Modular Optical Antenna for Wireless Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical wireless communications systems face limitations due to the need for line-of-sight operation, high atmospheric attenuation, high costs associated with lasers, and lack of misalignment tolerance, which restrict their application to niche areas with limited range and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A high-power, modular, omni-directional optical wireless communications node with multiple panels of varying specifications, enabling dynamic reconfiguration and mesh network functionality, addressing line-of-sight issues through inexpensive deployment of multiple nodes and high-power transmitters with wide field-of-view receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high-power lasers are used to increase transmission range, then range is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical transmission function into multiple independent panels, each with moderate power output. Multiple panels working together provide omnidirectional coverage and extended effective range without requiring any single laser to operate at high power, thereby reducing cost while maintaining range.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple moderate-power laser panels are combined to achieve the coverage and range that would otherwise require a single high-power laser. The synergistic effect of multiple beams provides both extended range and omnidirectional capability at lower individual and total power levels.
2Loss of energy
If line-of-sight operation is required for optical wireless communication, then atmospheric attenuation is reduced, but application flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication space is divided into multiple sectors, each covered by a dedicated panel. This segmentation allows the system to maintain line-of-sight connections in multiple directions simultaneously, providing flexibility for mobile nodes to connect through different paths as they move.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional planar coverage to three-dimensional omnidirectional coverage by arranging panels in a spherical configuration. This enables line-of-sight communication in all spatial directions, greatly enhancing application flexibility for mobile and distributed networks.
3Length of stationary object
If narrow beam divergence is used to concentrate optical power, then transmission distance is improved, but misalignment tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single narrow beam, the system segments the transmission into multiple beams with moderate divergence angles. The combined coverage of these segmented beams provides both adequate transmission distance and improved misalignment tolerance, as mobile nodes can be captured by any of the multiple beams.
Solution Approach 2:
Each panel is optimized with specific beam divergence characteristics appropriate for its coverage sector. This local optimization allows the system to achieve good distance performance in each sector while maintaining overall misalignment tolerance through the diversity of multiple sectors.
4Ease of operation
If omni-directional coverage is achieved using multiple panels, then misalignment tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each panel is designed as a universal module capable of independent operation and integration with others. The standardized panel design reduces overall system complexity despite having multiple panels, as each unit performs the same functions and can be independently configured or replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates only the panels needed for current communication requirements. This dynamic operation reduces the effective complexity at any given time, as not all panels need to be simultaneously configured and managed, even though multiple panels are physically present for omnidirectional coverage.
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
This solution provides continuous connectivity for mobile nodes, enhances range and throughput, and reduces costs by enabling flexible, cost-effective deployment of nodes in a mesh network, overcoming previous limitations of line-of-sight and attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transceiver configured to emit optical beams carrying data and without artificial confinement
Implementation Method 2
detect optical beams emitted and without artificial confinement
Data Source
AI summary
A modular node for an optical communication network includes one or more transceiver modules of a plurality of transceiver modules, and a node core including a plurality of electrical connectors to electrically join up to the plurality of transceiver modules to the node core. At least some of the transceiver modules has an optical transceiver configured to emit optical beams carrying data and without artificial confinement, and detect optical beams emitted and without artificial confinement. The up to the plurality of transceiver modules electrically joined to the node core are spatially separated to provide configurable coverage for optical communication based on their number and placement. And the node core further includes switching circuitry configured to connect the one or more transceiver modules to implement a redistribution point or a communication endpoint in the optical communication network.