Access Point Antenna Mode Segmentation for Link Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in link quality due to the use of omnidirectional antennas for both static and non-static devices, which limits system efficiency and increases power requirements, particularly in MU-MIMO configurations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an access point with multiple antennas that sends sounding frames to identify static and non-static devices, configuring directional or omnidirectional modes for specific antennas based on responses, allowing dynamic switching between modes to optimize antenna-device coupling and improve link quality across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If omnidirectional antennas are used for both static and non-static devices, then coverage is maintained, but link quality and power efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into directional antennas dedicated to static devices and omnidirectional antennas dedicated to non-static devices. This segmentation allows each antenna type to be optimized for its specific device category, improving link quality for static devices through directional beams while maintaining coverage for non-static devices through omnidirectional transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between link quality and power efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between omnidirectional and directional modes based on device type identification. The access point dynamically configures antenna modes according to whether devices are static or non-static, allowing the system to adapt its radiation pattern to match the mobility characteristics of connected devices, thus optimizing both link quality and power consumption
2Productivity
If omnidirectional antennas are used for both static and non-static devices, then universal coverage is maintained, but system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different radiation characteristics to different antenna groups based on local device requirements. Directional antennas provide focused high-gain coverage for static devices where position is known, while omnidirectional antennas provide omnidirectional coverage for non-static devices. This localized optimization of antenna characteristics improves overall system efficiency while maintaining appropriate coverage for each device type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal antenna system that can serve both static and non-static devices through functional differentiation. The access point universally supports both device types by allocating specific antenna resources to each category, allowing the same physical infrastructure to efficiently handle diverse device mobility patterns without sacrificing adaptability
3Reliability
If directional mode is used for static devices, then link quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the access point to automatically identify device types and configure appropriate antenna modes without manual intervention. The system autonomously performs device classification, antenna selection, and mode switching based on device responses to sounding frames, thereby improving link quality through directional transmission while minimizing the operational complexity for users
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances link quality and coverage by assigning directional antennas to static devices and omnidirectional antennas to non-static devices, dynamically adjusting antenna operations to improve signal-to-noise ratio and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sending, by an access point having a plurality of antennas, a plurality of sounding frames from the plurality of antennas to a plurality of devices
Implementation Method 2
configuring, by the access point based on the responses to the plurality of sounding frames, to beamform to a first static device of the at least one static device, using one or both of (i) one of the plurality of antennas for operation in a directional mode for transmission to the first static device, or (ii) multiple antennas of the plurality of antennas for coherent transmission to the first static device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for transmitting to static and non-static devices. An access point having a plurality of antennas can send a plurality of sounding frames from the plurality of antennas to a plurality of devices. The access point can identify, based on responses to the plurality of sounding frames, at least one static device from the plurality of devices. The access point can assign, based on the responses to the plurality of sounding frames, to each of the at least one static device, a corresponding one of the plurality of antennas for operation in a directional mode for transmissions to the corresponding static device, and the remaining antennas from the plurality of antennas for operation in an omnidirectional mode.