Wireless Repeater Master-Slave Configuration via Existing Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless repeater systems are complex and expensive to install, require significant network planning, and are difficult to reconfigure or expand due to the need for new cabling, leading to high costs and limited awareness of remote unit malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An RF-based Frequency Domain Duplexing repeater system that uses existing or new wiring like coaxial cables, Ethernet, power lines, or fiber optics to connect a master unit with slave units, allowing for simplified installation and reconfiguration, with a master-slave communication protocol for transparent frequency translation and synchronization to minimize frequency offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new cabling is installed from master to each remote unit, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal functions into a single communication medium. The power line carrier communication system uses existing electrical wiring to simultaneously transmit power and communication signals (including synchronization, control, and data), eliminating the need for separate dedicated cabling for each remote unit and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical wiring infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both electrical power delivery and RF communication signals through power line carrier technology. This universal use of the wiring infrastructure reduces the need for additional specialized cabling systems
2Ease of manufacture
If single cable is installed from master to each remote unit, then installation is simplified, but reconfiguration and expansion become difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reconfigurability through software-based master-slave unit roles that can be assigned and changed without physical reconfiguration. Remote units can dynamically join or leave the network, and the master unit can be repositioned or replaced through electronic reconfiguration rather than physical cable restructuring
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent remote units that can operate autonomously once synchronized, allowing individual units to be added, removed, or reconfigured without affecting the entire system. Each unit maintains independent functionality while participating in the distributed network
3Device complexity
If remote units are not in communication with master unit, then system complexity is reduced, but malfunction detection is delayed indefinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where remote units periodically report their operational status, signal quality metrics, and synchronization state to the master unit through power line carrier communications. The master unit monitors these feedback signals to detect malfunctions, signal degradation, or synchronization issues in real-time, enabling proactive system maintenance while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized communication protocols
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
This solution reduces installation costs, simplifies reconfiguration, and maintains a stable link between base stations and subscriber terminals, while minimizing interference and frequency offsets, ensuring effective wireless coverage with reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a master unit in communication with a wireless base station and one or more slave units in communication with one or more subscriber terminals. The master unit and the slave units transport frequencies transparently to one another so as to minimize frequency offsets
Implementation Method 2
The slave units in the repeater system each include a local oscillator that is synchronized to that of the master to ensure that a very low frequency offset is imparted to the repeated RF signal
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A wireless repeater (100) extends a coverage area of a wireless network base station (104) within a structure or facility. The repeater (100) includes a master unit (102) for wirelessly communicating with the wireless network base station (104) and a slave unit for wirelessly communicating with one or more subscriber terminals. The master unit (102) is connected to the slave unit through new existing wiring (110) in the structure to enable the master unit (102) to transmit wireless signals to the slave unit on a downlink transport frequency and to receive wireless signals from the slave unit on an uplink transport frequency in a manner that is transpare the wireless base station (104) and the subscriber terminals.