Steerable Relay Radio Routing Around High-Frequency Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications networks face challenges in providing uniform coverage in areas without line of sight, particularly at higher frequencies, due to issues such as atmospheric attenuation and signal degradation through structures, which are exacerbated by weather and building materials.
Innovation Solution
A radio system with electronically steerable transceivers for high-frequency bands, utilizing an analog signal path and a lower-frequency control network to coordinate network mapping and time-multiplexed routing configurations, enabling seamless relaying of signals around obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless communications networks move to higher frequencies (5 GHz and above) to improve data rates, then data rate is improved, but signal attenuation and coverage uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the network into multiple relay nodes distributed throughout the coverage area. Each relay node segments the signal transmission path, receiving high-frequency signals from one node and retransmitting them to another, thereby maintaining coverage uniformity while operating at high frequencies for improved data rates.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay nodes act as intermediaries between the transmitter and receiver. These intermediate devices receive attenuated high-frequency signals and amplify/retransmit them, compensating for the signal degradation caused by atmospheric attenuation and enabling reliable communication at frequencies above 5 GHz.
2Reliability
If atmospheric attenuation is reduced by avoiding high frequencies, then signal penetration is improved, but data rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects optimal relay paths based on real-time channel conditions. When atmospheric attenuation is high, the network dynamically routes signals through alternative relay nodes that provide better penetration, while maintaining high-frequency operation for maximum data rate when atmospheric conditions permit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If building materials with thermal regulation features are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but radio signal attenuation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Relay nodes positioned at strategic locations (such as building exteriors or interior relay points) act as intermediaries that bypass the signal attenuation caused by thermal regulation building materials. The system establishes alternative transmission paths that reduce the impact of these harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct line-of-sight transmission to multi-hop relay transmission, adding intermediate dimensions to the signal path. This dimensional change allows signals to circumvent the attenuation problems of building materials by routing through multiple nodes distributed in three-dimensional space.
4Reliability
If relay nodes are added to improve coverage, then coverage uniformity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple relay nodes are merged into a coordinated network operating on standardized protocols. The nodes combine their individual functions into a unified system that automatically manages signal routing, thereby achieving coverage uniformity without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay nodes autonomously select optimal transmission paths and adjust their operation based on channel conditions without requiring centralized control. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of network management while maintaining coverage uniformity through distributed intelligence.
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
The system ensures reliable, high-throughput, low-latency communication by dynamically coordinating transceivers to maintain line-of-sight connections, overcoming signal attenuation and obstructions, thus enhancing coverage in urban and indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first transceiver (4) for the first frequency band. The first transceiver (4) is electronically steerable to a first direction
Implementation Method 2
relay a radio signal received by the second transceiver (5) to the first transceiver (4) via an analog signal path
Implementation Method 3
a control transceiver (6) for communicating with a wireless network (26) using a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A radio includes: a first transceiver and a second transceiver for a first frequency band, the radio to relay a radio signal received by the second transceiver to the first transceiver via an analog signal path and to retransmit the radio signal using the first transceiver; and a control transceiver for communicating with a wireless network including other radios using a second frequency band. Each of the other radios includes same elements as the radio. The radio is to coordinate with the other radios via the wireless network to: control the first transceiver and the second transceiver to determine a network map for relaying radio signals within the first frequency band; and determine one or more time-multiplexed routing configurations of the radio. The radio is, during a time period corresponding to time-multiplexed routing configuration, to steer the first transceiver to first configuration direction corresponding to one of the other radios.