External mmWave CPE Relay for Wall-Loss-Free Home Broadband
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high signal attenuation of millimeter wavelength signals through residential structure walls limits the effectiveness of 5G wireless technology for indoor high-speed data access, requiring external customer premises equipment (CPE) with power and connectivity limitations, and necessitates physical installation by trained technicians.
Innovation Solution
An externally mounted CPE configured as a relay node with a millimeter wave modem and Wi-Fi modem components, operating above indoor power limits, and powered by an external supply, such as a solar rechargeable battery or inductive power, to provide uninterrupted high-speed internet access without physical cables, using AI/ML for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If millimeter wave signals are used for high-speed wireless data access, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal penetration capability through residential walls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from indoor to outdoor mounting dimension, placing the CPE on exterior surfaces (walls, roofs, windows) to establish line-of-sight paths that bypass wall attenuation issues while maintaining high-speed millimeter wave connectivity
2Reliability
If CPE is mounted externally to achieve line-of-sight connectivity, then signal penetration is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service installation through automated features including GPS-based location optimization, automatic mounting surface detection, self-calibrating antenna alignment, and wireless configuration that eliminates the need for trained technicians while ensuring reliable line-of-sight connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable mounting parameters including tilt angles, azimuth orientations, and height positions that can be optimized through automated algorithms to achieve reliable connectivity without complex manual installation procedures
3Reliability
If outdoor CPE is used to overcome signal attenuation, then wireless connectivity is improved, but power supply requirements increase beyond standard indoor limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources including solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and PoE capability into a hybrid power system that provides uninterrupted outdoor power supply while managing energy consumption through intelligent switching and power optimization algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts transmission power levels, antenna beamforming parameters, and operational modes based on signal quality, distance to RAN, and available power resources to optimize the balance between connectivity reliability and power consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, high-speed indoor internet access exceeding indoor power limitations, reducing installation delays and labor costs by eliminating the need for physical cabling and allowing self-installation while optimizing power usage and extending operation time.
Implementation Method 1
a millimeter wave modem component configured to provide a millimeter wave signal wireless communication link between the CPE and the RAN node
Implementation Method 2
The CPE may be powered by any suitable external power supply including, but not limited to, a power over Ethernet (PoE) injector, a solar powered rechargeable battery, or an inductive power supply
Data Source
AI summary
Providing high speed Internet access via millimeter wave signal transmissions between a customer premises and a radio access network (RAN) node of a millimeter wave signal wireless data network service provider is described. An external customer premises equipment (CPE) is configured for operation while mounted exterior to a customer premises and configured to operate as a relay node between the RAN node and an internal local communication node within the customer premises. The CPE includes a millimeter wave modem component providing a millimeter wave signal wireless communication link between the CPE and the RAN node, wherein the millimeter wave modem component includes a transmission sub-component operating at a transmission signal power level exceeding a transmission signal power limit for internal power signal transmissions of millimeter wave signals. The CPE further includes a Wi-Fi modem component providing a Wi-Fi signal wireless communications link between the CPE and the internal local communication node within the customer premises.