Remote Antenna Circuit for Wireless Access Point Signal Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current schemes face challenges in transmitting wireless RF signals through building walls and coaxial cables, which result in significant signal loss, making it difficult to locate wireless access points (WAPs) outside buildings while maintaining effective connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of remote antenna circuits with transmit and receive amplifier units, controlled by a control unit, which amplifies and extends the range of WAPs by receiving control signals from a multi-tone transmitter-receiver, allowing for efficient signal transmission and reception across coaxial networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the WAP is located inside the building and connected via coaxial cable, then the wireless signal can be transmitted within the building, but the coaxial cable and splitters introduce high signal loss at ISM RF bands
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the signal transmission path into two segments: a low-frequency control signal path through coaxial cable and a high-frequency RF signal path through wireless air interface. The WAP converts RF signals to low-frequency baseband signals that can be transmitted through coaxial cable with minimal loss, then converts them back to RF signals for wireless transmission inside the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The WAP acts as an intermediary device that converts between RF signals and baseband signals. It receives control signals through coaxial cable, converts them to RF signals for wireless transmission, and converts received wireless signals back to baseband for transmission through the cable, thereby eliminating direct RF transmission through lossy coaxial cables.
2Ease of manufacture
If the WAP is located outside the building at the NID, then installation wiring is simplified and user presence is not required during installation, but the wireless signal cannot effectively penetrate through building walls
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the transmission dimension by using a two-stage approach: first transmitting control signals through the coaxial cable infrastructure (external dimension), then transmitting wireless signals through the air interface (internal dimension). This allows the WAP to be installed externally at the NID while still providing effective internal coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If remote antenna circuits are used to extend WAP range, then wireless connectivity can be provided throughout the building, but the device complexity increases with additional amplifier units and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The WAP is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it acts as a wireless access point for RF signals, a modem for baseband signal conversion, and a controller for managing remote antenna circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing complexity while extending coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the WAP monitors signal quality and transmission conditions, then adjusts modulation schemes, power levels, and antenna selection dynamically. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain reliable connectivity across extended coverage areas without requiring manual intervention or overly complex fixed configurations.
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 extends the range of WAPs, reducing signal loss and enabling reliable wireless LAN connectivity within buildings by optimizing amplifier operations based on control signal detection and gain adjustments, thus overcoming the limitations of coaxial cable attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
Each remote antenna circuit includes a transmit amplifier unit that amplifies the transmit signal
Implementation Method 2
a receive amplifier unit that amplifies a receive signal
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described in which a WAP is coupled to an antenna unit and provides a wireless LAN. In one embodiment, the antenna unit includes at least one remote antenna circuit having one or more ports to receive a control signal and a transmit signal transmitted from the WAP located in a multi-tone transmitter-receiver. Each remote antenna circuit includes a transmit amplifier unit that amplifies the transmit signal, a receive amplifier unit that amplifies a receive signal, and control unit that receives the control signal. The control unit controls an operation of the transmit and the receive amplifier units to extend a range of the wireless WAP with the at least one remote antenna circuit.