Aircraft Cabin Wi-Fi Allocation Using Propagation Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi networks in aircraft cabins face challenges with limited bandwidth, interference, and uneven signal reception due to the metallic environment and high connection density, leading to unsatisfactory speeds and limited user capacity, especially without ensuring differentiated service quality for different classes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a digital model of the aircraft and access points, simulating radio signal propagation, estimating bandwidths, and using an optimization algorithm to dynamically allocate channels and access points to terminals, considering the aircraft's geometry and materials, and applying degradation coefficients to ensure minimum bandwidths for specific classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Wi-Fi networks use high frequency carriers (5-7 GHz) in aircraft cabins, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal reception becomes variable and severely limited due to masking by seats and luggage compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of access points and channels based on real-time signal quality measurements. The system continuously monitors reception quality at each seat and dynamically reassigns terminals to optimal access points, transforming the static Wi-Fi infrastructure into a dynamic system that adapts to changing signal conditions caused by masking effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different frequency channels and access points based on measured signal conditions. When masking is detected, the system switches to alternative channels or access points with better signal penetration, effectively adapting the transmission parameters to overcome the masking problem
2Quantity of substance
If the number of WAPs is increased to serve more passengers, then user capacity is improved, but interference increases and bandwidth per passenger decreases due to channel constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of optimization by considering both spatial distribution (which WAP to use) and frequency domain (which channel to use) simultaneously. This two-dimensional allocation strategy allows the system to serve more users by finding optimal combinations of access points and channels, rather than simply increasing the number of WAPs linearly
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes allocation parameters (WAP assignment and channel selection) based on real-time measurements of signal quality and interference levels. This allows the network to efficiently accommodate more users by optimizing resource distribution rather than relying solely on increasing infrastructure capacity
3Device complexity
If static allocation of WAPs and channels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth distribution becomes uneven and quality of service deteriorates due to interference and masking variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously measures signal quality and interference levels at each seat and uses this information to dynamically adjust WAP and channel allocations. This closed-loop control transforms the static allocation system into an adaptive one that automatically optimizes bandwidth distribution based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static to dynamic allocation by continuously monitoring network conditions and reassigning resources in real-time. The dynamic nature of the allocation allows the system to respond to changing interference patterns and masking effects, maintaining optimal bandwidth distribution without requiring complex manual configuration
4Quantity of substance
If free connectivity offers are provided to increase user capacity, then number of users is improved, but bandwidth per user decreases and quality of passenger experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes allocation parameters to ensure minimum bandwidth thresholds are met for all users regardless of the total number of connections. By adjusting WAP and channel assignments in real-time, the system can accommodate free connectivity offers while maintaining acceptable service quality through optimized resource distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an allocation method in a transmission network on-board a mobile vehicle, the network comprising wireless access points configured for transmitting and receiving, over a functioning channel, radio signals between said access point and a plurality of terminals.The method comprising the following steps:provision of a digital model of the mobile vehicle and of the access points;for every available channel and for every access point, simulation of the propagation of signals from said access point on said available channel;for every available channel, for every access point and for every terminal, determination of an estimated associated bandwidth according to the simulation;allocation of one of the available channels and one of the access points to every terminal according to the estimated bandwidths.