Millimeter-wave communications using a reflector

摘要

Methods and systems for establishing a non-line of sight millimeter wave connection that include a transmitter unit having beam-steering capability, a receiver unit having beam-steering capability, and a reflecting unit in a position having a line-of-sight path to the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The reflecting unit includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a mounting point on an object or surface, a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave radiation, and an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism.

主权项

1. A reflector, comprising:
an attachment mechanism connecting to a mounting point on an object or surface; a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave (mmWave) radiation; an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism such that a non-line-of-sight connection between an mmWave transmitter and an mmWave receiver is formed; a motor disposed in a joint of the adjustable pivot, configured to adjust the pivot to change the directional position of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism; a signal strength detector configured to measure the intensity of the mmWave radiation at the reflector; and a broadcast device, disposed within the reflecting surface with respect to the mmWave transmitter and receiver, configured to electromagnetically broadcast link status information for the mmWave transmitter and receiver at a frequency low enough to pass through obstacles that absorb mmWave frequencies, wherein the signal strength detector and the broadcast device are disposed within apertures in the reflecting surface.