Active Antenna Element for 6LoWPAN Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating low-power wireless personal area networks (6LoWPAN) with external IP networks, particularly IPv6, poses challenges due to resource constraints and power limitations in devices, hindering the implementation of advanced IPv6-based services in IoT and IoE architectures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an active antenna system that facilitates access to IPv6 over 6LoWPAN networks, allowing for indoor wireless solutions without the need for a separate network, integrating sensor capabilities within the access network to eliminate the requirement for a dedicated sensor network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If 6LoWPAN devices are deployed with resource constraints, then power consumption is reduced and device cost is lowered, but network integration capability and processing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 6LoWPAN access point functionality with existing Wi-Fi access points by integrating a 6LoWPAN interface and processor into the Wi-Fi AP architecture. This merging allows the Wi-Fi AP to serve dual purposes: handling Wi-Fi traffic and providing 6LoWPAN network access, thereby improving network integration capability without requiring separate dedicated 6LoWPAN infrastructure, thus avoiding additional power consumption from separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a Wi-Fi access point and a 6LoWPAN access point. The processor and communication interface are configured to handle multiple protocol types (Wi-Fi and 6LoWPAN), allowing a single device to perform multiple network integration functions. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensor networks or 6LoWPAN infrastructure, reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining integration capability.
2Reliability
If separate sensor networks are deployed, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensor network functionality into the Wi-Fi access point by integrating a 6LoWPAN interface that can receive sensor data packets. The access point acts as both a wireless communication device and a sensor data collection point, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor network infrastructure. This reduces deployment complexity while maintaining sensing capability through the unified access point architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple roles: Wi-Fi communication, 6LoWPAN protocol processing, and sensor data reception. By making the access point multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate sensor network devices, reducing overall device complexity and deployment burden while preserving reliable sensing capabilities through the integrated architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated 6LoWPAN infrastructure is deployed, then network integration capability is improved, but deployment cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 6LoWPAN infrastructure requirements into existing Wi-Fi access point infrastructure. By integrating the 6LoWPAN interface and protocol handling capabilities into the Wi-Fi AP, the system achieves network integration capability without requiring separate dedicated 6LoWPAN base stations or infrastructure devices. This merging approach reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed as a universal device that can handle both Wi-Fi and 6LoWPAN protocols simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated 6LoWPAN infrastructure deployments. The unified architecture reduces overall infrastructure complexity and deployment costs while maintaining full network integration capability for both protocol types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A scheme for providing access to 6LoWPAN data in a wireless access network comprising a Digital Unit (DU) coupled to one or more Radio Units (RU) via CPRI links, each RU in turn coupled to one or more radio dot (RD) elements via Ethernet cable links. In one embodiment, an RD element includes a cable front-end interfaced with the Ethernet cable link, a radio front-end interfaced between the cable front-end and an antenna or a suitable access point. A sensor component may be included that is configured to generate sensor data with respect to a measurement variable, which sensor data may be packaged in a 6LoWPAN data format for transmission to the RU element coupled to the RD element.