Wireless Mesh Node Dynamic Link Switching for LOS Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh networking systems fail to provide adequate protection for point-to-point narrow beam wireless paths, which are highly directional and sensitive to line-of-sight conditions, leading to potential link failures due to vegetation growth or loss of intermediary nodes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible millimeter wave radio equipment with point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication capabilities, allowing nodes to dynamically switch communication links in response to triggering events, such as changes in line-of-sight conditions, and incorporating direct RF-to-optical and optical-to-RF conversion modules for enhanced reliability and interference immunity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If point-to-point narrow beam wireless paths are used for high directional communication, then communication efficiency and speed are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to line-of-sight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between point-to-point narrow beam mode and point-to-multipoint wide beam mode based on line-of-sight conditions. When LOS is blocked (e.g., by vegetation growth), the system transitions to wide beam mode to maintain connectivity, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability by adapting the communication mode in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beam width parameter dynamically - using narrow beams for high-speed communication when LOS is clear, and switching to wide beams when LOS is blocked. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both high speed (when possible) and high reliability (when LOS is blocked).
2Productivity
If point-to-point narrow beam communication is used, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but adaptability worsens due to strict line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its communication mode based on environmental conditions. When LOS is clear, it uses narrow beam mode for high efficiency. When LOS is blocked (vegetation growth, node loss), it switches to wide beam mode, thereby adapting to different environmental conditions while maintaining data transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system is designed to perform multiple functions - both point-to-point narrow beam communication and point-to-multipoint wide beam communication - within a single system architecture. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions while maintaining high data transmission efficiency.
3Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic path selection rather than static redundancy. A single physical infrastructure supports both narrow beam and wide beam modes, and the system dynamically selects the appropriate path based on LOS conditions. This reduces device complexity compared to implementing physically separate redundant paths while maintaining high reliability.
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
This solution ensures high reliability and interference immunity in wireless communication networks by enabling dynamic link adjustments and eliminating the need for analog-to-digital conversion modules, thereby maintaining network performance even under non-line-of-sight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating direct RF-to-optical and optical-to-RF conversion modules for enhanced reliability and interference immunity
Implementation Method 2
incorporating direct RF-to-optical and optical-to-RF conversion modules for enhanced reliability and interference immunity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system comprising a first backhaul node, a second backhaul node, and multiple sites that each comprise a respective node configured to maintain a first communication link with the first backhaul node and a second communication link with the second backhaul node, operate in a first mode in which the respective node engages in communication with the first backhaul node over the first communication link and does not engage in communication with the second backhaul node over the second communication link, detect a triggering event associated with the first communication link, and in response to detecting the triggering event, dynamically switch from operating in the first mode to operating in a second mode in which the respective node engages in communication with the second backhaul node over the second communication link and does not engage in communication with the first backhaul node over the first communication link.