Laser-Cleared Air Interface Paths for Reliable RF Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Atmospheric conditions such as fog, clouds, and precipitation cause significant degradation in RF signal transmission between base stations and fixed wireless access devices, rendering them unusable at cell edges, and existing solutions require excessive network resource deployment and waiting for conditions to improve.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing laser energy to enhance propagation paths by ionizing and heating the air along the communication channel, reducing particle density and mitigating adverse atmospheric effects on RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF signaling is used for air interface communication, then network coverage can be provided, but atmospheric conditions such as fog, clouds, and precipitation cause significant signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser as an intermediary substance to clear atmospheric particles along the propagation path. The laser beam ionizes and heats the air, creating a cleared channel that mediates between the RF signal and the adverse atmospheric conditions, allowing the RF signal to pass through with reduced degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the air along the propagation path by applying laser energy. The laser heating and ionization alter the temperature, density, and electrical conductivity of the air, transforming it from a state that causes signal degradation to one that allows better signal transmission
2Area of stationary object
If base stations are deployed at cell edges to improve coverage, then network coverage is extended, but atmospheric conditions render these locations unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The laser acts as a mediator that enables reliable communication at cell edges during adverse atmospheric conditions. By clearing the propagation path, the laser allows the network to maintain service availability at extended coverage areas where atmospheric degradation would otherwise prevent operation
3Reliability
If users wait for atmospheric conditions to improve, then signal quality can be maintained, but service interruption occurs during adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The laser performs preliminary action by clearing the propagation path before RF signal transmission occurs. This pre-clearing of atmospheric particles along the path allows immediate signal transmission without waiting for natural atmospheric improvement, eliminating service interruption time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful atmospheric conditions into a temporary state that can be actively managed. By using laser energy to clear the path, the previously harmful fog, clouds, or precipitation become irrelevant to signal transmission, transforming the situation from one of passive waiting to active mitigation
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
Improves RF signal strength and coverage by clearing the propagation path, especially at cell edges, by reducing reflection and refraction, thus enhancing network connectivity during adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
By utilizing a laser along at least a portion of the propagation path of the RF signals between the base station and the FWA device, the atmospheric conditions could be sufficiently improved sufficient to mitigate or entirely abate the degradation caused by the adverse atmospheric condition
Implementation Method 2
Utilizing laser energy to enhance propagation paths by ionizing and heating the air along the communication channel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for improving signal propagation using lasers. A laser device is used to clear the air between a first fixed station, such as a base station, and a second fixed station, such as a fixed wireless access device. In the wake of the laser, particles in the air interface are cleared along a path that can then be used to communicate one or more sets of wireless signals. In the wake of the laser, the wireless signals experience less absorption, reflection, and refraction, reducing path loss, and increasing the overall effectiveness of the wireless system—particularly at or near the cell edge or when a meteorological condition exists between the fixed stations.