Multi-Hopping Wireless Networks for Cellular Coverage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for cellular transmission due to a large number of smartphone users has led to bandwidth deficiencies in cellular networks, particularly in metropolitan areas where installing more cellular base stations is challenging due to space constraints and existing infrastructure limitations, resulting in weak or blocked signals in marginal-to-inoperative regions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-hopping systems in hybrid networks that combine cellular and non-cellular networks to expand cellular coverage. This involves configuring wireless devices to hop onto non-cellular networks, creating a secure tunnel between the device and the cellular network, and using sink/relaying devices to relay signals, thereby enhancing coverage without the need for additional base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more cellular base stations are installed to increase bandwidth and coverage, then cellular network capacity and coverage are improved, but space availability and infrastructure cost worsen due to metropolitan area constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-cellular networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other wireless networks) as intermediary relay networks. Instead of directly expanding cellular base stations, the system uses these intermediary networks to relay cellular traffic, effectively bypassing the space constraints for physical base station installation while still providing cellular network access and bandwidth capacity.
2Reliability
If cellular base stations are installed in marginal regions to improve coverage, then signal strength in coverage edges is improved, but installation feasibility worsens due to terrain and infrastructure limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing infrastructure devices (routers, wireless access points, other networked devices) as intermediary relay nodes to extend cellular coverage to marginal regions. These devices leverage existing terrain-friendly infrastructure rather than requiring traditional base station installations in difficult-to-reach areas, thereby improving signal strength without compromising installation feasibility.
3Area of stationary object
If wireless devices hop onto non-cellular networks to expand coverage, then cellular network coverage is improved, but network security worsens due to potential eavesdropping on the communication path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by establishing encrypted tunnels (such as IPsec or SSL/TLS tunnels) between wireless devices and cellular base stations before data transmission occurs. This preliminary anti-action prevents potential eavesdropping on the non-cellular network path, as the encryption is established in advance and protects data throughout the relay transmission through intermediary networks.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter describes devices, networks, systems, media, and methods to create secure communications between wireless devices and cellular networks, where the wireless devices communicate with the cellular networks via multi-hopping methods in wireless networks.