Wireless Gateway Antenna Masked on Support Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large open air venues without overhead structures, conventional wireless communication systems face challenges with line-of-sight issues, dense and controlled coverage, and signal attenuation due to the presence of wireless communication devices and users, particularly in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless communication assembly apparatuses with a wireless gateway device and antenna, positioned within housings adapted to be masked on support structures like handrails or embedded in them, providing directional MIMO arrays for improved coverage and reduced path loss and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gateway devices and antennas are deployed overhead, then Wi-Fi signal coverage can be provided, but signal attenuation occurs due to absorption by users' bodies and objects in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing antennas overhead where signals are attenuated by users' bodies and objects, the patent inverts the deployment approach by positioning gateway devices and antennas at ground level or on support structures at lower elevations. This reversal of the conventional overhead deployment strategy eliminates the path through users' bodies, thereby reducing signal attenuation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands while maintaining Wi-Fi coverage reliability.
2Reliability
If gateway devices are positioned to provide coverage in large open air venues, then wireless communication can be established, but line-of-sight issues arise without overhead structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses line-of-sight issues in large open air venues by transitioning from traditional overhead three-dimensional positioning to ground-level or support-structure-based positioning. This dimensional change in deployment strategy allows signals to propagate through open spaces without obstruction, eliminating line-of-sight problems that occur when antennas are positioned overhead without supporting structures.
3Reliability
If conventional antennas are deployed in dense environments, then wireless communication can be provided, but controlled coverage becomes challenging due to large number of devices and users in small area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by deploying multiple distributed gateway devices and antennas on support structures throughout dense environments rather than using a single centralized overhead system. This segmentation divides the coverage area into multiple zones, each served by individual gateway devices, making it easier to control and manage coverage in areas with large numbers of devices and users in small spaces.
4Reliability
If Wi-Fi signals are positioned overhead, then coverage can be provided, but aesthetics and visibility become a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses support structures (such as light poles, signposts, or other existing infrastructure) as intermediaries to mount gateway devices and antennas. This intermediary approach allows the communication equipment to be positioned at ground level or lower elevations where it can be concealed within or on the support structures, thereby maintaining Wi-Fi signal coverage while improving aesthetics and reducing visibility concerns compared to overhead deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless communication is facilitated via communication assembly apparatuses. A system includes: a wireless gateway device located within a housing and having electrical connection elements for power and network connectivity; and an antenna coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the wireless gateway device. The housing is adapted to be masked on a surface of a support structure exposed to a defined environment, and is configured to serve a first function and the support structure is configured to serve a second function. The first function is distinct from the second function. In various embodiments, the antenna can be a resonant slot antenna, a horn antenna, a dipole antenna, a patch antenna or a custom antenna element. The wireless gateway device can include circuitry that facilitates multiple-input and multiple-output communication of the antenna, and is configured to be powered via power over Ethernet in some embodiments. In various embodiments, the support structure can include, but is not limited to, a hand rail, a stage scaffold, a lamp post and/or a trash can.