Automated Antenna Orientation For Wireless Data Transfer Using Bayesian Modeling
Rotem D. Guttman, Paul M. Goggans, Chun-Yong Chan · AIP conference proceedings · 2009
The problem of attaining a usable wireless connection at an arbitrary location is one of great concern to mobile end users. The majority of antennae currently in use for mobile devices conducting two way communications are omnidirectional. The use of a directional antenna allows for increased effective coverage area without increasing power consumption. However, directional antennae must be oriented toward a wireless network access point in order for their benefits to be realized. This paper outlines a system for determining the optimal orientation of a directional antenna without the need for additional hardware. The response of the antenna is described by the use of a parameterized model corresponding to the sum of a set of cardioid functions. Signal strength is measured at several antenna orientations and is used by a Metropolis‐Hastings search algorithm to estimate the model parameter values that best describe the antenna’s response pattern. Using this model the antenna can be oriented to respond optimally to the wireless network access point’s broadcast pattern.