5G Small Cell Beamforming for Coverage Without Tower Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G cellular networks require a large number of towers to maintain coverage, especially in high-traffic areas, which can lead to visual clutter and interference issues due to the need for direct line of sight and the reliance on massive MIMO technology.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing distributed ledger technology and smart contracts to manage 5G small cells, steerable antennas, and liquid lenses to optimize antenna directionality and data flow, along with various antenna configurations and learning systems to enhance network performance and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of 5G towers are deployed to maintain coverage in high-traffic areas, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but visual clutter and aesthetic degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (5G communication, lighting, surveillance, advertising) into a single integrated pole structure. This merging approach allows the system to provide network coverage without requiring separate towers for each function, thereby reducing visual clutter while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pole serves multiple purposes: it acts as a 5G base station, contains lighting fixtures, surveillance cameras, and advertising displays. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated infrastructure for each service, reducing the number of visual elements while maintaining comprehensive network coverage.
2Productivity
If 5G small cells are installed frequently in busy areas to provide high throughput, then data rate is improved, but the number of structures and visual clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small cells and communication functions are merged into a single integrated pole structure. This allows high data rates to be provided in busy areas without proportionally increasing the number of visible towers, as one pole can house multiple antenna elements and communication modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where multiple antenna elements, small cells, and communication devices are housed within the same pole structure. This nesting approach allows multiple high-throughput communication points to coexist without increasing external visual footprint.
3Productivity
If massive MIMO technology is used to increase channel transmission capacity, then data rate is improved, but interference between channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs beamforming technology that directs transmission capacity along specific spatial paths to predetermined targets. This localizes the signal energy to the intended receiver, reducing interference with other channels and devices in the vicinity while maintaining high data rates through massive MIMO.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses steerable antennas and dynamic beamforming to adaptively direct transmission capacity toward moving targets. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal signal paths and avoid interference as devices move, while preserving the high capacity benefits of massive MIMO.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more 5G small cells, each having one or more antennas mounted on a housing, each small cell communicating with a mobile device; and a processor coupled to a neural network to control communication with the mobile device using a 5G protocol.