Distributed Wireless Router Network for Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems for moving vehicles, such as trains, face challenges in achieving optimal transmission performance due to shielding effects from metal carriages, limited bandwidth capacity, and inability to efficiently utilize advanced telecom techniques like MIMO, especially in areas with poor radio coverage and high data traffic demands.
Innovation Solution
A distributed wireless communication system with multiple routers in separate carriages, each connected to external antennas and forming an onboard router network, which evaluates performance parameters to dynamically assign data streams and distribute traffic, utilizing multiple external mobile networks and MIMO capabilities to enhance bandwidth and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single router with external antenna is used in each carriage, then the system provides basic wireless communication capability, but the bandwidth capacity is limited and transmission performance is suboptimal due to limited antenna separation and inability to utilize MIMO technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the train into multiple zones (carriages or sections), with each zone equipped with its own router and antenna system. This segmentation allows each router to serve a specific geographic area independently, increasing overall system bandwidth capacity while distributing the complexity across multiple manageable units rather than requiring a single complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple routers are merged into a coordinated network where they communicate with each other and share resources. The routers work together as a unified system, combining their individual capacities to achieve higher overall bandwidth and enabling MIMO functionality through coordinated transmission across multiple spatially separated antennas
2Productivity
If multiple antennas are placed on the roof of a train carriage, then MIMO capability can be utilized, but the limited space on the roof creates a bottleneck for bandwidth capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (antennas on the roof surface) to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement (antennas and routers distributed throughout multiple carriages along the train's length). This dimensional change allows for much greater antenna separation and capacity without being constrained by the limited roof area of any single carriage
3Productivity
If a distributed router network is implemented across multiple carriages, then bandwidth capacity and MIMO utilization are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each router in the distributed network is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can independently perform routing, wireless communication, and coordination functions. This standardization allows the system to scale across multiple carriages without proportionally increasing complexity, as each unit follows the same operational protocols and interface standards
4Reliability
If train carriages are made of metal with metal film windows for shielding, then passenger compartment integrity is maintained, but direct communication between terminal antennas and external antennas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces repeater units or external antenna systems positioned outside the metal carriage structure as intermediary elements. These intermediaries receive signals from external base stations and retransmit them internally, or vice versa, thereby bridging the communication gap created by the shielding effect of metal carriages without compromising passenger safety or compartment integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system and method for a moving vehicle having a plurality of carriages is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of routers, each router being arranged in a separate carriage and each router being configured to receive and transmit wireless data communication to and from a stationary communication server outside said moving vehicle through at least one exterior mobile network via at least one antenna, wherein said at least one exterior mobile network provides at least one data link; receive and transmit data packets to and from at least one client onboard the moving vehicle; and communicate with every other router in said moving vehicle in order to receive and transmit data packets to and from said every other router, thereby forming an onboard router network.