SBIR Phase I: Transparent Wireless Mesh Network Node

这个小型企业创新计划(SBIR)第一阶段项目通过开发一种新型无线Mesh网络节点的基础，即集成路由器、无线电和天线，来促进天线技术和无线网络性能的发展。事实证明，网络是一种重要的生产力资源，但成本可能很高，尤其是对于高数据率的情况。在城市网络中，通过在更高频率上部署定向天线来最小化干扰并允许大量频率重复使用，可以实现显著的容量提升。室内节点安装在窗户上是可取的，以避免与房东的并发症，避免天气，并减少射频路径损耗。最后，更大的天线产生更多的方向性，所以想要的无线节点需要很大的表面积，但必须是人们愿意挂在窗户上的东西，即透明和吸引人的东西。该项目将使用透明导电涂层与多输入多输出(MIMO)无线电技术相结合，以确定基本透明的无线节点的可行性，该节点实现6度宽的波束，可在120度以上进行电子操控。该项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力包括通过促进高速互联网接入的普及以及通过在美国和世界各地销售创新的新设备来提高美国的竞争力。社区网络将部署这些节点，因为它们是创建建筑物间网络的最低成本和最简单的方式。特别是，通过窗户传递信号克服了公共住房项目典型的砖石结构中的射频吸收。这项技术的成功商业化将显著降低城市无线网络的成本和提高其性能，从而有助于将互联网接入扩展到未得到服务的社区，并降低将3G/4G无线流量转移到当地Wi-Fi热点的成本。

This Small Business Innovation Program (SBIR) Phase I project advances antenna technology and wireless network performance by developing a basis for a new kind of wireless mesh network node, i.e. integrated router, radio and antenna. Networking has proven to be an important productivity resource, but can come at a high cost especially for high-­‐data rates. Dramatic capacity gains in urban networks are achieved by deploying directional antennas at higher frequency to minimize interference and allow substantial frequency reuse. Indoor mounting of nodes in windows is desirable to avoid complications with landlords, avoid weather, and decrease RF path loss. Finally, larger antennas produce more directionality, so the desired wireless node needs a large surface area and yet must be something that people are willing to hang in their windows, i.e. transparent and attractive. This project will use transparent conductive coatings in combination with Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radio technology to establish the feasibility of a mostly transparent wireless node that achieves a 6 degree wide beam that is electronically steerable over 120 degrees. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project includes increased US competitiveness by facilitating the spread of high speed Internet access and through the sale of innovative new devices in the US and worldwide. Community networks will deploy these nodes, as they are the lowest cost and simplest way to create an inter-­‐building network. In particular, delivering signals via windows overcomes RF absorption in the masonry structures typical of public housing projects. Successful commercialization of this technology will significantly reduce the cost and increase the performance of urban wireless networks, thus helping extend Internet access to un-­‐ and under-­‐served neighborhoods and reducing the cost of offloading 3G/4G wireless traffic to local Wi-­‐Fi hotspots.