Modular Radio Modules for Wireless Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WiFi access points with multiple radios lack flexibility, as they are configured as a single structure with radios that cannot be operated independently or interchanged, limiting their ability to use different standards or technologies.
Innovation Solution
A modular wireless network access device with interchangeable radio modules, each with a common form factor and interface, allowing independent operation and configuration with various radio technologies, including WiFi and cellular standards, to provide scalable and flexible wireless networking solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radios are integrated into a single structure, then the device can provide multiple wireless functions, but the radios cannot be operated independently or interchanged, reducing system flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless access point into separate modular components: a controller unit and multiple radio units that can be independently configured and interconnected. Each radio unit operates as an independent entity with its own processing capabilities, allowing them to be added, removed, or replaced without affecting other radios in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit provides a universal interface that can manage multiple different types of radio units through standardized communication protocols. This universal control mechanism allows the system to support various radio technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) while maintaining a consistent management architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radios are configured as a single integrated structure, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to use different standards or technologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating radios into independent units, each radio can be optimized for specific wireless standards (802.11n, 802.11ac, Bluetooth, cellular) while maintaining individual configurability. The segmentation allows each radio unit to operate independently with its own configuration settings, enabling multi-standard support without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where radio units can be individually enabled, disabled, or reconfigured based on operational needs. The controller can dynamically allocate resources and manage different radio standards simultaneously, providing both adaptability and ease of operation through software-controlled flexibility.
3Productivity
If multiple radios are provided as multiple radio chains in a single structure, then the device can handle multiple wireless connections, but the radios cannot be removed or added independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented architecture where radio units are physically separate modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each radio unit connects to the controller through standardized interfaces, allowing for modular assembly processes where radios can be added or removed without affecting the manufacturing of other components or the overall system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Radio units are pre-configured and tested as independent modules before being integrated into the complete wireless access point. This preliminary preparation of radio modules simplifies the final assembly process and enables flexible configuration of different radio combinations based on specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of different radio modules is provided for a wireless network access device to provide a modular, configurable and performance scalable wireless network. The radio modules include a radio board having a size and shape with a common form factor for the wireless network access device. A radio board connector mates with any one of multiple connectors on the wireless network access device. The radio board connector includes an electrical interface that conforms to a predefined interface on the wireless network access device. The radio board includes a radio board processor that communicates with a wireless network access device controller as a single radio instance for the radio module. The radio board includes a radio chain to communicate radio signals with corresponding antennas. The radio chain, antennas, and radio board processor operate in accordance with one of a plurality of different radio module types.