Guided Wave Switch Coupling Dielectric Cores
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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 data 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
1Quantity of substance
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide broadband access, then coverage area is extended, but bandwidth capability is insufficient for increased data demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network infrastructure into macrocells for wide coverage and small cells (microcells, picocells) for high-bandwidth localized areas. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide both extensive coverage and high bandwidth capability by distributing small cells throughout the coverage area of macrocells.
2Loss of energy
If guided waves are used for data transmission, then propagation loss is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to coupling devices and transmission media requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guided waves as an intermediary transmission medium between the coupling device and the destination. These guided waves propagate along transmission media (such as wires or dielectric surfaces), serving as a mediator that reduces propagation loss compared to traditional wireless transmission, while the coupling device facilitates the transition between wireless and guided wave modes.
3Quantity of substance
If millimeter-wave frequencies are employed for data transmission, then bandwidth capacity increases, but propagation distance decreases due to higher attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs guided waves that propagate continuously along transmission media over long distances, maintaining signal integrity. The coupling devices are strategically positioned to launch and extract guided waves at intermediate points, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the transmission path and enabling millimeter-wave frequencies to achieve both high bandwidth capacity and extended propagation distance.
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 long-distance communication over transmission media without the requirement for separate electrical return paths, thus addressing the bandwidth demands in modern communication networks.
Implementation Method 1
A guided wave communication system is presented for transmitting and receiving data via guided electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
A guided wave switch includes a first head that secures a first dielectric transmission medium. A second head secures a plurality of second dielectric transmission media. A selector is configured to align the first head with the second head to couple guided waves bound to the first dielectric transmission medium through a gap from an end of the first dielectric transmission medium to an end of a selected one of the plurality of second dielectric transmission media.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a guided wave switch that selectively aligns an end of the first dielectric core of a first conductorless guided wave cable with an end of a selected one of a plurality of second dielectric cores of at least one second conductorless guided wave cable to facilitate coupling of the first guided waves from the first dielectric core to a selected one of the plurality of second dielectric cores. Other embodiments are disclosed.