Reflectarray Mesh Radio Architecture for Gigabit Wireless Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh networks face challenges in providing high-speed internet services efficiently, particularly in delivering speeds of several Gigabits per second due to limitations in current communication technologies and network architectures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a mesh-based communication system architecture that utilizes a plurality of wireless communication nodes interconnected via bi-directional point-to-point (ptp) and point-to-multipoint (ptmp) wireless links. Each node includes a reflectarray antenna with phase-shift capable antenna elements, a single RF chain, and a control unit to manage phase shifts, enabling efficient signal routing and amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless communication architectures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but network capacity and transmission speed are limited and cannot achieve several Gigabits per second
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple tiers (first-tier nodes connected to core network, second-tier nodes forming high-capacity pathways, third-tier nodes forming sub-meshes, fourth-tier nodes as access points). This segmentation allows each tier to be optimized for specific functions, enabling Gigabit speeds through specialized high-capacity wireless links in intermediate tiers while keeping individual node complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimensional structure with multiple network tiers and levels. Fourth-tier nodes provide individual access points, third-tier nodes create mesh sub-networks, second-tier nodes establish high-capacity backbone pathways, and first-tier nodes connect to core network. This multi-dimensional architecture enables simultaneous high-capacity transmission across different network layers, achieving several Gbps speeds.
2Productivity
If high-speed internet services exceeding several Gigabits per second are delivered, then network capacity is improved, but existing communication technologies and network architectures become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wired and wireless communication technologies within a unified mesh network architecture. Wired connections provide stable core network access, while wireless mesh links provide flexible high-capacity transmission pathways. This merging of communication modalities ensures reliable delivery of several Gbps internet services by leveraging the strengths of both wired and wireless technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture uses composite communication technologies, integrating traditional wireless mesh networking with advanced high-capacity wireless transmission techniques. This composite approach combines proven reliable mesh routing with emerging high-speed wireless technologies, ensuring both reliability and the capability to deliver several Gigabits per second speeds.
3Productivity
If multiple wireless communication nodes are interconnected via bi-directional point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links, then network capacity is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different tiers of nodes are assigned different qualities and capabilities. First-tier nodes have full mesh connectivity to core network, second-tier nodes have high-capacity wireless links forming backbone pathways, third-tier nodes create local mesh sub-networks, and fourth-tier nodes provide simple access points. This local quality differentiation allows each node type to be optimized for its specific function, enhancing overall network capacity while managing complexity through specialization.
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 architecture enhances network capacity and reliability, enabling the delivery of high-speed internet services exceeding several Gigabits per second by optimizing signal transmission and reception across the wireless mesh network.
Implementation Method 1
each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive an incident signal, apply one of two phase shifts to the incident signal, and radiate the phase-shifted signal
Implementation Method 2
a radio module includes (i) a reflectarray antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements, wherein each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive an incident signal, apply one of two phase shifts to the incident signal, and radiate the phase-shifted signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radio module for a wireless communication node in a wireless mesh network includes a reflectarray antenna having a plurality of antenna elements. Each antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive an incident signal, apply one of two phase shifts to the incident signal, and radiate the phase-shifted signal. The radio module further includes a radio frequency (RF) module comprising a single RF chain configured to feed the incident signal to the plurality of antenna elements in the reflectarray antenna, as well as a control unit that is configured to control which of the two phase shifts is applied by each antenna element in the reflectarray antenna.