Hybrid FSO WiMAX Network Bandwidth Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies fail to seamlessly combine the high data rates of free space optics (FSO) with the range, coverage, and mobility support of WiMAX, resulting in limitations such as line-of-sight requirements and lower data rates for FSO, and non-line-of-sight limitations and lower data rates for WiMAX.
Innovation Solution
An integrated communications network that overlays FSO and WiMAX technologies, providing Classes of Service (CoS) based on transmission bandwidth capabilities, dynamically switching between FSO and WiMAX to optimize service delivery, and implementing load balancing and resource sharing among transceivers to ensure efficient bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If FSO technology is used to achieve high data rates, then data transmission speed is improved, but line-of-sight requirements and atmospheric conditions limit reliability and coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines FSO and RF networks into a unified hybrid network where both technologies operate simultaneously. The system merges the high data rate capability of FSO with the reliability and non-line-of-sight capability of RF, allowing the network to leverage strengths of both technologies rather than choosing one or the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic Class of Service (CoS) adjustment based on subscriber location and network conditions. The system continuously monitors subscriber position relative to FSO and RF coverage regions and dynamically switches or blends service delivery between FSO and RF technologies to maintain optimal performance and reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If FSO technology is used to achieve high data rates, then transmission bandwidth is improved, but line-of-sight requirements limit area coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges FSO and RF network coverage areas into a unified service region. By combining the high-bandwidth FSO coverage zone with the broader RF coverage zone, the system achieves both high transmission bandwidth where FSO is available and extended area coverage where RF provides service, eliminating the limitation of FSO's restricted coverage area.
3Area of stationary object
If WiMAX technology is used to achieve wide area coverage and mobility support, then coverage area and mobility are improved, but data rate is lower than optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different service levels in different geographic regions. In areas where FSO coverage is available, the system delivers high data rates through FSO. In areas where only RF coverage exists, the system provides service through RF with appropriately adjusted expectations. This spatial differentiation of service quality allows the network to achieve wide coverage while maintaining high data rates where possible.
4Device complexity
If conventional hybrid systems are used with switching between FSO and RF based on atmospheric conditions, then system complexity is reduced, but seamless service delivery and optimal resource utilization are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic Class of Service (CoS) adjustment based on subscriber location and network conditions. The system continuously monitors subscriber position relative to FSO and RF coverage regions and dynamically switches or blends service delivery between FSO and RF technologies. This dynamic approach enables seamless service delivery and optimal resource utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated communications network includes a free space optics network and a radio frequency network. A first method provides Classes of Service (CoS) to a subscriber located among regions defined by respective transmission bandwidth capabilities. The first method involves monitoring in which region the subscriber is located, and determining at least one possible CoS that can be provided using at least one of the FSO and RF networks, based on a transmission bandwidth capability of the region in which the subscriber is located. Another method involves comparing projected costs of possible CoSs, and selecting a CoS to provide to the subscriber. A load balancing and resource sharing method involves determining whether or not to provide additional bandwidth capacity in, or to re allocate bandwidth capacity among, transceivers in FSO and RF networks, in clusters of the transceivers, or in aggregates of the clusters of the transceivers.