Optimizing in-building wireless signal propagation while ensuring data network security
A shield capable of attenuating wireless signals on demand has been created using a conductive member, such as a metal mesh or perforated metal sheet, which is either coupled to ground or subjected to an electron flow. A metal enshrouded signal isolation chamber was built and a wireless router was placed inside it. With the top of the chamber open, a plurality of conductive assemblies were evaluated by placing each conductive assembly on top of the open chamber, one at a time, and measuring the resulting signal attenuation.
1 . A shield for attenuating wireless signals comprising:
at least one electrically conductive member which is capable of being selectively coupled to a ground member.
2 . The shield of claim 1 , wherein the wireless signals are wireless local area network signals.
3 . The shield of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrically conductive member has openings extending therethrough.
4 . The shield of claim 3 , wherein first and second conductive members are provided proximate each other and are selectively coupled to one another to allow a signal to pass through the first and second conductive members.
5 . The shield of claim 4 , wherein first and second conductive members overlay one another.
6 . The shield of claim 3 , wherein first and second conductive members are provided proximate each other and are selectively coupled to one another to block a signal from passing through the conductive members.
7 . The shield of claim 6 , wherein first and second conductive members overlay one another.
8 . The shield of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrically conductive member includes metal material.
9 . The shield of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrically conductive member is a metal film.
10 . The shield of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrically conductive member is a plastic film which includes metal material.
11 . The shield of claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrically conductive member is embedded in a ceiling tile.
12 . A shield for attenuating wireless signals comprising:
first and second continuous conductive members which are selectively connected to one another electrically.
13 . The shield of claim 12 , wherein the first and second continuous conductive members are provided proximate each other and are selectively coupled to one another to allow a signal to pass through the first and second conductive members.
14 . The shield of claim 13 , wherein the first and second continuous conductive members overlay one another.
15 . The shield of claim 12 , wherein the first and second continuous conductive members are provided proximate each other and are selectively coupled to one another to block a signal from passing through the conductive members.
16 . The shield of claim 15 , wherein the first and second continuous conductive members overlay one another.
17 . The shield of claim 12 , wherein each of the first and second continuous conductive members includes metal material.
18 . The shield of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the first and second continuous conductive members is embedded in a ceiling tile.
19 . A shield for attenuating wireless signals comprising:
at least one electrically conductive member which is capable of being selectively coupled to an electron flow.
20 . The shield of claim 19 , wherein the at least one electrically conductive member is embedded in a ceiling tile.