Optical Beam Routing for Indoor Wireless Coverage Without Routers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in providing full coverage with high signal-to-noise ratio and high-speed data connectivity in indoor areas without the need for costly and bandwidth-limited intermediate routers, especially with increasing distances from the signal broadcast device, and struggle to support a large number of IoT devices due to limitations in existing Wi-Fi standards and network architecture.
Innovation Solution
An optical routing device employing radio frequency supervisory links for monitoring and control, using laser beam deflection for wireless communication, and featuring laser beam handling regions for concurrent downstream and upstream data communication, which ensures ultra-flexible and reliable laser beam-based wireless networks with reduced power consumption and no need for intermediate routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional Wi-Fi signal broadcast devices are used to extend wireless coverage in indoor areas, then the coverage area can be extended, but signal attenuation increases with distance and requires multiple intermediate routers which increase system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional RF-based multi-router mechanical system with an optical beam deflection system. Instead of using multiple Wi-Fi routers that process and relay signals, the invention uses a single broadcast device with optical deflectors that physically redirect laser beams to reach remote areas without intermediate signal processing nodes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple intermediate routers while maintaining extended coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical deflectors as intermediary elements that mediate between the single broadcast device and remote reception points. These deflectors act as passive optical intermediaries that redirect laser beams around obstacles and to remote areas without requiring active signal processing or additional routers, thus reducing system complexity while extending coverage
2Reliability
If Ethernet cables are used to connect network devices, then reliable connectivity is achieved, but installation and reconfiguration become costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical Ethernet cable mechanical connection system with an optical wireless transmission system. Instead of running physical cables through walls and infrastructure, the invention uses laser beams transmitted through air to establish network connections, providing both the reliability of direct connections and the flexibility of wireless deployment for rapid installation and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from physical cable to optical beam in air. This parameter change enables connections to be established without physical infrastructure installation, allowing networks to be deployed and reconfigured rapidly by simply adjusting optical deflector positions rather than running new cables through building infrastructure
3Speed
If conventional optical beam deflectors are used for space applications, then beam deflection capability is achieved, but the devices become bulky, power-intensive, and unsuitable for indoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple optical deflectors designed for indoor rather than space applications. These deflectors use basic optical components like mirrors or beam steering elements that are far less power-intensive than space-grade devices, consuming minimal energy while providing sufficient beam deflection capability for indoor wireless communication networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the optical deflector design for specific indoor application requirements rather than general-purpose space applications. The deflectors are tailored to operate in controlled indoor environments with lower power constraints, using simplified designs that consume minimal energy while providing adequate beam steering for indoor network coverage
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
The solution provides full coverage with high signal-to-noise ratio and high-speed data connectivity to end-user devices, supports a large number of IoT devices, and maintains low latency and reliability, even in complex indoor environments, by creating a smart laser-based wireless network with optical backhaul.
Implementation Method 1
employing a laser beam deflection capability for actual laser beam based wireless communication
Implementation Method 2
directing a first laser beam carrying a first data signal in a downstream path to a service communication device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical routing device that includes a mounting component which includes a rechargeable battery and a processor that communicates over-the-air with a master communication device or one or more service communication devices via one or more RF supervisory links. The processor receives an instruction via the one or more RF supervisory links to control a movement of the mounting component along with the optical routing component such that an angle or a direction of deflection of one or more laser beams from an optical routing component of the optical routing device is changed. The optical routing component includes one or more laser beam handling regions configured to handle a plurality of laser beams concurrently in which a first laser beam is deflected via a first region for downstream data communication in downstream path and a second laser beam is deflected via a second region for upstream data communication in upstream path.