MIMO Access Point Antenna Switching for Indoor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional single input single output (SISO) access points struggle to implement multiple-band MIMO technologies for distributed wireless coverage in indoor environments, limiting the effectiveness of wireless coverage in such settings.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple RF processing units and RF switches that dynamically select and connect multiple antennas based on predetermined antenna combinations to optimize signal strength, allowing for efficient MIMO operations in indoor environments by using a combination of RF chains and branch ports to manage RF signals across different antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional SISO APs are used for indoor wireless coverage, then device simplicity is maintained, but wireless coverage effectiveness and signal strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent antenna groups (first antenna group and second antenna group) that can be independently controlled and switched. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary antenna groups for indoor coverage, improving effectiveness while managing complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic antenna selection through RF switches that can dynamically connect different antenna groups to RF processing units based on operational requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt antenna usage to actual coverage needs, enhancing wireless effectiveness without permanently increasing system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple-band MIMO technologies are applied for distributed indoor coverage, then wireless coverage effectiveness improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs RF processing units that can universally process signals from multiple antenna groups across different frequency bands. The same RF processing unit can handle both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands by switching between antenna groups, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processing paths for each band and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF switches as intermediary components that mediate between multiple antenna groups and RF processing units. These switches act as intelligent intermediaries that route signals appropriately based on the operational mode (indoor vs. outdoor), simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a standardized interface layer
3Productivity
If multiple antenna combinations are used for transmission and reception, then signal strength and access rates improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna combination selection where RF switches dynamically configure which antenna groups are active based on the current operational requirements. This allows the system to optimize signal strength and access rates by selecting appropriate antenna combinations in real-time without requiring complex permanent connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct groups that can be independently activated, allowing simple switching between predefined antenna combinations rather than managing complex individual antenna connections. This segmentation reduces switching complexity while maintaining the ability to form multiple effective antenna combinations
Data Source
AI summary
An access point (AP) for an indoor antenna distributed deployment environment provides an access service for a wireless terminal. The AP includes N radio frequency (RF) processing units and N*M RF switches (RFSs). Each RFS includes a public port and at least two branch ports. The at least two branch ports respectively connect with at least two antennas deployed in different indoor areas via RF feeders. The RF processing unit includes M RF chains. Each RF chain is connected to a public port of an RFS. The RF processing unit is to transmit a packet to the wireless terminal, based on a predetermined antenna combination for the wireless terminal.