Wireless Mesh Network Pole Structures With Fiber Backhaul and Solar Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication mesh network designs face challenges due to the high cost and complexity of providing power and backhaul connectivity for a large number of small cell or access points, especially when using the millimeter wave spectrum, making network rollout expensive.
Innovation Solution
Extending an existing fiber network to a property by identifying a convenient location on the fiber network, splicing a first fiber link, and deploying a second link to the property, which is then used as a seed node for a wireless communication mesh network with backhaul connectivity, and installing pole structures with ptp and/or ptmp radios powered by various sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If millimeter wave spectrum is used for wireless communication, then communication speed and bandwidth are improved, but the number of required access points increases and deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single pole structure: wireless communication antenna, power generation (solar panels), power storage (battery), and backhaul connectivity (fiber optic terminal). This integration eliminates the need for separate infrastructure components, reducing the overall number of devices required while maintaining millimeter wave communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a support structure, houses communication equipment, generates power, stores energy, and provides backhaul connectivity. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, addressing the complexity issue while preserving high-speed communication.
2Area of stationary object
If a large number of small cell or access point sites are deployed, then coverage area is improved, but power and backhaul connectivity cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structure generates its own power through integrated solar panels and stores energy in an on-board battery, eliminating the need for external power infrastructure. The fiber optic backhaul connectivity is built-in, removing the need for separate power and connectivity infrastructure. This self-sufficiency dramatically reduces the cost of deploying additional coverage points.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure comes pre-equipped with power generation, power storage, and backhaul connectivity capabilities before deployment. This preliminary integration of essential infrastructure components means that each additional pole can be deployed independently without requiring expensive external power and connectivity infrastructure, reducing the marginal cost of expanding coverage area.
3Reliability
If traditional fiber network extension is used, then backhaul connectivity is provided, but installation time and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structure arrives pre-configured with fiber optic backhaul connectivity equipment already installed and tested. The fiber terminal is integrated into the pole structure before deployment, eliminating the need for on-site infrastructure installation. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time while ensuring reliable backhaul connectivity.
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
Reduces the cost and time required to establish a wireless communication mesh network by leveraging existing fiber infrastructure and utilizing efficient power sources, enabling high-speed internet and communication links with reduced installation expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The pole structure may include solar panels that provide power to ptp/ptmp radios and other electronic circuitry that may be mounted on the pole structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods relating to wireless communication mesh networks. In one aspect, the disclosed systems and methods may involve (1) a preexisting fiber network associated with a geographical area that includes buildings, where the preexisting fiber network comprises preexisting fiber links, (2) a first fiber link that is spliced into a given one of the preexisting fiber links coupled to the preexisting fiber network at a given location that was identified as being convenient for extending the preexisting fiber network, (3) a second fiber link that is deployed between the given location and a given building that is closest to the given location, where the given building is configured to serve as a seed node of a wireless communication mesh network that has backhaul connectivity through the preexisting fiber network, and (4) one or more point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication links that originate from the seed node.