Virtual Spectrum Aggregation for Fragmented Wireless Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless communication systems face inefficiencies due to fragmented spectrum allocation, leading to unused blocks and disruptive reallocation processes in satellite and point-to-point communication systems, where available spectrum becomes non-contiguous and inefficiently utilized.
Innovation Solution
The system aggregates multiple disjoint blocks of spectrum into a virtual contiguous block by modulating data streams according to the available bandwidth of each block, using a slicer/demultiplexer to divide input data into sub-streams, which are then modulated and combined using frequency multiplexers to create a single modulated carrier signal, allowing for efficient use of fragmented spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spectrum is allocated to customers in traditional wireless systems, then customers can transmit data, but spectrum becomes fragmented over time leading to unused blocks between allocated blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data stream into multiple sub-streams that can be independently modulated onto different spectral fragments. This allows the system to utilize fragmented spectrum blocks separately rather than requiring a single contiguous block, thereby reducing unused spectrum gaps and improving overall utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple disjoint spectral fragments into a single virtual contiguous spectrum through frequency multiplexing. By merging these fragmented blocks and transmitting different sub-streams simultaneously across them, the system eliminates unused gaps between allocations and achieves cumulative bandwidth utilization接近 the sum of all constituent blocks.
2Productivity
If spectrum reallocation is performed to coalesce unused blocks, then spectrum efficiency improves, but service disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-segmenting the data stream into sub-streams and pre-configuring modulation for multiple spectral fragments. This preparation allows the system to dynamically adapt to available fragmented spectrum without requiring disruptive reallocation events, maintaining service continuity while achieving efficient spectrum utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum aggregation where the system can flexibly allocate and aggregate disjoint spectrum blocks in real-time based on availability. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for static, disruptive reallocation processes while maintaining service continuity, as the system adapts to changing spectrum conditions without interrupting customer service.
3Device complexity
If contiguous spectrum blocks are used, then transmission is simple, but available spectrum may not be sufficient for worst-case bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments both the data stream and the spectrum into multiple components. By dividing the data into sub-streams and mapping them to multiple spectral fragments, the system effectively increases the total available bandwidth beyond what a single contiguous block would provide, while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using a single-dimensional contiguous spectrum block to utilizing multiple one-dimensional spectral fragments that are combined in the frequency domain. This dimensional approach allows the system to aggregate dispersed spectrum resources across different frequency regions, effectively increasing total bandwidth availability while managing complexity through structured multiplexing.
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 approach enables nearly optimal cumulative bandwidth utilization, reducing service disruptions and improving spectral efficiency by allowing flexible allocation and aggregation of disjoint spectrum blocks, enhancing system resilience and usage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
modulating onto each disjoint blocks of spectrum a respective portion of a data stream
Implementation Method 2
which are then modulated and combined using frequency multiplexers to create a single modulated carrier signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for aggregating spectrum in which multiple disjoint blocks of spectrum may be configured as one virtual contiguous block of spectrum by modulating onto each disjoint blocks of spectrum a respective portion of a data stream in which the data rate associated with the modulated portion is compatible with the available bandwidth of the disjoint spectrum block upon which is modulated.