Data Expansion Road Marker for Continuous Mobile Broadband
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile broadband data services, particularly WiFi hotspots, face limitations in coverage area, making them ineffective for users who are moving between locations, as they provide higher data transfer rates and lower power usage but are restricted to a limited area.
Innovation Solution
The Data Expansion Road Marker (DERM) system, which includes a communications interface to couple with a backhaul network via a wireless link, a wireless transceiver to communicate with mobile devices, and processing circuitry to facilitate data transfer, forming a WiFi hotspot or local area network, and is designed to be mounted on a vertical structure with a power source for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If WiFi hotspots are used for mobile data access, then data transfer rate and power efficiency are improved, but coverage area is limited and mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coverage area into multiple discrete WiFi hotspot zones, each provided by an individual roadside marker. These segmented hotspots are distributed along roads and highways, allowing users to access data services at multiple locations rather than requiring a single large coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The roadside markers act as intermediary devices between the core network and mobile users. Each marker contains a WiFi transceiver that creates a local hotspot, serving as an intermediate access point that bridges the gap between cellular networks and WiFi-based data services.
2Use of energy by moving object
If WiFi hotspots are used for mobile data access, then power consumption is reduced, but coverage area and mobility support are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the mobility support function into multiple stationary WiFi hotspots distributed along travel routes. Instead of requiring a single mobile access point to follow the user, the user moves between multiple fixed hotspots, each consuming low power individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal mobility (a single access point moving with the user) to vertical/distributed spatial arrangement (multiple access points arranged along roads and highways). This dimensional change allows users to maintain connectivity while moving by switching between distributed hotspots.
Data Source
AI summary
A data expansion system that provides continuum of discrete wireless small cell coverage areas for mobile terminals includes a set of roadway reflectors configured to provide wireless broadband data services to a mobile terminal. Each reflector includes processing circuitry configured to establish communications between the mobile terminal and a backhaul network. Each reflector includes a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data. Each reflector includes a power source that converts solar energy into electricity. Each reflector includes a housing configured to contain the processing circuitry, the transceiver, and the power source. The housing has a raised reflective surface.