Millimeter-Wave Ring Network for Through-Wall Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks operating at millimeter wave frequencies face challenges in penetrating obstructions such as walls and ceilings due to signal degradation caused by attenuation and reflection, limiting their range and reliability within buildings and other environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network system utilizing phased array antennas with beamformers to transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals through obstructions, configured in a dual-ring network topology to maintain high-speed data transmission and improve signal reliability across increased line-of-sight ranges and through physical barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter-wave frequencies are used for high-speed wireless communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal penetration capability through obstructions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple nodes arranged in a ring topology, where each node acts as an independent segment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high-speed millimeter-wave communication while providing alternative paths around obstructions, thus preserving both data transmission speed and signal penetration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-path wireless communication to a multi-dimensional ring network architecture. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple transmission paths around a central obstruction, the system enables millimeter-wave signals to communicate through alternative routes, maintaining high data rates while overcoming penetration limitations.
2Area of stationary object
If millimeter-wave signals are transmitted through obstructions, then communication coverage is improved, but signal strength deteriorates due to attenuation and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal paths around the ring network are merged at each node, combining the strengths of different transmission routes. This merging allows the system to expand communication coverage while compensating for signal strength losses through diverse path selection and signal aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters such as frequency selection, power levels, and path routing based on obstruction detection and signal quality measurements. This allows the network to maintain signal strength while expanding coverage by adapting to environmental conditions in real-time.
3Reliability
If dual-ring network topology is implemented, then network reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each node in the dual-ring network is designed with universal functionality, serving as both transmitter and receiver, and capable of operating in multiple modes (clockwise and counter-clockwise transmission). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized components while maintaining high network reliability.
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 enhances the reliability and range of millimeter-wave communication by reducing signal degradation, allowing for efficient data transfer through walls and other obstructions, thereby improving network performance and security within buildings.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless network system utilizing phased array antennas with beamformers to transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals through obstructions
Implementation Method 2
A wireless network system utilizing phased array antennas with beamformers to transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals through obstructions
Implementation Method 3
Degradation may be due to attenuation, reflection and other physical processes caused by the obstruction
Implementation Method 4
Degradation may be due to attenuation, reflection and other physical processes caused by the obstruction
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication network includes nodes configured into a wireless ring network operating at one or more millimeter-wave frequencies. At least one of the nodes is configured to send and receive millimeter-wave wireless signals through an obstruction. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the network, one or more of the nodes may include small, phased-array antennas and transceivers, configured with radio electronics to mitigate the path loss through certain obstructions, such as walls, floors, ceilings, and other barriers within buildings, as well as attenuation from free-space path-loss, including moisture in air (humidity). The network may include multiple pairs of nodes to form one or more wireless communication paths through various obstructions. This may allow a high-speed, wireless, multi-ring network to be established, for example, within a structure, such as a building, without requiring additional cabling or wiring.