Guided Wave Coupler for Low-Loss Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless infrastructure faces challenges in providing sufficient bandwidth to meet increasing data demands, particularly in urban areas with high usage of smartphones and portable devices, as traditional macrocells struggle to keep pace with demand for broadband services.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves to propagate along transmission media such as wires, without requiring an electrical return path, using couplers to launch and receive guided electromagnetic waves, enabling efficient data transmission over long distances with reduced loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional macrocell base stations are used to provide wireless coverage, then coverage area is large, but bandwidth capability is insufficient to meet increasing data demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into macrocells for broad coverage and small cells (microcells, picocells) for high-bandwidth areas. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide both large coverage areas and high bandwidth capability by distributing small cells throughout the macrocell coverage zones.
2Loss of energy
If electromagnetic waves are transmitted through free space, then wireless communication is achieved, but signal loss increases over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transmission media (such as wires, cables, or other physical conduits) as intermediaries to guide electromagnetic waves from the source to the destination. This intermediary approach reduces signal loss by confining the electromagnetic energy within the transmission medium, enabling long-distance transmission with reduced attenuation compared to free-space propagation.
3Productivity
If small cell deployment is implemented to provide additional bandwidth, then bandwidth capability increases, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs small cells that can operate in multiple modes - they can provide both wireless communication services and guide electromagnetic waves through transmission media. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to serve dual purposes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high bandwidth capability.
4Loss of energy
If guided wave communication is used to transmit data over long distances, then signal loss is reduced, but the system requires transmission media infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of existing infrastructure (such as power lines or communication cables) with guided wave transmission capabilities. By combining multiple functions into existing structures, the system reduces signal loss through guided wave propagation while minimizing the need for separate transmission media infrastructure.
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
This solution provides a high-bandwidth, low-loss data transmission method that can support increased data demands without the need for traditional electrical circuits, allowing for efficient communication over insulated or uninsulated wires, including power lines, thereby enhancing wireless infrastructure capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves to propagate along transmission media such as wires
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can be configured for generating an electromagnetic wave and coupling the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. The system can also be configured to receive an electromagnetic waves form the transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. Other embodiments are disclosed.