Outdoor LPWAN Gateway with Priority Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) gateways located indoors suffer from signal interference due to building structures and other wireless signals, degrading communication performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus is positioned outdoors, integrating a first LPWAN communication module with a second module that includes a signal processor, chime module, and wireless communication circuit, allowing for LPWAN and wireless communication in different frequency bands, with the wireless communication circuit having higher priority to reduce interference and enhance communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LPWAN gateway is located indoors, then it is protected from environmental elements and easier to install, but the communication performance deteriorates due to signal interference from building structures and other wireless signals
Solution Approach 1:
The LPWAN gateway function is extracted from the indoor environment and placed in an outdoor location, separating the communication function from the building structure that causes signal interference. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of walls and indoor obstructions on LPWAN signal propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
A dual-module communication apparatus is introduced as an intermediary solution, where the first communication module handles LPWAN communication outdoors while the second module provides alternative wireless communication capabilities. This intermediary structure allows the system to bypass indoor interference issues while maintaining connectivity options.
2Reliability
If the wireless communication circuit has higher priority in timeslot allocation, then wireless communication quality improves, but LPWAN communication may experience delays
Solution Approach 1:
The timeslot allocation is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adjust priority assignments based on current communication needs. The signal processor can dynamically allocate timeslots to different modules based on real-time requirements, balancing the competing demands of LPWAN and wireless communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus uses periodic timeslot allocation where different modules are assigned specific time windows for transmission. This periodic structure ensures that both LPWAN and wireless communications receive dedicated transmission opportunities, preventing continuous interference while maintaining quality of service for both protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus disposed outdoors, comprises the following elements. A first communication module performing a Low-Power Wide-Area-Network (LPWAN) communication with at least one end device in a first frequency band. A second communication module coupled to the first communication module, comprising a signal processor, a chime module; and a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit performs at least one wireless communication in a second frequency band. The first communication module is communicatively coupled to a network server through the second communication module, the first communication module transmits and/or receives a LPWAN package in a first timeslot, the wireless communication circuit of the second communication module transmits and/or receives a wireless package in a second timeslot, and the signal processor configures the wireless communication circuit to have a higher priority than the first communication module when transmitting and/or receiving the wireless package.