Serially-Distributed Access Points in Single Cable Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi communication networks face challenges in providing sufficient coverage at an efficient cost due to high installation costs and limitations imposed by the need for parallel wiring and separate Power over Ethernet (PoE) connections for each access point.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of serially-distributed access points along a single cable that carries both power and network connectivity, allowing for the creation of microcells with low-cost consumer-grade access points embedded within the cable, eliminating the need for parallel wiring and reducing installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parallel wiring with separate PoE connections is used for each access point, then reliable power and network connectivity is provided, but installation cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication into a single Ethernet cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. The Ethernet cable that carries network data also carries electrical power to the access point, eliminating the need for separate power wiring and reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable power and network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform both data communication and power delivery functions. This universal cable solution replaces the traditional separate power and data connections, simplifying the overall system architecture and installation process.
2Area of stationary object
If more access points are deployed to increase coverage, then network capacity and coverage area improve, but installation cost increases due to additional wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and data into a single Ethernet cable, the patent enables easier deployment of multiple access points. Each additional access point requires only one Ethernet cable connection instead of two (power + data), significantly reducing installation cost and complexity while allowing for expanded coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent promotes the use of lower-cost access points that can be deployed more frequently and replaced if needed, rather than investing in expensive, high-performance units. This approach allows for flexible expansion of coverage area using multiple affordable access points connected through simplified PoE infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If consumer-grade access points are used to reduce cost, then device cost decreases, but network capacity and performance may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple access points instead of relying on a single high-capacity unit. By deploying multiple consumer-grade access points across different locations, the overall network capacity is aggregated, providing both cost-effectiveness and sufficient total throughput for the coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts from optimizing individual access point performance to optimizing the overall network capacity through spatial distribution. Multiple lower-performance access points distributed across the coverage area provide sufficient aggregate capacity, transforming the problem from vertical (single high-performance unit) to horizontal (multiple distributed units).
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for serially-distributed devices comprises a cable including communication wires comprising at least one fiber optic cable (208) that includes a passive optical splitter at each device of a plurality of serially-distributed devices, and power wires (320) for powering the plurality of devices. The devices are connected to the communication wires along a length of the cable. A headend interface (206) is connected at one end of the cable and is operable to provide a communication interface with the devices along the communication wires. Each device includes an optical diplexer (302) operable to use two different optical wavelengths. A first wavelength is used for receiving signals from the headend interface (206). A second wavelength is used for transmitting signals to the headend interface (206). The optical diplexer (302) includes a filter (304) operable to pass upstream packets to the headend interface (206) at the second wavelength, block the reception of any packets at the second wavelength, and pass downstream packets from the headend interface (206) at the first wavelength.