Frequency-Translating WLAN Repeater for Low-Delay Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network repeaters increase bandwidth demand and delay data packet transmission by receiving, buffering, and retransmitting on the same channel, which is inefficient and can cause interference, limiting the range of wireless communication and requiring additional wiring for installation.
Innovation Solution
A translating bi-directional packet repeater that receives data packets on one channel and retransmits them on a different channel within microseconds, using a bi-directional amplifier with down and up converters, filters, and a controller to minimize delay and interference, allowing for efficient and extended wireless communication without additional wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional repeater receives, buffers, and retransmits data packets on the same channel, then the wireless communication range is extended, but the bandwidth usage increases and transmission delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency dimensionality by receiving data packets on a first frequency and retransmitting them on a second frequency. This dimensional change in the frequency domain allows simultaneous receive and transmit operations without channel interference, eliminating the bandwidth efficiency loss and delay associated with buffering on the same channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency translator as an intermediary component that converts received signals from the first frequency to the second frequency. This intermediary enables the repeater to operate in half-duplex mode on different frequencies, avoiding the need to buffer packets and retransmit on the same channel, thereby maintaining high bandwidth efficiency.
2Length of stationary object
If a conventional repeater receives, buffers, and retransmits data packets on the same channel, then the wireless communication range is extended, but the transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
By operating on two different frequencies simultaneously, the patent enables the repeater to receive and retransmit packets without buffering delays. The frequency dimensionality allows continuous packet flow through the repeater, minimizing transmission delay while extending communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous packet transmission by using frequency translation to allow simultaneous receive and transmit operations. Packets flow continuously through the repeater without interruption for buffering, maintaining the continuity of useful action and minimizing time loss.
3Area of stationary object
If additional access points are installed to extend wireless range, then the coverage area is increased, but wiring infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the Ethernet wiring requirement from the access point extension solution. By using a wireless repeater that operates on different frequencies, the system extends coverage area without extracting or installing physical wiring infrastructure, simplifying installation while maintaining extended coverage.
4Device complexity
If a repeater operates on the same channel for receive and transmit, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the interference problem by moving the transmit operation to a different frequency dimension while keeping the receive operation on the original frequency. This dimensional separation eliminates self-interference between receive and transmit signals, and the frequency translator component manages this frequency conversion with minimal added complexity.
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 extends the range of wireless communication, reduces bandwidth usage, and minimizes communication delay, enabling reliable data transmission around structural obstacles without the need for additional access points or wiring, ensuring efficient use of wireless LAN bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
A bi-directional amplifier receives and retransmits a wireless signal comprising data packets. The bi-directional amplifier retransmits the data packets without substantially delaying the data packets and without producing interference between the data packets that are being received and retransmitted
Implementation Method 2
A filter that filters the intermediate frequency signal producing a filtered signal
Data Source
AI summary
A translating bi-directional packet repeater includes a first antenna and a second antenna for receiving a wireless signal, amplifying it, and retransmitting it on a different channel. The channel associated with each of the antennas is separated in frequency sufficiently to ensure good isolation between the wireless signals that are received and then retransmitted. The wireless signal is down converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) that is passed through a band pass filter, and the filtered signal is then up converted and retransmitted on the different channel. A controller responds to a wireless signal on one of the antennas in selecting a path through the bi-directional amplifier and the antennas used to receive and retransmit the signal. The isolation between the received wireless signal and the retransmitted wireless signal is sufficient to avoid interference, and the retransmission takes place almost instantaneously to minimize the delay incurred.