Vehicle Multipath Controllers for Seamless mm-Wave Handovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly Wi-Fi and cellular networks, face challenges in providing high-capacity, reliable communication to fast-moving vehicles due to limitations in frequency spectrum usage and inefficient handovers, especially in mm-wave communication, which results in data interruptions and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A communication system employing electronically steerable beamforming directional antennas and multipath controllers to establish and manage mm-wave radio communication links between vehicles and access points, enabling seamless handovers and efficient resource utilization across multiple network segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional Wi-Fi handovers are used for mobile stations, then mobility support is provided, but the handovers are slow and complex with data connectivity interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes multiple wireless communication links simultaneously before handover is needed. The mobile station maintains active connections with multiple access points at the same time, so when moving between coverage areas, data connectivity continues without interruption because alternative links are already in place and ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network controller that acts as an intermediary to manage multiple wireless links and coordinate handovers. This controller handles the complexity of link management, allowing fast handovers while maintaining data connectivity by routing traffic through appropriate links based on current radio conditions and vehicle position.
2Productivity
If mm-wave communication is used for fast-moving vehicles, then high capacity and throughput are achieved, but the directional nature and fast-changing conditions increase the number of handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming and electronic steering of directional antennas to adapt to fast-changing radio conditions. The system continuously adjusts beam directions and antenna orientations in real-time to maintain optimal mm-wave links, enabling high throughput while reducing the frequency and complexity of handovers through adaptive tracking of the moving vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed networks are segmented into separate network segments, then network management flexibility is improved, but seamless handovers between segments become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal handover management system that operates across multiple network segments. The network controller implements segment-agnostic link management that can coordinate handovers between different network operators and segments, allowing seamless connectivity while maintaining the flexibility of segmented network architecture. The system translates between different segment protocols and manages routing across segment boundaries.
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 reliability, reduced data loss, and increased performance by facilitating efficient handovers and adapting to changing radio conditions, ensuring consistent and high-performance communication for fast-moving vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
employing an electronically steerable beamforming directional antenna having a main beam for establishing the mm wave radio communication link
Implementation Method 2
mm wave radio communication link
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for supporting communication for a vehicle (103) includes a plurality of fixed network segments. Communication from access points (109) to wireless modems (111) uses mm wave radio communication links. The fixed network and vehicle comprise segment multipath controllers (1007, 1101) coupled to the wireless modems or access points (109) for multipath communication with each other. Different segments have different segment multipath controllers (1007). Root multipath controllers (1103) are included having multipath connections coupled to the plurality of segment multipath controllers (1101) and being arranged to perform multipath communication with a complementary root multipath controller (1009) of the fixed network (107). The hierarchical multipath controller approach may provide efficient adaptation to network configuration changes caused by vehicle movement.