Smart Combined Laser Radio Link for Mobile Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile radio network base station connections using air links, either laser or radio, face interruptions due to weather conditions, compromising data stream transmission reliability and stability, as laser connections are weather-dependent and have lower maximum bit rates compared to fiber optics, while radio links are more stable but have lower bit rates and higher latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a switch unit in a base station simultaneously uses both laser and radio connections to transmit data streams, splitting them based on measured bit rates to ensure uninterrupted transmission, with the laser connection handling the bulk of the data when sufficient and switching to radio when weather conditions deteriorate, thereby maintaining high bit rates and low latency without interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a laser link is used to provide high maximum bit rate and low latency, then the data transmission speed is improved, but the connection becomes dependent on weather conditions and may fail in severe weather

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum bit rateVSAvoidweather independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines laser link and microwave link into a single communication system, where both links are simultaneously available and can be used together or individually based on conditions, resolving the contradiction between high performance and weather reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the data stream distribution between laser and microwave links based on real-time link quality assessments and weather conditions, allowing flexible adaptation to maintain both high bit rate and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If switching between laser link and microwave link based on weather conditions, then weather independence is improved, but the data stream is interrupted during switching time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather independenceVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous data transmission by simultaneously preparing both laser and microwave links, allowing seamless transition without interruption when weather conditions change, eliminating the switching time penalty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of both laser and microwave link qualities in advance, so when switching is needed, the alternative link is already ready to immediately take over without causing data stream interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a microwave link is used to provide weather stability, then the connection reliability is improved, but the maximum bit rate and latency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather stabilityVSAvoidmaximum bit rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the weather stability advantage of microwave links with the high bit rate advantage of laser links by operating both simultaneously and dynamically allocating data streams based on conditions and requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different transmission qualities to different parts of the data stream, sending time-critical or high-bandwidth data through the laser link when conditions permit, and routing other data through the microwave link, optimizing overall system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If both laser link and microwave link are provided to enable switching, then weather independence is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather independenceVSAvoidlink management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch unit automatically performs link quality assessment, data stream splitting, and dynamic routing decisions between laser and microwave links based on predetermined criteria, eliminating the need for complex external control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a weather-independent air connection with high maximum bit rates and low minimum latency, ensuring continuous data stream transmission by dynamically adapting to changing weather and data stream conditions, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of mobile radio network connections.

Implementation Method 1

a laser unit (11), arranged to transmit the laser data stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a radio relay unit (12), arranged to transmit the microwave data stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4432583A1Smart combined laser radio link

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

Method for operating a base station of a mobile network, wherein a switch unit of a first base station of a mobile network receives a data stream and transmits the received data stream by means of a laser connection or by means of a microwave link to a switch unit of a second base station of the mobile network, as well as base station for a mobile network and computer program product.