Guided Wave Communication System for Reduced Propagation Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for 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 data access across smaller areas, such as homes and businesses.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to or guided by transmission media like wires or dielectric materials, allowing for efficient data transmission without the need for a separate electrical return path, and can operate on various frequencies, including millimeter-wave and microwave bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional wireless signals are used for data transmission, then coverage area can be extended, but signal strength decreases with distance leading to propagation losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission medium (such as a wire or dielectric material) as an intermediary to guide electromagnetic waves from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna. This mediator confines the electromagnetic energy along a specific path, preventing the spherical dispersion that occurs in free-space propagation, thereby reducing propagation losses over distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation parameter from free-space radiation to guided-wave propagation by confining electromagnetic waves to a transmission medium. This parameter change transforms the energy distribution from three-dimensional spherical spreading to one-dimensional linear propagation, significantly reducing energy loss over distance
2Productivity
If macrocell base stations are used to provide wide coverage, then fewer base stations are needed, but bandwidth capability is insufficient for increasing data demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple small cells, each served by its own base station. This segmentation allows each cell to provide high-bandwidth service locally, and when aggregated across many cells, the total network bandwidth capability increases significantly while maintaining extensive overall coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional wireless propagation to three-dimensional guided-wave propagation by introducing a physical transmission medium. This dimensional change enables simultaneous support for multiple spatial paths and frequencies, dramatically increasing bandwidth capability within each coverage area
3Reliability
If guided wave communication is implemented, then propagation losses are reduced and transmission distance is extended, but a transmission medium is required which may increase installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmission medium serve multiple functions: it guides electromagnetic waves for communication, provides mechanical support for the antenna system, and can be routed through existing infrastructure such as building conduits and utility poles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate installation components and simplifies deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes existing physical infrastructure (building wires, utility poles, conduits) to serve as the transmission medium for guided-wave communication. By repurposing already-installed structures, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated installation, thereby reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining signal reliability
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 losses, capable of covering longer distances and supporting diverse communication protocols, while avoiding the limitations of traditional wireless signals that decrease with distance.
Implementation Method 1
generating a combined electromagnetic wave having a hybrid wave mode and a non-optical frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that performs operations including receiving electromagnetic waves on an outer surface of a transmission medium having a non-hybrid wave mode and a cutoff frequency, detecting a degradation of a signal quality of the electromagnetic waves, generating adjusted electromagnetic waves having a hybrid wave mode and a non-optical frequency range responsive to the detecting, and directing the adjusted electromagnetic waves having the hybrid wave mode and the non-optical frequency range to the outer surface of the transmission medium for guiding propagation of the adjusted electromagnetic waves without utilizing an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.