SBIR Phase II: Low Cost Transparent Wireless Mesh Network Node

该小型企业创新计划（SBIR）第二阶段项目通过开发一种新型无线网状网络节点（即集成路由器、无线电和天线）以及创建此类设备网络所需的软件，推进了天线技术和无线网络性能。网络是一种重要的生产力资源，但成本很高，特别是对于高数据速率。通过部署定向天线以最小化干扰并允许大量的频率重用，可以在城市无线网络中实现显著的容量增益。在室内安装节点在窗口是可取的，以避免复杂的房东，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，因此所需的无线节点需要大的表面积，但必须是人们愿意挂在窗户上的东西，即透明和有吸引力。该项目使用透明导电涂层，结合波束转向和多输入多输出（MIMO）无线电技术，开发一种基本透明的无线节点，实现15度宽的波束，可在110度范围内进行电子转向。该项目更广泛的影响/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全球销售创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法。 特别是，通过窗户传递信号克服了公共住房项目中典型的砌体结构中的RF吸收。这项技术的成功商业化将显著降低成本，提高城市无线网络的性能，从而帮助将互联网接入扩展到未获得服务和服务不足的社区，并降低将3G/4G无线流量卸载到本地Wi-Fi热点的成本。

This Small Business Innovation Program (SBIR) Phase II project advances antenna technology and wireless network performance by developing a new kind of wireless mesh network node, i.e. integrated router, radio and antenna, and the software necessary to create a network of such devices. Networking is an important productivity resource, but can come at a high cost especially for high-data rates. Dramatic capacity gains in urban wireless networks are achieved by deploying directional antennas 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 is using transparent conductive coatings with a novel combination of beam steering and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radio technology to develop a mostly transparent wireless node that achieves a 15 degree wide beam that is electronically steerable over 110 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.