Altitude-Based Transmit Power Control for Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication networks face challenges in providing reliable coverage to wireless communication devices (WCDs) on upper floors of multi-story and high-rise buildings, as antennas are typically configured to serve ground-level areas, resulting in poor service for devices at higher altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A radio access network (RAN) equipped with multiple antennas that provide split wireless coverage areas using different frequencies and power distributions to serve WCDs at various altitudes, with the RAN determining initial transmit power based on the altitude of each WCD to optimize signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antennas are arranged to provide wireless coverage at ground level, then ground-level coverage is improved, but coverage for devices at higher altitudes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless coverage area into multiple altitude-based segments (first coverage area for lower altitudes, second coverage area for higher altitudes). Each segment is served by dedicated antennas with specific transmit power settings, allowing ground-level devices and high-altitude devices to receive optimized coverage without interference from the other segment's power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transmit power levels to different spatial locations (altitude zones). The first antennas use a first transmit power optimized for ground-level coverage, while the second antennas use a second transmit power optimized for high-altitude coverage. This local differentiation of quality parameters resolves the contradiction between ground-level reliability and high-altitude adaptability
2Reliability
If transmit power is increased to reach higher altitudes, then signal coverage at high altitude is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements altitude-dependent transmit power control where the RAN determines and applies different power levels based on the WCD's altitude. Devices at higher altitudes receive signals with adjusted power levels appropriate for their elevation, avoiding the waste of using maximum power for all devices regardless of altitude. This local optimization of power quality reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining coverage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes dynamic transmit power adjustment mechanisms where the RAN continuously monitors WCD altitude (via GPS or other means) and adjusts the forward traffic channel power accordingly. As WCDs move about and altitude changes, the RAN updates the initial transmit power dynamically, ensuring energy-efficient operation that adapts to real-time conditions rather than using fixed high power levels
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide better wireless service to wireless communication devices (WCDs) at different altitudes (e.g., on different levels of a high-rise structure), a radio access network (RAN) may include antennas that are configured to provide coverage at these different altitudes. The RAN may assign an initial transmit power to a particular WCD based on the particular WCD's altitude. For instance, if the particular WCD is above a threshold altitude, the RAN may set the initial transmit power to the WCD to a lower value. However, if the WCD is below the threshold altitude, the RAN may set the initial transmit power to the WCD to a higher value, to overcome low-altitude signal obstructions. As a result, RAN and WCD performance may improve.