Method for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The method comprises obtaining multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device; computing one or more key performance indicators (KPIs) for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns; and selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, a number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiation patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills a criterion for the respective KPI. Further, a method for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area is disclosed. The antenna device may be used in a Fiber-to-the-Room (FTTR) system.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR GENERATING A SET OF DIFFERENT RADIATION PATTERNS OF AN ANTENNA DEVICE FORAN ACCESS POINT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system; and an entity for generating such a set of different radiation patterns. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling such antenna device in an area; and a control entity for controlling such antenna device in an area.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Multiple wireless access points systems, such as Wi-Fi networks (e.g. indoor Wi-Fi networks), make use of access point devices (may be referred to as access points) to provide wireless communication, such as an internet connection, to terminals.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Introducing several co-existing access points improves the possibilities to achieve a robust connection. During operation, access points may be subject to environmental noise and electromagnetic (EM) interferences, such as from other access points in the system. A connection quality, measurable in speed and robustness by key performance indicators (KPIs), such as data rate, may be degraded by the aforementioned noise and interferences.

[0008] Access points may comprise an antenna system that is controlled in order to adapt the hardware of the antenna system in order to provide coverage directions and signal strength for a robust performance in a multiple wireless access points system, such as a Wi-Fi network, against environmental disturbances. For example, the location and / or angles of antennas of the antenna system may be changed in order to adapt the hardware of the antenna system for providing an accurate and stable Wi-Fi coverage. In the antenna system, the antennas may actively radiate radio waves and for adapting the antenna system in order to provide coverage directions and signal strength for a robust performance in a multiple wireless access points system, such as a Wi-Fi network, against environmental disturbances, the antennas may be turned on or off. The antenna systems with coverage adaptation may impose high requirements on switching devices used in the antenna system and the amplifying chain, as these elements conduct active radio frequency (RF) power.

[0009] In view of the above, this disclosure aims to improve a connection quality of a wireless communication using an antenna device for an access point of a multiple access point system. An objective of this disclosure may be reducing noise and interference at an antenna device for an access point of a multiple access point system that may be caused by other access points of the multiple access point system.

[0010] These and other objectives are achieved by the solution of this disclosure as described in the independent claims. Advantageous implementations are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The method comprises obtaining multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device. The method comprises computing one or more key performance indicators (KPIs) for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns. The method comprises selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, a number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiation patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills a criterion for the respective KPI.

[0012] Generating the set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device allows improving a connection quality of the antenna device because for the different radiation patterns at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfill the criterion for the respective KPI. This also allows reducing noise and interference at the antenna device that may be caused by other access point of a multiple access point system in which the antenna device may be used. Since the antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device the hardware of the antenna device does not need to be changed in order to achieve the set of different radiation patterns and, thus, improve the connection quality and reduce noise and interference at the antenna device. The method of the first aspect allows improving the connection quality and reducing noise and interference at the antenna device without needing to rearrange antennas of an antenna system, i.e. without needing to change the antenna hardware.

[0013] By generating the set of different radiation patterns, the method allows offering the antenna device or the multiple wireless access point system low-interference independent channel paths for data transmissions.

[0014] Optionally, the set of different radiation patterns may be generated in the form of a look-up table listing the set of different radiation patterns. That is, optionally, generating the set of different radiation patterns may be generating a look-up table listing the set of different radiation patterns. Herein, a look-up table may be a look-up table as such or it may refer to any kind of list or information entity listing information such as the set of different radiation patterns. The set of different radiation patterns may be storable in a data storage of any type known in the art. Optionally, each radiation pattern of the set of different radiation patterns may be associated with additional information, such as the one or more computed KPIs.

[0015] A radiation pattern of the antenna device may describe how power radiated by the antenna device as an electromagnetic source is distributed in space. Radiation patterns of the antenna device may comprise information about amplitude and phase of an electromagnetic field that may be radiated by the antenna device. A radiation pattern may show such distribution in far field, i.e. at a long distance from the antenna, where the pattern has already achieved a stable distribution. A radiation pattern may generally describe the distribution in all directions of space around the antenna device, i.e. a sphere. It is possible to extract partial information from a radiation pattern, e.g. only some cuts (planes) crossing the sphere. A radiation pattern may comprise radiation ‘beams’ (i.e. angular regions of space in which the power distributed is higher) and radiation ‘nulls’ (i.e. directions in which very little power is radiated, ideally nothing).

[0016] The different radiation patterns for which the at least one KPI of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI are different radiation patterns that fulfill at least one KPI goal. For example, the at least one KPI goal may be or comprise that the different radiation patterns maintain a decorrelation. The one or more computed KPIs may be provided such that a radiation pattern for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI achieves at least one KPI goal comprising coverage and efficiency metrics. The at least one KPI goal may comprise one or more of the following: the maximum correlation between any pair of radiation patterns, the number of selectable beams, the angular pointing direction of the beams, the minimum coverage level provided by the superposition of all the beams within a defined solid angular region, the minimum directivity of the beams, the width of the beams determined by the boundary at which the radiated power drops to half of the peak, and the maximum level of the secondary lobes of the radiation patterns.

[0017] A computed KPI fulfilling a respective criterion for the KPI may mean that the KPI is smaller than or greater than a respective threshold depending on the type of KPI. For example, in case the KPI is correlation, the KPI may fulfill the criterion by being smaller than a threshold for correlation. In case the KPI is decorrelation, the KPI may fulfill the criterion by being greater than a threshold for decorrelation.

[0018] Optionally, the reconfigurable radiating element may be a reconfigurable passive radiating element.

[0019] The multiple wireless access point system may be a wireless local access network (WLAN) network. Thus, the antenna device may be an antenna device for a wireless local access network (WLAN) access point. The WLAN network may be a WLAN network according to IEEE 802.11. The antenna device may be configured to be used for a Wi-Fi access point. For example, the antenna device is configured to operate at a frequency range according to Wi-Fi 6 (e.g. between 5170 and 5835 MHz). That is, the antenna device may be suitable for a Wi-Fi 6 access point. In addition or alternatively the antenna device may be configured to operate at a frequency range according to Wi-Fi6E, Wi-Fi 7 etc. That is, the antenna device may be suitable for a Wi-Fi6E access point, a Wi-Fi 7 access point etc. That is, the antenna device may be suitable for a Wi-Fi6E access point, a Wi-Fi 7 access point etc. For example, the antenna device is configured to operate with 5.2-5.8 GHz bands (IEEE 802.1 l.a / n / ac / ax). For example, the antenna device may have a height smaller than 1 cm (low profile). For example, a surface of the antenna device may fit in 10 x 10 cm.

[0020] An access point of a multiple wireless access point system is an access point that is configured for a multiple wireless access point system. That is, such an access point may be used in a multi access point (multi- AP) architecture. The antenna device may be configured to be used in a multi-AP architecture such as P2MP (Point to Multi Point). The access points may backhaul with wireless, coaxial, ethernet, or fiber to a main access point, wherein a backhaul with a fiber is called FTTR (Fiber-to-the-Room) technology. The antenna device may be configured to be used in a FTTR system. A FTTR device, such as a FTTR main fiber-optic unit (MFU) or sub FTTR unit (SFU), may comprise the antenna device.

[0021] FTTR is an in-premises networking technology based on optical fiber. With benefit of optical fiber, FTTR provides high-bandwidth and reliable communications, with topologies and functionalities depending on the use cases. First set of use cases enabled by the Fifth Generation Fixed Network (F5G) includes services to consumers and enterprises with assist of wireless technologies mainly by Wi-Fi. It focuses on optical elements up to connections serving locations of users in home or offices. FTTR allows fiber connection and backhauling for in-premises access networking with a main fiber-optic unit (MFU) connected over fiber to several sub FTTR units (SFUs), e.g. via splitter, by default with one SFU per each room or multiple SFUs in a room. Such solution particularly improves Wi-Fi coverage and throughput in rooms in comparison with legacy Wi-Fi systems, over 5.2-5.8 GHz bands (802.11.a / n / ac / ax) where path loss is greater than that of 2.4 GHz. An SFU has advantages of simple and small form which allow its easy installations on any fiber-connected location on the wall (similar to the power outlets), or on the desk. It can easily create point to multi-point networks toward multiple SFUs in a house thanks to a fiber splitter unit. The antenna device may be used in an SFU.

[0022] For example, the antenna device may be used in an optical network terminal (ONT), such as a secondary Wi-Fi ONT. Such ONT may be mounted for example to a wall, a desk, a ceiling etc.

[0023] The antenna device is described as a transmission (not reception) device. However, it can also be operated as a reception device. That is, the antenna device may reciprocally be operated as a reception device.

[0024] In an implementation form of the first aspect, obtaining the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device comprises generating the different radiation patterns by simulating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and a respective radiation of the antenna device using a model of the antenna device. The model may be a software model of the antenna device. It may be referred to as realistic software model. The model may be a mathematical model, e.g. in the form of software.

[0025] This allows getting awareness of the characteristics of the multiple radiation patterns that may be generated (i.e. radiated) by the antenna device. This may be done without the need of setting up the antenna device and measuring the radiation patterns in real-life.

[0026] In an implementation form of the first aspect, obtaining the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device comprises controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and radiation of the antenna device, and receiving measured radiation patterns of the antenna device as the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device.

[0027] The reconfigurable radiating element may comprise multiple conductive elements and one or more switches for interconnecting two or more of the multiple conductive elements. Controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device comprises controlling the one or more switches to be in a conductive state and / or non-conductive state. Controlling radiation of the antenna device comprises controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device. Herein, the one or more switches may comprise or may be optionally one or more positive intrinsic negative (PIN) diodes. The multiple conductive elements are or form a radiating structure of the reconfigurable radiating element. The one or more switches allow controlling the radiating structure of the passive radiating element.

[0028] This allows getting awareness of the characteristics of the multiple radiation patterns that may be generated (i.e. radiated) by the antenna device. For example, the reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device for generating the multiple different radiation patterns and measuring them may be performed in a test chamber, where the reconfigurable radiating element may be successively reconfigured and controlled to radiate radio waves with the respective reconfiguration.

[0029] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device comprises one or more switches for reconfiguring the reconfigurable radiating element. Controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device may comprise controlling the one or more switches of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device.

[0030] The one or more switches may be configured to reconfigure the reconfigurable radiating element by being switched to the conducting or non-conducting state. In the case of multiple switches, at least one of the switches may be in a different switching state (conducting or nonconducting state) compared to the other switch(es) of the switches. By controlling the one or more switches the layout of the reconfigurable radiating element and, thus, the radiation pattern of the antenna device may be changed. That is, changing the layout of the reconfigurable radiating element allows changing and, thus, controlling the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The one or more switches allow a real-time reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element. Reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element may mean that a radiating structure for radiating radio waves of the reconfigurable radiating element is changed (i.e. reconfigured).

[0031] The one or more switches may comprise or may be one or more PIN diodes. Optionally, the one or more switches may be one or more semiconductor switches. Optionally, the one or more switches may comprise or may be one or more transistors.

[0032] The reconfigurable radiating element may comprise multiple conductive elements, wherein each of the one or more switches may electrically connect a respective first conductive element of the multiple conductive elements with a respective second conductive element of the multiple conductive elements. For example, the multiple conductive elements may be rhombic conductive elements. Controlling the one or more switches allows controlling interconnection(s) between the multiple conductive elements. The reconfigurable radiating element may change, depending on its configuration (i.e. its current layout due to current interconnection(s) between the multiple conductive elements controlled by the one or more switches), the radiation pattern of the antenna device.

[0033] The one or more switches may be configured to be controlled for reconfiguring the reconfigurable radiating element. That is, depending on which of the one or more switches are in the conducting state or in then non-conducting state a radiating structure of the reconfigurable radiating element may be different. Therefore, controlling the one or more switches allows configuring the radiating structure of the reconfigurable radiating element and, thus, reconfiguring the reconfigurable radiating element.

[0034] The reconfigurable radiating element may be an active radiating element that is configured to radiate radio waves in response to radio signals being fed to the reconfigurable radiating element. Optionally, the reconfigurable radiating element may be a polarized active radiating element configured to radiate radio waves of one or more polarizations. For example, the reconfigurable radiating element may be a dual-polarized active radiating element configured to radiate radio waves of two polarizations, which optionally are orthogonal to each other. The radiation pattern of the antenna device may correspond to a radiation pattern radiated from the active radiating element depend on the configuration of the active radiating element. Controlling radiation of the antenna device comprises controlling radio frequency (RF) signals being fed to the reconfigurable active radiating element of the antenna device, wherein the radiation pattern may be controlled by controlling the one or more switches of the reconfigurable active radiating element.

[0035] Alternatively, the reconfigurable radiating element may be a passive radiating element. In this case, the antenna device may comprise an active radiating element and the reconfigurable radiating element may be arranged in a main direction of radiation of the active radiating element in front of the active radiating element. Optionally, the active radiating element may be a polarized active radiating element configured to radiate radio waves of one or more polarizations. For example, the active radiating element may be a dual-polarized active radiating element configured to radiate radio waves of two polarizations, which optionally are orthogonal to each other. In the aforementioned optional case, the reconfiguration of the reconfigurable passive radiating element has an effect on the electromagnetic coupling between the passive radiating element and the active radiating element and, thus, on a radiation pattern of the antenna device. Changing the layout of the passive radiating element allows changing and, thus, controlling the radiation pattern of the antenna device. Especially, changing the layout of the passive radiating element has an impact on the radiation pattern of the active radiating element received by the passive radiating element and, thus, on the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The passive radiating element may change, depending on its configuration (i.e. its current layout due to current interconnection(s) between the multiple conductive elements controlled by the one or more switches), the radiation pattern radiated by the active radiating element. This allows the passive radiating element to control the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The radiation pattern of the antenna device may correspond to a radiation pattern radiated depend on the configuration of the passive radiating element by the passive radiating element in response to a radiation pattern received by the passive radiating element from the active radiating element. Controlling radiation of the antenna device may comprise controlling radio frequency (RF) signals being fed to the active radiating element of the antenna device. The active radiating element of the antenna device is configured to radiate, in response to the RF signals being fed to the active radiating element, radio waves towards the reconfigurable passive radiating element such that electromagnetic coupling occurs between the reconfigurable passive radiating element and the active radiating element of the antenna device.

[0036] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more computed KPIs are at least one of an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC); a coverage angle; a main beam and null; a directivity of the main beam and null; a beam-width of the main beam and null; side lobe levels (SLL); a variation of beam values within a desired angle; a polarization; a received power of a pilot; and an active return loss at antenna port(s) of the antenna device.

[0037] The ECC is an example of correlation as a KPI. The main beam of a radiation pattern may be formed by or may comprise one or more radiation lobes of the radiation pattern.

[0038] In case of ECC being a KPI, the criterion for the ECC may be fulfilled by radiation pattern(s) having an ECC that is smaller than a threshold for the ECC. In case of a coverage angle being a KPI, the criterion for the coverage angle may be fulfilled by radiation pattern(s) having a desired coverage angle, e.g. a coverage angle of a desired size. In case of the main beam and null being a KPI, the criterion for the main beam and null may be fulfilled by radiation pattem(s) having a desired number of radiation lobes. In case of a directivity of the main beam and null being a KPI, the criterion for the directivity of the main beam and null may be fulfilled by radiation pattem(s) having the main beam and / or null in a desired direction, e.g. a desired region of space around the antenna device. In case of a beam-width of the main beam and null being a KPI, the criterion for the beam-width of the main beam and null may be fulfilled by radiation pattern(s) having a desired beam-width of the main beam and / or null.

[0039] In case of SLL being a KPI, the criterion for the SLL may be fulfilled by radiation pattern(s) having desired SLL. In case of a variation of beam values within a desired angle being a KPI, the criterion for the variation of beam values within the desired angle may be fulfilled by radiation pattem(s) having a desired variation of beam values within the desired angle. In case of polarization being a KPI, the criterion for the polarization may be fulfilled by radiation pattern^) having a desired polarization. In case of a received power of a pilot being a KPI, the criterion for the received power of the pilot may be fulfilled by radiation pattern(s) for which the received power of the pilot is a desired received power (e.g. greater than a threshold for the received power). In case of the active return loss at antenna ports(s) of the antenna device being a KPI, the criterion for the active return loss at antenna ports(s) of the antenna device may be fulfilled by radiation pattem(s) for which the active return loss at antenna ports(s) of the antenna device is a desired active return loss (e.g. smaller than a threshold for the active return loss).

[0040] The one or more KPIs may comprise coverage and efficiency metrics.

[0041] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one KPI of the one or more KPIs is an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC).

[0042] The number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI may be selected as the set of different radiations patterns such that the ECC between any two radio patterns of the number of different radio patterns is smaller than a threshold for the ECC.

[0043] Using ECC as the at least one KPI allows maintaining decorrelation (e.g. orthogonality, independence) among the set of different radiation patterns. Namely, the decorrelation may be measure or represented by the ECC. This allows offering the antenna device or the multiple wireless access point system low-interference independent channel paths for data transmissions.

[0044] In an implementation form of the first aspect, computing the ECC for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns comprises computing the ECC of one or more pairs of radiation patterns of the obtained multiple different radiation patterns by computing an integral of an electrical field of a first radiation pattern of a respective pair of the one or more pairs of radiation patterns multiplied by an Hermitian conjugated version of an electrical field of a second radiation pattern of the respective pair of the one or more pairs of radiation patterns.

[0045] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the method comprises determining a size of the set of different radiation patterns, and selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI, the number of different radiation patterns equaling the determined size of the set of different radiation patterns.

[0046] This allows determining a size of the set of different radiation patterns and, thus, a size of data storage for storing the set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device. In the optional case that a look-up table listing the set of different radiation patterns is generated, this allows determining the size of the look-up table.

[0047] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the method comprises determining, as the size of the set of different radiation patterns, a number of distinct solid angular regions over a hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves.

[0048] This allows considering a hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves for improving a connection quality of the antenna device and reducing noise and interference at the antenna device. The distinct solid angular regions may be referred to as “solid angular regions around distinct spatial directions”.

[0049] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the method comprises determining, as the number of distinct solid angular regions, nine distinct solid angular regions over the hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves.

[0050] This allows reducing the number of different radiation patterns of the set of different radiation patterns, while considering the whole hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves.

[0051] In an implementation form of the first aspect, selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI comprises selecting the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations patterns such that the number of different radiation patterns comprises for each distinct solid angular region of the number of distinct solid angular regions a radio pattern having a main beam in the respective distinct solid angular region. This allows improving a connection quality of the antenna device and reducing noise and interference at the antenna device in each distinct solid angular region over the hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves. This allows improving a connection quality of the antenna device and reducing noise and interference at the antenna device over the whole hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves.

[0052] Optionally, selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI may comprise selecting the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations patterns such that the number of different radiation patterns comprises for each distinct solid angular region of the number of distinct solid angular regions a radio pattern having a main beam in the respective distinct solid angular region and the ECC between any two radiation patterns of the number of different radiation patterns is smaller than a threshold for the ECC.

[0053] In an implementation form of the first aspect, selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI comprises categorizing the number of different radiation patterns into a primary category and a secondary category depending on the at least one of the one or more KPIs.

[0054] For example, a primary region may cover where the chance to have a user is higher than a secondary region. Within the beam selection process a priority may be given to those covering primary region. Thus, one or more radiation patterns of the number of different radiation patterns that have a main lobe directed to the primary region may be categorized into the primary category, and the rest of the number of radiation patterns may be categorized into the second category. This allows creating stronger and independent channels in the primary region. This results in a higher signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINK) and received signal strength indicator (RSSI) at a user device, resulting a higher modulation coding scheme (MCS) and so higher throughput and lower latency. The MCS may refer to at least one of a modulation types (e.g. QPSK, 64QAM, etc.), a coding rate (e.g. 1 / 2, 5 / 6, etc.), and one or more parameters for connection. For example, the primary region covers where the chance to have a Wi-Fi user is higher than a secondary region. Such locations correspond where it is aimed to improve the quality of Wi-Fi service with a higher SINK which will leads to a higher throughput level and lower latency.

[0055] Thus, priority may be given to one or more radiation patterns of the number of different radiation patterns that cover the primary region by categorizing the number of different radiation patterns into the primary category and the secondary category. This allows creating stronger and independent channels in the primary region with higher statistically chance to have users, for communication and for localization purposes.

[0056] The method of the first aspect may be performed during a system design, e.g. during a design of a system, such as a Wi-Fi network, in which the antenna device is to be used.

[0057] In order to achieve the computer-implemented method according to the first aspect of this disclosure, some or all of the implementation forms and optional features of the first aspect, as described above, may be combined with each other.

[0058] A second aspect of the disclosure provides an entity for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The entity is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0059] The entity may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The entity may be a control device, such as a control device for controlling the antenna device. The control device may be part of the antenna device. The control device may be configured to be electrically connected with the antenna device. The control device may comprise or be at least one of a controller, a microcontroller, a processor, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0060] Optionally, the set of different radiation patterns may be generated in the form of a look-up table listing the set of different radiation patterns. That is, the entity may optionally be an entity for generating a look-up table listing a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The above description of the computer-implemented method according to the first aspect is correspondingly valid for entity of the second aspect.

[0061] The entity of the second aspect and its implementation forms and optional features achieve the same advantages as the computer-implemented method of the first aspect and its respective implementation forms and respective optional features.

[0062] In order to achieve the entity according to the second aspect of this disclosure, some or all of the implementation forms and optional features of the second aspect, as described above, may be combined with each other.

[0063] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0064] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing executable program code which, when executed by a processor, causes the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure to be performed.

[0065] The computer program according to the third aspect and the storage medium according to the fourth aspect achieve the same advantages as the method of the first aspect.

[0066] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a method for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The method comprises using a set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device. The method comprises selecting a radiation pattern from the set of different radiation patterns that comprises at least one of nulls in a direction of one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area, nulls in a direction where a reflection of radio waves radiated by the antenna device would imping on one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area, a main beam in a direction of a terminal device, and a main beam in a direction where a reflection of radio waves radiated by the antenna device would imping on a terminal device. The method comprises controlling the reconfigurable radiating element such that the radiation pattern of the antenna device equals the selected radiation pattern of the set of different radiation patterns.

[0067] This allows a radiation pattern selection during operation of the antenna device aiming at minimum interference with the environment (e.g. with other access points of the same multiple wireless access point system) and favorable coverage of terminal devices (e.g. user’ s terminals). Low interference may be achieved by directing nulls in critical directions (e.g. the location of access points, or directions which can hit the other access point through reflections) and possibly a beam in the direction of a terminal device (or an alternative direction which can reach the terminal device through reflections). This rejection of co-channel interference by selecting radiation null(s) to other access points of the multiple wireless access points system in the area and noise sources allows increasing a throughput and reliability of the data transmission in the multiple wireless access points system. This allows a higher wireless communication quality of service (QoS), such as a higher Wi-Fi QoS.

[0068] The set of different radiation patterns may be generated using the method according to first aspect of this disclosure. The different radiations patterns may have at least one of one or more KPIs computed for the different radiation patterns that fulfills a criterion for the respective KPI.

[0069] The set of different radiation patterns may optionally be in the form of a look-up table listing the set of different radiation patterns. That is, the method may comprise using a look-up table comprising a set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device.

[0070] The method may comprise cooperation among several access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area. This allows a joint selection. The radiation pattern selection by the method may be dynamic. The method may comprise memorizing a location of the one or more access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area for which one or more radiation patterns of the set of different radiation patterns are selected. The method may comprise performing the step of selecting using one or more machine learning methods. This allows reducing pattern selection time.

[0071] The method of the fifth aspect may be applicable in real-time, i.e. during operation of the antenna device. The above description of the computer-implemented method according to the first aspect is correspondingly valid for the method according to the fifth aspect. For example, the description of the antenna device with regard to the method of the first aspect is correspondingly valid for the antenna device controllable by the method of the fifth aspect. The description of the method according to the fifth aspect is correspondingly valid for the method according to the first aspect.

[0072] The method of the fifth aspect achieves the same advantages as the computer-implemented method of the first aspect.

[0073] In order to achieve the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, some or all of the implementation forms and optional features of the fifth aspect, as described above, may be combined with each other.

[0074] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a control entity for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The control entity is configured to perform the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0075] The control entity of the sixth aspect may be the entity of the second aspect. The description of the entity of the second aspect is correspondingly valid for the entity of the sixth aspect. The description of the entity of the sixth aspect is correspondingly valid for the entity of the second aspect.

[0076] The above description of the method according to the first aspect and the method of the fifth aspect is correspondingly valid for the control entity of the sixth aspect. For example, the description of the antenna device with regard to the method of the first aspect is correspondingly valid for the antenna device controllable by the control entity of the sixth aspect.

[0077] The control entity may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The control entity may be a control device for controlling the antenna device. The control device may be part of the antenna device. The control device may be configured to be electrically connected with the antenna device. The control device may comprise or be at least one of a controller, a microcontroller, a processor, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0078] The reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device may comprise multiple conductive elements and one or more switches for interconnecting two or more of the multiple conductive elements. The control entity may be configured to control reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device by controlling the one or more switches to be in a conductive state and / or non-conductive state.

[0079] The control entity may be configured to assess the signal and interference and noise performance provided by each radiation pattern of the set of different radiation patterns. The control entity may be configured to control reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element such that the radiating structure of the reconfigurable radiating element radiates the selected radiation pattern.

[0080] The control entity may be configured to perform a channel evaluation. The channel evaluation may comprise sounding the environment with one or more of the radiation patterns of the set of different radiation patterns. The channel evaluation may comprise transmission of uni- / bi- directional pilots / reference signals by the antenna device. Optionally, the transmission of uni- / bi directional pilots / reference signals may be done by one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area.

[0081] The control entity of the sixth aspect achieves the same advantages as the method of the fifth aspect.

[0082] In order to achieve the control entity according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, some or all of the implementation forms and optional features of the sixth aspect, as described above, may be combined with each other.

[0083] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure. An eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing executable program code which, when executed by a processor, causes the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure to be performed.

[0084] The computer program according to the seventh aspect and the storage medium according to the eighth aspect achieve the same advantages as the method of the fifth aspect.

[0085] It has to be noted that all devices, elements, units and means described in the present application could be implemented in software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity which performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements, or any kind of combination thereof.

[0086] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0087] The above described aspects and implementation forms will be explained in the following description of specific embodiments in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which:

[0088] FIG. 1 shows an example of a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment of this disclosure for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system.

[0089] FIG. 2 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the obtaining step of the method of FIG. 1.

[0090] FIG. 2 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the obtaining step of the method of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the controlling step of the obtaining step of FIG. 2 (b).

[0091] FIG. 3 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the computing step of the method of FIG. 1.

[0092] FIG. 4 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the selecting step of the method of FIG. 1.

[0093] FIG. 4 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the determining step shown in FIG. 4 (a).

[0094] FIG. 5 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the selecting step of the method of FIG. 1.

[0095] FIG. 5 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the selecting step of the method of FIG. 1.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows an example of an entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system.

[0097] FIG. 7 shows an example of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0098] FIG. 8 shows an example of an implementation form of the antenna device of FIG. 7.

[0099] FIG. 9 shows an example of a method according to an embodiment of this disclosure for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area.

[0100] FIG. 10 shows an example of a control entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. FIGs 11 (a), 11 (b), 11 (c) and 11 (d) each show an example of a radiation pattern that may be radiated by the antenna device of FIG. 8.

[0101] Same elements shown in the Figures (FIGs) are labeled with the same reference sign, and may be implemented likewise.

[0102] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0103] FIG. 1 shows an example of a computer-implemented method according to an embodiment of this disclosure for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The method of FIG. 1 is an example of the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure. Thus, the description of the method according to the first aspect is correspondingly valid for the method of FIG. 1.

[0104] The method of FIG. 1 is a computer-implemented method for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. Examples of such an antenna device are described below with regard to FIGs 7 and 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the method comprises a step SI 00 of obtaining multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device. The method comprises after the step SI 00 a step S200 of computing one or more key performance indicators (KPIs) for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns. The method comprises after the step S200 a step S300 of selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, a number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiation patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills a criterion for the respective KPI.

[0105] For more information, such as optional features, on the method of FIG. 1 reference is made to the description of the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure and the description of FIGs 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 (a), 3 (b), 4 (a), 4 (b), 5 (a) and 5 (b).

[0106] FIG. 2 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the obtaining step of the method of FIG. 1. The description of the method of FIG. 1 is correspondingly valid. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the step SI 00 of obtaining multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device of the method of FIG. 1 may comprise or may be a step S101 of generating the different radiation patterns by simulating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and a respective radiation of the antenna device using a model of the antenna device. In other words, for obtaining the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device the method may comprise the step S101 of generating the different radiation patterns by simulating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and a respective radiation of the antenna device using a model of the antenna device.

[0107] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 2 (a) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0108] FIG. 2 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the obtaining step of the method of FIG. 1. The description of the method of FIG. 1 is correspondingly valid.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the step SI 00 of obtaining multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device of the method of FIG. 1 may comprise or may be the following steps: A step SI 02 of controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and radiation of the antenna device. The step SI 02 may be followed by a step SI 03 of receiving measured radiation patterns of the antenna device as the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device.

[0110] In other words, for obtaining the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device the method may comprise the step SI 02 of controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and radiation of the antenna device, and the step SI 03 of receiving measured radiation patterns of the antenna device as the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device.

[0111] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 2 (b) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect and to FIG. 3 (a).

[0112] FIG. 3 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the controlling step of the obtaining step of FIG. 2 (b). The description of the obtaining step of FIG. 2 (b) is correspondingly valid. The reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device may comprise one or more switches for reconfiguring the reconfigurable radiating element. That is, the one or more switches are configured to reconfigure the reconfigurable radiating element by being switches to the conducting and / or non-conducting state. In the case of multiple switches, at least one of the switches may be in a different switching state (conducting or non-conducting state) compared to the other switch(es) of the switches. As shown in FIG. 3 (a) the step SI 02 of controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device and radiation of the antenna device may comprise a step SI 02a of controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device by controlling the one or more switches of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device. In other words, reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device may be controlled by controlling the one or more switches of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device.

[0113] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 3 (a) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0114] FIG. 3 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the computing step of the method of FIG. 1. The description of the method of FIG. 1 is correspondingly valid.

[0115] Optionally, a KPI may be an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC). In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the step S200 of computing the ECC for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns may comprise or may be a step S201 of computing the ECC of one or more pairs of radiation patterns of the obtained multiple different radiation patterns by computing an integral of an electrical field of a first radiation pattern of a respective pair of the one or more pairs of radiation patterns multiplied by an Hermitian conjugated version of an electrical field of a second radiation pattern of the respective pair of the one or more pairs of radiation patterns.

[0116] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 3 (b) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0117] FIG. 4 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the selecting step of the method of FIG. 1. The description of the method of FIG. 1 is correspondingly valid. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the method of FIG. 1 may comprise a step S400 of determining a size of the set of different radiation patterns. This step S400 may be performed at any time before the selecting step S300 of FIG. 4 (a). That is, the step S400 may be performed before the obtaining step SI 00, at the same time as the obtaining step SI 00, before the computing step S200 and after the obtaining step SI 00, or at the same time as the computing step S200 of the method of FIG. 1.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the selecting step S300 of the method of FIG. 1 may comprise or may be a step S301 of selecting, as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI, the number of different radiation patterns equaling the determined size of the set of different radiation patterns.

[0119] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 4 (a) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0120] FIG. 4 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the determining step shown in FIG. 4 (a). The description of the determining step of FIG. 4 (a) is correspondingly valid.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the determining step S400 of FIG. 4 (a) may comprise or may be a step S401 of determining, as the size of the set of different radiation patterns, a number of distinct solid angular regions over a hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves. Optionally, the number of distinct solid angular regions may be nine distinct solid angular regions over the hemisphere of space from which the antenna device is configured to radiate radio waves. This may be determined by the method of Figure 1.

[0122] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 4 (b) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0123] FIG. 5 (a) shows an example of an implementation form of the selecting step of the method of FIG. 1. The description of the method of FIG. 1 is correspondingly valid.

[0124] It is assumed that the size of the set of different radiation patterns is optionally a number of distinct solid angular regions over a hemisphere of space from which the antenna device 1 is configured to radiate radio waves. In this optional case, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the selecting step S300 of the method of FIG. 1 may comprise or may be a step S302 of selecting the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns such that the number of different radiation patterns comprises for each distinct solid angular region of the number of distinct solid angular regions a radio pattern having a main beam in the respective distinct solid angular region.

[0125] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 5 (a) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0126] FIG. 5 (b) shows an example of an implementation form of the selecting step of the method of FIG. 1. The description of the method of FIG. 1 is correspondingly valid.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the selecting step S300 of the method of FIG. 1 may comprise a step S303 of categorizing the number of different radiation patterns into a primary category and a secondary category depending on the at least one of the one or more KPIs.

[0128] For further information on the optional feature of FIG. 5 (b) reference is made to the corresponding description of the method according to the first aspect.

[0129] The different optional features of FIGs 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 (a), 3(b), 4 (a), 4 (b), 5 (a) and 5 (b) may be combined by any way in order to provide an example of an implementation form of the method of FIG. 1.

[0130] FIG. 6 shows an example of an entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The entity 100 of FIG. 6 is an example of the entity according to the second aspect of this disclosure. Thus, the description of the entity according to the second aspect is correspondingly valid for the entity 100 of FIG. 6.

[0131] The entity 100 of FIG. 6 is an entity for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device 1 for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system. The antenna device 1 comprises a reconfigurable radiating element 3 for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device 1. The entity 100 is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure. The entity 100 may be configured to perform the method of FIG. 1 optionally with any combination of optional features described with regard to FIGs 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 (a), 3(b), 4 (a), 4 (b), 5 (a) and 5 (b).

[0132] The entity 100 may be a control device, such as a control device for controlling the antenna device 1. The control device 100 may be part of the antenna device 1 (not shown in FIG. 6). The control device 100 may be configured to be electrically connected with the antenna device 1. The control device 100 may comprise or be at least one of a controller, a microcontroller, a processor, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0133] Examples of the antenna device 1 are described below with regard to FIGs 7 and 8.

[0134] FIG. 7 shows an example of an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The antenna device 1 of FIG. 7 is an example of the antenna device with regard to which the method of FIG. 1 may generate a set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device 1. The antenna device 1 of FIG. 7 is an example of the antenna device that may be controlled by the method of FIG. 9.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 7, the antenna device 1 comprises a reconfigurable radiating element 3 for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device 1. The right side of FIG. 7 shows a top view of an example of the reconfigurable radiating element 3. The reconfigurable radiating element 3 may comprise one or more switches 32 for reconfiguring the reconfigurable radiating element. The reconfigurable radiating element 3 may comprise multiple conductive elements 31, which may be for example rhombic conductive elements (as shown in FIG. 7), wherein each of the one or more switches 32 may electrically connect a respective first conductive element of the multiple conductive elements 31 with a respective second conductive element of the multiple conductive elements 31. The conductive elements 31 may have a different form (not shown in Figure 7).

[0136] According to FIG. 7 the number of conductive elements 31 is sixteen conductive elements 31 and the number of switches 32 is twenty switches. This is only by way of example and, thus, the number of conductive elements 31 and / or the number of switches 32 may be different. Optionally, the one or more switches 32 may comprise or may be one or more positive intrinsic negative (PEST) diodes. Controlling the one or more switches 32 allows controlling interconnection^) between the multiple conductive elements 31. The reconfigurable radiating element 3 may change, depending on its configuration (i.e. its current layout due to current interconnection^) between the multiple conductive elements 31 controlled by the one or more switches 32), the radiation pattern of the antenna device 1. The multiple conductive elements 31 are or form a radiating structure of the reconfigurable radiating element.

[0137] Optionally, the reconfigurable radiating element 3 may be an active radiating element that is configured to radiate radio waves in response to radio signals being fed to the reconfigurable radiating element. The radiation pattern of the antenna device may correspond to a radiation pattern radiated from the active radiating element 3 depend on the configuration of the active radiating element 3. Controlling radiation of the antenna device 1 comprises controlling radio frequency (RF) signals being fed to the reconfigurable active radiating element 3 of the antenna device, wherein the radiation pattern may be controlled by controlling the one or more switches 32 of the reconfigurable active radiating element 3.

[0138] Alternatively, the reconfigurable radiating element 3 may be a passive radiating element. In this case, as shown on the left side of FIG. 7, the antenna device 1 may comprise an optional active radiating element 2 and the reconfigurable radiating element 3 may be arranged in a main direction of radiation (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 7) of the active radiating element 2 in front of the active radiating element 2. In the aforementioned optional case, controlling radiation of the antenna device 1 comprises controlling radio frequency (RF) signals being fed to the optional active radiating element 2 of the antenna device 1, wherein the radiation pattern may be controlled by controlling the one or more switches 32 of the reconfigurable passive radiating element 3.

[0139] For further details on the antenna device of Figure 7 reference is made to the corresponding description of an antenna device that is described with regard to the method of the first aspect.

[0140] FIG. 8 shows an example of an implementation form of the antenna device of FIG. 7. The description of the antenna device 1 of FIG. 7 is correspondingly valid for the antenna device 1 of Figure 8. In the example of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the reconfigurable radiating element is a passive radiating element and, thus, the optional active radiating element is present, wherein the reconfigurable radiating element is arranged in a main direction of radiation of the active radiating element in front of the active radiating element. The optional active radiating element is assumed to be a dual-polarized active radiating element. This is only by way of example and, thus, the active radiating element may be differently implemented. The description of Figure 8 is correspondingly valid in case of a different implementation form of the active radiating element.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 8, the conductive elements 31 of the reconfigurable radiating element 3 may be multiple patches (e.g. rhombic patches) arranged on a planar element 34. The planar element 34 may be a dielectric substrate, e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate. The multiple patches 31 may be implemented as metallization on the dielectric substrate 34. The multiple patches may be passive patches.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 8, the active radiating element 2 may optionally be a dual-polarized active radiating element. The dual-polarized active radiating element 2 may comprise a planar element 22 on which a patch 21 is arranged, and the patch 21 is configured to radiate radio waves of the two polarizations. The planar element 22 may be a dielectric substrate, e.g. a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate. The patch 21 may be a rectangular patch, as shown in FIG. 8. The antenna device 1 may comprise a first radio frequency (RF) signal feeding line 23a, optionally a first microstrip line, accessing one side 21a of the rectangular patch 21. The first RF signal feeding line 23a may feed a first polarization of the two polarizations. The antenna device 1 may comprise a second and third RF signal feeding line 23b, 23c, optional a second and third microstrip line, accessing at two sides 21b of the rectangular patch 21 that are adjacent to the aforementioned side 21a and opposite to each other. The second and third RF signal feeding line 23b, 23c may feed a second polarization of the two polarizations in a differential way. The active radiating element 2 may comprise two ports 24a and 24b. A first port 24a of the two ports 24a and 24b is configured to feed the RF signal feeding line 23a. That is, the first port 24a may be configured to feed the first polarization of the two polarizations via the RF signal feeding line 23 a to the side 21a of the rectangular patch 21. A second port 24b of the two ports 24a and 24b is configured to feed the RF signal feeding lines 23b and 23c. That is, the second port 24b may be configured to feed the second polarization of the two polarizations via the RF signal feeding lines 23b and 23c to the two sides 21b of the rectangular patch 21. The patch 21 may be implemented as metallization on a dielectric substrate 22. The patch 21 is or forms a radiating structure (i.e. active radiating structure) of the dual-polarized active radiating element 2. Alternatively or additionally, the dual-polarized active radiating element 2 may comprise an antenna array configured to radiate radio waves of the two polarizations (not shown in FIG. 8). The antenna array is or forms a radiating structure (i.e. active radiating structure) of the polarized active radiating element 2. The antenna array may be arranged on the planar element 22 of the polarized active radiating element 2. The antenna array may comprise multiple patches. The multiple patches may be arranged on the planar element 22 of the dual-polarized active radiating element 2.

[0143] The implementation of the active radiating element 2 shown in FIG. 8 is only by way of example and may be different. That is, the active radiating element 2 may be differently implemented. The description of FIGs 8 and 11 is correspondingly valid when the active radiating element 2 is differently implemented. The implementation of the reconfigurable radiating element 3 shown in FIG. 8 is also valid in case the active radiating element 2 is differently implemented. This means, the implementation of the reconfigurable radiating element 3 does not depend on a specific implementation of the active radiating element 2, such as the example of an implementation of the active radiating element 2 shown in FIG. 8.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 8, the reconfigurable radiating element 3 may comprise control lines 33 for providing control signals to the one or more switches 32. The control lines 33 are connected to a connector 35, which is configured to be electrically connected to an entity (e.g. control device) that is configured to control the one or more switches 32 for controlling reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element 3. Such an entity may be the entity of the second aspect of this disclosure or the control entity of the sixth aspect of this entity. For example, such an entity may be the entity of FIG. 6 or the control entity of FIG. 10. The entity for controlling the one or more switches 32 may be configured to control the active radiating element 2, e.g. by providing the RF signals to the active radiating element 2. This may be also true in case the reconfigurable radiating element 3 is an active radiating element and the optional active radiating element 2 is omitted (not shown in FIG. 8).

[0145] A FTTR device may comprise the antenna device of this disclosure, such as the antenna device of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8.

[0146] FIGs 11 (a), 11 (b), 11 (c) and 11 (d) each show an example of a radiation pattern that may be radiated by the antenna device of FIG. 8. In FIGs 11 (a), 11 (b), 11 (c) and 11 (d), a vertical axis and horizontal axis indicate spatial coordinates v and u, respectively. The lines of the shown radiation patterns indicate an intensity of the electrical field, wherein the greater the number associated to a respective line the greater the intensity and vice versa.

[0147] Since the antenna device 1, especially the active radiating element 2, may comprise two ports 24a and 24b, the antenna device 1 is configured to generate two radiation patterns simultaneously.

[0148] FIGs 11 (a) and 11 (b) show two radiation patterns that may be radiated by the antenna device 1 for a first configuration of the antenna device 1, i.e. for a first configuration of the reconfigurable radiating element 3. FIG. 11 (a) shows the radiation pattern that is caused by the first port 24a of the active radiating element 2, i.e. when the first port 24a feeds the RF signal feeding line 23a. FIG. 11 (b) shows the radiation pattern that is caused by the second port 24b of the active radiating element 2, i.e. when the second port 24b feeds the RF signal feeding lines 23b and 23c.

[0149] FIGs 11 (c) and 11 (d) show two radiation patterns that may be radiated by the antenna device 1 for a second configuration of the antenna device 1, i.e. for a second configuration of the reconfigurable radiating element 3. The second configuration is different compared to the first configuration. Thus, the radiation pattern of FIG. 11 (c), which shows for the second configuration the radiation pattern that is caused by the first port 24a of the active radiating element 2, is different compared to the radiation pattern of FIG. 11 (a). Accordingly, the radiation pattern of FIG. 11 (d), which shows for the second configuration the radiation pattern that is caused by the second port 24b of the active radiating element 2, is different compared to the radiation pattern of FIG. 11 (b).

[0150] The radiation patterns of FIGs 11 (a), 11 (b), 11 (c) and 11 (d) are examples of radiation patterns of the set of different radiation patterns that may be generated by the method of FIG. 1. As may be derived from the FIGs 11 (a), 11 (b), 11 (c) and 11 (d), the radiation patterns radiate in different directions, are uncorrelated to each other and complement each other to provide a global joint coverage.

[0151] FIG. 9 shows an example of a method according to an embodiment of this disclosure for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. The method of FIG. 9 is an example of the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure. Thus, the description of the method according to the fifth aspect is correspondingly valid for the method of FIG. 9.

[0152] The method of FIG. 9 is a method for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. Examples of the antenna device are described with regard to FIGs 7 and 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the method comprises a step SI 000 of using a set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device. The method comprises after the step S1000 a step S2000 of selecting a radiation pattern from the set of different radiation patterns that comprises at least one of

[0153] - nulls in a direction of one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area,

[0154] - nulls in a direction where a reflection of radio waves radiated by the antenna device would imping on one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area,

[0155] - a main beam in a direction of a terminal device, and

[0156] - a main beam in a direction where a reflection of radio waves radiated by the antenna device would imping on a terminal device.

[0157] The method comprises after the step S2000 a step S3000 of controlling the reconfigurable radiating element such that the radiation pattern of the antenna device equals the selected radiation pattern of the set of different radiation patterns.

[0158] For further information on the method of FIG. 9 reference is made to the description of the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0159] FIG. 10 shows an example of a control entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. The entity 200 of FIG. 10 is an example of the control entity according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure. Thus, the description of the control entity according to the sixth aspect is correspondingly valid for the entity 200 of FIG. 10. The control entity 200 of FIG. 10 is a control entity for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area. The antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The control entity 200 is configured to perform the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure. The control entity 200 may be configured to perform the method of FIG. 9.

[0160] The control entity 200 may be a control device for controlling the antenna device. The control device 200 may be part of the antenna device. The control device 200 may be configured to be electrically connected with the antenna device. The control device 200 may comprise or be at least one of a controller, a microcontroller, a processor, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0161] Examples of the antenna device 1 are described above with regard to FIGs 7 and 8.

[0162] The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with various embodiments as examples as well as implementations. However, other variations can be understood and effected by those persons skilled in the art and practicing the claimed matter, from the studies of the drawings, this disclosure and the independent claims. In the claims as well as in the description the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the mutual different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer-implemented method for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device (1) for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system, wherein the antenna device (1) comprises a reconfigurable radiating element (3) for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device (1), and the method comprises: obtaining (SI 00) multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device, computing (S200) one or more key performance indicators, KPIs, for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns, selecting (S300), as the set of different radiations patterns, a number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiation patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills a criterion for the respective KPI.

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining (SI 00) the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device (1) comprises: generating (SI 01) the different radiation patterns by simulating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element (3) of the antenna device (1) and a respective radiation of the antenna device (1) using a model of the antenna device (1).

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein obtaining (SI 00) the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device (1) comprises: controlling (SI 02) reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element (3) of the antenna device (1) and radiation of the antenna device (1), and receiving (S103) measured radiation patterns of the antenna device (1) as the multiple different radiation patterns of the antenna device (1).

4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 3, wherein the reconfigurable radiating element (3) of the antenna device (1) comprises one or more switches (32) for reconfiguring the reconfigurable radiating element (3), and controlling (SI 02) reconfiguration of the reconfigurable radiating element of the antenna device comprises controlling (SI 02a) the one or more switches (32) of the reconfigurable radiating element (3) of the antenna device (1).

5. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more computed KPIs are at least one of an envelope correlation coefficient, ECC; a coverage angle; a main beam and null; a directivity of the main beam and null; a beam-width of the main beam and null; side lobe levels, SLL; a variation of beam values within a desired angle; a polarization; a received power of a pilot; and an active return loss at antenna port(s) of the antenna device.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one KPI of the one or more KPIs is an envelope correlation coefficient, ECC.

7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 6, wherein computing (S200) the ECC for the obtained multiple different radiation patterns comprises: computing (S201) the ECC of one or more pairs of radiation patterns of the obtained multiple different radiation patterns by computing an integral of an electrical field of a first radiation pattern of a respective pair of the one or more pairs of radiation patterns multiplied by a Hermitian conjugated version of an electrical field of a second radiation pattern of the respective pair of the one or more pairs of radiation patterns.

8. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises: determining (S400) a size of the set of different radiation patterns, and selecting (S301), as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI, the number of different radiation patterns equaling the determined size of the set of different radiation patterns.

9. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises: determining (S401), as the size of the set of different radiation patterns, a number of distinct solid angular regions over a hemisphere of space from which the antenna device (1) is configured to radiate radio waves.

10. The computer-implemented method according to claim 9, wherein the method comprises: determining, as the number of distinct solid angular regions, nine distinct solid angular regions over the hemisphere of space from which the antenna device (1) is configured to radiate radio waves.

11. The computer-implemented method according to claim 9 or 10 wherein selecting (S300), as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI comprises: selecting (S302) the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns such that the number of different radiation patterns comprises for each distinct solid angular region of the number of distinct solid angular regions a radio pattern having a main beam in the respective distinct solid angular region.

12. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein selecting (S300), as the set of different radiations patterns, the number of different radiation patterns from the multiple different radiations’ patterns for which at least one of the one or more computed KPIs fulfills the criterion for the respective KPI comprises: categorizing (S303) the number of different radiation patterns into a primary category and a secondary category depending on the at least one of the one or more KPIs.

13. An entity (100) for generating a set of different radiation patterns of an antenna device (1) for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system, wherein the antenna device (1) comprises a reconfigurable radiating element (3) for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device (1), and the entity (100) is configured to perform the method according to any one of the previous claims.

14. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to15. A storage medium storing executable program code which, when executed by a processor, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to be performed.

16. A method for controlling an antenna device for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area, wherein the antenna device comprises a reconfigurable radiating element for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device, and the method comprises: using (SI 000) a set of different radiation patterns of the antenna device (1), selecting (S2000) a radiation pattern from the set of different radiation patterns that comprises at least one of nulls in a direction of one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area, nulls in a direction where a reflection of radio waves radiated by the antenna device would imping on one or more other access points of the multiple wireless access point system in the area, a main beam in a direction of a terminal device, and a main beam in a direction where a reflection of radio waves radiated by the antenna device would imping on a terminal device, and controlling (S3000) the reconfigurable radiating element such that the radiation pattern of the antenna device equals the selected radiation pattern of the set of different radiation patterns.

17. A control entity (200) for controlling an antenna device (1) for an access point of a multiple wireless access point system in an area, wherein the antenna device (1) comprises a reconfigurable radiating element (3) for changing the radiation pattern of the antenna device (1), and the control entity (200) is configured to perform the method according to claim 16.

18. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 16.

19. A storage medium storing executable program code which, when executed by a processor, causes the method according to claim 16 to be performed.

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