Millimeter-Wave Link Switching Around Obstacle Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems using millimeter-wave (mmW) bands struggle to effectively handle digital content exchange due to the presence of obstacles, which can cause signal attenuation and prevent transmission or reception below desired quality, especially in crowded environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically switch between mmW and sub-6 GHz frequency bands for establishing wireless communication links by determining the device's position, attempting connection in the mmW band, prompting user position changes if necessary, and iteratively trying different frequency bands until a successful connection is established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mmW frequency band is used for wireless communication, then data transmission speed and capacity are improved, but signal reliability deteriorates due to obstacle attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the frequency band parameter by switching between mmW and sub-6 GHz bands based on environmental conditions. When obstacles cause signal degradation in mmW band, the system transitions to sub-6 GHz band to maintain reliable communication, thus resolving the contradiction between high-speed transmission and signal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system implements dynamic frequency band selection by continuously monitoring signal quality and automatically switching between mmW and sub-6 GHz bands. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to exploit mmW benefits when conditions are favorable while falling back to more reliable sub-6 GHz when obstacles are present.
2Reliability
If user position changes are prompted to overcome obstacles, then communication quality is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces frequency band switching as an intermediary mechanism to resolve the conflict between communication quality and user convenience. Instead of requiring direct user action (moving the device), the system uses automated frequency switching as a mediator to maintain communication quality, thus preserving user convenience while achieving reliable transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting signal degradation caused by obstacles and initiating frequency band switching without user intervention. This automated response maintains communication quality while eliminating the need for users to manually reposition their devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are supported, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements multi-functionality by integrating both mmW and sub-6 GHz frequency band capabilities within a single device. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions while managing complexity through shared hardware and software resources across both frequency bands.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (300A; 300B; 300C) for exchanging a digital content between a communication system (100) and a connectable device (UD) connected thereto. The communication system (100) comprises a first base station (120) configured to exchange the digital content over wireless communication links in a first frequency band, the frequencies of the first frequency band being higher than or equal to 6 GHz. The communication system (100) comprises a second base station (115) configured to exchange the digital content over wireless communication links in a second frequency band, the frequencies of the second frequency band being lower than 6 GHz. The method comprises: (i) determining (310) a position of the connectable device (UD); (ii) causing (325, 330, 335) the connectable device (UD) and the first base station (120) to attempt to establish a wireless communication link in the first frequency band therebetween; (iii) if (330) the wireless communication link in the first frequency band has been successfully established, causing (345) the first base station (120) to exchange the digital content with the connectable device (UD) through the established wireless communication link in the first frequency band; (iv) prompting (350, 355) a user of the connectable device (UD) to change the position of the connectable device (UD), if no wireless communication link in the first frequency band has been successfully established, and (v) after step (iv), performing steps (ii) and (iii).