Reflectarray Mesh Radio Architecture With Single RF Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems struggle to provide high-speed internet services efficiently and reliably, particularly in densely populated or large geographic areas, due to limitations in wireless mesh network architectures and equipment configurations.
Innovation Solution
A mesh-based communication system architecture utilizing a reflectarray antenna with phase-shifted signals and a single RF chain to manage bi-directional point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless links, along with multiple tiers of wireless communication nodes to optimize network connectivity and service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless network architectures are used, then deployment is simpler, but network capacity and reliability are insufficient for high-speed internet services
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple tiers (first-tier nodes with fiber connectivity to core network, second-tier nodes forming high-capacity pathways, third-tier nodes forming discrete sub-meshes, fourth-tier nodes as access points). This segmentation allows each tier to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving high network capacity and reliability for gigabit-speed internet services.
2Area of stationary object
If mesh network coverage is expanded to densely populated or large geographic areas, then service area increases, but signal reliability and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional tiered architecture where nodes operate at different hierarchical levels. First-tier nodes provide backbone connectivity, second-tier nodes create high-capacity pathways, third-tier nodes form local sub-meshes, and fourth-tier nodes provide access. This dimensional organization allows the network to cover large geographic areas while maintaining signal reliability through optimized signal paths at each tier.
3Productivity
If more wireless communication nodes are deployed, then network coverage and capacity improve, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic node classification and role assignment within the tiered architecture. Nodes can be dynamically assigned to different tiers based on their capabilities, location, and network needs. This dynamic approach allows the network to scale by adding nodes without requiring complex manual configuration, as nodes can automatically integrate into appropriate tiers and begin contributing to network capacity.
4Speed
If high-speed internet services are delivered, then service quality improves, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate tiers (second-tier and third-tier nodes) that act as mediators between the core network (first-tier nodes) and end-user access points (fourth-tier nodes). These intermediate tiers handle signal routing, traffic management, and protocol conversion, enabling high-speed internet service delivery while shielding the complexity of the infrastructure from both the core network and end users.
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
Enhances network capacity and reliability, enabling high-speed internet services of several Gigabits per second by optimizing signal distribution and network traffic routing across interconnected nodes.
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
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.