Vertically Interleaved MIMO Antenna System for In-Building Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-building distributed antenna systems using single input, single output (SISO) wireless technologies are limited by their slow data throughput, failing to provide reliable wireless signal coverage across all areas of a building due to signal attenuation by building materials.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) in-building distributed antenna system, which includes a MIMO radio with branch connectors and transport mediums, and vertically interleaved antennas on alternating floors to enhance wireless coverage by distributing signals across multiple branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single input single output (SISO) wireless technology is used in distributed antenna systems, then the system is simpler to implement, but the data throughput is slow and spectral efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent branches, each handling separate data streams. The distributed antenna system is divided into multiple radio units and antenna groups that operate in parallel, enabling multiple input multiple output (MIMO) functionality. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher data throughput by simultaneously transmitting multiple independent signals through different antenna branches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-input single-output (SISO) to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) by adding spatial dimensionality to the wireless communication system. Multiple antennas are deployed across different floors and locations, creating a three-dimensional antenna distribution pattern. This dimensional expansion enables parallel data streams and significantly increases spectral efficiency and data throughput.
2Area of stationary object
If antennas are distributed throughout the building to improve coverage, then signal coverage area increases, but the amount of cabling required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cabling infrastructure into multiple separate branches, with each branch serving a specific radio unit and its associated antennas. By organizing the distribution system into modular branches, the cabling is optimized for each segment rather than requiring extensive cross-building cable runs. Each branch can be independently routed and managed, reducing overall cable quantity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of multi-story buildings to distribute antennas across different floors. This vertical distribution reduces the need for extensive horizontal cabling across the entire building footprint. By placing antennas on multiple floors and using vertical cable runs through building shafts and conduits, the system achieves wide coverage with reduced total cable length compared to horizontal distribution patterns.
3Strength
If building materials are present to provide structural support, then the building maintains its structural integrity, but wireless signals are attenuated making reception unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by placing distributed antennas in specific locations throughout the building where signal coverage is needed, rather than relying on a single external source. Antennas are positioned in ceiling plenums, wall cavities, and other locations that provide both structural support and optimal signal distribution. This localized antenna placement ensures reliable reception in each specific area while maintaining the building's overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the building's existing structural elements (ceilings, walls, floors) as intermediaries to house and protect the antenna systems. Antennas are installed within ceiling plenums and wall cavities, using the building structure itself as the mounting framework. This approach maintains structural integrity while the distributed antennas penetrate through floors and walls to provide reliable wireless coverage throughout the building interior.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically interleaved in-building distributed antenna system is described. The in-building distributed antenna system includes a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radio. The MIMO radio includes a first branch connector and a second branch connector. The in-building distributed antenna system further includes a first branch transport medium coupled to the first branch connector and a second branch transport medium coupled to the second branch connector. The in-building distributed antenna system further includes a plurality of antennas. The plurality of antennas includes one or more first branch antennas coupled to the first branch transport medium and one or more second branch antennas coupled to the second branch transport medium. The first branch antennas are vertically interleaved with the second branch antennas in the structure.