Multinode RF Hardwire Relay Network for Covert Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying a covert device like a camera in confined spaces, such as tunnels or ventilation shafts, faces challenges in transmitting data due to signal interference from walls and the need for high power or visible cables, which can be intercepted or damaged.
Innovation Solution
A multimode communication network using both RF and hardwire connections, where nodes are grouped in pairs with hardwire connections for secure, high-speed data transfer and RF for areas where hardwires are impractical, allowing for covert and reliable data relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF signal strength is increased to penetrate passage walls, then transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases and signal may be intercepted
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops through relay nodes deployed along the passage. Each node transmits at low power to adjacent nodes, collectively achieving end-to-end communication without requiring high power from any single node. This divides the high-power transmission problem into multiple low-power segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay nodes act as intermediaries between the camera inside the passage and the external receiver. These intermediate nodes forward signals through the passage, enabling communication without requiring direct high-power transmission through walls, thus reducing power consumption and interception risk.
2Reliability
If shielded cable is used for data transmission, then security is improved, but logistics difficulty increases due to visibility and susceptibility to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable physical cable is extracted from the deployment scenario and replaced with wireless RF communication between relay nodes. This eliminates the logistics problems of cable deployment (visibility, tangling, damage) while maintaining security through low-power transmission and node spacing that minimizes interception risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cable-based transmission system is replaced with an electromagnetic field-based wireless system. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints and vulnerabilities of cables (visibility, susceptibility to damage) while achieving secure transmission through controlled RF signals between closely spaced nodes.
3Ease of operation
If nodes are spaced farther apart, then deployment ease is improved, but RF signal interception risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node spacing parameter is optimized to balance deployment ease and security. Nodes are spaced at distances that allow simple deployment while maintaining low-power RF transmission requirements. The specific spacing parameter is chosen to keep transmission power low (reducing interception risk) while still enabling practical deployment.
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 solution provides secure, high-speed data transfer with minimal RF transmission, reducing the risk of interception and physical damage, while maintaining communication reliability across diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
The nodes include a transmitter/receiver that allows the nodes to communicate with each other through RF broadcasts... Each node of one of the pairs communicates with an adjacent node of another of the pairs through RF communication
Implementation Method 2
The nodes include a transmitter/receiver that allows the nodes to communicate with each other through RF broadcasts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multinode arrangement that utilizes a plurality of nodes that communicate with each other by RF transmissions and hardwire communications. The use of both hardwire and RF transmission provides the advantages obtained with both forms of transmission.