Dielectric Waveguide Coupler for Guided-Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in providing sufficient bandwidth and network connectivity to support increasing data usage and device demands, particularly in small cell deployments where traditional macrocells fall short.
Innovation Solution
A guided-wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that couples electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium, such as a wire, to propagate as surface waves, enabling efficient data transmission over microwave or millimeter-wave frequencies with reduced propagation loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional macrocell base stations are used to provide wireless coverage, then large area coverage is achieved, but bandwidth and network connectivity become insufficient to support increasing data usage and device demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional macrocell coverage area into multiple smaller small cell coverage areas. Each small cell operates independently with its own base station, allowing for localized high-bandwidth services while collectively covering a larger area. This segmentation enables increased capacity and bandwidth in each small cell to meet growing data demands without sacrificing overall coverage area.
2Productivity
If small cell deployment is pursued to provide coverage for smaller areas with higher bandwidth, then bandwidth and network connectivity are improved, but propagation loss increases over distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wire-based guided-wave transmission as an intermediary medium to carry communication signals between small cell base stations and remote locations. Instead of relying solely on wireless propagation which suffers from high path loss, the system uses wires (such as utility poles or existing infrastructure) as guided-wave transmission media. This intermediary approach enables small cells to extend their effective coverage distance with reduced propagation loss while maintaining high bandwidth capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If wireless signals are transmitted over longer distances to extend coverage, then area coverage is improved, but signal loss and propagation attenuation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wires and transmission lines as intermediary guided-wave channels to extend coverage area while minimizing signal loss. The wire-based transmission medium provides a controlled impedance path that significantly reduces attenuation compared to free-space wireless propagation. This allows small cell systems to cover larger areas by routing signals through wire infrastructure (such as utility poles or existing cable systems) rather than relying on direct wireless paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges wireless communication technology with wire-based guided-wave transmission to create a hybrid small cell system. The combination leverages the high bandwidth and mobility of wireless communication with the low loss and extended reach of wire-based transmission. This merging allows the system to achieve both large coverage area and low signal loss by using wires for long-distance signal carrying and wireless for local access and mobility.
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 solution enhances network connectivity by allowing data to be transmitted with low loss over longer distances and through bends in the wire, improving bandwidth and coverage in small cell networks.
Implementation Method 1
couples electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium, such as a wire, to propagate as surface waves
Implementation Method 2
the coupling of the first electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium forms a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the dielectric material via at least one guided-wave mode
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes a transmitter that generates a first electromagnetic wave to convey data, the first electromagnetic wave having at least one carrier frequency and corresponding wavelength. A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium having at least one inner portion surrounded by a dielectric material, the dielectric material having an outer surface and a corresponding circumference, wherein the coupling of the first electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium forms a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the dielectric material via at least one guided-wave mode that can include an asymmetric mode, wherein the at least one carrier frequency is within a microwave or millimeter-wave frequency band and wherein the at least one corresponding wavelength is less than the circumference of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.