Method to improve rf-based atmospheric conditions detection and rf-based network communications

Abstract

A method for selecting a subset of devices from a plurality of devices in a wireless network to perform: a first function comprising transmitting, receiving and/or processing a first radio frequency signal in a first frequency band for detecting atmospheric conditions; and a second function comprising transmitting, receiving and/or processing a second radio frequency signal in a second frequency band, at least partially overlapping with the first frequency band, for performing network communications; wherein the first and the second function are performed during a time period; and wherein the time period comprises a first subset of timeslots and a second subset of timeslots; wherein the method comprises: selecting the subset of devices based on a physical location of the devices relative to an area in which atmospheric conditions are to be monitored; assigning the first subset of timeslots to each of the selected devices to perform the first function, wherein the first subset of timeslots is assigned based on a priority value associated with the relative priority of performing the first function compared to the second function; assigning the second subset of timeslots to each of the selected devices to perform the second function; controlling the selected devices to execute the first function and the second function during the assigned timeslots respectively.