Multi-hop mm-wave mesh routing via antenna sector selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current directional wireless communication systems, particularly those using mm-wave technology, face challenges in maximizing network capacity and minimizing interference due to poor link budget and inefficient routing protocols, especially in multi-hop relayed directional wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an efficient multi-hop mm-wave mesh network that optimizes routing protocols by selecting proper antenna sectors, considering channel time utilization and interference impact, and accumulating forward and reverse link metrics to determine the best path, while balancing link quality and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If beam-formed directional transmission is used in mm-wave PHY layer, then interference to neighbor STAs is mitigated, but link budget remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate relay STAs that act as mediators to forward data packets between source and destination STAs. This multi-hop relay mechanism allows the system to overcome the poor link budget of direct mm-wave transmissions by breaking the communication path into multiple shorter hops, each with its own beam-formed transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the direct communication path between source and destination STAs into multiple shorter hops through intermediate relay STAs. Each hop uses directional beam-formed transmission, which maintains interference mitigation while improving individual link reliability compared to a single long-distance direct link.
2Productivity
If traditional routing protocols are used in mm-wave mesh networks, then basic connectivity is achieved, but network capacity and spectrum reuse are not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a routing protocol that uses feedback from signal quality measurements and link metrics to dynamically select optimal paths and antenna sectors. The protocol accumulates forward and reverse link metrics, and uses this feedback information to make intelligent routing decisions that maximize network capacity and spectrum reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes routing parameters by considering both forward and reverse link qualities, antenna sector selections, and interference levels when determining the best path. This multi-parameter optimization approach enables the system to achieve higher network capacity compared to traditional single-parameter routing protocols.
3Productivity
If directional transmissions are used, then spectrum reuse by neighboring STAs is improved, but routing efficiency decreases due to poor link budget
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary beam training and sector sweeping to pre-establish optimal antenna sector configurations for each hop before actual data transmission. This preliminary action ensures that when data packets are forwarded through the multi-hop path, the directional transmissions are already optimized for maximum spectrum reuse and minimum interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing and antenna sector selection that adapts to changing channel conditions. The system continuously monitors link quality and interference levels, and dynamically adjusts the routing path and antenna sectors to maintain optimal spectrum reuse efficiency throughout the communication process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Multiple-hop relayed directional beam formed wireless communication (mm-wave mesh network) method and apparatus which takes place at the PHY layer. Network capability is enhanced by improving routing protocols between neighboring STAs when communicating from an originating STA, through intermediate STAs, to a destination STA. The routing takes into consideration antenna sector selection to limit interference with neighboring STAs, and channel time utilization to increase throughput. Link metrics and channel times are established for optimizing routing and the determination of intermediate stations between an originating STA and a destination STA. The apparatus and method balances both end-end path link quality and interference impact.