Dual Band MIMO Access Point 5 GHz Signal Strength Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices often prefer to operate in the 2.4 GHz band due to lower performance in the 5.0 GHz band, leading to congestion and reduced throughput, as signals in the 5.0 GHz band are attenuated and have lower signal strength at receivers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual band MIMO access point with power amplification and antenna gain optimization techniques to increase the signal strength and performance of the 5.0 GHz band, allowing devices to voluntarily switch to the 5.0 GHz band for better throughput and alleviating congestion in the 2.4 GHz band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If wireless communication devices operate in the 5.0 GHz band, then network spectrum availability is improved, but signal strength at receivers deteriorates due to higher attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork spectrum availabilityVSAvoidsignal strength at receivers

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the transmit power levels and antenna gain settings specifically for the 5.0 GHz band. The access point modifies operational parameters such as power amplification coefficients and antenna radiation patterns to compensate for the higher attenuation characteristics of the 5.0 GHz frequency, thereby maintaining adequate signal strength while utilizing the less congested spectrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements counterweight by introducing power amplification and antenna gain enhancement as compensating forces against the natural attenuation of 5.0 GHz signals. The system applies additional power amplification specifically targeted at the 5.0 GHz band to counterbalance the inherent signal loss, creating an equilibrium where devices are incentivized to switch bands without experiencing degraded performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Productivity

If dual band access point optimizes performance for both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, then overall network capacity is improved, but wireless devices still prefer 2.4 GHz band due to lower signal attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall network capacityVSAvoiddevice band selection behavior

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by reversing the natural preference hierarchy. Instead of accepting that devices will naturally prefer the lower frequency band due to better propagation characteristics, the system inverts the situation by making the 5.0 GHz band appear more attractive through power amplification and performance optimization, causing devices to voluntarily select the higher band against their natural inclination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including transmit power, antenna gain, and signal boosting specifically for the 5.0 GHz band to match or exceed the effective performance of the 2.4 GHz band, thereby changing the decision-making parameters that wireless devices use to select bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If power amplification is applied to increase 5.0 GHz signal strength, then band steering effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband steering effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing power amplification selectively and proportionally. Rather than continuously maximizing power output, the system applies just enough power amplification to the 5.0 GHz band to make it competitive with the 2.4 GHz band in terms of received signal strength, avoiding excessive energy consumption while achieving the necessary band steering effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the actual performance and signal strength of the 5.0 GHz band, dynamically adjusting power amplification levels based on observed conditions. This allows the system to maintain band steering effectiveness while optimizing energy consumption by reducing amplification when conditions are favorable and increasing it only when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9191086B2Methods and apparatus for balancing band performance

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a processor disposed within an enclosure and configured to communicate with multiple wireless devices. A first and a second antenna are disposed within the enclosure. The first antenna is configured to operate within a first band, and the second antenna is configured to operate within a second band. The second band has a center frequency less than a center frequency of the first band. The first antenna is configured to send a signal having a signal strength at a wireless device and associated with the first band, and the second antenna is configured to send a signal having a signal strength at the wireless device and associated with the second band. The signal strength for the signal associated with the first band is greater than the signal strength associated with the second band such that the wireless device selects the first band to communicate with the processor.