Dynamic Antenna Array Mode Assignment for Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna array configurations, such as the left to right configuration, are limited in adjusting beamforming in the horizontal plane, leading to decreased signal quality and sector throughput when there are unequal numbers of wireless communication devices (WCDs) in the horizontal and vertical planes.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically determines antenna array mode assignments based on WCD location and sector loading, switching from a left to right configuration to a top to bottom configuration, which allows for more targeted beamforming and improved signal quality by varying the beam in the horizontal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a left to right antenna array configuration is used, then the antenna array can be简单地 configured with identical left and right portions, but the beamforming cannot be varied in the horizontal plane when there are unequal numbers of WCDs in horizontal and vertical planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the antenna array to switch between different configuration modes (left-to-right and top-to-bottom) based on real-time detection of WCD distribution. The system dynamically adjusts the beamforming configuration to match the actual traffic pattern, transforming a static antenna structure into an adaptive system that can reconfigure its beamforming characteristics according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the antenna array configuration by switching between different orientation modes. When the number of WCDs differs between horizontal and vertical planes, the system changes the beamforming parameters to orient the antenna elements differently, thereby adapting the radiation pattern to match the spatial distribution of users.
2Device complexity
If a left to right antenna array configuration is used, then the antenna array structure is simple, but the signal quality and sector throughput decrease when there are more WCDs in one plane
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between antenna configuration modes based on detected WCD distribution patterns. When unequal numbers of WCDs are detected in horizontal and vertical planes, the system transitions from a fixed left-to-right configuration to a dynamic top-to-bottom configuration, thereby maintaining optimal signal quality despite changes in traffic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the number of WCDs in horizontal and vertical planes and uses this information to determine the optimal antenna configuration mode. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the antenna system adapts its behavior based on real-time operational conditions, maintaining reliable signal quality.
3Device complexity
If a left to right antenna array configuration is used, then the antenna array can be configured with standard dimensions, but the sector throughput decreases when traffic is unequal in horizontal and vertical planes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the antenna array mode based on real-time detection of WCD distribution patterns. When the number of WCDs in horizontal and vertical planes becomes unequal, the system switches from a standard left-to-right configuration to a top-to-bottom configuration, thereby optimizing the beamforming to match the actual traffic distribution and maximize sector throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna array by switching between different configuration modes. This parameter change allows the system to adapt the beamforming characteristics to match the spatial distribution of users, thereby optimizing the relationship between antenna configuration and sector throughput under varying traffic conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a top to bottom antenna array configuration is used, then the beamforming can be varied in the horizontal plane for unequal WCD distribution, but the antenna array structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the antenna array can switch between different operational modes (left-to-right and top-to-bottom) based on detected WCD distribution. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain simplicity in any given configuration while providing the versatility to handle unequal traffic patterns when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna array multi-functional by enabling it to operate in multiple configuration modes (left-to-right and top-to-bottom). This universality allows a single physical antenna structure to serve different functional requirements depending on the traffic distribution pattern, thereby achieving beamforming variation capability without requiring multiple separate antenna systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dynamically determining antenna array mode assignment for transmission of downlink power to one or more wireless communication devices (WCD). The system comprises an access point that is configured to transmit wireless downlink signals to a WCD using a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. A processor collects data over a predetermined time period, which may include sector load data and WCD location data. Then, the processor analyzes the data collected and based on such analysis, determines the antenna array mode assignment. In some aspects, the processor also determines whether there is MU-MIMO grouping between two or more WCDs.