Remote Optical Beamforming with Phase Shifting for Wavelength Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beamforming techniques in millimeter-wave wireless communication systems suffer from reduced wavelength utilization efficiency due to the need for fixed optical wavelengths corresponding to the number of antenna elements, limiting the number of accommodated wavelengths and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication method and system that includes an aggregation station transmitting optical signals with beam control and transmission signals to an extension station, allowing beamforming control through phase shifting or switching, reducing the need for multiple wavelengths by using phase shifters or switches to adjust beam directions based on included control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional beamforming technique uses fixed optical wavelengths corresponding to the number of antenna elements, then beamforming control is achieved, but wavelength utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed wavelength assignments with dynamic phase shifting. Instead of assigning fixed optical wavelengths to antenna elements, the system uses time-varying phase shifters that can dynamically adjust beam directions. This allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple beamforming functions without requiring dedicated wavelengths for each element, thereby improving wavelength utilization efficiency while maintaining beamforming control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed wavelength assignment to variable phase shift values. By using phase shifters that can be dynamically adjusted, the system transforms the static wavelength allocation problem into a dynamic phase control problem. This parameter change enables flexible beamforming control without consuming additional wavelengths, directly addressing the contradiction between operational flexibility and wavelength efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve coverage, then beamforming capability is enhanced, but the number of accommodated wavelengths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a system where a single optical wavelength can support multiple beamforming functions. Instead of requiring dedicated wavelengths for each antenna element or beam direction, the system uses phase shifters that can be configured to achieve various beamforming patterns using the same wavelength resource. This multi-functional approach allows the system to accommodate more beamforming capabilities without proportionally increasing the number of wavelengths required.
3Ease of operation
If phase control is applied to each antenna element, then beamforming is achieved, but optical band width is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the beamforming control function from the data transmission function. Instead of using separate optical wavelengths for both beamforming control and data transmission, the system segments the control information into phase shift values that can be embedded within or alongside the data signal. This allows beamforming control to be achieved without occupying additional optical band width, as the phase control is integrated into the existing transmission infrastructure.
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 approach enables efficient beamforming control while minimizing the decrease in wavelength utilization efficiency, simplifying the extension station configuration and reducing costs by allowing remote beamforming with fewer required wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
the extension station transmits the transmission signal by setting, in a phase shifter or by switching a switch, a phase difference for performing beamforming in a specific direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication method in a wireless communication system including an aggregation station and an extension station that performs beamforming according to control of the aggregation station, in which the aggregation station transmits an optical signal including at least a beam control signal for controlling beamforming in the extension station and a transmission signal that is data to be transmitted to the extension station via an optical transmission line to perform beamforming control of the extension station, and the extension station transmits the transmission signal by setting, in a phase shifter or by switching a switch, a phase difference for performing beamforming in a specific direction on a basis of the beam control signal included in the optical signal.