Inter-dwelling signal management using reconfigurable antennas
A communication system utilizing reconfigurable antenna systems is described where beam steering and null forming techniques are incorporated to limit the region or volume available for communication with client devices. The communication system described restricts communication to defined or desired area and degrades signal strength coverage outside of a prescribed region. An algorithm is used to control the antenna system to monitor and control antenna system performance across the service area. This antenna system technique is applicable for use in communication systems such as a Local Area Network (LAN), cellular communication network, and Machine to Machine (M2M).
1. A method of establishing a plurality of communication zones for a reconfigurable antenna, the reconfigurable antenna system of a communication system, the reconfigurable antenna system being capable of configuration in one of a plurality of possible radiation modes, wherein the reconfigurable antenna system is associated with a distinct radiation pattern when configured in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes, the reconfigurable antenna system configured to communicate signals with one or more client devices in communication with the communication system, the method comprising:
establishing a first communication link between the communication system and a first client device when the first client device is at a first position within a space;
establishing a second communication link between the communication system and the first client device when the first client device is at a second position within the space;
establishing a third communication link between the communication system and the first client device when the first client device is at a third position within the space;
establishing a communication zone based on information communicated between the first client device and the communication system at each of the first position, the second position, and the third position, the communication zone comprising a spatial volume having a boundary.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein when the first client is located at the first position, the method comprises:
configuring the reconfigurable antenna system in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
obtaining a signal strength metric of the first communication link at each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
storing data indicative of the obtained signal strength metric for each radiation mode.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein when the first client is located at the second position, the method comprises:
configuring the reconfigurable antenna system in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
obtaining a signal strength metric of the second communication link at each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
storing data indicative of the obtained signal strength metric for each radiation mode.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein when the first client is located at the third position, the method comprises:
configuring the reconfigurable antenna system in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
obtaining a signal strength metric of the third communication link at each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
storing data indicative of the obtained signal strength metric for each radiation mode.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the method comprises determining the selected mode to provide a signal strength metric within a predetermined range and to reduce signal strength outside of the communication zone.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:
obtaining data indicative of the communication zone for the communication system;
determining a selected radiation mode of the plurality of possible radiation modes based at least in part on the communication zone such that the communication system provides at least a threshold performance at the boundary of the communication zone with lower performance at a location outside of the communication zone.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication zone is associated with a dwelling.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the boundary of the communication zone is located proximate an exterior wall of the dwelling.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the dwelling is a house.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the dwelling is an apartment.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of possible radiation modes is associated with a distinct radiation pattern having a distinct shape or polarization.
12. A communication system, comprising:
a reconfigurable antenna system, the reconfigurable antenna system being capable of configuration in one of a plurality of possible radiation modes, wherein the reconfigurable antenna system is associated with a distinct radiation pattern when configured in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes, the reconfigurable antenna system configured to communicate signals with one or more client devices in communication with the communication system;
one or more processors configured to perform operations, the operations comprising:
establishing a first communication link between the communication system and a first client device when the first client device is at a first position within a space;
establishing a second communication link between the communication system and the first client device when the first client device is at a second position within the space;
establishing a communication zone based on information communicated between the first client device and the communication system at each of the first position and the second position.
13. The communication system of claim 12 , wherein when the first client is located at the first position, the operations comprise:
configuring the reconfigurable antenna system in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
obtaining a signal strength metric of the first communication link at each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
storing data indicative of the obtained signal strength metric for each radiation mode.
14. The communication system of claim 12 , wherein when the first client is located at the second position, the operations comprise:
configuring the reconfigurable antenna system in each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
obtaining a signal strength metric of the second communication link at each of the plurality of possible radiation modes;
storing data indicative of the obtained signal strength metric for each radiation mode.
15. The communication system of claim 14 , wherein the operations comprise determining the selected mode to provide a signal strength metric within a predetermined range and to reduce signal strength outside of the communication zone.
16. The communication system of claim 12 , wherein the operations further comprise:
obtaining data indicative of the communication zone for the communication system;
determining a selected radiation mode of the plurality of possible radiation modes based at least in part on the communication zone such that the communication system provides at least a threshold performance at the boundary of the communication zone with lower performance at a location outside of the communication zone.