Hybrid RF and VLC Access Point for Interference-Limited Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks in high-density device environments, such as indoor spaces like aircraft, suffer from increased interference due to the use of adjacent radio bands, leading to performance degradation and management challenges, with existing solutions like increasing base stations causing further interference and deployment complexities.
Innovation Solution
A wireless access point (WAP) that integrates RF and visible light communication units, managed by an Access Layer Control Unit (ALCU) and a Cognitive Control Unit (CCU), to dynamically balance and optimize communication links using both spectra, reducing interference and enhancing network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of base stations is increased to increase capacity and offer more channels, then network capacity is improved, but device complexity and interference are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF and Visible Light Communication (VLC) units into a single wireless access point device. This merging allows the system to provide multiple communication channels (both RF and VLC) from one base station, increasing network capacity without proportionally increasing the number of base stations, thus reducing device complexity and deployment burden.
2Productivity
If the number of base stations is increased to increase capacity, then network capacity is improved, but interference is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic spectrum into two distinct bands: RF spectrum and visible light spectrum. By using different spectrum segments for different communication units within the same access point, the system can serve more users simultaneously without the transmissions causing mutual interference, as each unit operates in its own spectral domain.
3Reliability
If RF spectrum is used for communication, then penetration through obstacles is improved, but interference is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments communication functions across two spectral domains: RF for penetration through obstacles and VLC for high-capacity communication when line-of-sight is available. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the complementary strengths of both spectra without the interference problems that plague single-spectrum systems in high-density environments.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If visible light communication is used, then interference is reduced, but line-of-sight requirement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between RF and VLC communication modes based on real-time conditions. The Access Layer Control Unit monitors communication quality and can dynamically select which spectrum to use for each user equipment, allowing the system to adapt to changing line-of-sight conditions and provide reliable communication regardless of the physical environment.
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
The integrated WAP system effectively manages network traffic and interference, improving Bit Error Rate, Signal-to-Noise Ratio, and coverage, while facilitating efficient deployment and management, particularly in environments with varying user equipment positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless communication unit of the plurality of wireless communication units communicates through a Radio Frequency, RF spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a second wireless communication unit of the plurality of wireless communication units communicates through a visible or infrared Light spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless access point, WAP, for communicating with a user equipment, the WAP comprising a plurality of wireless communication units, an Access Layer Control Unit, ALCU, communicatively coupled to the plurality of wireless communication units and configured to manage the plurality of wireless communication units, wherein a first wireless communication unit of the plurality of wireless communication units communicates through a Radio Frequency, RF spectrum and a second wireless communication unit of the plurality of wireless communication units communicates through a visible or infrared light spectrum.