Distributed Multi-Antenna Station Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) face performance disparities among user terminals due to varying distances and obstructions from access points, leading to inconsistent data rates and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-antenna station with distributed antennas and a controller that selects the best set of antennas for data transmission based on power measurements, location, and signal quality to ensure consistent performance across the coverage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stationary access point is used to serve multiple user terminals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the performance consistency across different user terminals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is segmented into multiple distributed antennas located at different positions within the coverage area. Each antenna can independently serve user terminals in its local vicinity, reducing the performance disparity between nearby and remote terminals while maintaining a single logical access point architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system transitions from a single-location configuration to a multi-location distributed configuration across the coverage area. This spatial distribution across different dimensions enables improved signal quality for terminals throughout the entire coverage region without increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple distributed antennas are deployed throughout the coverage area, then the performance consistency for user terminals is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distributed antennas are merged into a single logical access point entity. The controller at the access point coordinates all antennas, presenting a unified system to user terminals. This combining approach maintains performance consistency across the coverage area while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed antenna system provides universal service across the entire coverage area through a single multi-functional access point. The same access point handles both nearby and remote terminals using different antenna elements, eliminating the need for separate access points in different locations.
3Productivity
If remote antennas are used to reach distant user terminals, then the data rate for remote terminals is improved, but the loss of energy in signal transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Remote antennas are strategically positioned in local areas where they can provide strong signals to distant terminals. By placing antennas at multiple locations throughout the coverage area, the system ensures that every terminal has at least one nearby antenna, reducing signal attenuation and energy loss compared to a single centralized access point.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-antenna station with distributed antennas and capable of providing good performance for terminals distributed throughout the coverage area of the multi-antenna station is described. The multi-antenna station includes multiple antennas, a controller, and at least one transmitter unit. The multiple antennas are coupled to the multi-antenna station and include at least one remote antenna that is located away from the multi-antenna station. The controller selects a set of one or more antennas from among the multiple antennas for data transmission to a terminal. The at least one transmitter unit transmits data to the terminal via the set of one or more antennas.