Automated Frequency Planning for RF Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Densely deployed radiofrequency (RF) transmission networks face significant quality degradation due to sub-optimal frequency channel allocation, particularly in mesh network topologies, leading to increased radio interference and limited available frequency channels for communication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an automated frequency planning module within a central routing server to identify radio nodes prone to interference, allocate optimal radio frequencies, and deploy them in a network of radio groups, leveraging computational techniques and sensor data to minimize interference and improve quality of service in wireless communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If frequency channels are reused in densely deployed RF networks, then the quantity of available frequency channels increases, but radio interference increases and network quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different frequency channels to different geographic locations and radio groups based on their specific spatial relationships. The system analyzes the geographic positions of radio nodes and assigns frequencies locally optimized for each area, allowing frequency reuse while minimizing interference between nearby radios. This is achieved through the frequency planning module that considers spatial distribution when allocating channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central frequency planning module as an intermediary that mediates between the need for frequency reuse and interference avoidance. This module collects information about radio node positions, calculates optimal frequency assignments, and coordinates channel allocation across the network. The intermediary processes interference predictions and makes centralized decisions about frequency assignment to balance channel availability with interference mitigation.
2Device complexity
If conventional frequency allocation methods are used in mesh networks, then device complexity is reduced, but network quality and service reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the frequency planning module to automatically analyze radio node positions, predict interference patterns, and assign optimal frequency channels without manual intervention. The system autonomously processes geographic data, calculates interference metrics, and generates frequency allocation plans. This automated self-service approach maintains low operational complexity while achieving high network quality through optimized frequency assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency planning and interference analysis before actual network operation begins. The system pre-calculates optimal frequency assignments based on predicted radio node positions and geographic relationships. This preliminary frequency allocation ensures that when radios are deployed, they are already configured with interference-minimized frequency channels, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments while maintaining high network quality.
3Ease of operation
If frequency channels are allocated without optimization, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and network performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency planning module automatically performs optimization calculations and generates frequency allocation plans without requiring manual configuration or expert intervention. The system self-services by taking raw geographic data as input and producing optimized frequency assignments as output, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high network performance through algorithmic optimization of frequency channel allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for allocating frequency channels across a radiofrequency (RF) mesh network, including identifying pairs of radio groups having a propensity for interference; allocating frequency channels to each of the plurality of radio groups; and deploying the allocated frequency channels to the plurality of radio groups, using a central routing server including an automated frequency planning module that executes an RF allocation algorithm, wherein the RF allocation algorithm determines the frequency channel to assign to each radio group and deploys the determined frequency channel to each radio group of the plurality of radio groups.