Dual-Frequency Wireless Coordination for Millimeter-Wave Link Establishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave communication systems face challenges in coordinating with multiple communication partners due to high transmission loss and limited range, making directional communication ineffective for securing coordination between stations, especially at higher frequency bands like 60 GHz.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that uses a dual-frequency approach, employing microwaves at 5 GHz for coordination and millimeter waves at 60 GHz for data transmission, with a center frequency ratio of at least 12:1, to ensure sufficient control information reaches neighboring stations and establish direct communication links between terminal stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If directional communication is used at 60 GHz to increase transmission power in specific directions, then communication distance is extended, but coordination signals cannot reach neighboring stations in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two distinct parts operating at different frequencies: coordination signals use 5 GHz with omnidirectional transmission to reach all neighboring stations, while data transmission uses 60 GHz with directional beams for extended distance. This segmentation allows each frequency band to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The 5 GHz coordination channel acts as an intermediary that establishes communication links and exchanges scheduling information between stations before actual data transmission occurs. This intermediary channel enables the directional 60 GHz links to function effectively by providing the coordination infrastructure needed for millimeter-wave communication.
2Loss of information
If packets are transmitted at lower rate to allow scheduling information to reach neighboring stations, then coordination coverage improves, but sufficient scheduling information still cannot reach stations at 60 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension to resolve the contradiction. Instead of trying to improve omnidirectional coverage at 60 GHz by lowering data rates, it moves the coordination function to a different frequency dimension (5 GHz) where omnidirectional transmission naturally provides sufficient coverage, allowing 60 GHz to maintain high data rates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If search tones are transmitted with rotating directional antennas to search for communication nodes, then communication partners can be found, but the process takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node discovery process into two stages using different frequencies: initial node discovery uses 5 GHz omnidirectional transmission for quick identification of all neighboring stations, followed by 60 GHz directional link establishment for high-speed communication. This eliminates the need for time-consuming 360-degree rotation at 60 GHz.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system, method and apparatus cooperate to use a wireless coordination signal from a control station in a first frequency band to establish direct links in a second frequency band between different terminals. Once established, the direct links in the second frequency band operate without further needing intervention by the control station. The first frequency band is 1 GHz or higher, and the second frequency band is at a higher frequency than the first frequency band.