Multi-Hop Repeater Beam Alignment Using Beacon Sweeping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-hop RF repeater systems, aligning repeaters efficiently to ensure effective communication between wireless base stations and user equipment is challenging, especially in scenarios with obstructed line of sight or indoor areas, where traditional alignment methods are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control system that generates a beacon signal and adjusts transmit and receive antennas using multiple beam patterns to align repeaters, utilizing phased array or holographic beamforming antennas, and IoT messaging protocols for precise alignment in series or parallel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional alignment methods are used in multi-hop RF repeater systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the alignment accuracy and communication reliability deteriorate in obstructed line of sight or indoor areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions by generating beacon signals before actual communication and using multiple beam patterns to pre-establish the optimal signal path between repeaters. The control system performs beam sweeping and signal strength measurement in advance to determine the best alignment configuration before normal operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beacon signals as intermediary elements that facilitate the alignment process between repeaters. These beacon signals act as mediators that enable the control system to measure and optimize the communication path without requiring direct complex coordination between all system components during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple beam patterns are used for repeater alignment, then the alignment precision improves, but the time required for alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing beam sweeping that cycles through multiple predetermined beam patterns in a systematic sequence. The control system periodically transmits beacon signals using different beam patterns and measures signal strengths at regular intervals, allowing efficient comparison and selection of the optimal beam configuration without requiring exhaustive continuous scanning.
3Area of stationary object
If RF repeaters are deployed to expand service area into obstructed or indoor areas, then the coverage area increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring signal alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses beacon signals as intermediary carriers that simplify the detection and measurement process in complex environments. These dedicated alignment signals are specifically designed to be detectable through obstructed paths and provide clear measurement references for the control system to determine optimal repeater alignment even in indoor or obstructed line-of-sight scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs signal strength variations as analogous to color changes, where the control system measures and compares signal strengths from different beam patterns to identify the optimal alignment configuration. The system detects changes in signal characteristics to determine when proper alignment has been achieved, similar to how color changes indicate state transitions.
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 accurate and efficient alignment of repeaters, expanding service areas by ensuring reliable RF communication in complex environments, improving coverage and reducing signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
adjusts transmit and receive antennas using multiple beam patterns to align repeaters, utilizing phased array or holographic beamforming antennas
Implementation Method 2
adjusts transmit and receive antennas using multiple beam patterns to align repeaters, utilizing phased array or holographic beamforming antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Two or more repeaters can be aligned to provide for RF communication between a wireless base station and user equipment by way of the two or more repeaters. A first repeater can transmit a beacon signal with a plurality of transmit beam patterns, and a second repeater can detect the beacon signal with a plurality of receive beam patterns. The beacon signal can be generated by increasing RF gain in the first repeater to produce RF oscillations.