Hybrid Fiber Wireless Network Inter-Cluster Linking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber network installation in existing neighborhoods and business areas is hindered by high costs and time requirements, particularly due to the need for horizontal drilling under roads, which is costly and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid fiber/wireless network system that uses point-to-point wireless communication links to connect clusters of homes separated by roads, eliminating the need for expensive fiber traversal methods by utilizing short-range wireless devices for inter-cluster connections and long-range wireless backhaul devices for connectivity to a backhaul network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If horizontal drilling is used to pass fiber under roads, then fiber network connectivity is achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber network connectivityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fiber installation system (horizontal drilling under roads) with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically laying fiber across roads using drilling equipment, the system uses wireless transmission points to establish communication links between clusters separated by roads, eliminating the need for mechanical road traversal while maintaining network connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless transmission points as intermediary devices between fiber clusters. These transmission points act as mediators that enable communication between clusters without requiring direct fiber connections, thus avoiding the need for expensive and time-consuming horizontal drilling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If horizontal drilling is used to pass fiber under roads, then fiber network connectivity is achieved, but installation cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber network connectivityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs relatively inexpensive wireless transmission points instead of expensive fiber installation infrastructure. These wireless devices provide a cost-effective alternative to the high capital expenditure required for horizontal drilling and fiber laying, accepting that wireless technology may have different lifecycle characteristics than permanent fiber infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of time

If fiber is passed above roads using suspended lines, then installation cost and time are reduced, but service quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidservice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces both mechanical fiber installation methods (suspended lines above roads and horizontal drilling under roads) with a wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for any physical fiber traversal methods, thereby avoiding their respective drawbacks while providing reliable service through wireless transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental transmission medium from physical fiber (requiring mechanical installation) to wireless electromagnetic signals. This parameter change allows the system to achieve fast installation like suspended lines while maintaining service quality comparable to or better than buried fiber, depending on environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10778334B2Fiber/wireless hybrid solution

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 VIVINT INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for a hybrid fiber/wireless network. The network includes a first cluster of individual data plan subscribers interconnected with a first fiber communication network, a second cluster of individual data plan subscribers interconnected with a second fiber communication network, a backhaul wireless communication device coupled to the first fiber communication network, a backhaul network point in wireless communication with the backhaul wireless communication device, and a point-to-point wireless communication link formed between the first and second fiber communication networks.