Configurable Antenna Scattering for Low-Power Cell Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networks face inefficiencies in power management during low-traffic periods, leading to high operating costs due to increased transmission power in active base stations and neighboring nodes, with idle base stations being underutilized.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a receiving network node with a configurable antenna array that can switch from a transmit-receive mode to a scattering mode, allowing for power-efficient cooperative communication by scattering radio frequency signals between nodes, thereby reducing energy consumption and maintaining quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If base stations are switched off during low-traffic periods to reduce energy consumption, then energy saving is improved, but network coverage and service quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A passive reflecting array is introduced as an intermediary element between the transmitting base station and user equipment. This array reflects and redirects radio frequency signals to provide network coverage in areas where the base station would otherwise be switched off, enabling energy saving while maintaining service quality through the mediating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive reflecting array creates a copied or replicated coverage area by reflecting signals from the active base station. Instead of requiring a second active base station to provide coverage, the system uses a passive structure that copies the coverage pattern through signal reflection, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If transmission power of active base stations is increased to cover areas of idle base stations, then network coverage is improved, but energy consumption and operating cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The passive reflecting array serves as an intermediary that extends coverage area without requiring increased transmission power from the base station. By strategically positioning and configuring the reflecting array, the system achieves expanded coverage through signal redirection rather than power amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial distribution parameters of signal coverage by introducing a passive reflecting array with specific geometric configurations. Instead of increasing power parameters, the solution modifies the spatial and angular parameters of signal propagation through the reflecting array's position, orientation, and shape to achieve broader coverage.
3Reliability
If cell breathing mechanism is used to compensate link budget degradation, then coverage is improved, but transmission power of active base stations and neighboring nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive reflecting array acts as an intermediary that improves link budget for user equipment in coverage areas without requiring increased transmission power from active base stations or neighboring nodes. The array reflects signals to enhance received signal strength, compensating for link budget degradation through passive signal redirection rather than active power amplification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables power-efficient cooperative communication in wireless networks without compromising quality of service, reducing energy consumption during low-traffic periods and enhancing signal coverage without increasing transmission power, thus lowering operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
configuring the one or more configurable loads to scatter, by the configured first antenna array, a first beam of a radio frequency signal sent by a transmitting network node
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A receiving network node includes a first antenna array, one or more radio frequency components, one or more configurable loads, a switch, and a first control circuit. The first control circuit obtains instruction data for configuring the first antenna array from a transmit- receive mode to a scattering mode. The first control circuit configures the one or more configurable loads based on the instruction data to scatter a first beam of a radio frequency signal sent by a transmitting network node located in a first cell to a first user device located in a second cell. The first beam is scattered by the configured first antenna array. The first control circuit controls the switch to change a coupling of one or more antennas from the radio frequency components to the configured one or more configurable loads, and sets the radio frequency components to an idle mode for power-efficient cooperative communication.