Photonics-Based Terahertz Wireless RAN Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The terahertz frequency band poses challenges such as high propagation loss and high implementation costs for 6G mobile communication, and existing optical communication networks face difficulties in disaster recovery due to complex and costly wired infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing photonics-based terahertz wireless communication for wireless fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul networks, which uses photonics-based transmitters and receivers to generate and receive terahertz waves, allowing for data transmission without additional electronic equipment or network elements, thereby reducing capital and operating expenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing RF electronic equipment is utilized for terahertz communication, then communication infrastructure can be implemented, but implementation costs become excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional RF electronic equipment with a photonics-based system using optical components. Specifically, it uses optical modulators, photomixers, and optical signal generators to generate and modulate terahertz waves, substituting electronic RF components with optical components that operate at higher frequencies with lower cost and better performance characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using optical frequency domains instead of RF electronic domains. By generating terahertz waves through optical heterodyning of two laser beams with slightly different frequencies, the system achieves terahertz frequencies through optical parameter manipulation rather than electronic amplification, thereby reducing implementation costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If wired optical communication networks are used for fronthaul and backhaul, then stable communication is achieved, but disaster recovery becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoiddisaster recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling both wired optical communication and wireless terahertz communication to coexist in the same network. The system can dynamically switch between wired mode (for stable operation) and wireless mode (for rapid disaster recovery), making the network flexible and adaptable to different operational conditions including disaster scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication network into multiple independent transmission paths: wired optical fiber paths and wireless terahertz paths. This segmentation allows the wireless terahertz communication to serve as an independent backup channel that can be rapidly deployed when wired infrastructure is damaged, without being dependent on the physical integrity of fiber optic cables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If more cells are deployed to provide wideband services, then service coverage is improved, but network complexity and deployment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice coverageVSAvoidnetwork configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal communication platform that can operate in both wired and wireless modes using the same core technology architecture. The photonics-based terahertz system can function as either a wireless access point or a wireless backhaul link, providing multi-functionality that simplifies network planning and deployment for wideband services across multiple cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the deployment of 6G and beyond communication networks without additional capital expenditure and operating costs, while also facilitating rapid and cost-effective disaster recovery by replacing wired networks with wireless infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

an photomixer configured to generate an terahertz wave based on a signal coupled by the optical coupler. The terahertz wave may be generated based on a wavelength difference between the light generated by the first optical signal generator and the light generated by the second optical signal generator.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical heterodyning: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 2

an optical modulator configured to modulate the light generated by the first optical signal generator based on a data signal to be transmitted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic modulation: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20240178916A1Radio access network (RAN) equipment and communication equipment for performing photonics-based terahertz wireless communication

Publication Date: 2024.05.30 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

Disclosed are a radio access network (RAN) equipment and communication equipment for performing photonics-based terahertz wireless communication. The RAN equipment includes a radio unit (RU), a distributed unit (DU), and a central unit (CU), wherein the RU and the DU are configured to transmit and/or receive data through photonics-based terahertz wireless communication, and the DU and the CU are configured to transmit and/or receive data through photonics-based terahertz wireless communication.