Sectorized 802.11 Base Station with Synchronized Directional Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks under 802.11 specifications face challenges in covering large areas with a single access point due to regulatory constraints on increasing transmitting power, leading to asymmetric links and potential partitioning of the communication space, which can reduce system capacity and require additional access points.

Innovation Solution

A wireless network system utilizing a centrally located base station with multiple directional antennas, each functioning as an access point for a spatial sector, synchronizing concurrent data frame transmissions to prevent interference and maintain symmetry in communication links without increasing mobile unit RF power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single access point with extended transmission radius is used, then device management is easier and hardware costs are reduced, but asymmetric links are created and system capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration complexityVSAvoidsystem capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication area is divided into multiple spatial sectors, with each directional antenna serving a specific sector. This segmentation allows the single access point to handle multiple sectors simultaneously, increasing system capacity while maintaining centralized management and avoiding the need for multiple distributed access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If access point transmitting power is increased, then communication area coverage is extended, but asymmetric links are created and regulatory requirements are violated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication area coverageVSAvoidlink symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly increasing transmitting power in all directions, the system uses directional antennas to concentrate transmission energy in specific spatial sectors. This provides extended coverage in each sector while maintaining power levels within regulatory limits and preserving link symmetry through coordinated uplink-downlink power control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If antenna gain is increased to focus transmissions, then transmitting power requirements are reduced, but communication space is partitioned and additional access points are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitting powerVSAvoidnumber of access points

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple directional antennas with high gain are merged into a single access point, with each antenna serving a different spatial sector. This combination allows the system to achieve focused transmissions and extended coverage using one centralized access point, avoiding the need for multiple distributed access points while maintaining high transmitting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If multiple centrally located access points are used, then communication space partitioning is addressed, but transmission collisions and inter-sector roaming overheads increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication area coverageVSAvoidinter-sector roaming overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication area is segmented into distinct spatial sectors, each served by a dedicated directional antenna. This segmentation eliminates inter-sector roaming overhead because mobile devices remain within a single sector and do not need to roam between access points. The centralized control also prevents transmission collisions through coordinated sector management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for efficient coverage of large areas with a single 802.11 network base station, increasing system capacity and avoiding the need for multiple access points, while maintaining performance and reducing hardware and cabling costs.

Implementation Method 1

an implicit effect of antenna gain is a degree of directivity, and focused transmissions in particular directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntenna gain: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS7596388B2Sectorized wireless communication network operating under 802.11 specifications

Publication Date: 2009.09.29 EXTREME NETWORKS INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided to facilitate communication with a plurality of remote units in a communication area that includes a plurality of spatial sectors. The system includes a network controller configured to receive and transmit under IEEE 802.11 specifications, and a plurality of directional antennas coupled to the network base station. Each of directional antennas functions as an access point for a respective spatial sector. The directional antennas and the network controller are combined as a single base station apparatus in an exemplary embodiment. Further, an exemplary network controller is configured to concurrently transmit a plurality of the data frames to more than one of the spatial sectors, and to synchronize the transmissions in a manner whereby all of the concurrently transmitted frames end simultaneously.