Flexible Wireless Networking System Antenna Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless networking systems face challenges in achieving adequate coverage while minimizing the number of access points due to high costs and labor requirements, with discrete, expensive access points creating tension between adequate service and overbuying, and limited flexibility in antenna placement and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a long strip or plane of material embedded with wireless transceivers and antennas, allowing for dynamic configuration and reconfiguration using intelligent software processes to optimize coverage patterns, featuring switchable antennas and a resource management system to efficiently allocate resources and adjust antenna patterns based on network demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of access points is increased to ensure adequate coverage, then coverage quality is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple access points into a single integrated unit with multiple antennas and radios. This merging approach provides adequate wireless coverage through multiple spatial directions without requiring multiple separate access point installations, thereby improving coverage quality while reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by incorporating multiple antennas at different physical locations and orientations within a single access point. This allows the system to provide coverage in multiple directions simultaneously, effectively addressing coverage requirements without increasing the number of discrete access points installed.
2Reliability
If the number of access points is increased to fill coverage holes, then coverage completeness is improved, but labor and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coverage functions into a single access point unit equipped with multiple antennas and radios. This consolidation achieves complete coverage by providing multiple transmission paths within one device, eliminating the need to install additional access points in coverage holes and thereby reducing labor and material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating multiple radios operating on different channels and multiple antennas with various patterns. This universal design allows a single unit to perform the work of multiple traditional access points, achieving complete coverage without requiring additional specialized devices.
3Reliability
If more access points are deployed to ensure adequate service, then service reliability is improved, but device tracking and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple service-providing functions into a single access point with multiple radios and antennas. This merging reduces the total number of devices that need to be tracked and managed while maintaining service reliability through the coordinated operation of multiple transmission elements within the unified device.
4Ease of operation
If discrete access points are used, then individual device control is simplified, but flexibility in antenna placement and configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities within the access point, allowing the system to adjust antenna patterns, radio channels, and transmission parameters based on environmental conditions and coverage requirements. This dynamic adaptability provides flexibility in antenna placement and configuration while maintaining simplified device control through automated adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point incorporates the ability to change operational parameters such as antenna beam patterns, transmission power levels, and radio channel selections. These parameter changes enable flexible adaptation to different deployment scenarios and environmental conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a flexible wireless networking system is disclosed. The system may include multiple Wi-Fi transceivers coupled to each other in parallel and selectively couplable to one or more antennas by respective switches. The method may include obtaining topology information indicating whether and how each antenna is in reach of other antennas, determining, dependent on the topology information, a configuration change including a change in which and how many of the antennas are coupled to the Wi-Fi transceivers, and initiating an activation of a switch to couple one of the antennas to one of the Wi-Fi transceivers or a deactivation of a switch to decouple one of the antennas from one of the Wi-Fi transceivers. The configuration change may be determined using a machine learning model. The configuration change may include deactivating a currently active antenna and activating at least one alternate antenna having a different coverage area.