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Enhancing Mesh Networks with Software Steerable Antennas: Challenges and Innovations

This article explores the role of software steerable antennas in improving mesh networks, highlighting their advantages such as high gain and narrow beam capabilities that minimize interference and enhance network topology control. We discuss the challenges they face, including the hidden terminal problem and regulatory limitations on unlicensed bands. The paper introduces a first prototype utilizing an 8x8 dipole array and delves into the complexities of phased array antenna design and phase shifter development, showcasing innovative simulations and design considerations for future implementations.

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Enhancing Mesh Networks with Software Steerable Antennas: Challenges and Innovations

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  1. Commodity software steerable antennas for mesh networks Jim Kajiya MSR

  2. Why software steerable antennas? • High gain antenna significantly improves mesh networks. • Narrow beam antennas are key to network topology control for minimizing interference. • High gain, low sidelobe design enables indoor placement • Software antenna control integrates routing and propagation. • Much nearer term than smart antennas/MIMO.

  3. Challenges for steerable antennas in mesh networks • Exacerbates hidden terminal problem • FCC regulations for unlicensed bands limit ERP • Aimed at access point abuse, current regulations preclude neighborhood mesh • Cost increment over omni • High gain antenna is currently very expensive

  4. First Prototype • 8x8 dipole array • Designing feed network was the hard part

  5. Phased array Antenna • Induce time delays • Phase shifters are currently expensive d 2d 3d

  6. Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) Phase shifter Dielectric

  7. CPW Phase shifter uses elementary transmission line physics • Delay is given by • Impedance is given by • As distance varies relative permittivity changes

  8. Simulation Results Phase shifter design is best done with dielectric penetrating the air gap in a coplanar waveguide.

  9. Simulation Results, cont’d • High dielectric constant material not necessary: alumina with =10 is fine. • Variable characteristic impedance does not materially affect antenna pattern or VSWR.

  10. Simulation of 4 element patch Beam Patterns

  11. Next Design • Coplanar Waveguide phase shifters compatible with corporate feed. • Form factor for indoor wall mounting

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