Adjustable Antenna Beamwidth Selection for WLAN Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing proximity of competing wireless networks in WLANs leads to congestion and internetwork interference due to overlapping coverage ranges, which existing technologies struggle to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that utilize programmable multi-antenna Access Points (APs) with adjustable beamwidths and steering angles to optimize antenna arrangements, allowing network controllers to manage signal direction and reduce transmission power while maintaining or improving network coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If coverage ranges of Access Points are expanded to cover more area, then network coverage is improved, but internetwork interference and congestion increase due to overlapping ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different APs with distinct coverage patterns tailored to their specific locations and requirements. Each AP's coverage area and transmission power are optimized locally rather than using a uniform configuration across all APs, allowing coverage expansion in some areas while limiting interference in others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic coverage management where the network controller continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts AP configurations in real-time. Coverage patterns, transmission powers, and operational states of APs are dynamically modified to expand coverage where needed while reducing interference in overlapping regions.
2Power
If transmission power of Access Points is increased to improve signal strength, then network coverage is enhanced, but energy consumption increases and interference with other networks worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes transmission power parameters dynamically based on network conditions, coverage requirements, and interference levels. The network controller adjusts power levels of individual APs and their coverage patterns to achieve optimal signal strength while minimizing energy consumption and interference, rather than maintaining fixed high power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting signals at just the necessary power level required to cover the intended area, rather than using excessive power that would expand coverage beyond what is needed. This prevents energy waste and reduces interference while maintaining adequate coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If more Access Points are deployed to improve coverage, then network coverage is enhanced, but device complexity and network management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network controller that manages multiple APs with diverse coverage patterns and configurations through a single centralized system. The controller provides multi-functional capabilities including coverage optimization, interference management, and dynamic reconfiguration, simplifying the management of complex multi-AP deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network management function by separating the control plane (network controller) from the data plane (APs). Each AP is configured with specific coverage patterns and parameters, while the network controller handles overall coordination, allowing independent optimization of individual APs while maintaining system-wide coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
An operator may enhance radio resource management with beamwidth selection and beamsteering by receiving coverage data for a plurality of access points (APs) in a wireless network; calculating an antenna arrangement for the plurality of APs based on the coverage data, wherein the antenna arrangement covers a designated area in an environment; and configuring each AP of the plurality of aps according to the antenna arrangement by: setting a steering angle for adjustable antennas of the plurality of APs, setting a transmission power for the adjustable antennas; and setting a beamwidth of the adjustable antennas.