Line-of-Sight Network Node Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote communities lack affordable network access due to geographic and economic limitations, making it difficult to establish high-bandwidth internet connectivity.

Innovation Solution

The deployment of line-of-sight (LOS) networks with strategically placed nodes that use a combination of GPS, barometric readings, and passive user information propagation to align and associate peers, forming a robust and efficient network topology that accommodates natural and man-made obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-bandwidth routers and access points are deployed in remote communities, then network connectivity and bandwidth are improved, but cost and economic feasibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoiddeployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple distributed nodes rather than relying on centralized high-bandwidth infrastructure. Each node provides local access and relays data through peer-to-peer connections, dividing the overall network function across many simple components rather than a few complex ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive, simple nodes that can be deployed widely without requiring expensive commercial-grade equipment. These nodes use basic processors, antennas, and communication protocols that are far cheaper than traditional high-bandwidth routers and access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Area of stationary object

If nodes are placed to maximize coverage in remote areas, then network accessibility is improved, but alignment precision and connectivity reliability worsen due to geographic obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidnode alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Nodes perform preliminary discovery and alignment procedures before establishing full communication. The system pre-scan for neighboring nodes, pre-align antennas using available signals, and pre-establish connection parameters, allowing nodes to be placed in challenging geographic locations while still achieving reliable alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system uses feedback from signal strength measurements and peer node responses to continuously adjust antenna orientation and communication parameters. Nodes monitor connection quality and make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal alignment despite geographic obstacles and environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11398863B2Alignment in line-of-sight communication networks

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 META PLATFORMS INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an association request from a nearby electronic device via a local wireless network connection, transmitting a position coordinate associated with a first node via the local wireless network connection to the nearby electronic device, receiving location information of one or more peer nodes from the nearby electronic device, adding the location information of the one or more peer nodes into a log included in the first node, and determining that at least two nodes are within Line-of-Sight (LOS) communication range of the first node based on the log, wherein the at least two nodes are included in the one or more peer nodes.