Narrow Band Wireless Access Point Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WLAN devices face limitations in extending communication range due to factors like operating environment and network topology, particularly affecting IoT devices, which can lead to reduced connectivity and performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where an access point transmits across multiple narrow bands to discover and connect with devices, using a higher power spectral density and repeating transmissions to improve decoding, and dynamically switching between channel and narrow band modes based on application needs and device availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional WLAN devices use standard channel transmission, then communication coverage is maintained, but communication range is limited particularly for IoT devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the standard WLAN channel into multiple narrower sub-bands. By dividing the frequency spectrum into smaller units, the system can transmit signals at higher power spectral density on each sub-band, enabling extended communication range for IoT devices while maintaining connection reliability through selective sub-band usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter by switching between standard channel mode and narrow band mode dynamically. When IoT devices are detected or when extended range is needed, the system transitions to narrow band transmission with higher power spectral density, thus extending communication range while preserving reliability through adaptive parameter adjustment.
2Length of moving object
If narrow band transmission with higher power spectral density is used, then communication range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between standard channel transmission and narrow band transmission modes. The access point can adaptively select the appropriate transmission mode based on device type, environmental conditions, and connection requirements, managing system complexity through flexible, context-aware operation rather than fixed complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality to support both standard WLAN channel transmission and narrow band transmission with higher power spectral density. This universal capability allows the same device to serve different communication needs (standard devices and IoT devices) without requiring separate specialized hardware, thus managing complexity through consolidation.
3Reliability
If dynamic channel selection is implemented, then channel quality improves, but time to establish connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the access point proactively transmit on multiple narrow bands to discover IoT devices before formal connection establishment. This preliminary discovery phase using narrow bands with higher power spectral density enables faster detection and initial contact, reducing the overall time to establish connections while maintaining channel quality through subsequent standard protocol handshaking.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments can include methods, devices and systems which can transmitting a preamble across a first channel according to a first communication protocol; sequentially transmitting signal values in a plurality of narrow bands; monitoring the narrow bands for response communications; and upon detecting response communications on at least one of the narrow bands, establishing communications across at least one of the narrow bands. Each narrow band can be a different portion of the first channel.