Building Antenna Layout With Repeaters for 5G Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency wireless communication protocols like 5G face challenges in providing adequate coverage and capacity in building-dense areas due to signal attenuation by conductive structures and the need for numerous antennas, which is exacerbated by the limited public space available for antenna deployment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a data communications network within buildings that includes external antennas strategically placed on roofs or exteriors, coupled with a network infrastructure featuring high-speed data carrying lines and wireless links, along with internal antennas and radios, to enhance wireless signal coverage and capacity, using repeaters and re-transmitters to overcome signal blocking by materials like electrochromic windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency wireless communication protocols like 5G are deployed, then data rate and wireless connectivity capability are improved, but signal attenuation by conductive structures increases and coverage becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into multiple zones with strategically placed internal antennas and repeaters to segment the coverage area. Each antenna and repeater handles a specific zone, ensuring comprehensive coverage despite signal attenuation from conductive structures like electrochromic windows and building materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces repeaters and re-transmitters as intermediary devices between external antennas and internal wireless devices. These intermediaries receive attenuated signals from external sources, amplify them, and re-transmit them internally, overcoming the signal blocking caused by conductive structures.
2Reliability
If numerous antennas are deployed to provide adequate coverage, then wireless capacity is improved, but the complexity of antenna deployment and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated repeater units that simultaneously perform signal reception, amplification, and re-transmission. Internal antennas are integrated with building infrastructure elements, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal repeater and antenna systems that can handle multiple wireless protocols and frequency bands simultaneously. These multi-functional devices provide adequate coverage across different wireless standards without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each protocol.
3Ease of manufacture
If public space for antenna deployment is limited, then installation flexibility is reduced, but the need for alternative deployment locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places internal antennas and repeaters within existing building infrastructure elements such as walls, ceilings, and structural components. This nesting approach allows antenna deployment within the building volume without requiring additional external space, maintaining installation flexibility while overcoming space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional external rooftop antenna deployment to internal three-dimensional distribution of multiple antennas and repeaters throughout the building volume. This dimensional shift from external surface mounting to internal volumetric deployment provides adequate coverage without requiring extensive public space.
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 provides enhanced wireless coverage and capacity within buildings by strategically deploying antennas and using repeaters to counteract signal attenuation, effectively supporting high-frequency protocols like 5G and ensuring reliable connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
external antennas disposed on a roof or exterior of the building... configured for communication with an external wireless network
Implementation Method 2
using repeaters and re-transmitters to overcome signal blocking by materials like electrochromic windows
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna systems for controlled coverage in buildings are disclosed where a data communications network in a building includes one or more external antennas. At least one of the external antennas is disposed on a roof or exterior of the building disposed in or associated with a window, a sky sensor or a digital architectural element. The one or more external antennas are coupled to a network infrastructure of the building via one or more data carrying lines and/or wireless links and are configured for communication with an external wireless network. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrying lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel. In some embodiments, at least one of the external antennas is configured for communication with an external wireless network.