Multi-band Wireless Networking System for IoT Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in extending the range and reducing interference among access points, particularly for machine-to-machine protocols, which have limited range and are prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band wireless networking system that tunnels machine-to-machine communications within WiFi transmissions between access points, using a dedicated control channel on unused frequencies for coordination and a backhaul channel for data-intensive communications, allowing for extended range and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If machine-to-machine protocols are used for wireless communication, then power consumption is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WiFi access points as intermediary devices that relay M2M communications. M2M devices communicate with nearby access points using low-power M2M protocols, and the access points forward these communications over WiFi networks to extend the effective communication range while keeping M2M device power consumption low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends M2M communication from a single-radio limited-range system to a multi-band wireless system by adding WiFi capability to access points. This creates a hybrid communication architecture where M2M traffic can be tunneled through WiFi infrastructure, effectively adding a dimensional extension to the communication network.
2Length of moving object
If multiple access points are deployed to extend WiFi range, then network coverage is improved, but interference between access points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication functions by dedicating specific frequency bands and channels to different purposes: M2M devices use dedicated M2M frequencies, access points use WiFi bands for data transmission, and a separate control channel is used for coordination. This segmentation reduces interference by preventing different functions from competing for the same spectrum resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the coordination function from the data transmission channels by implementing a dedicated control channel that operates independently. This separation allows coordination commands to be transmitted without interfering with data traffic, and enables access points to synchronize their operations to minimize mutual interference.
3Device complexity
If coordination commands are transmitted on the same frequency as data transmission, then system simplicity is maintained, but interference and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless spectrum into distinct functional channels: a dedicated control channel for coordination commands, data channels for payload transmission, and M2M frequencies for device-to-access-point communication. This segmentation ensures that coordination traffic does not interfere with data traffic, improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a way to expand the range of Internet of Things devices in a home, office, or structure to the range of a local WiFi network. This is accomplished by generating a network bridge for the devices using machine-to-machine protocols to communicate using the WiFi network backhaul channel. Transmissions in machine-to-machine protocol are tunneled through WiFi communications and extracted by the closest access point. Access points include radios for both WiFi and machine-to-machine protocols.