Window Optical Link Gateway for Indoor Coverage Without RF Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network internet services experience degradation in indoor environments due to radio signal attenuation by building structures, and conventional RF repeaters amplify interference in outdoor environments, forcing a trade-off between indoor and outdoor service quality.
Innovation Solution
A window-mounted Wi-Fi gateway system with paired outdoor and indoor units that communicate via an optical link through the windowpane, converting RF signals to Wi-Fi or optical signals to extend indoor coverage without interfering with outdoor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outdoor RF repeaters are deployed to amplify radio signals, then indoor signal coverage is improved, but outdoor signal reception is degraded due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication function into two separate units: an outdoor unit that receives RF signals and an indoor unit that provides Wi-Fi coverage. This segmentation allows the outdoor unit to avoid transmitting amplified signals that would cause interference, while the indoor unit operates on a different frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands) that does not interfere with outdoor RF reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical link (using visible light or infrared) as an intermediary communication channel between the outdoor and indoor units. This optical intermediary transfers data without using RF frequencies, thereby eliminating the interference problem associated with traditional RF repeaters while maintaining signal transmission capability.
2Reliability
If RF repeaters retransmit entire frequency bands, then signal amplification is achieved, but spectrum interference increases reducing outdoor reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional RF-based signal transmission mechanism with an optical transmission mechanism. Instead of using electromagnetic RF waves to carry data between units, the system uses optical waves (visible light or infrared) through the window glass, substituting one physical domain for another to avoid spectral interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of the transmission medium from RF electromagnetic waves to optical waves. This parameter change allows the outdoor unit to receive RF signals without retransmitting them as RF, thereby eliminating the spectrum interference that would otherwise occur with traditional RF repeaters.
3Ease of operation
If indoor units are placed inside the building, then installation is simplified, but signal quality is degraded due to poor outdoor signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
The system places the outdoor unit in the optimal location for receiving strong RF signals (outdoors) and the indoor unit in the optimal location for providing coverage (indoors). The optical link bridges these two locations, allowing each unit to be positioned where it performs best without compromising signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical link acts as an intermediary that connects the outdoor unit (positioned for optimal RF reception) with the indoor unit (positioned for optimal indoor coverage). This intermediary allows the outdoor unit to receive high-quality RF signals without being constrained by indoor placement limitations.
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 enhanced indoor mobile internet coverage without degrading outdoor reception, overcoming signal attenuation and interference issues.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter on the first unit and an optical receiver on the second unit, the optical transmitter to transmit optical signals to the optical receiver through the windowpane
Implementation Method 2
communicate with each other via an optical link through the windowpane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A communication apparatus and system for facilitating communications across a physical barrier are discussed herein. In some examples, the system may comprise a first unit to be mounted outside a window and a second unit to be mounted inside the window. A first unit may include at least a power unit, a Wi-Fi unit, and/or an optical unit. The second unit may also include at least a corresponding power unit. In some examples, the second unit may include a corresponding Wi-Fi unit and/or a corresponding optical unit. The first unit can determine capability information associated with the second unit and can configure the first unit based on the capability information. In some examples, the first unit can function as a Wi-Fi mesh system to provide a backhaul connection to access points(s) and/or wireless resources to user equipment.