Device for simulating wireless mesh network

Abstract

An apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) for simulating a wireless mesh network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of monopole antennas (105, 1105) and at least one connector (110, 1100) for conductively coupling the plurality of monopole antennas to at least one communication device (220). When the monopole antennas are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in a communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz, each monopole antenna is arranged in a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna. A system (400, 500) for emulating a wireless mesh network and a related method of emulating a wireless mesh network are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to GB patent application serial number 2213236.9 filed on September 9, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of apparatus, systems, and methods for simulating wireless mesh networks, and in particular to wireless mesh networks of metering devices such as smart meters. Background Art

[0004] Metering devices can be deployed in businesses, homes, and other locations to measure the consumption of resources such as electricity, water, and gas.

[0005] While some metering devices may provide only basic metering functions, other metering devices, referred to in the art as "smart meters," may provide more advanced functions, such as control and communication functions.

[0006] In an example, some metering devices may be configured to transmit information related to resource consumption. In another example, some metering devices may be configured to receive information (such as billing information) and control signals (such as service disconnection control signals), etc. In an example, the transmission of information related to the consumption of metered resources can simplify automatic billing, reduce operating costs, and enable advanced analysis of resource consumption.

[0007] While in some examples, a metering device may communicate directly with a router or gateway device, in other examples, a wireless mesh network may be formed by multiple metering devices, with each metering device operating as an interconnected node within the wireless mesh network.

[0008] When implemented in a wireless mesh network, a metering device operating as a network node may relay messages to or from a gateway device or router. In an example, a message may be routed along a path by hopping from node to node (e.g., from metering device to metering device) until the message reaches a target destination, such as a gateway / router or a target metering device.

[0009] Various routing protocols may be implemented in wireless mesh networks to ensure the availability of sufficient data routing paths within the mesh network at any given time. In some examples of wireless mesh networks, paths within the network may be self-forming and / or self-healing, such as reconfiguring around broken paths. Such self-healing may allow routing-based networks to operate in the event of node failures or when connections between nodes become unreliable.

[0010] In use, smart metering devices within a wireless mesh network may continuously communicate with each other, for example, to exchange messages or transmit data. In an example, different nodes within the network may have different hardware and software configurations, and therefore may support different communication modes. Furthermore, each node may support multiple communication modes.

[0011] Throughput and reliability are important issues for communications in such wireless mesh networks. For example, if a node has pending communications but cannot access a communication channel, throughput may be affected. Other nodes may already be using the channel for communications, or the channel may otherwise be unavailable. Additionally, variable environmental conditions and in-band interference can lead to communication failures in wireless mesh networks.

[0012] It is highly desirable to test and verify the proper operation of metering equipment used to form a wireless mesh network prior to field deployment of the metering equipment. However, due to practical limitations, such testing and verification can be complex, expensive, and of limited accuracy.

[0013] In known prior art examples, an array of metering devices may be set up over a relatively large area to simulate the deployment of metering devices in a particular setting, such as a rural or urban deployment. Such a validation setting may be complex and incur significant costs, yet may provide results of limited accuracy. In one example, in an attempt to simulate path loss in a wireless mesh network in a desired configuration, such as a rural or urban based wireless mesh network, the transmit power and / or receive sensitivity of each metering device in the network may be adjusted, and / or the antenna of each metering device may be adjusted.

[0014] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a relatively low complexity and cost-effective component to simulate the deployment of metering devices forming a wireless mesh network. In particular, it is desirable that such a component can simulate path losses between metering devices that can represent real-life scenarios, thereby increasing the confidence level of verification results.

[0015] Therefore, an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present disclosure is to eliminate or at least alleviate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0016] The present disclosure relates to the field of devices, systems and methods for simulating wireless mesh networks. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device for simulating a wireless mesh network is provided. The device includes a plurality of monopole antennas and at least one connector for conductively coupling the plurality of monopole antennas to at least one communication device. When the monopole antennas are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in a communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz, each monopole antenna is arranged in a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna.

[0017] Advantageously, such an apparatus may provide a low-cost and relatively compact component to simulate a wireless mesh network. That is, the length of the monopole antennas and / or the spacing between the monopole antennas that enable simulation of a wireless mesh network operating in the communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz may be small enough that a complete wireless mesh network may be simulated with an extremely small apparatus. As an example, a wireless mesh network including approximately one thousand monopole antennas may be simulated using an apparatus having dimensions in the range of tens of centimeters, as compared to the tens or hundreds of meters that may be required for the prior art simulation schemes described above.

[0018] Advantageously, the communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz encompasses most of the frequencies currently used for cellular communications and the ISM radio band currently used for smart metering devices.

[0019] The communication frequency range may be from 1000 MHz to 400 MHz. The communication frequency range may be from 915 MHz to 860 MHz.

[0020] Advantageously, such communication range includes International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Region 2 frequency allocations, such as may be used by smart metering devices.

[0021] Each monopole antenna may include a length substantially corresponding to the length of a quarter wave monopole for frequencies within the communications frequency range.

[0022] Advantageously, a quarter wave monopole combined with an omnidirectional radiation pattern may provide adequate transmit and receive performance.

[0023] It should be understood that the length of each monopole antenna may not correspond exactly to a quarter-wave monopole, and may be slightly longer or shorter than a quarter wavelength of the transmitted / received signal.

[0024] Furthermore, in examples where the device is designed for simulating a frequency range, the length of each monopole antenna may typically be in the region of a quarter wavelength, e.g., for a device for simulating a communications frequency range of 915 MHz to 860 MHz, the length of each monopole antenna may be between approximately 7 cm and 9 cm.

[0025] In other examples, a monopole antenna may include a length substantially corresponding to 0.625 wavelengths, which may advantageously radiate a maximum amount of power in a horizontal direction toward an adjacent monopole antenna.

[0026] The near field of each monopole antenna can be within a radius of region within which λ is the wavelength of radiation within the communications frequency range.

[0027] The near field region may be a reactive near field region.

[0028] Advantageously, by operating in the reactive near field region, the path loss between each monopole antenna may be maximized, thereby enabling the use of relatively small spacing between the monopole antennas to simulate path losses incurred over larger distances through the air.

[0029] Multiple monopole antennas may be arranged in an array. Multiple monopole antennas may be arranged in an offset grid. Multiple monopole antennas may be arranged in a concentric pattern.

[0030] The plurality of monopole antennas may be arranged such that each monopole antenna extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to a direction in which an adjacent monopole antenna extends longitudinally.

[0031] That is, in some examples, the monopole antennas can be substantially identical to each other.

[0032] For wireless signals within the communication frequency range, the path attenuation between the first monopole antenna arranged in the center area of ​​the plurality of monopole antennas and the second monopole antenna in the plurality of monopole antennas can be configured to be between 90 dB and 160 dB. In other examples, the path attenuation can be between 100 dB and 150 dB.

[0033] The path attenuation may be determined by selecting the length of each monopole antenna. The path attenuation may be determined by selecting the spacing between each monopole antenna. The path attenuation may be determined by selecting the magnitude of the impedance coupled to each monopole antenna. The path attenuation may be determined by selecting the dielectric material disposed between and extending around each monopole antenna.

[0034] Advantageously, by selecting an appropriate path attenuation, path losses representative of real life scenarios can be replicated, as described in more detail below. Specifically, as defined by the ITU-R P.1411-19 site generic model, path attenuations between 90 dB and 160 dB may be suitable to represent basic transmission losses in a suburban environment.

[0035] That is, the disclosed apparatus is capable of operating as an "air simulation" device, for example, for simulating air losses in various environments such as rural, suburban, and urban.

[0036] The apparatus may include a terminating impedance coupled to each monopole antenna.

[0037] Advantageously, the terminating impedance may help avoid inducing undesirable resonances in the monopole antenna.

[0038] Furthermore, the size of the terminal impedance may be selected to adjust the transmit power and / or receive sensitivity of the monopole antenna.

[0039] The terminal impedance of at least one of the plurality of monopole antennas may be different from and / or variable relative to the terminal impedance of at least one other of the plurality of monopole antennas.

[0040] Advantageously, a particular monopole antenna may be configured to simulate a pole-mounted device, such as a gateway or router. In practice, such a device may have an effectively higher transmit power and / or receive sensitivity due to its placement above the ground and away from immediate obstructions and interference sources. The effective transmit power and receive sensitivity of at least one of the plurality of monopole antennas may be increased by adjusting the terminal impedance (e.g., reducing attenuation) of at least one of the plurality of monopole antennas, thereby simulating a pole-mounted device relative to the other monopole antennas.

[0041] The apparatus may include a substrate. A plurality of monopole antennas extend from a first side of the substrate. At least one connector may be disposed on a second side of the substrate. The substrate may include a ground plane, such as a conductive ground plane.

[0042] The substrate may be a printed circuit board.

[0043] The apparatus may include a dielectric material disposed between and extending around each monopole antenna.

[0044] The dielectric material provides structural support for the device and can prevent damage to the monopole antenna during use.

[0045] The dielectric material may increase the attenuation of RF transmissions between the monopole antennas of the device, for example increasing the effective path loss. Advantageously, this may allow a relatively small and compact device to simulate the equivalent path loss over relatively long distances in air.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a system for simulating a wireless mesh network is provided. The system includes an apparatus according to the first aspect. The system also includes at least one communication device conductively coupled to each monopole antenna via at least one connector. The at least one communication device can be configured to use each monopole antenna to send and / or receive wireless signals within a communication frequency range.

[0047] The at least one communication device may be configured to operate in data transmission and reception corresponding to functioning as a smart metering device.

[0048] The at least one communication device may include a plurality of communication devices. In an example, a communication device may be coupled to each monopole antenna.

[0049] At least one communication device may be configured to form a wireless mesh network using a plurality of monopole antennas.

[0050] The system may comprise a plurality of apparatuses according to the first aspect. Each apparatus may be arranged in close proximity to another apparatus of the plurality of apparatuses.

[0051] Advantageously, multiple devices may be used to increase the number of monopole antennas in a wireless mesh network, enabling the simulation of deployment of large networks of metering equipment.

[0052] Advantageously, multiple devices may be used to simulate different mesh edge shapes by placing each device relative to each other device in a configuration that (at least approximately) provides the desired edge shape.

[0053] At least one communication device may include at least one modem.

[0054] The system may include one or more processors configured to control at least one communication device to emulate a wireless mesh network between monopole antennas.

[0055] A communication device coupled to one of the monopole antennas may be configured to operate as a gateway device.

[0056] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for simulating a wireless mesh network is provided. The method includes conductively coupling a plurality of monopole antennas to at least one communication device, wherein when the monopole antennas are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in a communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz, each monopole antenna is arranged in a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna.

[0057] The method also includes configuring at least one communication device to form a wireless mesh network between the plurality of monopole antennas by transmitting and / or receiving signals within a communication frequency range.

[0058] The method may include the step of configuring a communication device coupled to one of the monopole antennas to operate as a gateway device to the mesh network.

[0059] The method may include the step of increasing the transmit power and / or receive sensitivity of a monopole antenna operating as a gateway device relative to other monopole antennas of a plurality of monopole antennas.

[0060] The above summary is intended to be exemplary only and not limiting. The present disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features, either individually or in various combinations, regardless of whether specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or individually. It should be understood that the features defined above according to any aspect of the present disclosure or related to any specific embodiment of the present disclosure below can be used in any other aspect or embodiment, or form additional aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure, either individually or in combination with any other defined features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1a depicts a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 1b Depicted Figure 1a Alternative views of the device;

[0064] Figure 1c depicts an alternative arrangement of a monopole antenna in an apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 2a depicts a plan view of an example of a first attachment apparatus including a plurality of communication devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 2b Depicted Figure 2a An alternative view of a first attachment device;

[0067] Figure 3a depicts a plan view of an example of a second attachment device for coupling to a plurality of first attachment devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 3b Depicted Figure 3a An alternative view of a second attachment;

[0069] Figure 4 An example system for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0070] Figure 5 A method for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 4 Example system of multiple systems;

[0071] Figure 6 is a graph of a propagation model depicting the probability of transmission path loss versus distance based on a generic model of sites in an urban environment;

[0072] Figure 7a-Figure 7b is a graph depicting the number of metering devices in a geographically uniform distribution versus the expected path loss;

[0073] Figure 8a depicts interference ranges for selections of PHY modes supported in a Wi-SUN 1.1 network;

[0074] Figure 8bDepicts the communication range for selection of PHY modes supported in a Wi-SUN 1.1 network;

[0075] Figure 9a Depicting an example configuration of an apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 9b is used Figure 9a The path loss distribution obtained by simulating the model at 915MHz;

[0077] Fig.10 depicts path loss for another example apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network;

[0078] Fig.11a An example of injecting a gateway signal into a device for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted;

[0079] Fig.11b Another example of injecting a gateway signal into an apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted;

[0080] Fig.12a A first arrangement comprising a plurality of apparatuses for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted; and

[0081] Figure 12b A second arrangement comprising a plurality of devices for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of an apparatus 100 for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted. The apparatus 100 may provide components of a system 400, 500 for simulating a wireless mesh network, as described below with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Described in more detail.

[0083] The device 100 includes a plurality of monopole antennas 105. In the example cross section, only eight monopole antennas 105 are depicted in a row. In other examples falling within the scope of the present disclosure, substantially more than eight monopole antennas 105 may be implemented in each row. Furthermore, in the example device 100, the monopole antennas 105 are arranged in an 8×12 grid, such as Figure 1b The points depicted in Figure 1b Depicted Figure 1a 100. In other example arrangements, other grid arrangements may be implemented.

[0084] Although the example apparatus 100 includes a total of ninety-six monopole antennas, it will be appreciated that this is for exemplary purposes only, and that in other embodiments, substantially fewer or more than ninety-six monopole antennas may be implemented. Figure 9a Another embodiment is depicted that includes 486 monopole antennas arranged in a 27×18 grid in a region.

[0085] Each monopole antenna 105 includes a conductive material and is generally elongated in shape. For example, each monopole antenna 105 may be implemented as a needle or a rod. The cross-sectional shape of each monopole antenna 105 may be circular, or may have other forms.

[0086] In a simplified manufacturing technique, monopole antenna 105 may be formed using one or more strips of through-hole mounted printed circuit board (PCB) headers, where each header may have a non-circular cross-section, such as a square cross-section.

[0087] The plurality of monopole antennas 105 are arranged such that each monopole antenna 105 extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to the direction in which adjacent monopole antennas 105 extend longitudinally. That is, the example apparatus 100 of FIG1 includes an array of monopole antennas 105 arranged parallel to each other.

[0088] The device 100 includes a substrate 115. A plurality of monopole antennas 105 are mounted on the substrate 115. In one example, the substrate 115 is a PCB.

[0089] The apparatus 100 also includes a plurality of connectors 110. The connectors 110 are suitable for conductively coupling the plurality of monopole antennas 105 to at least one communication device as described below. The array of connectors 110 may be Figure 1b Seen in Figure 1b An alternative view of the device 100 is depicted.

[0090] like Figure 1a As shown, the plurality of monopole antennas 105 may extend from a first side of the substrate 115, and the connector 110 may be disposed on a second side of the substrate 115. In other examples, one or more connectors 110 may alternatively and / or additionally be disposed on the same side of the substrate 115 as the monopole antennas 105, such as on a portion of the substrate 115 that extends away from the plurality of monopole antennas 105.

[0091] The substrate may include a ground plane (not shown). The ground plane may be formed by a conductive layer on or within the substrate 115. The ground plane may extend around the base of each monopole antenna 105.

[0092] Although 24 connectors 110 are depicted, it should be understood that other numbers of connections may be implemented. In some embodiments, as few as a single connector may be implemented.

[0093] In some examples, connector 110 can be configured to provide a terminating impedance to each monopole antenna. Advantageously, the impedance coupled to each monopole antenna 105 can help prevent any undesirable resonances within the monopole antenna during use.

[0094] The substrate 115 may include a multi-layer PCB, wherein routing from each monopole antenna 105 to a corresponding connector 110 may be provided in one or more conductive layers of the substrate 115 .

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one of the connectors 110, and preferably the connector 110 coupled to the monopole antenna 105 arranged substantially toward the center of the plurality of monopole antennas 105, may be implemented as a coaxial connector. Such a coaxial connector may be implemented as an SMA connector for injecting a gateway signal. Fig.11a and Fig.11b The injection of gateway signals is discussed in more detail.

[0096] The example apparatus 100 also includes a dielectric material 120 disposed between and extending around each monopole antenna 105. The dielectric material 120 may provide structural support for the apparatus 100 and may prevent damage to the monopole antennas 105 during use.

[0097] Additionally, dielectric material 120 may also increase attenuation of RF transmissions between monopole antennas 105 of device 100 , as described in more detail below.

[0098] The dielectric material 120 may include, for example, wood, polycarbonate, acrylic, or resin, etc. In one embodiment, the dielectric material 120 may include a polyamide-based material (eg, nylon), which may be suitable for high temperature testing of the device 100 .

[0099] When monopole antennas 105 are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in the communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz, each monopole antenna 105 is arranged in the near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna 105. That is, the length of each monopole antenna 105 and the spacing between monopole antennas 105 are selected so that each monopole antenna 105 is arranged in the near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna 105 when used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in the communication frequency range.

[0100] In other example embodiments, the spacing between monopole antennas 105 and the lengths of the monopole antennas 105 may be selected so that when the monopole antennas 105 are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in a communication frequency range of 1000 MHz to 400 MHz or from 915 MHz to 860 MHz, each monopole antenna 105 is arranged within a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna 105. Preferably, each monopole antenna 110 may include a length substantially corresponding to the length of a quarter wave monopole for frequencies within the communication frequency range.

[0101] Although the example apparatus 100 includes monopole antennas 105 arranged in a regular grid, other arrangements of monopole antennas 105 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 1c Alternative arrangements of monopole antennas are depicted. In a first alternative arrangement 100a, a plurality of monopole antennas 105a are arranged in an offset grid pattern on a substrate 115a. In a second alternative arrangement 100b, a plurality of monopole antennas 105b are arranged in a concentric pattern on a substrate 115b.

[0102] Figure 2a A plan view of an example of a first parasitic device 200 including a plurality of communication devices 220 for conductively coupling to each monopole antenna via a connector 110 is depicted. Figure 2b An alternative view of a first attachment device 200 is depicted.

[0103] The additional device includes a substrate 215, such as a PCB. A plurality of communication devices 220 are mounted on the substrate 215. Each communication device 220 includes and / or may be configured to function as at least one modem.

[0104] Also depicted, for purposes of example only, is a power supply circuit 225 including voltage regulation for providing power to the plurality of communication devices 220 , and additional control circuitry 230 .

[0105] End 235 of substrate 215 includes contacts (not shown) for routing signals and power to one or more of power circuitry 225 , additional control circuitry 230 , and / or plurality of communication devices 220 .

[0106] The first supplemental device 200 further includes a plurality of connectors 210. The connectors 210 are adapted to couple with the connectors 110 of the device 100, thereby conductively coupling the plurality of communication devices 220 to the plurality of monopole antennas 105.

[0107] Figure 3a A plan view of an example of a second attachment device 300 for coupling to a plurality of first attachment devices 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0108] The example second attachment device 300 includes a substrate 315 and a plurality of connectors 310 disposed on a first side of the substrate 315, such as Figure 3a Each connector 310 is configured to receive a first attachment device 200 , such as an end portion 235 of a substrate 215 of the first attachment device 200 .

[0109] In an example, the second attachment device 300 is configured to be coupled to eight first attachment devices 200 .

[0110] exist Figure 3b On the second side of the substrate 315 depicted in FIG, a plurality of power connectors 350, such as DC power outlets, are provided. Each power connector 350 is used to provide power to a corresponding first attachment device 200 coupled to a corresponding connector 310. A universal serial bus (USB) driver circuit 355 and a USB connector 360 associated with each corresponding connector 310 are also depicted.

[0111] Figure 4 An example system 400 for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The example system 400 includes the above Figure 1a-Figure 1c The device 100 depicted in .

[0112] The example system 400 also includes the above Figure 2a and Figure 2b Each first additional device 200 is coupled to the device 100. That is, in the example, each set of connectors 110 of the device 100 is coupled to a corresponding connector 210 of a corresponding first additional device 200.

[0113] Thus, system 400 includes a plurality of communication devices 220, wherein at least one communication device 220 is conductively coupled to each monopole antenna 105 via a respective connector 110, 210. Communication device 220 is configured to use each monopole antenna 105 to transmit and / or receive wireless signals within a communication frequency range.

[0114] The example system 400 also includes Figure 3a-Figure 3b Each first attachment device 200 is coupled to a second attachment device 300 via a respective connector 210 , 310 .

[0115] Figure 5 An example system 500 comprising a plurality of systems 400 is depicted that simulates a wireless mesh network in use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] The example system 500 includes multiple Figure 4 The system 400 is coupled to a corresponding processor 505 via eight USB lines 520.

[0117] Finally, each processor 505 is coupled to a database 510. For exemplary purposes only, the connection between each processor 505 and the database 510 is through an Ethernet connection 515.

[0118] will understand, Figure 5 The example system 500 is merely one example of a use of the apparatus 100 for simulating a wireless mesh network. For example, instead of a USB connection, other embodiments may use wired Ethernet, etc. Similarly, although an assembly arrangement of the first and second attachment apparatuses 200, 300 is depicted, other arrangements for conductively coupling one or more communication devices to a monopole antenna may be implemented.

[0119] In use, the communication device 220 may be configured to operate in a manner corresponding to data transmission and reception for use as a smart metering device. In this way, each monopole antenna 105 may be configured to emulate an antenna of a smart metering device.

[0120] The processor 505 may be configured to control the communication device 220 such that a wireless mesh network is formed using the plurality of monopole antennas 105 .

[0121] The operation of the wireless mesh network may be based on data retrieved from database 510. Data related to the operation of the wireless mesh network may be stored by database 510.

[0122] As mentioned above, Figure 5 The system 500 includes a plurality of devices 100. Each device may be arranged adjacent to another device 100 in the plurality of devices. In some examples, a ground plane of a device 100 may be conductively coupled to a ground plane of one or more adjacent devices 100.

[0123] Multiple devices 100 may be used to simulate different wireless mesh network edge shapes by placing each device 100 relative to each other device in a configuration that (at least approximately) provides a desired edge shape. This is hereinafter referred to as Fig.11a and Fig.11b Further description.

[0124] Reference now Figures 6 to 10 A design of apparatus 100 is described in which each monopole antenna is arranged within a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna when the monopole antennas are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating within a desired communication frequency range.

[0125] Figure 6 This is a graph of a propagation model that depicts the probability of transmission path loss versus distance based on a generic model of sites in an urban environment. The graph is based on International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Recommendation P.1411-11 (09 / 2021).

[0126] The propagation model described by the diagram may be considered representative for RF smart metering applications, as it is based on a similar environment, eg a city, and on an approximate communication frequency, eg 400 MHz.

[0127] As an example, the graph shows that a 99% 400 MHz transmission in an urban environment will produce a path loss of approximately 135 dB at a distance of 1000 meters.

[0128] Figure 6 The data in the graphs provide a general guide for converting distances in meters to possible path losses in dB. Figure 6 The propagation model can be used to develop a model of the number of metering devices in a geographically uniform distribution relative to the expected path loss.

[0129] Figure 7a and Figure 7b based on Figure 6 The 90% probability curve of the graph depicts this model for the number of metering devices in a geographically uniform distribution versus the expected path loss. The metering devices are assumed to be 20 meters apart from each other and to use an RF communication frequency of 915 MHz.

[0130] As an example, Figure 7a It is shown that when the number of devices approaches 600, the path loss will be in the region of 140 dB. Figure 7b Expressed on a logarithmic scale Figure 7a Index data.

[0131] from Figure 7b It can be seen that for up to 1000 devices the range of interest for path loss is between approximately 90 dB and 160 dB. This can be considered representative of a real life scenario where approximately 1000 devices spaced 20 meters apart from each other and operating at 915 MHz will see path losses ranging between 90 and 160 dB.

[0132] Already established Figure 7a and Figure 7b model, then it may be desirable to tune the device 100 to accurately simulate such a model. That is, the device 100 having approximately 1000 monopole antennas may be designed to simulate Figure 7a and Figure 7b The model covers a wide range of path losses and can thus be suitable for simulating the deployment of approximately 1,000 metering devices in an urban environment.

[0133] Figure 8a Plots the interference range for selected PHY modes supported in a Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network (Wi-SUN) 1.1 network. Figure 6 The interference range is described in terms of the equivalent range of the propagation model.

[0134] On the x-axis, different communication modes are indicated. For example, "F2B050, F2B150, F2B200" correspond to 2FSK modulation at 50 kb / s, 150 kb / s and 200 kb / s, respectively. "O1M5, O1M6, O2M3, etc." correspond to OFDM modulation at 1.5 Mbit / s, 1.6 Mbit / s and 2.3 Mbit / s, respectively.

[0135] Figure 8a The interference range model shows that the maximum path loss is about 147dB, which is based on Figure 6 The propagation model corresponds to a distance of about 1400 meters. The minimum range of interference is about 133dB.

[0136] Similarly, Figure 8b The communication range for the same selection of PHY modes supported in a Wi-SUN 1.1 network is depicted. As can be seen, the path loss for enabling communication between devices ranges between 120dB and 140dB, based on Figure 6 The propagation model corresponds to distances between approximately 300 m and 1000 m.

[0137] Therefore, based on the interference range and communication range data for the selection of propagation models applied to the PHY modes supported in the Wi-SUN 1.1 network, it can be seen that the device 100 is expected to be suitable for simulating a path loss range of approximately 100 dB to 150 dB, thereby covering Figure 8a and Figure 8b The full range of communications and interference depicted in .

[0138] That is to say, Figure 7a and Figure 7b depicts the expected shape of the response, such as an exponential relationship between the increase in path loss and the number of metering devices, and Figure 8a and Figure 8b A desired range between 100bd and 150dB is provided. Based on these goals, the apparatus 100 may be adjusted accordingly so that energy may be distributed through the air to the monopoles in a manner that simulates the far field, with the array of monopole antennas each within the near field of an adjacent monopole antenna.

[0139] The following example apparatus 100 is provided with certain dimensions for non-limiting example purposes only.

[0140] In a first example, an apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network may be provided with a 2-D array of approximately quarter-wave monopole antennas, where each monopole antenna is within the near field of its neighboring monopole antenna. The example 27×18 array may have 486 monopole antennas, each monopole antenna being approximately 80 mm in length, and arranged as a 27×18 array on a 200 mm×300 mm ground plane, where the spacing between neighboring monopole antennas is 10 mm. The apparatus is depicted in Figure 9a middle.

[0141] exist Figure 9b The (simulated) path loss distribution obtained at 915 MHz is depicted in Figure 9b The distribution of coupled energy from the center monopole antenna to all other monopoles is depicted. It can be seen that the distribution essentially corresponds to Figure 6 The shape of the distribution of , thereby verifying the effectiveness of the device for simulating a wireless mesh network. It is worth noting that the drop in path loss towards higher count monopoles (e.g., farther away from the center monopole) is due to the RF signal approaching the edge of the device, where the loss is reduced due to fewer monopoles in the near-field range.

[0142] Fig.10 Path loss on another example installation is depicted, this time with a 300×300 mm configuration. It can be seen that the path loss from the center device to the neighboring device is about 20 dB. It can also be seen that the path loss reaches a maximum of about 100 dB. As mentioned above, the target path loss can be in the range of 100 dB to 150 dB. Therefore, attenuation can be added to the monopole antenna to offset the loss.

[0143] For example, an additional 45 dB of attenuation per monopole will add 90 dB of path loss to the path between any two monopoles. Fig.10 For the example arrangement described, this would result in a path loss of between 90 dB and 190 dB from the central monopole antenna. Since in practice a metering device would not be able to communicate with a path loss as high as 190 dB, this would mean that operation as a network (e.g. a mesh network) would be necessary for one metering device to communicate. It can therefore be seen that the disclosed arrangement with optional additional attenuation between the monopole antennas may be particularly suitable for simulating a realistic wireless mesh network of smart meter devices spread over a large geographical area.

[0144] Several techniques may be applied individually or in combination to achieve the desired path loss. For example, in some embodiments, the spacing between antennas may be adjusted to adjust the path loss. In an example, the spacing between antennas may be reduced, which may increase the effective path loss between antennas. In some examples, each monopole antenna may be arranged in a reactive near field region of one or more adjacent monopole antennas.

[0145] In other examples, the length of each monopole antenna can be adjusted to select a desired path loss between the monopole antennas. For example, by reducing the length of the monopole antennas, the attenuation of RF signals between the monopole antennas in a device for simulating a wireless mesh network can be increased.

[0146] In other examples, an impedance may be coupled to each monopole antenna to select a desired path loss between the monopole antennas. That is, a terminal impedance, which may include a resistor or the like, may be conductively coupled to each monopole antenna to increase attenuation of signals transmitted between the monopole antennas in an apparatus for simulating a wireless mesh network.

[0147] In other examples, and as depicted in FIG. 1 , dielectric material 120 may be disposed between and extend around each monopole antenna 105 to select a desired path loss between monopole antennas 105 in a device for simulating a wireless mesh network.

[0148] Fig.11a An example of injecting a gateway signal into the apparatus 1100 for simulating a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0149] The features of the device 1100 correspond substantially to Figure 1a That is, the device 1100 includes a plurality of monopole antennas 1105 disposed on a substrate 1115, and a plurality of connectors 1110 for conductively coupling the plurality of monopole antennas 1105 to at least one communication device. The device 1100 also includes a dielectric material 1120 disposed between each monopole antenna 1105 and extending around each monopole antenna 1105.

[0150] The apparatus 1100 also includes an additional monopole antenna 1165. The additional monopole antenna 1165 can be coupled to an additional communication device 1170. In an example, an SMA connector 1175 couples the additional monopole antenna 1165 to the additional communication device 1170.

[0151] The additional monopole antenna 1165 is arranged substantially in the center of the array of monopole antennas 1105. In one example, a hole can be formed in the dielectric material 1120 and the additional monopole antenna 1105 is inserted into the hole. In another example, the dielectric material 1120 can be formed around the additional monopole antenna 1105, such as by a molding or encapsulation process.

[0152] Additional monopole antenna 1165 and additional communication device 1170 may be configured to operate as a gateway device or router, providing a means for communicating with and / or transmitting data over the wireless mesh network simulated by the plurality of monopole antennas 1105 .

[0153] In some examples, the attenuation of additional monopole antenna 1165 can be selected to simulate a pole-mounted device. That is, the transmit power and / or receive sensitivity of additional monopole antenna 1165 can be increased relative to multiple monopole antennas 1105 so that additional monopole antenna 1165 can simulate a pole-mounted gateway or router device.

[0154] exist Fig.11a In another example depicted in , the central monopole antenna 1180 of the plurality of monopole antennas 1105 can be configured to function as a gateway or router device. For purposes of example only, an additional communication device 1190 is coupled to the central monopole antenna 1180 via an SMA connector 1185.

[0155] Fig.12a A first example arrangement comprising a plurality of apparatuses 1200a-1200d for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted. Each apparatus may be, for example, any of the apparatuses described above, such as the apparatus of FIG.

[0156] Through Fig.12a Placing multiple devices 1200a-1200d in close proximity to one another as depicted in the diagram may simulate a larger distribution of metering equipment over a larger geographic area. In some examples, the ground plane of each device 1200a-1200d may be conductively coupled to the ground plane of at least one other of the devices 1200a-1200d. Although only four devices 1200a-1200d are depicted, it should be understood that fewer than four or more than four devices may be implemented.

[0157] In use, different edge shapes can be simulated by rearranging the device. As an example, Figure 12b A second example arrangement including a plurality of devices 1200e-1200h for simulating a wireless mesh network is depicted. In an example, an irregular edge shape may be formed by the arrangement of devices 1200e-1200h.

[0158] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of specific embodiments as described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and substitutions in light of the present disclosure, which are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or shown in this specification may be incorporated into any embodiment, either alone or in any appropriate combination with any other features disclosed or shown herein.

[0159] Reference Mark List

[0160] 100 devices

[0161] 100a First Alternative Device

[0162] 100b Second alternative device

[0163] 105 Monopole Antenna

[0164] 105a Monopole Antenna

[0165] 105b monopole antenna

[0166] 110 Connector

[0167] 115 substrate

[0168] 115a substrate

[0169] 115b substrate

[0170] 120 Dielectric Materials

[0171] 200 First Additional Device

[0172] 215 substrate

[0173] 220 communication equipment

[0174] 225 power supply circuit

[0175] 230 Additional control circuit

[0176] 235 end

[0177] 300 Second additional device

[0178] 310 Connector

[0179] 315 substrate

[0180] 350 Power Connector

[0181] 355USB driver circuit

[0182] 360USB Connector

[0183] 400 system

[0184] 500 system

[0185] 505 processor

[0186] 510 Database

[0187] 515 Ethernet connection

[0188] 520USB cable

[0189] 1100 devices

[0190] 1105 Monopole Antenna

[0191] 1110 Connector

[0192] 1115 substrate

[0193] 1120 Dielectric Materials

[0194] 1165 Additional monopole antenna

[0195] 1170 Additional communication equipment

[0196] 1175SMA Connector

[0197] 1180 center monopole antenna

[0198] 1185SMA Connector

[0199] 1190 Additional communication equipment

[0200] 1200a-h device

Claims

1. An apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) for simulating a wireless mesh network, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of monopole antennas (105, 1105); as well as at least one connector (110, 1110) for conductively coupling the plurality of monopole antennas to at least one communication device (220), Wherein when the monopole antennas are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in a communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz, each monopole antenna is arranged in a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna.

2. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) according to claim 1, wherein the communication frequency range is from 1000 MHz to 400 MHz, and optionally, wherein the communication frequency range is from 915 MHz to 860 MHz.

3. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) of claim 1 or 2, wherein each monopole antenna (105, 1105) comprises a length substantially corresponding to the length of a quarter wave monopole for frequencies within the communications frequency range.

4. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) of any preceding claim, wherein the near-field region is a reactive near-field region.

5. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) according to any preceding claim, wherein: - the plurality of monopole antennas (105, 1105) are arranged in an array, an offset grid and / or a concentric pattern; and - The plurality of monopole antennas are arranged such that each monopole antenna extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to a direction in which an adjacent monopole antenna extends longitudinally.

6. The device (100, 1100, 1200a-g) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein For wireless signals within the communication frequency range, a path attenuation between a first monopole antenna (105, 1105) arranged in a central area of ​​the plurality of monopole antennas and a second monopole antenna among the plurality of monopole antennas is configured to be between 90 dB and 160 dB by selecting at least one of the following: - length of each monopole antenna; - Spacing between each monopole antenna; - the magnitude of the impedance coupled to each monopole; and / or - A dielectric material disposed between and extending around each monopole antenna.

7. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) of any preceding claim, comprising a terminal impedance coupled to each monopole antenna (105, 1105).

8. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) of claim 7, wherein a terminal impedance of at least one of the plurality of monopole antennas (105, 1105) is different from a terminal impedance of at least one other of the plurality of monopole antennas and / or is variable relative to a terminal impedance of at least one other of the plurality of monopole antennas.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: - the plurality of monopole antennas (105, 1105) extend from a first side of the substrate (115, 1115); - and the at least one connector (110, 1110) is arranged on the second side of the substrate; and - The substrate comprises a ground plane.

10. The apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) of any preceding claim, comprising a dielectric material (120, 1120) arranged between and extending around each monopole antenna.

11. A system (400, 500) for simulating a wireless mesh network, the system comprising: - an apparatus (100, 1100, 1200a-g) according to any preceding claim; as well as - said at least one communication device (220) conductively coupled to each monopole antenna (105, 1105) via said at least one connector (110, 1110), The at least one communication device is configured to use each monopole antenna to transmit and / or receive wireless signals within the communication frequency range.

12. The system (400, 500) according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of apparatuses (100, 1100, 1200a-g) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each apparatus is arranged in close proximity to another apparatus of the plurality of apparatuses.

13. The system (400, 500) of claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one communication device (220) comprises at least one modem.

14. The system (400, 500) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising one or more processors (505), the one or more processors (505) being configured to control the at least one communication device (220) to simulate a wireless mesh network between the monopole antennas (105, 1105).

15. The system of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a communication device (1170, 1190) coupled to one of the monopole antennas (1165, 1180) is configured to operate as a gateway device.

16. A method for simulating a wireless mesh network, the method comprising: - conductively coupling a plurality of monopole antennas (105, 1105) to at least one communication device (220), wherein each monopole antenna is arranged within a near field region of an adjacent monopole antenna when the monopole antennas are used to simulate a wireless mesh network operating in a communication frequency range of 3500 MHz to 300 MHz; as well as - configuring said at least one communication device to form a wireless mesh network between said plurality of monopole antennas by transmitting and / or receiving signals within said communication frequency range.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising the step of configuring a communication device (1170, 1190) coupled to one of the monopole antennas (1165, 1180) to operate as a gateway device to the mesh network.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising the step of increasing the transmit power and / or receive sensitivity of a monopole antenna (1165, 1180) operating as a gateway device relative to other monopole antennas (105, 1105) of the plurality of monopole antennas.

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