MIMO Wireless System Beamforming for Installation Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless broadband communications systems face high installation costs and interference issues, particularly in non-line-of-sight environments due to scattering objects and shared frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless broadband communications system employing space-time coding, polarization diversity, and adaptive modulation techniques to de-correlate signal paths and minimize interference, allowing for easier and less costly installation in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LOS wireless communications systems are deployed, then line-of-sight transmission is achieved, but installation cost increases due to multiple installer visits and re-aiming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment process of re-aiming directional antennas with an automated beamforming system. The beamforming algorithm automatically adjusts the transmission beam direction and shape based on channel state information, eliminating the need for manual physical re-aiming when base station location changes, thus reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from fixed directional antenna orientation to dynamic beamforming with adjustable beam direction and shape. By using multiple antennas with controllable phase and amplitude, the system can adapt the beam parameters to match the actual transmission path, providing flexibility that reduces installation complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If NLOS MIMO systems are deployed to simplify installation, then installation cost decreases, but noise and interference levels increase in shared frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple sub-channels and uses frequency diversity to select optimal channels for transmission. By dividing the available spectrum and choosing sub-channels with lowest interference, the system reduces the impact of noise and interference in shared frequency bands while maintaining the simplified NLOS installation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces channel estimation and interference measurement as intermediary processes between transmission and reception. By continuously monitoring channel conditions and measuring interference levels, the system can adapt transmission parameters to mitigate noise and interference, allowing NLOS deployment to proceed with reduced harmful factors.
3Power
If directional antennas are used in LOS systems, then transmission focus is improved, but adaptability to base station location changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static directional antenna patterns to dynamic beamforming that can adapt in real-time. The beamforming system continuously adjusts beam direction, shape, and orientation based on current channel conditions and base station location, providing both transmission focus and adaptability to location changes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both focused transmission and adaptive reconfiguration. The same antenna array can create focused beams for high-power transmission while also being able to reorient and reshape the beam to track base station movements, combining multiple functions in a single system.
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 system achieves reduced installation costs and improved data throughput by effectively managing noise and interference, enhancing signal strength and reducing fading in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transceivers and a plurality of antennas operable to transmit and receive signals over a plurality of communications channels
Implementation Method 2
employing space-time coding, polarization diversity, and adaptive modulation techniques to de-correlate signal paths
Implementation Method 3
The transmitted signals undergo multi-path propagation between the transmitters and the receivers while being scattered by the various objects within the environment
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for facilitating and reducing the costs associated with the installation of a wireless broadband communications system. In one mode of operation, the system employs a first transceiver to identify n channels having the n lowest levels of noise and interference associated therewith by a spectrum management technique. Next, the first transceiver transmits a predetermined code over the n channels to a second transceiver, which attempts to identify the predetermined code within a captured transmission. In the event the code is correctly identified, the second transceiver measures a noise and/or interference level associated with the corresponding channels. The channel having the lowest measured noise and interference level is then selected for use in system installation.