Multi-Hop Routing Across Sub-6 GHz and mmWave Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in achieving both good penetration through structures and high bandwidth, as higher frequency signals provide better bandwidth but poorer penetration, while lower frequency signals offer better penetration but limited bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A control node calculates multi-node paths using non-overlapping frequency ranges (e.g., sub-6 GHz and mmWave) to form routes that leverage the advantages of both frequency bands, optimizing communication by determining and optimizing links using machine learning and reinforcement learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher frequency signals are used, then bandwidth is improved, but penetration ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into multiple hops, each using appropriate frequency ranges for specific segments. High-frequency mmWave links are used for short-distance high-bandwidth segments, while low-frequency sub-6 GHz links are used for long-distance or obstacle-prone segments requiring better penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes frequency parameters along the transmission path by selecting different frequency ranges (sub-6 GHz or mmWave) for different links based on environmental conditions, distance, and required bandwidth, rather than using a single frequency throughout.
2Reliability
If lower frequency signals are used, then penetration ability is improved, but bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission path is divided into segments where low-frequency signals are used for penetration-critical segments and high-frequency signals are used for bandwidth-critical segments, optimizing both penetration and bandwidth across the entire path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple frequency ranges into a single multi-hop path, combining the advantages of both sub-6 GHz (penetration) and mmWave (bandwidth) frequencies to achieve both good penetration and high bandwidth simultaneously.
3Productivity
If multi-hop routing with multiple frequency ranges is implemented, then spectrum utilization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Network nodes automatically perform frequency range selection and path optimization using machine learning algorithms, enabling the system to self-manage the complexity of multi-frequency routing without requiring manual configuration or centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses reinforcement learning to dynamically adjust routing parameters and frequency selections based on real-time network conditions, automatically optimizing spectrum utilization while adapting to changing environmental factors and traffic patterns.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A control node includes receive circuitry that receives topology data regarding a network that features a plurality of nodes connected by links. At least some of the links are wireless links of a first frequency range and at least some of the links are of a second frequency range. Calculation circuitry calculates at least one multi-node path from a given source node in the nodes to a given destination node in the nodes. The first frequency range and the second frequency range are non-overlapping.