Achieving 360 Degree Coverage Dynamic and Switchable Beamforming through Resource-Efficient Switchable Antennas for Future mmWave IoT Devices

Abstract

In spite of recent advancements in millimeter-wave communication technologies, the limited beamforming coverage due to the high propagation loss remains a critical impediment to IoT (Internet of Things) hand-held applications. This paper introduces the concept of dynamic beam shaping consisting of resource-efficient beamforming algorithm associated with switchable antenna system configurations. The ability to control and modify the beam direction, polarization and beam width is confirmed to be highly instrumental in ensuring an uncorrupted, spherical wireless coverage of 60 GHz Wi-Fi featuring multigigabit data rates. Empirical studies ascertain that the presented beamforming algorithm and cross-layer hardware design can globally search optimal beams with more than 90 % hit ratio. To the authors best knowledge this work is the first to successfully demonstrate the applicability of 60 GHz-based millimeter-wave Wi-Fi for 4K UHD and 720p HD streaming investigated under real-life scenarios.