Weather Radar Link Switching for Rain-Faded Wireless Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems are susceptible to interruptions due to weather influences, particularly rainfall, which can degrade communication quality and lead to service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system equipped with a weather radar antenna for predicting rainfall amounts and quality degradation, coupled with a switching control unit that proactively switches communication paths to maintain connectivity before quality thresholds are breached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high frequency band (millimeter waves) is used in the feeder link, then communication capacity and speed are improved, but communication quality deteriorates due to rainfall influence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary rainfall prediction using weather radar data and communication quality prediction based on the rainfall amount. Before communication quality actually deteriorates, the system predicts the future quality and proactively switches to a spare communication line, preventing service interruption caused by rainfall in high-frequency feeder links
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares spare communication lines in advance and establishes switching capability before rainfall occurs. By monitoring predicted communication quality and having backup paths ready, the system cushions against the harmful effects of rainfall on high-frequency communication links
2Reliability
If working and spare devices are installed for monitoring control, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing weather radar data and automatically performs communication quality prediction and switching control without requiring manual monitoring or complex human-operated backup systems. The automatic switching based on predicted quality reduces the need for extensive manual monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where weather radar data continuously informs rainfall prediction, which in turn drives communication quality prediction and triggers switching decisions. This automated feedback mechanism improves reliability while keeping the system manageable through algorithmic control rather than complex manual procedures
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
Prevents communication interruptions by anticipating weather-induced quality drops and switching to alternative communication paths, ensuring continuous service.
Implementation Method 1
a weather radar antenna that is provided in the wireless station and receives a weather radar signal transmitted from the wireless station toward the node station and reflected
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system according to one embodiment includes: a weather radar antenna that is provided in the wireless station and receives a weather radar signal transmitted from the wireless station toward the node station and reflected; rainfall amount prediction circuitry configured to predict a rainfall amount between the wireless station and the node station on the basis of the weather radar signal received; quality prediction circuitry configured to predict quality of wireless communication between the wireless station and the node station on the basis of the rainfall amount predicted; and switching control circuitry configured to perform control to switch a line connecting the node station and the wireless station to another line connecting the node station and another communication station before interruption of the line in a case where the quality of the wireless communication predicted is less than a predetermined threshold.