KR20190016087A - Methods for network termination and use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention can include, for example, a repeater device having a first coupler for extracting downstream channel signals from first inductive waves bound to a transmission medium of a waveguide communication system. The amplifier amplifies the downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals. The channel selection filter selects one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals to be transmitted wirelessly to the at least one client device via the antenna. The second coupler directs the amplified downstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second inductive electromagnetic waves. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

Repeaters and methods for their use

Cross-reference to related application (s)

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 179,339, filed June 10, 2016. All parts of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Open field

The present invention relates to communication via microwave transmission in a communication network.

As smartphones and other portable devices become increasingly ubiquitous and data usage increases, macro cell base station devices and existing wireless infrastructure ultimately require higher bandwidth capabilities to handle increased demand . In order to provide additional mobile bandwidth, small cell layouts are underway in which microcells and picocells provide coverage for regions much smaller than conventional macrocells.

In addition, most homes and businesses have relied on broadband data access for services such as voice, video and Internet browsing. Broadband access networks include satellite, 4G or 5G wireless, powerline communication, fiber, cable and telephone networks.

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale:
1 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a guided wave communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein.
2 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a transmission device in accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution in accordance with various aspects described herein.
4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution in accordance with various aspects described herein.
5A is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency response in accordance with various aspects described herein.
5B is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of longitudinal sections of insulated wires illustrating fields of induced electromagnetic fields at various operating frequencies in accordance with various aspects described herein.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution in accordance with various aspects described herein.
7 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a circular coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.
8 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a circular coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.
9A is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a stub coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic distribution according to various aspects described herein.
10A and 10B are block diagrams illustrating exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of couplers and transceivers in accordance with various aspects described herein.
11 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a dual stub coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.
12 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a repeater system in accordance with various aspects described herein.
Figure 13 shows a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a bi-directional repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein.
14 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide system according to various aspects described herein.
15 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a guided wave communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein.
16A and 16B are block diagrams illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a system for managing a power grid communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein.
17A shows a flow diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method for detecting and mitigating faults occurring in the communication network of the systems of Figs. 16A and 16B.
Figure 17B shows a flow diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method for detecting and mitigating faults occurring in the communication network of the system of Figures 16A and 16B.
18A illustrates a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein.
Figure 18B shows a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a network end according to various aspects described herein.
Figure 18c shows a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum according to various aspects described herein.
Figure 18d shows a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum according to various aspects described herein.
18E shows a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a host node device according to various aspects described herein.
Figure 18f illustrates a combined pictorial block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a downstream data flow according to various aspects described herein.
18g illustrates a combined pictorial block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an upstream data flow according to various aspects described herein.
18h illustrates a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a client node device in accordance with various aspects described herein.
19A illustrates a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an access point repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein.
Figure 19b shows a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a miniature repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein.
FIG. 19C shows a combined pictorial block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a miniature repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein.
19D shows a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum according to various aspects described herein.
20A-20D illustrate flow diagrams of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of methods according to various aspects described herein.
21 is a block diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects described herein.
22 is a block diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various aspects described herein.
23 is a block diagram of one example, non-limiting embodiment of a communication device in accordance with various aspects described herein.

Reference is now made to one or more embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to generally denote like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, it is evident that various embodiments may be practiced without these details (and without applying to a particular network environment or standard).

In one embodiment, an inductive wave communication system is provided that transmits and receives communication signals, such as data or other signaling, via inductive electromagnetic waves. The induced electromagnetic waves include, for example, surface waves or other electromagnetic waves that are coupled to or induced by the transmission medium. It will be appreciated that a variety of transmission media may be utilized with the guidance wave communication means within the scope of not departing from the exemplary embodiments. Examples of such transmission media include: wire, whether insulated or not, single or multi-stranded; Conductors of other shapes or configurations, including wire bundles, cables, rods, rails, and pipes; Non-conductors such as dielectric pipes, rods, rails, or other dielectric members; Combinations of conductors and dielectric materials; Or other guided wave transmission media may be included singly or in one or more combinations.

Induction of induced electromagnetic waves on a transmission medium may be independent of any potential, charge, or current that is introduced or transmitted through the transmission medium as part of the electrical circuit. For example, when the transmission medium is a wire, a small current in the wire may be formed in response to the propagation of the guide waves along the wire, but this may be due to the propagation of electromagnetic waves along the wire surface, Charge, or current that is introduced into the wire. Therefore, electromagnetic waves traveling on the wire do not require a circuit to propagate along the wire surface. Therefore, the wire is a single wire transmission line that is not part of the circuit. Also, in some embodiments, no wires are required, and electromagnetic waves can propagate along a single wire transmission medium rather than a wire.

More generally, the term " induced electromagnetic waves " or " induced waves ", as described by the present inventive subject matter, are at least partially bound to or derived from a physical object, A bundle of insulated wires or other wire bundles coated, covered, or surrounded by a physical object (e.g., exposed wire or other conductor, dielectric, insulated wire, conduit or other hollow element, dielectric or insulator) , Or other types of solid, liquid, or non-gaseous transmission media). Such a physical object can be used to propagate the propagation of inductive electromagnetic waves that can eventually propagate energy, data, and / or other signals along a transmission path from a transmitting device to a receiving device on the interface (e.g., Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > between the elements of the transmission medium).

Unlike the free-space propagation of radio signals such as non-inductive (or non-suppressed) electromagnetic waves whose intensity decreases inversely by the square of the distance traveled by non-inductive electromagnetic waves, the induced electromagnetic waves are less than the losses experienced by non- It can propagate along the transmission medium with less loss of scale per unit distance.

Unlike electrical signals, the inductive electromagnetic waves can propagate from the transmitting device to the receiving device without requiring a separate electrical return path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. As a result, the inductive waves can be transmitted along a transmission medium (e.g., a dielectric strip) that has no conductive elements, or through a transmission medium (e.g., a single exposed wire or an insulated wire) And propagate from the device to the receiving device. Although the transmission medium includes one or more conductive elements and the inductive electromagnetic waves propagating along the transmission medium produce currents flowing in the one or more conductive elements in the direction of the induced electromagnetic waves, And propagate along the transmission medium from the transmitting device to the receiving device without requiring a flow of counter currents on the return path.

In a non-limiting example, consider electrical systems that transmit and receive electrical signals between a transmitting device and a receiving device via a conductive medium. These systems generally rely on electrically separated forward and return paths. Consider, for example, a coaxial cable with a ground conductor and a center conductor separated by an insulator. Typically in an electrical system, a first terminal of a transmitting (or receiving) device may be connected to a center conductor and a second terminal of a transmitting (or receiving) device may be connected to a grounding shield. If the transmitting device applies an electrical signal to the center conductor through the first terminal, the electrical signal will propagate along the center conductor, causing forward currents at the center conductor, and return currents at the grounding shield. The same conditions apply for a two-terminal receiving device.

On the contrary, a guided-wave communication system such as that described in the present invention is contemplated that can utilize different embodiments of transmission media (including coaxial cables above all) to transmit and receive inducted electromagnetic waves without an electrical return path. In one embodiment, for example, the guided wave communication system of the presently disclosed subject matter can be configured to direct the induced electromagnetic waves propagating along the outer surface of the coaxial cable. The induced electromagnetic waves will cause the forward currents on the ground shield, but the induced electromagnetic waves do not require the return currents to enable the induced electromagnetic waves to propagate along the outer surface of the coaxial cable. The same is true for other transmission media used by the waveguide communication system for transmission and reception of the induced electromagnetic waves. For example, the induced electromagnetic waves induced by the guidance wave communication system on the outer surface of the exposed wire or the insulated wire can propagate along the exposed wire or the insulated exposed wire without an electrical return path.

Thus, electrical systems that require two or more conductors to transmit forward and reverse currents on separate conductors to enable the propagation of electrical signals introduced by the transmitting device may be used to transmit the propagation of the induced electromagnetic waves along the interface of the transmission medium To induce induced electromagnetic waves on the interface of the transmission medium without the need for an electrical return path.

An electromagnetic field structure that is primarily or substantially external to the transmission medium for propagating distances induced electromagnetic waves as described herein in connection with the transmission medium or derived therefrom and on or on the outer surface of the transmission medium, As shown in FIG. In other embodiments, the induced electromagnetic waves may have an electromagnetic field structure that is bound to, or derived from, the transmission medium and lies primarily or substantially within the transmission medium to propagate non-trivial distances within the transmission medium. In other embodiments, the inductive electromagnetic waves may have an electromagnetic field structure that is bound to or partially derived from the transmission medium, and partially propagated inside the transmission medium to propagate distances that are not insignificant along the transmission medium. In one embodiment, the desired electric field structure includes the desired transmission distance, characteristics of the transmission medium itself, and environmental conditions / characteristics (e.g., presence of rain, fog, atmospheric conditions, etc.) outside the transmission medium Based on various factors.

The various embodiments described herein may be used in conjunction with one or more dimensions of a coupling device and / or transmission medium, such as a circumference or other cross-sectional dimension of the wire, or a smaller wavelength compared to lower microwave frequencies such as 300 MHz to 30 GHz Waveguide couplers " or more simply " couplers " for launching and / or extracting induced electromagnetic waves to and from the transmission medium at millimeter-wave frequencies (e.g., 30 to 300 GHz) , &Quot; coupled devices " or " launchers ". Transmission signals include: strips, arcs or other length of dielectric material; Horn, monopole, rod, slot or other antenna; An array of antennas; Self resonant cavity, or other resonant coupler; May be caused to propagate as waveforms induced by coupling devices such as coils, strip lines, waveguides or other coupling devices. In operation, the combining device receives electromagnetic waves from a transmitter or a transmission medium. Electromagnetic waves of the electromagnetic field structure can be conducted inside the coupling device, outside the coupling device, or some combination thereof. When the coupling device is in close proximity to the transmission medium, at least a portion of the electromagnetic wave is coupled or bound to the transmission medium and continues to propagate as the induced electromagnetic waves. In a reciprocal manner, the combining device can extract the induced waves from the transmission medium and transmit these electromagnetic waves to the receiver.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a surface wave can be transmitted or received by a transmission medium such as an outer or outer surface of a wire adjacent to or exposed to other types of media having different properties (e.g., dielectric properties) It is the type of guided wave induced by the surface. Indeed, in one exemplary embodiment, the surface of the wire leading to the surface wave can represent the back of the cloth between two different types of media. For example, in the case of an exposed or non-insulated wire, the surface of the wire may be an exposed or non-insulated wire that is exposed to air or free space. As another example, in the case of an insulated wire, the surface of the wire may depend on relative differences in the properties of the insulator, air and / or conductor (e.g., dielectric properties) May be the conductive portion of the wire that is in contact with the insulator portion of the wire or may be the insulator surface of the wire that is exposed to air or free space or may be a conductive surface of the wire contacting the insulator portion of the wire and the insulator portion of the wire May be any material region between the portions.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the term " ambient " of another transmission medium used with a wire or guided wave includes a circular or substantially circular field distribution, a symmetrical electromagnetic field distribution (e.g., an electric field, a magnetic field, Or at least partially inductive wave propagation modes, such as induction waves having other fundamental mode patterns around a wire or other transmission medium. In addition, when the guided wave propagates around the wire or other transmission medium " around ", it can be seen that not only the fundamental wave propagation modes (e. G., Zero order modes), but additionally or alternatively, (E.g., surface) waveforms having non-circular field distributions around the modes (e.g., primary modes, secondary modes, etc.), asymmetric modes and / This can be done according to the induced wave propagation mode, which also includes the same non-fundamental wave propagation modes. As used herein, the term " guided wave mode " refers to the guided wave propagation mode of a transmission medium, coupling device or other system component of a guided wave communication system.

For example, these non-circular field distributions may include one or more axial lobes characterized by a relatively higher field intensity, and / or one or more nulls characterized by a relatively low field intensity, a zero field intensity, or a substantially zero field strength Null areas can be either a single area or multiple areas. In addition, the field distribution may be varied according to one exemplary embodiment, such that the one or more respective regions around the wire have a higher electric or magnetic field strength (or a combination thereof) than one or more of the other angular regions of the azimuthal orientation, ≪ / RTI > It will be appreciated that as the guided wave moves along the wire, the relative orientations or locations of the guided waves of higher order modes or asymmetric modes may vary.

As used herein, the term " millimeter wave " may refer to electromagnetic waves / signals within the " millimeter wave frequency band " of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. The term " microwave " may refer to electromagnetic waves / signals within the " microwave frequency band " of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. The term " radio frequency " or " RF " may refer to electromagnetic waves / signals within the " radio frequency band " of 10 kHz to 1 kHz. The radio signals, electrical signals and induced electromagnetic waves as described in the present inventions can be used in any desired frequency range, for example, in millimeter wave and / or microwave frequency bands, at frequencies above or below, As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In particular, when the coupling device or transmission medium includes a conductive element, the frequency of the induced electromagnetic waves transmitted by / through the coupling device or propagating along the transmission medium may be less than the average frequency of collisions of electrons in the conductive element. In addition, the frequency of the inductive electromagnetic waves transmitted by the coupling device or propagating along the transmission medium may be a non-optical frequency, for example a radio frequency below the range of optical frequencies starting at 1 kHz.

As used herein, the term " antenna " may refer to a device that is part of a transmission or reception system that transmits / radiates or receives wireless signals.

According to one or more embodiments, the network termination comprises a network interface configured to receive downstream data from the communication network and to transmit upstream data to the communication network. The downstream channel modulator modulates the downstream data with downstream channel signals corresponding to the downstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system. The host interface transmits downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system and receives upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from the guided wave communication system. The upstream channel demodulator demodulates the upstream channel signals into upstream data.

According to one or more embodiments, a method includes receiving downstream data from a communication network; Modulating the downstream data into upstream channel signals corresponding to downstream frequency channels of the inductive wave communication system; Transmitting the downstream channel signals to a waveguide communication system through a wired connection; Receiving upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from a waveguide communication system through a wired connection; Demodulating upstream channel signals into upstream data; And transmitting the upstream data to the communication network.

According to one or more embodiments, the network termination includes a downstream channel modulator configured to modulate downstream data into downstream channel signals to transmit downstream data via an induced electromagnetic wave coupled to a transmission medium of the waveguide communication system. The host interface transmits downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system and receives upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from the guided wave communication system. The upstream channel demodulator demodulates the upstream channel signals into upstream data.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the host node device includes at least one access point (APR) that is configured to communicate through a waveguide communication system. The terminal interface receives downstream channel signals from the communication network. The first channel duplexer transmits downstream channel signals to at least one APR. At least one APR launches downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as inductive electromagnetic waves.

According to one or more embodiments, a method includes receiving downstream channel signals from a communication network; Launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as induced electromagnetic waves; And wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals to the at least one client node device.

According to one or more embodiments, the host node device comprises a terminal interface configured to receive downstream channel signals from the communication network and to transmit upstream channel signals to the communication network. At least one access point repeater (APR) launches downstream channel signals as inductive electromagnetic waves on the guided wave communication system and extracts a first subset of upstream channel signals from the guided wave communication system. The wireless device wirelessly transmits downstream channel signals to at least one client node device and wirelessly receives a second subset of upstream channel signals from at least one client node device.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a client node device includes a wireless device configured to wirelessly receive downstream channel signals from a communication network. An access point (APR) is an inductive electromagnetic wave propagating along a transmission medium, launching downstream channel signals on a guided wave communication system and wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals to at least one client device.

According to one or more embodiments, a method includes wirelessly receiving downstream channel signals from a communication network; Launching downstream channel signals on a guided wave communication system as inductive electromagnetic waves propagating along a transmission medium; And wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals to the at least one client device.

According to one or more embodiments, the client node device includes a wireless device configured to wirelessly receive downstream channel signals from a communication network and wirelessly transmit first upstream channel signals and second upstream channel signals to a communication network . An access point (APR) is an inductive electromagnetic wave propagating along a transmission medium, launching downstream channel signals on a guided wave communication system, extracting first upstream channel signals from the guided wave communication system, Signals wirelessly, and receives second upstream channel signals from the communication network wirelessly.

According to one or more embodiments, the repeater device includes a first coupler configured to extract downstream channel signals from first inductive waves bound to a transmission medium of the inductive wave communication system. The amplifier amplifies the downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals. The channel selection filter selects one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals to be transmitted wirelessly to the at least one client device via the antenna. The second coupler directs the amplified downstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second inductive electromagnetic waves. The channel duplexer transmits the amplified downstream channel signals to a coupler and a channel selection filter.

According to one or more embodiments, the method includes extracting downstream channel signals from first inductive waves coupled to a transmission medium of the inductive wave communication system; Amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; Selecting one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals to wirelessly transmit to the at least one client device via the antenna; And deriving amplified downstream channel signals to a transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second inductive electromagnetic waves.

According to one or more embodiments, the repeater device includes a first coupler configured to extract downstream channel signals from first inductive waves bound to a transmission medium of the inductive wave communication system. The amplifier amplifies the downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals. The channel selection filter selects one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals to be transmitted wirelessly to the at least one client device via the antenna. The second coupler directs the amplified downstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second inductive electromagnetic waves.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram 100 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide communication system. In operation, the transmitting device 101 receives one or more communication signals 110 from a communication network or other communication device that contains data, and transmits the data to the transmitting device 102 via the transmitting waveguide 120). The transmitting device 102 receives the guide waves 120 and transforms the guide waves 120 into communication signals 112 that contain data for transmission to a communications network or other communications device. The induction waves 120 may be transmitted through modulation schemes such as phase shift keying, frequency shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation, amplitude modulation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, and multiple carrier modulation, as well as frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, May be modulated to transmit data through multiple access techniques such as multiplexing through waveform propagation modes and through other modulation and access methods.

Communications networks or networks include wireless communication networks such as mobile data networks, cellular voice and data networks, wireless local area networks (e.g., Wi-Fi or 802.xx networks), satellite communication networks, personal area networks or other wireless networks can do. The communication network or networks may include a wired communication network such as a telephone network, an Ethernet network, a local area network, a wide area network such as the Internet, a broadband access network, a cable network, a fiber optic network or other wired network. The communication devices may be network edge devices, bridge devices or home gateways, set top boxes, broadband modems, telephone adapters, access points, base stations or other fixed communication devices, automotive gateways or automobiles, laptop computers, tablets, smart phones, Or other communication device.

In one exemplary embodiment, the guided wave communication system of FIG. 100 is configured to receive one or more communication signals 112 from a communication network or device, where the transmitting device 102 includes other data, Way manner that generates the guide waves 122 to transfer other data to the transmitting device 101 through the antenna. In this mode of operation, the transmitting device 101 receives the guiding waves 122 and converts the guiding waves 122 into communication signals 110 containing other data for transmission to the communication network or device. The induction waves 122 may be transmitted through modulation schemes such as multi-carrier modulation, such as phase shift keying, frequency shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation, amplitude modulation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, and frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, May be modulated to transmit data through multiple access techniques such as multiplexing through waveform propagation modes and through other modulation and access methods.

Transmission medium 125 may include a cable having at least one internal portion enclosed by a dielectric material, such as an insulator or other dielectric cover, a coating or other dielectric material, an outer surface, and a dielectric material having a corresponding circumference . In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission medium 125 operates as a single line transmission line that directs the transmission of electromagnetic waves. When the transmission medium 125 is implemented as a single wire transmission system, the transmission medium 125 may comprise a wire. The wires may be insulated or non-insulated, disconnection or multi-wire (e. G., One-piece). In other embodiments, transmission medium 125 may include conductors of other shapes or configurations, including wire bundles, cables, rods, rails, and pipes. In addition, transmission media 125 may include non-conductors such as dielectric pipes, rods, rails, or other dielectric members; Combinations of conductors and dielectric materials, conductors without dielectric materials, or other guided wave transmission media. It will be noted that transmission medium 125 may include any of the transmission media discussed above.

Moreover, as discussed above, the induction waves 120 and 122 may be contrasted with the normal propagation of power or signals through the conductors of the wire through wireless transmissions or electrical circuits through free space / air. In addition to propagation of the guide waves 120 and 122, the transmission medium 125 may optionally include one or more wires that propagate power or other communications signals in a conventional manner as part of one or more electrical circuits.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a transmitting device is shown. The transmitting device 101 or 102 includes a communication interface (I / F) 205, a transceiver 210 and a coupler 220.

In one example of operation, the communication interface 205 receives a communication signal 110 or 112 that includes data. In various embodiments, the communication interface 205 may be implemented using any suitable communication protocol, such as LTE or other cellular voice and data protocol, Wi-Fi or 802.11 protocol, WIMAX protocol, ultra-wideband protocol, Bluetooth protocol, ZigBee protocol, direct broadcast satellite (DBS) Or an air interface for receiving a wireless communication signal in accordance with a wireless standard protocol such as another wireless protocol. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface 205 may be implemented using any suitable protocol, such as Ethernet protocol, Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) protocol, FireWire And a wired interface that operates according to other wired protocols. In addition to the standards-based protocols, the communication interface 205 may be any of the current or planned variations of the above standard protocols, modified for operation with a network including, for example, a waveguide communication system, And may operate with other wired or wireless protocols, including protocols as a whole. In addition, the communication interface 205 may optionally operate with a protocol stack including a plurality of protocol layers including a MAC protocol, a transport protocol, an application protocol, and the like.

In one example of operation, transceiver 210 generates an electromagnetic wave based on communication signal 110 or 112 to convey data. The electromagnetic wave has at least one carrier frequency and at least one corresponding wavelength. The carrier frequency may be in the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz in the millimeter wave frequency band such as 60 GHz or in the carrier frequency in the range of 30 to 40 GHz or in the microwave frequency range 300 MHz to 600 MHz in the microwave frequency range such as 26 to 30 GHz, 11 GHz, 6 GHz or 3 GHz. 30 GHz, but it will be appreciated that other carrier frequencies are possible in other embodiments. In one mode of operation, the transceiver 210 transmits a communication signal or signals 110 or 112 for transmission of electromagnetic signals in the microwave or millimeter wave band as induced electromagnetic waves induced or bound by the transmission medium 125 Just up-convert. In another mode of operation, the communication interface 205 converts the communication signal 110 or 112 into a baseband or near-baseband signal or extracts data from the communication signal 110 or 112 and the transceiver 210 transmits data , Modulates a high frequency carrier having a baseband or near-end low-band signal. The transceiver 210 modulates the data received via the communication signal 110 or 112 to preserve one or more data communication protocols of the communication signal 110 or 112 by encapsulation in a payload of a different protocol or by simple frequency shifting It will be understood. Alternatively, the transceiver 210 may convert data received via the communication signal 110 or 112 to a protocol that is different from the data communication protocol or protocols of the communication signal 110 or 112 otherwise.

In one example of operation, the coupler 220 couples the electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium 125 as an inductive electromagnetic wave that carries a communication signal or signals 110 or 112. Although the foregoing description focuses on the operation of the transceiver 210 as a transmitter, the transceiver 210 receives electromagnetic waves that transfer other data from the single-wire transmission medium through the coupler 220, Or to generate communication signals 110 or 112 that contain data. Consider additional embodiments in which the additional induced electromagnetic waves also transmit other data propagating along the transmission medium 125. Coupler 220 may couple this additional electromagnetic wave from transmission medium 125 to transceiver 210 for reception.

The transmitting device (101 or 102) includes an optional training controller (230). In one exemplary embodiment, the training controller 230 is implemented by a processor or stand-alone processor that is shared with one or more other components of the transfer device 101 or 102. The training controller 230 is configured to receive carrier frequencies, modulation schemes, and / or modulation schemes for the induced electromagnetic waves based on feedback data received by the transceiver 210 from at least one remote transmission device coupled to receive the induced electromagnetic waves. Select the wave modes.

In one exemplary embodiment, the induced electromagnetic waves transmitted by the far-transmitting device 101 or 102 also carry data propagating along the transmission medium 125. [ Data from the far-transmitting device 101 or 102 may be generated to include feedback data. In operation, the coupler 220 also couples the induced electromagnetic waves from the transmission medium 125 and the transceiver processes the electromagnetic waves to receive the electromagnetic waves and extract the feedback data.

In one exemplary embodiment, the training controller 230 is configured to select a carrier frequency, modulation scheme, and / or transmission mode for performance such as throughput, signal strength enhancement, reduced propagation loss, etc., , And operates based on feedback data to evaluate modulation schemes and / or transmission modes.

Consider the following example: the pilot wave or other test in the corresponding plurality of candidate frequencies and / or candidate modes directed to the far-field transmission device 102 coupled to the transmission medium 125 by the transmitting device 101 And starts operation under the control of the training controller 230 by transmitting a plurality of guide waves as test signals such as signals. The induced waves may additionally or alternatively include test data. The test data may indicate a particular candidate frequency of the signal and / or a derived wave mode. In one embodiment, the training controller 230 in the far-transmitting device 102 receives test signals and / or test data from any of the properly received induction waves and provides the best candidate frequency and / , A set of allowable candidate frequencies and / or derived wave modes, or a ranking of candidate frequencies and / or derived wave modes. The selection of such candidate frequency (s) and / or derived mode (s) may be based on one or more optimization criteria such as received signal strength, bit error rate, packet error rate, signal to noise ratio, Lt; / RTI > The training controller 230 generates feedback data indicative of the selection of candidate frequency (s) and / or derived wave mode (s) and transmits the feedback data to the transceiver 210 for transmission to the transmitting device 101. The transmitting devices 101 and 102 may then communicate data with each other based on the selection of the next candidate frequency (s) and / or the derived wave mode (s).

In other embodiments, the induced electromagnetic waves, including test signals and / or test data, may be transmitted to the transmitting device 101 remotely for receiving and analyzing by the training controller 230 of the transmitting device 101, Reflected back by the transmitting device 102, relayed again, or looped back. For example, the transmitting device 101 may be configured so that the physical reflector is switched on the line and / or the termination impedance is changed to cause reflection and / or the loopback mode is switched to couple the electromagnetic waves back to the source transmitting device 102 Or may transmit a signal to the far transfer device 102 to initiate a test mode in which the repeater mode is enabled to amplify the electromagnetic waves and retransmit back to the source transfer device 102. The training controller 230 at the source transmitting device 102 receives test signals and / or test data from any of the suitably received induction waves and generates candidate frequency (s) and / or derived wave mode (s) As shown in FIG.

Although the above procedure is described in the initiation or initialization mode of operation, each transmitting device 101 or 102 may transmit test signals, evaluate candidate frequencies or derived wave modes through non-tests such as normal transmissions, Or also continuously evaluate candidate frequencies or derived wave modes. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication protocol between transmitting devices 101 and 102 includes a request or periodic test mode in which a full test or more limited test of candidate frequencies and a subset of the derived wave modes is tested and evaluated can do. In other operating modes, re-entry into this test mode may be triggered by degradation of performance due to failure, climatic conditions, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver bandwidth of the transceiver 210 is sufficiently wide or sweeping to receive all candidate frequencies, or a training mode in which the receiver bandwidth of the transceiver 210 is wide enough or sweeps to receive all candidate frequencies And may be selectively adjusted by the training controller 230. FIG.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic diagram 300 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution. In this embodiment, the transmission medium 125 in air includes an inner conductor 301 and an insulation jacket 302 of dielectric material, as shown in cross-section. Drawing 300 includes different gray scales representing different field strengths produced by the propagation of a guided wave having asymmetric and non-fundamental waveguide modes.

In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution corresponds to a " sweet spot " in a mode that improves the induced electromagnetic wave propagation along an insulated transmission medium, but only reduces transmission loss. In this particular mode, the electromagnetic waves are induced by the transmission medium 125 to propagate along the outer surface of the transmission medium-in this case, the outer surface of the insulation jacket 302. Electromagnetic waves are partially embedded in the insulator and partially radiate on the outer surface of the insulator. In this way, electromagnetic waves are " lightly " coupled to the insulator to enable electromagnetic propagation at long distances with low propagation loss.

As shown, the guided wave has a field structure that lies predominantly or substantially externally of the transmission medium 125 that serves to induce electromagnetic waves. The regions inside the conductor 301 have little or no field. Likewise, the areas inside the insulation jacket 302 have low field strength. The majority of the field strength is distributed in the outer surface of the insulating jacket 302 and in the lobes 304 in the vicinity of the insulating jacket 302. The presence of the asymmetric waveguide mode is advantageous because the high field intensities at the top and bottom of the outer surface of the insulating jacket 302 (in the orientation of the figure) - as opposed to the very small field intensities on the other sides of the insulating jacket 302-- Lt; / RTI >

The illustrated example corresponds to a 38 ㎓ electromagnetic wave induced by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric insulation of a 0.36 cm thickness. Since the electromagnetic waves are induced by the transmission medium 125 and the majority of the field intensity is concentrated in the air outside the insulating jacket 302 within a limited distance of the outer surface, . ≪ / RTI > In the illustrated example, this " limited distance " corresponds to the distance from the outer surface of the transmission medium 125 that is less than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension. In this case, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the wire corresponds to an overall diameter of 1.82 cm, but this value may vary depending on the size and shape of the transmission medium 125. [ For example, if transmission medium 125 should be rectangular in shape with a height of 0.3 cm and a width of 0.4 cm, the maximum cross-sectional dimension would be a diagonal of 0.5 cm and the corresponding limited distance would be 0.25 cm. The dimensions of the area including the majority of the field strength also vary with frequency and generally increase as the carrier frequencies decrease.

It will also be noted that the components of the waveguide communication system, such as couplers and transmission medium, may have their own cutoff frequencies for each waveguide mode. The cut-off frequency generally indicates the lowest frequency at which a particular wave mode is designed to be supported by such a particular component. In one exemplary embodiment, the particular asymmetric propagation mode shown is transmitted by an electromagnetic wave having a frequency comprised in a limited range (such as F _c to 2F _c ) of the lower cutoff frequency F _c for this particular asymmetric mode Media 125. < / RTI > The lower cut-off frequency (F _c ) is specific to the characteristics of the transmission medium 125. For embodiments such as those shown, which include an inner conductor 301 surrounded by an insulating jacket 302, this cut-off frequency is dependent on the dimensions and properties of the insulating jacket 302 and possibly on the inner conductor 301 and may be empirically determined to have the desired mode pattern. However, it will be noted that similar effects can be found for a hollow dielectric or insulator without internal conductors. In this case, the cutoff frequency may vary based on the dimensions and characteristics of the hollow dielectric or insulator.

At frequencies lower than the lower cutoff frequency, the asymmetric mode is difficult to derive in transmission medium 125 and can not propagate to all but the small distances. As the frequency increases beyond a limited range of frequencies around the cutoff frequency, the asymmetric mode is more and more shifted into the interior of the insulating jacket 302. At frequencies much larger than the cutoff frequency, the field strength is no longer concentrated outside the insulation jacket, but is concentrated mainly inside the insulation jacket 302. The ranges are further limited by the increased losses due to propagation in the insulating jacket 302, as opposed to ambient air, although the transmission medium 125 provides a strong induction to electromagnetic waves and propagation is still possible .

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a graphical illustration 400 illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution. In particular, a cross-sectional view 400 similar to FIG. 3 is shown with common reference numerals used to refer to like elements. The illustrated example corresponds to a 60 ㎓ waveguide induced by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric insulator with a thickness of 0.36 cm. Since the frequency of the induced wave exceeds the limited range of the cutoff frequency of this particular asymmetric mode, much of the field strength has shifted into the interior of the insulating jacket 302. In particular, the field strength is mainly concentrated inside the insulating jacket 302. Although transmission medium 125 provides strong guidance for electromagnetic waves and propagation is still possible, ranges are more limited in comparison to the embodiment of FIG. 3 due to the increased losses due to propagation in the insulating jacket 302.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown a diagrammatic view illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a frequency response. In particular, the diagram 500 shows a graph of end-to-end losses (in decibels) over frequency overlayed to electromagnetic field distributions 510, 520 and 530 at three points for a 200 cm insulated medium voltage wire to provide. The boundary between the insulator and the ambient air is denoted by reference numeral 525 in each electromagnetic field distribution.

As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3, one example of the desired asymmetric propagation mode shown is included in a limited range (such as F _c to 2F _c ) of the lower cutoff frequency (F _c ) of the transmission medium for this particular asymmetric mode Is induced on the transmission medium 125 by an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that is equal to or greater than the predetermined frequency. In particular, the field distribution 520 at 6 GHz is within the range of such " sweet spots " that improve the propagation of electromagnetic waves along an insulated transmission medium and ultimately reduce transmission losses. In this particular mode, the induction waves are partially embedded in the insulator and partially radiate on the outer surface of the insulator. In this way, the electromagnetic waves are " lightly " coupled to the insulator to enable induced electromagnetic propagation at long distances with low propagation loss.

At lower frequencies, represented by the electromagnetic field distribution 510 at 3 GHz, the asymmetric mode radiates to produce more propagation losses more severely. At the higher frequencies indicated by the electromagnetic field distribution 530 at 9 GHz, the asymmetric mode is more and more shifted into the interior of the insulation jacket providing too much absorption, again producing more propagation losses.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a schematic diagram 550 illustrating exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a longitudinal section of a transmission medium 125, such as an insulated wire, illustrating fields of induced electromagnetic waves at various operating frequencies Respectively. As shown in the figure 556, induced when the electromagnetic wave to be substantially cut-off frequency (f _c) corresponding to the "sweet spot" of the mode, the induction electromagnetic wave are coupled loosely to the insulated wire to reduce the absorption, induced The fields of the electromagnetic waves are tightly coupled to reduce the amount of radiation into the environment (e.g., air). Since the absorption and emission of the fields of the induced electromagnetic waves are low, propagation losses are so small that it is possible for the induced electromagnetic waves to propagate over longer distances.

As shown in the figure 554, the operating frequency of the induced electromagnetic wave cut across approximately twice-off frequency (f _c) - or, as mentioned, to increase to the extent of the "sweet spot", the propagation losses . More of the field intensity of the electromagnetic wave is driven into the insulating layer, thereby increasing the propagation losses. At frequencies much higher than the cut-off frequency (f _c ), the induced electromagnetic waves are strongly coupled to the insulated wire as a result of fields radiated by the induced electromagnetic waves concentrated in the insulating layer of the wire, Lt; / RTI > This further causes propagation losses due to the absorption of the induced electromagnetic waves by the insulating layer. Similarly, as shown in the figure 558, and increase their transmission loss when the operating frequency of the induced electromagnetic wave to be less than substantially cut-off frequency (f _c). At frequencies much lower than the cutoff frequency (f _c ), the induced electromagnetic waves tend to weakly (or nominally) bind to the insulated wire and thereby radiate into the environment (e.g., air) The propagation losses due to the radiation of electromagnetic waves are dominant.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a graphical illustration 600 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distribution. In this embodiment, transmission medium 602 is an exposed wire, as shown in cross-section. Drawing 600 includes different gray scales representing different field strengths produced by the propagation of a guided wave having symmetrical and fundamental guided wave modes at a single carrier frequency.

In this particular mode, the electromagnetic waves are induced by the transmission medium 602 to propagate along the outer surface of the transmission medium-in this case, the outer surface of the exposed wire. Electromagnetic waves are " lightly " coupled to the wires to enable propagation of electromagnetic waves over long distances with less propagation loss. As shown, the guided wave has a field structure that lies substantially outside of the transmission medium 602 that serves to guide the electromagnetic waves. The regions inside the conductor 625 have little or no field.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a block diagram 700 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a circular coupler. In particular, a coupling device is provided for use in a transmitting device, such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with Fig. The coupling device includes a circular coupler 704 coupled to a transmitter circuit 712 and an end or damper 714. The circular coupler 704 can be made of a dielectric material or other less lossy insulator (e.g., Teflon, polyethylene, etc.) or of a conductive (e.g., metal, non-metallic) Lt; / RTI > As shown, the circular coupler 704 has a waveform 706 that acts as a waveguide and propagates as a waveguide around the waveguide surface of the circular coupler 704. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the circular coupler 704 facilitates coupling between the circular coupler 704 and the wire 702 or other transmission medium as described herein to launch the guiding wave 708 on the wire Such as wire 702 or other transmission medium (such as transmission medium 125). Circular coupler 704 can be positioned such that a portion of curved circular coupler 704 is tangent to wire 702 and parallel or substantially parallel thereto. The portion of the circular coupler 704 parallel to the wire may be the point of the curve, or any point where the tangent of the curve is parallel to the wire 702. Thus, when the circular coupler 704 is located or placed, the waveform 706 traveling along the circular coupler 704 is at least partially coupled to the wire 702, And propagates as a guided wave 708 along the wire 702 as a species. The guided wave 708 may be characterized as surface waves or other electromagnetic waves that are induced or bound by the wire 702 or other transmission medium.

A portion of the waveform 706 that is not coupled to the wire 702 propagates along the arc coupler 704 as a waveform 710. It will be appreciated that the circular coupler 704 may be constructed and arranged at various positions with respect to the wire 702 to achieve the desired level of coupling or unbinding of the waveform 706 to the wire 702. For example, the curvature and / or length of the circular coupler 704 parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702, as well as the circular coupler 704 (which may include a zero separation distance in one embodiment) The spacing of the spacers 704 may vary within a range that does not depart from the exemplary embodiments. Likewise, the arrangement of the circular coupler 704 with respect to the wire 702 is not limited to the characteristic (e.g., thickness, composition, electromagnetic properties, etc.) of each of the wire 702 and the circular coupler 704, (E. G., Frequency, energy level, etc.) of the components 706 and 708 of FIG.

The guide wave 708 stays parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702, even when the wire 702 is bent and bent. Flexures in wire 702 can increase transmission losses, and transmission losses are also dependent on wire diameters, frequency, and materials. If the dimensions of the circular coupler 704 are selected for efficient power transmission, most of the power in the waveform 706 is transferred to the wire 702 with little power remaining in the waveform 710. The induced wave 708 may be essentially still multimode, including having non-basic or asymmetric modes, moving along a path parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702 with or without a basic transmission mode (Discussed herein). In one embodiment, non-basic or asymmetric modes may be utilized to minimize transmission losses and / or to obtain increased propagation distances.

It is noted that the term parallel is generally a geometrical construct that is not precisely achievable in real systems. Accordingly, the term parallel used as used in this present invention, when used to describe the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, represents an approximation rather than an exact configuration. In one embodiment, substantially parallel may include approximations within 30 degrees of true parallel at all dimensions.

In one embodiment, waveform 706 may represent one or more waveform propagation modes. The arc coupler modes may be dependent on the shape and / or design of the coupler 704. One or more of the arc coupler modes of waveform 706 may create, affect, or affect one or more waveform propagation modes of guided wave 708 propagating along wire 702. It should be noted, however, that the guide wave modes present in the guide wave 706 may be the same or different from the guide wave modes of the guide wave 708. [ In this way, one or more of the guide wave modes of the guide wave 706 may not be transmitted to the guide wave 708, and one or more additional guide wave modes of the guide wave 708 are not present in the guide wave 706 It may not have been. It should also be noted that the cutoff frequency of the circular coupler 704 for a particular waveguide mode may be different from the cut-off frequency of the wire 702 or other transmission medium for such a same mode. For example, while wire 702 or other transmission medium may be operated slightly above the cut-off frequency of wire 702 or other transmission medium for a particular guided wave mode, Off frequency of the circular coupler 704 for such a mode to induce, for example, greater coupling and power transmission, far beyond the cutoff frequency of the circular coupler 704 for the same mode, or And may be operated at some other point in time relative to the cut-off frequency of the arc coupler for such a mode.

In one embodiment, the wave propagation modes on wire 702 may be similar to the arc coupler modes, as both waveforms 706 and 708 propagate around the outer periphery of each of circular coupler 704 and wire 702 . In some embodiments, as the waveform 706 is coupled to the wire 702, the coupling between the circular coupler 704 and the wire 702 may cause the modes to change shape, or new modes may be created or created . For example, differences in size, material, and / or impedances of the circular coupler 704 and the wire 702 may be used to create and / or suppress some of the arc coupler modes that do not exist in the arc coupler modes have. Waveform propagation modes may include a basic transverse electromagnetic mode (pseudo-TEM ₀₀ ) in which only small electric fields and / or magnetic fields extend in the direction of the radio waves while propagating along the wire, The magnetic fields extend radially outward. This guided wave mode may be donut shaped, and most of the electromagnetic fields are absent in the circular coupler 704 or wire 702.

Waveforms 706 and 708 include a basic TEM mode in which the fields extend radially outward and may also include other non-basic (e.g., asymmetric, higher level, etc.) modes. Although certain wave propagation modes have been discussed above, the surface characteristics of the wire 702, as well as the frequencies employed, the design of the circular coupler 704, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702, Other wave propagation modes are likewise possible, such as transverse electric (TE) and transverse (TM) modes, based on insulation, electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment and the like. Depending on the frequency, the electrical and physical properties of the wire 702, and the particular wave propagation modes that are generated, the guided wave 708 can be an oxidized non-insulated wire, an unoxidized non-insulated wire, The conductive surface of the insulated wire and / or the insulating surface of the insulated wire.

In one embodiment, the diameter of the circular coupler 704 is smaller than the diameter of the wire 702. For the millimeter-band wavelengths used, the circular coupler 704 supports a single waveguide mode that makes up the waveform 706. This single waveguide mode can be varied as it is coupled to the wire 702 as an induced wave 708. [ If the circular coupler 704 is larger, more than one waveguide mode may be supported, but these additional waveguide modes may not be efficiently coupled to the wire 702 and more coupling losses may occur. However, in some alternative embodiments, the diameter of the circular coupler 704 may be adjusted by other methods (e.g., tapering) to reduce coupling losses, for example, Impedance matching, etc.), the wire 702 may be larger than the diameter of the wire 702.

In one embodiment, the wavelengths of waveforms 706 and 708 are comparable or less than the circumference of circular coupler 704 and wire 702. In one example, if the wire 702 has a diameter of 0.5 cm and a corresponding circumference of approximately 1.5 cm, then the wavelength of the transmitted signal is approximately 1.5 cm or less, corresponding to frequencies above 70 GHz. In another embodiment, the appropriate frequency of the transmitted signal and the carrier signal is in the range of 30 to 100 GHz, perhaps about 30 to 60 GHz, and in one example about 38 GHz. In one embodiment, when the circumference of the circular coupler 704 and wire 702 is comparable or larger than the wavelength and magnitude of the transmitted signal, the waveforms 706 and 708 may be transmitted to the various communication systems < RTI ID = 0.0 > (Non-symmetric and / or asymmetric) modes that propagate over distances sufficient to support the base station and the base station. Thus, waveforms 706 and 708 may include more than one type of electric and magnetic field configuration. In one embodiment, as the guided wave 708 propagates below the wire 702, the electric field and magnetic field configurations will remain the same for each end of the wire 702. In other embodiments, when the guiding wave 708 is in contact with interference (distortion or obstructions) or loss of energy due to transmission losses or scattering, the electric field and magnetic field configurations may cause the guided wave 708 to propagate through the wire 702, As it propagates downward, it can be changed.

In one embodiment, the circular coupler 704 may be comprised of nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, polyamide or other plastics. In other embodiments, other dielectric materials are possible. The wire surface of the wire 702 may be a metal having either exposed metal surface or may be insulated using a plastic, dielectric, insulator or other coating, jacket or sheath. In one embodiment, the dielectric or nonconductive / insulating waveguide may be paired with the exposed / metal wire or insulated wire. In other embodiments, the metal and / or conductive waveguide may be paired with the exposed / metal wire or insulated wire. In one embodiment, the oxide layer on the exposed metal surface of the wire 702 (e.g., due to exposure of the oxygen / air exposed metal surface) is similar to the properties provided by some of the insulators or enclosures, Or dielectric properties.

The graphical representations of waveforms 706,708 and 710 are provided only to illustrate the principles by which waveform 706 induces or launches guided wave 708 on wire 702 operating, for example, as a single wire transmission line. Points are noted. Waveform 710 represents a portion of waveform 706 that remains on circular coupler 704 after generation of waveguide 708. [ Actual fields and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wave propagation are not limited to the frequencies employed, the particular wave propagation mode or modes, the design of the circular coupler 704, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702, ), The selective insulation of the wire 702, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, and the like.

It is noted that an arc coupler 704 may include a terminating circuit or damper 714 at the end of a circular coupler 704 that is capable of absorbing residual radiation or energy from the waveform 710. A termination circuit or damper 714 may prevent and / or minimize residual radiation or energy that is reflected back to the transmitter circuit 712 from the waveform 710. In one embodiment, the termination circuit or damper 714 may include termination resistors that perform impedance matching to attenuate reflections, and / or other components. In some embodiments, it may not be necessary to use a terminating circuit or damper 714 if the coupling efficiencies are high enough / high and the waveform 710 is small enough. For simplicity, such a transmitter 712 and termination circuits or dampers 714 may not be shown in other figures, but in such embodiments, a transmitter and termination circuits or dampers may possibly be used .

In addition, although a single circular coupler 704 is provided that produces a single waveguide 708, multiple circular couplers 704 disposed at different points along the wire 702 and / or with different azimuthal orientations around the wire 704 may be employed to generate and receive multiple derived waves 708 at the same or different frequencies, in the same or different phases, in the same or different waveform propagation modes.

In FIG. 8, a block diagram 800 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a circular coupler is shown. At least a portion of the coupler 704 is coupled to the circular coupler 704 and the wire 702 or other transmission medium 702 to extract a portion of the guided wave 806 as an induced wave 808 as described herein. Such as wire 702 or other transmission media (such as transmission medium 125) to facilitate coupling between the transmission media. Circular coupler 704 can be positioned such that a portion of curved circular coupler 704 is tangent to wire 702 and parallel or substantially parallel thereto. The portion of the circular coupler 704 parallel to the wire may be the point of the curve, or any point where the tangent of the curve is parallel to the wire 702. Thus, when a circular coupler 704 is located or placed, a wave form 806 traveling along the wire 702 is at least partially coupled to the circular coupler 704 and is coupled along a circular coupler 704 to a receiving device Not shown) as an induced wave 808. [ A portion of the waveform 806 that is not coupled to the arc coupler propagates as a waveform 810 along the wire 702 or other transmission medium.

In one embodiment, waveform 806 may represent one or more waveform propagation modes. The arc coupler modes may be dependent on the shape and / or design of the coupler 704. One or more modes of the guided wave 806 may create, affect, or affect one or more guided wave modes of the guided wave 808 propagating along the circular coupler 704. [ It should be noted, however, that the guide wave modes present in the guide wave 806 may be the same or different from the guide wave modes of the guide wave 808. [ In this manner, one or more of the guide wave modes of the guide wave 806 may not be transmitted to the guide wave 808 and additional one or more guide wave modes of the guide wave 808 may not be present in the guide wave 806 It may not have been.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, a block diagram 900 illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a stub coupler is shown. In particular, a coupling device comprising a stub coupler 904 is provided for use in a transmitting device such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with Fig. The stub coupler 904 may be made of a dielectric material or other less lossy insulator (e.g., Teflon, polyethylene, etc.) or a conductive (e.g., metal, non-metallic) Lt; / RTI > As shown, the stub coupler 904 operates as a waveguide and has a waveform 906 that propagates as a waveguide around the waveguide surface of the stub coupler 904. At least a portion of the stub coupler 904 facilitates coupling between the stub coupler 904 and the wire 702 or other transmission medium as described herein to launch the guiding wave 908 on the wire Such as wire 702 or other transmission medium (such as transmission medium 125).

In one embodiment, the stub coupler 904 is a curve, and the end of the stub coupler 904 may be tied, fixed, or mechanically coupled to the wire 702. When the end of the stub coupler 904 is secured to the wire 702, the end of the stub coupler 904 is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. Alternatively, other portions of the dielectric waveguide beyond the end may be fixed or coupled to the wire 702 such that the fixed or bonded portion is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. [ The fastener 910 can be a nylon cable tie or other type of non-conductive / dielectric material that is separate from the stub coupler 904 or is configured as an integral component of the stub coupler 904. The stub coupler 904 may be adjacent to the wire 702 without surrounding the wire 702.

When the stub coupler 904 is disposed with an end parallel to the wire 702, as in the case of the circular coupler 704 described with reference to Fig. 7, the guiding wave 906, which travels along the stub coupler 904, (702) and propagates as an induced wave (908) around the wire surface of the wire (702). In one exemplary embodiment, the guided wave 908 may be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave.

It is noted that the graphical representations of waveforms 906 and 908 are provided only to illustrate the principles by which waveform 906 induces or launches guided wave 908 on wire 702 operating, for example, as a single wire transmission line. do. The actual electric fields and magnetic fields generated as a result of such waveform propagation are determined by the shape and / or design of the coupler, the relative position of the dielectric waveguide with respect to the wire, the frequencies employed, the design of the stub coupler 904, As well as the surface properties of the wire 702, the selective insulation of the wire 702, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, and the like.

In one embodiment, the end of the stub coupler 904 may be tapered toward the wire 702 to increase coupling efficiencies. In fact, the tapering of the ends of the stub coupler 904 can provide impedance matching for the wires 702 and reduce reflections in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the end of the stub coupler 904 may be gradually tapered to obtain a desired level of coupling between the waveforms 906 and 908, as shown in FIG. 9A.

In one embodiment, the fastener 910 can be positioned such that there is a short length stub coupler 904 between the fastener 910 and the end of the stub coupler 904. The maximum coupling efficiencies are realized in this embodiment when the length of the end of the stub coupler 904 beyond the fastener 910 is at least several wavelengths long for any frequency being transmitted.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, a diagram 950 is shown illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic distribution according to various aspects described herein. In particular, the electromagnetic distribution is provided in two dimensions for a transmitting device including coupler 952, shown as an exemplary stub coupler comprised of a dielectric material. Coupler 952 couples electromagnetic waves for propagation as a guided wave along the outer surface of wire 702 or other transmission medium.

Coupler 952 directs electromagnetic waves to a junction at x ₀ through a symmetrical waveguide mode. Although a part of the energy of the electromagnetic wave propagating along the coupler 952 is outside the coupler 952, the majority of the energy of such electromagnetic wave is included in the coupler 952. [ The junction at x ₀ couples the electromagnetic wave to wire 702 or other transmission medium at an azimuth corresponding to the bottom of the transmission medium. This coupling induces an electromagnetic wave that is induced to propagate along the outer surface of the wire 702 or other transmission medium through at least one guided wave mode in a direction 956. The majority of the energy of the induced electromagnetic waves is on the outside of the wire 702 or other transmission medium, but is very close to the outer surface thereof. In the illustrated example, the junction at x ₀ is a symmetric mode, such as the primary mode, provided with FIG. 3 that skims the surface of wire 702 or other transmission medium, and at least one asymmetric surface mode 2 Thereby forming an electromagnetic wave propagating through the other.

It is noted that the graphical representations of the guided waves are provided only to illustrate one example of guided wave coupling and propagation. Actual fields and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wave propagation are not limited to the frequencies employed, the design and / or configuration of the coupler 952, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702 or other transmission medium, Or the surface properties of other transmission media, if present, the insulation of the wire 702 or other transmission medium, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, and so on.

Referring now to FIG. 10A, there is shown a block diagram 1000 of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a coupler and transceiver system in accordance with various aspects described herein. The system is an example of a transmitting device (101 or 102). In particular, the communication interface 1008 is an example of a communication interface 205, the stub coupler 1002 is an example of a coupler 220, and includes a transmitter / receiver device 1006, a diplexer 1016, A low noise amplifier 1018, frequency mixers 1010 and 1020 and a local oscillator 1012 collectively form an example of a transceiver 210. The low noise amplifier 1014,

In operation, the transmitter / receiver device 1006 launches and receives waveforms (e.g., an induced wave 1004 towards the stub coupler 1002). The guidance waves 1004 may be used to transmit signals received from and transmitted to a host device, base station, mobile devices, building or other device via the communication interface 1008. [ Communication interface 1008 may be an integral part of system 1000. Alternatively, the communication interface 1008 may be tethered to the system 1000. Communication interface 1008 may include various wireless signaling protocols (e.g., LTE, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, IEEE 802.xx) including infrared protocols such as infrared data communications standards (IrDA) Etc.), a base station, a mobile device, a building, or other device that utilizes any of the above. Communication interface 1008 may be implemented using any suitable communication protocol such as Ethernet protocol, Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) protocol, FireWire (IEEE 1394) protocol, Such as a fiber optic line, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair, a Category 5 (CAT-5) cable or other suitable wired or optical media for communicating with a host device, base station, mobile devices, . ≪ / RTI > For embodiments in which the system 1000 functions as a repeater, the communication interface 1008 may not be needed.

The output signals (e.g., Tx) of communication interface 1008 may be combined with a carrier (e.g., a millimeter wave carrier) generated by local oscillator 1012 in frequency mixer 1010. Frequency mixer 1010 may use heterodyne techniques or other frequency shifting techniques to frequency shift the output signals from communication interface 1008. [ For example, the signals transmitted from and to the communication interface 1008 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or other wireless 3G, 4G, 5G or higher voice and data protocol, ZigBee, WIMAX, Wireless protocol; Formatted according to a wired protocol such as Ethernet protocol, Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) protocol, FireWire (IEEE 1394) protocol or other wired or wireless protocol Or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. In one exemplary embodiment, such frequency conversion can be done in the analog domain, and consequently, the frequency shift can be done regardless of the type of communication protocol used by the base station, mobile devices, or devices in the building. As new communication technologies are developed, the communication interface 1008 can be upgraded (e.g., updated with software, firmware and / or hardware) and frequency shifting and transmission devices can be maintained to simplify upgrades have. The carrier wave may then be transmitted to a power amplifier (" PA ") 1014 and transmitted via a diplexer 1016 via a transmitter receiver device 1006.

Signals received from the transmitter / receiver device 1006 that are directed toward the communication interface 1008 may be separated from other signals via the diplexer 1016. The received signal may then be transmitted to a low noise amplifier (" LNA ") 1018 for amplification. The frequency mixer 1020 may shift the received signal down to the original frequency (in some embodiments in millimeter waveband or approximately 38 GHz), with the help of the local oscillator 1012. Communication interface 1008 may then receive the transmission signal at input port Rx.

In one embodiment, the transmitter / receiver device 1006 may include a cylindrical or non-cylindrical metal (e.g., which is hollow in one embodiment, but may not necessarily be depicted in a percentage), or may include another conduction or vision The ends of the waveguide and stub coupler 1002 can be disposed within or near the waveguide or transmitter / receiver device 1006 such that when the transmitter / receiver device 1006 generates a transmission signal, (1002) and propagates as an induced wave (1004) around the waveguide surface of the stub coupler (1002). In some embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate partially on the outer surface of the stub coupler 1002 and partially within the stub coupler 1002. In other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the stub coupler 1002. In yet other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate substantially or completely within the stub coupler 1002. In this latter embodiment, the guided wave 1004 is emitted at the end of the stub coupler 1002 (such as the tapered end shown in Fig. 4) for coupling to a transmission medium such as the wire 702 of Fig. 7 . Similarly, when an inductive wave 1004 is introduced (from the wire 702 to the stub coupler 1002), the inductive wave 1004 then enters the transmitter / receiver device 1006 and enters the cylindrical waveguide or conduction waveguide . Although the transmitter / receiver device 1006 is shown as including a separate waveguide, the antenna, cavity resonator, klystron, magnetron, traveling wave tube, or other radiating element may be used as a guiding wave on the coupler 1002 with or without a separate waveguide As shown in FIG.

In one embodiment, stub coupler 1002 may be completely constructed of dielectric material (or other suitable insulating material) without any metallic or conductive materials therein. Stub coupler 1002 may be comprised of nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, polyamide, other plastics or other materials suitable for facilitating the transmission of electromagnetic waves at least partially on the outer surface of such materials that are non-conductive. In another embodiment, stub coupler 1002 includes a conductive metal / metal core and may have an outer dielectric surface. Similarly, in addition to being an exposed or insulated wire, the transmission medium coupled to the stub coupler 1002 for propagating electromagnetic waves induced by the stub coupler 1002 or for supplying electromagnetic waves to the stub coupler 1002, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > (or other suitable insulating material). ≪ / RTI >

10A shows that the aperture of the transmitter receiver device 1006 is much wider than the stub coupler 1002 but it is not drawn at a constant rate and in other embodiments the width of the stub coupler 1002 is larger than the width of the hollow waveguide 1002. In other embodiments, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > or slightly < / RTI > smaller than this. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the end of the coupler 1002 inserted into the transmitter / receiver device 1006 is tapered to reduce reflection and increase coupling efficiencies.

One or more waveguide modes of the guided wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 may be coupled to the stub coupler 1002 to derive one or more wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004, prior to coupling to the stub coupler 1002, Can be combined. Waveform propagation modes of the guided wave 1004 may be different from the hollow metal waveguide modes due to the different characteristics of the hollow metal waveguide and dielectric waveguide. For example, the wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004 may include a basic transverse electromagnetic mode (pseudo-TEM ₀₀ ), wherein while the guided waves propagate along the stub coupler 1002, the small electric fields and / Or only the magnetic fields extend in the direction of the radio wave, and electric fields and magnetic fields extend radially outward from the stub coupler 1002. Basic transverse electromagnetic modes Waveform propagation modes may or may not be present inside a hollow waveguide. Therefore, the hollow metal waveguide modes used by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 are waveguide modes that can be effectively and efficiently coupled to the wave propagation modes of the stub coupler 1002.

It will be appreciated that other configurations or combinations of transmitter / receiver device 1006 and stub coupler 1002 are possible. For example, the stub coupler 1002 'may be coupled to the outer surface of the hollow metal waveguide of the transmitter / receiver device 1006' (corresponding network not shown) as shown by reference numeral 1000 'in FIG. With or without a gap) to be tangential or parallel. In another embodiment, not shown as reference numeral 1000 ', the stub coupler 1002' is configured such that the axis of the stub coupler 1002 'is not aligned coaxially with the axis of the hollow metal waveguide of the transmitter / receiver device 1006' May be disposed within the hollow metal waveguide of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 '. In any of these embodiments, the induced waves generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 'may include a fundamental mode (e.g., a symmetric mode) and / or a non-basic mode (e.g., May be coupled to the surface of the stub coupler 1002 'to derive one or more wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004' on the stub coupler 1002 '.

In one embodiment, the guided wave 1004 'may partially propagate partially on the outer surface of the stub coupler 1002' and within the stub coupler 1002 '. In other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 'may propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the stub coupler 1002'. In yet other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 'may propagate substantially or completely within the stub coupler 1002'. In this latter embodiment, the guiding wave 1004 'is at the end of the stub coupler 1002' (such as the tapered end shown in FIG. 9) for coupling to a transmission medium such as the wire 702 of FIG. 9 It can radiate.

It will further be appreciated that other configurations of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 are possible. For example, the hollow metal waveguide of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 " (not shown in the corresponding network) shown in Fig. 10B as reference numeral 1000 " (With or without a gap) with respect to the outer surface of the transmission medium, such as a < RTI ID = 0.0 > In this embodiment, the guided wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 " is transmitted through a wire 702 comprising a basic mode (e.g., a symmetric mode) and / or a non-basic mode (e.g., asymmetric mode) May be coupled to the surface of the wire 702 to derive one or more wave propagation modes of the guided wave 908 on the wire. In another embodiment, wire 702 is coupled to transmitter / receiver device 1006 " 'so that the axis of wire 702 is aligned coaxially (or not coaxially) with the axis of the hollow metal waveguide without the use of stub coupler 1002. ) (Not shown in the corresponding network diagram) within the hollow metal waveguide - see Figure 10B, reference numeral 1000 " '. In this embodiment, the induced wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 " 'is coupled to a wire induction wave including a fundamental mode (e.g., a symmetrical mode) and / or a non-basic mode May be coupled to the surface of the wire 702 to derive one or more wave propagation modes of the wave 908.

In the case of the 1000 " and 1000 " embodiments, for the wire 702 having an insulated outer surface, the guiding wave 908 can propagate partially on the outer surface of the insulator and partially within the insulator. In embodiments, the guided wave 908 may propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the insulator, or substantially or completely within the insulator. For the 1000 " and 1000 " embodiments, for the wire 702, which is the exposed conductor, the guiding wave 908 may partially propagate partially on the outer surface of the conductor and within the conductor. In other embodiments, the guided wave 908 can propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the conductor.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a block diagram 1100 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a dual stub coupler. In particular, a dual coupler design is provided for use in a transmitting device such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with Fig. In one embodiment, two or more couplers (such as stub couplers 1104 and 1106) may be positioned around the wire 1102 to receive the induced wave 1108. In one embodiment, one coupler is sufficient to receive the guided wave (1108). In such a case, the induced wave 1108 couples to the coupler 1104 and propagates as an induced wave 1110. When the field structure of the induced wave 1108 vibrates or vibrates about the wire 1102 due to the particular induced wave mode (s) or various external factors, then the coupler 1106 will cause the induced wave 1108 to pass through the coupler 1106 ). ≪ / RTI > In some embodiments, it may be possible to oscillate or rotate around the wire 1102, be induced in different azimuthal orientations, or be used in non-basic or higher order modes, e.g., with lobes and / Four or more couplers may be placed around a portion of the wire 1102, e.g., at 90 degrees or at different intervals relative to one another, to receive the induction waves having different asymmetries. However, it will be appreciated that there may be four or more couplers disposed around a portion of the wire 1102 within a range that does not depart from the exemplary embodiments.

Couplers 1106 and 1104 are illustrated as stub couplers, but it should be noted that any of the coupler designs described herein, including a circular coupler, an antenna or horn coupler, a magnetic coupler, and the like, may likewise be used. It will also be appreciated that although some exemplary embodiments provide a plurality of couplers around at least a portion of the wire 1102, such a plurality of couplers may be considered as part of a single coupler system having multiple coupler subcomponents . For example, two or more couplers may be installed around a wire in a single installation such that the couplers are pre-positioned or adjustable relative to each other (either automatically or manually with a controllable mechanism such as a motor or other actuator) ≪ / RTI >

Receivers coupled to couplers 1106 and 1104 may use diversity combining to combine signals received from both couplers 1106 and 1104 to maximize signal quality. In other embodiments, when one or the other of the couplers 1104 and 1106 receives a transmission signal that exceeds a predetermined threshold, the receivers may use selective diversity when determining which signal to use. In addition, although reception by a plurality of couplers 1106 and 1104 is illustrated, transmission by couplers 1106 and 1104 in the same configuration can occur as well. In particular, a wide variety of multi-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission and reception schemes may be employed for transmission where a transmitting device such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with FIG. 1 includes multiple transceivers and multiple couplers .

It is noted that graphical representations of waveforms 1108 and 1110 are only provided to illustrate the principles by which induced wave 1108 derives or launches waveform 1110 on coupler 1104. [ Actual fields and magnetic fields generated as a result of such waveform propagation are determined by the frequencies employed, the design of coupler 1104, the dimensions and composition of wire 1102, the surface properties of wire 702, The insulation of the wire 702, the electromagnetic characteristics of the surrounding environment, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a block diagram 1200 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a repeater system. In particular, the repeater device 1210 is provided for use in a transmitting device such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with Fig. In such a system, two couplers 1204 and 1214 are coupled to the output of coupler 1204 such that induction waves 1205 propagating along wire 1202 are extracted by coupler 1204 as waveform 1206 (e.g., as a guided wave) And then placed near the wire 1202 or other transmission medium to be boosted or relayed by the repeater device 1210 and launched toward the coupler 1214 as wave form 1216 (e.g., as a guided wave). Waveform 1216 is then launched on wire 1202 and can continue to propagate along wire 1202 as an induced wave 1217. In one embodiment, the repeater device 1210 includes at least a portion of the power utilized to step up or relay through magnetic coupling with the wire 1202, for example, when the wire 1202 is a power line or includes a power delivery conductor. Lt; / RTI > Although couplers 1204 and 1214 are illustrated as stub couplers, it should be noted that any of the coupler designs described herein, including arc couplers, antennas or horn couplers, magnetic couplers, and the like, may likewise be used.

In some embodiments, the repeater device 1210 may relay the transmission signal associated with the waveform 1206, and in other embodiments, the repeater device 1210 may communicate with other networks and / (Or other signals) from waveform 1206 to provide such data or signals to / from one or more other devices and / or to receive communication signals 110 or 112 from other networks and / And a communication interface 205 for launching an inductive wave 1216 that extracts and incorporates received communication signals 110 or 112 therein. In the repeater configuration, receiver waveguide 1208 can receive waveform 1206 from coupler 1204 and transmitter waveguide 1212 can launch induction wave 1216 toward coupler 1214 as an induced wave 1217 have. Between the receiver waveguide 1208 and the transmitter waveguide 1212, the signal embedded in the waveguide 1206 and / or the waveguide 1216 itself is amplified to correct for signal loss and other inefficiencies associated with the waveguide communication Or the signal may be received and processed to extract the data contained therein and regenerated for transmission. In one embodiment, the receiver waveguide 1208 is configured to extract data from the signal and to process the data to correct for data errors, for example utilizing error correction codes, and to reconstruct the updated signal with the corrected data . The transmitter waveguide 1212 can then transmit an inductive wave 1216 with an updated signal embedded therein. In one embodiment, the signal embedded in the guided wave 1206 may be extracted from the transmission signal for communication with another network and / or one or more other devices via the communication interface 205 as communication signals 110 or 112. [ And processed. Likewise, communication signals 110 or 112 received by communication interface 205 may be inserted into the transmission signal of induction wave 1216 that is generated and launched by coupler 1214 by transmitter waveguide 1212.

It is noted that FIG. 12 shows waveguide transmission signals 1206 and 1216, respectively, that enter from the left and evacuate to the right, but this is only intended to be simplified and not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, receiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide 1212 may function as transmitters and receivers, respectively, to enable repeater device 1210 to be bidirectional.

In one embodiment, repeater device 1210 may be located at locations where there are discontinuous points or obstructions on wire 1202 or other transmission medium. When the wire 1202 is a power line, such obstacles may include a transformer, a connection, a pole, and other such power line devices. The repeater device 1210 can help inductive (e.g., surface) waveforms cross these obstacles on the line and boost the transmit power at the same time. In other embodiments, a coupler may be used to traverse the obstacle without the use of a repeater device. In such an embodiment, both ends of the coupler may be tied or fixed to the wire, thus providing a path for the guided wave to travel without being blocked by the obstacle.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a block diagram 1300 of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a bi-directional repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, bidirectional repeater device 1306 is provided for use in a transmitting device, such as transmitting device 101 or 102, provided with Fig. Although couplers are illustrated as stub couplers, it should be noted that any of the coupler designs described herein, including arc couplers, antennas or horn couplers, magnetic couplers, and the like, may likewise be used. The bi-directional repeater 1306 may employ diversity paths in the presence of two or more wires or other transmission media. If the guided wave transmissions have different transmission efficiencies and coupling efficiencies for different types of transmission media, such as insulated wires, non-insulated wires or other types of transmission media, and are exposed to the elements, then the climate and other atmospheric conditions It may be advantageous to selectively transmit on different transmission media at specific times. In various embodiments, the various transmission media may be designated as primary, secondary, tertiary, etc., whether or not the designation indicates the priority of one transmission medium than the other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission medium includes insulated or non-insulated wire 1302 (referred to herein as wires 1302 and 1304, respectively) and insulated or non-insulated wire 1304. The repeater device 1306 uses the receiver coupler 1308 to receive the guided wave traveling along the wire 1302 and relays the transmission using the transmitter waveguide 1310 as the guided wave along the wire 1304. In other embodiments, repeater device 1306 may switch from wire 1304 to wire 1302, or relay transmissions along the same paths. The repeater device 1306 may include sensors or may be in communication with sensors (or the network management system 1601 shown in Figure 16A) that indicate conditions that may affect transmission. Based on the feedback received from the sensors, the repeater device 1306 can make a determination as to whether to keep the transmission along the same wire or to transfer the transmission to another wire.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a block diagram 1400 illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a bi-directional repeater system. In particular, a bi-directional repeater system is provided for use in a transmitting device such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with FIG. The bi-directional repeater system includes waveguide coupling devices 1402 and 1404 that receive and transmit transmission signals from a distributed antenna system or other coupling devices located in the return system.

In various embodiments, the waveguide coupling device 1402 can receive a transmission signal from another waveguide coupling device, and the transmission signal has a plurality of subcarriers. The diplexer 1406 may isolate the transmission signal from other transmission signals and direct the transmission signal to a low noise amplifier (" LNA ") 1408. Frequency mixer 1428 may be configured to transmit a transmission signal (in some embodiments in the millimeter waveband or approximately 38 GHz) to a cellular band (approximately 1.9 GHz) for a distributed antenna system with the aid of a local oscillator 1412, Downward to a lower frequency, such as a frequency or other frequency for the ear canal system. An extractor (or demultiplexer) 1432 extracts the signal at the subcarrier and directs the signal to an output component 1422 for selective amplification, buffering, or isolation by a power amplifier 1424 for coupling to the communication interface 205 . The communication interface 205 may further process the signals received from the power amplifier 1424 or transmit these signals to other devices such as base stations, mobile devices, buildings, etc., via a wireless or wired interface. For signals that are not extracted at this location, the extractor 1432 may redirect the signals to another frequency mixer 1436, which is used to modulate the carrier generated by the local oscillator 1414. The carrier is directed to a power amplifier (" PA ") 1416, along with its subcarriers, and is retransmitted by the waveguide coupling device 1404 to the other system via diplexer 1420.

The LNA 1426 is coupled to a multiplexer 1434 that is used to amplify, buffer, or isolate signals received by the communication interface 205 and then merges the signals with signals received from the waveguide coupling device 1404 The signal can be transmitted. Signals received from combining device 1404 were split by diplexer 1420 and then passed through LNA 1418 and frequency shifted downward by frequency mixer 1438. When the signals are combined by the multiplexer 1434, the signals are shifted up in frequency by the frequency mixer 1430, then boosted by the PA 1410, and transmitted to the other system by the waveguide coupling device 1402 do. In one embodiment, the bi-directional repeater system may be a repeater without an output device 1422. In this embodiment, multiplexer 1434 will not be utilized and the signals from LNA 1418 will be directed to mixer 1430 as described above. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the bi-directional repeater system may be implemented using two separate and separate unidirectional repeaters. In an alternative embodiment, the bi-directional repeater system may be a booster or perform retransmissions without downward shift and upshift. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment, retransmissions may be based on receiving a signal or a guided wave and performing some signal or guided wave processing or reshaping, filtering, and / or amplifying prior to retransmission of the signal or guided wave.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown a block diagram 1500 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide communication system. This figure illustrates an exemplary environment in which a waveguide communication system such as the waveguide communication system provided with Fig. 1 may be used.

In order to provide network access to additional base station devices, a home network that links communication cells (e.g., microcells and macrocells) to network devices in the core network is correspondingly extended. Likewise, an extended communication system linking distributed antennas of base station devices and base station devices is desirable to provide network connectivity to a distributed antenna system. A guided wave communication system 1500 such as that shown in Fig. 15 may be provided to enable alternative, incremental, or additional network connections, and may operate as a single line transmission line (e.g., transmission line) And / or a waveguide coupling system that operates to induce the transmission of electromagnetic waves may be provided to transmit and / or receive guided wave (e.g., surface wave) communications over a transmission medium such as wire.

The guidance wave communication system 1500 includes a distribution system 1550 that includes one or more base station devices (e.g., base station device 1504) communicatively coupled to the central office 1501 and / ). ≪ / RTI > Base station device 1504 may be connected to macro cell site 1502 and central office 1501 by wire (e.g., fiber and / or cable), or wireless (e.g., microwave wireless) connection. A second example of distribution system 1560 can be used to provide wireless voice and data services to residential and / or commercial facilities 1542 (referred to herein as mobile devices 1522 and facilities 1542) . System 1500 may have additional instances of distribution systems 1550 and 1560 that provide voice and / or data services to mobile devices 1522 through 1524 and facilities 1542 as shown in FIG. have.

Macro cells, such as macro cell sites 1502, may have dedicated connections to the mobile network and base station device 1504, or may share and / or otherwise use other connections. Central office 1501 may be used to distribute media content and / or provide Internet service provider (ISP) services to mobile devices 1522-1524 and facilities 1542. [ The central office 1501 receives the media content from the crowds of satellites 1530 (one of which is shown in FIG. 15) or other content sources and distributes the first and second instances of the distribution systems 1550 and 1560 To distribute such content to mobile devices 1522 through 1524 and facilities 1542 through the Internet. The central office 1501 may be communicatively coupled to the Internet 1503 to provide Internet data services to the mobile devices 1522-1524 and the facilities 1542. [

Base station device 1504 may be mounted on or attached to a telephone pole 1516. In other embodiments, base station device 1504 may be at other locations located near transformers and / or near power lines. Base station device 1504 may facilitate connection to mobile networks for mobile devices 1522 and 1524. [ The antennas 1512 and 1514 mounted on or near the respective poles 1518 and 1520 receive signals from the base station device 1504 and the antennas 1512 and 1514 are connected to the base station device 1504, It may transmit those signals to the mobile devices 1522 and 1524 over a much wider area than if it were located nearby.

It is noted that FIG. 15 represents three telephone poles in each case of distribution systems 1550 and 1560 with one base station device for the sake of simplicity. In other embodiments, the telephone pole 1516 may have more base stations and more telephone poles with tethered connections to the distributed antennas and / or facilities 1542. [

A transmitting device 1506 such as the transmitting device 101 or 102 provided with Figure 1 may be coupled to the antennas 1516 and 1520 via power lines or power lines that connect the poles 1516,1518 and 1520 from the base station device 1504. [ 1512, and 1514, respectively. To transmit a signal, the wireless source and / or transmitting device 1506 may be configured to either up-convert (e.g., through frequency mixing) the signal from the base station device 1504 or transmit the signal from the base station device 1504 to the microwave band Signal and the transmitting device 1506 launches a microwave band waveform that propagates as a guided wave traveling along a transmission line or other wire as described in previous embodiments. In the telephone pole 1518, another transmitting device 1508 receives the guided wave (and optionally can operate as a repeater to amplify the guided wave as needed or desired, receive the guided wave and regenerate the guided wave, ) The guiding wave is transmitted in all directions as a guided wave on the transmission line or another wire. The transmitting device 1508 extracts the signal from the microwave band guided wave and transmits the signal either at a low frequency offset or at a frequency that is less than the original cellular band frequency of the signal (e.g., 1.9 GHz or other defined cellular frequency) or other cellular ) ≪ / RTI > band frequency. The antenna 1512 may wirelessly transmit the downwardly shifted signal to the mobile device 1522. The process may be repeated by the transmitting device 1510, the antenna 1514 and the mobile device 1524, as necessary or desirable.

Transmitted signals from mobile devices 1522 and 1524 may be received by antennas 1512 and 1514, respectively. The transmission devices 1508 and 1510 upwardly shift or convert the cellular band signals into microwave bands and transmit the signals via power line (s) to base station device 1504 as an inductive wave (e.g., surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) Lt; / RTI >

The media content received by central office 1501 may be provided to distribution system 1560 in the second instance via base station device 1504 for distribution to mobile devices 1522 and facilities 1542. [ The transmitting device 1510 may be tethered to the facilities 1542 by one or more wired connections or a wireless interface. One or more wired connections may include, without limitation, power lines, coaxial cables, fiber cables, twisted pair cables, guided wave transmission media or other suitable wired media for distributing media content and / or providing Internet services. In one exemplary embodiment, the wired connections from the transmitting device 1510 include one or more very high bit rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) modems located in one or more corresponding service area interfaces (SAIs - not shown) or pedestals And each SAI or pedestal provides services to a portion of the facilities 1542. [ VDSL modems may be used to selectively distribute media content and / or provide Internet services to gateways (not shown) located in facilities 1542. [ SAIs or pedestals may be communicatively coupled to facilities 1542 via wired media such as power lines, coaxial cables, fiber cables, twisted pair cables, guided wave transmission media, or other suitable wired media. In other exemplary embodiments, the transmitting device 1510 may be communicatively coupled directly to the facilities 1542 without intermediate interfaces such as SAIs or pedestals.

In another exemplary embodiment, system 1500 includes two or more transmission lines or other wires connected to two or more wires 1516, 1518, 1520 (e.g., for example, And extra transmissions from base station / macrocell site 1502 are transmitted as guided waves beneath the surface of transmission lines or other wires. The transmission lines or other wires may be insulated or non-insulated, and the coupling devices may selectively receive signals from insulated or non-insulated transmission lines or other wires depending on environmental conditions that cause transmission losses. The selection may be based on measurements of the signal-to-noise ratio of the wires, or may be based on determined weather / environmental conditions (e.g., moisture detectors, weather forecasts, etc.). The use of diversity paths with system 1500 may enable alternative routing functions, load balancing, increased load handling, simultaneous bidirectional or synchronous communications, spread spectrum communications, and the like.

It should be noted that the use of transmission devices 1506, 1508 and 1510 of FIG. 15 is only an example, and in other embodiments, other uses are possible. For example, the transmitting devices may be used in a return-to-home communication system to provide network connectivity to base station devices. The transmission devices 1506, 1508, and 1510 may be used in many situations where it is desirable to transmit the guided wave communication through wires, whether isolated or not. The transmission devices 1506, 1508 and 1510 are improvements that surpass other coupling devices due to contactless or limited physical and / or electrical contact with the wires that can carry high voltages. As the dielectric acts as an insulator, the transfer device may be located and / or positioned (e.g., spaced apart and / or spaced from the wire) and positioned on the wire, as long as the transfer device does not electrically contact the wire Which makes it possible to install inexpensively and / or easily and / or less complexly. However, as noted previously, conductive or non-full couplers may be employed in, for example, configurations where the wires may be employed in a telephone network, a cable television network, a broadband data service, a fiber optic communication system, Corresponding to another network having a transmission line.

Although base station device 1504 and macrocell site 1502 are shown in one embodiment, it is also noted that other network configurations are possible as well. For example, devices such as access points or other wireless gateways may be coupled to a communication protocol such as a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area network or an 802.11 protocol, a WIMAX protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, a ZigBee protocol, And may be employed in a similar manner to extend the reach of other networks, such as other wireless networks operating on the same.

16A and 16B, there are shown block diagrams 1600 and 1650 illustrating exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a system for managing a power grid communication system. 16A, waveguide system 1602 is provided for use in a waveguide communication system such as the system provided with Fig. Waveguide system 1602 includes transmitters 101 or 102, including transceivers 210 and couplers 220, including sensors 1604, a power management system 1605, at least one communications interface 205, .

Waveguide system 1602 may be coupled to power line 1610 to facilitate wave guided communications in accordance with the embodiments described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the transmitting device 101 or 102 includes a coupler 220 for inducing electromagnetic waves on the surface of a power line 1610 propagating along the surface of the power line 1610, as described in the present inventive subject matter, . The transmitting device 101 or 102 may serve as a repeater for retransmitting electromagnetic waves on the same power line 1610 or for routing electromagnetic waves between the power lines 1610 as shown in Figs.

The transmitting device 101 or 102 may operate at a carrier frequency that propagates along the coupler to induce corresponding induced electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the power line 1610 or may exhibit or transmit electromagnetic waves associated therewith in the original frequency range And a transceiver 210 configured to up-convert the operating signal, for example. The carrier frequency may be represented by a center frequency having upper and lower cutoff frequencies that define the bandwidth of the electromagnetic waves. Power line 1610 may be a conducting surface or a wire having an insulated surface (e.g., single or multi-stranded). The transceiver 210 may receive signals from the coupler 220 and may downconvert the electromagnetic waves operating at the carrier frequency to signals at the original frequency of the electromagnetic waves.

The signals received by the communication interface 205 of the transmitting device 101 or 102 for up conversion may be transmitted to the central office 1611 via the wired or wireless interface of the communication interface 205, Signals supplied by the base station 1614 via the interface, wireless signals transmitted by the mobile devices 1620 to the base station 1614 for transmission over the wired or wireless interface of the communication interface 205, Signals supplied by the intra-building communication devices 1618 via the wired or wireless interface of the communication interface 205 and / or by the mobile devices 1612 roaming in the wireless communication range of the communication interface 205. [ May include, without limitation, wireless signals that are supplied to the base station 205. In embodiments where the waveguide system 1602 functions as a repeater as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the communication interface 205 may or may not be included in the waveguide system 1602.

Electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the power line 1610 include data payloads and include packets or frames of data that further include networking information (such as header information identifying the one or more destination waveguide systems 1602) Lt; / RTI > The networking information may be provided by waveguide system 1602 or an originating device such as central office 1611, base station 1614, mobile devices 1620 or in-building devices 1618, or a combination thereof . In addition, the modulated electromagnetic waves may contain error correction data that mitigates signal impairment. The networking information and error correction data are transmitted to the destination waveguide system 1602 by detecting transmission signals directed to the destination waveguide system 1602 and transmitting the voice and / or data signals directed to the receiver communication devices communicatively coupled to the destination waveguide system 1602 Can be used by the destination waveguide system 1602 to downconvert and process into the error correcting data transmission signals it contains.

Now referring to the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602, the sensors 1604 may include a temperature sensor 1604a, a fault detection sensor 1604b, an energy loss sensor 1604c, a noise sensor 1604d, (E.g., climate sensor) 1604e, an environmental (e.g., climate) sensor 1604f, and / or an image sensor 1604g. The temperature sensor 1604a may determine the ambient temperature, the temperature of the transmitting device 101 or 102, the temperature of the power line 1610, the setpoint or reference point between the transmitting device 101 or 102 and the power line 1610, And temperature differences or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the temperature metrics may be periodically collected and reported to the network management system 1601 via the base station 1614.

Fault detection sensor 1604b may perform measurements on power line 1610 to detect faults such as signal reflections that may indicate the presence of a downstream fault that may interfere with the propagation of electromagnetic waves on power line 1610. [ Signal reflection may be detected by the transmitting device 101 or 102, for example, by a transmitting device 101 or 102 that is totally or partially reflected back to the transmitting device 101 or 102 from a fault on the power line 1610 located downstream from the transmitting device 101 or 102 , And distortion due to the electromagnetic waves transmitted on the power line 1610.

Signal reflections can be caused by obstacles on the power line 1610. For example, a branch can cause electromagnetic reflections that can cause a corona discharge when the branches are on power line 1610 or are very close to power line 1610. Other obstacles that may cause electromagnetic wave reflections include objects that are entangled on power line 1610 (e.g., clothing, shoes wrapped around a power line 1610 with a shoelace, etc.), corroded accumulation on a power line 1610, The accumulation can be included without limitation. The power grid components may delay or impede the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the surface of power lines 1610. [ Examples of power grid components that can cause signal reflections include without limitation a transformer and a joint connecting twisted power lines. A sharp angle on the power line 1610 may cause electromagnetic wave reflections.

Fault detection sensor 1604b is a circuit that compares the magnitudes of the electromagnetic wave reflections with the magnitudes of the intrinsic electromagnetic waves transmitted by transmitting device 101 or 102 to determine how much the downstream fault of power line 1610 attenuates the transmitted signals . ≪ / RTI > The fault detection sensor 1604b may further comprise a spectrum analyzer circuit that performs spectral analysis on the reflected waves. The spectral data generated by the spectrum analyzer circuit may be compared to spectral profiles through pattern recognition, expert systems, curve fitting, matched filtering or other artificial intelligence, classification or comparison techniques, for example, to match the spectral data closest to The type of fault can be identified based on the spectral profile. The spectral profiles may be stored in the memory of the fault detection sensor 1604b or remotely accessible by the fault detection sensor 1604b. The profiles may include spectral data that models different obstacles that may be encountered at the power lines 1610 to enable the fault detection sensor 1604b to locally identify faults. The identification of the failure may be reported to the network management system 1601 via the base station 1614, if recognized. The fault detection sensor 1604b may utilize the transmitting device 101 or 102 to transmit electromagnetic waves as test signals to determine the round trip time for electromagnetic wave reflection. The round trip time measured by the fault detection sensor 1604b can be used to calculate the distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave to the point where the reflection occurs, which is the distance from the transmitting device 101 or 102 to the downstream fault on the power line 1610 To be calculated by the fault detection sensor 1604b.

The calculated distance may be reported to the network management system 1601 via the base station 1614. In one embodiment, the location of waveguide system 1602 on power line 1610, which network management system 1601 may use to determine the location of a fault on power line 1610 based on a known topology of the power grid, (1601). In another embodiment, waveguide system 1602 may provide the location of waveguide system 1602 in network management system 1601 to assist in determining the location of a fault on power line 1610. The location of waveguide system 1602 may be obtained by waveguide system 1602 from a pre-programmed location of waveguide system 1602 stored in the memory of waveguide system 1602 or waveguide system 1602 may be obtained from waveguide system 1602 The position of the waveguide system 1602 can be determined using a GPS receiver (not shown) included in the waveguide system 1602.

The power management system 1605 provides energy to the aforementioned components of the waveguide system 1602. The power management system 1605 can receive energy from solar cells or from a transformer (not shown) coupled to power line 1610, or by inductive coupling to power line 1610 or other nearby power line. The power management system 1605 may include a backup battery and / or a supercapacitor or other capacitor circuit that provides temporary power to the waveguide system 1602. The energy loss sensor 1604c may be used when the waveguide system 1602 has a power loss condition and / or to detect the occurrence of some other malfunction. For example, the energy loss sensor 1604c may be used when there is a power loss due to defective solar cells, an obstruction on solar cells causing the solar cells to malfunction, a power loss on the power line 1610, and / It is possible to detect when a failure occurs due to the expiration of the backup battery or a detectable defect in the supercapacitor. When a malfunction and / or power loss occurs, the energy loss sensor 1604c may notify the network management system 1601 via the base station 1614. [

Noise sensor 1604d may be used to measure noise on power line 1610 that may adversely affect the transmission of electromagnetic waves on power line 1610. [ Noise sensor 1604d may sense sources of unexpected electromagnetic interference, noise bursts, or other disturbances that may interfere with reception of modulated electromagnetic waves on the surface of power line 1610. [ Noise rupture can be caused, for example, by a corona discharge or other noise source. Noise sensor 1604d may be coupled to waveguide system 1602 from a remote location database that stores internal databases or noise profiles of noise profiles through pattern recognition, expert systems, curve fitting, matched filtering, or other artificial intelligence, It is possible to compare the measured noise with the noise profile obtained by the above. From this comparison, the noise sensor 1604d may identify a noise source (e.g., a corona discharge or otherwise) based on a noise profile that provides, for example, the closest match to the measured noise. Noise sensor 1604d may detect how noise affects transmissions by measuring transmission metrics such as bit error rate, packet loss rate, jitter, packet retransmission requests, and the like. The noise sensor 1604d may, among other things, report the congestion of the noise sources, the time of occurrence of the noise sources, and transmission metrics to the network management system 1601 via the base station 1614. [

Vibration sensor 1604e may include accelerometers and / or gyroscopes that detect two-dimensional or three-dimensional vibrations on power line 1610. The vibrations may be stored locally in the waveguide system 1602 through pattern recognition, expert systems, curve fitting, matched filtering or other artificial intelligence, classification or comparison techniques, or may be stored locally in the waveguide system 1602, Profiles. ≪ / RTI > Vibration profiles can be used, for example, to distinguish dead trees from wind gusts based on a vibration profile that provides the closest match to the measured vibrations, for example. The results of this analysis may be reported by the vibration sensor 1604e to the network management system 1601 via the base station 1614. [

The environmental sensor 1604f may include, among other things, atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature (which may be provided by the temperature sensor 1604a), wind speed, humidity, wind direction, and a barometer to measure rainfall. Environmental sensor 1604f collects raw information to predict climatic conditions prior to occurrence of climate conditions through pattern recognition, expert systems, knowledge-based systems, or other artificial intelligence, classification or other climate modeling and prediction techniques, 1602, or by comparing this information with environmental profiles that can be obtained from a remote database. The environmental sensor 1604f may report the raw data as well as the analysis of the raw data to the network management system 1601. [

The image sensor 1604g may be a digital camera (e.g., a solid-state image sensor or a CCD imager, an infrared camera, etc.) that captures images in the vicinity of the waveguide system 1602. The image sensor 1604g may be used to detect movement of the camera (e.g., actual position or focus / position) to check the powerline 1610 from multiple views (e.g., top, bottom, left, right, Zooms) of the electrical system. Alternatively, the image sensor 1604g may be designed such that no electromechanical mechanism is needed to obtain multiple views. The collection and retrieval of the imaging data generated by the image sensor 1604g may be controlled by the network management system 1601 or it may be collected by itself and reported by the image sensor 1604g to the network management system 1601 have.

And / or to detect and / or predict, and / or mitigate disturbances that may interfere with the propagation of electromagnetic wave transmission signals on power lines 1610 (or any other form of electromagnetic wave transmission media). Other sensors that may be suitable for collecting telemetry information associated with power lines 1610 may be utilized by waveguide system 1602. [

Referring now to FIG. 16B, a block diagram 1650 illustrates a power grid 1653 in accordance with various aspects described herein, and a system for managing a communications system 1655 embedded therein or associated with a power grid 1653 Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Communication system 1655 includes a plurality of waveguide systems 1602 coupled to power lines 1610 of power grid 1653. At least some of the waveguide systems 1602 used in the communication system 1655 may communicate directly with the base station 1614 and / or the network management system 1601. Waveguide systems 1602 that are not directly connected to base station 1614 or network management system 1601 may communicate with base station 1614 via other downstream waveguide systems 1602 connected to base station 1614 or network management system 1601. [ Or may participate in communication sessions with the network management system 1601.

The network management system 1601 is communicatively coupled to the equipment of the utility company 1652 that provides each entity and the equipment of the communication service provider 1654 that provides status information associated with each of the power grid 1653 and the communication system 1655, Can be combined. The network management system 1601 and the equipment and communication service provider 1654 of the utility company 1652 may provide status information in the management of the power grid 1653 and / or the communication system 1655 and / ) And / or communication devices utilized by communication service provider employees 1658 and / or communication devices utilized by public service enterprise personnel 1656 to direct communication service provider employees 1658 .

17A shows a flowchart of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method 1700 for detecting and mitigating faults occurring in the communication network of the systems of Figs. 16A and 16B. The method 1700 includes transmitting and receiving messages that are inserted into, or form part of, modulated electromagnetic waves or other types of electromagnetic waves that the waveguide system 1602 moves along the surface of the power line 1610 1702 ). ≪ / RTI > The messages may be voice messages, streaming video, and / or other data / information exchanged between communication devices communicatively coupled to the communication system 1655. In step 1704, the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602 may collect sensing data. In one embodiment, the sensed data may be collected at step 1704 before, during, or after the transmission and / or receipt of the messages at step 1702. [ In step 1706, the waveguide system 1602 (or the sensors 1604 themselves) may influence (e.g., by being transmitted by) or communication received by the waveguide system 1602 The occurrence of an actual or predicted failure in a given communication system 1655 can be determined from the sensed data. Waveguide system 1602 (or sensors 1604) may process temperature data, signal reflection data, energy loss data, noise data, vibration data, environmental data, or any combination thereof to make such determination . The waveguide system 1602 (or sensors 1604) may also detect, identify, estimate, or predict the location of the source of the fault and / or the source of the fault in the communication system 1655. Waveguide system 1602 may be inserted into the modulated electromagnetic waves traveling along the surface of power line 1610 or may be inserted into modulated electromagnetic waves traveling along the surface of power line 1610 if a fault is not detected / Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1702 < / RTI >

At step 1708, if a fault is predicted / estimated to be detected / identified or to occur, waveguide system 1602 may determine whether interference can be adversely affected in transmitting or receiving messages at communication system 1655 (or alternatively, (I.e., whether it is likely to give an adverse effect or an adverse effect), the process proceeds to step 1710. In one embodiment, the duration threshold and occurrence frequency threshold may be used in step 1710 to determine when failure to communication in communication system 1655 adversely affects. For purposes of illustration only, it is assumed that the duration threshold is set to 500 ms, while the occurrence frequency threshold is set to five obstacles that occur in an observation period of 10 seconds. Thus, a fault having a duration longer than 500 ms will trigger the duration threshold. In addition, any failure that occurs more than 5 times in a 10 second time interval will trigger the occurrence frequency threshold.

In one embodiment, the failure can be considered to adversely affect signal integrity in communications systems 1655 when only the duration threshold is exceeded. In other embodiments, the failure may be considered to adversely affect signal integrity in communication systems 1655 when both the duration threshold and the occurrence frequency threshold are exceeded. Thus, the latter embodiment is more cautious than the electronic embodiment that distinguishes faults that adversely affect signal integrity in communication system 1655. [ It will be appreciated that many other algorithms and associated parameters and thresholds may be utilized for step 1710 in accordance with the illustrative embodiments.

Referring again to method 1700, at step 1710, if the failure detected at step 1708 does not satisfy the condition for the adversely affected communication (e.g., if the duration threshold does not exceed the occurrence frequency threshold) ), Waveguide system 1602 may proceed to step 1702 and continue processing the messages. For example, if the fault detected in step 1708 has a duration of 1 millisecond with a single occurrence in a 10 second period, then no threshold will be exceeded. Thus, such a failure can be considered to have a nominal impact on signal integrity in the communication system 1655 and therefore will not be flagged as a fault requiring mitigation. Although not flagged, the occurrence of a failure, the time of occurrence of the failure, the frequency of occurrence of the failure, spectral data and / or other useful information may be reported to the network management system 1601 as telemetry data for monitoring.

Referring again to step 1710, on the other hand, if the obstacle meets the conditions for the adversely affected communication (e. G., Exceeds any one or both of the thresholds), waveguide system 1602 proceeds to step 1712 , And report the event to the network management system 1601. [ The report may include raw sensing data collected by the sensors 1604, a description of the fault by the waveguide system 1602, if recognized, a time of occurrence of the fault, a frequency of occurrence of the fault, a location associated with the fault, Retransmission requests, parameter readings such as jitter, latency, and the like. Based on the predictions by one or more sensors of the waveguide system 1602, the report is based on the historical detection data that the predictions are collected by the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602, Type, and, if predictable, the expected occurrence time of the failure, and the expected occurrence frequency of the predicted failure.

At step 1714, the network management system 1601 may perform a mitigation, bypass, or correction that may include directing the waveguide system 1602 to reroute traffic to avoid a failure if the location of the failure can be determined The technique can be determined. In one embodiment, the waveguide coupling device 1402 for detecting a fault may be configured to provide the same functionality as the repeater shown in Figs. 13 and 14 to enable the waveguide system 1602 to reroute traffic to different transmission mediums and avoid interference. The repeater may be instructed to connect the waveguide system 1602 from the primary power line affected by the fault to the secondary power line. In one embodiment, in which waveguide system 1602 is configured as a repeater, waveguide system 1602 may itself perform rerouting of traffic from the primary power line to the secondary power line. It is further noted that in the case of bi-directional communication (e.g., full or half duplex communication), the repeater can be configured to reroute traffic from the secondary power line back to the primary power line for processing by the waveguide system 1602 .

In another embodiment, waveguide system 1602 may be configured to redirect traffic from the primary power line to the secondary power line and back to the primary power line in a manner that avoids interference, The traffic can be redirected by instructing the second repeater to be located at < RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > It is further noted that for bi-directional communication (e.g., full-duplex or half-duplex communication), the repeaters can be configured to reroute traffic from the secondary power line back to the primary power line.

To avoid interfering with existing communication sessions that occur on the secondary power line, the network management system 1601 uses the unused time of the secondary power line to redirect data and / or voice traffic away from the primary power line to avoid failure May instruct waveguide system 1602 to instruct repeater (s) to utilize slot (s) and / or frequency band (s).

At step 1716, while traffic is being rerouted to avoid a failure, the network management system 1601 may notify the equipment of the utility company 1652 and / or the equipment of the communication service provider 1654, Eventually, if detected and, if perceived, the location of the fault can be communicated to the employee 1656 of the utility company and / or the employee 1658 of the communication service provider. Field staff from any organization may engage in resolving disability at a determined location of disability. When the obstacle is removed or alleviated by the employees of the utility company and / or the telecommunications service provider, such an employee may be a field device (e.g., a laptop computer, a smart phone, etc.) communicatively coupled to the network management system 1601, And / or network management system 1601 using the utilities and / or telecommunications service provider's equipment. The notification may include a description of how the failure was mitigated and any changes to the power lines 1610 that may change the topology of the communication system 1655. [

If the failure has been resolved (as determined in decision 1718), the network management system 1601 can recover the previous routing configuration used by the waveguide system 1602, or the recovery method used to mitigate the failure, ), It may indicate to the waveguide system 1602 in step 1720 to route the traffic according to the new routing configuration. In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1602 may be configured to monitor the mitigation of the failure by transmitting test signals on the power line 1610 to determine when the failure has been removed. If the waveguide system 1602 determines that the network topology of the communication system 1655 has not changed when the waveguide system 1602 detects the absence of a fault, Or the waveguide system 1602 may utilize a new routing configuration that adapts to the detected new network topology.

17B shows a flowchart of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method 1750 for detecting and mitigating faults occurring in the communication network of the system of Figs. 16A and 16B. In one embodiment, the method 1750 includes a step 1752 in which the network management system 1601 receives maintenance information associated with maintenance schedules from equipment of the utility company 1652 or equipment of the communication service provider 1654 Can be started. The network management system 1601 may identify the maintenance activities to be performed during the maintenance schedule at step 1754 from the maintenance information. From these activities, the network management system 1601 can perform maintenance (e.g., scheduled replacement of the power line 1610, scheduled replacement of the waveguide system 1602 on the power line 1610, (E.g., scheduled reconfiguration of resources 1610, etc.).

In another embodiment, network management system 1601 may receive telemetry information from one or more waveguide systems 1602 in step 1755. The telemetry information includes, among other things, the identity of each waveguide system 1602 presenting telemetry information, measurements taken by the sensors 1604 of each waveguide system 1602, Information relating to predicted, estimated, or actual faults detected by sensors 1604, location information associated with each waveguide system 1602, estimated location of detected faults, identification of faults, etc. can do. The network management system 1601 may determine from the telemetry information the types of disturbances that may be disadvantageous to the operations of the waveguide, the transmission of electromagnetic waves along the wire surface, or both. Network management system 1601 may use telemetry information from multiple waveguide systems 1602 to identify and identify faults. In addition, the network management system 1601 may request and / or provide telemetry information from the waveguide systems 1602 in the vicinity of the affected waveguide system 1602 to triangulate the location of the fault and / 1602, < / RTI >

In another embodiment, the network management system 1601 may receive an unscheduled activity report from the maintenance site personnel at step 1756. [ Unscheduled maintenance can occur as a result of unplanned field calls, or as a result of unexpected field problems found during on-site calls or scheduled maintenance activities. Activity reports may include changes to the topology configuration of the power grid 1653 resulting from the on-site staff handling problems found in the communication system 1655 and / or the power grid 1653, Modifications to one or more waveguide systems 1602 (such as, for example, waveguide gratings or gratings), relaxation of obstacles to be performed, if any.

At step 1758, the network management system 1601 determines whether a failure will occur based on the maintenance schedule, or whether a failure has been or is expected to occur based on telemetry data, or if the failure identified in the site activity report is not scheduled From the report received according to steps 1752 through 1756. < RTI ID = 0.0 > From any of these reports, the network management system 1601 can determine whether the detected or predicted failure is due to the re-routing of traffic by the waveguide systems 1602 or other waveguide systems 1602 of the communication system 1655 It is possible to judge whether or not it is necessary.

When a fault is detected or predicted at step 1758, the network management system 1601 may instruct one or more of the waveguide systems 1602 to cause the network management system 1601 to reroute the traffic to avoid a fault The process may proceed to step 1760. The network management system 1601 may proceed to step 1770 and skip steps 1762, 1764, 1766 and 1772 when the fault is persistent due to a persistent topology change of the power grid 1653. [ At step 1770, the network management system 1601 may instruct the one or more waveguide systems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts to the new topology. However, when a fault has been detected from the telemetry information provided by one or more waveguide systems 1602, the network management system 1601 may be configured to maintain the maintenance staff 1656 of the utility company or the maintenance staff 1658 of the communication service provider, May be notified of the location of the disability, if recognized, the type of disability, and any relevant information that may be helpful to such an employee to mitigate the disability. When a failure is anticipated due to maintenance activities, the network management system 1601 reconfigures the traffic routes in a given schedule (consistent with the maintenance schedule) to avoid failures caused by maintenance activities during the maintenance schedule To one or more waveguide systems 1602. [

Upon returning to step 1760 and upon completion of step 1760, the process may continue to step 1762. At step 1762, the network management system 1601 may monitor when the failure (s) have been mitigated by field personnel. The mitigation of the disturbance may be accomplished in step 1762 by field personnel through a communication network (e.g., a cellular communication system) utilizing field equipment (e.g., a laptop computer or handheld computer / device) ). ≪ / RTI > If the field staff reports that the fault has been mitigated, the network management system 1601 may proceed to step 1764 to determine from the field report whether the topology change was necessary to mitigate the fault. The topology change may include rerouting the power line 1610, reconfiguring the waveguide system 1602 to utilize a different power line 1610, or otherwise utilizing alternative links to circumvent the fault . If a topology change has occurred, the network management system 1601 may instruct the one or more waveguide systems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts to the new topology at step 1770.

However, if the topology change has not been reported by the field personnel, the network management system 1601 will determine that the network management system 1601 will send test signals to test the routing configuration that was used prior to the detected failure (s) It may proceed to step 1766, which may indicate to one or more waveguide systems 1602. [ The test signals may be transmitted to the waveguide systems 1602 that are affected in the vicinity of the fault. The test signals may be used to determine whether signal impairments (e. G., Electromagnetic reflections) are detected by any of the waveguide systems 1602. [ If the test signals confirm that the previous routing configuration no longer suffers the previously detected failure (s), the network management system 1601 then determines in step 1772 to restore the previous routing configuration to the affected waveguide systems (1602). However, if the test signals analyzed by the one or more waveguide coupling devices 1402 and reported to the network management system 1601 indicate that there is a failure (s) or new failure (s), then the network management system 1601 Will proceed to step 1768 and report this information to field personnel to further address the site problems. The network management system 1601 may continue to monitor the mitigation of the failure (s) in step 1762 in this situation.

In the embodiments described above, the waveguide systems 1602 can be configured to adapt themselves to mitigation of changes and / or failures of the power grid 1653. That is, the one or more affected waveguide systems 1602 may self monitor the mitigation of failures without requiring that the instructions are sent by the network management system 1601 to one or more affected waveguide systems 1602 May be configured to reconfigure the traffic routes. In this embodiment, one or more self-configurable waveguide systems 1602 may be coupled to network management system 1601 such that network management system 1601 can maintain a macro level view of the communication topology of communication system 1655. [ The routing options of the management system 1601 can be notified.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is shown and described as a series of blocks, respectively, in Figures 17A and 17B, some blocks may be described in different orders and / or in different orders from that shown and described herein It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as they may occur at the same time. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 18A, there is shown a block diagram 1800 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, the guided wave communication systems 1810, client devices 1812 and network termination 1815, including client node devices 1802, host node device 1804, miniature repeaters (MR) Lt; / RTI > is shown. The network termination 1815 may be any one or more of the following: Internet, packet switched telephone network, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network, Internet Protocol (IP) based television network, cable network, passive or active optical network, Such as a broadband network, a personal area network or other radio access network, a broadcast satellite network, and / or other communication networks. Upstream and downstream data 1816 may include voice, data or text communications, audio, video, graphics, and / or other media. Client devices 1812 may include a mobile phone, an e-reader, a tablet, a tablet, a wireless modem, a mobile wireless gateway, a home gateway device, and / or other stationary or mobile computing devices.

In particular, the downstream data from the network end 1815 is transmitted via the wireless link 1814 to the host node device 1804 which transmits the downstream data directly to the client devices 1812 within the assessment range. The host node device 1804 may also be coupled to the client devices 1812 via one or more inductors 1802 to transmit downstream data from the host node device 1804 via the small repeaters 1806 to the client devices 1812 via the more remote wireless links 1814 ' Wave communication systems 1810. In addition, the host node device 1804 transmits downstream data to one or more client node devices 1802 via wireless links 1808, which may be outside the range of the guided wave communication systems 1810. Client node devices 1802 transmit downstream data to client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814 ". Client node devices 1802 may be configured to provide additional waveguide communication systems 1810 ' and < RTI ID = 0.0 > wireless < / RTI & And relays the downstream data to links 1808 '.

In addition, the upstream data received from client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814 " is transmitted to client terminal devices 1802, wireless links 1808 and host node device 1804 via network terminal 1815 ≪ / RTI > Upstream data received via wireless links 1814 'from client devices 1812 may be transmitted back to network terminal 1815 via the guided wave communication system 1810 and the host node device 1804. The upstream data received via the wireless links 1814 from the client devices 1812 may be transmitted back to the network terminal 1815 via the host node device 1804. [ Upstream data from the more distant client devices 1812 may be transmitted over the wireless links 1808 'and / or the waveguide communication systems 1810', the client node devices 1802, the wireless links 1808, May be transmitted back to the network terminal 1815 via the node device 1804 or the like. The illustrated communication system is capable of separating upstream and downstream data 1816 into multiple upstream and downstream channels and operating the spatial channel reuse scheme to service mobile client devices 1812 in adjacent regions with minimal interference Points will be noted.

In various embodiments, the illustrated communication system is used with public utilities such as a power utility distribution system. In such a case, the host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and / or miniature repeaters 1806 are supported by the poles of the distribution system, and the guided wave communication systems 1810 are either isolated or exposed Media voltage power lines, and / or other transmission lines of the distribution system or segments of the support wire. In particular, the guided wave communication systems 1810 can deliver one or more channels of upstream and downstream data 1816 through induced electromagnetic waves that are induced or bound by the outer surface of the exposed or insulated wire.

Although client node devices 1802, host node devices 1804 and MRs 1806 have been described as communicating with client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814, 1814 'and 1814 ", one It should be noted that more wired links may be employed as well. In such a case, the client devices 1812 may be a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, a data over coaxial cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) modem or other cable modem, a telephone, a media player, , And / or a personal computer, laptop computer, netbook computer, tablet or other computing device with other access devices.

In various embodiments, network termination 1815 performs physical layer processing for communication with client devices 1812. In this case, the network termination performs the necessary demodulation and extraction of the upstream data and the modulation and other formatting of the downstream data so that the host node device 1804, the client node devices 1802 and the small repeaters 1806 are connected to a simple analog Signal processing. As used herein, analog signal processing includes filtering, switching, duplexing, duplexing, amplification, frequency up and down conversion, and analog to digital conversion or other analog processing that does not require digital to analog conversion . According to other embodiments, a network terminal may be configured to perform simple signal processing that may include switching, routing, or other selection of packets in a packet stream to be received and transmitted from multiple destinations, and / Client node devices 1802 and miniature repeaters 1806 that operate through power devices and / or other fast processes operating in the data domain that may be implemented with inexpensive hardware, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > (CPRI) < / RTI >

18A to 19D, and 20A to 20D followed by a further implementation of the communication system shown in the drawing 1800 including a number of optional functions and features.

Referring now to FIG. 18B, there is shown a block diagram 1820 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of network termination 1815 in accordance with various aspects described herein. As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 18A, network termination 1815 performs physical layer processing for communication with client devices 1812. In this case, the network termination 1815 performs the necessary demodulation and extraction of the upstream data and modulation and other formatting of the downstream data.

In particular, network termination 1815 includes a network interface 1835 configured to receive downstream data 1826 from a communications network and to transmit upstream data 1836 to a communications network, such as network 1818. The downstream channel modulator 1830 is configured to modulate the downstream data 1826 with downstream channel signals 1828 corresponding to the downstream frequency channels of the inductive wave communication system, such as the waveguide communication system 1810. The host interface 1845 may be configured to transmit downstream channel signals 1828 to one or more of the waveguide communication systems 1810 or 1810 'via, for example, the host node device 1804 and / or the client node device 1802 . Host interface 1845 may also receive upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810 ', for example, via host node device 1804 and / or client node device 1802 (1838). The upstream channel demodulator 1840 is configured to demodulate the upstream channel signals 1838 received via the host node device 1804 into upstream data 1836.

The downstream channel modulator 1830 may transmit downstream data 1826 as inductive waves, such as the induction waves 120 coupled to the transmission medium 125 discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1, Modulates at least one of the downstream channel signals 1828 to transmit via the downstream channel signals 1828. The upstream channel demodulator 1840 is configured to transmit upstream data 1836 received via the guided wave communication system 1810 as induced electromagnetic waves, such as the induction waves 120 bound to the transmission medium 125 discussed in conjunction with FIG. And demodulates at least one of the upstream channel signals 1838.

In various embodiments, network interface 1835 may include one or more optical cable interfaces, telephone cable interfaces, coaxial cable interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, or other interfaces that are wired or wireless to communicate with communication network 1818 . Host node interface 1845 may include a fiber optic cable interface to communicate with host node device 1804; Other wired or wireless interfaces may be used for this purpose as well.

In various embodiments, the number of upstream frequency channels is less than the number of downstream frequency channels according to an asymmetric communication scheme, but the number of upstream frequency channels may be greater than the number of downstream frequency channels when a symmetric communication scheme is implemented.

The upstream channel signals and the downstream channel signals may be modulated according to 4G or higher wireless voice and data protocols such as the DOCSIS 2.0 or higher standard protocol, WiMAX standard protocol, 802.11 standard protocol, LTE protocol, and / or other standard communication protocols and otherwise formatted . In addition to protocols conforming to current standards, any of these protocols may be modified to work with a communications network as shown. For example, 802.11 protocols or other protocols may be used to provide collision detection / multiple access over a wider area (e.g., enabling devices communicating over a particular frequency channel to listen to each other) And / or a separate data channel. In various embodiments, both the upstream channel signals 1838 and the downstream channel signals 1828 are formatted according to the same communication protocol. However, alternatively, two or more different protocols may be employed, for example, to be compatible with a wider range of client devices and / or to operate in different frequency bands.

The first subset of downstream channel signals 1828 may be modulated by downstream channel modulator 1830 according to a first standard protocol and the first subset of downstream channel signals 1828 may be modulated by downstream channel modulator 1830 according to a first standard protocol, The second subset may be modulated according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol. Similarly, a first subset of upstream channel signals 1838 may be received via host interface 1845 in accordance with a first standard protocol for demodulation by upstream channel demodulator 1840 in accordance with a first standard protocol, The second subset of upstream channel signals 1838 is received via a host interface 1845 in accordance with a second standard protocol for demodulation by an upstream channel demodulator 1840 in accordance with a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol .

Referring now to FIG. 18C, there is shown a schematic diagram 1850 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum according to various aspects described herein. In particular, the downstream channel band 1844 includes a plurality of downstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols. Likewise, the upstream channel band 1846 includes a plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols. These separate spectral symbols are considered to be placeholders for the frequency assignment of each individual channel signal. The actual spectral response will vary based on the protocol and modulation employed and additionally over time.

As discussed above, the number of upstream frequency channels may be less than or greater than the number of downstream frequency channels, depending on the asymmetric communication scheme. In this case, the upstream channel band 1846 may be narrower or wider than the downstream channel band 1844. Alternatively, the number of upstream frequency channels may be equal to the number of downstream frequency channels when a symmetric communication scheme is implemented. In this case, the width of the upstream channel band 1846 may be equal to the width of the downstream channel band 1844 and bit stuffing or other data filing techniques may be employed to compensate for changes in the upstream traffic.

In other embodiments, the downstream channel band 1844 may be at a higher frequency than the upstream channel band 1846, although the downstream channel band 1844 is represented by a lower frequency than the upstream channel band 1846. In addition, while downstream channel band 1844 and upstream channel band 1846 are shown occupying a single close frequency band, in other embodiments, two or more upstream and / or two or more downstream channel bands are available May be employed depending on the spectrum and / or communication standards employed.

Referring now to FIG. 18D, there is shown a diagrammatic view 1852 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum according to various aspects described herein. As discussed above, two or more different communication protocols may be employed to communicate upstream and downstream data. In the illustrated example, the downstream channel band 1844 includes a first plurality of downstream frequency channels, represented by separate spectral symbols of a first type indicating the use of the first communication protocol. The downstream channel band 1844 'includes a second plurality of downstream frequency channels, represented by separate spectral symbols of a second type indicating the use of a second communication protocol. Similarly, the upstream channel band 1846 includes a first plurality of upstream frequency channels, represented by separate spectral symbols of a first type indicating the use of the first communication protocol. The upstream channel band 1846 'includes a second plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols of a second type indicative of use of a second communication protocol.

Although the individual channel bandwidth is shown to be approximately the same for the first and second types of channels, depending on the available spectrum and / or communication standards employed, the upstream and downstream frequency channels may be of different bandwidths, It should be noted that the first frequency channels of the second type may be of different bandwidths.

Referring now to FIG. 18E, there is shown a block diagram 1860 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of host node device 1804 in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, the host node device 1804 includes a terminal interface 1855, a duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858, two access point relays (APR) 1862, and a wireless device 1865.

Access point repeaters 1862 are coupled to transmission medium 125 for communicating via a guided wave communication system (GWCS) 1810. Terminal interface 1855 is configured to receive downstream channel signals 1828 from a communications network, such as network 1818, through network terminal 1815. The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 is configured to transmit downstream channel signals 1828 to the APRs 1862. The APRs launch downstream channel signals 1828 on the guided wave communication system 1810 as the inductive electromagnetic waves. In the illustrated example, APRs 1862 launch downstream channel signals 1828 in different directions (designed directions A and B) on the transmission medium 125 of the waveguide communication system 1810 as inductive waves .

Consider an example where the transmission medium is an exposed or insulated wire. One APR 1862 can launch downstream channel signals 1828 in one longitudinal direction along the wire while the other APR 1862 is capable of launching downstream channel signals Launch. In other network configurations in which several transmission mediums 125 are concentrated at the host node device 1804, three or more APRs 1862 may be coupled to each other to induce downstream channel signals 1828 to propagate outwardly along each transmission medium. Wave < / RTI > In addition to launching the guided wave communication, one or more of the APRs 1862 may also send one or more selected downstream channel signals 1828 to the client devices in the range of the host node device 1804 via the wireless links 1814. [ Of the.

The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 is further configured to transmit downstream channel signals 1828 to the wireless device 1865. The wireless device 1865 is configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more client node devices 1802 within the range of the host node device 1804. In various embodiments, the wireless device 1865 may upconvert downstream channel signals 1828 through mixing or other heterodyne operation to generate an upconverted downstream channel signal 1812 that is delivered to the one or more client node devices 1802. In one embodiment, ≪ / RTI > Wireless device 1865 includes a plurality of individual antennas for communicating with client node devices 1802, a phased antenna array or a steerable beam or multi-beam antenna system for communicating with multiple devices at different locations can do. In one embodiment, downstream channel signals 1828 are upconverted to the 60 GHz band for communicatable communication between the transceivers to some distant client node device 1802. The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 may include a duplexer, a triplexer, a splitter, a switch, a router, and / or other assemblies operating as a " channel duplexer " to provide bidirectional communication over multiple communication paths.

In addition to downstream communications towards client devices 1812, host node device 1804 may also process upstream communications originating from client devices 1812. [ In operation, the APRs 1862 may be coupled from the wireless links 1814 'to the small relay devices 1806 and / or wireless links 1814 " or other remote devices through the client node devices 1802 And extracts upstream channel signals 1838 from the guided wave communication system 1810. Other upstream channel signals 1838 may be communicated directly to client devices 1812 via APRs 1862 via communications over wireless link 1814 and through wireless links 1814 & May be received via wireless device 1865 from client node devices 1802 that communicate indirectly through communication systems 1810 'or other client node devices 1802. In situations where the wireless device 1865 operates in a higher frequency band, the wireless device 1865 downconverts the up-converted upstream channel signals. The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 includes upstream channel signals 1838 received by APRs 1862 and downconverted by wireless device 1865 to transmit to network 1818 via network termination 1815 To the terminal interface 1855.

Consider an example where the host node device 1804 is used with public utilities such as a power utility distribution system. In such a case, the host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and / or miniature repeaters 1806 may be supported by telephone poles, other structures or power lines of the distribution system, The systems 1810 may operate through a transmission medium 125 that includes segments of insulating or exposed media voltage power lines, and / or other transmission lines or support wires of the distribution system.

In a particular example, 2n small repeaters 1806 on 2n electrical poles in two directions along a power line from a pole supporting a host node device 1804 may be provided, for example, from the host node device 1804, And receive and relay downstream channel signals 1828 in the direction of client node devices 1802, which may be supported by (n + 1) Small repeaters 1806 may communicate with one or more selected downstream channel signals with client devices 1812 within range of coverage via wireless links 1814 '. In addition, the host node device 1804 may communicate with the client devices 1812 within the range of the client node devices 1802 via the wireless links 1814 " and with the wireless communication systems 1810 ' Other client node devices 1802 operating in a similar manner through link 1808 'and client devices 1812 via wireless link 1808 for further downstream wireless communication to miniature repeaters 1806. [ To transmit downstream channel signals 1828 directly to the receiver. The host node device 1804 may communicate directly or via the wireless link 1814 or between the waveguide communication systems 1810 and 1810'and the small repeaters 1806, the client node devices 1802, the wireless links 1814 Quot; and 1814 "), and combinations thereof, to receive upstream channel signals 1838 from client devices 1812 indirectly.

Referring now to FIG. 18F, a combined pictorial block diagram 1870 is shown illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a downstream data flow according to various aspects described herein. It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn at a constant rate. In particular, consider again an example in which a communication system is implemented with public utilities such as a power utility distribution system. In this case, the host node device 1804, the client node devices 1802 and the small repeaters 1806 are supported by the poles 1875 of the distribution system, and the guided wave communication systems 1810 of FIG. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1875 < / RTI > The downstream channel signals 1828 from the network termination 1815 are received by the host node device 1804. Host node device 1804 wirelessly transmits selected channels of downstream channel signals 1828 to one or more client devices 1812-4 within range of host node device 1804. [ The host node device 1804 also transmits downstream channel signals 1828 to the small repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2 as guided waves coupled to the transmission medium 125. [ In addition, the host node device 1804 selectively up-converts the downstream channel signals 1828 as downstream channel signals 1828 'and wirelessly transmits the downstream channel signals 1828' to the client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2, 1828 '.

The small repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2 communicate the selected downstream channel signals 1828 with the client devices 1812-3 and 1812-5 within the assessment range and receive the small repeaters 1806-3 and 1806- 0.0 > 1828 < / RTI > Small repeaters 1806-3 and 1806-4 communicate selected downstream channel signals 1828 with client devices 1812-2 and 1812-6 within range. The client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2 are configured to route downstream channel signals 1828 " as downstream channels to smaller repeaters as downstream channels and as downstream channel signals 1828 ' And wirelessly relay to the node devices. Client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2 are also operative to communicate selected downstream channel signals 1828 with client devices 1812-1 and 1812-7 that are within range.

It should be noted that the downstream channel signals 1828 may also flow in different ways. Consider the case where the pathway of the guided wave communication between the host node device 1804 and the miniature repeater 1806-1 is degraded by disconnection or obstruction on the line, equipment failure, or environmental conditions. The downstream channel signals 1828 may flow from client node device 1802-1 to miniature repeater 1806-3 and into miniature repeater 1806-1 as guided waves to correct.

Referring now to FIG. 18g, there is shown a combined pictorial block diagram 1878 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an upstream data flow according to various aspects described herein. Consider again an example in which a communication system is implemented with public utilities such as a power utility distribution system. In this case, the host node device 1804, the client node devices 1802 and the small repeaters 1806 are supported by the poles 1875 of the distribution system, and the guided wave communication systems 1810 of FIG. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1875 < / RTI > As discussed above, host node device 1804 collects upstream channel signals 1838 from various sources for transmission to network termination 1815.

In particular, upstream channel signals 1838 in the selected channels from the client devices 1812-4 are routed wirelessly to the host node device 1804. The upstream channel signals 1838 in the channels selected from the client devices 1812-3 and 1812-5 are transmitted to the host node device 1804 through the upstream channel signals 1838, (1806-1 and 1806-2). The upstream channel signals 1838 in the selected channels from the client devices 1812-2 and 1812-6 are transmitted through the small repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2 to these upstream channel signals 1838 To small host 1806-3 and 1806-4, which transmit to the host node device 1804. [ Upstream channel signals 1838 in the selected channels from client devices 1812-1 and 1812-7 are communicated wirelessly to client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2 and are optionally upconverted, Other upstream channel signals 1838 ", received as radio waves from other small repeaters and received as radio waves, are added to other upstream channel signals 1838 ' received wirelessly from the node devices, Lt; / RTI >

It should be noted that upstream channel signals 1838 may also flow in other manners. Consider the case where the pathway of the guided wave communication between the host node device 1804 and the miniature repeater 1806-1 is degraded by disconnection or obstruction on the line, equipment failure, or environmental conditions. Upstream channel signals 1838 from the client devices 1812-3 are sent as a guided wave from the small relay 1806-1 to the small relay 1806-3 and to the host node device 1804 for correction, To the client node device 1802-1.

18h, a block diagram 1880 is shown illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a client node device 1802 in accordance with various aspects described herein. The client node device 1802 may include a wireless device 1865 configured to wirelessly receive downstream channel signals 1828 from a communication network via, for example, a host node device 1804 or other client node device 1802. [ . The access point relay 1862 is configured to launch downstream channel signals 1828 on the guided wave communication system 1810 as inductive electromagnetic waves propagating along the transmission medium 125 and to transmit the downstream channel signals 1828 through the wireless link 1814 & To transmit one or more selected downstream channel signals (1828) wirelessly.

In various embodiments, the wireless device 1865 may be an analog wireless device that generates downstream channel signals 1828 by down converting the RF signals having higher carrier frequencies as compared to the carrier frequencies of the downstream channel signals 1828. [ Device. For example, the wireless device 1865 may transmit the up-converted down- stream (s) from the host node device 1804 or other client node device 1802 via mixing or other heteroderi- zation operation to generate downstream channel signals 1828. [ And downconverts the channel signals. The wireless device 1865 includes a plurality of individual antennas for communicating with the host node device 1804 and other client node devices 1802, a phased antenna array for communicating with multiple devices at different locations, Beam or multi-beam antenna system. In one embodiment, the downstream channel signals 1828 are downconverted from the 60 GHz band for communicatable communication between the transceivers. In addition, wireless device 1865 may receive downstream channel signals 1828 from a host node device 1804 over a wireless link 1808 and wireless link 1808 'for transmission to other client node devices 1802. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1828 < / RTI >

In addition to downstream communications towards client devices 1812, client node device 1802 may also handle upstream communications originating from client devices 1812. [ In operation, the APRs 1862 extract upstream channel signals 1838 from the guided wave communication system 1810 received via the small repeaters 1806 of the guided wave communication systems 1810 or 1810 ' . Other upstream channel signals 1838 may be received via APR 1862 through communications over wireless links 1814 " in direct communication with client devices 1812. In situations where the wireless device 1865 operates in a higher frequency band, the wireless device 1865 may transmit upstream channel signals (e. G., Received via the APR 1862) for communication via a link 1808 to a host node device 1838). In addition, the wireless device 1865 receives upstream channel signals 1838 from the other client node devices 1802 via the wireless link 1808 'and transmits the upstream channel signals 1838 to the wireless node 1808 for transmission to the host node device 1804. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1838 < / RTI >

Referring now to FIG. 19A, there is shown a block diagram 1900 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an access point repeater 1862 in accordance with various aspects described herein. 18E and 18H, the access point repeater 1862 is coupled to the wireless device 1865 of the client node device 1802 or to the duplexer 1858 of the host node device 1804, Is coupled to transmission medium 125 to transmit upstream channel signals 1838 and downstream channel signals 1828 through a system (GWCS) In addition, APR 1862 communicates selected upstream and downstream channels with client devices 1812 via a wireless link 1814 or 1814 ".

In the illustrated embodiment, the APR 1862 is coupled to the wireless device 1865 (when implemented in the client node device 1802) or from the duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 (when implemented in the host node device 1804) And an amplifier such as bidirectional amplifier 1914 that amplifies downstream channel signals 1828 to produce amplified downstream channel signals. A bi-directional (2: 1) duplexer / diplexer 1912 transmits the amplified downstream channel signals 1828 to a coupler 1916 and a channel selection filter 1910. Channel selection filter 1910 is configured to select one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals for wireless communication with client devices 1812 within range of coverage via antenna 1918 and wireless link 1814. [ In particular, the channel selection filter 1910 includes a physical location of the host node device 1804 or the client node device 1802, and a spatial channel for the wireless links 1814 in communication with the client devices 1812 at different locations. May be configured to operate different APRs 1862 according to one or more different channels depending on the reuse scheme. In various embodiments, the channel selection filter 1910 includes a filter, such as an analog or digital filter, that passes one or more selected frequency channels while filtering out or attenuating other frequency channels. Alternatively, the channel selection filter 1910 may include a packet filter or a data filter that passes one or more selected channel streams while filtering or blocking other channel streams. Coupler 1916 derives amplified downstream channel signals to transmission medium 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810 'to be launched as inductive electromagnetic waves.

As discussed above, APR 1862 may also process upstream channel signals 1838 in an interdependent manner. In this mode of operation, the coupler 1916 extracts the induced electromagnetic waves including upstream channel signals from the transmission medium 125 of the waveguide communication system 1810 or 1810 '. Other upstream channel signals 1838 are received via antenna 1918 and channel selection filter 1910. Upstream channel signals 1838 from each of these media may be transmitted by the duplexer / diplexer 1912 for transmission to the wireless device 1865 or the duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 depending on the implementation of the APR 1862 And amplified by a bi-directional amplifier 1914. [ The duplexer / diplexer 1912 may include a duplexer, a diplexer, a splitter, a switch, a router, and / or other assemblies operating as a " channel duplexer " to provide bidirectional communication over multiple communication paths.

Referring now to FIG. 19B, there is shown a block diagram 1925 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a miniature repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, a repeater device, such as a miniature repeater 1806, is adapted to extract downstream channel signals 1828 from the induced electromagnetic waves in direction A or B bound to the transmission medium 125 of the waveguide communication system 1810 or 1810 ' Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1946 < / RTI > An amplifier, such as bi-directional amplifier 1944, amplifies downstream channel signals 1828 to produce amplified downstream channel signals. A bi-directional (2: 1) channel duplexer 1942 transmits the amplified downstream channel signals 1828 to a coupler 1946 and a channel selection filter 1940. Channel selection filter 1940 is configured to select one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals for wireless communication with client devices 1812 within range of coverage via antenna 1948 and wireless link 1814. [ In particular, the channel selection filter 1940 may include one or more of the following: a physical location of the miniature repeaters 1806, and a spatial channel reuse scheme for wireless links 1814 in communication with the client devices 1812 at different locations. May be configured to operate different miniature repeaters 1806 depending on the channels. Coupler 1946 'derives amplified downstream channel signals to transmission medium 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810' to be launched as inductive electromagnetic waves on transmission medium 125.

As discussed above, the miniature repeater 1806 may also process the upstream channel signals 1838 in a reciprocal manner. In this mode of operation, the coupler 1946 'extracts the induced electromagnetic waves including upstream channel signals from the transmission medium 125 of the waveguide communication system 1810 or 1810'. Other upstream channel signals 1838 are received via antenna 1948 and channel selection filter 1940. The upstream channel signals 1838 from each of these media are coupled by a bidirectional channel duplexer 1942 for transmission to a coupler 1946 to be launched on the inductive wave communication system 1810 in direction A or B, (1944).

Referring now to FIG. 19C, there is shown a combined pictorial block diagram 1950 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a miniature repeater in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, the miniature repeater 1806 is shown intertwining the insulator 1952 on the electric pole of the power plant. As shown, the miniature repeater 1806 is coupled to a power line on both sides of the insulator 1952, in this case the transmission medium. It should be noted, however, that other installations of the miniature repeater 1806 are likewise possible. Other power plant installations include those supported by other plant structures, or by power lines or support wires in the system. In addition, the miniature repeater 1806 may be supported by support structures for other transmission media 125 or other transmission media 125.

Referring now to FIG. 19D, a diagrammatic view 1975 is shown illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum according to various aspects described herein. In particular, the frequency channel selection is provided as discussed with either channel selection filter 1910 or 1940. As shown, a particular upstream frequency channel 1978 of the upstream frequency channel band 1846 and a particular downstream frequency channel 1976 of the downstream channel frequency band 1844 are selected to be passed by the channel selection filter 1910 or 1940 And the remaining portions of the upstream frequency channel band 1846 and the downstream channel frequency band 1844 are filtered out - that is, to mitigate the adverse effects of analog processing of the desired frequency channels passed by the channel selection filter 1910 or 1940 Attenuated. Although a single specific upstream frequency channel 1978 and a particular downstream frequency channel 1976 are shown as being selected by the channel selection filter 1910 or 1940, two or more upstream and / or downstream frequency channels may be passed in other embodiments It should be noted that

While the foregoing has focused on host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and small repeaters 1810 operating on a single transmission medium such as a single power line, It should be noted that it is operable to transmit and receive on two or more communication paths, such as separate segments or branches of the transmission medium, in part as different directions. The host node device 1804, the client node device 1802 or the miniature repeaters 1810 may be coupled to an inductive electromagnetic wave along the first power line segment, for example, at a node where the first and second power line segments of the utility facility branch off, And / or to extract and / or launch induced electromagnetic waves along the second power line segment.

Referring now to FIG. 20A, flow diagrams 2000 of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of methods are shown. In particular, the methods are provided for use with one or more functions and features provided with Figs. 1-19. These methods may be performed separately or simultaneously. Step 2002 includes receiving downstream data from the communication network. Step 2004 includes modulating the downstream data with upstream channel signals corresponding to the downstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system. Step 2006 includes transmitting the downstream channel signals to the waveguide communication system through a wired connection. Step 2008 includes receiving upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels from the guided wave communication system through a wired connection. Step 2010 includes demodulating the upstream channel signals into upstream data. Step 2012 includes transmitting the upstream data to the communication network.

In various embodiments, the downstream channel modulator modulates the downstream channel signals to transmit downstream data through the induced electromagnetic wave induced by the transmission medium of the waveguide communication system. The transmission medium may comprise a wire and the induced electromagnetic wave may be bound to the outer surface of the wire.

In various embodiments, the number of upstream frequency channels is less than, greater than, or equal to the number of downstream frequency channels. The first subset of upstream channel signals may be demodulated according to a first standard protocol and the second subset of upstream channel signals may be demodulated according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol.

Similarly, a first subset of downstream channel signals may be modulated according to a first standard protocol, and a second subset of downstream channel signals may be modulated according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol.

In various embodiments, the host interface is coupled to the host node device of the waveguide communication system through a fiber optic cable to transmit downstream channel signals and receive upstream channel signals. At least some of the upstream channel signals and at least some of the downstream channel signals are formatted according to a data over cable system interface specification protocol or an 802.11 protocol.

Referring now to FIG. 20B, a flowchart 2020 of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method is shown. In particular, the method is provided for use with one or more functions and features provided with Figs. 1-19. Step 2022 includes receiving downstream channel signals from the communication network. Step 2024 includes launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as inductive electromagnetic waves. Step 2026 includes wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals to at least one client node device.

In various embodiments, the step of wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals comprises: upconverting the downstream channel signals to produce upconverted downstream channel signals; And transmitting the up-converted downstream channel signals to at least one client node device. Launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as induced electromagnetic waves comprises: launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as first induced electromagnetic waves in a first direction along a transmission medium; And launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as second inductive waves in a second direction along a transmission medium.

In various embodiments, the transmission medium comprises a wire, and launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as first induced electromagnetic waves comprises combining downstream channel signals on an outer surface of the wire for propagation in a first direction Wherein launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as second induced electromagnetic waves comprises coupling downstream channel signals to an outer surface of the wire for propagation in a second direction.

The method includes: amplifying downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals; Selectively filtering one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals to produce a subset of amplified downstream channel signals; And wirelessly transmitting a subset of the downstream channel signals amplified to the plurality of client devices via the antenna. Launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as induced electromagnetic waves comprises: amplifying the downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals; And coupling the amplified downstream channel signals to the outer surface of the transmission medium for propagation as induced electromagnetic waves.

The method includes extracting first upstream channel signals from a guided wave communication system; And transmitting first upstream channel signals to the communication network and / or wirelessly receiving second upstream channel signals from the at least one client node device and transmitting second upstream channel signals in communication.

Referring now to FIG. 20C, a flowchart 2040 of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method is shown. In particular, the method is provided for use with one or more functions and features provided with Figs. 1-19. Step 2042 includes wirelessly receiving downstream channel signals from the communication network. Step 2044 includes launching downstream channel signals on the guided wave communication system as induced electromagnetic waves propagating along the transmission medium. Step 2046 includes wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals to at least one client device.

In various embodiments, the transmission medium comprises a wire and the induced electromagnetic waves are bound to an outer surface of the wire. The step of wirelessly transmitting downstream channel signals to at least one client device comprises: amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; Selecting one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals; And wirelessly transmitting at least one of the amplified downstream channel signals to the at least one client device via the antenna. Launching downstream channel signals on a guided wave communication system as inductive electromagnetic waves propagating along a transmission medium includes: amplifying downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals; And deriving the amplified downstream channel signals into a transmission medium of the guided wave communication system.

In various embodiments, the step of wirelessly receiving downstream channel signals from a communication network may comprise: downconverting RF signals having higher carrier frequencies as compared to carrier frequencies of downstream channel signals. The method includes: extracting first upstream channel signals from a guided wave communication system; And wirelessly transmitting the first upstream channel signals to the communication network. The method includes: receiving wirelessly the second upstream channel signals from at least one client device; And wirelessly transmitting the second upstream channel signals to the communication network. The transmission medium may include a power line of a public installation.

Referring now to FIG. 20D, a flowchart 2060 of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method is shown. In particular, the method is provided for use with one or more functions and features provided with Figs. 1-19. Step 2062 includes extracting the downstream channel signals from the first inductive waves bound to the transmission medium of the waveguide communication system. Step 2064 includes amplifying the downstream channel signals to produce amplified downstream channel signals. Step 2066 includes selecting at least one of the amplified downstream channel signals to be transmitted wirelessly to the at least one client device via the antenna. Step 2068 includes deriving amplified downstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second inductive waves.

In various embodiments, the transmission medium comprises a wire, wherein the first induced electromagnetic waves and the second induced electromagnetic waves are induced by an outer surface of the wire. At least some of the downstream or upstream channel signals may be formatted according to the data over cable system interface specification protocol. At least some of the downstream or upstream channel signals may be formatted according to the 802.11 protocol or a fourth generation or higher mobile radio protocol.

In various embodiments, a method includes wirelessly receiving upstream channel signals from at least one client device via an antenna; Amplifying upstream channel signals to generate amplified upstream channel signals; And deriving upstream channel signals amplified by the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as third inductive electromagnetic waves. The downstream channel signals may correspond to the number of downstream frequency channels and the upstream channel signals may correspond to the number of upstream channels that is less than the number of downstream frequency channels. At least some of the upstream channel signals may be formatted according to either a data over cable system interface specification protocol, an 802.11 protocol or a fourth generation or higher mobile radio protocol.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, each process is shown and described as a series of blocks in Figs. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, some blocks may be arranged in different orders and / Or concurrently with other blocks, it should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a block diagram of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. In order to provide additional context for various embodiments of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 21 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 2100 in which the various embodiments of the present inventive subject matter may be implemented Is provided. Although the embodiments have been described in the general context of computer-executable instructions that may be executed on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in combination with other program modules and / I will recognize.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods of the present invention may be implemented as a single processor or multi-processor computer system, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, as well as a personal computer, a handheld computing device, a microprocessor- Or other computer system configurations, including programmable consumer electronics, and the like.

As used herein, processing circuitry includes not only a processor, but also an application-specific integrated circuit, a digital logic circuit, a state machine, a microprocessor, and the like that process input signals or data and generate output signals or data in response to input signals or data. And other special purpose circuits such as programmable gate arrays or other circuits. It should be noted that any of the functions and features described herein in connection with the operation of the processor may be performed similarly by the processing circuitry.

As used in the claims, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are for clarity only, unless otherwise specified by context, and do not represent or suggest any order of time. For example, " first decision ", " second decision ", and " third decision " indicate that the first decision should be made before the second decision,

Illustrative embodiments of the present embodiments may be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both the local memory storage device and the remote memory storage device.

Computing devices typically include various media in which the two terms may include computer-readable storage media and / or communication media as used herein, such as are different from one another. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available storage medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, program modules, structured data or unstructured data.

The computer-readable storage medium may be a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD- Digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other type and / or non-transitory medium that can be used to store the desired information But are not limited thereto. In this regard, it should be understood that the terms "type" or "non-transient" as applied to a storage device, memory, or computer readable medium, Memory, or computer readable medium that does not just propagate the signals themselves.

The computer-readable storage medium may be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, for example, through an access request, query, or other data retrieval protocol, for various operations on information stored by the medium.

Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, And a transmission medium. The term " modulated data signal " or signals refers to a signal having one or more of the characteristics of a signal that is set or changed in such a manner as to encode information into one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

Referring again to FIG. 21, a base station (e.g., base station devices 1504, macro cell site 1502 or base stations 1614) or a central office (e.g., central office 1501 or 1611) An exemplary environment 2100 is shown for transmitting and receiving signals, at least in part or forming it. At least a portion of the exemplary environment 2100 may be used for the transmission devices 101 or 102. The exemplary environment may include a computer 2102, which includes a processing unit 2104, a system memory 2106, and a system bus 2108. The system bus 2108 couples system components including, but not limited to, system memory 2106 to the processing unit 2104. The processing unit 2104 may be any of a variety of commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures may be employed as the processing unit 2104.

The system bus 2108 may be any of several types of bus structures that may further interconnect to a memory bus, peripheral bus, and local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures (with or without a memory controller) Lt; / RTI > The system memory 2106 includes a ROM 2110 and a RAM 2112. The basic input / output system (BIOS) may be stored in nonvolatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, and the BIOS may include, for example, RTI ID = 0.0 > routines < / RTI > The RAM 2112 may include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 2102 may be configured for internal use with an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 2114 (e.g., EIDE, SATA) (the internal hard disk drive 2114 may be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown) A magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 2116 (e.g., for reading from or writing to a removable diskette 2118), and a floppy disk drive (e.g., Optical disk drive 2120 for reading from or writing to other high capacity optical media, such as optical disks. The hard disk drive 2114, magnetic disk drive 2116 and optical disk drive 2120 are connected to the system bus 2108 by a hard disk drive interface 2124, a magnetic disk drive interface 2126 and an optical drive interface 2128, respectively. . The interface 2124 for external drive implementation includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection techniques are within the consideration of the embodiments described herein.

The associated computer-readable storage media of drives and drives provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and the like. For the computer 2102, the drives and storage medium correspond to the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the above description of the computer-readable storage medium refers to a removable optical medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a CD or DVD, a computer such as a home drive, magnetic cassette, flash memory card, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other types of storage medium readable by the storage medium may be used in the exemplary operating environment and that any such storage medium may include computer-executable instructions for performing the methods described herein will be.

A number of program modules may be stored in the RAM 2112 and drives including the operating system 2130, one or more application programs 2132, other program modules 2134 and program data 2136. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules and / or data may be cached in RAM 2112. The systems and methods described herein may be implemented utilizing a variety of commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems. Examples of application programs 2132 that are implemented by the processing unit 2104 and may otherwise be executed include diversity selection decisions performed by the transmitting device 101 or 102. [

A user may enter commands and information into the computer 2102 via one or more wired / wireless input devices, e.g., a pointing device, such as a keyboard 2138 and a mouse 2140. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, and the like. These and other input devices may be coupled to the system bus 2108 but may be connected to other inputs such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an IR interface, Is often connected to the processing unit 2104 via the device interface 2142. [

A monitor 2144 or other type of display device may be connected to the system bus 2108 via an interface such as a video adapter 2146. [ In an alternative embodiment, the monitor 2144 may include any display device (e. G., Having a display) for receiving display information associated with the computer 2102 via any communication means, including the Internet and cloud- Other computers, smart phones, tablet computers, etc.). In addition to the monitor 2144, the computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, and the like.

Computer 2102 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections over wired and / or wireless communication to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer (s) 2148. [ The remote computer (s) 2148 may be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, a portable computer, a microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device or other conventional network node, But for the sake of brevity, only memory / storage device 2150 is shown. The logical connections shown include wired / wireless connections to a local area network (LAN) 2152 and / or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) These LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and enterprises and facilitate an enterprise computer network, such as an intranet, all of which can be connected to a global communications network, for example the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 2102 may be connected to the local network 2152 via a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter 2156. [ An adapter 2156 that may include a wireless AP disposed on adapter 2156 for communicating with wireless adapter 2156 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to LAN 2152. [

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 2102 may include a modem 2158, may be connected to a communications server on the WAN 2154, or may establish communications over the WAN 2154, For example. A modem 2158, which may be internal or external and may be a wired or wireless device, may be connected to the system bus 2108 via input device interface 2142. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 2102, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory / storage device 2150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communication link between the computers may be used.

The computer 2102 may be any wireless device or entity that is operatively disposed in wireless communication, such as a printer, a scanner, a desktop and / or portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a communication satellite, Such as a kiosk, a newsstand, a toilet, a portion of a location or equipment associated with the telephone, and a telephone. This may include wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth® wireless technologies. Thus, the communication may be a predetermined structure, such as a conventional network, or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

WiFi can enable access to the Internet from a sofa at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a meeting room at work without wires. WiFi can be used for these devices such as, for example, computers indoors and outdoors; Is a wireless technology similar to that used in cellular phones that enable transmitting and receiving data anywhere in the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use wireless technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to provide secure, reliable and fast wireless access. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, the Internet, and wired networks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). WiFi networks operate with products (dual band) including, for example, unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands or both of the bands, so that the networks can communicate with the base 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > performance. ≪ / RTI >

22 provides one exemplary embodiment 2200 of a mobile network platform 2210 that can implement and utilize one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter described herein. In one or more embodiments, mobile network platform 2210 may include base stations (e.g., base station devices 1504, macro cell site 1502 or base stations 1614) associated with the disclosed topic, a central office (E.g., central office 1501 or 1611), or signals transmitted and received by transmitting device 101 or 102. In general, the wireless network platform 2210 includes a packet switched (PS) (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP), Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Gateways, interfaces, servers, or separate platforms) that facilitate control generation for networked wireless telecommunications, as well as data, data, and data. As a non-limiting example, the wireless network platform 2210 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks and carrier side components as discussed elsewhere herein can be considered. The mobile network platform 2210 may be a legacy network such as a telephone network (s) 2240 (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system # And CS gateway node (s) 2222 that can interface with CS traffic received from the networks. Circuit-switched gateway node (s) 2222 may authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) originating in these networks. In addition, CS gateway node (s) 2222 may include mobility or roaming data generated over SS7 network 2270; For example, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR), which may reside in memory 2230, may be accessed. Further, CS gateway node (s) 2222 interfaces with CS based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node (s) 2218. In one example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, the CS gateway node (s) 2222 may be at least partially realized as a gateway GPRS support node (s) (GGSN). The functionality and specific behavior of the CS gateway node (s) 2222, the PS gateway node (s) 2218 and the serving node (s) 2216 may be utilized by the mobile network platform 2210 for telecommunication (S) of the drawings.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic and signaling, the PS gateway node (s) 2218 may authorize and authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. (WANs) 2250 that may be implemented with local area network (s) (LANs) that may interface with mobile network platform 2210 via PS gateway node (s) (S) or traffic exchanged with networks external to the wireless network platform 2210, such as in-house network (s) 2270, enterprise network (s) 2270 and service network (s) 2280. [ It should be noted that the WANs 2250 and the intra-enterprise network (s) 2260 may at least partially implement the service network (s), such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Based on the wireless technology layer (s) available in the technology resource (s) 2217, the packet-switching gateway node (s) 2218 can generate packet data protocol contexts when a data session is established; Other data structures may be created that facilitate routing of the packetized data. To that end, in one aspect, the PS gateway node (s) 2218 may include a tunnel interface (e. G., A 3GPP UMTS network < RTI ID = 0.0 > (TTG) at the base station (s) (not shown).

In an embodiment 2200, the wireless network platform 2210 also receives data received via the PS gateway node (s) 2218, based on the available wireless technology layer (s) in the description resource (S) 2216 that carry various packetized flows of streams. For the technology resource (s) 2217 that are primarily dependent on CS communication, the server node (s) can deliver traffic without relying on the PS gateway node (s) 2218; It should be noted, for example, that the server node (s) may at least partially implement a mobile switching center. In one example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, the serving node (s) 2216 may be implemented as a Serving GPRS Support Node (s) (SGSN).

For wireless technologies that utilize packetized communications, the server (s) 2214 in the wireless network platform 2210 create a plurality of separate, packetized data streams or flows, For example, scheduling, queuing, formatting ...). Such application (s) may include additional features in standard services (e.g., authorization settings, billing, customer support ...) provided by wireless network platform 2210. The data streams (e.g., the content (s) that are part of the voice call or data session) are sent to the PS gateway node (s) 2218 for authorization / authentication and initiation of the data session and to the serving node ) ≪ / RTI > In addition to the application server, the server (s) 2214 may include a utility server (s), which may at least partially support the authorization settings server, the operation and maintenance server, the certification authority and the firewall, as well as other security mechanisms A security server that can be implemented, and the like. In one aspect, the security server (s) are responsible for ensuring operation and data integrity of the network in addition to authorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node (s) 2222 and PS gateway node (s) And protects the communication served through the wireless network platform 2210. Moreover, the rights-enforcing server (s) may include external network (s) such as networks operated by separate service providers; For example, it may authorize services from the WAN 2250 or the GPS (Global Positioning System) network (s) (not shown). The authorization setup server (s) may be configured to provide more network coverage, such as distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1 (s) to enhance wireless service coverage (e. G., Deployed and operated by the same service provider ) May authorize coverage over the networks associated with the wireless network platform 2210. Repeater devices, such as the repeater devices shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, also improve network coverage to enhance the subscriber service experience through the UE 2275.

It should be noted that the server (s) 2214 may include one or more processors configured to at least partially impart functionality of the macro network platform 2210. For that purpose, one or more processors may execute code instructions stored, for example, in memory 2230. It should be appreciated that the server (s) 2214 operating in substantially the same manner as described above may include the content manager 2215.

In an exemplary embodiment 2200, the memory 2230 may store information related to the operation of the wireless network platform 2210. Other operational information includes rights setting information of mobile devices served through the wireless platform network 2210, subscriber databases; Application intelligence, tariffs, for example, promotional rates, flat-rate programs, coupon-offering campaigns; (S) consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of separate wireless telegraph or wireless technology layers, and the like. The memory 2230 may store information from at least one of the telephone network (s) 2240, the WAN 2250, the intra-enterprise network (s) 2270 or the SS7 network 2260. In an aspect, the memory 2230 can be accessed, for example, as part of a data storage component or remotely connected as a memory storage.

To provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, FIG. 22 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of the appropriate environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented. Although the subject matter has been described in the general context of computer-executable instructions of a computer program running on a computer and / or computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed subject matter may be implemented in combination with other program modules . Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks and / or implement particular abstract data types.

23 shows an exemplary embodiment of a communication device 2300. [ The communication device 2300 may serve as an exemplary embodiment of devices such as mobile devices and in-building devices referred to by the present inventions (e.g., in Figures 15, 16A, and 16B) .

The communication device 2300 includes a wired and / or wireless transceiver 2302 (transceiver 2302 herein), a user interface (UI) 2304, a power supply 2314, a location tracking receiver 2316, a motion sensor 2318 ), An orientation sensor 2320, and a controller 2306 that manages their operations. Transceiver 2302 is the Bluetooth ^®, ZigBee ^®, the Wi-Fi, DECT or cellular communication technology the short-range or long range wireless access technologies, such as (Bluetooth ^® and ZigBee ^®, Bluetooth ^® Special Interest Group and ZigBee ^® Alliance respectively to mention some only Registered trademarks). Cellular technologies may include other next generation wireless communication technologies as cellular technologies evolve, as well as, for example, CDMA-IX, UMTS / HSDPA, GSM / GPRS, TDMA / EDGE, EV / DO, WiMAX, SDR, have. The transceiver 2302 may be configured to support circuit switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP / IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 2304 may include a touch sensitive keypad 2308 having a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse or a navigation disc for manipulating the operations of the communication device 2300. Keypad 2308 is operating on the communication device 2300 by a radio interface that supports integrally a part of or tethered wired interface or for example, Bluetooth ^® (such as a USB cable) of the housing assembly of the communication device 2300 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 & The keypad 2308 may represent a numeric keypad commonly used by telephones and / or a QWERTY keypad having alphanumeric keys. The UI 2304 may further include a display 2310 such as a monochrome or color LCD (liquid crystal display), an OLED (organic light emitting diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to the end user of the communication device 2300 . In one embodiment in which display 2310 is touch sensitive, some or all of keypad 2308 may be provided through display 2310 having navigation features.

Display 2310 can also use touch screen technology to act as a user interface to detect user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device 2300 can be configured to provide a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by the user with the touch of a finger. The touch screen display 2310 may be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other types of sensing techniques to detect how many surface areas of the user's fingers have been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to control the operation of GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display 2310 can be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device 2300 or an independent device communicatively coupled to the communication device 2300 by a tethered wired or wireless interface (such as a cable).

UI 2304 may include an audio system 2312 that utilizes audio technology to deliver low volume audio (such as audio near the human ear) and high volume audio (such as a speakerphone for hands free operation) . Audio system 2312 may further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of the end user. Audio system 2312 may be used for speech recognition applications. The UI 2304 may further include an image sensor 2313, such as a solid-state image sensor (CCD) camera, which captures still or moving images.

Power supply 2314 may be a conventional power supply, such as a replaceable and rechargeable battery, a supply conditioning technique, and / or a charging system technique, such as a charging system technique, that provides energy to components of communication device 2300 to facilitate long- Of power management techniques. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system may utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied through a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering techniques.

The location tracking receiver 2316 may be a GPS receiver that is capable of GPS positioning to identify the location of the communication device 2300 based on signals generated by a multitude of GPS satellites that can be used to facilitate location tracking services, Location tracking technology such as a system (GPS) receiver can be utilized. Motion sensor 2318 may utilize motion sensing technology, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technique, to detect motion of communication device 2300 in a three-dimensional space. Orientation sensor 2320 may be used to detect the orientation of the communication device 2300 (north, south, west, and east, as well as orientations such as magnetometers) to detect the orientations associated with degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics Sensing technology can be utilized.

Communication device (2300) is a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and / or signal arrival time (TOA) or a propagation time (TOF) sensing techniques in cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth ^® or other wireless access by such as utilizing a measure The transceiver 2302 may also be used to determine proximity to points. Such as flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, or other storage technologies that control and process the data being supplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device 2300. For example, Such as a microprocessor with storage memory, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit, and / or a video processor.

Other components not shown in FIG. 23 may be used in one or more embodiments of the present inventive subject matter. For example, communication device 2300 may include a slot for adding or removing an identity module, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) card or a general purpose integrated circuit card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used to identify subscriber services, execute programs, store subscriber data, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 24A, there is shown a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a communication system in accordance with various aspects of the present inventive subject matter. The communication system may include a macro base station 2402 such as a base station or access point having antennas that cover one or more sectors (e.g., six or more sectors). The macro base station 2402 is connected to a communication node 2404A that serves as a master or distribution node for other communication nodes 2404B through 2404E distributed within or beyond the coverage area of the macro base station 2402 at different geographic locations ). ≪ / RTI > Communication nodes 2404 may be mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones) and / or fixed / stationary devices (e.g., residential or commercial facilities) that are wirelessly coupled to any of the communication nodes 2404 Such as a communication device at a base station (e. G., At a base station). In particular, the radio resources of the macro base station 2402 may be redirected to enable and / or utilize certain mobile and / or stationary devices to utilize the radio resources of the communication node 2404 in the communication range of mobile or stationary devices, ≪ / RTI >

Communication nodes 2404A through 2404E may be communicatively coupled to each other via interface 2410. [ In one embodiment, the interface 2410 may include a wired or tethered interface (e.g., a fiber optic cable). In other embodiments, the interface 2410 may include a wireless RF interface that forms a wireless distributed antenna system. In various embodiments, communication nodes 2404A-2404E may be configured to provide communication services to mobile and stationary devices in accordance with commands provided by macro base station 2402. [ However, in other examples of operation, communication nodes 2404A-2404E only operate as analogue repeaters that spread the coverage of macro base station 2402 throughout the entire range of individual communication nodes 2404A-2404E.

The micro base stations (shown as communication nodes 2404) may be different from the macro base station in several ways. For example, the communication range of the micro base stations may be smaller than the communication range of the macro base station. Thus, the power consumed by the micro base stations may be less than the power consumed by the macro base station. The macro base station may optionally be configured to determine which carrier frequency, spectral segment (s) and / or spectral segment (s) to communicate with which mobile and / or stationary devices and micro base stations should communicate and when communicating with certain mobile or stationary devices To the micro base stations. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > [0035] < / RTI > In such cases, control of the micro base stations by the macro base station may be performed in a master-slave configuration or other suitable control configurations. The resources of the micro base stations may be simpler and less expensive than the resources utilized by the macro base station 2402, whether they operate independently or under the control of the macro base station 2402. [

Referring now to FIG. 24B, a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of communication nodes 2404B-2404E of communication system 2400 of FIG. 24A is shown. In this example, the communication nodes 2404B through 2404E are disposed on a public fixture such as a streetlight. In other embodiments, some of the communication nodes 2404B through 2404E may be located on a pole or pole that is used to distribute buildings, or power and / or communication lines. In these examples, the communication nodes 2404B through 2404E may be configured to communicate with each other via an interface 2410, and the interface 2410 is shown as an air interface in this example. Communication nodes 2404B through 2404E may communicate with one or more communication protocols (e.g., fourth generation (4G) wireless signals such as LTE signals or other 4G signals, fifth generation (5G) 2406C via a wireless interface 2411 that is compliant with wireless communication standards (e.g., 802.11 signals, ultra-wideband signals, etc.). The communication nodes 2404 may be higher than the operating frequency (e.g., 1.9 GHz) used to communicate with the mobile or stationary devices via interface 2411 (e.g., 28 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz, 80 GHz or higher) at the operating frequency. (E.g., the 900 MHz band, the 1.9 GHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and / or the 5.8 GHz band), as will be exemplified by the spectrum downlink and uplink figures of FIG. Etc.) and / or a higher carrier frequency and a wider bandwidth enabling communication nodes 2404 to provide communication services to multiple mobile or stationary devices via one or more different protocols, Lt; / RTI > In other embodiments, a broadband spectrum in the lower frequency range (e.g., in the range of 2 to 6 GHz, 4 to 10 GHz, etc.) may be applied to the antenna 2410, Can be employed.

Referring now to FIGS. 24C and 24D, block diagrams illustrating exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of communication node 2404 of communication system 2400 of FIG. 24A are shown. The communication node 2404 may be attached to a support structure 2424 of a public fixture, such as a pole or a pole, as shown in Figure 24C. The communication node 2404 may be attached to the support structure 2424 with an arm 2426 made of plastic or other suitable material attached to the end of the communication node 2404. [ The communication node 2404 may further include a plastic housing assembly 2416 that covers the components of the communication node 2404. Communications node 2404 may be powered by power line 2426 (e.g., 110/226 VAC). The power line 2426 may originate from the equipotential line or may be coupled to the power line of the pole.

In one embodiment, in which communication nodes 2404 communicate wirelessly with other communication nodes 2404 as shown in FIG. 24B, an upper portion 2412 of communication node 2404 (also shown in FIG. 24D) For example, a plurality of antennas 2422 (e.g., sixteen dielectric antennas without metal planes) coupled to one or more transceivers, such as the transceiver 1400 shown in Figure 14, wholly or in part, . ≪ / RTI > Each of the plurality of antennas 2422 of the upper portion 2412 may operate as a sector of the communication node 2404 and each sector is configured to communicate with at least one communication node 2404 in the communication range of the sector . Alternatively, or in combination, the interface 2410 between the communication nodes 2404 may be a tethered interface (e.g., a fiber optic cable, or a power line used to transmit the induced electromagnetic waves as described above). In other embodiments, the interface 2410 may be different between the communication nodes 2404. That is, some communication nodes 2404 may communicate via a wireless interface, while other communication nodes 2404 communicate via a tethered interface. In still other embodiments, some of the communication nodes 2404 may utilize a combined wireless and tethered interface.

The lower portion 2414 of the communication node 2404 includes a plurality of antennas 2424 for wirelessly communicating with one or more mobile or stationary devices 2406 at an appropriate carrier frequency to the mobile or stationary devices 2406 You may. As noted above, the carrier frequency used by the communication node 2404 to communicate with the mobile or stationary devices via the air interface 2411 shown in FIG. 24B may be communicated via the interface 2410 to the communication nodes 2404 May be different from the carrier frequency used to communicate between the base station and the base station. The plurality of antennas 2424 at the lower end 2414 of the communication node 2404 may utilize a transceiver, such as the transceiver 1400 shown in FIG. 14, for example, wholly or in part.

Referring now to FIG. 25A, a block diagram illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of downlink and uplink communication techniques that enables the base station to communicate with the communication nodes 2404 of FIG. 24A is shown . 25A, downlink signals (i.e., signals directed from the macro base station 2402 to the communication nodes 2404) are transmitted over the control channels 2502, one or more mobile or stationary devices 2506, Downlink spectrum segments 2506 each including modulated signals that can be frequency translated into the original / natural frequency band of the modulated signals to enable the communication nodes 2404 to communicate, May be spectrally divided into pilot signals 2504 that may be supplied with some or all of the spectral segments 2506 to mitigate the distortion generated between the spectral segments 2504. The pilot signals 2504 are processed by the upper portion 2416 (tethered or wireless) transceivers of the downstream communication nodes 2404 to remove distortion (e.g., phase distortion) from the received signal . Each downlink spectrum segment 2506 is sufficiently wide to include one or more downlink modulated signals located in frequency channels (or frequency slots) in the corresponding pilot signal 2504 and spectral segment 2506 (E. G., 50 MHz) bandwidth 2505 may be allocated. WLAN channels or other modulated communication signals (e. G., From 10 to < RTI ID = 0.0 > 26 MHz).

The uplink modulated signals generated by the mobile or stationary communication device in the intrinsic / original frequency bands of the uplink modulated signals are frequency converted and thereby converted into frequency channels (or frequency slots) in the uplink spectrum segment 2510 ). ≪ / RTI > The uplink modulated signals may represent cellular channels, WLAN channels or other modulated communication signals. Each uplink spectrum segment 2510 may include a portion or each of the spectral segments 2510 (e.g., 2510) to enable upstream communication nodes 2404 and / or macro base station 2402 to remove distortion May be assigned a similar or the same bandwidth 2505 to include a pilot signal 2508,

In the depicted embodiment, the downlink and uplink spectrum segments 2506 and 2510 may comprise any number of unique / original frequency bands (e.g., 900 MHz band, 1.9 GHz band, 2.4 GHz band, and / or 5.8 (Or frequency slots) that can be occupied by modulated signals that have been frequency-transformed from the frequency bands (e.g. The modulated signals may be upconverted to adjacent frequency channels in the downlink and uplink spectral segments 2506 and 2510. In this way, some adjacent frequency channels in the downlink spectrum segment 2506 may contain modulated signals in the same inherent / original frequency band, but other adjacent frequency channels in the downlink spectrum segment 2506 But may also include modulated signals that are frequency transformed to be located in different intrinsic / original frequency bands, or adjacent frequency channels of downlink spectrum segment 2506. For example, the first modulated signal in the 1.9 GHz band and the second modulated signal in the same frequency band (i.e., 1.9 GHz) are frequency-converted and thereby applied to adjacent frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 Lt; / RTI > In another example, a first modulated signal in the 1.9 GHz band and a second communication signal in a different frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) are frequency converted and thereby placed in adjacent frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 . Thus, the frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 may be occupied by the same or different signaling protocols and any combination of modulated signals of the same or different unique / original frequency bands.

Likewise, although some adjacent frequency channels in the uplink spectrum segment 2510 may inherently comprise modulated signals in the same frequency band, adjacent frequency channels in the uplink spectrum segment 2510 may inherently have different intrinsic / Or may be modulated to be frequency shifted to be located in adjacent frequency channels of the uplink segment 2510, for example. For example, the first communication signal in the 2.4 GHz band and the second communication signal in the same frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) are frequency converted and thereby located in adjacent frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 . In another example, the first communication signal in the 1.9 GHz band and the second communication signal in the different frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) are frequency converted and thereby located in adjacent frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2506 . Thus, the frequency channels of uplink spectrum segment 2510 may be occupied by the same or different signaling protocols and any combination of modulated signals of the same or different intrinsic / original frequency bands. The fact that the downlink spectrum segment 2506 and the uplink spectrum segment 2510 can be separated by a guard frequency band or separated by a larger frequency separation, themselves depending on the spectral allocation of the positions adjacent to each other It should be noted.

Referring now to FIG. 25B, a block diagram 2520 illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a communication node is shown. In particular, a communication node device, such as a communication node 2404A of a wireless distributed antenna system, includes a base station interface 2522, a duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 and two transceivers 2530 and 2532. However, when communication node 2404A is assigned with a base station, such as macro base station 2402, duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 and transceiver 2530 can be omitted and transceiver 2532 can communicate with base station interface 2522 ). ≪ / RTI >

In various embodiments, base station interface 2522 receives a first modulated signal having one or more downlink channels in a first spectral segment for transmission to a client device, such as one or more mobile communication devices. The first spectral segment represents the original / natural frequency band of the first modulated signal. The first modulated signal may be one or more downlink messages that conform to a signaling protocol such as LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, 5G wireless communication protocol, ultra wideband protocol, WiMAX protocol, 802.11 or other wireless local area network protocol, and / Link communication channels. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 provides a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment for direct communication with one or more mobile communication devices in the range of the communication node 2404A as a free space wireless signal to a transceiver 2530 ). In various embodiments, the transceiver 2530 filters, powers down the spectrum of downlink channels and uplink channels of modulated signals in the original / natural frequency bands of the modulated signals while attenuating out- Amplification, transmit / receive switching, duplexing, diplexing, and an analog network that provides only impedance matching to drive one or more antennas to transmit and receive wireless signals of the interface 2410.

In other embodiments, the transceiver 2532 may, in various embodiments, generate a first modulated signal based on the analog signal processing of the first modulated signal without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, And to perform frequency conversion of the modulated signal to a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency. The first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency may occupy one or more frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506. The first carrier frequency may be in millimeter wave or microwave frequency band. The analog signal processing as used herein includes, but is not limited to, filtering, switching, duplexing, diplexing, amplification, frequency up and down conversion and, for example, analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion, And other analog processing that does not require digital signal processing. In other embodiments, the transceiver 2532 may apply digital signal processing to the first modulated signal without altering the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal without utilizing any form of analog signal processing, such that the first spectral segment To a first carrier frequency of the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency. In yet other embodiments, the transceiver 2532 may apply a combination of digital signal processing and analog processing to the first modulated signal without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal so that the first modulation in the first spectral segment Lt; / RTI > to the first carrier frequency of the transmitted signal.

Transceiver 2532 is frequency translated by the network element into a first spectral segment such that one or more downstream communication nodes 2404B through 2404E for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to one or more other mobile communication devices, Type antenna system with one or more corresponding reference signals, such as one or more control channels, pilot signals, or other reference signals, and / or one or more clock signals, such as one or more reference signals, along with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, Signals. ≪ / RTI > In particular, the reference signal enables the network element to reduce the phase error (and / or other types of signal distortion) during the processing of the first modulated signal from the first carrier frequency to the first spectral segment. The control channel directs the communication node of the decentralized antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to generate frequency selections and reuse patterns, , ≪ / RTI > and / or other control signaling. In embodiments where the instructions transmitted and received via the control channel are digital signals, the transceiver 2532 provides analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, and processes digital data transmitted and / Digital signal processing components. The clock signals supplied with the downlink spectrum segment 2506 synchronize the timing of digital control channel processing by downstream communication nodes 2404B through 2404E to recover commands from the control channel and / or provide other timing signals Can be utilized.

In various embodiments, transceiver 2532 may receive a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from a network element, such as communication node 2404B through 2404E. The second modulated signal may be one or more modulated signals that conform to a signaling protocol such as LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, 5G wireless communication protocol, ultra wideband protocol, 802.11 or other wireless local area network protocol, and / Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > uplink < / RTI > In particular, a mobile or stationary communication device generates a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, such as an original / natural frequency band and a network element frequency, and generates a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment at a second carrier frequency And transmits a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency received by communication node 2404A. The transceiver 2532 is operative to convert the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency to a second modulated signal in the second spectral segment and to transmit the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the duplexer / Assembly 2524 and base station interface 2522 to a base station such as macro base station 2402 for processing.

Consider the following example where communication node 2404A is implemented as a distributed antenna system. The uplink frequency channels in the uplink spectrum segment 2510 and the downlink frequency channels in the downlink spectrum segment 2506 may be transmitted using a standard protocol such as DOCSIS 2.0 or higher, a WiMAX standard protocol, an UWB protocol, an 802.11 standard protocol, an LTE protocol, The same 4G or 5G voice and data protocol, and / or signals that are otherwise modulated and formatted according to standard communication protocols. In addition to protocols conforming to current standards, any of these protocols can be modified to work with the system of FIG. 24A. For example, an 802.11 protocol or other protocol may be used for communicative coupling to network elements that are communicating (e.g., through network elements or downlink spectrum segment 2506 or a particular frequency channel of uplink spectrum segment 2510) Or separate data channels to provide collision detection / multiple access over a wider area (which allows for communication devices to listen to one another). In various embodiments, both the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 and the downlink frequency channel of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 may all be formatted according to the same communication protocol. However, alternatively, two or more different protocols may be used on both the uplink spectrum segment 2510 and the downlink spectrum segment 2506, for example, to be compatible with the wider client devices and / or to operate in different frequency bands. Can be employed.

When two or more different protocols are employed, the first subset of downlink frequency channels of downlink spectrum segment 2506 may be modulated according to a first standard protocol and the downlink frequency channel of downlink spectrum segment 2506, May be modulated according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol. Similarly, a first subset of the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 may be received by the system for demodulation according to the first standard protocol, and the first subset of uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 2 subset may be received according to a second standard protocol for demodulation according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol.

According to these examples, the base station interface 2522 may receive a modulated signal, such as one or more downlink channels in the original / natural frequency bands of one or more downlink channels from a base station, such as the macro base station 2402, Lt; / RTI > Similarly, base station interface 2522 provides modulated signals received from other network elements that are frequency translated to modulated signals having one or more uplink channels in the original / natural frequency bands of one or more uplink channels . The base station interface 2522 provides communication signals, communication control signals, and other network signaling, such as uplink and downlink channels, in the original / natural frequency bands of the uplink and downlink channels to a macro base station or other network element Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > in both directions. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 is coupled to the transceiver 2532, which frequency translates the frequency of the downlink channels from the original / natural frequency bands of the downlink channels to the frequency spectrum of the interface 2410, The wireless communication link is configured to communicate downlink to one or more of the other communication nodes (2404B-2404E) of the distributed antenna system in the range of the communication device (2404A) Signals.

In various embodiments, the transceiver 2532 is operable to receive downlink channel signals (e. G., Channel estimates) through mixing or other heteroderiodal operations to produce frequency converted downlink channel signals occupying the downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment < And an analog radio device for frequency downlinking the downlink channel signals in their natural / natural frequency bands. In this example, the downlink spectrum segment 2506 is within the downlink frequency band of the interface 2410. In one embodiment, the downlink channel signals are transmitted to the downlink spectrum segment 2506 from the original / natural frequency bands of the downlink channel signals for direct communication with the transmit / receive line to one or more other communication nodes 2404B through 2404E. To 28 ㎓, 38 ㎓, 60 ㎓, 70 ㎓ or 80 ㎓. However, it is noted that other frequency bands (e.g., 3 GHz to 5 GHz) for downlink spectrum segment 2506 may be employed as well. For example, the transceiver 2532 may be configured to select one or more downlink channel signals in the original / unique spectral bands of the one or more downlink channel signals in instances where the frequency band of the interface 2410 is less than the original / And downconvert one or more downlink channel signals of the downlink channel.

The transceiver 2532 may comprise a plurality of individual antennas, such as the antennas 2422 provided with the Fig. 24d for communicating with the communication nodes 2404B, a phased antenna array or a steerable beam, or a plurality May be coupled to a multi-beam antenna system to communicate with the devices. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 includes a duplexer that operates as a " channel duplexer " to provide bi-directional communication across multiple communication paths and through one or more original / unique spectral segments of the uplink and downlink channels, , Splitter, switch, router and / or other assembly.

In addition to sending the modulated signals frequency downconverted to the other communication nodes 2404B-2404E at a carrier frequency that is different from the original / unique spectral bands of the frequency converted modulated signals, All or selected portions of the modulated signals that have not been altered in the original / unique spectral bands of the communication node 2404A through the wireless interface 2411 to the client devices in the wireless communication range of the communication node 2404A. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 transmits the modulated signals in the original / unique spectral bands of the modulated signals to the transceiver 2530. The transceiver 2530 may include a channel selection filter for selecting one or more downlink channels for transmission of downlink channels to mobile or fixed wireless devices via the air interface 2411 and an antenna 2424 And a power amplifier coupled to one or more of the same antennas.

In addition to downlink communications to client devices, communications node 2404A may also operate in a reciprocal manner to handle uplink communications originating from client devices. In operation, transceiver 2532 receives uplink channels in uplink spectrum segment 2510 through the uplink spectrum of interface 2410 from communication nodes 2404B through 2404E. The uplink frequency channels in the uplink spectrum segment 2510 are transmitted from the original / unique spectral bands of the modulated signals to the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 by the communication nodes 2404B through 2404E, And includes the converted modulated signals. In situations where the interface 2410 operates at a higher frequency band than the intrinsic / original spectral segments of the modulated signals supplied by the client devices, the transceiver 2532 converts the upconverted modulated signals into up- Down to the original frequency bands of the received signals. However, in situations where the interface 2410 operates at a lower frequency band than the intrinsic / original spectral segments of the modulated signals provided by the client devices, the transceiver 2532 performs downconversion of the downconverted modulated signals Lt; / RTI > to the original frequency bands of the modulated signals. In addition, the transceiver 2530 operates to receive all or selected of the modulated signals in the original / natural frequency bands of the modulated signals from the client devices via the air interface 2411. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 couples the modulated signals in the original / natural frequency bands of the modulated signals received via the transceiver 2530 to be transmitted to the macro base station 2402 or other network element To the interface 2522. Similarly, the modulated signals occupying the uplink frequency channels in the uplink spectrum segment 2510, which are frequency translated to the original / natural frequency bands of the signals modulated by the transceiver 2532, Is supplied to the duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 for transmission to the base station interface 2522 to be transmitted to other network elements of the base station.

Referring now to FIG. 25C, a block diagram 2535 illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a communication node is shown. In particular, a communication node device such as a communication node 2404B, 2404C, 2404D or 2404E of a wireless distributed antenna system includes a transceiver 2533, a duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524, an amplifier 2538 and two transceivers 2536A and 2536B).

In various embodiments, transceiver 2536A may be configured to receive, from communication node 2404A or upstream communication nodes 2404B through 2404E, channels of a first modulated signal in a transformed spectrum of a distributed antenna system (e.g., (E.g., frequency channels of one or more downlink spectrum segments 2506) at a first carrier frequency. The first modulated signal includes first communication data provided by the base station and directed to the mobile communication device. The transceiver 2536A receives from the communication node 2404A one or more corresponding reference signals, such as one or more control channels and pilot signals or other reference signals associated with the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency, / RTI > and / or one or more clock signals. The first modulated signal may be one or more downlink messages that conform to a signaling protocol such as LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, 5G wireless communication protocol, ultra wideband protocol, WiMAX protocol, 802.11 or other wireless local area network protocol, and / Link communication channels.

As discussed above, the reference signal may cause a phase error (and / or other types of signal distortion) during the processing of the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first spectral segment (i.e., the original / unique spectrum) / RTI > The control channel directs the communication node of the decentralized antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to generate frequency selections and reuse patterns, , And / or other control signaling. The clock signals may be synchronized with the timing of the digital control channel processing by the downstream communication nodes 2404B through 2404E to recover and / or provide other timing signals from the control channel.

Amplifier 2538 couples the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency with reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals coupled to transceiver 2536B via a duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 And the transceiver 2536B may be coupled to one or more of the communication nodes 2404B through 2404E operating in a similar manner downstream from the illustrated communication nodes 2404B through 2404E in this example, And control signals and / or clock signals as a repeater for retransmitting the amplified first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency.

The amplified first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency along with the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals is also coupled to the transceiver 2533 via a duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524. The transceiver 2533 performs digital signal processing on the control channel to recover instructions in the form of, for example, digital data from the control channel. The clock signal is used to synchronize the timing of digital control channel processing. The transceiver 2533 is then programmed in accordance with subsequent instructions and based on the analog (and / or digital) signal processing of the first modulated signal and using the reference signal to reduce distortion during the conversion process, And performs frequency conversion from the first modulated signal to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Transceiver 2533 wirelessly transmits the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment for direct communication with one or more mobile communication devices in the range of communication nodes 2404B through 2404E as free space wireless signals.

In various embodiments, transceiver 2536B may be coupled to uplink spectrum segment 2510 from other network elements, such as one or more other communication nodes 2404B through 2404E downstream from the illustrated communication nodes 2404B through 2404E. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > second < / RTI > The second modulated signal may be one or more uplink communication channels that conform to a signaling protocol such as LTE or other 4G wireless protocol, 5G wireless communication protocol, ultra wideband protocol, 802.11 or other wireless local area network protocol, and / Lt; / RTI > In particular, one or more mobile communication devices may generate a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, such as the original / natural frequency band, and a downstream network element may generate a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency in a second spectral segment And transmits the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency in the uplink spectrum segment 2510 received by the illustrated communication nodes 2404B through 2404E. The transceiver 2536B is coupled to the amplifier 2538 via a duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 for amplifying and retransmitting the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency and back through the transceiver 2536A for further retransmission To communication node 2404A or upstream communication nodes 2404B through 2404E to a base station such as macro base station 2402 again for processing.

Transceiver 2533 may receive a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment from one or more mobile communication devices in the range of communication nodes 2404B through 2404E. The transceiver 2533 is operable to perform frequency translation on the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment with a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency, for example under the control of instructions received via a control channel Control channels and / or clock signals for use by the communication node 2404A to retranslate the second modulated signal back to the original / unique spectral segments, and at a second carrier frequency To the transceiver 2536A via the duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 and the amplifier 2538 for amplification and retransmission of the second modulated signal of the communication node 2404A or the upstream communication nodes 2404B to 2404E to the base station such as the macro base station 2402 again for processing.

Referring now to FIG. 25D, there is shown a schematic diagram 2540 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum. In particular, spectrum 2542 may be generated by downlink segment 2506 after the frequency of the modulated signals is converted from spectrums 2542 to one or more original / unique spectral segments (e.g., via up-conversion or down-conversion) Or < / RTI > the uplink spectrum segment 2510, as illustrated in FIG.

In the example provided, the downstream (downlink) channel band 2544 includes a plurality of downstream frequency channels represented by separate downlink spectrum segments 2506. Likewise, the upstream (uplink) channel band 2546 includes a plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate uplink spectrum segments 2510. The spectral shapes of the separate spectral segments, together with the associated reference signals, control channels and clock signals, are considered to be placeholders for the frequency assignment of each modulated signal. The actual spectral response of each frequency channel in the downlink spectrum segment 2506 or uplink spectrum segment 2510 will vary based on the protocol and modulation employed and additionally over time.

The number of uplink spectrum segments 2510 may be less than or greater than the number of downlink spectrum segments 2506, depending on the asymmetric communication scheme. In this case, the upstream channel band 2546 may be narrower or wider than the downstream channel band 2544. Alternatively, the number of uplink spectrum segments 2510 may be equal to the number of downlink spectrum segments 2506 if a symmetric communication scheme is implemented. In this case, the width of the upstream channel band 2546 may be equal to the width of the downstream channel band 2544 and bit stuffing or other data filing techniques may be employed to compensate for changes in upstream traffic. In other embodiments, the downstream channel band 2444 may be at a higher frequency than the upstream channel band 2546, although the downstream channel band 2544 is represented by a lower frequency than the upstream channel band 2546. In addition, the number of spectral segments in spectrum 2542 and the respective frequency positions of the spectral segments may change dynamically over time. For example, a general control channel (not shown), which may indicate the frequency location of each downlink spectrum segment 2506 and each uplink spectrum segment 2510 to the communication nodes 2404, Can be provided. The number of downlink spectrum segments 2506 and the number of uplink spectrum segments 2510 may change over a common control channel, depending on the traffic conditions or network requirements that make it necessary to reallocate the bandwidth. In addition, downlink spectrum segments 2506 and uplink spectrum segments 2510 need not be grouped separately. For example, the generic control channel may identify the downlink spectrum segment 2506 followed by the uplink spectrum segment 2510 in an alternating manner, or in any other combination that may or may not be symmetric. It is further noted that instead of utilizing a general control channel, multiple control channels may be used, each identifying a frequency location of one or more spectral segments and a type of spectral segment (i.e., uplink or downlink).

In addition, while downstream channel band 2544 and upstream channel band 2546 are shown occupying a single close frequency band, in other embodiments, two or more upstream and / or two or more downstream channel bands are available May be employed depending on the spectrum and / or communication standards employed. The frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segments 2510 and the downlink spectrum segments 2506 may be transmitted using a 4G or 5G voice and data protocol such as DOCSIS 2.0 or higher standard protocol, WiMAX standard protocol, UWB protocol, 802.11 standard protocol, LTE protocol , ≪ / RTI > and / or other standard communication protocols. In addition to protocols conforming to current standards, any of these protocols may be modified to work with the system shown. For example, 802.11 protocols or other protocols may be used to provide collision detection / multiple access over a wider area (e.g., enabling devices communicating over a particular frequency channel to listen to each other) And / or a separate data channel. In various embodiments, both the uplink frequency channels of uplink spectrum segments 2510 and the downlink frequency channels of downlink spectrum segments 2506 are all formatted according to the same communication protocol. However, alternatively, two or more different protocols may be used, for example, to support uplink frequency channels of one or more uplink spectrum segments 2510 and one or more uplink frequency channels of one or more uplink spectrum segments 2510 to be compatible with and / May be employed on both downlink frequency channels of downlink spectrum segments 2506. [

It should be noted that the modulated signals may be collected from different original / unique spectral segments for aggregation into spectra 2542. In this manner, a first portion of the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 may include a second portion of the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 that has been frequency transformed from one or more of the different original / unique spectral segments Respectively. Likewise, the first portion of the downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 is adjacent to the second portion of the downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 that were frequency transformed from the one or more different original / unique spectral segments can do. For example, one or more 0.9 GHz 802.11 channels that have been frequency translated may be adjacent to one or more 5.8 GHz 802.11 channels that have also been frequency translated to a spectrum 2542 centered at 80 GHz. Each spectral segment having a frequency and phase at frequencies and phases providing frequency translation of one or more frequency channels of such spectral segment from the arrangement of each spectral segment in spectrum 2542 back to the original / unique spectral segment of each spectral segment And may have an associated reference signal, such as a pilot signal that may be used to generate an oscillator signal.

Referring now to FIG. 25E, there is shown a schematic diagram 2550 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum. In particular, spectral segment selection as discussed with the signal processing performed on the spectral segments selected by the transceivers 2530 of the communication node 2440A or the transceivers 2532 of the communication nodes 2404B through 2404E is provided. As shown, the downlink spectrum segments of the downlink channel frequency band 2544 and the specific uplink frequency portion 2558, including one of the uplink spectrum segments 2510 of the uplink frequency channel band 2546, A particular downlink frequency portion 2556 comprising one of the uplink frequency channel band 2546 and the downlink frequency band 254 is selected to be passed by channel selective filtering and the remaining portions of the uplink frequency channel band 2546 and downlink channel frequency band 2544 are filtered out Is attenuated to mitigate the adverse effects of processing the desired frequency channels passed by the transceiver. It should be noted that although a single specific uplink spectrum segment 2510 and a particular downlink spectrum segment 2506 are shown as being selected, two or more uplink and / or downlink spectrum segments may be passed in other embodiments do.

Although transceivers 2530 and 2532 can operate based on fixed static channel filters with uplink and downlink frequency portions 2558 and 2556, as discussed above, the transceivers 2530 and 2532 may be used to dynamically configure the transceivers 2530 and 2532 for a particular frequency selection. In this manner, the upstream and downstream frequency channels of the corresponding spectral segments can be dynamically allocated to various communication nodes by the macro base station 2402 or other network element of the communication network to optimize performance by the distributed antenna system .

Referring now to FIG. 25F, there is shown a schematic diagram 2560 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum. In particular, spectrum 2562 may be used to determine whether uplink or downlink spectrum (e.g., uplink or downlink spectrum) should be transmitted after the frequency of the modulated signals is converted from one or more of the original / unique spectral segments Is shown for a distributed antenna system that carries modulated signals occupying frequency channels of the segments.

As discussed above, two or more different communication protocols may be employed to communicate upstream and downstream data. When two or more different protocols are employed, the first subset of downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 may be occupied by the modulated signals frequency-transformed in accordance with the first standard protocol and the same or different The second subset of downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2510 may be occupied by the modulated signals frequency-converted according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol. Similarly, a first subset of the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectrum segment 2510 may be received by the system for demodulation according to the first standard protocol, The second subset of channels may be received according to a second standard protocol for demodulation according to a second standard protocol different from the first standard protocol.

In the illustrated example, the downstream channel band 2544 includes a first plurality of downstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of a first type indicative of use of a first communication protocol. The downstream channel band 2544 'includes a second plurality of downstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of a second type indicative of use of a second communication protocol. Likewise, the upstream channel band 2546 includes a first plurality of upstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of a first type indicative of use of the first communication protocol. The upstream channel band 2546 'includes a second plurality of upstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of a second type indicative of use of a second communication protocol. These separate spectral shapes are considered to be placeholders for the frequency assignment of each individual spectral segment with associated reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals. It should be noted that although the individual channel bandwidth is shown to be approximately the same for the first and second types of channels, the upstream and downstream channel bands 2544, 2544 ', 2546 and 2546' may be different bandwidths. In addition, the spectral segments in these channel bands of the first and second types may be different bandwidths depending on the available spectrum and / or communication standards employed.

Referring now to FIG. 25G, there is shown a graphical illustration 2570 illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum. Particularly, a portion of spectra 2542 or 2562 of Figures 25d-25f may be used for modulating (e.g., by up-converting or down-converting) the modulated ≪ / RTI > is shown for a distributed antenna system that transmits signals.

Portion 2572 includes a portion of the downlink or uplink spectrum segments 2506 and 2510, which are represented in spectral form and represent a portion of the bandwidth reserved for the control channel, reference signal, and / or clock signal. The spectral shape 2574 represents, for example, a control channel separate from the reference signal 2579 and the clock signal 2578. It should be noted that the clock signal 2578 is shown in a spectral shape representing a sinusoidal signal that may require adjustment in the form of a more conventional clock signal. In other embodiments, however, a conventional clock signal may be transmitted as a modulated carrier by modulating the reference signal 2579 through amplitude modulation or other modulation techniques that preserve the phase of the carrier for use as a phase reference. In other embodiments, the clock signal may be transmitted by modulating the other carrier or as another signal. In addition, it is noted that both clock signal 2578 and reference signal 2579 are shown as being outside the frequency band of control channel 2574.

In another example, portion 2575 includes a portion of downlink or uplink spectral segments 2506 and 2510, represented as part of a spectral shape that represents a portion of the bandwidth reserved for the control channel, reference signal, and / or clock signal . Spectral shape 2576 represents a control channel having instructions including digital data to modulate reference signal 2579 through amplitude modulation, amplitude shift keying, or other modulation techniques to preserve the phase of the carrier for use as a phase reference . Clock signal 2578 is shown as being outside the frequency band of spectral shape 2576. The reference signal 2579 modulated by the control channel commands is actually the subcarrier of the control channel and in-band with respect to the control channel. Once again, the clock signal 2578 is shown in a spectral shape representing a sinusoidal signal, but in other embodiments, a typical clock signal may be transmitted as a modulated carrier or other signal. In this case, instructions of the control channel may be used to modulate the clock signal 2578 instead of the reference signal 2579.

Through the modulation of the reference signal 2579 in the form of a continuous wave (CW) in which the phase distortion of the receiver is again calibrated during the frequency conversion of the downlink or uplink spectral segments 2506 and 2510 to the original / unique spectral segment of the reference signal. Consider the following example where the control channel is transmitted. The control channel may include pulse amplitude modulation, binary phase shift keying, amplitude shift keying, or other modulation schemes to transmit commands such as network operations, operational and management traffic, and other control data between network elements of the distributed antenna system Can be modulated with the same strong modulation. In various embodiments, the control data may include, without limitation:

● Status information indicating the online status, offline status, and network performance parameters of each network element.

● Network device information, such as module names and addresses, hardware and software versions, device capacities, and so on.

Spectral information such as frequency transform coefficients, channel spacing, guard bands, uplink / downlink assignments, uplink and downlink channel selections, and the like.

Environmental measurements such as climatic conditions, image data, power outage information, and direct line obstructions.

In a further example, the control channel data may be transmitted over ultra wideband (UWB) signaling. The control channel data may be transmitted by generating radio energy in specific time intervals and occupying a larger bandwidth through pulse location or time modulation and / or by encoding polarity or amplitude of UWB pulses and / or by using orthogonal pulses . In particular, UWB pulses may be transmitted sporadically at relatively low wave rates to support time or position modulation, but may also be transmitted at rates up to the inverse of the UWB pulse bandwidth. In this way, the control channel can be spread over the UWB spectrum without interfering with the CW transmissions of the reference signal and / or the clock signal, which can occupy in-band portions of the UWB spectrum of the control channel and at relatively low power.

Referring now to FIG. 25H, a block diagram 2580 is shown illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a transmitter. In particular, a transmitter 2582 is shown for use with a receiver 2581 and a digital control channel processor 2595, for example, in a transceiver, such as the transceiver 2533 provided with FIG. 25C. As shown, the transmitter 2582 includes an analog front end 2586, a clock signal generator 2589, a local oscillator 2592, a mixer 2596, and a transmitter front end 2584.

The amplified first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency together with the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals is coupled from the amplifier 2538 to the analog front end 2586. The analog front end 2586 includes one or more filters or other frequency selectors that separate the control channel signal 2587, the clock reference signal 2578, the pilot signal 2591 and the one or more selected channel signals 2594 .

Digital control channel processor 2595 performs digital signal processing on the control channel to recover instructions from control channel signal 2587, for example, through demodulation of digital control channel data. Clock signal generator 2589 generates a clock signal 2590 from clock reference signal 2578 to synchronize the timing of digital control channel processing by digital control channel processor 2595. In embodiments where the clock reference signal 2578 is a sinusoid, the clock signal generator 2589 may provide amplification and limiting to generate a conventional clock signal or other timing signal from the sinusoid. In embodiments where the clock reference signal 2578 is a modulated carrier signal such as a reference or pilot signal, or a modulation of another carrier, the clock signal generator 2589 provides demodulation to generate a conventional clock signal or other timing signal .

In various embodiments, control channel signal 2587 may be a digitally modulated signal in the range of frequencies separated by pilot signal 2591 and clock reference 2588, or as a modulation of pilot signal 2591 . In operation, digital control channel processor 2595 provides demodulation of control channel signal 2587 to extract the instructions contained therein to generate control signal 2593. In particular, the control signal 2593 generated by the digital control channel processor 2595 in response to commands received over the control channel converts the frequencies of the channel signals 2594 for transmission over the air interface 2411 May be used to select specific channel signals 2594 with the corresponding pilot signal 2591 and / or clock reference 2588 used. In situations where the control channel signal 2587 carries instructions through the modulation of the pilot signal 2591, the pilot signal 2591 may be fed to the digital control channel processor 2595 rather than to the analog front end 2586 as shown It can be extracted through the < / RTI >

The digital control channel processor 2595 may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic network, Digital-to-analog converters, and / or any device that manipulates (analog and / or digital) signals based on hard coding of circuitry and / or operational instructions. The processing module may be a memory and / or an integrated memory element, module, processing circuit, and / or processing unit, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices and / or other circuitry of the processing module, . Such memory devices may be read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and / or any device that stores digital information. If the processing module includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., coupled together directly via a wired and / or wireless bus structure) or distributed locally (e.g., It is possible to do cloud computing through indirect coupling via the area network and / or the wide area network). The memory and / or memory element that stores the corresponding operating instructions may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuit, , Analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, or other devices, or external to them. Hard-coded and / or operative instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and / or functions described herein may be stored by a memory element and executed by a processing module, such memory device or memory element may be implemented as an article of manufacture It should be further noted that this can be achieved.

The local oscillator 2592 utilizes the pilot signal 2591 to reduce the distortion during the frequency conversion process to generate the local oscillator signal 2597. In various embodiments, the pilot signal 2591 includes channel signals 2594 at a carrier frequency associated with the placement of channel signals 2594 in the spectrum of the distributed antenna system for transmission to fixed or mobile communication devices In local oscillator signal 2597 to produce a local oscillator signal 2597 at the appropriate frequency and phase to convert it into the original / unique spectral segments of channel signals 2594. [ In this case, the local oscillator 2592 may employ bandpass filtering and / or other signal conditioning to generate a sinusoidal local oscillator signal 2597 that preserves the frequency and phase of the pilot signal 2591. In other embodiments, the pilot signal 2591 has a frequency and phase that can be used to derive the local oscillator signal 2597. In this case, the local oscillator 2592 is operable to receive channel signals 2594 at a carrier frequency associated with the placement of the channel signals 2594 in the spectrum of the distributed antenna system for transmission to fixed or mobile communication devices Frequency enhancement, or other frequency synthesis based on the pilot signal 2591 to produce a local oscillator signal 2597 at the appropriate frequency and phase to convert it into the original / unique spectral segments of the channel signals 2594 Can be adopted.

The mixer 2596 frequency shifts the channel signals 2594 based on the local oscillator signal 2597 to produce frequency converted channel signals 2598 in the corresponding original / unique spectral segments of the channel signals 2594. [ Lt; / RTI > Transmitter Xmtr front end 2584 may transmit frequency converted channel signals 2598 in the range of communication nodes 2404B through 2404E as one or more mobile Or to wirelessly transmit to fixed-line communications devices.

Referring now to Figure 25i, a block diagram 2585 is shown illustrating one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a receiver. In particular, a receiver 2581 is shown for use with a transmitter 2582 and a digital control channel processor 2595, for example, in a transceiver, such as the transceiver 2533 provided with FIG. 25C. As shown, the receiver 2581 includes an analog receiver (RCVR) front end 2583, a local oscillator 2592 and a mixer 2596. The digital control channel processor 2595 operates under the control of commands from the control channel to generate a pilot signal 2591, a control channel signal 2587 and a clock reference signal 2578.

The control signal 2593 generated by the digital control channel processor 2595 in response to commands received via the control channel is used to convert the frequencies of the channel signals 2594 for reception via the air interface 2411 May be used to select specific channel signals 2594 along with the corresponding pilot signal 2591 and / or clock reference 2588. [ The analog receiver front end 2583 includes a low noise amplifier and one or more filters or other frequency selectors to receive one or more selected channel signals 2594 under the control of the control signal 2593.

The local oscillator 2592 utilizes the pilot signal 2591 to reduce the distortion during the frequency conversion process to generate the local oscillator signal 2597. In various embodiments, the local oscillator employs bandpass filtering and / or other signal conditioning, frequency division, frequency enhancement, or other frequency synthesis to generate local oscillator signals (e. G. 2597 to transmit the channel signals 2594, pilot signal 2591, control channel signal 2587 and clock reference signal 2578 to the distributed antenna system 2404A-2404E for transmission to other communication nodes 2404A-2404E. Frequency is converted into spectrum. In particular, the mixer 2596 frequency-shifts the channel signals 2594 based on the local oscillator signal 2597 to an amplifier 2538, to a transceiver 2536A for amplification and retransmission, and to a transceiver 2536A Frequency-transformed at the desired location in the spectral segment of the distributed antenna system coupled back to the communication node 2404A or upstream communication nodes 2404B-2404E via the base station 2402, again to the base station, such as the macro base station 2402, Channel signals 2598. < / RTI >

Referring now to FIG. 26A, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2600 is shown. The method 2600 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with Figs. 1-25. The method 2600 may begin with a step 2602 in which a base station, such as the macro base station 2402 of FIG. 24A, determines the traveling speed of the communication device. The communication device may be a mobile communication device, such as one of the mobile devices 2406 shown in FIG. 24B, or a stationary communication device (e.g., a communication device in a residential or commercial establishment). The base station may be a wireless cellular communication technology (e. G., ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > e. G., ≪ / RTI > For example, LTE can be used to communicate directly with a communication device. During a communication session, the base station and the communication device utilize one or more spectral segments (e.g., resource blocks) of a particular bandwidth (e.g., 10 to 26 MHz) to determine a specific inherent / 900 MHz band, 1.9 ㎓ band, 2.4 ㎓ band and / or 5.8 ㎓ band, etc.). In some embodiments, the spectral segments are used according to a time slot schedule assigned to the communication device by the base station.

The speed of movement of the communication device may be determined in step 2602 from GPS coordinates provided by the communication device to the base station via cellular radio signals. If the rate of movement is greater than a threshold (e.g., 25 miles per hour) in step 2604, the base station may continue to provide wireless services to the communication device in step 2606 utilizing the base station ' s radio resources. On the other hand, if the communication device has a traveling speed below the threshold, the base station may configure the communication device to further determine whether it can be redirected to the communication node to make the wireless resources of the base station available to other communication devices. .

For example, it is assumed that the base station detects that the communication device has a slow moving speed (e.g., 3 mph or nearly stopped). Under certain circumstances, the base station may determine that the current location of the communication device places the communication device in the communication range of the particular communication node 2404. The base station is able to determine the communication range (s) of the particular communication node 2404 during the time sufficient for the mobile device 2404 to slow down the communication device to a specific communication node 2404 (other threshold tests that may be used by the base station) It may be determined that the communication device will be held within the communication device. If this determination is made, the base station proceeds to step 2608 and may select the communication node 2404 in the communication range of the communication device to provide communication services to the communication device.

Thus, the selection process performed in step 2608 may be based on the location of the communication device determined from GPS coordinates provided to the base station by the communication device. The selection process may be based on the movement trajectory of the communication device, and the movement trajectory of the communication device may be determined from several instances of GPS coordinates provided by the communication device. In some embodiments, the base station may determine that the trajectory of the communication device will ultimately place the communication device in the communication range of the next communication node 2404 neighboring the communication node selected in step 2608. [ In such an embodiment, the base station may notify multiple communication nodes 2404 of this trajectory to enable communication nodes 2404 to coordinate the handoff of communication services provided to the communication device.

If more than one communication nodes 2404 were selected in step 2608, then the base station may transmit one or more spectral segments (e. G., ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 & Resource blocks) to the base station (step 2610). It is not necessary that the first carrier frequency and / or spectral segments selected by the base station be the same as the carrier frequency and / or spectral segments being used between the base station and the communication device. For example, it is assumed that the base station and the communication device utilize the carrier frequency at 1.9 GHz for wireless communication with each other. The base station may select a different carrier frequency (e.g., 900 MHz) in step 2610 to allow the communication node selected in step 2608 to communicate with the communication device. Likewise, the base station may determine the time slot (s) of the spectral segment (s) being used between the base station and the communication device and / or the spectral segment (s) (e.g., resource blocks) and / The schedule can be assigned to the communication node.

In step 2612, the base station may generate the first modulated signal (s) in the spectral segment (s) allocated in step 2610 at the first carrier frequency. The first modulated signal (s) may include data directed to a communication device, wherein the data represents a voice communication session, a data communication session, or a combination thereof. In step 2614 the base station transmits a first modulated signal (s) to one or more frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 directed to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 (E.g., 80 GHz) at a first characteristic carrier frequency (e.g., 1.9 GHz) (with a mixer, bandpass filter, and other network) can do. Alternatively, the base station may use the downlink spectrum segment 2506 for up conversion to a second carrier frequency for transmission to one or more frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 directed to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 May provide the first modulated signal (s) at the first carrier frequency to the first communication node 2404A (shown in Figure 24A).

In step 2616, the base station may send instructions to transition the communication device to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608. [ The instructions may be directed to the communication device while the communication device is in direct communication with the base station utilizing the base station ' s radio resources. Alternatively, the instructions may be passed to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 via the control channel 2502 of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 shown in FIG. 25A. Step 2616 may occur before, after, or concurrently with steps 2612 and 2614. [

If commands are sent, the base station transmits a first modulated signal at a second carrier frequency (e.g., 80 GHz) for transmission by the first communication node 2404A (shown in Figure 24A) to the downlink spectrum segment The base station may proceed to step 2624 with one or more frequency channels of the base station 2506. Alternatively, the first communication node 2404A may be coupled to one or more frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506 at the time of receiving the first modulated signal (s) at the first unique carrier frequency from the base station. Up conversion in step 2614 for transmission of the first modulated signal at the second carrier frequency. The first communication node 2404A sends downlink signals generated by the base station to the downstream communication nodes 2404 according to the downlink spectrum segments 2506 assigned to each communication node 2404 in step 2610 And can act as a master communication node to distribute. The assignment of downlink spectrum segments 2506 may be provided to communication nodes 2404 via instructions sent by first communication node 2404A in control channel 2502 shown in Figure 25A. In step 2624, the communication node 2404, which receives the first modulated signal (s) at the second carrier frequency with one or more frequency channels of the downlink spectrum segment 2506, (E.g., phase distortion) caused by the distribution of the downlink spectrum segments 2506 through the communication hops between the communication nodes 2404B-2404D, May be configured to utilize the pilot signal supplied with the modulated signal (s). In particular, the pilot signal may be derived from a local oscillator signal that is used to generate a frequency up-conversion (e.g., via frequency increase and / or division). When down-conversion is required, the pilot signal may be modulated (e.g., by frequency-increasing and / or dividing) to return the modulated signal to the original portion of the modulated signal of the frequency band having the minimum phase error And a phase correct version. In this manner, the frequency channels of the communication system may be transformed for transmission over a distributed antenna system and then returned to the original location of the frequency channels in the spectrum for transmission to the wireless client device.

Upon completion of the down conversion process, the communication node 2404 utilizes the same spectral segment assigned to the communication node 2404 to transmit the first modulation (e.g., 1.9 GHz) at a first eigenfrequency (e. G., 1.9 GHz) Lt; / RTI > to the communication device. Step 2622 may be adjusted to cause step 2622 to occur after the communication device has transitioned to communication node 2404 in accordance with the instructions provided in step 2616. [ The instructions provided in step 2616 may be performed between the communication device and the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 to smooth out such transitions and to avoid aborting the existing wireless communication session between the base station and the communication device The communication device and / or the communication node 2404 may transition to the assigned spectral segment (s) and / or the time slot schedule as part of the registration process of the wireless device 2404 and / or thereafter. In some cases, such a transition may require the communication device to have coexistent wireless communication with the base station and communication node 2404 for a short period of time.

If the communication device successfully transitions to the communication node 2404, the communication device may terminate the wireless communication with the base station and continue the communication session through the communication node 2404. [ Termination of wireless services between the base station and the communication device makes certain wireless resources of the base station available for use with other communication devices. Note that although the base station has passed a wireless connection to the communication node 2404 selected in the above steps, the communication session between the base station and the communication device continues as before through the network of communication nodes 2404 shown in FIG. 24A . However, the difference is that the base station does not need to further utilize the base station's own radio resources to communicate with the communication device.

To provide bi-directional communication between the base station and the communication device over the network of communication nodes 2404, the communication node 2404 and / or the communication device may communicate with one or more uplink spectrum segments (e. G. 2510. < / RTI > Uplink instructions may be provided to the communication node 2404 and / or the communication device in step 2616 as part of the registration process between the communication device and the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 and / . Thus, when the communication device has data that the communication device needs to transmit to the base station, the communication device may transmit the second modulated signal at the first unique carrier frequency, which may be received by the communication node 2404 in step 2624 (S) can be wirelessly transmitted. The second modulated signal (s) may be included in one or more frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments 2510 designated by instructions provided to the communication device and / or the communication node in step 2616.

In order to communicate the second modulated signal (s) to the base station, the communication node 2404 transmits these signals in step 2626 from a first specific carrier frequency (e.g., 1.9 GHz) to a second carrier frequency For example, 80 GHz). The second modulated signal (s) at the second carrier frequency may be coupled to one or more uplink pilot signals 2508 along with one or more uplink pilot signals 2508 to the communication node 2404 May be transmitted in step 2628 by the < / RTI > If the base station receives the second modulated signal (s) at the second carrier frequency via communication node 2404A, then the base station, in step 2630, down converts these signals from the second carrier frequency to the first carrier frequency To obtain data provided by the communication device at step 2632. Alternatively, the first communication node 2404A may perform down-conversion of the second modulated signal (s) at the second carrier frequency to the first unique carrier frequency and provide the resulting signals to the base station . The base station then processes the second modulated signal (s) at the first eigenfrequency carrier frequency so that the base station communicates with the communication device in a manner similar or identical to how the base station processed the signals from the communication device Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > data. ≪ / RTI >

The above described method of operation 2600 may be performed by a base station 2402 that redirects communication devices that are moving slowly to one or more communication nodes 2404 that are communicatively coupled to the base station 2402, (E.g., sector antennas, spectrum) and, in some embodiments, provides a way to increase bandwidth utilization. For example, assume that base station 2402 has ten (ten) communication nodes 2404 through which base station 2402 can redirect mobile and / or stationary communication devices. It is further assumed that ten communication nodes 2404 have communication ranges that do not substantially overlap.

It is to be appreciated that the base station 2402 may be configured to transmit specific spectral segments (e.g., resource blocks 5, 7, and 8) at specific carrier frequencies that the base station 2402 allocates to all ten communication nodes 2404 during certain time slots 9). During operations, base station 2402 may be configured not to utilize resource blocks 5, 7, and 9 during the timeslot schedule and carrier frequency set aside for communication nodes 2404 to avoid interference . As the base station 2402 detects slow moving or stopped communication devices, the base station 2402 may redirect the communication devices to the different ones of the ten communication nodes 2404 based on the location of the communication devices. For example, when the base station 2402 redirects the communication of a particular communication device to a particular communication node 2404, the base station 2402 transmits the resource blocks 5, 7, and 7 for the allocated time slots and at the carrier frequency, 9 to one or more spectrum ranges (s) on the downlink (see FIG. 25A) assigned to the communication node 2404 in question.

The communication node 2404 in question may communicate with one or more frequency channels 2510 of the one or more uplink spectrum segments 2510 on the uplink that the base station 2402 can use to redirect communication signals provided by the communication device to the base station 2402. [ Lt; / RTI > These communication signals may be upconverted by the communication node 2404 and transmitted to the base station 2402 for processing in accordance with the assigned uplink frequency channels in one or more corresponding uplink spectrum segments 2510. The downlink and uplink frequency channel assignments may be transmitted by base station 2402 to each of the communication nodes 2404 via a control channel as shown in Fig. 25A. The downlink and uplink assignment processes described above may be used for other communication nodes 2404 to provide communication services to other communication devices that are redirected by the base station 2402 to other communication nodes 2404. [

In this example, the reuse of resource blocks 5, 7, and 9 during the carrier frequency and corresponding time slot schedules by ten communication nodes 2404 effectively increases bandwidth utilization by base station 2402 by a factor of ten . Although base station 2402 is no longer able to use resource blocks 5, 7, and 9 that are separate for ten communication nodes 2404 in which base station 2402 communicates wirelessly with other communication devices, The ability of the base station 2402 to reuse communication devices to the ten different communication nodes 2404 effectively increases the bandwidth capacity of the base station 2402. [ Thus, in certain embodiments, the method 2600 may increase the bandwidth utilization of the base station 2402 and make the resources of the base station 2402 available to other communication devices.

In some embodiments, the spectrum allocated to communication nodes 2404 by selecting one or more sectors of the antenna system of base station 2402 that indicates communication nodes 2404 to which base station 2402 is assigned to the same spectral segments Segments may be configured to reuse. Thus, in some embodiments, base station 2402 may avoid reusing certain spectral segments assigned to particular communication nodes 2404, in some embodiments, by selecting particular sectors of the antenna system of base station 2402, May be configured to reuse other spectral segments that are assigned to other communication nodes 2404. Similar concepts may be applied to the sectors of the antenna system 2424 employed by the communication nodes 2404. Particular reuse schemes can be employed between the base station 2402 and one or more communication nodes 2404 based on the base stations 2402 and / or sectors utilized by the one or more communication nodes 2404.

The method 2600 also enables reuse of legacy systems when the communication devices are redirected to one or more communication nodes. For example, a signaling protocol (e.g., LTE) utilized by a base station to communicate wirelessly with a communication device may be preserved in communication signals exchanged between the base station and communication nodes 2404. [ Thus, when assigning spectral segments to the communication nodes 2404, the exchange of modulated signals in these segments between the base station and the communication nodes 2404 is performed by the base station 2404 to perform direct wireless communication with the communication device Lt; / RTI > Thus, legacy base stations may be updated with hardware and / or software to process the modulated signals at the first unique carrier frequency, while legacy base stations may be updated to perform the uplink and downconversion processes described above with additional features of distortion mitigation. All other functions performed may remain substantially unchanged. It should also be noted that, in further embodiments, the channels from the original frequency band may be converted to other frequency bands utilized by the same protocol. For example, LTE channels in the 2.5 GHz band may be upconverted to the 80 GHz band for transmission and then downconverted as 5.8 GHz LTE channels if needed for spectral diversity.

It is further noted that the method 2600 can be adjusted without departing from the scope of the present inventive subject matter. For example, when the base station (or its communication nodes) detects that the communication device has a trajectory that will cause a transition from one communication node's coverage to another, To monitor these trajectories through the periodic GPS coordinates provided by the base station and to adjust the handoff of the communication device to the other communication node accordingly. Method 2600 may be used to determine when a communication device is near a point of transition from one communication node's communication range to another communication node's communication range, (Or active communication node) to instruct the communication device and / or other communication node to utilize time slots in the downlink and uplink channels, and / or to utilize time slots in the downlink and uplink channels.

When the base station or active communication node 2404 detects that the communication device 2600 will transition out of the communication range of the communication node at some point and that no other communication node is in the communication range of the communication device, It is further noted that the wireless communication between the device and the communication node 2404 may be configured to adjust the handoff of the wireless communication back to the base station. Other configurations of the method 2600 are contemplated by the present inventions. It is further noted that when the carrier frequency of the downlink or uplink spectral segments is lower than the natural frequency band of the modulated signal, the opposite process of frequency conversion will be required. That is, when transmitting a modulated signal in the downlink or uplink spectrum segments, a frequency downconversion will be used instead of the upconversion. And, when extracting the modulated signal in the downlink or uplink spectral segments, frequency up-conversion will be used instead of down-conversion. The method 2600 can be further configured to use the above-mentioned clock signal to synchronize the processing of the digital data in the control channel. The method 2600 may be configured to use a reference signal that is modulated by instructions in the control channel or a clock signal that is modulated by instructions in the control channel.

Method 2600 may be used to avoid tracking the movement of the communication device and instead to transmit a modulated signal of a particular communication device at a natural frequency of the modulated signal without knowledge of which communication node is in communication range of the particular communication device May be further configured to indicate to communication nodes 2404. Likewise, each communication node receives modulated signals from a particular communication device without knowledge of which communication node is to receive modulated signals from a particular communication device, and transmits the particular frequency channels < RTI ID = 0.0 >Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > signals. ≪ / RTI > Such an implementation may help to reduce the implementation complexity and cost of the communication nodes 2404.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, each of the processes is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26A, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26B, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2635 is shown. The method 2635 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2636 includes receiving, by a system including a network, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is compliant with a signaling protocol. Step 2637 is performed by the system on the basis of the signal processing of the first modulated signal and without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal to transmit the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency To a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2638 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, wherein the reference signal is a first spectrum When reconverting a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment for wireless distribution of a first modulated signal in a segment, Lt; / RTI >

In various embodiments, signal processing does not require analog to digital conversion or digital to analog conversion. The transmitting step may include transmitting a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to the network element as a free space radio signal. The first carrier frequency may be in the millimeter wave frequency band.

The first modulated signal may be generated by modulating signals on the plurality of frequency channels in accordance with a signaling protocol for generating a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation cellular communication protocol.

The step of converting by the system comprises the steps of up-converting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency, or upconverting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first And downconverting to a first modulated signal at a carrier frequency. The step of converting by the network element comprises the steps of downconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment or the step of converting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > modulated signal in one spectral segment.

The method may further comprise, by the system, receiving a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the network element, the mobile communication device generating a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, The network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency and transmits a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency. The method comprising: converting, by the system, a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency into a second modulated signal at a second spectral segment; And transmitting, by the system, the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may be different from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may be different from the second carrier frequency. The system may be mounted on a first telephone pole and the network element may be mounted on a second telephone pole.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, each of the processes is shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26B, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26C, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2640 is shown. The method 2635 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2641 comprises receiving, by a network element of the distributed antenna system, a reference signal and a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first modulated signal is provided by a base station And first communication data directed to the device. Step 2642 may be performed by the network element on the basis of signal processing of the first modulated signal and utilizing the reference signal to reduce distortion during the converting step to produce a first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > spectral segment. Step 2643 comprises wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In various embodiments, the first modulated signal is compliant with a signaling protocol, and the signal processing does not change the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, and the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment is transmitted to the first carrier frequency Into a first modulated signal at a first time. The step of converting by the network element includes converting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal can do. The method includes receiving, by a network element, a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment generated by a mobile communication device, by a network element, a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, Into a second modulated signal at a frequency; And transmitting, by the network element, the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency to another network element of the distributed antenna system. Another network element of the distributed antenna system may receive the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency and the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment And provides a second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station for processing. The second spectral segment may be different from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may be different from the second carrier frequency.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26C, some blocks may be in different orders and / or concurrent with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26D, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2645 is shown. Method 2645 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2646 includes receiving, by a system including a network, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to the mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is compliant with a signaling protocol. Step 2647 is performed by the system on the basis of the signal processing of the first modulated signal and without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal to transmit the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency To a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2648 is performed by the system in a control channel that directs the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment And transmitting the commands. Step 2649 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, wherein the reference signal is a first spectrum When reconverting a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment for wireless distribution of a first modulated signal in a segment, And the reference signal is transmitted on the out-of-band frequency with respect to the control channel.

In various embodiments, the control channel is transmitted at a frequency adjacent to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency and / or at a frequency adjacent to the reference signal. The first carrier frequency may be in the millimeter wave frequency band. The first modulated signal may be generated by modulating signals on the plurality of frequency channels in accordance with a signaling protocol for generating a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation cellular communication protocol.

The step of converting by the system comprises the steps of up-converting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency, or upconverting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first And downconverting to a first modulated signal at a carrier frequency. The step of converting by the network element comprises the steps of downconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment or the step of converting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > modulated signal in one spectral segment.

The method may further comprise, by the system, receiving a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the network element, the mobile communication device generating a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, The network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency and transmits a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency. The method comprising: converting, by the system, a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency into a second modulated signal at a second spectral segment; And transmitting, by the system, the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may be different from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may be different from the second carrier frequency. The system may be mounted on a first telephone pole and the network element may be mounted on a second telephone pole.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is depicted and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26d, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26E, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2650 is shown. The method 2650 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2651 includes receiving, by a network element of the distributed antenna system, a reference signal, a control channel and a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first modulated signal is provided by a base station Wherein the instructions in the control channel convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment, the first communication data being directed to a mobile communication device, To the network element of the antenna system, and the reference signal is received at an out-of-band frequency with respect to the control channel. Step 2652 is performed by the network element using the reference signal to reduce distortion based on the signal processing of the first modulated signal and during the converting step according to the instructions, And converting the modulated signal into a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment. Step 2653 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In various embodiments, the control channel may be adjacent to and / or received at a frequency adjacent to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26E, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26F, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2655 is shown. The method 2655 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with Figs. 1-25. Step 2656 comprises receiving, by a system comprising a network, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to the mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is compliant with a signaling protocol. Step 2657 is performed by the system on the basis of the signal processing of the first modulated signal and without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal to transmit the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency To a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2658 is performed by the system in a control channel that directs the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment And transmitting the commands. Step 2659 comprises transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, wherein the reference signal is transmitted to the mobile communication device via a first spectrum When reconverting a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment for wireless distribution of a first modulated signal in a segment, And the reference signal is transmitted in the in-band frequency with respect to the control channel.

In various embodiments, the instructions are transmitted via modulation of the reference signal. The instructions can be transmitted as digital data through amplitude modulation of the reference signal. The first carrier frequency may be in the millimeter wave frequency band. The first modulated signal may be generated by modulating signals on the plurality of frequency channels in accordance with a signaling protocol for generating a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation cellular communication protocol.

The step of converting by the system comprises the steps of up-converting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency, or upconverting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first And downconverting to a first modulated signal at a carrier frequency. The step of converting by the network element comprises the steps of downconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment or the step of converting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > modulated signal in one spectral segment.

The method may further comprise, by the system, receiving a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the network element, the mobile communication device generating a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, The network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency and transmits a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency. The method comprising: converting, by the system, a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency into a second modulated signal at a second spectral segment; And transmitting, by the system, the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may be different from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may be different from the second carrier frequency. The system may be mounted on a first telephone pole and the network element may be mounted on a second telephone pole.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, each of the processes is shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26f, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26G, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2660 is shown. The method 2660 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2661 comprises receiving, by a network element of the distributed antenna system, a reference signal, a control channel and a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first modulated signal is provided by a base station Wherein the instructions in the control channel convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment, the first communication data being directed to a mobile communication device, To the network element of the antenna system, and the reference signal is received at an in-band frequency with respect to the control channel. Step 2662 is performed by the network element using the reference signal to reduce distortion based on the signal processing of the first modulated signal and during the transforming step according to the instructions, And converting the modulated signal into a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment. Step 2663 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In various embodiments, the instructions are received as digital data through demodulation of the reference signal and / or through amplitude demodulation of the reference signal.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26g, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26H, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2665 is shown. The method 2665 can be used with one or more of the functions and features provided with Figs. Step 2666 includes receiving, by a system including a network, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is compliant with a signaling protocol. Step 2667 is performed by the system on the basis of the signal processing of the first modulated signal and without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal to transmit the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency To a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2668 is performed by the system in a control channel that directs the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment And transmitting the commands. Step 2669 includes transmitting, by the system, a clock signal with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, wherein the clock signal restores commands from the control channel To synchronize the timing of the digital control channel processing of the network element.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, Transforming a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment for wireless distribution of a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment to a first spectral segment, Thereby making it possible to reduce errors. The commands can be transmitted as digital data via the control channel.

In various embodiments, the first carrier frequency may be in the millimeter wave frequency band. The first modulated signal may be generated by modulating signals on the plurality of frequency channels in accordance with a signaling protocol for generating a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation cellular communication protocol.

The step of converting by the system comprises the steps of up-converting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency, or upconverting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first And downconverting to a first modulated signal at a carrier frequency. The step of converting by the network element comprises the steps of downconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment or the step of converting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > modulated signal in one spectral segment.

The method may further comprise, by the system, receiving a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the network element, the mobile communication device generating a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, The network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency and transmits a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency. The method comprising: converting, by the system, a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency into a second modulated signal at a second spectral segment; And transmitting, by the system, the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may be different from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may be different from the second carrier frequency. The system may be mounted on a first telephone pole and the network element may be mounted on a second telephone pole.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, each of the processes is shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26h, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to Figure 26i, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2670 is shown. Method 2670 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2671 comprises receiving, by a network element of the distributed antenna system, a clock signal, a control channel and a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first modulated signal is provided by a base station And wherein the clock signal synchronizes the timing of digital control channel processing by the network element to recover instructions from the control channel and instructions in the control channel are transmitted to the first carrier To the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the frequency to the first modulated signal at the first spectral segment. Step 2672 is performed by the network element on the basis of the signal processing of the first modulated signal and the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment . Step 2673 comprises wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device. In various embodiments, the instructions are received as digital data over a control channel.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, each of the processes is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26i, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to Figure 26j, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2675 is shown. The method 2675 can be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2676 comprises receiving, by a system comprising a network, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to the mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is compliant with a signaling protocol. Step 2677 is performed by the system on the basis of the signal processing of the first modulated signal and without changing the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal to transmit the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency To a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2678 is directed, by the system, to an ultrawideband control channel that directs the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment Lt; / RTI > Step 2659 comprises transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, wherein the reference signal is transmitted to the mobile communication device via a first spectrum When reconverting a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment for wireless distribution of a first modulated signal in a segment, Lt; / RTI >

In various embodiments, the first reference signal is transmitted at an in-band frequency with respect to the UWB control channel. The method includes receiving from the network element of the distributed antenna system over the UWB control channel status information indicative of the network status of the network element, network device information representative of the device information of the network element, And receiving the control channel data including the control channel data. The instructions may further include channel spacing, guard frequency band parameters, uplink / downlink allocation, or uplink channel selection.

The first modulated signal may be generated by modulating signals on the plurality of frequency channels in accordance with a signaling protocol for generating a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless protocol or a fifth generation cellular communication protocol.

The step of converting by the system comprises the steps of up-converting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency, or upconverting the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first And downconverting to a first modulated signal at a carrier frequency. The step of converting by the network element comprises the steps of downconverting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment or the step of converting the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI > modulated signal in one spectral segment.

The method may further comprise, by the system, receiving a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency from the network element, the mobile communication device generating a second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, The network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency and transmits a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency. The method comprising: converting, by the system, a second modulated signal at a second carrier frequency into a second modulated signal at a second spectral segment; And transmitting, by the system, the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may be different from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may be different from the second carrier frequency. The system may be mounted on a first telephone pole and the network element may be mounted on a second telephone pole.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26j, some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 26K, a flow diagram of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of method 2680 is shown. The method 2680 may be used with one or more of the functions and features provided in conjunction with FIGS. Step 2681 comprises receiving, by a network element of the distributed antenna system, a first modulated signal at a reference signal, an UWB control channel and a first carrier frequency, wherein the first modulated signal is transmitted to a base station Wherein the instructions in the UWB control channel convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to a first modulated signal in the first spectral segment, To the network element of the distributed antenna system, and the reference signal is received at an in-band frequency with respect to the control channel. Step 2682 is performed by the network element using the reference signal to reduce distortion based on signal processing of the first modulated signal and during the transforming step according to the instructions, And converting the modulated signal into a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment. Step 2683 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In various embodiments, the first reference signal is received at an in-band frequency with respect to the UWB control channel. The method includes receiving from the network element of the distributed antenna system over the UWB control channel status information indicative of the network status of the network element, network device information representative of the device information of the network element, And transmitting the control channel data including the control channel data. The instructions may further include channel spacing, guard frequency band parameters, uplink / downlink allocation, or uplink channel selection.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, although each process is illustrated and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26k, some blocks may be in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks as shown and described herein , It should be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

As used herein, terms such as "storage", "storage device", "data storage", "data storage device", "database" and substantially any other information storage component related to the operation and functioning of the components, Memory elements " or " memory " or memory. The memory components described herein may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include non-volatile memory such as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage devices, and non- It can include everything. The non-volatile memory may also be included in a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may include a random access memory (RAM) that operates as an external cache memory. The RAM can be any of several types including synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double speed SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM ) And Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended to encompass but not be limited to these and any other suitable forms of memory.

Moreover, it is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to single-processor or multi-processor computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframe computers as well as personal computers, hand-held computing (e.g., PDAs, Computer-based or programmable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like, which may be implemented in any computer system, including, but not limited to, computers, telephones, watches, tablet computers, netbook computers, The depicted aspects may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network; However, some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in stand-alone computers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Some of the embodiments described herein may also employ artificial intelligence (AI) to enable automating one or more of the features described herein. For example, artificial intelligence can be used in optional training controller 230 to evaluate and select candidate frequencies, modulation schemes, MIMO modes, and / or derived wave modes to maximize transmission efficiency. Embodiments (e.g., in connection with automatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide maximum value / benefit after being added to an existing communication network) employ various AI-based schemes to perform various embodiments thereof can do. Moreover, a classifier may be employed to determine the ranking or priority of each cell site in the acquired network. The classifier is a function that maps the input attribute vector x = (x1, x2, x3, x4, ..., xn) to the confidence that the input belongs to the class, that is, f (x) = reliability (class). This classification may employ stochastic and / or statistical based analysis (e.g., factoring analysis utilities and costs) to predict or infer an action that the user desires to be performed automatically. A support vector machine (SVM) is one example of a classifier that may be employed. The SVM works by finding the hypersurface in the space of possible inputs where the hypersurface attempts to divide the triggering references from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this performs a classification correction on test data that is close to but not identical to the training data. Other directional and non-directional model classification approaches include, for example, Naive Bayes Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and stochastic classification models that provide different independent patterns that may be employed do. The classification used here also includes the statistical regression used to develop the priority model.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more embodiments may be used not only explicitly trained (e.g., via general training data) (e.g., observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical information, external information, etc.) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > implicitly < / RTI > trained). For example, the SVMs may be configured through a learning or training step within the classifier generator and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier (s) may be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, wherein the plurality of functions may determine which of the acquired cell sites is beneficial to the number of maximum subscribers and / Based on predetermined criteria of whether to add a minimum value to existing communication network coverage, etc., but is not limited thereto.

As used in some contexts of the present application, in some embodiments, the terms "component", "system" refer to an entity associated with a computer-related entity, which may be either an operating device having one or more specific functions Or the like, and the entity may be any combination of hardware, hardware and software, software, or software in execution. By way of example, an element may be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable execution thread, computer executable instructions, a program, and / or a computer. To illustrate without limitation, both the application running on the server and the server may be components. One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution, and the components may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components may execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may include one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with other components over a network such as the Internet and other systems via a local system, distributed system, and / or signal) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > Signals to other systems and to the Internet). As another example, a component may be a device having a specific function provided by mechanical parts operated by an electrical or electronic circuit operated by software or a firmware application executed by a processor, And may execute at least a portion of the software or firmware application. As another example, a component may be a device that provides a specific function through electronic components without mechanical parts, and the electronic components may include software to perform the functions of the electronic components, at least in part, A processor may be included. While various components are shown as discrete components, it will be understood that many components may be implemented as a single component or a single component may be implemented as a plurality of components without departing from the exemplary embodiment.

In addition, various embodiments can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to create software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control the computer to implement the disclosed subject matter . The term " article of manufacture " as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device or computer-readable storage / communication medium. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be any type of storage medium such as magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk , Smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words " exemplary " and " exemplary " are used herein to mean either serving as an example or instance. Any embodiment or design described herein as " exemplary " or " exemplary " is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word " example " is intended to present concepts in a specific manner. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean "exclusive" or "rather than" or ". That is, unless otherwise stated or contextually clear, " X adopts A or B " is intended to mean any and all inclusive substitutions. That is, when X adopts A; X adopts B; Or when X adopts both A and B, " X adopts A or B " is satisfied in any of the above cases. Furthermore, the singular forms used in this application and the appended claims should be interpreted to generally mean " one or more ", unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the terms " user equipment ", " mobile station ", " mobile ", " subscriber base station ", " access terminal ", & The terms may refer to a wireless device used by a subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive or transmit data, control, voice, video, sound, game or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are used interchangeably with reference to the present specification and the associated drawings.

In addition, the terms " user ", " subscriber ", " customer ", " consumer ", and the like are employed interchangeably as a whole unless the context guarantees certain distinctions between terms. These terms may refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., the ability to make inferences based on at least complex mathematical formalisms), which may include simulated visuals, sound recognition, etc. .

As used herein, the term " processor " Single-core processors; Single processors with software multi-threaded execution; A multi-core processor; Multi-core processors with software multi-threaded execution capability; Multi-core processors by hardware multi-thread technology; Parallel platforms; And parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > [0035] < / RTI > Additionally, the processor may be implemented as an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller A programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors may utilize nano-scale architectures, such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum dot based transistors, switches and gates to optimize space usage or improve the performance of user equipment. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as " data storage device ", " database ", and substantially any other information storage component relating to the operation and functionality of a component may be embodied in a " memory component & Referenced entities, or memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components or computer-readable storage medium described herein may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory.

What has been described above includes only examples of various embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe all conceivable combinations of components or methodologies to illustrate these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and / or claimed herein are intended to embrace all such changes, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term " includes " is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term " comprising "quot; comprising " is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term " comprising ".

Also, the flow chart may include a " start " and / or " continue " The " start " and " continue " indications reflect that the presented steps may optionally be integrated with other routines or otherwise used with other routines. In this context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step presented and other activities not specifically indicated can be preceded. Also, the " continue " indication reflects that the presented steps may be performed multiple times and / or may be followed by other activities not specifically shown. The flowchart also shows a particular order of steps, but other orders are also possible if the principle of causality is maintained.

As used herein, the term " operably coupled ", " coupled ", and / or " coupled ", as used herein, is intended to encompass direct coupling between items and / Lt; / RTI > Such items and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks and / or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, the signal transferred from the first item to the second item may be changed by one or more intervening items by changing the type, nature or format of the information in the signal, while one or more The elements are nonetheless delivered in a manner that can be recognized by the second item. In another example of indirect coupling, an operation in a first item may cause a response to a second item as a result of actions and / or responses in one or more intervening items.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any configuration that achieves the same or similar objectives may be substituted for the embodiments described or illustrated by the present inventive subject matter. This inventive subject matter is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. The above embodiments and combinations of other embodiments not described in detail herein may be used in the present invention. For example, one or more features from one or more embodiments may be combined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, positively listed features may be negatively enumerated and excluded in the examples with or without substitution by other structural and / or functional features. The steps or functions that describe the embodiments of the present invention may be performed in any order. The steps or functions which describe the embodiments of the present invention may be used either singly or in combination with other steps or functions of the present inventive subject matter as well as from other embodiments which have not been described herein Steps. In addition, less than or greater than all of the features described for an embodiment may be utilized.

Claims (20)

A first interface configured to receive first data from a communications network and transmit second data to the communications network;
A channel modulator configured to convert the first data from a first spectral segment to first channel signals in a first frequency channel of a distributed antenna system based on a first reference signal, A channel modulator to facilitate wireless network connection to at least one client device via an antenna;
Configured to transmit the first channel signals and the first reference signal to the distributed antenna system and receive second channel signals and a second reference signal corresponding to a second frequency channel from the distributed antenna system, 2 interface; And
And a channel demodulator configured to convert the second channel signals from the second frequency channel to the second data in a second spectral segment based on the second reference signal. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second reference signal reduces the phase error in the conversion of the second channel signals from the second frequency channel to the second spectral segment. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first reference signal facilitates a reduction in phase error in a reconversion by the network element of the decentralized antenna system of the first channel signals from the first frequency channel to the first spectral segment. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second interface transmits a control channel associated with the first channel signals and the control channel dynamically dynamically tunes one or more of the first channel signals for wireless transmission to the at least one client device via the antenna And instructions to at least one client node device of the distributed antenna system to select. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first reference signal is transmitted on an out-of-band frequency with respect to the control channel. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first reference signal is transmitted at an in-band frequency with respect to the control channel. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the control channel is transmitted over UWB signaling. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second interface is coupled to a host node device of the distributed antenna system via a fiber optic cable to transmit the first channel signals and to receive the second channel signals. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein at least some of the second channel signals and at least some of the first channel signals are formatted according to a data over cable system interface specification (DOCSIS) protocol. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein at least some of the second channel signals and at least some of the first channel signals are formatted according to a fifth generation (5G) mobile radio protocol. Receiving first data from a communication network,
Converting the first data from a first spectral segment to first channel signals in a first frequency channel of a distributed antenna system based on a first reference signal, Facilitating wireless network connection to at least one client device;
Transmitting the first channel signals and the first reference signal to the distributed antenna system;
Receiving second channel signals and a second reference signal corresponding to a second frequency channel from the distributed antenna system;
Converting the second channel signals from the second frequency channel to second data in a second spectral segment based on the second reference signal; And
And transmitting the second data to the communication network. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the second reference signal reduces the phase error in the conversion of the second channel signals from the second frequency channel to the second spectral segment. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the first reference signal facilitates a reduction of the phase error in re-conversion by the network element of the decentralized antenna system of the first channel signals from the first frequency channel to the first spectral segment. 12. The method of claim 11,
The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a control channel associated with the first channel signals, wherein the control channel is operable to transmit one or more of the first channel signals for wireless transmission to the at least one client device To at least one client node device of the distributed antenna system. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the first reference signal is transmitted at an out-of-band frequency with respect to the control channel. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the first reference signal is transmitted at an in-band frequency with respect to the control channel. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the control channel is transmitted over UWB signaling. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein at least some of the second channel signals and at least some of the first channel signals are formatted according to a data over cable system interface specification protocol or a fifth generation (5G) mobile radio protocol. A first interface configured to receive first data from a communications network and transmit second data to the communications network;
A channel modulator configured to convert the first data from a first spectral segment to first channel signals in first frequency channels of a distributed antenna system based on at least one first reference signal, Type antenna system facilitates wireless network connection to at least one client device via an antenna, wherein the at least one first reference signal comprises a first channel signal from the first frequency channels to the first spectral segment, A channel modulator for facilitating a reduction of phase error in re-conversion by a network element of the distributed antenna system;
Transmitting the first channel signals and the at least one first reference signal to the distributed antenna system and receiving second channel signals corresponding to second frequency channels and at least one second reference signal from the distributed antenna system, A second interface configured to receive a signal; And
A channel demodulator configured to convert the second channel signals from the second frequency channels to the second data in a second spectral segment based on the at least one second reference signal, 2 reference signal includes a channel demodulator that reduces the phase error in the conversion of the second channel signals from the second frequency channels to the second spectral segment. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein the distributed antenna system comprises a plurality of client node devices at different locations, each client node antenna facilitating wireless network connection to other client devices.

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