Power Line Communication Module for WLAN Coverage Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) often have limited coverage areas, failing to span entire houses or buildings, necessitating the extension of network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power line communication modules with wall-mounted sockets, which transmit data signals over electrical power networks, coupled with wireless access points to expand network coverage by communicating with user devices via wireless channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wireless router is used to provide WLAN connectivity, then wireless network access is enabled, but the coverage area is limited and cannot span the entire house or building
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the network coverage task into multiple segments by deploying wall-mounted sockets with integrated power line communication modules throughout the house. Each socket acts as an independent wireless access point, creating multiple coverage zones that collectively span the entire building, thereby resolving the limited coverage area problem while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces power line communication as an intermediary medium to extend network connectivity. By utilizing the existing electrical power network infrastructure as a communication channel, the system enables data transmission between wall-mounted sockets without requiring additional wiring or complex installation, thus expanding coverage area while preserving ease of operation.
2Area of stationary object
If wall mounted sockets with power line communication modules are deployed throughout the house, then network coverage is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-mounted sockets are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as electrical power outlets and as wireless access points with power line communication capabilities. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions, extending network coverage throughout the house without requiring separate communication infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining expanded coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line communication modules automatically utilize the existing electrical power network infrastructure for data transmission without requiring additional installation or configuration of dedicated communication lines. The system leverages the already-present electrical wiring to carry both power and data signals, enabling self-service operation that extends coverage area while minimizing added system complexity.
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 effectively increases network connectivity by leveraging existing electrical power networks to extend the coverage area of WLANs, ensuring comprehensive coverage within a house or building while maintaining compatibility with standard household sockets.
Implementation Method 1
the first power line communication module is configured to (i) filter the alternating current signals received from the electrical power network, and (ii) output the data signals
Data Source
AI summary
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus comprising: a first power line communication module coupled to an electrical power network, wherein the electrical power network is configured to transmit (i) power using alternating current signals that operate at a power-line frequency, and (i) data signals, wherein the first power line communication module is configured to (i) filter the alternating current signals received from the electrical power network, and (ii) output the data signals; and a wireless access point coupled to the first power line communication module, wherein the wireless access point is configured to (i) communicate with a user device via a wireless communication channel, and (ii) communicate, using the data signals via the first power line communication module and the electrical power network, to a second power line communication module coupled to the electrical power network.