture. The processing interface, containing the virtual MAC and PHY, acts as an OpenFlow-enabled switch. The OpenFlow controller (an open-source standard for SDN) provides high-level network policies and global visibility of network traffic. The virtual MAC, instead of solely determining bandwidth requirements locally, receives dynamic flow rules from the OpenFlow controller. These rules dictate how specific application data streams (e.g., the "first data stream" from the "first application") should be routed and prioritized across the first and second wireless transceivers. The virtual PHY reports low-level transceiver status and allocated frequency subsets back to the OpenFlow controller via standard OpenFlow messages. This combination makes the dynamic allocation and management of multi-band wireless resources centrally controllable and programmable, which would be an obvious extension of both technologies.
graph TD
OF_CONTROLLER[OpenFlow Controller (SDN)] --> PI_SDN[Processing Interface (OpenFlow Switch)]
PI_SDN --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI_SDN --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI_SDN --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
OF_CONTROLLER -- Flow Rules/Policies --> VMAC
VMAC -- Status/Metrics --> OF_CONTROLLER
VMAC -- Allocates --> AMAC1[Actual MAC 1]
VMAC -- Allocates --> AMAC2[Actual MAC 2]
AMAC1 --> APHY1[Actual PHY 1]
AMAC2 --> APHY2[Actual PHY 2]
APHY1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Band 1)
APHY2 --> TRX2(Transceiver 2 - Band 2)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
TRX2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
WL1 -- Data Stream --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data Stream --> R(Recipient)
Combination Prior Art 2: Integration with O-RAN Alliance Specifications (Open Radio Access Network)
Scenario: The wireless networking device, embodying the virtualization logic of US11950105, is conceptualized as a distributed unit (DU) or radio unit (RU) within an O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) architecture. O-RAN defines open interfaces and a disaggregated RAN architecture, promoting vendor interoperability. The actual MAC and PHY layers of the first and second wireless transceivers are replaced by O-RU and O-DU compliant components. The processing interface, with its virtual MAC and virtual PHY, functions as an r-RIC (near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller) or xApp/rApp for intelligent resource management. The r-RIC, interacting with the virtual MAC, dynamically allocates specific bandwidth portions across multiple frequency bands and transceivers (O-RUs) to satisfy application requirements based on real-time network conditions. The virtual PHY provides detailed performance metrics to the r-RIC for optimization decisions, adhering to O-RAN's E2 interface for control plane information exchange. This combination extends the patent's virtualization concept to an open, multi-vendor RAN environment, providing fine-grained control over diverse radio resources.
graph TD
O_RAN_RIC[O-RAN RIC (r-RIC/xApp)] --> PI_ORAN[Processing Interface (O-DU/r-RIC Function)]
PI_ORAN --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI_ORAN --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1 (O-RU 1)]
PI_ORAN --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2 (O-RU 2)]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
O_RAN_RIC -- E2 Interface/Control --> VMAC
VMAC -- Metrics/Status --> O_RAN_RIC
VPHY1 -- Controls --> O_RU1[O-RAN Radio Unit 1]
VPHY2 -- Controls --> O_RU2[O-RAN Radio Unit 2]
O_RU1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1 (Band 1)]
O_RU2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2 (Band 2)]
WL1 -- Data Stream --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Data Stream --> R(Recipient)
Combination Prior Art 3: Integration with IEEE 802.1Q (VLAN Tagging) for QoS-Aware Bandwidth Slicing
Scenario: The wireless networking device, with its virtual MAC and PHY layers, is integrated into a network that heavily utilizes IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging for Quality of Service (QoS) and network segmentation. The "application interface" now explicitly includes VLAN tags with its bandwidth requirements (e.g., video traffic on VLAN 10 with high priority, IoT telemetry on VLAN 20 with medium priority). The processing interface's virtual MAC layer is enhanced to parse these 802.1Q tags. When allocating portions of the first and second actual bandwidths, the virtual MAC considers not only the raw bandwidth requirement but also the QoS priority implied by the VLAN tag. It might prioritize the allocation of cleaner frequency subsets or dedicate more robust transceiver resources to high-priority VLAN traffic, while lower-priority traffic transparently utilizes remaining bandwidth portions. This allows for fine-grained, QoS-aware bandwidth slicing across multiple physical radios, managed by the virtualization layer, building on standard Ethernet VLAN capabilities.
graph TD
APP_VLAN10[App (VLAN 10 - High QoS)] --> PI_VLAN[Processing Interface (VLAN-aware)]
APP_VLAN20[App (VLAN 20 - Medium QoS)] --> PI_VLAN
PI_VLAN --> VMAC[Virtual MAC Layer]
PI_VLAN --> VPHY1[Virtual PHY 1]
PI_VLAN --> VPHY2[Virtual PHY 2]
VMAC <--> VPHY1
VMAC <--> VPHY2
VMAC -- Parse VLAN Tags/QoS --> QOS_ENGINE[QoS Prioritization Engine]
QOS_ENGINE -- Allocation Policy --> VMAC
VMAC -- Allocates --> AMAC1[Actual MAC 1]
VMAC -- Allocates --> AMAC2[Actual MAC 2]
AMAC1 --> APHY1[Actual PHY 1]
AMAC2 --> APHY2[Actual PHY 2]
APHY1 --> TRX1(Transceiver 1 - Band 1)
APHY2 --> TRX2(Transceiver 2 - Band 2)
TRX1 <--> WL1[Wireless Link 1]
TRX2 <--> WL2[Wireless Link 2]
WL1 -- Tagged Data --> R(Recipient)
WL2 -- Tagged Data --> R(Recipient)
Generated 5/19/2026, 6:47:26 AM