Radio device and system

Abstract

A radio device (2) for networked relaying of radio signals (3) within a first frequency band is described. The radio device (2) comprises a first transceiver (4) for a first frequency band. The first transceiver (4) can be electronically deflected into a first direction. The radio device (2) further comprises a second transceiver (5) for the first frequency band. The radio device (2) is configured to relay a radio signal (3) received by the second transceiver (5) to the first transceiver via an analog signal path (7) and to retransmit the radio signal (3) using the first transceiver (4). The radio device (2) further comprises a control transceiver (6) for communicating with the wireless network (26) using a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band. The wireless network (26) comprises a plurality of other radios (2). Each of the other radios (2) contains the same element as the radio (2). The radio device (2) is configured to coordinate with a plurality of other radio devices (2) via a wireless network (26) in order to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping for relaying radio signals (3) within a first frequency band and to determine one or more time multiplexing routing configurations (30) for the radio device (2). The radio device (2) is configured to steer the first transceiver (4) to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices (2) during a period corresponding to at least one time multiplexing routing configuration (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless transceivers and methods for operating wireless transceivers, and in particular to wireless transceivers for wireless communication networks that rely on line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight communications, such as utilizing radio signals at frequencies exceeding 5 GHz. Background Art

[0002] As wireless communication networks move to higher frequencies to improve data rates, the corresponding reduction in wavelength can make it problematic to provide uniform coverage in areas where there is no line of sight to the transmitter (eg, in urban areas, forested areas, inside structures, etc.).

[0003] As wireless communication networks begin to move to frequencies of 5 GHz and above (sometimes referred to as the "fifth generation" or "5G"), the attenuation effects of atmospheric gases such as oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water vapor (H2O) can be significant in some frequency bands. Atmospheric weather effects can exacerbate such problems, with attenuation of up to 60 dB.m -1 about.

[0004] Providing wireless coverage inside structures such as buildings and stadiums is already a problem for frequencies below 5 GHz. Moving to higher frequencies will result in further degradation of signal strength through structures. Improvements in architectural glass related to thermal regulation, such as adding thin metal layers to help keep buildings cool, can further attenuate radio signals from outside.

[0005] CN 106992807A describes a signal relay system for 5G communications. US2018 / 139521A1 describes a transparent wireless bridge for providing access to a fiber optic network. US2015 / 380816A1 describes an antenna control system and a method for consistently maintaining an optimal orientation point between a donor antenna and an adjacent base station. US2004 / 110469A1 describes a flat repeater. US2020 091990A1 describes a multi-band antenna arrangement. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a radio device for networked relaying of radio signals within a first frequency band is provided. The radio device includes a first transceiver for the first frequency band. The first transceiver can be electronically steered to a first direction. The radio device also includes a second transceiver for the first frequency band. The radio device is configured to relay a radio signal received by the second transceiver to the first transceiver via an analog signal path and retransmit the radio signal using the first transceiver. The radio device also includes a control transceiver for communicating with a wireless network using a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band. The wireless network includes a plurality of other radio devices. Each of the other radio devices includes the same elements as the radio device. The radio device is configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network so as to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band and to determine one or more time multiplexing routing configurations of the radio device. The radio device is configured to steer the first transceiver to a corresponding first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to at least one time multiplexing routing configuration.

[0007] For a given radio, two or more time multiplexed routing configurations may be the same.For a given radio, all time multiplexed routing configurations may be the same.

[0008] The radio device may be configured to steer the first transceiver to a corresponding first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to each time multiplexed routing configuration. The radio device may be configured to steer the first transceiver to a corresponding first configuration direction corresponding to the same one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to each time multiplexed routing configuration.

[0009] The first and second wireless transceivers may be configured for radio signals according to the 5G definition used in “5G Evolution: A View on 5G Cellular Technology Beyond 3GPP Release 15,” by Amitabha Ghosh, Andreas Maeder, Matthew Baker, and Devaki Chandramouli, IEEE Access (2019), Vol. 7, p. 127639, DOI 10.1109 / ACCESS.2019.2939938.

[0010] The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having a carrier frequency between 5 GHz and 300 GHz (including 5 GHz and 300 GHz). The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having a carrier frequency between 30 GHz and 300 GHz (including 30 GHz and 300 GHz). The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having a carrier frequency within one or more of the K band (20 GHz to 40 GHz), L band (40 GHz to 60 GHz), and M band (60 GHz to 100 GHz) defined by NATO. The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having a carrier frequency within one or more of the Ka band (27 GHz to 40 GHz), V band (40 GHz to 75 GHz), and W band (75 GHz to 110 GHz) defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having a carrier frequency exceeding 300 GHz. The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having a carrier frequency equal to or exceeding 1 THz. The first and second transceivers may be configured for a radio signal that is a 5G signal. The first and second transceivers may be configured for a radio signal that is a 6G signal. The first and second transceivers may be configured for a radio signal that is a 7G signal.

[0011] The second frequency band may have a center frequency that is smaller than the center frequency of the first frequency band.The second frequency band may have a center frequency that is 10 (or more) times smaller than the center frequency of the first frequency band.

[0012] The second frequency band may have an upper limit that is less than or equal to a lower limit of the first frequency band. In other words, the second frequency band may be less than the first frequency band and may not overlap with the first frequency band. The wireless network may comply with, for example, the IEEE 802.11ax-2021 standard published on May 19, 2021, or any earlier or later published IEEE standard. The wireless network may correspond to a 3G mobile communication network. The wireless network may correspond to a 4G mobile communication network.

[0013] The first direction may be defined by a first angular range. In other words, the first direction may be steered to direct the main lobe of the corresponding radiation pattern within the first angular range.

[0014] Each first configuration direction may be directed to a target radio device among a plurality of other radio devices corresponding to a corresponding time multiplexed routing configuration.

[0015] The analog signal path does not include down-conversion between the first and second transceivers.

[0016] The radio device may be configured to transmit steering data to one or more of the other radio devices. The steering data may include one or more of the following: the location of the radio device (e.g., GPS location), the speed of the radio device, the acceleration of the radio device, and the orientation of the radio device. The radio device may be configured to transmit the steering data via a wireless network. The radio device may be configured to receive steering data corresponding to at least one of the one or more other radio devices in the other radio devices. The steering data corresponding to at least one of the one or more other radio devices in the other radio devices may include one or more of the following: the location of the at least one other radio device (e.g., GPS location), the speed of the at least one other radio device, the acceleration of the at least one other radio device, and the orientation of the at least one other radio device. The radio device may be configured to receive steering data via a wireless network.

[0017] Coordinating with a plurality of other radio devices via a wireless network to determine a network mapping may include controlling a first transceiver to transmit a test signal while scanning a first direction within an available angle range. Coordinating with a plurality of other radio devices via a wireless network to determine a network mapping may include listening to one or more LOS confirmation messages transmitted by other radio devices via the wireless network. Each LOS confirmation message may include a reception time and an identifier of a corresponding other radio device. Coordinating with a plurality of other radio devices via a wireless network to determine a network mapping may include, in response to receiving a LOS confirmation message from one of the other radio devices, determining a first direction corresponding to the corresponding reception time and adding the other radio device to a routing table stored by the radio device.

[0018] The routing table may include a list of other radios and corresponding first directions.A network map may be formed by aggregating the routing tables of a radio and all other radios communicatively coupled to the wireless network.

[0019] Each confirmation message may also include a quality metric.The routing table may also include and / or store a quality metric corresponding to each respective connection.

[0020] The test signal may encode a unique identifier of the radio device. The unique identifier may be encoded by modulating the frequency and / or amplitude of the test signal. The unique identifier may be encoded by the carrier frequency of the test signal.

[0021] Coordinating with the plurality of other radio devices over the wireless network to determine the network mapping may include using the second transceiver to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by the other radio devices. Coordinating with the plurality of other radio devices over the wireless network to determine the network mapping may include, in response to receiving the test signal from one of the other radio devices, transmitting a LOS confirmation message to the other radio device over the wireless network. The LOS confirmation message may include an identifier of the radio device and a reception time corresponding to a maximum power of the test signal.

[0022] The source of the test signal for routing the confirmation message may be determined based on a unique identifier of the other radio encoded in the test signal.The source of the test signal for routing the confirmation message may be determined based on a schedule defining when the radio and each of the other radios transmit the test signal.

[0023] Receiving a test signal from one of the other radio devices may take the form of receiving a test signal that exceeds a threshold signal level. The threshold signal level may be a threshold power or a threshold amplitude. The threshold signal level may be set to a multiple of the standard error of the noise on the second receiver output. The threshold signal level may be set to the standard error, twice the standard error, three times the standard error, or five times the standard error. The standard error may be pre-calibrated, calibrated at installation, and / or updated periodically during use.

[0024] The one or more time multiplexed routing configurations of the radio device may be determined based on a dynamic routing method. The dynamic routing method may be based on a distance-vector routing protocol. The dynamic routing method may be based on a link-state routing protocol. The dynamic routing method may be based on any known routing protocol and applied to a network mapping determined based on the first group and the second group of each other radio device included in the wireless network.

[0025] The radio device may be configured to coordinate with a plurality of other radio devices via a wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine the network mapping according to the schedule.

[0026] The radio device may be configured to coordinate with a plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine the network mapping in response to receiving a mapping request message. The mapping request message may be generated in response to a new other radio device joining the wireless network. The mapping request message may be generated in response to one of the other radio devices leaving the wireless network. The mapping request message may be generated in response to the radio device, or one of the other radio devices changing one or more of position, velocity, acceleration rate, etc.

[0027] The radio device may be configured to transmit a first relay confirmation message to a source radio device in a plurality of other radio devices corresponding to an active time multiplexing routing configuration via the wireless network in response to relaying the radio signal using the first and second transceivers. The radio device may be configured to listen for a second relay confirmation message from a target radio device in a plurality of other radio devices corresponding to the active time multiplexing routing configuration via the wireless network within a predetermined period of time in response to relaying the radio signal using the first and second transceivers. The radio device may be configured to increment a failure counter corresponding to the target radio device in response to a predetermined period of time elapsed without receiving the second relay confirmation message in response to relaying the radio signal using the first and second transceivers. The radio device may be configured to transmit a mapping request message via the wireless network in response to the failure counter exceeding a disconnected link threshold in response to relaying the radio signal using the first and second transceivers.

[0028] The active time multiplexing routing configuration may be a time multiplexing routing configuration used when relaying radio signals.

[0029] The failure counter corresponding to the specific target radio device may be reset to an initial value (e.g., 0) in response to a reset period passing without the failure counter being incremented. The reset period may be at least one or more times the total cycle period of the one or more time multiplexed routing configurations. In other words, the failure counter corresponding to the specific target radio device may not be reset until all routing configurations of the radio device are cycled at least once without failure. Preferably, the failure counter corresponding to the specific target radio device may not be reset until all routing configurations of the radio device are cycled a number of times without failure, such as ten times or more.

[0030] The second transceiver can be electronically steered to a second direction. The second direction can be defined by a second angular range. In other words, the second direction can be steered to orient the main lobe of the corresponding radiation pattern within the second angular range.

[0031] The first and second angular ranges may overlap. The first and second angular ranges may not substantially overlap. The first and second angular ranges have central angles pointing in different directions (corresponding to the average angle of each respective angular range). The first and second angular ranges may be identical except for having central angles pointing in different directions.

[0032] Using the second transceiver to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radio devices may include scanning the second direction within the available angular range. When using the second transceiver to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radio devices, the radio device may be configured to scan the second direction within the available angular range (i.e., the second angular range).

[0033] The second transceiver may be configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may correspond to a radiation pattern including a beam that can be electronically steered to a second direction. The second mode may correspond to receiving signals from a wider angular distribution than the beam of the first mode. When the second transceiver is used to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radio devices, the radio device may be configured to operate the second transceiver in the second mode. Each time multiplexed routing configuration may define whether the second transceiver operates in the first mode or in the second mode.

[0034] The first and second modes may correspond to switching between different antennas or antenna arrays.

[0035] The first and second modes may correspond to the same antenna or antenna array. In the first mode, the antennas of the array may be controlled as a phased array. In the second mode, some or all of the antennas of the array may be switched to connect to respective summing amplifiers. During the first mode, each summing amplifier may have a relatively higher gain than any amplifier used for a single one of the antennas in the array.

[0036] The radio device may be configured to steer the second transceiver to a corresponding second configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to at least one time multiplexed routing configuration. The radio device may be configured to steer the second transceiver to a corresponding second configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to each time multiplexed routing configuration. The radio device may be configured to steer the second transceiver to a corresponding second configuration direction corresponding to the same one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to each time multiplexed routing configuration.

[0037] In this way, the time multiplexed routing configuration may correspond to steering the first transceiver to a first configuration direction corresponding to the target radio while also steering the second transceiver to a second configuration direction corresponding to the source radio. The second and third configuration directions corresponding to the source and target radios may be retrieved from the routing table.

[0038] The radio device may also include a third transceiver for the first frequency band. The third transceiver can be electronically steered to a third direction. The radio device may also include a fourth transceiver configured identically to the second transceiver. The radio device may be configured to relay a radio signal received by the fourth transceiver to the third transceiver via a second analog signal path, and retransmit the radio signal using the third transceiver. The radio device may be configured to steer the third transceiver to a corresponding third configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a period corresponding to at least one time multiplexing routing configuration, so as to relay the radio signal in a direction opposite to the first and second transceivers.

[0039] In other words, the source radio of the fourth transceiver may be the destination radio of the first transceiver, and the destination radio of the third transceiver may be the source radio of the second transceiver.

[0040] The third transceiver may include features corresponding to any features of the first transceiver. The fourth transceiver may include features corresponding to any features of the second transceiver.

[0041] The radio device may be configured to relay a radio signal received by the second transceiver to the first transceiver via an analog signal path and retransmit the radio signal using the first transceiver during a period corresponding to one or more first time multiplexing routing configurations. The radio device may be configured to relay a radio signal received by the first transceiver to the second transceiver via an analog signal path and retransmit the radio signal using the second transceiver during a period corresponding to one or more second time multiplexing routing configurations. In other words, the relay between the first and second transceivers may be configured for duplex communication.

[0042] The radio device may also include a receiver channel coupled to the analog signal path and configured to detect the test signal. The receiver channel may include one or more of a frequency analyzer, a pulse analyzer, etc. The receiver channel and the radio device may not be able to extract and process data packets relayed via the analog signal channel. In other words, the receiver channel only needs to be configured to have a coarse resolution in time and frequency, and is not intended to be used to extract or process data packets relayed in the first frequency band. The receiver channel can be coupled to the analog signal path using one or more switches. The radio device can be configured to disconnect the receiver channel from the analog signal path when not in use.

[0043] The radio device may also include a second receiver channel coupled to the second analog signal path and configured to detect the test signal.The second receiver channel may be configured in any manner described with respect to the receiver channel.

[0044] The radio device may also include a test transmit channel coupled to the analog signal path and configured to inject a test signal for transmission by the first transceiver. The test transmit channel may be coupled to the analog signal path using one or more switches. The radio device may be configured to disconnect the test transmit channel from the analog signal path when not in use.

[0045] The radio device may also include a second test transmit channel coupled to the second analog signal path and configured to inject a test signal for transmission by the third transceiver.The second test transmit channel may be configured in any manner described with respect to the test transmit channel.

[0046] The system may include a plurality of radio devices. A wireless network may be formed between all radio devices. Each radio device may be configured to coordinate with all other radio devices via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping of the system for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band. Each radio device may be configured to coordinate with all other radio devices via the wireless network to determine one or more time multiplexing routing configurations for each of the radio devices.

[0047] The configuration of each radio device for coordinating with multiple other radio devices of the system via a wireless network to determine a network mapping can be, for each radio device, controlling a first transceiver of the radio device to transmit a test signal when scanning a first direction within an available angle range; monitoring one or more LOS confirmation messages transmitted by other radio devices via the wireless network, each LOS confirmation message including a reception time and an identifier of the corresponding other radio device; and in response to receiving a LOS confirmation message from one of the other radio devices, determining the first direction corresponding to the corresponding reception time and adding the other radio device to a routing table stored by the radio device and / or stored anywhere else within the system.

[0048] The routing table may include a list of other radios and corresponding first directions. A network map may be formed by aggregating the routing tables of the radio and all other radios communicatively coupled to the wireless network. Each radio may store a local routing table. The system may additionally store a copy of each local routing table at a centralized location, such as one of the radios or an additional device communicatively coupled to the wireless network. Each radio may broadcast a copy and / or update of its local routing table, and each radio may store a local copy of the routing table corresponding to some or all of the other radios in the system.

[0049] Each confirmation message may also include a quality metric.The routing table may also include a quality metric corresponding to each respective connection.

[0050] The test signal may encode a unique identifier of the radio device. The unique identifier may be encoded by modulating the frequency and / or amplitude of the test signal. The unique identifier may be encoded by the carrier frequency of the test signal.

[0051] The configuration of each radio device for coordinating with multiple other radio devices of the system via a wireless network to determine a network mapping may include, for each radio device: using a second transceiver of the radio device to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radio devices; and in response to receiving the test signal from one of the other radio devices, transmitting a LOS confirmation message to the other radio device via the wireless network. The LOS confirmation message may include an identifier of the radio device and a reception time corresponding to a maximum power of the test signal.

[0052] The source of the test signal for routing the confirmation message may be determined based on a unique identifier of the other radio device encoded in the test signal. The source of the test signal for routing the confirmation message may be determined based on a schedule defining a time at which the radio device and each of the other radio devices will transmit a test signal.

[0053] Receiving a test signal from one of the other radio devices may take the form of receiving a test signal that exceeds a threshold signal level. The threshold signal level may be a threshold power or a threshold amplitude. The threshold signal level may be set to a multiple of the standard error of the noise on the second receiver output. The threshold signal level may be set to the standard error, twice the standard error, three times the standard error, or five times the standard error. The standard error may be pre-calibrated, calibrated at installation, and / or updated periodically during use.

[0054] The process for determining a network mapping and one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios may be performed by a subset of one or more of the plurality of radios forming the system.

[0055] The processing for determining the network mapping and one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radio devices may be distributed across two of the plurality of radio devices forming the system.

[0056] One or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each radio device in the system may be determined based on a dynamic routing method. The dynamic routing method may be based on a distance-vector routing protocol. The dynamic routing method may be based on a link-state routing protocol. The dynamic routing method may be based on any known routing protocol and applied to a network mapping determined based on the first group and the second group of the radio device and each other radio device included in the wireless network.

[0057] The system may also include a gateway and one or more user devices. One or more time multiplexing routing configurations for each of the radio devices may be determined so that each of the multiple user devices has a connection to the gateway via the multiple radio devices during at least one time period. The system may include two or more gateways. One or more time multiplexing routing configurations for each of the radio devices may be determined so that each user device has a connection to at least one gateway during at least one time period.

[0058] Each user device may include a wireless transceiver for a first frequency band. In addition, the user device may include a wireless transceiver for a second frequency band. Any or all user devices connected to the system may be connected to a wireless network and may coordinate with the radio device to perform network mapping and / or routing configuration in a manner similar to the radio device. In other words, the user device may include any features of the radio device, except that a second wireless transceiver and an analog signal path are not required, and as a starting / end point for a radio signal. In other examples, the user device may additionally be used as a radio device for relaying radio signals.

[0059] The user device may be any of a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a laptop computer, etc. One, some or all of the user devices may be configured to transmit and / or receive steering data to one or more of the plurality of radio devices via a wireless network. The steering data may be as defined above.

[0060] The multiple radio devices forming the system may include one or more radio devices supported by the structure, one or more radio devices supported by the vehicle, and / or one or more user devices. Each of the one or more radio devices supported by the structure may be supported on the outside of the structure or supported inside the structure.

[0061] One or more user devices may also be radio devices defined according to the first aspect. Two or more radio devices of the multiple radio devices forming the system may be supported by a structure. The structure may be a building. Each radio device may be supported by a window, a wall (inside or outside), a door or a roof of a building. Each radio device may be supported by different windows. Two or more radio devices may be supported by the same window, wall (inside or outside), a door or a roof of a building. The structure may be a bus shelter, a lamp post or any other street furniture. Supported by a structure may include being attached to a structure, being mounted to a structure, etc. Supported by a structure may additionally or alternatively include that a radio device is incorporated into a structure or is formed integrally with the structure. Two or more radio devices of the multiple radio devices may be supported by two or more separate structures (structures having the same meaning as those already explained). All radio devices in the multiple radio devices may be supported on the corresponding structure.

[0062] The system may include a plurality of radios supported within one or more structures. In this manner, relaying of radio signals in the first frequency band may be seamlessly performed outside, around, and within the structure. In some examples, most or even all of the radios may be supported within a structure or the like (e.g., an underground railway / subway network) to provide relaying of radio signals in the first frequency band.

[0063] The vehicle may be a car, bus, van, truck, truck, etc. The system may include one or more radios supported on a window or part of the body of the vehicle.

[0064] Each radio of the plurality of radios forming the system may be positioned within 200 m, within 100 m, within 50 m, within 20 m, or within 10 m of at least one other radio of the plurality of radios.

[0065] The system may also include one or more control nodes. Each control node may be communicatively coupled to two or more of the radio devices. Each control node may be configured to coordinate network mapping and / or routing of the corresponding radio transceiver. Each control node may be communicatively coupled to the corresponding radio device via a wired network and / or a wireless network. Each control node may be communicatively coupled to the corresponding radio transceiver via a wireless network. Each control node may correspond to a radio device in a plurality of radio devices. Each radio device in the plurality of radio devices may include processing capacity, and control and coordination of network mapping and / or routing may be performed in parallel across the radio transceivers.

[0066] According to a method for networked relaying of radio signals within a first frequency band using a radio device according to the first aspect or a system including multiple radio devices according to the first aspect. The method includes coordinating the radio device with multiple other radio devices to determine a network mapping for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band. The method also includes determining one or more time multiplexing routing configurations of the radio device. The method also includes during each time period of one of multiple time periods corresponding to the time multiplexing routing configuration: turning the first transceiver of the radio device to a corresponding first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices; and in response to receiving a radio signal in the first frequency band using the second transceiver, relaying the radio signal via the analog signal path and retransmitting the radio signal using the first transceiver.

[0067] The method may comprise features corresponding to any features of the radio device of the first aspect or a system incorporating a plurality of radio devices according to the first aspect. Definitions applicable to the radio device of the first aspect or a system incorporating a plurality of radio devices according to the first aspect may equally apply to the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system including several radio devices for relaying radio signals;

[0070] Figure 2 Schematic illustration suitable for Figure 1 Radio devices used in systems;

[0071] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates a time multiplexing access scheme for radio device 2;

[0072] Figure 4 Another example of a system including a plurality of radio devices for relaying radio signals is schematically illustrated;

[0073] Figure 5A and 5B schematically illustrating a first directional configuration of a radio device;

[0074] Figure 6 schematically illustrating a second directional configuration of the radio device;

[0075] Figure 7 schematically illustrating a first configuration for switching between modes of a radio corresponding to different directivity configurations;

[0076] Figure 8 schematically illustrating a second configuration for switching between modes of a radio corresponding to different directivity configurations;

[0077] Fig. 9 An example of a layout of a planar antenna phased array is schematically illustrated;

[0078] Fig.10 Schematic illustration of a pair of radio devices separated by a line-of-sight blocking object;

[0079] Fig.11 is a process flow diagram of a method of mapping line-of-sight links between radio devices;

[0080] Fig.12 is a process flow diagram of a method for monitoring the status of a line-of-sight link;

[0081] Fig.13 A first exemplary system comprising a pair of structures is schematically illustrated;

[0082] Fig.14 schematically illustrating a second exemplary system corresponding to a portion of an urban area; and

[0083] Fig.15 A third exemplary system for relaying radio signals between and within a pair of buildings is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] In the following description, like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0085] The problem of line-of-sight to the base station and the problem of atmospheric and / or climate attenuation of the radio signal can be alleviated by adding additional wireless transceivers to the wireless network. The direction of the Poynting vector of the radio signal, especially for non-line-of-sight environments, is important to maximize the quality of service performance. For these reasons, directional line-of-sight communication is increasingly important for high data rate wireless communication networks.

[0086] The current wireless communication infrastructure is expected to encounter limitations and potential problems that will make it difficult to expand to higher frequencies, such as to (or beyond) mmWave. As the demand for higher bandwidth for new services such as mobile data, content streaming, etc. continues to rise, the size of the area (or "cell") covered by a single transmitter tower becomes smaller and smaller. This trend is expected to continue at frequencies above 5GHz, commonly referred to as "5G". The current cell tower infrastructure is approaching its limits, and as wireless communication networks increasingly move to line-of-sight, point-to-multipoint systems operating at high frequencies and high data rates, a new approach is needed. Such high-frequency communications, such as mmWave, can also benefit greatly from the use of massive multiple-input, multiple-output antenna architectures to allow beamforming and beam steering. Highly directional operation can help avoid multipath interference issues.

[0087] Driven by consumer demand for increasingly diverse and immersive mobile data services, such as high-definition video streaming, cloud-based services, augmented reality, etc., next-generation wireless communication networks and systems will need to provide high throughput, low latency, and reliability to remain competitive. For example, in addition to the currently planned infrastructure upgrade to 6 GHz, there is an additional 200 GHz of spectrum available at mm-wave frequencies that is underutilized and can potentially support data rates of around 10 to 50 Gb per second.

[0088] Wide spectrum does not mean it is unlimited, and other services will also utilize the same or adjacent frequency bands. If a large portion of the spectrum is exclusively granted to a single independent mobile network operator, the spectrum utilization will be low. The average consumer can utilize the cm-wave spectrum ranging from 3 to 30 GHz and the mm-wave spectrum from 30 to 40 GHz (up to 300 GHz).

[0089] There is also spectrum sharing in the 60 to 70 GHz range for mission-critical services, including smart city infrastructure, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and many other applications. Such services should preferably have access to continuous high-speed, low-latency connections, and shared spectrum helps ensure that devices are always connected.

[0090] While the line-of-sight problem that arises in such high frequency wireless communication networks can be initially addressed by adding additional wireless transceivers to the network, in practice, the immediate question that arises is how to map such a network and coordinate network routing given that many of the wireless transceivers in the network do not have line-of-sight to each other?

[0091] The present specification relates to wireless transceivers in the form of radio devices and systems thereof that address the problem of how to allow wireless networks to operate at high frequencies, requiring coordination of line-of-sight to allow relaying around obstacles. In particular, certain examples involve dynamically performing this coordination, which can be particularly important when radio devices can join and leave the network and / or can change position relative to each other during use.

[0092] refer to Figure 1 , showing several radio devices 2 A , …, 2 D The system 1 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 1 . Subscripts refer to individual instances, and reference to the wireless device 2 as a whole will be made without a subscript. The same convention applies to labeling the components of each wireless device 2.

[0093] Each radio device 2 (and the overall system 1) is configured to relay a first (or signal) frequency band Δf extending from a lower signal frequency f1 to an upper signal frequency f2 sig For this purpose, each radio device 2 comprises a radio signal 3 configured to send and / or receive a first frequency band Δf sig The first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 of the radio signal 3 in the first direction. Each first transceiver 4 can be electronically steered to a first direction ( Figure 2 ). For example, each first transceiver 4 may include or take the form of a phased antenna array. Each second transceiver 5 may be omnidirectional (eg, covering a large portion of a hemisphere), or may be electronically steerable to a second direction. ( Figure 2 ). When electronically steerable, the second transceiver may comprise or take the form of a phased antenna array.

[0094] Each radio device 2 also includes a control transceiver 6 for communicating with a wireless network 26 ( Figure 2 ), the wireless network 26 including the radio device 2 and other radio devices 2 belonging to the system 1. The control transceiver 6 is configured to communicate using a second (or control) frequency band Δf that extends from a lower control frequency f3 to an upper control frequency f4 cont for communication. The second frequency band Δf cont is lower than the first frequency band Δf sig (and the frequency bands preferably do not overlap). For example, f4 < f1, and in many cases, f4 << f1.

[0095] Each radio device 2 is configured to relay a radio signal 3 received by the second transceiver 5 to the first transceiver 4 via an internal analog (equivalent analogue) signal path 7 ( Figure 2 ) and retransmit the radio signal 3 using the first transceiver 4.

[0096] The system 1 may include radio devices 2 in any area / zone where the LOS of the radio signal 3 is easily interrupted. For example, the system 1 may be installed in an urban area and include radio devices 2 for relaying radio signals 3 externally around buildings and extending inside buildings to permit relaying radio signals 3 inside and / or underground. For example, the system 1 may include above-ground radio devices 2 that communicate with radio devices 2 in underground structures such as parking lots, underground railway / subway systems, etc. In this way, the system 1 can allow seamless relaying of radio signals 3 between external and internal environments.

[0097] The system 1 may include radio devices 2 owned or controlled by different persons or companies. For example, a telephone company may control radio devices 2 distributed around the outside of an urban area, while a building owner / manager may control radio devices 2 installed inside a specific building. All such sub-networks are capable of interoperating for relaying radio signals 3 across the boundaries between adjacent / interpenetrating sub-networks. However, in some instances, the controller of a sub-network may optionally choose to restrict or block relaying of radio signals 2 in a specific frequency range of the first frequency band Δf sig .

[0098] Also refer to Figure 2 for an example of a suitable radio device 2.

[0099] Although Figure 2A specific example of a radio device 2 is shown, but all radio devices 2 need not be identical as long as each radio device 2 in the system 1 is capable of providing the functionality described herein. For example, a radio device 2 according to the present specification should include at least first and second transceivers 4, 5, a control transceiver 6, and an analog signal path 7.

[0100] exist Figure 2 In an example of , the radio device 2 includes a first transceiver 4 and a second transceiver 5 connected by an analog signal path 7, a control transceiver 6, a controller 8, a power supply unit 9, and a battery 10. Optionally, the power supply unit 8 may be further coupled to a main connection 11 external to the radio device 2 and / or coupled to one or more energy harvesting devices 12. For example, the battery 10 can be recharged using power from the energy harvesting device 12. In another example, the radio device 2 can be configured to run from a main power source during normal operation, with the battery 10 used as a backup in the event of a power failure. The power supply unit 9 distributes and regulates the power supplied to the controller 8 and the analog signal path 7. As further described below, the analog signal path 7 includes elements, such as amplifiers for receiving and transmitting radio signals 3, and is generally expected to draw more power than the controller 8.

[0101] Controller 8 includes a digital electronic processor 13, volatile memory 14 (e.g., random access memory (RAM) for computation), a clock 15 (which may be integrated with processor 13 in some examples), a network interface 16, and non-volatile storage 17 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), hard drive, etc.). The components of controller 8 (and potentially other components of radio 2) are interconnected by a bus 18. Controller 8 also includes a beamforming module 19, a test transmit channel 20, and a receiver channel 21.

[0102] The beamforming module 19 controls the first transceiver 4 to electronically steer to a first angle (relative to the first reference direction 22). When the second transceiver 5 is also capable of electronic steering, the beamforming module 19 additionally controls the second transceiver 5 to electronically steer to a second angle (relative to the second reference direction 23). The test transmission channel 20 is configured to generate a test signal 24 and inject it into the simulated signal path 7 to be used by the first transceiver 4 in the network mapping procedure described below (see Fig.11 ) during transmission. The receiver channel 21 obtains a sample 25 of the signal received by the second transceiver 5 to facilitate the network mapping procedure described below by the different radio devices 2 (see Fig.11 ) during the detection of the test signal 24 emitted.

[0103] Each of the beamforming modules 19, the test transmit channels 20, and the receiver channels 21 (or any combination) may be provided by a software block maintained in the storage device 17 and executed by the processor 13, or may alternatively be implemented using a specially configured hardware circuit. In some examples, each of the beamforming modules 19, the test transmit channels 20, and the receiver channel modules 21 (or any combination) may be provided by a combination of specially configured hardware circuits and software executed by the processor 13.

[0104] A wireless network 26 is formed between all radio devices 2 in the system 1. Each radio device 2 is configured to coordinate with all other radio devices 2 via the wireless network 26, such as by exchanging one or more control and coordination messages 27 via respective control transceivers 6.

[0105] The first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 may be configured for radio signals with carrier frequencies between f1=5 GHz and f2=300 GHz. Preferably, the first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 may be configured for radio signals according to the 5G definition used in 5G Evolution: A View on 5G Cellular Technology Beyond 3GPP Release 15 by Amitabha Ghosh, Andreas Maeder, Matthew Baker and Devaki Chandramouli, IEEE Access (2019), Vol. 7, p. 127639, DOI 10.1109 / ACCESS.2019.2939938. Another preferred range is between f1=30 GHz and f2=300 GHz. These ranges represent frequency ranges that are expected to become increasingly relevant in the coming year, but in principle the operating frequencies of the first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 are limited only by the state of the art in antenna design and associated electronics. For example, the first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 may be configured for radio signals with carrier frequencies exceeding 300 GHz or even exceeding 1 THz. As explained herein, the direct analog signal path 7 provided between the first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 enables signal relaying at high frequencies without the need for the radio device 2 to down-convert the relayed radio signal 3, convert to the digital domain or even understand its routing content. This keeps the complexity, cost and power consumption of the radio device 2 as low as possible, which is important considering the number required to provide line-of-sight networks in some environments, such as urban environments.

[0106] However, using the analog signal path 7 to relay the signal without intermediate down-conversion or processing etc. means that the relayed radio signal 3 itself cannot provide the addressing / routing information required by the radio device 2 to turn the first transceiver 4 and route the radio signal 3 to the intended destination. In the radio device 2 of the present specification, this is achieved by the radio device 2 communicating and coordinating via the wireless network 26 accessed using the control transceiver 6. The radio device 2 communicates via the wireless network 26 (in the second frequency band Δf cont to generate the first frequency band Δf sig Network mapping for line-of-sight communications in , and coordinated time multiplexing access schemes (see Figure 3 ) for directing the first wireless transceiver 4 (and optionally also the second wireless transceiver 5) of each radio device 2 to relay the radio signal 3. For example, between one or more user devices 28 and a gateway 29 connected to another network (such as (for example) the Internet) or a mobile communication network base station connected to a wider network, etc.

[0107] In order to allow communication between radio devices 2 that may not have line of sight with each other, the wireless network 26 operates in the lower second frequency band Δf cont In operation, the second frequency band should be in a state where significant diffraction effects and / or penetration of obstacles (such as walls, glass windows, etc.) is still possible (see also Fig.10 ) frequency. For example, the wireless network may comply with the IEEE 802.11ax-2021 standard, for example, released on May 19, 2021, which may correspond to 3G or 4G (specifically refer to the latest released standard as of September 1, 2022).

[0108] The first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 may be configured as described in WO 2022 / 157479A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 may be configured for analog signal relaying, as described in WO 2022 / 157479A1. Fig.10 and / or 21 to 23 descriptions.

[0109] Each radio device 2 is configured to coordinate with other radio devices 2 in the system 1 via the wireless network 26 to control the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 to determine a network mapping for relaying radio signals 3 within the first frequency band Δf1. Figure 1 , after generating a network map of the illustrated system 1, a number of line-of-sight (LOS) links 31 are indicated. The subscripts of the LOS links 31 indicate the elements connected between them, e.g., LOS links 31 AC Connecting the first and third radio devices 2 A and 2 C, while the LOS link 31 1D Connecting the first user device 28 to the fourth radio device 2 D And LOS link 31 AG The first radio device 2 A Connect to gateway 29.

[0110] Figure 1 The network mapping is described according to the LOS link 31. For example, the third radio device 2 C With LOS link 31 1C and 31 2C to receive from two user devices 281, 282 and via LOS link 31 CD From the fourth radio device 4 D Receive. Third radio device 2 C With forward LOS link 31 AC To transmit to the first radio device 2 A , but not to the second radio device 2 B The LOS link 31 is blocked because the LOS is blocked by the LOS blocking object 33. Although described as a unidirectional LOS link in the previous example, the LOS link 31 can be bidirectional (or duplex), depending on the configuration of the linking radio device 2 (the following includes an example of a radio device 2 configured for bidirectional relaying).

[0111] The LOS blocking object 33 may take the form of any object or portion of an object that blocks or attenuates the first frequency band Δf sig The LOS blocking objects 33 may include, but are not limited to: buildings or other structures; interior or exterior walls, windows, floors and / or ceilings of buildings or other structures; vehicles, such as trucks, cars, etc.; plants, such as trees; etc.

[0112] A specific method for determining the network mapping of LOS link 31 is described below (see e.g. Fig.11 It can be noted that the low frequency Δf connected via the control transceiver 6 cont The wireless network 26 also performs network mapping and routing. However, with the first frequency band Δf sig Compared to signal relaying in , network mapping in wireless network 26 is conventional (e.g., according to IEEE 802.11ax-2021s) and is not described in this document for the sake of brevity.

[0113] Each radio device 2 is further configured to coordinate with other radio devices 2 in the system 1 via the wireless network 26 to determine one or more time multiplexed routing configurations 30 ( Figure 3To aid in the calculation of the network mapping and routing configuration 30, the user devices 28, gateways 29 and any other devices to / from which the radio signals 3 in the first frequency band Δf1 are to be relayed should preferably also be connected to the wireless network 26 via a compatible transceiver (not shown).

[0114] Also refer to Figure 3 , schematically illustrating a time multiplexed access scheme 32 of a radio device 2.

[0115] The total period has a duration T and is divided into N individual sub-period periods. Each period may correspond to a particular routing configuration 30. During a period corresponding to a time multiplexed routing configuration 30, the radio device 2 is configured to steer the first transceiver 4 to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to (i.e., directed toward) one of the other radio devices 2.

[0116] For example, refer again to Figure 1 , it is described in the first radio device 2 A The routing configuration is configured in (eg, during time 0 to t1) to route the signal from the third radio device 2 C Relay to gateway 29 (at Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a LOS link 31 for relaying a radio signal 3 is illustrated by a solid line. Figure 1 The LOS link 31 which is not actively used for relaying the radio signal 3 is illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. This can be achieved by coordination so that the fourth radio device 2 D During this period the received radio signal 3 is not retransmitted (for example by switching off the power supply to the amplifier used for transmission). Additionally or alternatively, if the first radio device 2 A A second transceiver 5 having electronic guidance A , then the first radio device 2 A The second transceiver 5 may be configured to A Aim for the third radio unit 2 C , so that radio signals 3 originating therefrom are enhanced compared to radio signals arriving from other directions. Synchronisation of clocks 15 for maintaining timing across system 1 may be coordinated via a wireless network 26.

[0117] In the subsequent sub-period (eg, time t1 to t2), the first radio device 2 A Change from the fourth radio device 2 D Received while continuing to relay to gateway 29. In other words, for a given radio, two or more (or even all) of the time multiplexed routing configurations 30 may be the same because routing configurations 30 are calculated for the system 1 as a whole.

[0118] Optionally, the duration T of the total period may also include additional periods. For example, the period t of each total period N-1 to N Can be used to perform network mapping tasks, such as the following about Fig.11 describe.

[0119] Also refer to Figure 4 , with respect to four LOS blocking objects 331, 332, 333, 334 and four user devices 281, 282, 283, 284, schematically illustrating the 11 radio devices 2 A , 2 B , …, 2 L A second instance of the system 1b is desired to be connected to the gateway 29. It should be noted that for the eighth radio 2, the subscript "G" is skipped to avoid confusion with the gateway 29, as the subscript "G" is already used.

[0120] Figure 4 Description of the first frequency band Δf used for relaying sig 3 in the form of a determined network mapping of a radio signal 3 in the form of a LOS link 31. An exemplary time multiplexing access scheme 32 that allows all four user devices 281, 282, 283, 284 to communicate with the gateway 29 should be described. The described scheme is for illustrative purposes only and is not exclusive (i.e., other routing configurations using the same network mapping may also be employed). For the purpose of describing the exemplary time multiplexing access scheme 32, it is assumed that the link 31 is bidirectional and the angles drawn are purely schematic.

[0121] The exemplary time multiplexing access scheme 32 includes N=2 sub-periods, and the gateway 29 is capable of receiving from at least two sources concurrently. During the first sub-period, the first user device 281 and the fourth user device 284 are not connected to the gateway 29, and the second user device 282 (in sequence) receives the signal via the radio device 2 J , 2 D and 2 B connected to the gateway 29, and the third user device 283 (in sequence) via the radio device 2 L , 2 F and 2 C Connected to the gateway 29. For simplicity, the connection between the second device 282 and the gateway is labeled 2-JDBG, the connection between the third device 283 and the gateway is labeled 3-LFCG, and the configuration of the first sub-period is as follows:

[0122] [2-JDBG; 3-LFCG]

[0123] This first sub-period is Figure 4The solid lines are used to indicate active connections. The first user device 281 and the fourth user device 284 can communicate with the gateway 29 during the second sub-period, and the second sub-period uses, for example, a path configuration:

[0124] [1-ABG; 4-FCG]

[0125] By alternating these two configurations, all four user devices 281, ..., 284 can communicate with the gateway 29, but none of them have a direct LOS to the gateway 29.

[0126] The radios 2 do not receive, down-convert and process information from the relayed radio signals 3 (although they may optionally do so in addition to relaying via the analog signal path 7). Instead, each radio is more like a programmable "pipe" with at least one steerable output provided by steering the first transceiver 4. Preferably, the second transceiver 5 is also steerable, allowing each radio 2 to be configured to receive from a specific "source" radio 2 and relay signals to a specific "destination" radio 2 during each routing configuration 30.

[0127] For example, in the described example access scheme 32, the radio device 2 B Cycle between two routing configurations stored locally in a table, for example:

[0128] Routing Configuration source Target 1 D G 2 A G

[0129] Radio Device 2 B A routing table (or equivalent structure) will also be stored locally that includes the first angle corresponding to each possible source and destination radio device 2, gateway 29 and / or user device 28. and the second angle

[0130] In general, more than one path may be used to connect two points in the network map formed by determined LOS links 31. The routes should preferably be calculated to minimize the number of sub-cycles in the access scheme 32 in order to allow the longest possible transmission window.

[0131] In the following about Fig.11 A method for determining a LOS link 31 formed for relaying a first frequency band Δf is described. sig However, once the network mapping and the corresponding steering angle are determined The routing configuration 30 may then be determined in any suitable manner. For example, the determination of the time multiplexed routing configuration 30 for each radio device 2 of the system 1, 1b may be based on a dynamic routing method such as, for example, a distance-vector routing protocol, a link-state routing protocol, or the like.

[0132] Each radio device 2 may be configured to coordinate with other radio devices 2 belonging to the system 1 to determine the network mapping according to a preset schedule. For example, after cycling through a predetermined number of time periods T (e.g., one hundred or more). Additionally or alternatively, each radio device 2 may be configured to coordinate with other radio devices 2 belonging to the system 1 to determine the network mapping in response to a triggering event. For example, a mapping request message may be sent in response to a new radio device 2 joining the wireless network 26, in response to one of the radio devices 2 leaving the wireless network 26, in response to a radio device 2 reporting that a LOS link 31 stored in its local routing table is no longer responsive (see, e.g., Fig.12 ) etc.

[0133] Some or all of the radios 2 may be configured to transmit steering data to one or more of the other radios 2 in the system (via the wireless network 26) to provide additional input to the network mapping. The steering data may include one or more of the following: the location of the radio 2 (e.g., GPS location), the speed of the radio, and the acceleration of the radio 2 (e.g., from and the orientation of the radio 2. The radios 2 may be configured to exchange steering data via the wireless network. This may be particularly useful when one or more of the radios 2 are mobile, such as mounted to a vehicle.

[0134] Each user device 28 includes a wireless transceiver for the first frequency band Δf1. Although the radio device 2 can only listen to the radio signal 3 transmitted from the user device 28, it is preferred that the user device 28 is also connected to the system 1 via the wireless network 26 so that they can coordinate with the radio device 2 to perform network mapping and / or routing configuration in a manner similar to the radio device 2. In other words, except that the second wireless transceiver 5 and the analog signal path 7 are not required, and as the starting / end point of the radio signal instead of a relay, the user device 28 can include any feature or function of the radio device 2 described herein. In this way, when referring to the function of the radio device 2 other than the relay, this should be understood to include the user device 28, the gateway 29, and any other device that can be connected to transmit and / or receive the radio signal 3 in the first frequency band Δf1 via the radio device 2.

[0135] Examples of user devices 28 may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones / smartphones, tablet computers, smart watches, laptop computers, etc. One, some, or all of the user devices may be configured to transmit and / or receive turning data of the type described above.

[0136] In other examples, some or all of the user devices 28 may additionally function as radios for relaying radio signals 3. This may be accomplished by providing the user devices 28 with analog signal paths 7 similar to those of the radio devices 2. However, since the user devices 28 will typically be configured to down-convert and interpret the radio signals 3, the user devices 28 may be used to provide more conventional relaying of the radio signals 3 (e.g., by down-converting, decoding, interpreting, and then retransmitting).

[0137] The processing for determining the network mapping and one or more time multiplexed routing configurations 30 for each of the radio devices 2 is performed by a subset of one or more of the radio devices 2. For example, some of the radio devices 2 may be equipped with a more powerful processor 13 and expanded memory 14, and may perform mapping and routing coordination over a sub-region of the system 1. Such radio devices 2 may then transmit the routing configuration 30 for each radio device 2 in the sub-region to the radio devices 2 over the wireless network 26.

[0138] The system may also include one or more control nodes (not shown), each communicatively coupled to two or more of the radio devices 2. Each control node (not shown) may be configured to coordinate network mapping and / or routing for the corresponding radio devices 2, and should be communicatively coupled to those radio devices 2 via the wired network and / or wireless network 26. In some examples, the control node may also be the radio device 2, but again, in other examples, the control node may provide coordination functionality, also without the need to relay the radio signals 3.

[0139] Alternatively, the processing for determining the network mapping and one or more time multiplexed routing configurations 30 for each of the radio devices is distributed in parallel across two or more, or even all, of the radio devices 2 .

[0140] Concurrent two-way relay

[0141] Special References Figure 2 , the radio device 2 shown may be suitable for simultaneous two-way (duplex) relaying of a radio signal 3 by duplicating the first wireless transceiver 4 and the second wireless transceiver 5 and the analog signal path 7 .

[0142] In other words, by including a third and fourth transceiver (not shown) for the first frequency band Δf1. The third transceiver should be capable of electronic steering to a third direction (not shown) and be configured the same as the first transceiver 4, except that the third transceiver points in substantially the same direction as the second transceiver 5. Similarly, the fourth transceiver should be the same as the second transceiver 5, except that the fourth transceiver points in substantially the same direction as the first transceiver 4. The second analog signal path (not shown) should be configured the same as the analog signal path 7, except that the second analog signal path relays the radio signal 3 received by the fourth transceiver to the third transceiver (also without down-conversion or digitization), and retransmits the radio signal 3 using the third transceiver. The radio device modified in this manner can be configured to steer the third transceiver and optionally the fourth transceiver (if capable of electronic steering) during the period corresponding to each time multiplexing routing configuration 30 so as to relay the radio signal 3 in the opposite direction to the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5. In other words, the source radio of the fourth transceiver is the destination radio of the first transceiver 4 , and the destination radio of the third transceiver is the source radio of the second transceiver 5 .

[0143] Alternatively, the third and fourth transceivers (not shown) may be oriented independently of the first and second transceivers 4, 5, allowing the radio device 2 to form a crossover in two different relay paths simultaneously.

[0144] Time multiplexing two-way relay

[0145] An alternative to bidirectional relaying is to time multiplex the relaying direction. For example, the radio device may be configured to relay a radio signal 3 received by the second transceiver 5 to the first transceiver 4 via the analog signal path 7, and during some time multiplexed routing configurations 30 use the first transceiver 4 to retransmit the radio signal 3. During other time multiplexed routing configurations, the radio device 2 is configured to instead relay a radio signal received by the first transceiver 4 to the second transceiver 5 via the analog signal path and use the second transceiver 5 to retransmit the radio signal 3 for retransmission.

[0146] This approach can reduce the amount of duplication required for two-way communication, but relaying in both directions will require low noise amplifiers for received signals and power amplifiers for retransmission at both ends of the analog signal path 7. Nevertheless, the need to duplicate antennas for the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 is avoided.

[0147] Directional configuration of radio devices

[0148] The radio device 2 is described above as having:

[0149] 1) a first transceiver 4 capable of electronic steering and a wide-angle second transceiver 5; or

[0150] 2) Both the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 are electronically steerable.

[0151] Also refer to Figure 5A and 5B , showing a first directional configuration 34. Figure 5B The horizontal axis is relative to Figure 5A The x-axis is rotated around the z-axis by an angle α1, as Figure 5B Displayed in.

[0152] The first angle (direction) to which the first transceiver 4 turns is a 3D angle, which, for the sake of clarity in the following discussion, may be defined according to a first longitude angle α1 and a first latitude angle β1 in a coordinate system defined relative to the radio device 5. The first angle represents the angle between the first Poynting vector 35 and the first reference direction 2. The first Poynting vector 35 corresponds to the maximum power of the main lobe of the first transceiver 4, which is ideally of width w b In practice, the first beam 36 will diverge with the distance from the radio device 2 (w b Increase), but preferably, the divergence over typical distances between radio devices 2 of the system 1 should preferably be minimized. Figure 5A In the illustration, the first reference direction 22 corresponds to the illustrated x-axis, a first longitude angle α1 is defined between the first reference direction 22 and a projection of the first Poynting vector 35 onto the xy plane, and a first latitude angle β1 is defined between the first Poynting vector 35 and the xy plane, as illustrated, in a plane parallel to the z-axis.

[0153] First Angle is defined by a first angle range 37. In other words, the first angle The first Poynting vector 35 (i.e., the main lobe) of the corresponding radiation pattern may be steered to be oriented within a first angular range 37. For example, the first angular range may correspond to -α 1min ≤α1≤α 1max and -β 1min ≤β1≤β 1max For some first transceivers 4, a constant angle limit may be a reasonable approximation, but in some cases the longitude limit may be a function of latitude, ie α 1min (β1), α 1max (β1), and vice versa, β 1min (α1), β 1max (α1).

[0154] In the first directivity configuration 34, the second transceiver 5 has a main lobe of a corresponding radiation pattern corresponding to a second angular range 38, the second angular range 38 being defined with respect to coordinates aligned with the second reference direction 23 in a manner similar to the first transceiver 4. Figure 5A and 5B In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first direction 22 and the second direction 23 correspond to opposite directions parallel to the illustrated x-axis. The second angular range 38 represents the second transceiver 5 detecting the angles along the second reference direction 23. The sensitivity of the second transceiver 5 to the incident radio signal 3 is practically the sensitivity of the second transceiver 5 to all incident angles within the second angular range 38. (i.e., –α 2min ≤α2≤α 2max And –β 2min ≤β2≤β 2max ) have variable sensitivity. In some examples, the second angular range 38 may be defined by angles outside which the sensitivity to the incident radio signal 3 drops below a specified threshold (e.g. 50% power) of the normalized value corresponding to the second reference direction 23 (α2=0, β2=0).

[0155] Although the beam width w is equal in longitude and latitude b illustrative purposes, but in practice, the size and cross-sectional shape of the first beam 36 may be different in different directions and / or may vary depending on the center angle. It varies.

[0156] Also refer to Figure 6 , showing a second directional configuration 39.

[0157] The second directivity configuration 39 is identical to the first directivity configuration 34 , except that the second transceiver 5 may also be steered to a second beam 40 having a second Poynting vector 41 .

[0158] Although the first beam 36 and the second beam 40 have equal beam widths w b This is illustrated, but reflects a similar or identical preference as the first transceiver 4 when the second transceiver 5 is steerable, which is not required.

[0159] The direction configurations 34, 39 are illustrated as the first reference direction 22 and the second reference direction 23 being oriented in opposite directions along the same axis, this is not required, and in general, the first reference direction 22 and the second reference direction 23 may be oriented at any angle between 180° and 0° relative to each other. In some examples, the first angular range 37 and the second angular range 38 may overlap, but in some applications, the overlap may be undesirable and may be avoided.

[0160] Switchable radiation pattern

[0161] Either or both of the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 can be switched between operating in a first mode corresponding to a signal including being able to be electronically steered to a corresponding direction and operating in a second mode. The second mode corresponds to receiving signals from a wider angular distribution (e.g., corresponding angular ranges 37, 38). Figure 5A and 5B In the first directional configuration 34, the first transceiver 4 is in the first mode and the second transceiver is in the second mode. Figure 6 In the second directional configuration 39 , both the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 operate in the first mode.

[0162] Switching can be accomplished in two main ways. Figure 7 , showing a first switching configuration 42.

[0163] In the first switching configuration 42, the first and second modes correspond to switching between different antennas or antenna arrays. The first transceiver 4 and / or the second transceiver 5 may include a switch 43 that selects between a wide-angle antenna (or antenna array) 44 and a phased antenna array 45. In this way, the input / output 46 of the transceivers 4, 5 can be switched between wide-angle and steerable reception / transmission.

[0164] Also refer to Figure 8 , showing a second switching configuration 47. The second switching configuration is illustrated for the receiver side, but adaptation to the transmitting side is obvious.

[0165] In the second switching configuration 47, the first and second modes correspond to the same antenna or antenna array. The transceiver 4, 5 comprises N antennas 481, 482, ..., 48 n , …, 48 N Each antenna 48 n The output of the switching block 49 can be connected to the corresponding switch SW n The beamforming block 50 switches between the common amplifier 51 (optionally via one or more filters / filter banks 56). The beamforming block 50 includes a corresponding n channels, each channel comprising a corresponding channel amplifier 52 n and applying a phase shift δ n Phase shifter 53 n Each phase shifter 531, ..., 53 N The outputs of are summed by adder 54 to provide beamformed output 55. Each channel may also include one or more filters / filter banks 56 n Phase shift δ nis controllable (e.g. using the beamforming module 19 of the controller 8) to steer the beams 36, 40 in a desired direction

[0166] In the first mode, antennas 481, ..., 48 N By switching switches SW1, SW N The corresponding channels connected to the beamforming block 50 provide beamforming outputs 55 to be controlled as a phased array. N Some or all of the channels are switched to connect to a common (or summing) amplifier 51, the output of which has reduced directional dependence compared to the beamforming of the first mode. The common amplifier 51 may also have a larger output than any channel amplifier 52 used during the first mode. n In other examples, there may be more than one common (or summing) amplifier 51, each corresponding to antenna 481, ..., 48 N A subset of .

[0167] Also refer to Fig. 9 , showing an example of a layout of a phased array of planar antennas 48.

[0168] The antennas 48 are arranged in a square (or rectangular grid) having rows r1, ..., r6 and columns c1, ..., c6 (the exact number of rows and columns is not important and need not be equal). In the illustrated example, the antennas 48 take the form of planar antennas. The regular spacing of the antenna elements and the finite impedance between each antenna 48 and adjacent antennas means that simply summing the output of each antenna 48 using a common amplifier 51 can still result in angular dependence of sensitivity. In a second mode, this can be mitigated by summing the outputs from a subset (e.g., a single row r1, ..., r6 or a single column c1, ..., c6), as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 . For example, summing columns c1 will result in an angular dependence of the response in the latitude β direction, but will result in a substantially wide-angle (or even omnidirectional) response in the longitude α direction. Summing rows (such as r3 illustrated) provides the same functionality with the latitude and longitude reversed. In many applications / installations, a given radio 2 may only require a wide-angle response in one direction.

[0169] Radios coordinate to establish LOS link

[0170] Also refer to Fig.10 , showing a pair of radio devices 2 separated by a LOS blocking object 33 A , 2 B .

[0171] The radio signals 3 in the first frequency band Δf1 are high frequency, for example 5 GHz or higher. As the frequency increases, the absorbance of materials such as buildings and / or the environment (especially water) also increases. In addition, there is diffraction around obstacles compared to lower frequency radio signals whose wavelengths are closer to the scale of buildings and other obstacles. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the radio signal 3 in the first frequency band Δf1 is blocked, and the radio device 5 A , 5 B Unable to communicate with each other.

[0172] The LOS relay network can be designed and installed and configured based on knowledge of the size and relative location of the LOS blocking obstacles 33. However, this is time consuming and inflexible to any changes in the environment. It would be preferable if the radios 2 could be installed and then dynamic network mapping could be performed to determine which other radios 2 a particular radio 2 has a LOS link 31 with. This process requires timing and coordination between the radios 2, and communications in the desired first frequency band Δf1 are not suitable due to LOS issues. In this specification, the proposed solution is to use a radio 2 that communicates via a wireless network 26 operating in a lower second frequency range Δf2.

[0173] The second frequency range Δf2 should be selected so that the control and coordination messages 27 broadcasted by the wireless network 26 can penetrate (271) and / or diffract (272) around the LOS blocking obstacle 33. For example, at some frequencies, the control and coordination messages 27 broadcasted by the first radio device 2 A The control and coordination message 270 transmitted in the second frequency range Δf2 may be transmitted 271 through the LOS blocking obstacle 33. There will be some attenuation, but if the receiving second radio device 2 B Similarly, at lower frequencies (compared to the first frequency range Δf2), there may additionally or alternatively be diffraction around / through the corners of the gap 57 in the LOS blocking obstacle 33, thereby causing the second radio device 2 to emit a signal higher than the noise. B A detectable diffraction signal 272 is generated at.

[0174] In this way, using the wireless network 26 operating in the second frequency range Δf2, the radio devices 2 of the present specification may be aware of each other and may coordinate to implement the methods described herein.

[0175] Network Mapping Methods

[0176] Also refer to Fig.11 , illustrating a method of mapping LOS links 31 between radio devices 2 in a system 1.

[0177] A coordinated (i.e., synchronized) network mapping is initiated between all radios 2 or at least a subset of radios 2 corresponding to a particular sub-area of ​​the system (e.g., a street or building) (step S1). The network mapping process may be performed on a schedule and / or in response to a request message in response to, for example, detecting a change in the mapping of a wireless network 26 (due to a radio 2 joining or leaving) or in response to detecting a disrupted LOS link 31 (see also Fig.12 ) is produced by the method described in .

[0178] During the network mapping process, each radio 2 or at least each radio belonging to a subset to be mapped is assigned a time slot for broadcasting a test signal (step S2). When the radio 2 is not transmitting, it is set to listening mode (step S3). The test signal 24 may encode the radio 2 n The unique identifier may be encoded by modulating the frequency and / or amplitude of the test signal 24, or the unique identifier may correspond to using a particular carrier frequency for the test signal 24. Alternatively, the radio device 2 transmitting the test signal 24 may be a wireless device 200 that transmits the test signal 24. n The identity of can be determined by correlating the reception time with the time slot allocation used to send the test transmission.

[0179] Reference again Figure 2 , the radio device 2 may include a test transmit channel 20 that is coupled to the analog signal path 7 and configured to inject a test signal 24 to be transmitted by the first transceiver 4. For example, the test transmit channel 20 may be coupled to the analog signal path 7 using one or more switches, and the radio device 2 may be configured to disconnect the test transmit channel 20 from the analog signal path 7 when not in use.

[0180] During the corresponding time slot, each radio device 2 (eg, N radio devices 21, . . . , 2 N The nth radio device 2 n ) uses its first transceiver 4 n The test signal 24 is transmitted while scanning the first direction within the available angle range. (Step S4). For example, the first transceiver 4 may be at a longitude angle α across the first angle range 37. 1min ≤α1≤α 1max and latitude angle β 1min ≤β1≤β 1max The test signal 24 is continuously transmitted while performing a raster scan of the first beam 36. b As long as there is enough overlap, there is no need to scan every possible angle. For example, when scanning all longitude angles α at a given latitude angle β1 1min ≤α1≤α1max After that, the latitude angle β1 can be repeatedly scanned at the longitude angle α 1min ≤α1≤α 1max Previous shift and beam width w b The fraction (e.g., 75%, 50%, 25%, etc.) of The beam width w b There is enough overlap to ensure that no potential receiving radio is missed, the longitude angle α 1min ≤α1≤α 1max The scans do not need to be continuous.

[0181] The radio devices 2 in the listening mode (step S3) are configured to use the respective second transceivers 5 to listen for more test signals 24 transmitted by other radio devices 2. Fig.11 In the example shown in Fig.11 Radio Device 2 k1 , 2 k2 (where k1≠k2≠n) received at different times by the nth radio device 2 n The transmitted test signal 24. Since they are not in the same position, the k1th and k2th radio devices 2 k1 , 2 k2 The beam 36 is received at different times during the scan. To avoid false alarms, confirmation of detection of the test signal 24 may require that the received test signal 24 exceed a threshold signal level, such as, for example, a threshold power or a threshold amplitude. The threshold signal level may be set to the receiving radio 2 k1 , 2 k2 The standard error corresponding to each radio device 2 may be pre-calibrated, calibrated at installation, and / or updated periodically during use. In this manner, if the strength of the incident test signal 24 exceeds the threshold signal level, then it is determined that the LOS link 31 exists.

[0182] Reference again Figure 2, each radio device may also include a receiver channel 21, which is coupled to the analog signal path 7 and is configured to obtain a sample 25 of the received signal. The sample 25 can be used to detect a test signal 24 during a network mapping procedure. The receiver channel 21 may include one or more of a frequency analyzer, a pulse analyzer, etc. In this way, although the receiver channel 21 and the radio device 2 do not need to (and are not typically configured to) be able to extract and process data packets of the radio signal 3 relayed via the analog signal path 7, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the received signal. In other words, the receiver channel only needs to be configured to have a coarse resolution in time and frequency, and is not intended to be used to extract or process data packets relayed in the first frequency band Δf1. The receiver channel 21 can be coupled to the analog signal path 7 using one or more switches (not shown), and the radio device 2 can be configured to disconnect the receiver channel 21 from the analog signal path 7 when not in use.

[0183] When the second transceiver 5 is also capable of electronic steering, the process of monitoring (step S3) the test signal may also include scanning the second direction within the second angular range 38. In such cases, the monitoring of radio devices 2 (e.g. k1 , 2 k2 ) for the second direction The scanning rate and the transmitting radio device 2 (for example 2 n ) for the first direction The scanning rate of the monitoring radio device 2 (for example, 2 k1 , 2 k2 ) will be able to transmit from the transmitting radio device 2 (e.g. 2 n ) to complete the scanning of the corresponding second angular range 38 during the expected dwell time of the first beam 46. The typical dwell time can be based on, for example, the beam width w of the first beam 36. b , First Angle The slew rate of the first beam 36 and the size of the second transceiver 5 of the radio device 2 are estimated. In this way, the chance of missing the detection of the incident first beam 36 can be reduced.

[0184] When the second transceiver 5 can be in a first directional mode and a second wide-angle (or omnidirectional) mode (for example, as described in relation to Figures 7 to 9 When operating in the listening mode (step S3), the radio device 2 (e.g., 2 k1 , 2 k2 ) can be configured to operate the second transceiver 5 in the second mode so as to more easily detect the incident test signal 24. In this way, the directional mode can be used during relaying, while the wide angle mode is used during network mapping, thereby allowing faster scanning of transmitting radio devices 2 (e.g., 2 n )'s first angle Because the second angle on the receiver side No scanning required.

[0185] In response to the transmitting radio device 2 n , Monitoring radio device 2 k1 , 2 k2 Receive test signal 24, monitor radio device 2 k1 , 2 k2 The test signal is processed (step S5) and a LOS confirmation message 58 is transmitted to the transmitting radio device 2 via the wireless network 26. n The LOS confirmation message 58 is an example of a control and coordination message and includes a monitoring radio device 2 k1 , 2 k2 The identifier of the test signal 24 and the reception time t corresponding to the maximum received signal (eg power / amplitude) of the test signal 24 rec In other words, the receiving time t rec corresponds to a best estimate of when the first beam 36 is centered on the receiving second transceiver 5. To route the LOS confirmation message 58 via the wireless network 26, the transmitting radio device 2 may be based on the code in the test signal 24. n unique identifier or by comparing the received time t rec and define the period during which each radio device 2 (eg, 2 n )Transmit test signal( Fig.11 For transmitting radio device 2 n The source of the test signal 24 (ie, the transmitting radio device 2) is determined by scheduling the time slot of the test signal 24 from step S2 of the description. n ).

[0186] In transmitting the test signal 24 and scanning the first direction At the same time, the transmitting radio device 2 n Monitoring by monitoring radio device 2 via wireless network 26 k1 , 2 k2 One or more LOS confirmation messages 58 are transmitted. In response to the LOS confirmation message 58 being transmitted from the listening radio 2 k1 , 2 k2 One of the listening radio devices 2 receives the LOS confirmation message 58 and records the confirmation (step S6). The listening radio device 2 that sends the LOS confirmation message 58 and is identified by the identifier contained in the message 58 k1 , 2 k2 With the radio device pointed at 2 k1 , 2 k2 The first direction Together are added to the transmitting radio 2 nThe routing table stored (e.g., in the storage device 17) is based on the reception time t of the LOS confirmation message 58 from rec The first direction of the time Correlation determines the corresponding first direction In this way, the routing table uses a given radio 2 n The other radio devices 2 with which the LOS link 31 is connected and the corresponding first direction Optionally, each LOS confirmation message 58 may also include a quality metric, such as signal strength or other quality measurement. The routing table may also include a quality metric corresponding to each respective LOS link 31 (connection), and the quality metric may be used as an input when determining the routing configuration 30.

[0187] Once a given transmitting radio device 2 n Having completed sweeping its test signal 24 over the corresponding first angular range (step S7), the process is repeated for each other radio device 2 in the system 1 or for at least each radio device 2 belonging to a subset of the system 1 currently being mapped.

[0188] The network map may be formed by aggregating the routing tables (defining the LOS links 31) of each radio device 2 in the system 1 (i.e., all radio devices 2 communicatively coupled to the wireless network 26). In addition to each radio device 2 storing its own local routing table, the system may additionally store a copy of each local routing table at a centralized location, such as one of the radio devices 2 or an additional device (not shown) communicatively coupled to the wireless network. Each radio device 2 may broadcast a copy and / or updates of its local routing table to one or more other radio devices 2 via the wireless network 26, and each radio device 2 may store local copies of routing tables corresponding to some or all of the other radio devices 2 in the system 1. In some examples, the complete network map may be distributed to each radio device 2 to store a local copy.

[0189] Once the network map of the LOS links 31 has been compiled, routing may be performed using conventional network routing methods.

[0190] Although the transmitting radio device 2 n The first transceiver 4 and the monitoring radio device 2 k1 , 2 k2 The mapping connection between the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 is described, but these roles of the transceivers 4 and 5 are not fixed. In particular, when both the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 can be electronically steered, the transmitting radio device 2 n The corresponding directions can be scanned simultaneously or one after another The same or different test signals are sent from the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 at the same time. Similarly, any or all monitoring radio devices 2 k1 , 2 k2 The monitoring may be performed using either or both of the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 .

[0191] Although described as being performed sequentially for each radio device 2 to be mapped, the network mapping process need not be performed in consecutive time blocks. Figure 3 , each period T may include a network mapping period, and during each period, a different radio device 2 may play the role of transmitter, while other radio devices 2 listen. In this way, the network map may be continuously checked and updated without interrupting the relay service, just as all LOS links 31 of each radio device 2 are continuously mapped.

[0192] Detecting disconnected LOS link

[0193] After the network mapping and routing configuration are determined, it may be advantageous to monitor the LOS links 31 during normal relay operation to detect if any LOS links 31 are down. In response to detecting a broken LOS link 31, a full or partial network mapping (e.g., using Fig.11 The LOS link 31 may cease to function for a number of reasons, including but not limited to movement of the radio 2, movement of a mobile LOS blocking obstacle 33 (e.g., a truck or crane), changes in atmospheric conditions (rain, fog, etc.), failure of the radio 2 or its power supply, etc.

[0194] Also refer to Fig.12 , showing a method by which a radio 2 monitors the status of a LOS link 31 utilized by its time multiplexed routing configuration 30.

[0195] The radio device 2 uses the samples 25 obtained by the receiver channel 21 to monitor the relay status through the analog signal channel 7 (step S8). As described above, the receiver channel 21 is generally unable (and need not) to correctly process or extract data from the radio signal 3 in the first frequency band Δf1, but is used to determine whether and when to relay the radio signal 3. In addition or alternatively, the radio device 2 may monitor the power consumption of the amplifier used to retransmit the received radio signal 3 using the first transceiver 4. When the signal 3 is relayed, the power consumption of the amplifier will temporarily increase.

[0196] In response to detecting (e.g., as described with respect to step S8) that the radio signal 3 has been relayed by the first transceiver 4 and the second transceiver 5 and the analog signal path (step S9|Yes), the radio device 2 transmits a control and coordination message 27 in the form of a first relay confirmation message to the source radio device 2 corresponding to the current active time multiplexing routing configuration 30 via the wireless network 26 (step S10). The first relay confirmation message includes an identifier of the relay radio device 2, which allows the source radio device 2 to confirm receipt, as described below. The active time multiplexing routing configuration 30 will identify which other radio device 2 of the system 1 is targeting the radio device 2 at any given time, allowing the first relay confirmation message to be addressed to the previous radio device 2 in the relay path.

[0197] Radio 2 then starts a timer (step S11) and listens via wireless network 26 for a second relay confirmation message to be received from a target radio 2 corresponding to active time multiplexing routing configuration 30. The second relay confirmation message is identical to the first relay confirmation message except that it is sent by target radio 2 (i.e., the next step in the relay chain).

[0198] If the second relay confirmation message is received (step S12 | Yes), the radio device 2 returns to monitoring the activity of the analog signal channel 7 (step S8) while the relay operation continues (step S17 | Yes).

[0199] However, if the predetermined period of time has passed without receiving the second relay confirmation message (step S13|Yes), the failure counter corresponding to the target radio device 2 (or equivalently the LOS link 31 connected to the radio device 2) is incremented (step S14). For example, the failure counter of each LOS link 31 may be stored in an additional column of the local routing table of the radio device 2.

[0200] When the fault counter of the LOC link 31 remains less than the disconnected link threshold (step S15|No), the operation continues without changing the routing table. This is because occasional lost signals are expected, and it may be inefficient to remap the network of the LOS link 31 in response to each lost signal. The disconnected link threshold may be predetermined, such as an integer between 3 and 10, or may be calibrated and / or adjusted at the time of use.

[0201] However, once the failure counter equals or exceeds the disconnected link threshold (step S15|Yes), the radio 2 transmits a mapping request message via the wireless network 26 (step S16). The mapping request message is another example of a control and coordination message 27. In response to the mapping request message, the entire system 1 may be remapped, or only a subset of the radios 2 including the radio 2 that sent the request may be remapped (e.g., using a mapping request message). Fig.11 ).

[0202] The failure counter corresponding to a particular target radio 2 / LOS link 31 may be reset to an initial value (e.g., 0) in response to a reset period elapsed without the failure counter being incremented by a relay failure. The reset period should be at least several times the total cycle period of one or more time multiplexed routing configurations 30. In other words, the failure counter corresponding to a particular target radio 2 / LOS link 31 should not be reset until all routing configurations of the radio 2 cycle one or more times without experiencing a failure. In this way, the generation of mapping request messages may be limited to situations where a particular LOS link 31 fails multiple times in rapid succession. In response, the network mapping may be checked and the time multiplexed routing configuration 30 may be recalculated to route around the broken LOS link 31.

[0203] Example system

[0204] The placement of the radio device 2 of the system 1 is not particularly limited, and may include a structure 59 ( Fig.13 ) supported by one or more radio devices 2, by a vehicle 60 ( Fig.14 ) supported by one or more radio devices and one or more user devices 28. The user device 28 may also be a radio device 2, i.e., comprising a first transceiver 4 and a second transceiver 5 coupled by an analog signal path 7. More commonly, the user device 28 will include a single transceiver and will be configured to extract and process data packets from the radio signal 3. Such user devices 28 that do not correspond to a radio device 2 can still be used for signal relaying, in the more conventional sense of extracting a packet (or at least its header), and then retransmitting the radio signal 3 (directionally or non-directionally). Relaying by a user device 28 that does not correspond to a radio device 2 can be coordinated via the wireless network 26, while coordinating the mapping of the LOS link 31 and the time multiplexing routing configuration 30.

[0205] By structure 59( Fig.13 ) may include the radio 2 being attached to the structure 59, mounted to the structure 59, etc. The radio 2 supported by the structure 59 may additionally or alternatively include the radio 2 being incorporated into the structure 59 or formed integrally with the structure 59. The radio 2 is not limited to being supported on or about the exterior of the structure 59, and in many cases it is desirable to mount the radio 2 within the structure 59 to extend the range for relaying the radio signal 3 throughout the interior of the structure 59.

[0206] Also refer to Fig.13 , showing a first example system 1, 61. A pair of structures 59 in the form of first and second buildings 621, 622 are shown.

[0207] Each of the buildings 621, 622 supports a number of radios 2 mounted to windows 63, walls 64, and doors 65 of the buildings 621, 622. The walls 64 supporting the radios 2 may be interior and / or exterior. The radios 2 may be supported on interior and / or exterior surfaces of the windows 63. Although Fig.13 63, wall 64 (interior or exterior), door 65, roof, etc. of a structure 59 (e.g., building 62). For example, a radio 2 supported on an interior and / or exterior surface of a window 63 may form part of a system 1 with other radios 2 dispersed throughout a structure 59 (e.g., building 62) to allow radio signals 3 to be relayed to and from user devices 28 within the interior of the structure 59 that might otherwise not be able to be sent to / received from outside the structure 59.

[0208] Also refer to Fig.14 , showing a second example system 1,66.

[0209] The second example system 1, 66 covers a larger area than the first example system 61, including several buildings 62 around a T-intersection between a road / street 67 and a side road / street 68. Each of the buildings 62 supports several fixed radios 2, and the second example system 1, 66 also includes radios 2 supported by vehicles 60 (such as (for example) cars, buses, vans, trucks, vans, etc.). Such mobile radios 2 can be supported on a window or part of the body of the vehicle 60. Mobile radios 2 can enter the area of ​​the second example system 1, 66 and can also leave (for example, to join a new system 1 installed in a neighboring area that is not shown). Such changes in both the composition and relative positions of the radios 2 in the system can be made using the dynamic network mapping described herein (see Fig.11 ) and LOS link 31 status monitoring (see Fig.12 ) to explain.

[0210] In addition to buildings 62 and vehicles 60, radio device 2 may also be supported on structures 59, such as bus shelters (not shown), lamp posts (not shown), or any other street furniture in the area of ​​operation.

[0211] Finally, when the user device 28 provides a radio device 2 or may be coordinated to perform more conventional relaying, the user device 28 may also form part of the system 1 for relaying radio signals 3 rather than just being a start / end point for the radio signals 3 .

[0212] Despite Fig.14Each building 62 is shown as supporting a radio 2 about its respective perimeter, but each or all of the buildings 62 may (and preferably will) include additional radios 2 distributed to extend the system 1, 66 to each entire building.

[0213] Also refer to Fig.15 , showing the third example system 1,67.

[0214] The third example system 1 , 67 is similar to the first example system 61 , but is shown in more detail for purposes of illustrating the application of the system 1 , 67 .

[0215] Radio Device 2 A , …, 2 F Supported on windows 63 of a first building 621 and a second building 622. Each radio device 2 comprises an electronically steerable transceiver 4, 5 pointing outward from the corresponding window 63 and another transceiver 4, 5 pointing to the inside of the building 621, 622 at a wide angle or switchable between a first and a second mode. Radio device 2 A , …, 2 F The transceivers 4, 5 are oriented to also form a link 31 through the interior floor 68 (which is typically thinner than the roof or exterior walls) of the buildings 621, 622. Fig.15 Not shown, more radio devices 2 are preferably included within either or both buildings 621, 622 in order to expand the system 1 and relay the radio signal 3 to areas of the buildings 621, 622 that are not near any windows 63 (e.g., for relaying around LOS blocking objects 33 (e.g., interior walls, etc.)).

[0216] Radio unit mounted to the highest window2 A , 2 B There is a LOS link 31 to a gateway 29 in the form of a mobile phone base station AG , 31 BG , and with other radio devices 2 C , …, 2 F Together, a network is formed to relay radio signals 3 within and between buildings 621 , 622 to allow user devices 28 located within buildings 621 , 622 to communicate with gateway 29 without direct LOS.

[0217] Revise

[0218] It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the embodiments described above. Such modifications may involve equivalent and other features that are known in the design, manufacture and use of wireless transceivers, radios and / or networks thereof and that may be used instead of or as features already described herein. Features of one embodiment may be substituted or supplemented by features of another embodiment. For example, features of one wireless transceiver, radio and / or network thereof may be substituted or supplemented by features of other wireless transceivers, radios and / or networks thereof.

[0219] It has been described that the radio devices 2 need not, and typically are not, configured to extract and process packets from the radio signal 3. However, in some examples, one, some, or even all of the radio devices 2 may be configured to extract and process packets from the radio signal 3 in addition to the relay functionality described.

[0220] When the second transceiver 5 is configured to be operable in the first and second modes, each time multiplexed routing configuration 30 will define whether the second transceiver 2 should operate in the first (directional) mode or in the second (wide-angle) mode.

[0221] For convenience, the relaying of the radio signal 3 is described as from the first transceiver 4 of the source radio device 2 to the second transceiver 5 of the target radio device 2. However, when the radio device 5 is configured for two-way communication, the radio signal 3 may be relayed in any of the following combinations as described herein:

[0222] from a first transceiver 4 of a source radio 2 to a second transceiver 5 of a target radio 2;

[0223] from the second transceiver 5 of the source radio 2 to the first transceiver 4 of the target radio 2;

[0224] from the first transceiver 4 of the source radio 2 to the first transceiver 4 of the target radio 2; and

[0225] / or

[0226] From the second transceiver 5 of the source radio 2 to the second transceiver 5 of the target radio 2 .

[0227] At the start of a scheduled or requested remapping, each radio device 2 may in turn direct its first transceiver 4 to each other radio device 2 stored in its current routing table before scanning to verify an existing LOS link 31. Subsequently, a first beam width w greater than that from an existing LOS link 31 may be scanned as described above. b Wider angle To find a new LOS link 31.

[0228] Although claims have been made for specific combinations of features in this application, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein explicitly or implicitly, or any generalization thereof, whether or not it is related to the same invention currently claimed in any claim, and whether or not it alleviates any or all technical problems that are the same as the present invention. The applicant hereby notifies that new claims may be made for such features and / or such combinations of features during the prosecution of this application or any other application derived therefrom.

Claims

1. A radio device for networked relay of radio signals in a first frequency band, comprising: a first transceiver for the first frequency band, the first transceiver being electronically steerable in a first direction; a second transceiver for use in said first frequency band; wherein the radio is configured to relay a radio signal received by the second transceiver to the first transceiver via an analog signal path and to retransmit the radio signal using the first transceiver; controlling a transceiver for communicating with a wireless network including a plurality of other radio devices using a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, each of the other radio devices including the same elements as the radio device; wherein the radio device is configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network for: controlling the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band; determining one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for the radio; Wherein the radio is configured to steer the first transceiver to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios during a time period corresponding to at least one time multiplexed routing configuration.

2. The radio device of claim 1 , wherein coordinating with the plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network to determine the network mapping comprises: When scanning the first direction within the available angle range, controlling the first transceiver to transmit a test signal; monitoring one or more LOS confirmation messages transmitted by other radio devices via the wireless network, each LOS confirmation message including a reception time and an identifier of the corresponding other radio device; In response to receiving a LOS confirmation message from one of the other radios, determining the first direction corresponding to the respective reception time and adding the other radio to a routing table stored by the radio.

3. The radio device of claim 1 or 2, wherein coordinating with the plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network to determine the network mapping comprises: using the second transceiver to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radio devices; In response to receiving the test signal from one of the other radio devices, transmitting a LOS confirmation message to the other radio device via the wireless network, the LOS confirmation message comprising: an identifier of the radio device; corresponds to the reception time of the maximum power of the test signal.

4. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination of one or more time multiplexed routing configurations of the radio device is based on a dynamic routing approach.

5. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radio device is configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping according to a schedule.

6. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radio device is configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radio devices via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping in response to receiving a mapping request message.

7. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the radio device is configured to, in response to relaying a radio signal using the first and second transceivers: transmitting, via the wireless network, a first relay confirmation message to a source radio of the plurality of other radios corresponding to an active time multiplexing routing configuration; listening via the wireless network for a second relay confirmation message from a target radio device among the plurality of other radio devices corresponding to the active time multiplexing routing configuration within a predetermined period of time; responsive to the predetermined period of time elapsing without receiving the second relay confirmation message, incrementing a failure counter corresponding to the target radio; In response to the failure counter exceeding a disconnected link threshold, a mapping request message is transmitted via the wireless network.

8. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second transceiver is electronically steerable to a second direction.

9. A radio according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein using the second transceiver to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radios comprises scanning the second direction within a usable angular range.

10. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second transceiver is configured to be operable in the following modes: a first mode corresponding to a radiation pattern comprising a beam that can be electronically steered into said second direction; and A second mode corresponds to receiving signals from a wider angular distribution than the beam of the first mode.

11. The radio device of claim 10, wherein the first and second modes correspond to switching between different antennas or antenna arrays.

12. The radio device of claim 10, wherein the first and second modes correspond to the same antenna or antenna array.

13. The radio device of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the radio device is configured to steer the second transceiver to a respective second configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a time period corresponding to at least one time multiplexing routing configuration.

14. The radio device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a third transceiver for the first frequency band, the third transceiver being electronically steerable to a third direction; a fourth transceiver configured identically to the second transceiver; wherein the radio is configured to relay a radio signal received by the fourth transceiver to the third transceiver via a second analog signal path and to retransmit the radio signal using the third transceiver; Wherein the radio device is configured to steer the third transceiver to a respective third configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radio devices during a period corresponding to at least one time multiplexed routing configuration so as to relay radio signals in a direction opposite to the first and second transceivers.

15. The radio device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the radio device is configured to: relaying a radio signal received by the second transceiver to the first transceiver via an analog signal path and retransmitting the radio signal using the first transceiver during time periods corresponding to one or more first time multiplexing routing configurations; and A radio signal received by the first transceiver is relayed to the second transceiver via an analog signal path and retransmitted using the second transceiver during time periods corresponding to one or more second time multiplexed routing configurations.

16. A radio device according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 15 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the radio device further comprises a receiver channel coupled to the analog signal path and configured to detect a test signal.

17. A radio device according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 16 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the radio device further comprises a test transmit channel coupled to the analog signal path and configured to inject a test signal for transmission by the first transceiver.

18. A system comprising a plurality of radio devices according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the wireless network is formed between all of the radio devices, and wherein each radio device is configured to coordinate with all of the other radio devices via the wireless network to: controlling the first and second transceivers to determine a network mapping of the system for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band; One or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios are determined.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein each radio device is used to coordinate with the plurality of other radio devices of the system via the wireless network to determine the configuration of the network mapping comprises, for each radio device: controlling the first transceiver of the radio device to transmit a test signal while scanning the first direction within an available angle range; monitoring, via the wireless network, one or more LOS confirmation messages transmitted by the other radio devices, each LOS confirmation message including a reception time and an identifier of the corresponding other radio device; In response to receiving a LOS confirmation message from one of the other radios, determining the first direction corresponding to the respective reception time and adding the other radio to a routing table stored by the radio and / or stored anywhere else within the system.

20. The system of claim 18 or 19, wherein each radio device is used to coordinate with the plurality of other radio devices of the system via the wireless network to determine the configuration of the network mapping comprises, for each radio device: using the second transceiver of the radio device to listen for one or more test signals transmitted by other radio devices; In response to receiving the test signal from one of the other radio devices, transmitting a LOS confirmation message to the other radio device via the wireless network, the LOS confirmation message comprising: an identifier of the radio device; corresponds to the reception time of the maximum power of the test signal.

21. The system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein processing for determining the network mapping and the one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radio devices is performed by a subset of one or more of the plurality of radio devices.

22. The system of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein processing for determining the network mapping and the one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radio devices is distributed across two of a plurality of the plurality of radio devices.

23. The system of any one of claims 18 to 22, further comprising a gateway and one or more user devices, wherein the one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radio devices are determined so that each of the multiple user devices has a connection to the gateway via the multiple radio devices during at least one time period.

24. The system of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the plurality of radios comprises one or more of: one or more radios supported by a structure, wherein each of the one or more radios supported by the structure is supported on an exterior of the structure or internally supported within an interior of the structure; one or more radio devices supported by the vehicle; and One or more user devices.

25. A method for networked relaying of radio signals within a first frequency band using a radio device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 or a system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, the method comprising: coordinating the radio device with a plurality of other radio devices to determine a network mapping for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band; determining one or more time multiplexed routing configurations for the radio; During each of one of a plurality of time periods corresponding to a time multiplexed routing configuration: turning the first transceiver of the radio device to a respective first configuration orientation corresponding to one of the other radio devices; In response to receiving a radio signal in the first frequency band using the second transceiver, the radio signal is relayed via the analog signal path and retransmitted using the first transceiver.

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