Laser Beam Wireless Network with Passive Optical Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems in indoor areas face limitations such as limited coverage, signal attenuation with distance, and inability to handle a large number of IoT devices, leading to challenges in providing high-speed, reliable connectivity and quality-of-service, especially with increasing demand in smart homes and offices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing laser-beam based wireless communication with passive optical routing devices that create a smart, ultra-flexible and ultra-reliable network, enabling near-zero latency and always-connected experiences by using a master communication device and passive optical routing devices to form a cascaded or mesh network for data transmission without the need for intermediate routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Wi-Fi signals are used to extend wireless coverage in indoor areas, then connectivity can be provided to end devices, but signal attenuation occurs with increasing distance and coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional RF-based Wi-Fi mechanical wave transmission with laser-based optical transmission. This substitution enables higher frequency operation (optical band vs. 2.4/5 GHz), providing larger bandwidth and faster data rates while maintaining line-of-sight propagation characteristics for reliable coverage extension without signal attenuation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission parameter from radio frequency to optical frequency (laser). This parameter change enables utilization of the optical spectrum which offers vastly superior bandwidth capacity and data transmission rates, directly addressing the coverage and signal quality limitations of conventional Wi-Fi systems
2Area of stationary object
If a large number of WAPs or range extenders are deployed to extend wireless coverage, then coverage area increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple RF WAPs with laser-based optical communication nodes. The laser system's ability to provide high-bandwidth point-to-point links allows for more efficient network topology design, reducing the number of intermediate devices needed while achieving the same or better coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal laser-based communication platform that can serve multiple functions: providing wireless connectivity, extending coverage area, and enabling high-speed data transmission simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate WAPs and range extenders, reducing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If Ethernet cables are used to connect network devices, then reliable connectivity is achieved, but installation and reconfiguration become costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical Ethernet cable connections with laser-based wireless optical transmission. This substitution maintains the reliability of wired connections through direct line-of-sight laser beams while eliminating the need for physical cable installation, wall penetration, and connector deployment, thereby dramatically reducing installation and reconfiguration time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary transmission medium between network devices. This optical intermediary provides wired-equivalent reliability without the physical constraints of cables, allowing flexible deployment and reconfiguration while maintaining stable, high-speed connectivity
4Quantity of substance
If conventional Wi-Fi systems are used to support IoT devices, then basic connectivity is provided, but the system cannot handle a large number of devices with quality-of-service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium from RF to optical laser, enabling operation in the optical frequency band. This parameter change provides vastly superior bandwidth capacity that can accommodate a large number of IoT devices simultaneously while maintaining quality of service through higher data rates and lower latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical communication channel into multiple wavelength divisions or time slots, allowing simultaneous support for numerous IoT devices. This segmentation approach enables scalable network capacity while maintaining individual device quality of service requirements through dedicated resource allocation
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 system achieves full coverage with high signal-to-noise ratio in indoor areas, supports a large number of end-user devices, and improves data transfer rates, while reducing the need for costly cable installations and maintaining service continuity through dynamic reconfiguration of the laser beam-based network.
Implementation Method 1
direct a laser beam carrying data from a data source over-the-air to a laser detector
Implementation Method 2
modulating the laser beam by varying its intensity or phase to encode data signals
Implementation Method 3
The laser detector is configured to detect the laser beam and convert it to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system that includes a master communication device at a first location in a defined indoor area, a service communication device at a second location in the defined indoor area, and passive optical routing devices at a plurality of locations in the defined indoor area. The master communication device obtains first signal from data source or modem and directs first laser beam carrying the first signal in a downstream path to the service communication device directly or via the plurality of passive optical routing devices. The master communication device receives Laser Beam Network Control instructions from a cloud server, and dynamically changes a laser beam-based communication route from the master communication device to the service communication device by changing a path of laser communication from first set of passive optical routing devices to second set of passive optical routing devices to reach to the service communication device.