US20180013491A1
Deploying line-of-sight communication networks:
MICROWAVE:
HARDWARE[0042] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
[0049] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
Routing Application[0112] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
hardware[0043] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0055] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning—Iteration Leaf Representation[0070] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0071] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0105] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
Hardware[0045] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0046] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0088] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
WAVE:
hardware[0046] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0088] n some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
US8890705B2 2010-07-16 2014-11-18 Qualcomm Incorporated Location determination using radio wave measurements and pressure measurements
PROPAGATE:
Association[0109] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT:
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0092] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
US20180062741A1
Alignment in Line-Of-Sight Communication Networks:
MICROWAVE:
[0042] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
[0049] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
[0112] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
hardware[0043] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0055] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning—Iteration Leaf Representation[0070] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0071] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0105] n a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
Hardware[0045] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0046] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0088] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
WAVE:
hardware[0046] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0088] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
US8890705B2 * 2010-07-16 2014-11-18 Qualcomm Incorporated Location determination using radio wave measurements and pressure measurements
RECEIVE:
hardware[0043] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0055] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning—Example Iterations[0070] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0071]is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0105] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
PROPAGATE:
Association[0109] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT:
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0092] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
US20170223605A1
Association in line-of-sight communication networks
MICROWAVE:
[0045] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception
[0052] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
[0129] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION[0046] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
[0060] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
[0077] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0078] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
[0103] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0119] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION[0048] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0049] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
[0100] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
What Is Claimed 4. The method of , wherein the beam is a narrow beam that is generated by at least one of: a RF system, a millimeter wave system, or an optical system.
[0055] In , an optical delivery front end 492 provides multimedia services to a group of residences or dwelling units 480-487. In particular, the optical delivery front end includes an optical transmitter with a multiplexer 406 interconnected with (i) an OLT 412 via transport media 404 (1490/1550 nm inbound signals from OLT to multiplexer and 1310 nm outbound signals from multiplexer to OLT), (ii) a headend unit such as a multi-antenna broadcast receiving headend 426 via transport media 424 (RF signals typical), and (iii) an optical splitter 410 via transport media 408 and having plural ports 409. The optical splitter ports provide bidirectional communications with multiple residential or dwelling units.
WAVE:
[0049] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
[0100] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
What Is Claimed4. The method of , wherein the beam is a narrow beam that is generated by at least one of: a RF system, a millimeter wave system, or an optical system.
PROPAGATE:
[0123] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT:
[0103] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0104] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
MICROWAVE:
[0045] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
[0052] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
[0129] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
EP3018862A1
Association in Line-Of-Sight Communication Networks:
MICROWAVE:
hardware[0025] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radiofrequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
[0032] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
Routing Application[0095] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910a and 2910b. During the figplanning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910a and 2910b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
WAVE:
[0029] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
[0071] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90 * 15 = 1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
RECEIVE:
[0026] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0038] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning - Example Iterations[0053] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130a-j to regions 705b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705a.
[0054] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230a-h service all the regions 705a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0074] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0088] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1 ,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
TRANSMIT:
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0074] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0075] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
PROPAGATE:
[0092] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
RF:
Network Overview[0028] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0029] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0071] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90 * 15 = 1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours
EP3018862B1
Association in Line-Of-Sight Communication Networks:
MICROWAVE:
HARDWARE[0026] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radiofrequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
[0033] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
Routing Application[0096] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910a and 2910b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910a and 2910b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
Hardware[0027] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc..
Node-Placement Planning[0039] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning - Example Iterations[0054] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130a-j to regions 705b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705a.
[0055] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230a-h service all the regions 705a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0075] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0089] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
Hardware[0029] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0030] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0072] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90 * 15 = 1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
Wave:
Hardware[0030] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0072] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90 * 15 = 1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
PROPAGATE:
Association[0093] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0075] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0076] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
US20160134373A1
Alignment in line-of-sight communication networks :
RECEIVE:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0007] Fiber optic transmission, receiving, and conditioning equipment also represents a significant cost hurdle as compared with required metallic cable counterparts. For example, fiber optics transmit, amplify, receive, and split equipment costs for either of dense wavelength division multiplexing (“DWDM”) equipment (e.g., 0.8 nm channel spacing) or coarse wavelength division multiplexing (“CWDM”) equipment (e.g., 20 nm channel spacing) far exceed the costs of counterpart equipment required for twisted pair and coaxial cable signals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS[0020] is a block diagram 100 illustrating a signal transport and distribution system in accordance with the present invention. In the diagram, signals originate with the Internet Service provider (“ISP”) 102 and/or a line end device such as an optical line terminator (“OLT”) 112, the broadcast signal sources 126 such as direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) satellite low noise block downconverter (“LNB”) outputs, off-air antenna outputs, or cable television (“CATV”) outputs, and in some embodiments with the user appliances 130. Signal end points include one or more user appliances 132. User appliances include televisions, computers, phones and other devices equipped to originate or receive available electromagnetic signals. To the extent a user appliance, for example a computer, sends and receives signals, it is represented by blocks 130, 132.
[0030] is a schematic diagram 200 illustrating an embodiment of the signal transport and distribution system of . In the diagram, signals originate with the ISP/OLT 202/212, the broadcast signal source 226, and in some embodiments with devices (not shown) using an Ethernet port 235 associated with an ONU 234. Signal endpoints include any user devices that a) may interconnect with the Ethernet port 234 and b) may interconnect via ports 220 to receive signals S1-S6 of a second multiplexer 218. User appliances include televisions, computers, phones and other devices equipped to originate or receive available electromagnetic signals.
[0040] Signal endpoints include any user devices that a) may interconnect with the Ethernet port 335 and b) may interconnect via ports 320 to receive signals S1-S6 of a second multiplexer 318. User appliances include televisions, computers, phones such as VOIP phones and other devices equipped to originate or receive available electromagnetic signals. As shown, signal endpoints include a television 352 via an interconnected 356 set top box 350 and a computer and/or VOIP phone(s) 354 interconnected 358 with the Ethernet connection 335 of an ONU 334.
CLAIMS 8. The system of adapted to receive six radio frequency signals and one optical signal from the upstream transceiver to each downstream transceiver, and one optical signal from each downstream transceiver to the upstream transceiver.
RF:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS[0053] In , an optical delivery front end 492 provides multimedia services to a residential or dwelling unit 490. In particular, the optical delivery front end includes an optical transmitter with a multiplexer 406 interconnected with (i) an OLT 412 via transport media 404 (1490/1550 nm inbound signals from OLT to multiplexer and 1310 nm outbound signals from multiplexer to OLT), (ii) a headend unit such as a multi-antenna broadcast receiving headend 426 via transport media 424 (RF signals typical), and (iii) an optical splitter 410 via transport media 408 and having plural ports 409. The optical splitter ports provide bidirectional communications with multiple residential or dwelling units, unit 490 being typical.
[0055] In , an optical delivery front end 492 provides multimedia services to a group of residences or dwelling units 480-487. In particular, the optical delivery front end includes an optical transmitter with a multiplexer 406 interconnected with (i) an OLT 412 via transport media 404 (1490/1550 nm inbound signals from OLT to multiplexer and 1310 nm outbound signals from multiplexer to OLT), (ii) a headend unit such as a multi-antenna broadcast receiving headend 426 via transport media 424 (RF signals typical), and (iii) an optical splitter 410 via transport media 408 and having plural ports 409. The optical splitter ports provide bidirectional communications with multiple residential or dwelling units.
[0057] In , an optical delivery front end 492 provides multimedia services to floors 1-8 of a multi-floor building. In particular, the optical delivery front end includes an optical transmitter with a multiplexer 406 interconnected with (i) an OLT 412 via transport media 404 (1490/1550 nm inbound signals from OLT to multiplexer and 1310 nm outbound signals from multiplexer to OLT), (ii) a headend unit such as a multi-antenna broadcast receiving headend 426 via transport media 424 (RF signals typical), and (iii) an optical splitter 410 via transport media 408 and having plural ports 409. The optical splitter ports provide bidirectional communications with multiple floors of a multi-floor building.
CITATIONSUS8917991B2 * 2008-10-10 2014-12-23 Aurora Networks, Inc. FTTH RF over glass (RFoG) architecture and CPE with wavelength separator NON-PATENT CITATIONS Whitelock: "UNDERSTANDING and controlling RF interference", February 1, 1999, http://www.svconline.com/news/news/understanding-and-controlling-rf-interference/364849 * SIMILAR DOCUMENTS US20100014868A1 2010-01-21 Hybrid optical/wireless RF transceiver modules and photonic network components US6460182B1 2002-10-01 Optical communication system for transmitting RF signals downstream and bidirectional telephony signals which also include RF control signals upstream US20080124083A1 2008-05-29 Architecture to Communicate with standard Hybrid Fiber Coaxial RF Signals over a Passive Optical Network (HFC PON)
Wave:
US6560213B1 2003-05-06 Wideband wireless access local loop based on millimeter wave technology US7796890B1 2010-09-14 Hybrid PON/surface wave terrestrial accessPROPAGATE:
Association (NONE)TRANSMIT:
[0007] Fiber optic transmission, receiving, and conditioning equipment also represents a significant cost hurdle as compared with required metallic cable counterparts. For example, fiber optics transmit, amplify, receive, and split equipment costs for either of dense wavelength division multiplexing (“DWDM”) equipment (e.g., 0.8 nm channel spacing) or coarse wavelength division multiplexing (“CWDM”) equipment (e.g., 20 nm channel spacing) far exceed the costs of counterpart equipment required for twisted pair and coaxial cable signals.
US20160134373A1
Deploying line-of-sight communication Network:
MICROWAVE:
HARDWARE[0041] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment
[0048] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
Routing Application[0012] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
Hardware[0042] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0054] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning - Example Iterations[0069] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0070] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0105] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
Hardware[0044] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0045] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[00878 In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
Wave:
Hardware[0045] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0087] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
US8890705B2 2010-07-16 2014-11-18 Qualcomm Incorporated Location determination using radio wave measurements and pressure measurementsPROPAGATE:
Association[0109] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT:
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0092] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
US20160134372A1
Alignment in line-of-sight communication networks :
MICROWAVE:
HARDWARE[0041] is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
[0048] Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
Routing Application[0110] is a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
Hardware[0042] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0054] is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning - Example Iterations[0069] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0072] is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0092] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0104] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
Hardware[0044] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0045] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0087] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
Wave:
Hardware[0045] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0087] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
US8890705B2 * 2010-07-16 2014-11-18 Qualcomm Incorporated Location determination using radio wave measurements and pressure measurementsPROPAGATE:
Association[0108] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT:
Alignment - LOS Search Variations[0090] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0091] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.
US9661552B2
Alignment in Line-Of-Sight Communication Networks:
MICROWAVE:
HARDWAREis a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
Note that the LOS ranges depicted herein may be unrelated to the wireless access ranges, radiofrequency, and/or microwave communication methods of other modules.
is a block diagram of some components in a node 200 as may occur in some embodiments. Power module 205 may be any suitable connection to a power source, e.g., a connection to a land-based power source (a grid-based alternating current), to a solar cell, to a battery source, to a voltage difference in a natural medium, etc. Network access module 210 may be a component in the node 200 used to provide local network access. For example, network access module 210 may be a WIFI wireless access point, a wired Ethernet terminal, etc. Connection bay 215 may include a plurality of connection modules 215 a-n for communication with peer nodes. Connection modules 215 a-n need not be the same form of communication, e.g., they may be microwave, line-of-sight optical, laser-based, radio-frequency, directional antenna systems, hardline connections, etc. The connection modules 215 a-n may have different bandwidths and communication rates. Connection modules 215 a-n may include both transmission and reception components and may be associated with a same or different peer node. Some connection modules 215 a-n may be specifically designed for communication with a backbone. Connection modules 215 a-n may include individual or shared actuators for alignment and directional transmission/reception.
ROUTING APPLICATIONis a topological block diagram depicting a rerouting event in a Cartesian-network as may occur in some embodiments. For example, fog 2905 may form between the nodes 2910 a and 2910 b. During the planning phase, the anticipated weather patterns may be taken into consideration and alternative routing preferences included in the distributed nodes. For example, node 2910 a may be redirected to form an optical connection with node 2910 c. In some embodiments this rerouting may be performed dynamically, e.g., by restarting the Association process for the nodes disconnected from the backbone. In some embodiments, this Association process may differ from the original Association and may consider rerouting guidance provided from the planning phase. Routing adjustments may not only include the creation of new connections, but may instead include communication module changes. For example, fog 2905 may be impenetrable at optical wavelengths, but not a microwave wavelengths. Accordingly, nodes 2910 a and 2910 b may switch to another communication medium (e.g., microwave) until the condition abates.
RECEIVE:
hardwareLocation module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planningis a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.ies or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning—Iteration Leaf RepresentationFig. 11 is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
Fig. 12 is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment—LOS Search VariationsIn some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
AssociationIn a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
RF:
Hardware[0045] The access module 210 may be designed to share connectivity with both mobile and fixed end user devices in the area immediately surrounding the node (and perhaps to users closer to this node than to other peer nodes). The access subsystem may use wide area coverage wireless technologies to connect with many end users in its vicinity. Rather than a physical fiber, the backhaul subsystem may utilize narrow beam communication systems (optical, RF with high gain antennas, etc.) to pass high data rates to neighboring nodes efficiently and to minimize communication interference between other backhaul nodes.
[0046] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0088] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
WAVE:
hardware[0046] The narrow beam technologies used for the backhaul subsystem may include (but are not limited to), RF, millimeter wave, and optical. Beam divergences for the backhaul subsystem may be approximately 3-5 degrees for RF systems, 1-3 degrees for millimeter wave systems, and 0.05 to 0.5 degrees for optical systems, though these ranges are offered as examples and one will readily recognize that others are possible.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0088] In some embodiments, during Alignment the node may perform a random search with narrow beams, e.g., a small window 325. In these embodiments, the node may use a step size of one half the beam width (e.g., width of the window 325) and a dwell-time at least twice the time to step between two angles. For example, a beam steering system could take 5 ms to switch between two positions and dwell for 10 ms at each position. In the case of an RF beam width of 4 degrees, an angular step size of 2 degrees may be used. Each node would then search within 90*15=1350 steps in this example. For the node to detect a neighboring node in this example, both narrow beams may need to align which would take 1.82 million steps. With each step taking 15 ms the total time to align a pair of nodes may take 7.6 hours. A millimeter wave system with a 2 degree beam width and a step size of 1 degree may instead allow each node would search through 5400 steps. Detection would take 29.1 million steps, which would take 121 hours.
RECEIVE:
hardware[0043] Location module 220 may include one or more components used for determining location and/or orientation, such as a GPS reception system, a compass, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, etc. The pressure sensor may be used to acquire relative barometric measurements as compared with peer nodes as described further herein. Memory module 230 may include one or more memory devices, which may be solid-state memories, hard disk memories, etc. A cache 235 may be used for storing user-requested information as discussed in greater detail herein. Peer topology information 240 may include a record of peer locations, their ranking relative to a backbone node, etc., for example as determined during Association, as discussed herein. Routing information 245 may include protocols for sending information via different peers based upon channel conditions, traffic load, weather conditions, network load, etc. Logic 250 may include operational logic to maintain connection modules 215 a-n, to forward and redirect information to users, to generally maintain the operation of node 200, etc. One or more processors 255 may be used to run the logic 250. Though this example depicts a common memory-processor instruction architecture, one will readily recognize that the described operations may be implemented using other tools, e.g., Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). A user interface 260 may be included for an in-field operator or for users to interact with the node 200, e.g., to designate its mode of operation, to configure its position, to receive data, etc.
Node-Placement Planning[0055] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram depicting operations in a node-placement-planning algorithm as may occur in some embodiments. At block 505, the system may receive various target constraints. For example, the planners of the network may specify the maximum number of nodes available, the desired coverage per region, prioritization of certain communities or areas, the iteration parameters discussed in greater detail herein, etc.
Node-Placement Planning—Example Iterations[0070] Fig. 11 is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. Node placement may continue until a stop condition is reached as discussed herein. The system may then identify all the viable paths among the placed nodes and then assign them appropriate metrics. For example, depicts a path from the backbone via nodes 1130 a-j to regions 705 b-e. This path may receive a relatively lower-valued metric as it requires a considerable number of nodes and fails to service the region 705 a.
[0071] FIG. 12 is an example resultant path of the node-placement-process of as may occur in some embodiments. This example path may receive a higher relative metric value than the example of as the nodes 1230 a-h service all the regions 705 a-e. However, this path still requires a rather large number of nodes.
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
Association[0105] In a similar manner, the regular speed node links closest to node 2505 a may seek out the node with the (0,Y) where Y is any number (the preference for X being zero again based on a total ordering associated with distance). Each node which has been informed of a nearby node with a (0,Y) rank may begin a search of the coordinate area around the GPS coordinates of the node. The (0,Y) node may begin a search in the direction of the closest (X,Y) nodes. When a link is established the node 2510 a-d updates its rank to (1,Y) and this rank is updated in the message shared with neighboring nodes. Other nodes without associated hardware that receive the message with a device with a (1,Y) node begin a search in the direction of the (1,Y) node and the process continues from there.
PROPAGATE:
Association[0109] As discussed above, ranking information may back-propagate to the connection nodes on the backbone. The backbone nodes have knowledge of the desired network topology and may resubmit the ranking information into the network so as to accord with the preferred ranking. Accordingly, at block 2630 the node may determine if a higher prioritized path has been identified, e.g., as designated by a backbone node. If so, the ranking may be adjusted pursuant to blocks 2615 and 2620. If no higher priority information has been received, then the node may continue to passively listen for incoming ranking information.
TRANSMIT:
Alignment—LOS Search Variations[0091] In some embodiments, an omnidirectional receive antenna/sensor or omnidirectional transmit antenna/source may be connected to the node. This omnidirectional device may reduce the number of search steps of each node to the square root of the set time as it would not require that each node have exactly determined its relative alignment with its peer for the two to recognize one another.
[0092] Some embodiments implement a GPS-assisted search that may employ additional long-range wide area wireless technology. Each node may be fitted with an altimeter (e.g., using the barometric approach described herein) and GPS receiver to determine its position in space. The nodes may then share this information with neighboring peers to aid in alignment. An additional omnidirectional radio may also be used to share the information. The frequency and transmit power of this radio may be chosen to allow the signal to adequately reach the nearby nodes (e.g., as determined during the planning phase described above). Collision avoidance techniques may be performed and could be used to share the channel between the many nodes.