Cascade Device Power Allocation for Ethernet Range Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication network solutions, particularly for indoor networks, are limited in range as radio devices can only be powered up to 200 meters away from the radio controller via Ethernet cables, with maximum continuous output power per cable restricted by IEEE standards.

Innovation Solution

A cascade device is introduced to negotiate power allocations between a power sourcing equipment and radio devices, extending the range by interposing itself between the radio controller and radio device, allowing for increased distance while maintaining compliance with IEEE power over Ethernet standards, and enabling additional cascade devices to be connected for further range extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If power is transmitted over Ethernet cable to radio device, then radio device can be powered remotely, but distance is limited to 200 meters due to power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between radio controller and radio deviceVSAvoidpower loss over Ethernet cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A cascade device is introduced as an intermediary component between the radio controller and the radio device. This cascade device receives power from the radio controller via Ethernet cable and re-transmits power to the radio device, effectively acting as a power relay station that extends the overall power delivery distance beyond the 200-meter limitation of a single Ethernet cable segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The power delivery path is segmented into multiple sections, each handled by a separate cascade device. Instead of attempting to deliver power over a single long cable, the system divides the total distance into multiple 200-meter segments, with each cascade device managing one segment and passing power to the next, thereby overcoming the single-cable distance limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If IEEE 802.3af power standard is used, then power can be delivered over Ethernet cable, but maximum continuous output power is limited to 15.40 Watt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidflexibility in power allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic power allocation where the cascade device can negotiate and adjust power distribution between itself and the radio device based on real-time requirements. The processor negotiates power allocations with both the radio controller and the radio device, allowing flexible adjustment of power levels rather than fixed allocation, thereby enhancing adaptability while maintaining compliance with IEEE standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cascade device changes power parameters by receiving power at one level from the radio controller and re-transmitting at adjusted levels to the radio device. This parameter transformation allows the system to work within IEEE 802.3af limits while effectively delivering appropriate power levels to multiple devices through negotiated allocation and power level adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9848379B2Cascaded radio communication system
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US9848379B2 patent drawing
  • US9848379B2 patent drawing
  • US9848379B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for extending the range and coverage of wireless radio systems through the introduction of cascade devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, power allocations from a first power sourcing equipment (PSE) to a radio device are negotiated by an intervening cascade device. Also, OAM configurations of a radio controller are extended to radio devices via the intervening cascade device.