Guiding Wireless Signals with Arrays of Metallic Linear Fresnel Reflectors: A Low-cost, Frequency-versatile, and Practical Approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost, frequency-agnostic metallic reflector array that uses geometric principles to effectively guide wireless signals, significantly improving signal strength and quality in communication scenarios.

Contribution

It proposes a novel mechanical linear Fresnel reflector array design for wireless signal guidance, offering a practical, versatile, and cost-effective solution.

Findings

Achieved at least 50dB increase in path gains and RSS.

Demonstrated effectiveness through ray tracing simulations in 3D scenarios.

Optimized beam allocation enhances wireless communication performance.

Abstract

This study presents a novel mechanical metallic reflector array to guide wireless signals to the point of interest, thereby enhancing received signal quality. Comprised of numerous individual units, this device, which acts as a linear Fresnel reflector (LFR), facilitates the reflection of incoming signals to a desired location. Leveraging geometric principles, we present a systematic approach for redirecting beams from an Access Point (AP) toward User Equipment (UE) positions. This methodology is geared towards optimizing beam allocation, thereby maximizing the number of beams directed towards the UE. Ray tracing simulations conducted for two 3D wireless communication scenarios demonstrate significant increases in path gains and received signal strengths (RSS) by at least 50dB with strategically positioned devices.