Correlating Multi-Sensor Spectrum Data for Interferer Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless digital networks face interference from shared frequencies with non-network radiators, making it difficult to accurately locate and manage sources of interference, as traditional spectrum analyzers are expensive and beyond the reach of typical network engineers, while current monitoring devices have varying capabilities and lack a cohesive view of the spectrum.
Innovation Solution
Combining and correlating data from multiple sensors such as spectrum monitors, access points, and wireless client devices to provide synchronized spectrum data, which is then used to create spectrum maps and detection-range maps, allowing for more accurate location of interferers and improved network diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional spectrum analyzers are used to detect interference sources, then measurement precision and detection capability are improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing wireless devices (access points, wireless clients, spectrum monitors) into a coordinated spectrum monitoring system. By merging the spectrum monitoring capabilities of these devices and correlating their data, the system achieves comprehensive spectrum analysis without requiring expensive professional spectrum analyzers at every monitoring point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables standard wireless network devices (access points and wireless clients) to perform spectrum monitoring functions in addition to their primary wireless communication functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to leverage existing infrastructure for spectrum analysis, reducing the need for specialized expensive equipment.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple monitoring devices with varying capabilities are deployed, then coverage area and detection capability are improved, but data correlation difficulty and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that receives, processes, and correlates spectrum data from multiple distributed monitoring devices. This intermediary coordinates the data from devices with varying capabilities, synchronizes their observations, and integrates their findings into a unified spectrum map, managing the complexity of correlating data from heterogeneous sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the spectrum monitoring function across multiple independent devices distributed throughout the wireless network environment. Each device independently monitors its local spectrum, and the central controller aggregates these segmented observations to create a comprehensive view of the entire spectrum environment.
3Measurement precision
If data from multiple sensors is combined to create comprehensive spectrum views, then spectrum analysis accuracy is improved, but data processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of time stamps at the source devices before data is collected and correlated centrally. By pre-synchronizing the timing information in each monitoring device, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time synchronization calculations during data correlation, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accurate temporal relationships in the spectrum data.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination and correlation of data from multiple sensors in a wireless digital network is described. Sensors such as spectrum monitors, access points, and wireless client devices provide spectrum data to one or more central stations connected to the network. Spectrum data from multiple sensors is combined and correlated to provide insight into network operation such as spectrum maps, detection-range maps, and for network diagnostics. Sensors providing spectrum data may be synchronized. Correlating spectrum data from synchronized sensors allows more accurate location of sources such as interferers. The known EIRP of certain wireless devices may be used to improve location estimates, and these devices may be used as calibrations sources for sensors in the wireless network.