TIIM: Technology-Independe Nt Interference Mitigation For Low-Power Wireless Networks.pdf

This paper introduces TIIM, a lightweight solution for mitigating cross-technology interference (CTI) in low-power wireless networks, such as 802.15.4. The rise of diverse and heterogeneous radio technologies in unlicensed bands poses significant challenges to network performance due to unpredictable CTI.

Key Issues Addressed:

Uncertainty: CTI sources and their impact vary dynamically based on mobility and network configuration changes.
Scarcity: Limited available frequencies necessitate allowing concurrent transmissions despite potential interference.
Diversity: Different radio technologies exhibit unique interference signatures, requiring adaptable solutions.

TIIM's Approach:

1. Feature Extraction: TIIM analyzes channel observations to extract features characterizing the CTI environment.

2. CTI Detection: A lightweight machine learning classifier identifies patterns indicative of specific types of CTI.

3. Classifier Training: Based on extensive measurements, TIIM learns which interference mitigation strategies (e.g., power control, rate adaptation, channel switching) are most effective for different CTI scenarios.

4. Packet Recovery and Redundancy: TIIM dynamically applies the learned mitigation strategy to improve communication success rates while minimizing additional overhead.

Key Features of TIIM:

Technology-Independent: Does not rely on knowledge of the interfering technology, making it adaptable to new or unforeseen interferers.
Real-Time Operation: Continuously monitors channel conditions and adapts mitigation strategies accordingly.
Efficient: Employs lightweight machine learning techniques for fast and resource-efficient operation suitable for low-power devices.

Evaluation Results:

TIIM achieved a total packet reception rate (PRR) improvement of 30% while introducing an additional transmission overhead of only 5.6%.

Contributions:

Detailed experimental characterization of CTI interaction patterns between diverse RF interferers and 802.15.4 links.
Development and evaluation of TIIM, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving network performance amidst heavy interference.