Multi-Band Access Node Beamforming for In-Premises Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-premises wireless networks often experience unreliable signal coverage due to signal attenuation and blockage from internal structures such as walls, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method using access nodes with phased array and planar antenna arrays that communicate over multiple radio frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz, to form a mesh network, allowing for directional transmission and beamforming to minimize interference and maximize coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single radio frequency band is used for wireless communication, then device complexity is reduced, but signal coverage and reliability deteriorate due to attenuation and blockage from internal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wireless communication into multiple radio frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 60 GHz), with each band serving specific communication needs. The 2.4 GHz band provides baseline coverage, 5 GHz offers intermediate performance, and 60 GHz delivers high-speed directional links, collectively resolving the reliability-complexity contradiction through functional segmentation across frequency domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The access node is designed with multi-functionality to operate across multiple radio frequency bands simultaneously. It can dynamically select and switch between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz bands based on environmental conditions, providing universal communication capability that maintains reliability while managing complexity through integrated multi-band operation.
2Reliability
If directional transmission and beamforming are implemented, then signal strength and coverage are improved, but device complexity increases due to phased array and planar antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from omnidirectional single-antenna transmission to directional multi-antenna beamforming by adding spatial dimensionality. Phased array and planar antenna arrays create focused electromagnetic beams in specific directions, improving signal strength through dimensional enhancement from 0D (omnidirectional) to 3D (spatially focused) transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming system dynamically adjusts phase and amplitude across antenna elements in real-time to track and maintain optimal signal paths. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing environmental conditions and user positions, improving signal reliability while managing complexity through adaptive control algorithms.
3Productivity
If multiple access nodes are deployed to improve coverage, then network capacity increases, but interference from internal structures and other nodes worsens signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
Each access node is configured with local quality optimization through directional beamforming tailored to its specific environment. Nodes adjust their radiation patterns and frequency selections based on local interference conditions, physical obstacles, and user distributions, allowing multiple nodes to coexist with minimized mutual interference while maintaining high network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including frequency band selection, transmission power, beam direction, and modulation schemes across multiple access nodes. These parameter adjustments optimize performance for each node's local conditions while coordinating to reduce overall network interference, enabling scalable capacity expansion.
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 approach enhances wireless network coverage and capacity within premises by leveraging multiple radio frequency bands, effectively reducing signal interference from physical barriers and optimizing signal strength through dynamic adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a first phased array antenna disposed adjacent the first face, and a first planar antenna array disposed adjacent a third face between the first face and the second face. A processor can be disposed in the housing and configured to manage one or more radio frequency signals transmitted and received by the first phased array antenna and the first planar antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing a network are disclosed. In an aspect, a method can comprise receiving first information by an access node of a premises network via a first radio frequency band. At least a portion of the first information can be transmitted via a second radio frequency band to a gateway node of the premises network. Second information can be received from the gateway node via the second radio frequency band. At least a portion of the second information can be transmitted via the first radio frequency band to a source of the first information.