MoCA Wireless Range Extender for Dead Zone Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network range extenders are ineffective in covering distant devices located in WiFi dead zones, as they require proximity to the base access point, suffer from reduced network performance, and lack seamless and cost-effective solutions for extending network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) technology to connect a range extender to a base Wireless Access Point via coaxial cables, allowing the extender to operate outside the wireless range and support high-speed data and multimedia distribution, with automatic discovery, configuration, and management through the base WAP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wireless range extender is placed distant from the base WAP to cover dead zones, then the network coverage area is improved, but the extender cannot establish reliable wireless connection and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hybrid connection architecture where the extender uses wireless connection to the base WAP for control and configuration, while using a wired connection (Ethernet or MoCA over coaxial cable) for data backhaul. This intermediary wired connection acts as a mediator that allows the extender to be placed in dead zones without compromising connection reliability, as the wired link provides stable high-speed data transmission independent of wireless signal strength.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional wireless range extenders are used to extend network range, then coverage area is improved, but network performance and data throughput deteriorate due to wireless backhaul limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hybrid architecture where the wired connection (Ethernet or MoCA) serves as an intermediary for data transmission, bypassing the limitations of wireless backhaul. This allows the extender to provide high-speed data connectivity to remote devices while maintaining wireless connectivity for management purposes, thus preserving both extended coverage and high data throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless mechanical system (radio frequency transmission) with a wired physical medium (Ethernet cable or MoCA over coaxial cable) for the data backhaul connection. This substitution eliminates the inherent limitations of wireless transmission such as interference, signal attenuation, and half-duplex operation, enabling full-duplex high-speed data transmission while extending network coverage.
3Productivity
If Ethernet backhaul connection is used to connect range extender to base WAP, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing coaxial cable infrastructure in homes, which was originally designed for cable television, and repurposes it for data transmission using MoCA technology. This multi-functional use of the coaxial cable system allows the extender to achieve high-speed wired connectivity without requiring new Ethernet cabling or additional switches, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining high data throughput.
4Ease of operation
If WDS wireless connection is used to connect range extender to base WAP, then installation simplicity is improved, but network performance deteriorates due to throughput halving and encryption key limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wired connection as an intermediary for data transmission to bypass the performance limitations of WDS wireless backhaul. While the wireless connection maintains simplicity for device discovery and configuration, the wired MoCA or Ethernet connection handles data traffic, avoiding the throughput halving issue and encryption key rotation limitations inherent in WDS implementations.
Data Source
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AI summary
As described herein, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) is used to connect a range extender to a base Wireless Access Point (WAP). The MoCA based range extender may be outside the wireless range of the base WAP. In an embodiment, the MoCA based range extender may be in a wireless dead zone of the WAP. The MoCA range extender may support at least the same wireless bands as that of the base WAP. The MoCA based range extender may be automatically discovered in the network and may receive the configuration without intervention. Firmware also may be upgraded from the service provider network through the WAP. The MoCA range extender and its clients may communicate with other devices in the local network as well as other devices in the Authorized Service Domain controlled by the service provider.