Weather-Adaptive Optical Link Switching for Ground Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintaining wireless transmission lines using high frequency electromagnetic waves like laser light and millimeter waves is challenging due to weather conditions, particularly rain, which can negatively affect optical wireless communication networks.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus dynamically adjusts the connection destinations of optical wireless communication paths based on weather forecast data, switching to alternative paths or combining with radio communication and wired connections to mitigate weather impacts, thereby enhancing network reliability and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If optical wireless communication is used for high-speed transmission, then transmission speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between optical wireless communication and radio communication based on real-time weather conditions. When weather is good, optical communication provides high-speed transmission. When weather deteriorates, the system automatically switches to radio communication to maintain reliability, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability through dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the communication mode parameter based on weather conditions. By monitoring weather parameters (rainfall, visibility) and switching between optical and radio communication modes, the system optimizes both speed and reliability according to environmental conditions, resolving the technical contradiction through parameter adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dynamic path switching is implemented to avoid weather impacts, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses weather forecast data as feedback to predict future communication quality and proactively switches paths before degradation occurs. This feedback mechanism automates the decision-making process, improving reliability through systematic monitoring while managing complexity through rule-based automation rather than complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by using weather forecast data to predict future conditions and switching paths in advance before actual communication degradation occurs. This proactive approach improves reliability by avoiding weather impacts before they affect transmission, while the complexity is managed through pre-established switching criteria and automated decision logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 improves the operational efficiency and reliability of wireless communication networks by effectively avoiding adverse weather effects on optical transmission, ensuring continuous communication through dynamic path switching and hybrid communication methods.

Implementation Method 1

determines whether or not a connection destination of an optical wireless communication connection of one wireless device among a plurality of wireless devices is to be switched based on weather forecast data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeather forecast data analysis:

Implementation Method 2

causes a plurality of wireless devices to switch connection destinations of optical wireless communication connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical wireless communication:

Implementation Method 3

adding a communication path of radio communication to the communication network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio communication:

Data Source

PatentUS20260019915A1Control apparatus, program, and system

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 SOFTBANK CORPORATION

AI summary

Provided is a control apparatus including a weather forecast data acquisition unit which acquires, with regard to each of a plurality of wireless devices installed on a ground, weather forecast data which forecasts weather between one wireless device among the plurality of wireless devices and a wireless device with which optical wireless communication connection can be established by the one wireless device among the plurality of wireless devices, a communication related information reception unit which receives communication related information in connection with communication of a wireless device from each of the plurality of wireless devices, a switching determination unit which determines whether or not a connection destination of optical wireless communication connection of the one wireless device is to be switched, a connection destination selection unit which selects a connection destination of optical wireless communication connection of the one wireless device.