Optical RF Hybrid Link Stability via Signal Quality Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems in both radio wave and light wave regions face instability due to multi-path fading, throughput reduction, and inability to propagate through obstacles, which existing hybrid systems fail to address effectively by solely relying on transmission/reception power for link state determination.
Innovation Solution
An optical/RF wireless hybrid communication system that measures signal quality in both RF and optical wireless links, determines data distribution proportions based on signal quality, and dynamically switches between links to stabilize communication, utilizing a signal quality measuring unit, proportion determining unit, and switching unit to ensure stable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RF wireless link is used, then data transmission can be performed, but multi-path fading causes instability and throughput reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF wireless communication and optical wireless communication into a hybrid system. The base station and terminal simultaneously maintain both RF and optical links, using signal quality measuring units to monitor both channels and a switching unit to distribute data accordingly. This merging allows the system to leverage the complementary strengths of both technologies to achieve both high throughput and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters by switching between RF and optical links based on real-time signal quality measurements. When optical link signal quality deteriorates (e.g., due to obstacles), the system transitions to RF link operation, and vice versa. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains optimal communication performance under varying conditions.
2Productivity
If optical wireless link is used, then high throughput can be achieved, but obstacles cause disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
By merging RF and optical wireless links, the system creates a redundant communication path. When obstacles block the optical link (line-of-sight requirement), the RF link continues to provide communication service, ensuring continuity. The signal quality measuring units continuously monitor both links to detect such disruptions and trigger appropriate switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential optical link failures by maintaining an alternative RF link simultaneously. The signal quality measuring units continuously assess the state of both links, and the switching unit is pre-configured to redistribute data paths when degradation is detected, cushioning against the impact of obstacles before complete disconnection occurs.
3Ease of operation
If existing hybrid systems use transmission/reception power for link state determination, then control can be performed, but link state determination is inaccurate leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for link state determination from transmission/reception power to signal quality. The signal quality measuring units measure actual signal characteristics (such as signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate) rather than just power levels. This parameter change provides a more accurate assessment of link conditions, enabling precise control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the simple power-based control mechanism with a more sophisticated signal quality-based control mechanism. Instead of relying solely on power measurements (which are insufficient for accurate link assessment), the system uses signal quality metrics that capture the actual communication conditions, including noise, interference, and signal degradation characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical/RF wireless hybrid communication system and a control method capable of solving the instability of link states of an RF wireless link and an optical wireless link is provided. According to an optical/RF wireless hybrid communication system and a control method of the present invention, when data is transmitted, the link is not limited to one of an RF wireless link and an optical wireless link, a link state is determined based on signal quality received in channels of both the RF wireless link and the optical wireless link, and a distribution of data to be transmitted in each link is determined based on a result thereof. For this reason, the link can be switched according to circumstances of the transmission state due to an external disturbance and the like.