Cloud-Assisted FSO Backhaul with RF Supervisory Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face limitations in indoor areas due to limited coverage and signal attenuation, requiring costly and cumbersome Ethernet cables, and struggle to support a large number of IoT devices and wireless sensors with high-speed data connectivity and quality-of-service requirements.
Innovation Solution
A communication system employing a cloud-assisted intelligent free-space optical backhaul with laser beam-based wireless communication, utilizing a hybrid of photonics and radio frequency communication, forms a network with point-to-point laser links and RF supervisory links to provide full coverage, high-speed connectivity, and manage massive IoT devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Wi-Fi signals are used to extend wireless coverage in indoor areas, then the coverage area can be extended, but signal attenuation occurs with increasing distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication function into two parts: RF communication for control and management, and FSO (free-space optical) communication for high-speed data backhaul. This segmentation allows each technology to operate in its optimal performance range, with RF handling robust control functions and FSO providing high-capacity data transmission without signal attenuation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary FSO link between access points and the core network, acting as a high-capacity backhaul channel. This intermediary optical communication path eliminates the signal attenuation problem of traditional wireless backhaul while RF communication continues to handle supervisory functions, creating a hybrid architecture that resolves the contradiction between coverage extension and signal quality maintenance.
2Reliability
If Ethernet cables are used to connect network devices, then reliable connectivity is achieved, but installation and reconfiguration become cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based Ethernet system with a wireless FSO communication system for backhaul connections. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable installation through walls and structures, allowing rapid deployment and reconfiguration of network connections while maintaining reliable high-speed connectivity through optical wireless links.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional wireless communication is used to support large numbers of IoT devices, then device connectivity is provided, but data throughput and quality of service are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RF and FSO communication technologies into a hybrid architecture where RF handles device connectivity and control for large numbers of IoT devices, while FSO provides high-capacity backhaul for data throughput. This combination allows the system to support massive numbers of devices with limited RF spectrum resources while achieving high data rates through the optical backhaul channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional RF communication approach to a two-dimensional hybrid architecture by adding the FSO dimension. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous handling of device connectivity (RF dimension) and high-speed data backhaul (optical dimension), resolving the contradiction between supporting large device quantities and maintaining high productivity.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple intermediate routers are deployed to extend coverage, then full coverage is achieved, but network complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backhaul function from the access point architecture, separating high-speed optical backhaul from wireless access functions. This extraction eliminates the need for complex intermediate routing infrastructure, as FSO provides direct high-capacity backhaul links between access points and the core network, simplifying the overall network architecture while maintaining full coverage capability.
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
The system achieves ultra-reliable and flexible communication with enhanced data security, high throughput, and near-zero latency, improving network redundancy and scalability without compromising signal quality or data throughput, supporting a large number of wireless sensors and IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
a laser transmitter to transmit first data signals in the form of laser beams in free space to a laser receiver
Implementation Method 2
a laser receiver to detect second laser beams carrying second data signals from the end-user devices
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a cloud server comprising a processor. The processor obtains sensor data associated with each of a defined indoor area and a plurality of optical nodes in the defined indoor area, controls at least a master communication device to establish a laser beam-based wireless communication network in the defined indoor area, wherein the control of the master communication device is based on the obtained sensor data. The processor further obtains network monitoring and performance data of the laser beam-based wireless communication network from the master communication device, generates and communicates Laser Beam Network Control (LBNC) instructions to the master communication device based on the network monitoring and performance data, and controls the master communication device to instruct at least one optical routing device to dynamically adjust an orientation of a deflecting surface of the at least one optical routing device based on the LBNC instructions.