Control of mesh networks

Abstract

A method includes identifying a base station via a first control link. The base station configured to provide wireless communication. The method further includes converting the first control link into a second control link. The method further includes identifying network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link. The NCR devices are configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station. The method further includes selecting a first NCR device of the NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station. The method further includes selecting a second NCR device of the NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device. The method further includes causing the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

Description

CONTROL OF MESH NETWORKS

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mesh networks, and in particular to control of mesh networks.Background

[0002] Wireless communication networks are used to transmit and receive data. Devices are used to assist with transmitting and receiving data.

[0003] The following is a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure, nor delineate any scope of the particular implementations of the disclosure or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0004] In an aspect of the disclosure, a method includes: identifying, by a controller device, a base station via a first control link, the base station configured to provide wireless communication; converting, by the controller device, the first control link into a second control link; identifying, by the controller device, a plurality of network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link, the plurality of NCR devices being configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station; selecting, by the controller device, a first NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station; selecting, by the controller device, a second NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device; and causing, by the controller device, the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

[0005] In another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a processing device of a controller device, cause the processing device to perform operations comprising: identifying a base station via a first control link, the base station configured to provide wireless communication; converting the first control link into a second control link; identifying a plurality of network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link, the plurality of NCR devices being configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station; selecting a first NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station; selecting a second NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device; and causing the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

[0006] In another aspect of the disclosure, a controller device includes: a memory; and a processing device coupled to the memory, the processing device to: identify a base station via a first control link, the base station configured to provide wireless communication; convert the first control link into a second control link; identify a plurality of network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link, the plurality of NCR devices being configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station; select a first NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station; select a second NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device; and cause the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

[0007] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 2A-E illustrate sequence diagrams associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 2A-E illustrate sequence diagrams associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 2A-E illustrate sequence diagrams associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 2A-E illustrate sequence diagrams associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 2A-E illustrate sequence diagrams associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 3A-B illustrate components of systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 3A-B illustrate components of systems that include control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 4A-C are flow diagrams of methods associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 4A-C are flow diagrams of methods associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIGS. 4A-C are flow diagrams of methods associated with control of mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system, according to certain embodiments.Detailed Description

[0009] Embodiments described herein are related to control of mesh networks (e.g., mesh network controls, beam management and routing control methods for mesh networks, control of wireless communications networks that use line-of-sight or near line-of-sight communications such as utilizing radio signals with millimeter wave (mm-wave) frequencies. Millimeter wave (mm-wave) frequencies may refer to frequencies of at least about 20 gigahertz (GHz) (e.g., about 28 GHz).

[0010] Wireless communication networks are used to transmit and receive data. Devices are used to assist with transmitting and receiving data. As wireless communications networks move towards higher frequencies to improve data rates, the corresponding decrease in wavelengths can lead to issues with providing uniform coverage in areas without line-of-sight to a transmitter, for example, in urban areas, forested areas, inside structures, and so forth.

[0011] As wireless communications networks start to move to millimeter wave frequencies, signal attenuation due to path loss (e.g., free space path loss) can be significant, whereby the loss, to first order, is proportional to square of the frequency. Additional losses can occur with water vapor (H2O) or rain.

[0012] Providing wireless network coverage to the interior of structures such as building and sports stadiums is already an issue for frequencies below 5 GHz. Moving to higher frequencies will cause further degradation of signal intensities penetrating into structures. Improvements in building glass relating to thermal regulation, for example inclusion of thin metallized layers to help keep buildings cooler, may further attenuate radio signals from the exterior.

[0013] The problems of line-of-sight to a base station and path loss due to atmospheric and / or weather attenuation of radio signals may be mitigated by adding further wireless transceivers to a wireless network. For these reasons directional, line-of-sight communications may be used for high data-rate wireless communications networks.

[0014] The current infrastructure for wireless communications has limitations and underlying issues which will make it difficult to scale towards higher frequencies, for example towards (or beyond) mm-waves. As the demand for higher bandwidth is driven ever upwards for new services such as mobile data, content streaming and so forth, the size of an area (or gcell h) covered by a single transmitter tower had become increasingly small. The current infrastructure of cell towers is approaching its limits, and a new approach is required as wireless communications networks increasing move towards a line-of-sight, point-to-multipoint system operating at high frequencies and high data rates. Such high frequency communications, for example mm-wave, may also benefit considerably from the use of massively multi-input-multiple-output antenna architectures to allow beamforming and beam-steering. Highly directional operation may help to avoid issues with multi-path interference.

[0015] Driven by consumer demands for increasingly diverse and immersive mobile data services, for example high-definition video streaming, cloud-based services, augmented reality and so forth, next generation wireless communication networks and systems will need to offer high throughput, low latency and reliability to remain competitive. For example, beyond the currently planned infrastructure to move up to 6 GHz, there is additional wide spectrum available at mm-wave frequencies that is under-utilized, and which could potentially support data rates in the region of 10 to 50 Gb per second.

[0016] Wide spectrum does not mean it is unlimited, and other services will also utilize the same, or neighboring, bands. If significant portion of spectrum is exclusively granted to a single independent mobile network operator, there will be inefficiency of spectrum utilization. An average consumer may utilize cm-waves with spectrum ranging from 3 to 30 GHz, and between 30 and 40 GHz (up to 300 GHz) as a mm-wave spectrum.

[0017] There is also spectrum sharing at 60 to 70 GHz for mission-critical services, which includes smart city infrastructure, healthcare, self-driving cars, and many other applications. Such services should preferably have access to a continuous high-speed, low-latency connection, and shared spectrum has the potential to help ensure that devices are always connected.

[0018] While line-of-sight issues arising in such high-frequency wireless communications networks may start to be addressed by adding further wireless transceivers to a network, in practice the immediately arising question is how such networks are to be controlled and coordinated, given that many wireless transceivers in such a network will not possess line-of-sight to one another.

[0019] In conventional systems, a base station communicates wirelessly with any node and then that node communicates wirelessly with a user device. Conventional systems do not include control of to which node the wireless communication is to be propagated. This causes inefficiencies of wireless communication and can cause spotty reception of wireless communication by the user device. For higher frequencies that have decreased wavelengths, conventional systems do not provide uniform coverage in areas and have degradation of signal intensities.

[0020] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure provide solutions to these and other problems of conventional systems.

[0021] A controller device includes identifies a base station via a first control link. The base station is configured to provide wireless communication. In some embodiments, the base station is a wireless communication tower (e.g., cell phone tower) or a satellite.

[0022] The controller device converts the first control link into a second control link. In some embodiments, the first control link includes a standard compliant control signal from the base station and the second control link includes is a control signal (e.g., a proprietary control signal) to manage multiple devices in a mesh network.

[0023] The controller device identifies network control repeater (NCR) devices (e.g., nodes, heterogeneous integration device, an analog repeater that performs an amplify-and-forward operation) in a mesh network via the second control link. The NCR devices are configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station (e.g., to one or more user devices).

[0024] The controller device selects a first NCR device of the NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station. The controller device may select the first NCR device based on location of the first NCR device, signal quality of the first NCR device, current wireless usage, projected wireless usage, weather, traffic, etc.

[0025] The controller device selects a second NCR device of the NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device. The controller device may select the second NCR device based on location of the second NCR device, signal quality of the second NCR device, current wireless usage, projected wireless usage, weather, traffic, etc.

[0026] The controller device causes the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device. In some embodiments, the first control link and the second control link are via lower frequency (e.g., below 5G) and the wireless communication is at a higher frequency (e.g., 5G or above).

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller device and / or NCR devices (e.g., wireless transceivers, radios) allow wireless networks operating at high frequencies that use line-of-sight to be coordinated to allow relaying around obstructions. In particular, certain examples concern performing such coordination dynamically, which may be used when NCR devices (e.g., radios) may join and leave a network, and / or may change positions relative to one another during use.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more of the controller device and / or NCR devices (e.g., wireless transceivers, radios) are a heterogeneous integration device.

[0029] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure have advantages over conventional solutions. The present disclosure may provide more uniform coverage in areas than conventional systems. The present disclosure may provide more line-of-sight between devices than conventional systems. The present disclosure may have less degradation of signal intensities than conventional systems. The present disclosure can be used to better provide better wireless network coverage (e.g., including coverage at higher frequencies) than conventional systems. The present disclosure may provide devices that are more transparent than conventional systems. This allows the present disclosure to be used in locations (e.g., on windows) where conventional systems are not used. The present disclosure may provide devices that are more easily fabricated and replicated than conventional systems. The present disclosure may provide devices that have better resolution and better tolerances than conventional systems. This allows the present disclosure to have less variations in dimensional features of components (e.g., antennas) and allows the present disclosure to have better performance than conventional systems.

[0030] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with regards to heterogeneous integration devices that include antennas, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may include heterogeneous integration devices that include other or additional components such as light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0031] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with regards to devices to operate at higher millimeter wave frequencies, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may be used to provide devices that operate at lower frequencies (e.g., below millimeter wave frequencies ).

[0032] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIGS. 1A-L illustrate systems 100A-L associated with control of mesh networks 102, according to certain embodiments. Components with similar names and / or reference numbers in the FIGS. may have the same or similar functionality, etc. as each other.

[0034] FIG. 1A may illustrate a system 100A including control of a mesh network 102 (e.g., established backhaul links 152 and access link 154 for wireless communication). Establishing control of a mesh network 102 may include:

[0035] a first operation of establishing a backhaul link 152 between the base station 110 and NCR device 130A (e.g., see FIG. 1B);

[0036] a second operation of establishing a backhaul link 152 between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B (e.g., see FIGS. 1C-D); and

[0037] a third operation of establishing an access link 154 between NCR device 130B and user device 140 (e.g., see FIGS. 1E-F).

[0038] System 100 may undergo beam alignment (e.g., see FIG. 1G, beam alignment of a user device 140). System 100 may manage multiple user devices 140 (e.g., see FIGS. 1H-L).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1A, system 100A that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments.

[0040] System 100 includes a mesh network 102, a base station 110, and user devices 140.

[0041] Base station 110 may be a wireless communication tower (e.g., cell phone tower) or a satellite. Base station 110 may be a next generation node B (gNodeB or gNB) that is responsible for communication with user devices 140 (e.g., user equipment (UE), client device). The base station 110 (e.g. ,gNB) may be a component of a wireless communication standard (e.g., 5G or higher wireless communication standard). The base station 110 (e.g. ,gNB) may be the radio access network for the user devices 140 (e.g., 5G or higher devices), responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the user devices 140 and the core network.

[0042] A user device 140 may include a phone, smart phone, tablet, personal computer, wireless device, processing device, etc.

[0043] The mesh network 102 includes a controller device 120 and network control repeater (NCR) devices 130 (e.g., nodes). Controller device 120 communicates with base station 110 via control link 150A. Controller device 120 communicates with NCR devices 130 via control link 150B. Control link 150A may be a standard compliant control signal from the base station 110. Control link 150B may be a control signal to manage the devices in the mesh network 102. Controller device 120 may convert (e.g., translate) the control link 150A into control link 150B. Control links 150A-B may be at a lower frequency (e.g., below 5Gz, 3 GHz, 4 GHz, etc.).

[0044] Base station 110 may communicate with NCR device 130A via a backhaul link 152. NCR device 130A may communicate with NCR device 130B via a backhaul link 152 (e.g., directly or via one or more intervening NCR devices 130). NCR device 130B may communicate with user device 140 via an access link 154. Backhaul link 152 and access link 154 may be at a higher frequency (e.g., millimeter wave frequencies, etc.) than the lower frequency of the control links 150A-B.

[0045] In some embodiments, controller device 120 and NCR devices 130 are the same or similar type of devices (e.g., heterogeneous integrated devices) that have the same or similar functionalities. One of the NCR devices 130 in the mesh network 102 may act as the controller device 120. A different NCR device 130 in the mesh network 102 may replace the controller device 120 (e.g., responsive to the controller device 120 going offline, a different NCR device 130 being more centrally located, etc.).

[0046] The controller device 120 and / or the NCR devices 130 may each be an analog repeater that performs amplify-and-forward operation. The controller device 120 may form a control link 150A with the base station 110, the NCR device 130 may form a backhaul link 152 with the base station 110, and the NCR device 130 may form an access link 154 with the user device 140 (e.g., user equipment).

[0047] Conventionally, a node may have a mobile termination component to form a control link with a base station and a forwarding component to form the backhaul link with the base station and to form the access link with the user device. Conventional nodes may only be used with a single hop operation (e.g., one node between a base station and a user device).

[0048] The mesh network 102 may be a mm-wave mesh network using distributed multiple repeaters (e.g., controller device 120 and multiple NCR devices 130, multiple nodes). The controller device 120 and the NCR devices 130 (e.g., repeaters, nodes) may communicate with proprietary control signals (e.g., control link 150B). Communication with the base station 110 and the user device 140 may be standard compliant.

[0049] The mesh network 102 includes a controller device 120 and NCR devices 130. The controller device 120 may be a separate device or one integrated in an NCR device 130. The NCR devices 130 and the controller device 120 communicate by using the internal control links (e.g., control link 150B). Communication between the controller device and the base station 110 may be accomplished via an external control link (e.g., control link 150A).

[0050] The group of the controller device 120 and the NCR devices 130 may behave like a single NCR device and may be standard compliant. Control link 150A may be a standard compliant control signal. The controller device 120 may convert the control link 150A and the control link 2 signals (e.g., to pass communication between the base station 110 and the NCR devices 130). Control links 150B may be proprietary control signals. The backhaul links 152 and access links 154 of the mesh network 102 may be transparent between the base station 110 and the user device 140.

[0051] Frequencies (e.g., below 5 GHz, above 5 GHz, etc.) may be the same or different for the control link 150A, control link 150B, backhaul link 152, and / or access link 154. The number of NCR devices 130, location of the controller device 120, etc. may be flexible.

[0052] In some embodiments, control link 150A and control link 150B are at the same frequency that is below 6 GHz (e.g., sub-6GHz). Backhaul links 152 and access link 154 may be at a mm-wave frequency (e.g., at 28 GHz or above). The controller device 120 may be separate hardware than the NCR devices 130.

[0053] The controller device 120 may translate the standard compliant control signal from the base station 110 (e.g., gNB) to the proprietary control signals to manage multiple devices (e.g., NCR devices 130) in the mesh network 102). Beam alignment protocol for the wireless backhaul (e.g., backhaul link 152) may include the NCR devices 130 (e.g., analog repeaters) that have beam forming capability. Beam alignment protocol for the wireless access link (e.g., access link 154) may include the NCR devices 130 (e.g., analog repeaters) that have beam forming capability. Controller device 120 may manage multiple wireless access links 154. Controller device 120 may manage re-routing due to signal blockage.

[0054] Base station 110 may transmit a first signal to NCR device 130A, NCR device 130A may transmit the first signal to NCR device 130B, and the NCR device 130B may transmit the first signal to a user device 140. The user device 140 may transmit a second signal to the NCR device 130B, the NCR device 130B may transmit the second signal to the NCR device 130A, and the NCR device 130A may transmit the signal to the base station 110. The NCR devices 130 may be configured to adjust the direction of the antennas of the NCR devices 130 to send and receive signals from other devices (e.g., base station 110, another NCR device 130, a user device 140, etc.). Although FIG. 1A illustrates system 100A sending and receiving signals using two NCR devices 130A-B, a system (e.g., system 100, mesh network 102) may include more or less NCR devices 130 to send and / or receive signals.

[0055] In some embodiments, controller device 120 and / or NCR device 130 may be a radio for networked relaying of radio signals within a first frequency band. The radio includes a first transceiver for the first frequency band. The first transceiver is electronically steerable to a first direction. The radio also includes a second transceiver for the first frequency band. 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. The radio 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 radios. Each of the other radios includes the same elements as the radio. The radio is configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network, in order to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network map for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band, and to determine one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations of the radio. The radio is configured, during a time period corresponding to at least one time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the first transceiver to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios.

[0056] Two or more time-multiplexed routing configurations may be identical for a given radio. All time-multiplexed routing configurations may be identical for a given radio.

[0057] The radio may be configured, during a time period corresponding to every time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the first transceiver to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios. The radio may be configured, during a time period corresponding to every time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the first transceiver to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to the same one of the other radios.

[0058] The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having carrier frequencies between and including 5 GHz and 300 GHz. The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having carrier frequencies between and including 30 GHz and 300 GHz. The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having carrier frequencies within one or more of the K (20 GHz to 40 GHz), L (40 GHz to 60 GHz) and M (60 GHz to 100 GHz) bands defined by NATO. The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having carrier frequencies within one or more of the Ka (27 GHz to 40 GHz), V (40 GHz to 75 GHz) and W (75 GHz to 110 GHz) bands defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having carrier frequencies exceeding 300 GHz. The first and second transceivers may be configured for radio signals having carrier frequencies equaling or exceeding 1 THz. The first and second transceivers may be configured for a radio signal which is a 5G signal. The first and second transceivers may be configured for a radio signal which is a 6G signal. The first and second transceivers may be configured for a radio signal which is a 7G signal.

[0059] The second frequency band may have a central frequency which is less than a central frequency of the first frequency band. The second frequency band may have a central frequency which is about ten (or more) times less than a central frequency of the first frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency is about 28 GHz and the second frequency is about 3 GHz.

[0060] The second frequency band may have an upper bound which is less than or equal to a lower bound of the first frequency band. In other words, the second frequency band may be less than and non-overlapping with the first frequency band. The wireless network may comply with, for example IEEE 802.11ax-2021 standard published on 19 May 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.

[0061] The first direction may be bounded by a first angular range. In other words, the first direction may be steerable to orient a main lobe of a corresponding radiation pattern within the first angular range.

[0062] Each first configuration direction may be directed towards a target radio of the plurality of other radios corresponding to the respective time-multiplexed routing configuration.

[0063] The analog signal path may not include down-conversion between the first and second transceivers.

[0064] The radio may be configured to transmit steering data to one or more of the other radios. Steering data may include one or more of a location of the radio, for example a global positioning system (GPS) location, a velocity of the radio, an acceleration of the radio and a bearing of the radio. The radio may be configured to transmit steering data via the wireless network. The radio may be configured to receive steering data corresponding to at least one of the one or more of the other radios. Steering data corresponding to at least one of the one or more of the other radios may include one or more of a location of the at least one other radio, for example a GPS location, a velocity of the at least one other radio, an acceleration of the at least one other radio and a bearing of the at least one other radio. The radio may be configured to receive steering data via the wireless network.

[0065] Coordinating with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to determine the network map may include controlling the first transceiver to transmit a test signal whilst scanning the first direction through a range of available angles. Coordinating with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to determine the network map may include listening, via the wireless network, for one or more line-of-sight (LOS) confirmation messages transmitted by other radios. Each LOS confirmation message may include a reception time and an identifier of a corresponding other radio. Coordinating with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to determine the network map may include, 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 that other radio to a routing table stored by the radio.

[0066] The routing table may include a list of other radios and corresponding first directions. The network map may be formed by aggregating the routing tables of the radio and all the other radios communicatively coupled to the wireless network.

[0067] Each confirmation message may also include a quality metric. The routing table may also include and / or store the quality metric corresponding to each respective connection.

[0068] The test signal may encode a unique identifier of the radio. The unique identifier may be encoded by modulating the frequency and / or amplitude of the test signal. The unique identifier may be encoded by a carrier frequency of the test signal.

[0069] Coordinating with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to determine the network map may include listening, using the second transceiver, for one or more test signals transmitted by other radios. Coordinating with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to determine the network map may include, in response to receiving a test signal from one of the other radios, to transmit a LOS confirmation message to that other radio via the wireless network. The LOS confirmation message may include an identifier of the radio and a reception time corresponding to a maximum power of the test signal.

[0070] The source of the test signal for routing of 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 of the confirmation message may be determined based on a schedule defining times at which the radio and each of the other radios transmits test signals.

[0071] Receiving a test signal from one of the other radios may take the form of receiving a test signal which 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 a standard error of 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 upon installation, and / or periodically updated during use.

[0072] The determination of one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations of the radio may be 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, applied to a network map determined based on the first group and second group of the radio and of each other radio comprised in the wireless network.

[0073] The radio may be configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network map according to a schedule.

[0074] The radio may be configured to coordinate with the plurality of other radios via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network map in response to receiving a mapping request message. The mapping request message may be generated in response to a new other radio joining the wireless network. The mapping request message may be generated in response to one of the other radios leaving the wireless network. The mapping request message may be generated in response to the radio, or one of the other radios, has changed one or more of location, velocity, rate of acceleration and so forth.

[0075] The radio may be configured, in response to relaying a radio signal using the first and second transceivers to transmit, via the wireless network, a first relay confirmation message to a source radio of the plurality of other radios corresponding to an active time-multiplexed routing configuration. The radio may be configured, in response to relaying a radio signal using the first and second transceivers to listen for a predetermined period, via the wireless network, for a second relay confirmation message from a target radio of the plurality of other radios corresponding to the active time-multiplexed routing configuration. The radio may be configured, in response to relaying a radio signal using the first and second transceivers in response to the predetermined period elapsing without reception of the second relay confirmation message, to increment a failure counter corresponding to the target radio. The radio may be configured, in response to relaying a radio signal using the first and second transceivers, in response to the failure counter exceeds a broken-link threshold, to transmit a mapping request message via the wireless network.

[0076] The active time-multiplexed routing configuration may be the time-multiplexed routing configuration which is being used at the time of relaying the radio signal.

[0077] The failure counter corresponding to a particular target radio may be reset to an initial value (for example zero) in response to a reset period elapsing without that failure counter being incremented. The reset period may be at least one or more times a total cycling period of the one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations. In other words, the failure counter corresponding to a particular target radio may not be reset until all the routing configurations of the radio have been cycled at least once without a failure. Preferably, the failure counter corresponding to a particular target radio may not be reset until all the routing configurations of the radio have been cycled several times without a failure, for example, ten times or more.

[0078] The second transceiver may be electronically steerable to a second direction. The second direction may be bounded by a second angular range. In other words, the second direction may be steerable to orient a main lobe of a corresponding radiation pattern within the second angular range.

[0079] 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 (corresponding to a mean average angle for each respective angular range) pointing in different directions. The first and second angular ranges may be identical except for having central angles pointing in different directions.

[0080] Listening, using the second transceiver, for one or more test signals transmitted by other radios, may include scanning the second direction through a range of available angles. Whilst listening, using the second transceiver, for one or more test signals transmitted by other radios, the radio may be configured to scan the second direction through a range of available angles, i.e. the second angular range.

[0081] The second transceiver may be configured to be operable in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode may correspond to a radiation pattern including a beam which is electronically steerable to the second direction. The second mode may correspond to reception of signals from a broader angular distribution than the beam of the first mode. Whilst listening, using the second transceiver, for one or more test signals transmitted by other radios, the radio may be configured to operate the second transceiver in the second mode. Each time-multiplexed routing configuration may define whether the second transceiver is operated in the first mode or the second mode.

[0082] The first and second modes may correspond to switching between different antennae or arrays of antennae.

[0083] The first and second modes may correspond to the same antennae or arrays of antennae. In the first mode, the antennae of an array may be controlled as a phased array. In the second mode, some or all of the antennae of the array may be switched to connect to respective summing amplifiers. Each summing amplifier may have a relatively higher gain than any amplifier used for a single from an antenna of the array during the first mode.

[0084] The radio may be configured, during a time period corresponding to at least one time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the second transceiver to a respective second configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios. The radio may be configured, during a time period corresponding to every time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the second transceiver to a respective second configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios. The radio may be configured, during a time period corresponding to every time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the second transceiver to a respective second configuration direction corresponding to the same one of the other radios.

[0085] In this way, the time-multiplexed routing configuration may correspond to steering the first transceiver to a first configuration direction corresponding to a target radio, whilst also steering the second transceiver to a second configuration direction corresponding to a source radio. The first and second configuration directions corresponding to source and target radios may be retrieved from the routing table.

[0086] The radio may also include a third transceiver for the first frequency band. The third transceiver may be electronically steerable to a third direction. The radio may also include a fourth transceiver configured the same as the second transceiver. The radio may be 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. The radio may be configured, during a time period corresponding to at least one time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the third transceiver to a respective third configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios, so as to relay radio signals in the opposite direction to the first and second transceivers.

[0087] In other words, the source radio for the fourth transceiver may be the target radio of the first transceiver, and the target radio for the third transceiver may be the source radio of the second transceiver.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The radio may be 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 during time periods corresponding one or more first time-multiplexed routing configurations. The radio may be configured to relay a radio signal received by the first transceiver to the second transceiver via an analog signal path and to retransmit the radio signal using the second transceiver during time periods corresponding one or more second time multiplexed routing configurations. In other words, the relaying between first and second transceivers may be configured for duplex communication.

[0090] The radio may also include a receiver channel coupled to the analog signal path and configured to detect test signals. The receiver channel may include one or more of a frequency analyzer, a pulse analyzer, and so forth. The receiver channel and the radio may be incapable of extracting and processing data packets relayed via the analog signal channel. In other words, the receiver channel need only be configured for coarse resolution in time and frequency and is not intended to be used to extract or process data packets being relayed in the first frequency band. The receiver channel may be coupled to the analog signal path using one or more switches. The radio may be configured to disconnect the receiver channel from the analog signal path when not in use.

[0091] The radio may also include a second receiver channel coupled to the second analog signal path and configured to detect test signals. The second receiver channel may be configured in any way described in relation to the receiver channel.

[0092] The radio may also include a test transmission channel coupled to the analog signal path and configured to inject a test signal for transmission by the first transceiver. The test transmission channel may be coupled to the analog signal path using one or more switches. The radio may be configured to disconnect the test transmission channel from the analog signal path when not in use.

[0093] The radio may also include a second test transmission channel coupled to the second analog signal path and configured to inject a test signal for transmission by the third transceiver. The second test transmission channel may be configured in any way described in relation to the test transmission channel.

[0094] A system 100 may include a number of the radios (e.g., controller device 120, NCR devices 130). The wireless network may be formed between all the radios. Each radio may be configured to coordinate with all the other radios via the wireless network to control the first and second transceivers to determine a network map of the system for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band. Each radio may be configured to coordinate with all the other radios via the wireless network to determine one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios.

[0095] The configuration of each radio to coordinate with the plurality of other radios of the system via the wireless network to determine the network map may, for each radio, controlling the first transceiver of that radio to transmit a test signal whilst scanning the first direction through a range of available angles, listening, via the wireless network, for one or more LOS confirmation messages transmitted by the other radios, each LOS confirmation message comprising a reception time and an identifier of a corresponding other radio; and 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 that other radio to a routing table stored by that radio and / or stored elsewhere within the system.

[0096] The routing table may include a list of other radios and corresponding first directions. The network map may be formed by aggregating the routing tables of the radio and all the other radios communicatively coupled to the wireless network. Each radio may store a local routing table. The system may additionally store copies of each local routing table at a centralized location, for example, one of the radios or an additional device communicatively coupled to the wireless network. Each radio may broadcast copies and / or updated to its local routing table, and each radio may store local copies of the routing table corresponding to some or all of the other radios in the system.

[0097] Each confirmation message may also include a quality metric. The routing table may also include the quality metric corresponding to each respective connection.

[0098] The test signal may encode a unique identifier of the radio. The unique identifier may be encoded by modulating the frequency and / or amplitude of the test signal. The unique identifier may be encoded by a carrier frequency of the test signal.

[0099] The configuration of each radio to coordinate with the plurality of other radios of the system via the wireless network to determine the network map may include, for each radio, listening, using the second transceiver of that radio, for one or more test signals transmitted by other radios; and in response to receiving a test signal from one of the other radios, to transmit a LOS confirmation message to that other radio via the wireless network. The LOS confirmation message may include an identifier of that radio and a reception time corresponding to a maximum power of the test signal.

[0100] The source of the test signal for routing of 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 of the confirmation message may be determined based on a schedule defining at which times the radio and each of the other radios will transmit test signals.

[0101] Receiving a test signal from one of the other radios may take the form of receiving a test signal which 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 a standard error of 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 upon installation, and / or periodically updated during use.

[0102] Processing to determine the network map and the one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios may be carried out by a subset of one or more of the plurality of radios forming the system.

[0103] Processing to determine the network map and the one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios may be distributed across two of more of the plurality of radios forming the system.

[0104] The determination of one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations for each radio in the system may be 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, applied to a network map determined based on the first group and second group of the radio and of each other radio comprised in the wireless network.

[0105] The system 100 may also include a gateway (e.g., base station 110) and one or more user devices 140. The one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios may be determined such that each user device 140 of the plurality of user devices 140 has a connection to the gateway (e.g., base station 110) via the plurality of radios (e.g., NCR devices 130) during at least one time period. The system 100 may include two or more gateways (e.g., base stations 110). The one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations for each of the radios may be determined such that each user device 140 has a connection to at least one gateway (e.g., base station 110) during at least one time period.

[0106] Each user device (e.g., base station 110, controller device 120, NCR device 130, user device 140, etc.) may include a wireless transceiver for the first frequency band. Additionally, the user device may include a wireless transceiver for the second frequency band. Any or all user devices connected to the system 100 may connect to the wireless network and may be coordinated with the radios to perform network mapping and / or routing configurations in an analogous manner to the radios. In other words, with the exception of not requiring a second wireless transceiver and an analog signal path and being a start / end point for radio signals, user devices may include any features of the radios. In other examples, user devices may additionally function as radios for relaying radio signals.

[0107] A user device 140 may be any of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a laptop computer, and so forth. One, some or all of the user devices 140 may be configured to transmit and / or received steering data to the one or more radios of the plurality of radios, via the wireless network. Steering data may be as defined hereinbefore.

[0108] The plurality of radios (e.g., controller device 120, NCR devices 130, etc.) forming the system may include one or more radios supported by a structure, one or more radios supported by a vehicle, and / or one or more user devices. Each radio of one or more radios supported by the structure may be supported on an exterior of the structure or supported internally within the structure.

[0109] One or more user devices 140 may also be radios defined according to the first aspect. Two or more radios of the plurality of radios forming the system may be supported by the structure. The structure may be a building. Each radio may be supported by a window, wall (internal or external), door or roof of a building. Each radio may be supported by a different window. Two or more radios may be supported by the same window wall (internal or external), door or roof of a building. The structure may be a bus shelter, a lamp post, or any other item of street furniture. Supported by a structure may include attachment to the structure, mounting to the structure, and so forth. Supported by a structure may additionally or alternatively include radios being incorporated into, or integrally formed with, the structure. Two or more radios of the plurality of radios may be supported by two or more separate structures (structures having the same meaning as already explained). All of the radios of the plurality of radios may be supported on respective structures.

[0110] The system 100 may include a number of radios supported internally within one or more structures. In this way, the relaying radio signals in the first frequency band may be conducted seamlessly outside, around, and also inside structures. In some examples, a majority, or even all, of the radios may be supported within a structure or similar (for example an underground rail / metro network), to provide relaying of radio signals in the first frequency band.

[0111] The vehicle (e.g., automotive vehicle) may be a car, a bus, a van, a truck, a lorry and so forth. The system may include one or more radios supported a window or a portion of the bodywork of the vehicle.

[0112] Each radio of the plurality of radios forming the system may be located within 200 meters (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.

[0113] The system may also include one or more control nodes (e.g., NCR devices 130). Each control node may be communicatively coupled to two or more of the radios. Each control node may be configured to coordinate network mapping and / or routing by the corresponding radio transceivers. Each control node may be communicatively coupled to the corresponding radio via a wired network and / or the wireless network. Each control node may be communicatively coupled to the corresponding radio transceivers via a wireless network. Each control node may correspond to a radio of the plurality of radios. Every radio of the plurality of radios may include processing capacity, and the control and coordination of network mapping and / or routing may be executed in parallel across the radio transceivers.

[0114] According to a method for networked relaying of radio signals within a first frequency band using a radio according to the first aspect or a system including a plurality of radios according to the first aspect. The method includes coordinating the radio with a plurality of other radios to determine a network map for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band. The method also includes determining one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations of the radio. The method also includes, during each of one of more time periods corresponding to time-multiplexed routing configurations, steering the first transceiver of the radio to a respective first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios; and in response to receiving a radio signal in the first frequency band using the second transceiver, relaying that radio signal via the analog signal path and retransmitting that radio signal using the first transceiver.

[0115] The method may include features corresponding to any features of the radio of the first aspect or the system incorporating a plurality of radios according to the first aspect. Definitions applicable to the radio of the first aspect and / or the system incorporating a plurality of radios according to the first aspect may be equally applicable to the method.

[0116] FIG. 1B illustrates system 100B that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1B may illustrate the first operation of establishing a backhaul link 152 between the base station 110 and an NCR device 130. The backhaul link 152 may be stablished sequentially. The NCR device 130 that is closest to the base station 110 may establish the backhaul link 152 first (e.g., NCR device 130 may not transmit a signal unless the NCR device 130 receives the signal from the base station 110). The first operation may be to find the NCR device 130 closest to the base station 110. Although only two NCR devices 130 are shown, the procedure can be extended to any number of NCR devices 130.

[0117] Controller device 120 may have a control link 150A with base station 110 and control links 150A-B with NCR devices 130A-B. Controller device 120 may determine which NCR device 130 is closest to base station 110 based on signal quality of the NCR devices 130. An example of this is shown in sequence diagrams 200A-B of FIGS. 2A-B.

[0118] FIG. 1C illustrates system 100C that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1C may illustrate the second operation of establishing a backhaul link 152 between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B.

[0119] After establishing a backhaul link between the base station 110 and NCR device 130A (e.g., gNB-NCR1 backhaul link), the NCR device 130A may relay the wireless communication (e.g., gNB signal) to NCR device 130B. At that point, beam alignment between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B may begin. The backhaul link 152 between base station 110 and NCR device 130A may be established in the previous operation (e.g., see FIG. 1B). The link between NCR device 130A and 130B may be aligned in the current operation. An example of this second operation is shown in sequence diagrams 200C-D of FIGS. 2C-D.

[0120] FIG. 1D illustrates system 100D that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1D may illustrate the result of the first and second operations of establishing the backhaul links 152 between base station 110 and NCR device 130A and between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B. By completing the second operations, the mesh backhaul link 152 (e.g., between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B) may be successfully established. The second operation may be repeated for more than two NCR devices 130 in the mesh network 102.

[0121] FIG. 1E illustrates system 100E that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1F illustrates system 100F that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIGS. 1E-F may illustrate the third operation of establishing an access link 154 between NCR device 130B and user device 140.

[0122] In some embodiments, an NCR device 130 can transmit a signal only when the NCR device 130 receives a signal. In some embodiments, an NCR device 130 can transmit a signal only at a specific beam direction at a certain timing. A search for user device 140 may be performed for each of the NCR devices 130 (e.g., NCR devices 130A-B). FIG. 1E illustrates NCR device 130A performing a beam index (e.g., NCR1 BI) sweep. FIG. 1F illustrates NCR device 130B performing a beam index (e.g., NCR2 BI) sweep. In some embodiments, the beam pattern of user device 140 may be assumed to be a quasi-omni beam pattern. An example of this is shown in sequence diagram 200E of FIG. 2E.

[0123] FIG. 1G illustrates system 100G that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1G illustrates beam alignment of the user device 140.

[0124] If the user device 140 is capable of multiple beam directions, beam sweep of the user device 140 may be executed to find a particular beam direction (e.g., best beam direction).

[0125] FIG. 1H illustrates system 100H that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1I illustrates system 100I that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIGS. 1H-I illustrate management of multiple user devices 140.

[0126] If there are multiple user devices 140, the connection to each user device 140 may be established by time division manner. This may be accomplished by the controller device 120 which receives a control signal from base station 110 and then manages the routing of wireless communication from base station 110 to user device 140 (e.g., via one or more NCR devices 130) at specific time slots. FIG. 1H illustrates a first time slot and FIG. 1I illustrates a second time slot.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 1H, wireless communication may be from base station 110 to NCR device 130A to user device 140B at a first time slot. Referring to FIG. 1I, wireless communication may be from base station 110 to NCR device 130A to NCR device 130B to user device 140A at a second time slot.

[0128] FIG. 1J illustrates system 100J that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1J illustrates management of multiple user devices 140.

[0129] If base station 110 is capable of multi-link connection, both user device 140A and user device 140B may maintain a corresponding access link 154 at the same time. As shown in FIG. 1J, base station 110 may have a backhaul link with NCR device 130A and with NCR device 130C. Wireless communication may simultaneously be from base station 110 to NCR device 130A to NCR device 130B to user device 140B and from base station 110 to NCR device 130C to user device 140A.

[0130] FIG. 1K illustrates system 100K that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1L illustrates system 100L that includes control (e.g., via controller device 120) of mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. FIGS. 1K-L illustrate management of multiple user devices 140.

[0131] If backhaul link 152 from NCR device 130A to NCR device 130B is disconnected (e.g., due to an obstacle 160), the controller device 120 may select an alternative routing from base station 110 to user device 140B. The connections of user device 140A and user device 140B may be switched to the time division manner.

[0132] FIG. 1K illustrates a mesh network 102 where wireless communication was simultaneous from base station 110 to NCR device 130A to NCR device 130B to user device 140B and from base station 110 to NCR device 130C to user device 140A (e.g., FIG. 1J) until an obstacle 150 cut off communication between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B.

[0133] FIG. 1L illustrates re-routing the communication from base station 110 to NCR device 130C to NCR device 130B to user device 140B (e.g., this may be time division with base station 110 to NCR device 130C to user device 140A).

[0134] FIGS. 2A-E illustrate sequence diagrams 200A-E associated with control of mesh networks (e.g., mesh network 102 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-L), according to certain embodiments. Components with similar names and / or reference numbers in the FIGS. may have the same or similar functionality, etc. as each other.

[0135] In some embodiments, one or more of sequence diagrams 200A-E is performed by one or more processing logics that includes hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing device, etc.), software (such as instructions run on a processing device, a general-purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of sequence diagrams 200A-E is performed, at least in part, by one or more processing devices. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform one or more operations of one or more of sequence diagrams 200A-E.

[0136] For simplicity of explanation, sequence diagrams 200A-E are depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and / or concurrently and with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement sequence diagrams 200A-E in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that sequence diagrams 200A-E could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0137] FIGS. 2A-B illustrates sequence diagrams 200A-B associated with control of a mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. Sequence diagram 200B of FIG. 2B may be a continuation of sequence diagram 200A of FIG. 2A. Sequence diagrams 200A-B may illustrate the first operation of establishing the backhaul link 152 between base station 110 and NCR device 130A (e.g., see FIG. 1B).

[0138] Referring to FIG. 2A, at block 202, controller device 120 may transmit (e.g. via control link 150A) a beam training request to base station 110.

[0139] At block 204, controller device 120 receives (e.g., via control link 150A) a beam training acknowledgement from base station 110.

[0140] At block 206, controller device 120 transmits (e.g., via control link 150B) a beam training instruction to an NCR device 130 (e.g., block 206A for NCR device 130A, block 206B for NCR device 130B, etc.).

[0141] Base station 110 transmits (e.g., via backhaul link 152) a signal to each of the NCR devices 130 and each NCR device measures the signal quality (e.g., via brute force search, etc.) (block 208). The signal quality may be measured with all of the beam combinations.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 2B, at block 210, controller device 120 receives (e.g., via control link 150B) the measured signal quality (e.g., of backhaul link 152 received by NCR device 130 from base station 110) from each of the NCR devices 130 (e.g., block 210A from NCR device 130A, block 210B from NCR device 130B, etc.). The controller device 120 may collect the signal quality and determine the NCR to be connected.

[0143] At block 212, the controller device 120 determines the closet NCR device 130 based on the measured signal quality.

[0144] At block 214, the controller device 120 reports a particular beam direction (e.g., report the best beam direction to the selected NCR device 130A via control link 150B and to base station 110 via control link 150A). The base station 110 (e.g., gNB) and NCR device 130A may establish the backhaul link 152 with the particular beam direction (e.g., best beam direction).

[0145] FIGS. 2C-D illustrates sequence diagrams 200C-D associated with control of a mesh network 102, according to certain embodiments. Sequence diagram 200D of FIG. 2D may be a continuation of sequence diagram 200C of FIG. 2C. Sequence diagrams 200C-D may illustrate the second operation of establishing the backhaul link 152 between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B (e.g., see FIG. 1C).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 2C, at block 220, controller device 120 may transmit (e.g. via control link 150A) a beam training request to base station 110.

[0147] At block 222, controller device 120 may receive a beam training acknowledgement for a second node (e.g., NCR device 130B) from base station 110 (e.g., via control link 150A).

[0148] At block 224, controller device 120 may transmits (e.g., via control link 150B) a beam training instruction to an NCR device 130 (e.g., block 224A for NCR device 130A, block 224B for NCR device 130B, etc.).

[0149] Base station 110 transmits (e.g., via backhaul link 152) a signal to each of the NCR devices 130 and each NCR device 130 measures the signal quality (e.g., via brute force search, etc.) (block 208). The signal quality may be measured with all of the beam combinations.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 2D, at block 230, controller device 120 receives (e.g., via control link 150B) the measured signal quality (e.g., of backhaul link 152 received by NCR device 130 from base station 110) from NCR devices 130B. The controller device 120 may collect the signal quality and determine the beam direction.

[0151] At block 232, the controller device 120 estimates (e.g., based on the measured signal quality) the second closest node (e.g., NCR device 130B) and beam direction of the NCR devices 130A-B.

[0152] At block 234, the controller device 120 reports a particular beam direction (e.g., report the best beam direction to the selected NCR device 130B via control link 150B). NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B may establish the backhaul link 152 with the particular beam direction (e.g., best beam direction).

[0153] FIG. 2E illustrates a sequence diagram 200E associated with control of a mesh networks, according to certain embodiments.

[0154] At block 240, controller device 120 may transmit (e.g. via control link 150A) a beam training request to base station 110. At block 240, controller device 120 may notify the base station 110 of the number of NCR devices 130 in the network (e.g., mesh network 102) and the number of beam directions.

[0155] At block 242, controller device 120 receives (e.g., via control link 150A) a beam training acknowledgement from base station 110.

[0156] At block 244, controller device 120 transmits (e.g., via control link 150B) a beam training request to NCR device 130A.

[0157] Base station 110 transmits (e.g., via backhaul link 152) a signal to NCR device 130A, NCR device 130A transmits the signal to user device 140, and user device 140 measures the signal quality (block 208). The signal quality may be measured with all of the beam combinations. In some embodiments, one or more signal quality indicators may be used to determine signal quality. The signal quality indicators may include long interval average (e.g., Reference Signal Revoiced Power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and / or Reference Signal (RSSI)) and / or short interval average (e.g., channel state information (CSI), channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and / or rank indication (RI)).

[0158] At block 246, controller device 120 transmits a signal to NCR device 130A to set the backhaul link 152 between NCR device 130A and NCR device 130B (e.g., sets NCR1 to NCR2 backhaul link).

[0159] At block 248, the controller device 120 transmits a beam training request to NCR device 130B.

[0160] Base station 110 transmits (e.g., via backhaul link 152) a signal to NCR device 130A, NCR device 130A transmits the signal to NCR device 130B, NCR device 130B transmits the signal to user device 140, and user device 140 measures the signal quality (block 208). The signal quality may be measured with all of the beam combinations. In some embodiments, one or more signal quality indicators may be used to determine signal quality. The signal quality indicators may include long interval average (e.g., Reference Signal Revoiced Power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and / or Reference Signal (RSSI)) and / or short interval average (e.g., channel state information (CSI), channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and / or rank indication (RI)).

[0161] At block 250, the controller device 120 receives a particular beam direction (e.g., best beam direction) from user device 140 (e.g., via control link 150B) and controller device 120 transmits the particular beam direction to the base station 110 (e.g., reports a particular beam direction). The base station 110 (e.g., gNB) and NCR device 130A may establish a backhaul link 152 with a particular beam direction (e.g., best beam direction), NCR devices 130A-B may establish a backhaul link 152 with one or more particular beam directions (e.g., best beam directions), and NCR device 130B and user device 140 may establish an access link 154 with one or more particular beam directions (e.g., best beam directions).

[0162] At block 252, the controller device 120 selects NCR device 130B and beam direction of the NCR device 130B when base station 110 communicates with user device 140.

[0163] FIGS. 3A- B illustrate components of systems to control mesh networks (e.g., mesh network 102 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-2E, according to certain embodiments. Components with similar names and / or reference numbers in the FIGS. may have the same or similar functionality, etc. as each other.

[0164] FIG. 3A illustrates a controller device 120 (e.g., controller device 120 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-2E). In some embodiments, controller device 120 includes a transceiver 390A associated with control link 150A (e.g., communication between the controller device 120 and the base station 110) and a transceiver 390B associated with control link 150B (e.g., communication between the controller device 120 and one or more NCR devices 130). Controller device 120 may have a protocol translator component 391 that converts (e.g., translates) between control link 150A and control link 150B. Controller device may have a mesh routing calculator component 392 that controls the mesh network 102 (e.g., which NCR device 130 is to communicate with the base station 110, which NCR device communicates with user device 140, which NCR devices 130 communicate with each other, etc.).

[0165] FIG. 3B illustrates an NCR device 130 (e.g., NCR device 130 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-2E). In some embodiments, NCR device 130 includes a transceiver 393B associated with control link 150B (e.g., communication between NCR device 130 and controller device 120).

[0166] In some embodiments, NCR device 130 includes an upload / download (UL / DL) controller component 394. The UL / DL controller component 394 may control what data is uploaded to a different device and what data is downloaded from a different device.

[0167] In some embodiments, NCR device 130 includes a signal quality detector component 395. The signal quality detector component 395 may determine the signal quality of communication with a different component (e.g., with NCR device 130, with base station 110). The NCR device 130 may transmit signal quality data to the controller device 120 and the controller device 120 may determine, based on the signal quality data, how to control the mesh network 102 (e.g., which NCR device 130 is to communicate with the base station 110, which NCR device 130 is to communicate with the user device 140, which NCR devices 130 are to communicate with each other).

[0168] In some embodiments, NCR device 130 includes a beam controller component 396. The beam controller component 396 may control the orientation of the antennas (e.g., beamforming) of the NCR device 130 for transmitting and receiving data.

[0169] Controller device 120 and / or one or more NCR devices 130 may be a heterogeneous integration device.

[0170] A heterogeneous integration (e.g., of heterogeneous integration device) may refer to integration of separately manufactured components into a higher-level assembly (e.g., System-in-Package (SiP)) that in the aggregate, provides enhanced functionality and improved operating characteristics.

[0171] FIGS. 4A-C are flow diagrams of methods 400A-C associated with control of mesh networks (e.g., mesh networks 102 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-L), according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more of methods 400A-C is performed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing device, etc.), software (such as instructions run on a processing device, a general-purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of methods 400A-C is performed, at least in part, by a processing device. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform one or more operation of one or more of methods 400A-C.

[0172] For simplicity of explanation, methods 400A-C are depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and / or concurrently and with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement methods 400A-C in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that methods 400A-C could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 4A, method 400A may be performed by a controller device of a mesh network (e.g., controller device 120 of a mesh network 102 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-3A).

[0174] At block 402, processing logic identifies a base station (e.g., via a first control link). The base station is configured to provide wireless communication (e.g., to one or more user devices via one or more NCR devices).

[0175] In some embodiments, at block 404, the processing logic converts the first control link into a second control link. The first control link may be a standard compliant control signal from the base station and the second control link may be control signals (e.g., propriety control signals) to manage the multiple devices in the mesh network. At block 404, the processing logic may translate the standard compliant control signal from the base station to the control signals to manage the multiple devices in the mesh network.

[0176] At block 406, the processing logic identifies NCR devices in a mesh network (e.g., via the second control link). The NCR devices are configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station (e.g., to one or more user devices).

[0177] At block 408, the processing logic selects a first NCR device (e.g., NCR device 130A of FIGS. 1A-2E) of the NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station.

[0178] In some embodiments, processing logic determines a corresponding signal quality and / or a corresponding location of two or more of the NCR devices and the selecting of the first NCR device is based on the corresponding signal quality and / or the corresponding location.

[0179] In some embodiments, the processing logic selecting of the first NCR device includes determining, based on signal quality, that the first NCR device is located closest of the NCR devices to the base station.

[0180] At block 410, the processing logic selects a second NCR device (e.g., NCR device 130B of FIGS. 1A-2E) of the NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device.

[0181] At block 412, the processing logic causes the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first control link and the second control link are at a first frequency (e.g., below 5 GHz) and the wireless communication is at a second frequency (e.g., at or above 5 GHz) that is different from (e.g., greater than) the first frequency.

[0183] In some embodiments, block 412 of causing of the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device includes causing the first NCR device to propagate the wireless communication to the second NCR device and causing beam alignment between the first NCR device and the second NCR device.

[0184] In some embodiments, block 412 of causing of the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device includes causing at least one of the first NCR device or the second NCR device to perform a beam index sweep to search for the user device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the wireless communication is to be provided from the base station to the first NCR device via a first backhaul link, from the first NCR device to the second NCR device via a second backhaul link, and from the second NCR device to the user device via an access link.

[0186] In some embodiments, each of the NCR devices is configured to perform beamforming of the wireless communication via one or more of the first backhaul link, the second backhaul link, or the access link.

[0187] In some embodiments, each of the NCR devices includes corresponding antennas coupled to a corresponding glass carrier that is substantially transparent. In some embodiments, each of the NCR devices is coupled to a corresponding surface including one or more of a building window or an automotive vehicle. In some embodiments, each of the NCR devices is an analog repeater that performs an amplify-and-forward operation.

[0188] In some embodiments, processing logic further determines signal blockage (e.g., resulting from an obstruction, one or more offline devices, one or more faulty devices, etc.) associated with one or more of the NCR devices and causes the wireless communication to be rerouted based on the signal blockage.

[0189] In some embodiments, block 408 of selecting the first NCR device and / or block 410 of selecting the second NCR device is via a trained machine learning model (e.g., see FIGS. 4B-C).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 4B, method 400B is associated with training a machine learning model to be used by a controller device of a mesh network (e.g., controller device 120 of a mesh network 102 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-3A). In some embodiments, the training of the machine learning model is performed by one or more of a server device, controller device, etc.

[0191] Referring to method 400B of FIG. 4B, at block 420, processing logic identifies historical NCR environment data. The historical NCR environmental data may include one or more of signal quality data (e.g., of NCR devices or user devices, see FIG. 2A, 2C, and 2E), location data (e.g., GPS location data of NCR devices), usage data (e.g., usage by user devices of the wireless communication), weather data (e.g., rain data, snow data, humidity data, precipitation data, etc.), or traffic data (e.g., blockage of NCR devices by traffic, number of user devices in an area, etc.).

[0192] At block 422, the processing logic identifies historical performance data. Historical performance data may be associated with historical selection of NCR devices (e.g., to communicate with the base station, to communicate with each other, to communicate with user devices) and resulting quality (e.g., signal quality, coverage, etc.).

[0193] At block 424, the processing logic trains a machine learning model using data input including the historical NCR environment data and target output including the historical performance data to generate a trained machine learning model. In some embodiments, the selecting of an NCR device (e.g., block 408 and / or block 410 of FIG. 4A) is based on output of the trained machine learning model.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 4C, method 400C is associated with a trained machine learning model being used by a controller device of a mesh network (e.g., controller device 120 of a mesh network 102 of one or more of FIGS. 1A-3A).

[0195] Referring to method 400C of FIG. 4C, at block 440, processing logic identifies current NCR environment data. The current NCR environmental data may include one or more of signal quality data (e.g., of NCR devices or user devices, see FIG. 2A, 2C, and 2E), location data (e.g., global positing system (GPS) location data of NCR devices), usage data (e.g., usage by user devices of the wireless communication), weather data (e.g., rain data, snow data, humidity data, precipitation data, etc.), or traffic data (e.g., blockage of NCR devices by traffic, number of user devices in an area, etc.).

[0196] At block 442, the processing logic provides the current NCR environment data as input to a trained machine learning model.

[0197] At block 444, the processing logic receives, from the trained machine learning model, output associated with predictive data, wherein the selecting of an NCR device (e.g., block 408 and / or block 410 of FIG. 4A) is based on the predictive data.

[0198] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is one or more of base station 110, controller device 120, NCR device 130, user device 140, integrated circuit 360, etc.

[0199] In some embodiments, computer system 500 is connected (e.g., via a network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet) to other computer systems. In some embodiments, computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a server or a client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, computer system 500 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Set-Top Box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that device. Further, the term "computer" may include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0200] In a further aspect, the computer system 500 includes a processing device 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 506 (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM) or Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)), and a data storage device 516, which communicate with each other via a bus 508.

[0201] In some embodiments, processing device 502 is provided by one or more processors such as a general purpose processor (such as, for example, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction sets) or a specialized processor (such as, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or a network processor).

[0202] In some embodiments, computer system 500 further includes a network interface device 522 (e.g., coupled to network 574). In some embodiments, computer system 500 also includes a video display unit 510 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 520.

[0203] In some implementations, data storage device 516 includes a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 524 (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) on which store instructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including instructions encoding components for implementing methods described herein.

[0204] In some embodiments, instructions 526 also reside, completely or partially, within volatile memory 504 and / or within processing device 502 during execution thereof by computer system 500, hence, in some embodiments, volatile memory 504 and processing device 502 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[0205] While non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 524 is shown in the illustrative examples as a single medium, the term " non-transitory machine-readable storage medium " shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of executable instructions. The term " non-transitory machine-readable storage medium " shall also include any tangible medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by a computer that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term " non-transitory machine-readable storage medium " shall include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0206] In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features described herein are implemented by discrete hardware components or are integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or similar devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented by firmware modules or functional circuitry within hardware devices. In some embodiments, the methods, components, and features are implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components, or in computer programs.

[0207] Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as “identifying,” “converting,” “selecting,” “causing,” “determining,” “providing,” “receiving,” “transmitting,” “receiving,” “generating,” or the like, refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by computer systems that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In some embodiments, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and do not have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.

[0208] Examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. In some embodiments, this apparatus is specially constructed for performing the methods described herein or includes a general-purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program is stored in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium.

[0209] The methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. In some embodiments, various general-purpose systems are used in accordance with the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, a more specialized apparatus is constructed to perform methods described herein and / or each of their individual functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Examples of the structure for a variety of these systems are set forth in the description above.

[0210] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described with references to specific illustrative examples and implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A method comprising: identifying, by a controller device, a base station via a first control link, the base station configured to provide wireless communication; converting, by the controller device, the first control link into a second control link; identifying, by the controller device, a plurality of network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link, the plurality of NCR devices being configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station; selecting, by the controller device, a first NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station; selecting, by the controller device, a second NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device; and causing, by the controller device, the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first control link and the second control link are at a first frequency; and the wireless communication is at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication at the second frequency is to be provided: from the base station to the first NCR device via a first backhaul link; from the first NCR device to the second NCR device via a second backhaul link; and from the second NCR device to the user device via an access link, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of NCR devices is configured to perform beamforming of the wireless communication via one or more of the first backhaul link, the second backhaul link, or the access link.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: each of the plurality of NCR devices comprises a corresponding plurality of antennas coupled to a corresponding glass carrier; each of the plurality of NCR devices is coupled to a corresponding surface comprising one or more of a building window or an automotive vehicle; and each of the plurality of NCR devices is an analog repeater that performs an amplify-and-forward operation.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining signal blockage associated with one or more of the plurality of NCR devices; and causing the wireless communication to be rerouted based on the signal blockage.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining at least one of a corresponding signal quality or a corresponding location of two or more of the plurality of NCR devices, wherein the selecting of the first NCR device is based on at least one of the corresponding signal quality or the corresponding location.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the selecting of the first NCR device comprises determining, based on signal quality, that the first NCR device is located closest of the plurality of NCR devices to the base station.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the causing of the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device comprises causing the first NCR device to propagate the wireless communication to the second NCR device and causing beam alignment between the first NCR device and the second NCR device.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the causing of the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device comprises causing at least one of the first NCR device or the second NCR device to perform a beam index sweep to search for the user device.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising: identifying current NCR environment data comprising one or more of signal quality data, location data, usage data, weather data, or traffic data; providing the current NCR environment data as input to a trained machine learning model; and receiving, from the trained machine learning model, output associated with predictive data, wherein the selecting of the first NCR device is based on the predictive data.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising: identifying historical NCR environment data comprising one or more of signal quality data, location data, usage data, weather data, or traffic data; identifying historical performance data; and training a machine learning model using data input comprising the historical NCR environment data and target output comprising the historical performance data to generate a trained machine learning model, wherein the selecting of the first NCR device is based on output of the trained machine learning model.

13. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a processing device of a controller device, cause the processing device to perform operations comprising: identifying a base station via a first control link, the base station configured to provide wireless communication; converting the first control link into a second control link; identifying a plurality of network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link, the plurality of NCR devices being configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station; selecting a first NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station; selecting a second NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device; and causing the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein: the first control link and the second control link are at a first frequency; and the wireless communication is at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.

15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the wireless communication at the second frequency is to be provided: from the base station to the first NCR device via a first backhaul link; from the first NCR device to the second NCR device via a second backhaul link; and from the second NCR device to the user device via an access link, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of NCR devices comprises a corresponding plurality of antennas coupled to a corresponding glass carrier; each of the plurality of NCR devices is coupled to a corresponding surface comprising one or more of a building window or an automotive vehicle; and each of the plurality of NCR devices is an analog repeater that performs an amplify-and-forward operation.

17. A controller device comprising: a memory; and a processing device coupled to the memory, the processing device to: identify a base station via a first control link, the base station configured to provide wireless communication; convert the first control link into a second control link; identify a plurality of network control repeater (NCR) devices in a mesh network via the second control link, the plurality of NCR devices being configured to propagate the wireless communication from the base station; select a first NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to receive the wireless communication from the base station; select a second NCR device of the plurality of NCR devices to propagate the wireless communication between the first NCR device and a user device; and cause the wireless communication to be propagated via the first NCR device and the second NCR device to the user device.

18. The controller device of claim 17, wherein: the first control link and the second control link are at a first frequency; and the wireless communication is at a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.

19. The controller device of claim 18, wherein the wireless communication at the second frequency is to be provided: from the base station to the first NCR device via a first backhaul link; from the first NCR device to the second NCR device via a second backhaul link; and from the second NCR device to the user device via an access link, wherein the second frequency is greater than the first frequency.

20. The controller device of claim 17, wherein: each of the plurality of NCR devices comprises a corresponding plurality of antennas coupled to a corresponding glass carrier; each of the plurality of NCR devices is coupled to a corresponding surface comprising one or more of a building window or an automotive vehicle; and each of the plurality of NCR devices is an analog repeater that performs an amplify-and-forward operation.

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