Vehicle mmWave Link Switching via Connection Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in providing high-capacity, reliable, and efficient wireless communication to fast-moving vehicles, particularly due to limitations in air interface resource utilization and mobility support, especially in mm-wave frequency bands like 60 GHz, which require frequent handovers and are sensitive to directional changes.
Innovation Solution
A communication system employing directional antennas with electronically steerable beamforming and a connection control circuit to dynamically switch between mm-wave radio communication links, allowing for efficient handovers and adaptation to changing radio conditions, while maintaining compatibility with existing network techniques and principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional Wi-Fi handover mechanisms are used for mobile stations, then mobility support is provided, but the handover speed is slow and data connectivity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a second mmWave link to a target access point before disconnecting from the current access point. The connection control circuit proactively sets up the new link in advance, so when handover occurs, there is no interruption in data connectivity. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the handover path beforehand, eliminating both the slow handover speed and connectivity interruption problems of conventional Wi-Fi.
2Productivity
If directional mmWave communication is used, then high capacity and throughput are achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to directional changes and requires frequent handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing electronically steerable beamforming directional antennas that can dynamically adjust their beam direction. The system maintains high throughput through directional mmWave communication while adapting to vehicle movement by electronically steering the beams to track the optimal path between access points and the vehicle, reducing the need for frequent handovers and improving adaptability to directional changes.
3Reliability
If multiple wireless modems are deployed on the vehicle, then air interface diversity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple wireless modems and their directional antennas under a unified connection control circuit that manages them as an integrated system. The control circuit coordinates the modems and antennas to work together, providing air interface diversity through multiple links while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized control and coordinated operation of the combined components.
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 provides improved performance, reliability, and flexibility in supporting high-capacity communication for fast-moving vehicles by efficiently managing air interface diversity and adapting to changing radio conditions, minimizing disruptions and maintaining seamless connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
employing a first electronically steerable beamforming directional antenna having a first main beam for establishing the first mm wave radio communication link
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system comprises access points (203, 205) communicating via directional beams and a first and second wireless modem (111, 701) for establishing a first and respectively second mm wave radio communication links to access points (203, 205). The first and second wireless modems (111, 701) are located on a vehicle (103) and employ electronically steerable beamforming directional antennas having a first main beams for establishing the radio communication links. A common network element (705) supports communication over both links and a connection control circuit (1001) switches between the links. It further transmits an address resolution message over a link when switching to that link with the message comprising identification data for the common network element (705).