Building Wiring as Interior Antenna for RF Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication within buildings is often hindered by signal obstruction and interference from metallic building structures, leading to unpredictable RF coverage, and existing solutions require costly installations of repeater antennas and coaxial cables.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus utilizes existing building wiring to form an interior antenna by connecting patch cords to a patch panel and a bi-directional amplifier, eliminating the need for small antennas and long coaxial cables, and uses a coaxial cable/patch cord interface to enhance wireless signal reception and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeater antennas and coaxial cables are installed to provide RF coverage within buildings, then wireless communication capability is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The existing building wiring system serves dual purposes: its original function for electrical power distribution and a new function as an antenna system for RF signal distribution. The wiring infrastructure already in place is utilized to provide wireless communication coverage without requiring separate dedicated antenna cables or complex repeater installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The building's existing wiring system is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional electrical distribution role and a new RF signal distribution role. This eliminates the need for separate antenna infrastructure and reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If discrete antennas are installed throughout the building, then RF coverage is improved, but installation cost and aesthetic impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing building wiring infrastructure is repurposed to function as the antenna system, eliminating the need to install separate discrete antennas throughout the building. This leverages already-installed infrastructure to provide RF coverage without additional material costs or aesthetic compromises.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna function is merged with the existing wiring infrastructure rather than being implemented as separate discrete components. This combination eliminates the need for additional antenna installations and reduces overall system cost.
3Strength
If metallic building structures are present, then building integrity is maintained, but RF signal transmission is blocked or interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The existing wiring system acts as an intermediary medium for RF signal transmission, bypassing the metallic building structures that block direct signals. Rather than attempting to penetrate through metallic barriers, the system uses the wiring infrastructure as an alternative transmission path to deliver RF signals throughout the building.
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 approach provides improved wireless communication within buildings by leveraging existing copper cabling, reducing installation costs and enhancing RF coverage without the need for discrete antennas or extensive cabling, while maintaining normal landline communication functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A bi-directional amplifier is provided and is connected to the first antenna by a first coaxial cable
Implementation Method 2
A coaxial splitter is provided and is connected to the bi-directional amplifier by a second coaxial cable
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for enhancing wireless communications to and from a building is provided. A first antenna associated with the building for sending and receiving wireless signals to and from a wireless signal transponder located remote from the building and a signal path interface are provided. A first signal path is located between the first antenna and the signal path interface. The building includes a wiring system. At least a second signal path is located between the signal path interface and the wiring system. At least a portion of the wiring system is a second antenna for sending and receiving wireless signals to and from wireless devices located within the building.