Multi-function Wireless Node with Smart Antenna for Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication infrastructure lacks ubiquitous coverage due to phenomena like shadowing, and deploying link completion infrastructure is complex, often requiring specialized knowledge and differing apparatuses for various situations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-function wireless node with multiple radios supporting various protocols and frequencies, coupled with a smart antenna system and a controller for optimal deployment and configuration, enabling operation as repeaters, bridges, gateways, or access points to provide comprehensive coverage and compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different link completion infrastructure apparatuses (repeaters, bridges, gateways) are deployed to address various wireless communication gaps, then the coverage and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and deployment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage and functionalityVSAvoiddeployment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single wireless apparatus that can function as multiple types of link completion infrastructure (repeater, bridge, gateway, access point) by dynamically selecting from a plurality of operational modes. The controller determines the appropriate mode based on environmental conditions and network requirements, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces deployment complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage and adaptability across different wireless communication scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized link completion infrastructure is deployed to address specific communication gaps, then the communication reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring specialized knowledge for deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidease of deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless apparatus incorporates automatic mode selection capability where the controller autonomously determines the appropriate operational mode (repeater, bridge, gateway, or access point) based on environmental conditions and network requirements. This self-configuration eliminates the need for specialized technical knowledge during deployment, as the device automatically adapts to the situation. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-setup, maintaining communication reliability while significantly improving ease of operation for non-technical personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If different apparatuses are selected and deployed for various link completion situations, then the adaptability to specific environments is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to requiring knowledge of each particular apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmentsVSAvoidease of deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless apparatus implements dynamic operational mode selection where the controller continuously monitors environmental conditions and network requirements to determine the most appropriate mode (repeater, bridge, gateway, or access point). This dynamic adaptation allows a single device to respond to varying environmental conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration or specialized knowledge. The system automatically adjusts its functionality based on real-time conditions, maintaining high adaptability while simplifying deployment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8385978B2Multi-function wireless apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.02.26 FIMAX TECH LTD
  • US8385978B2 patent drawing
  • US8385978B2 patent drawing
  • US8385978B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods which provide a multi-function wireless node are shown. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments provide link completion infrastructure suited for a plurality of situations and environments, such as for repeaters, bridges, gateways, and APs. Embodiments provide a multi-function wireless node comprising a plurality of radios. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments further comprise a smart antenna system coupled to radios thereof and providing illumination within a service volume. The service volume of embodiments comprises a semi-spherical volume. Embodiments comprise a controller facilitating proper and/or optimal deployment and commissioning of the multi-function wireless node in each of a plurality of different link completion infrastructure forms. Embodiments further comprise a communication interface providing one or more information communication links in addition to those available through wireless links.