Wireless Network Device Antenna Configuration for Coverage Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network access points face challenges in providing consistent connection quality due to diverse user equipment and installation environments, with internal antennas offering limited customizable radiation patterns and potential interference between multiple access points.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network device featuring a substrate with multiple first antennas and a central antenna, allowing for configurable radiation patterns by switching between different antenna configurations to optimize signal coverage based on installation position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If internal antenna design is adopted to meet aesthetic requirements, then the device appearance is improved, but the radiation pattern performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements (first antenna, second antenna, third antenna, fourth antenna) arranged around the central axis. Each antenna element can be independently controlled to provide different radiation patterns, allowing the system to maintain aesthetic internal antenna design while achieving superior radiation performance through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple antenna elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they can operate individually or in combination, providing different radiation patterns (omnidirectional, directional, sectoral) depending on the operational mode. This multi-functionality allows the internal antenna system to adapt to various installation environments while maintaining compact appearance.
2Device complexity
If a single radiation pattern is provided by internal antennas, then the antenna structure is simplified, but the adaptability to diverse installation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system implements dynamic adaptability by enabling different operational modes where specific antenna elements are activated or deactivated based on installation requirements. The system can dynamically switch between using all four antennas for omnidirectional coverage, or activate only specific antennas (e.g., first and second, or third and fourth) for directional coverage, providing adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which antenna elements are active, their excitation phases, and amplitude weights) to adapt to different installation environments. By adjusting these parameters, the same physical antenna structure can produce different radiation patterns suitable for ceiling mounting, wall mounting, or portable device installations.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple APs are installed in the same space to improve coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but interference between APs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system provides local quality optimization by enabling different radiation patterns for different spatial directions. When multiple APs are deployed, each AP can be configured with a directional radiation pattern focused on its local coverage area, reducing signal spill-over into neighboring APs' coverage zones and thereby minimizing interference while maintaining adequate overall coverage.
4Reliability
If smart antenna technology is adopted to improve performance, then the connection quality is improved, but the product design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective approach by using simple dipole or monopole antenna elements rather than complex smart antenna components. These basic antenna structures are inexpensive to manufacture and integrate, achieving good connection quality through clever arrangement and control strategies rather than through expensive sophisticated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptive radiation pattern optimization through self-service mechanisms where the control unit automatically selects appropriate antenna elements and configures their operation based on detected environmental conditions or predefined installation modes, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or expensive adaptive algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network device including a substrate, a plurality of antennas, a central antenna and a radio frequency (RF) transceiving module is provided. The antennas are disposed near an edge of the substrate. The central antenna is disposed near a central point of the substrate. The RF transceiving module is coupled to the antennas and the central antenna. In a first mode of the wireless network device, the RF transceiving module receives and transmits signals through the antennas. In a second mode of the wireless network device, the RF transceiving module receives and transmits the signals through a part of the antennas and the central antenna.