Wireless LAN Emissions Attenuation Technologies

The Navy desires to use a large number of wireless communications devices on ships with the constraint that communication is assured on board while meeting EMCON conditions. Since EMCON is specified in terms of spatial power density at 1 nautical mile, the emissions of the wireless devices must be attenuated at range. The solution is to employ a methodology of Access Point (AP) deployment which assures communications, defines the RF coverage area precisely where it is needed, and minimizes EIRP on the horizon. A methodology for design and mounting of AP and client antennas permits the transmit power from each to be radically reduced. Shaped beam and multi-beam smart antennas can improve the communication channel where desired, while minimizing power emissions off-board. Polar and spatial antenna diversity can be exploited to provide diversity gain, which improves the communication channel without increasing EIRP. Finally, a power and channel plan is proposed which permits low power, communications assured, non-interfering cells to be used. Oberon proposes to investigate use and applicability of its' integrated shaped and multi-beam antennas, client antennas, antenna diversity technology, and power and channel plans for achieving the desired goal of information assurance on board, while minimizing total RF emissions.