LiFi Access Point RF Backhaul for IoT Scalability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LiFi backhaul networks are expensive, lack flexibility for network reconfiguration, and cannot provide the scalability demanded by certain IoT applications.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid LiFi access point that uses RF links for backhaul networking and OWC for downlink communication with IoT devices, enabling scalable LiFi backhauling for IoT applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PowerLine communication (PLC) devices are used for LiFi backhauling, then LiFi access points can be connected to the network, but the deployment cost increases and the LiFi access points must be located in the same powerline network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackhaul connectionVSAvoiddeployment constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an RF transceiver as an intermediary component that enables wireless backhaul communication between the LiFi access point and the network infrastructure. This mediator eliminates the need for powerline connections while maintaining reliable data transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and deployment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dedicated cabling (Ethernet or optical fiber) is used to connect LiFi access points, then stable backhaul connection is achieved, but installation cost and deployment complexity significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackhaul connectionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system (Ethernet cables or optical fiber) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless RF communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical installation of dedicated cabling while maintaining stable backhaul connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If VLC is used for LiFi backhauling, then wireless backhaul is achieved, but the uniform illumination required by lighting standards is disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless backhaulVSAvoiduniform illumination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication functions by separating the backhaul communication (performed by RF transceiver) from the access communication (performed by LiFi/LED). This segmentation allows the LED to maintain its primary function of providing uniform illumination while the RF transceiver handles wireless backhaul, thereby resolving the contradiction between wireless backhaul capability and illumination quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If IR is used for LiFi backhauling, then wireless backhaul is achieved, but manual alignment is required to guarantee reliable link with directional transceivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless backhaulVSAvoidalignment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic beamforming and signal processing techniques in the RF transceiver system to automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain reliable wireless backhaul links without manual alignment. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between wireless backhaul versatility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a scalable, low-power, and low-complexity direct conversion from RF to OWC, reducing implementation complexity, power consumption, and hardware requirements, while being compatible with existing technologies like WiFi.

Implementation Method 1

the RF-based wireless unit being configured to receive at least one RF signal with data from a node; wherein the RF-based wireless unit is also configured to convert said at least one RF signal into a baseband signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signal conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the LiFi unit comprising at least one LED configured to emit light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a driver circuit configured to adapt the intensity of the light emitted by the at least one LED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntensity modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4535687A1Lifi access point and lifi communication network comprising the same

Publication Date: 2025.04.09 FUNDACIÓN IMDEA NETWORKS LEGANÉS

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~3A

AI summary

The present invention refers to a LiFi access point (1) for sending data to at least one LiFi-enabled Internet of Things, loT, device (6); the LiFi access point (1) comprising: an RF-based wireless unit (1.1) configured to receive at least one RF signal with data from a RF wireless communication network (2); a control unit (1.2) coupled with the RF-based wireless unit (1.1) and a LiFi unit (1.3). The control unit (1.2) comprises a signal demodulator (1.2.1) and a first conversion module (1.2.2). The LiFi unit (1.3) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (1.3.1) and a driver circuit (1.3.2). The invention also refers to a LiFi communication network (4) comprising the LiFi access point (1) and a method for sending data to at least one LiFi-enabled loT device (6) which is carried out by the LiFi communication network (4).