Aircraft Wireless Router Network with Distributed Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems for aircraft face challenges in providing robust, broadband connectivity while being cost-effective, due to issues with weight, wiring complexity, and power loss, as well as interference at high altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system for aircraft featuring a router network with distributed connectivity nodes connected via a bus, utilizing both omnidirectional and directional antennas, where the type of antenna used is dynamically adjusted based on altitude to optimize performance and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many antennas are arranged on the aircraft to provide multiple links and different antenna types, then communication capacity and reliability are improved, but wiring complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The router network is divided into multiple distributed connectivity nodes throughout the aircraft. Each node handles a subset of antenna connections, segmenting the wiring load and reducing the complexity of connecting all antennas to a single central router. This segmentation maintains communication reliability through distributed architecture while reducing overall wiring weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized two-dimensional wiring scheme to a three-dimensional distributed network architecture. Connectivity nodes are positioned at different locations throughout the aircraft volume, creating a spatially distributed topology that reduces wiring length and weight while maintaining or improving communication reliability through multiple paths.
2Device complexity
If traditional centralized router architecture is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but wiring complexity and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized router is segmented into multiple distributed connectivity nodes. Each node independently manages local antenna connections and routing functions, reducing the length of wiring required and thereby reducing power loss. The segmentation distributes the processing load and eliminates the need for long cable runs from a central point.
Solution Approach 2:
Distributed connectivity nodes act as intermediaries between antennas and the core routing function. Each node performs local signal processing and routing decisions, eliminating the need for signals to travel long distances through centralized wiring, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized node interfaces.
3Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional antennas are used at high altitudes, then coverage area is maximized, but interference from multiple ground base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between omnidirectional and directional antenna modes based on altitude. At high altitudes where interference from multiple ground base stations is problematic, the system transitions to directional antennas that provide focused beams. This dynamic adaptation maintains adequate coverage while reducing interference effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Different antenna types are deployed in different spatial locations and operational contexts. Omnidirectional antennas are used when broad coverage is needed and interference is low, while directional antennas are used at high altitudes where interference is problematic. This local quality approach optimizes performance for specific operational conditions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If directional antennas are used exclusively, then interference is reduced at high altitudes, but coverage area and link availability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between omnidirectional and directional antennas based on real-time conditions including altitude and signal quality. When interference is low and coverage is the priority, omnidirectional antennas are used. When altitude increases and interference becomes problematic, the system switches to directional antennas. This dynamic selection ensures optimal coverage while managing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both omnidirectional and directional antenna operations. This universal capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements - using omnidirectional mode for maximum coverage and directional mode for interference reduction - thereby achieving both goals under different conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for providing wireless data communication between a wireless communication system in an aircraft and a stationary communication server outside the aircraft are disclosed. The wireless communication system comprises a router network connected to a plurality of antennas, wherein the router network is configured to transmit and receive wireless data communication to and from a stationary communication server outside said aircraft through at least one ground base station via said antennas. The plurality of antennas comprises at least four groups of directional antennas, wherein said groups of directional antennas are arranged at separate portions of a fuselage of said aircraft, the fuselage thereby providing separation and shielding between each individual group of directional antennas.