Dynamic Antenna Port Selection for Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4G wireless networks face challenges in maintaining signal quality due to signal attenuation caused by environmental changes and frequency transitions, particularly with the adoption of 5G technologies using higher frequency spectrums, where existing diversity schemes are inadequate to dynamically adjust antenna port usage.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically selects the number of transmitting ports in an antenna based on real-time data from end-user devices regarding signal changes, using a processor to determine triggers and estimate signal changes, thereby adjusting the number of ports to compensate for varying levels of signal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed two-transmitting-port diversity mode is used in 4G networks, then signal quality is improved at cell edge, but the system cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions and frequency transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of transmitting ports based on real-time signal quality feedback from wireless devices. The access node receives data about signal levels from multiple devices, determines triggers for port selection changes, and dynamically adjusts the number of transmitting ports used. This transforms the static two-port diversity mode into a dynamic system that adapts to changing environmental conditions, weather, device locations, and frequency transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes feedback from wireless devices regarding signal levels received to dynamically adjust transmitting port configuration. The access node receives feedback data from devices, processes this information to determine when triggers occur, and uses this feedback loop to optimize the number of transmitting ports. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to changing propagation conditions, weather changes, and device movements in real-time.
2Reliability
If more transmitting ports are used to achieve higher transmission diversity, then signal reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always using all available transmitting ports or a fixed two-port configuration, the system dynamically selects the appropriate number of ports based on actual signal quality requirements. When signal attenuation is severe, more ports are activated to provide higher diversity. When conditions are good, fewer ports are used. This partial action approach ensures sufficient transmission diversity is applied without excessive energy consumption from unnecessarily activated ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of transmitting port count based on measured signal conditions. By adjusting this key parameter dynamically - increasing port count when signal attenuation exceeds thresholds and decreasing it when conditions improve - the system optimizes the balance between transmission reliability and energy consumption, avoiding both insufficient diversity and wasteful over-provisioning.
3Productivity
If high frequency spectrum (5G) is used for wireless communication, then data transmission capacity is improved, but signal attenuation increases due to susceptibility to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system counteracts the harmful effect of increased signal attenuation in high-frequency 5G networks by dynamically increasing the number of transmitting ports used. The additional transmitting ports provide compensatory diversity gain that offsets the attenuation caused by weather, obstacles, and propagation challenges inherent to high-frequency spectrum. This counterbalancing approach maintains reliable communication despite the increased susceptibility to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential signal attenuation by having multiple transmitting ports available and ready to be activated. When signal quality degrades beyond predetermined thresholds, the system can quickly switch to using more transmitting ports to cushion against the attenuation. This prior preparation ensures that sufficient diversity resources are available to compensate for the inherent vulnerabilities of high-frequency transmission without requiring permanent use of all ports.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for selecting a number of transmitting ports in an antenna at an access node includes an access node configured to deploy a first radio air interface to provide wireless services to wireless devices. The access node includes an antenna having ports and configured to communicate data with wireless devices through the ports and the first radio air interface. The access node also includes a processor configured to determine a trigger for dynamically selecting a number of transmitting ports in the antenna based on data received from the wireless devices relating to changes in levels of signals received at the wireless devices. The processor is also configured to estimate an amount of change based on the data relating to the changes. The processor is further configured to select a number of transmitting ports in the antenna based on the estimated amount of change.