Guided Wave Communication System Using Coupling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher bandwidth in communication networks due to widespread use of smartphones and data-intensive services poses challenges for traditional wireless infrastructure, particularly in providing efficient and reliable broadband access across smaller areas.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media such as wires or dielectric materials, allowing for efficient data transmission without the need for electrical return paths, and employs coupling devices to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide broadband access, then coverage area is large, but bandwidth capability is insufficient for increasing data demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional macrocell coverage area into multiple smaller small cell coverage areas. Each small cell operates independently with its own base station, providing high-bandwidth service locally. This segmentation allows the system to maintain large overall coverage while delivering high bandwidth capability in each localized area through coordinated small cells.
2Power
If small cell deployment is pursued to provide high bandwidth, then bandwidth capability increases, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs small cell base stations that can serve multiple functions: providing wireless broadband access, backhauling connectivity through wired connections to the core network, and coordinating with neighboring small cells. This multi-functionality reduces overall infrastructure complexity by consolidating capabilities into unified small cell units rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wired backhaul connections as intermediary links between small cells and the core network. This intermediary infrastructure simplifies the wireless environment by offloading traffic management to wired connections, reducing wireless interference and simplifying radio resource management while maintaining high bandwidth capability.
3Loss of energy
If guided wave transmission is used, then propagation loss is reduced, but requirement for transmission media infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing infrastructure elements such as power lines and building wiring as transmission media for guided wave backhaul connections. These existing structures serve dual purposes: their original function (power distribution or building infrastructure) and the new function of guiding communication waves. This self-service approach reduces propagation loss without requiring additional dedicated transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function from the traditional wireless-only paradigm by separating the radio access function (wireless) from the backhaul function (guided wave through existing media). This extraction allows guided waves to be used specifically for backhaul connections where lower propagation loss is critical, while wireless remains for mobile access, optimizing each function's performance.
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 enables reliable and efficient data transmission with reduced propagation loss, supporting increased bandwidth demands and flexible deployment in various environments, including urban areas with existing infrastructure like power lines.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna array has a plurality of dielectric antennas that are coupled to the at least one guided wave cable and configured to transmit outbound wireless signals in response to the outbound guided waves and further configured to generate the inbound guided waves from received inbound wireless signals
Implementation Method 2
a guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media such as wires or dielectric materials, allowing for efficient data transmission
Implementation Method 3
employs coupling devices to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a communication device that includes an antenna array integrated with a light assembly having at least one light that illuminates an area about a light pole. The antenna array includes a plurality of dielectric antennas that are configured to transmit outbound wireless signals and receive inbound wireless signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.