Apical Radiator Wireless Access Point Antenna Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems for Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and other FTTx applications lack efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for implementing broadband access within customer premises using apical conduit systems, relying on physical cables or satellite transmissions, which are costly and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
Implementing wireless access points within apical conduit systems, using a wireless access point device with an antenna in a channel, where the antenna is positioned above ground for better signal propagation, and the access point is protected during road milling by a removable lid or sacrificial cap, allowing for flexible and robust fiber distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical cables or satellite transmissions are used for FTTP, then broadband access can be established, but the system becomes costly and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable routing systems with wireless communication technology. Wireless access points transmit broadband signals through the air, eliminating the need for complex physical cable installations from the central office to customer premises. This substitution maintains reliable broadband access while significantly reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless access points are placed below ground in apical conduit systems, then visual obtrusiveness is minimized and ecological impact is reduced, but signal propagation is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point is divided into two functional segments: the electronic components (power supply, signal processing) are housed below ground in the apical conduit system to minimize visual obtrusiveness, while the antenna element is extended above ground through a sacrificial cap or removable lid. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally - electronics protected and concealed, antenna exposed for better signal propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial cap or removable lid acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the underground conduit system and the above-ground antenna. This intermediary allows the antenna to protrude above ground for effective signal transmission while the main access point remains protected below ground. The intermediary can be removed or replaced during maintenance without affecting the permanent underground installation.
3Reliability
If wireless access points are protected during road milling, then the equipment is safeguarded from damage, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective lid is designed to be removable rather than permanent, transforming the protection mechanism from a static barrier to a dynamic access solution. During normal operation, the lid remains in place to protect the access point from road milling and environmental damage. During maintenance, the lid can be easily removed to provide access to the equipment, then replaced to restore protection. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing FTTx, which might include Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”), Fiber-to-the-Premises (“FTTP”), and/or the like. A method might include routing an F1 line(s) from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot. From the FDH, an F2 line(s) might be routed, via any combination of various apical conduit components, to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing one or more customer premises. An F3 line(s) might be distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 line(s), to a network interface device (“NID”) or optical network terminal (“ONT”) at each customer premises, via any combination of the apical conduit components, which include channels in at least portions of roadways. In some embodiments, at least one wireless access point is disposed in each of one or more channels.