Pointing Algorithm for Endpoint Nodes

Abstract

A terrestrial high frequency data communication system and method for implementing a pointing algorithm for endpoint nodes are described. The system includes an aggregation node and one or more endpoint nodes. In one example, a pointing direction for an endpoint node is determined based on a number of packet error rate (PER) measurements associated with a high frequency data communication link between the endpoint node and an aggregation node. Preferably, the endpoint node includes a steerable antenna module that includes one or more antennas. The steerable antenna module is configured to receive an azimuth value and an elevation value determined based on PER measurements associated with the high frequency data communication link, and to steer its one or more antennas based on the azimuth value and the elevation value to point to the aggregation node.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A high frequency data communication system, the system comprising:
 an aggregation node; and   at least one endpoint node configured to communicate with the aggregation node via a high frequency data communication link, wherein the endpoint node includes a steerable antenna module that includes one or more antennas, and wherein the steerable antenna module is configured to:
 receive an azimuth value and an elevation value determined based on packet error rate (PER) measurements associated with the high frequency data communication link; and 
 steer its one or more antennas based on the azimuth value and the elevation value to point to the aggregation node. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the PER measurements are performed for different azimuth and elevation values. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the endpoint node and the aggregation node communicate in a spectral band of 10 gigahertz (GHz) to 300 GHz. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the endpoint node and the aggregation node communicate in a spectral band of 20 GHz to 60 GHz. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aggregation node comprises a phased array antenna system that divides an area of coverage into multiple subsectors. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the phased array antenna system includes at least one receive phased array antenna for receiving information from the endpoint node. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the phased array antenna system includes at least one transmit phased array antenna for transmitting information to the endpoint node. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more antennas of the steerable antenna module are one or more patch array antennas. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more antennas of the steerable antenna module are one or more parabolic dish antennas.