Portable Mesh Node Transit Power for Continuous Wi-Fi Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of higher frequency bands in Wi-Fi protocols like IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) reduces the coverage area of access points, leading to weak Wi-Fi connection throughput in areas farther from the AP, necessitating techniques to enhance throughput in these regions.
Innovation Solution
A portable mesh node with a transit power supply that can be moved to locations with weak Wi-Fi coverage, connected to docking stations for power, and includes a sensor to measure throughput, switching to low-power mode when disconnected, ensuring continuous internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If higher frequency bands are used in Wi-Fi protocols, then communication speed is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coverage area into multiple zones using portable mesh nodes that can be strategically positioned. Each mesh node creates a localized high-speed Wi-Fi zone using higher frequency bands, while the overall coverage is extended through multiple distributed nodes rather than relying on a single access point.
Solution Approach 2:
Portable mesh nodes act as intermediary devices between the main access point and client devices in areas with weak coverage. These mesh nodes receive signals from the access point and retransmit them at higher frequencies, extending high-speed coverage to distant locations without requiring direct connection between the access point and distant clients.
2Productivity
If portable mesh node is moved to locations with weak coverage, then Wi-Fi throughput is improved, but power supply continuity is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the power supply parameter from fixed AC power to portable power sources with varying capacity. The mesh node operates in different power modes depending on the charge level of the portable power source, adjusting transmission power and client connection limits to maintain reliable operation throughout the battery cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh node dynamically adapts its operation based on available power. When connected to a docking station, it operates at full capacity. When running on portable power, it automatically adjusts transmission parameters, client connection limits, and power consumption based on the remaining charge, ensuring continuous reliable operation throughout the battery cycle.
3Area of stationary object
If mesh node operates in high-power mode, then Wi-Fi coverage and speed are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by operating at different power levels based on needs. When portable power is available, the mesh node operates at reduced power levels sufficient for basic coverage. When connected to AC power via docking station, it can operate at full power for maximum coverage and speed, using only the necessary amount of power for each specific situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh node changes operational parameters including transmission power, antenna configuration, and client connection limits based on the power source available. This allows the system to optimize the balance between coverage area and energy consumption, expanding coverage when power is abundant and conserving energy when using portable sources.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a portable mesh node to enhance a Wi-Fi connection throughput in an area with a weak coverage of an access point (AP). The portable mesh node provides an intermediate communication node that is moving to locations of the area which needs an improvement of the Wi-Fi connection throughput. A docking station is fixed in each location with a weak Wi-Fi connection throughput to provide a long-term energy source for the portable mesh node. Each docking station includes a power source to be coupled to the portable mesh node. The portable mesh node includes a transit power supply which provides a sufficient electrical energy during movements of the portable mesh node from a first location to a second location. Thus, the portable mesh node is capable of maintaining the Wi-Fi connection even during the movements between some locations.