Reflective Surface Selection for Blockage-Resilient 5G Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
New, shorter wavelength frequency bands for wireless communication offer faster broadband connections but are challenging to position due to ease of blocking and narrower beams, leading to connectivity issues such as signal congestion, interference, and blockages in traditional wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a reflective surface to redirect communication signals, selected based on the mode of communication, to improve signal propagation and connectivity by combining different signaling modes like radio waves, light, sound, and thermal waves, enhancing the quality and reliability of wireless communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If shorter wavelength frequency bands are used for wireless communication, then broadband connection speed is improved, but signal reliability deteriorates due to ease of blocking and narrower beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflective surfaces (mirrors, metallic surfaces, buildings, vehicles) as intermediary objects to relay signals between access points and user devices. These intermediaries reflect radio waves, particularly millimeter wave signals, around obstacles and along alternative paths, maintaining signal reliability while enabling the use of high-speed shorter wavelength frequency bands
2Device complexity
If direct signal paths are used, then communication simplicity is maintained, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to signal blockages and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of communication modes (direct path vs. reflective path) based on real-time signal conditions. The system dynamically switches between direct transmission and reflective surface utilization, adapting to changing environmental conditions, obstacle positions, and signal quality requirements to maintain reliable connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path into multiple possible routes: direct paths and reflected paths through various surfaces. By dividing the signal transmission into separate path options, the system can select the most reliable route while maintaining overall system simplicity through centralized control
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
The system enhances network connectivity by providing additional signal streams and improving signal quality, reducing overhead and interference, and supporting multi-connectivity frameworks for advanced radio communication technologies like 5G, ensuring robust and efficient communication.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a reflective surface to reflect a signal from access point equipment to signal receiving equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The technologies described herein are generally directed to using a reflective surface to reflect a signal from access point equipment to signal receiving equipment in a fifth generation (5G) network or other next generation networks. For example, a method described herein can include receiving a request from access point equipment to establish a communications session between the access point equipment and a user equipment. The method can further include identifying a reflective surface to facilitate a connection between the user equipment and the access point equipment using a mode of communication, resulting in reflected path information corresponding to a reflected path usable by the mode of communication for the communications session. Further, the method can include communicating to the access point equipment, mode information corresponding to the mode of communication and the reflected path information.