MXPA00007262A - Method and system for distributing subscriber services using wireless bidirectional broadband loops - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for distributing subscriber services to a number of user locations in a broadband cellular network (100). A bidirectional antenna array located at a number of cell centers (200, 202, 204) provides coverage over a wide service area by using wireless distribution loops (140). The cell centers (200, 202, 204) broadcast subscriber services over designated channels and a user at the subscriber site location commands a centralized mechanism to switch to the channel broadcasting the requested service. The duplication of service channels is minimized and the number of subscribers is maximized by allowing channel selection to occur at various points in the distribution network. Each antenna in the array is configured to provide the subscriber service to a particular service segment. These segments include subscriber location sites with processing equipment to request and receive the services in the form of information programs, data, signaling, etc.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR. DISTRIBUTE SUBSCRIBER SERVICES USING BROADBAND LOOPES WIRELESS BIDIRECTIONAL TECHNICAL FIELD In general, the present invention relates to the distribution of subscriber program material, and more particularly to the distribution of television program material using wireless broadband loops and a bidirectional antenna array.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, the use of wireless communication is restricted to cell phone systems for limited voice and data service. Recently, however, wireless communication services are being used for the distribution of "broadcast" non-switched television. These systems use a cellular structure with each cell that transmits in the direction of potential subscribers. Two of these systems include an analog procedure REF: 121795 early, referred to in 'The M; Saxmundham Demonstrator-Multichannel TV Distributio J.n by m-Waves ", M. Pilgrim, R.P. I. Scott, R.D. Carver, and B.J. Ellis, British Telecom Tech., J. Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1989, and a digital broadcasting procedure, Application of Hye Crest Management, Inc. Before the FCC, File No. 10380-CF-P-88, issued on January 18, 1991, being the last designed to take advantage of the codees of digital video / audio, highly compressed. These procedures, as well as other more recent developments in television broadcasting and data signals, allow subscribers to select information programs from a group of distributed program materials. Once selected, a stream of data from the program material is received by the subscriber in a continuous downstream feed. E Il video a! Demand and pay-per-view systems, for example, allow users to select a broadcast channel that transmits a movie or other program material. The channel is selected at the viewer's home, and the program is received at a scheduled time, designated. Conventionally, the downstream data flow is controlled by the distribution source, and the subscriber has little or no interference with how the data stream is received. In other words, while the subscriber can request the program material or film, he can not start or stop the stream once it has started. In addition, the subscriber can not affect the download speed or the sequence of the downloaded signal. In addition, because conventional transmission facilities continuously diffuse the material in a given channel, looping or blocking techniques are often required to prohibit unauthorized access to the material. Conventional broadcasting systems of this type also do not offer an upstream signaling capability that allows the user to transmit data via the network. If available, this upstream signaling capability could allow its subscribers to use the high bandwidth transmission speeds of a centralized control center for their own personal broadcasting. Services, such as desktop video conferences and the uplink of domestic data transmission, could be initiated from the subscriber's site and transmitted using a two-way communication center. There is therefore a need for an economical method for distributing a wide range of subscriber services to customers without access to conventional broadband wireline distribution systems. The solution must provide a highly-switched, low-energy broadband service system with the ability to provide services to a large number of subscribers. The system must give subscribers signaling capabilities upstream and downstream with control over the downstream program signal once it is required. Preferably, the solution should also allow subscribers to utilize the capabilities of the two-way broadcast center by means of upstream signaling. Finally, the solution must effectively deny unauthorized access to source material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The systems and methods consistent with the present invention allow the distribution of subscriber services such as voice, video and data, through the use of millimeter wireless loops. The systems and methods of the present invention distribute the services of the subscriber from a cell or cell center to a number of units of the subscriber. The cell center includes a switching mechanism or switch that switches to a particular channel at the request of the subscriber. The required service is then downloaded down to the subscriber and processed. The cell center also includes a bidirectional antenna array specifically configured to provide coverage for a large number of subscribers. The antenna array includes a number of antenna units with alternating horizontal and vertical transmission modes. Each bidirectional antenna transmits downstream services and receives requests for upstream signaling from the subscriber units. Specifically, the invention provides a communications system having a source of tuner section of stored information signals coupled to a broadband wireless loop network. The network comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including the communication device configured to communicate with the subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area, and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antenna corresponding to the adjacent segments of the service area, operates in different transmission modes; and a plurality of subscriber units, each unit including a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna, and a transmitter configured to transmit a signal request upstream to an antenna. In yet another aspect the invention provides a method for providing subscriber services to a number of subscribers in a broadband wireless loop network having a source of tuner section of information signals stored or carried, coupled to a wireless loop network of broadband, the network including a plurality of cell centers each providing service to a number of service area segments. The method comprises the steps of: initiating an upstream signal request at a subscriber unit located within a service area segment; sending an interrogation message to the subscriber units in the service area segment from a cell center, to determine the presence of the information request upstream, where the cell center serves the area segment service that contains the subscriber unit that made the request; the transmission, towards the cell center, of the request for the upstream signal, after the reception of the interrogation message; switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, from a selection device to a service channel to the subscribers, wherein the service channel to the subscribers broadcasts a subscriber service; the transmission of the service to subscribers, via the selected subscriber service channel, to the subscriber unit that made the request, in a downstream information signal; and the receipt of the information signal downstream in the unit of the subscriber who made the request. The following summary and detailed description should not restrict the scope of the claimed invention. Both provide examples and explanations to make it possible for others to practice the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram of a broadband service network configuration using wireless distribution loops consistent with this invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a segmented cell antenna array, consistent with the present invention; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the components of a cell center, consistent with the present invention; Figure 4 is a block diagram of the components of the subscriber unit, consistent with the present invention; and Figure 5 is a geographically segmented layout configuration and coverage area for wireless cellular loops, consistent with the present invention.

BEST MODALITY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION The following description of the implementations of this invention refers to the attached drawings. Where appropriate, the same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements. The systems and methods of the present invention distribute source information, for example, video, voice, data, information signals using millimeter wavelength, wireless loops established between a cell or cell (CC) center and various Subscriber sites. Each video program or data source is generated in individual packets and multiplexed to form the downstream transport stream. For video sources, for example, a transport stream compatible with the Moving Image Expert Group (MPEG) of 900 Mb / s (two 450 Mb / s channels) is used to down load the video program data to the subscriber.

The transport stream includes a series of packets each containing data, header and address information. This procedure allows the transport stream to be further divided into a group of time division multiplexing (TDM) channels, with a group of TDM channels allocated for the signals of the high bandwidth video source (4 Mb / s) and another group assigned for the lower bandwidth signaling sources (64 Kb / s). The subscriber's equipment is configured to capture the source data that contains an appropriate address, interpret the header information, and decode the package data for the audio presentation and the video screen. In addition, the address and packet formation of the data stream only allows the data within a particular time frame to be received by a subscriber, thereby denying access to unauthorized subscribers. Preferably, similar procedures are used for other source data such as signaling, data, digitized telephone, fax, video conference, etc. The number of subscribers served by a downstream transport signal of this type depends on several factors including, but not limited to, the data rate transmitted, the bit rate per audio / video program channel, the number of subscribers per area unit, the horizontal polar diagram of the antenna transmission horn, the transmitter power coupled to the vertical gain of the antenna, the modulation procedure, and the path loss of the antenna, which includes a safety factor, for atmospheric attenuation. for example, if the proportion of bits transmitted was 900 Mb / s, the bit rate per channel would be 4 Mb / s, and the average subscriber would require two simultaneous entertainment channels, approximately 100 subscribers could be supported by one signal transmission. However, if half of the channels were in broadcast mode, for example, non-switched services, then 50 subscribers could be supported with switched services, and an unlimited number of subscribers could be supported with broadcasting services. In the upstream direction, the subscribers preferably share a 50 Mb / s channel and the signaling is achieved using an interrogation procedure or by transmitting an upstream message in the assigned Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) slots or spaces. With the interrogation procedure, the transmitter at the subscriber's site initiates a request for a service. Preferably, the subscriber's equipment places the initiated request in an output transmitter compensator that is accessible by DC 200. CC 200 interrogates all subscriber sites in a given service segment and retrieves the service request stored in the compensator and subsequently process the service request. Alternatively, one or more TDMA time slots are assigned to each subscriber, which assigns the upstream message to be sent when the assigned slot or time slot occurs. After processing the request, CC switches to an appropriate service channel and the data is downloaded to the subscriber's site. The upstream signal could be an information request signal, requiring a downstream power supply of an entertainment program, or a signal that requires a wider bandwidth upstream channel for the transmission of data such as 'voice signals'. and video to the CC. The data and voice signals are transmitted upstream at bandwidth lower than the downstream service signal and the effective transmission rate depends on the type of service transmitted. Preferably, the upstream signaling operates over a fraction of a bandwidth upstream of 50 MHz, for example 1 MHz.

A. System Equipment Figure 1 is a broadband configuration for a distribution network 100 using the wireless broadcast loops, consistent with the present invention. The distribution network 100 includes the tuner section source 110 connected to a central office 120 via the trunk line 115. The trunk line 125 of broadband communication connects the central office 120 to a CC 200 and also connects the GO 120 to other CCs such as CC 204. CC 200 is also coupled to other DCs such as CC 202 via trunk line 127. Distribution network 100 also includes subscriber units 300 each coupled to the CC 200 and receiving material from the source required via the wireless distribution loops 140. It is assumed that all the material of the source is digitized, compressed and multiplexed before entering the network 100. Preferably, the NTSC digital video / audio television material, which enters the network 100 is compressed approximately 4 Mbs3 in accordance with the international standard of the Group of Experts of Moving Image (MPEG), MPEG-2 for NTSC / PAL / SECAM formats. In addition, the higher data rates or rates can be included for High Definition Television (HDTV) or lower speeds can be considered for less demanding services (for example, video conferences, video phone). The tuner section device 110 receives the source material such as the telephone, the data signal, the information, the audiovisual programs or other similar information means from the external sites such as the long-distance signal power supply 10. , the local power 20, the satellite 35 and the satellite signal receiver 30, the broadcast reception antenna 40, etc. The communication trunk 125 couples the central office device 120 to the CC 200, a distribution center for transmitting or broadcasting telephone, data and information signals to the subscriber units 300, via the distribution loops 140. Subscriber units 300 have upstream signaling capabilities that allow each subscriber the location to request source material from the DC 200 and transmit data from upstream signals to the CC 200. When a request for material from the source is received by the CC 200, it switches to an appropriate channel and downwardly charges the material to the subscriber unit 300. Preferably, each unit 300 of the subscriber is assigned with an address used by the CC 200 to identify the source of the request. Once received, the required material is decoded and visually displayed by the equipment located in subscriber unit 300. For switched services, such as the audio / video material, the selection apparatus or switch, to respond to the request of the subscriber unit 300, is preferably located at CC 200. Alternatively, the selection device for other services less frequently accessed, it could be located in the central office 120 or in the tuner section device 110. This alternative procedure reduces the need for expensive bandwidth capabilities over trunk lines 115 and 125, while still giving subscribers access to a wide range range of source material. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an antenna array assembly 205 located at CC 200. Figure 2 shows a configuration employing eight bidirectional antennas with each antenna connected to an individual transmitter and the receiver (not shown). Preferably, the antenna array configuration allows service to a large area of subscriber sites by segmentation of the service area according to the coverage capabilities of each antenna assembly. The frequency pair used in each antenna is the same, but adjacent antennas operate in opposite transmission modes to avoid interference with their neighboring antennas. The antenna array 205 shows a collection of four vertical and four horizontal polarization antenna segments, alternating between vertical and horizontal polarization signal transmission modes. Alternatively, right and left circular polarization could be used. Preferably, the subtended angle of each antenna segment is selected to accommodate the maximum number of subscriber sites that can be served by a single transmitter site. For example, in the present embodiment, the eight-segment antenna array allows a subheaded transmission angle of 45 degrees.

B. Components of the Antenna Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the components associated with each antenna segment in the antenna array 205 of Figure 2. The CC 200 components are basically divided into two categories, the base equipment 210 and the antenna assembly 235. In addition, each segment includes the frequency multiplier 265 that also supplies all the relevant frequencies to the other seven segments in the array. The coaxial cables 203 are used to connect the base equipment 210 located at the base of the antenna mast to the antenna assembly 235. Alternatively, waveguides are used to connect the two sections - if millimeter wave modulators are used in the base. The base equipment 210 includes a master frequency source 215, a demodulator and receiver demultiplexer 220 (RX), and a modulator 225 driven by two time division multiplexed source (TDM) signals via the multiplexer 230. Preferably, the multiplexer 230 it is powered by a 200-channel video source, multiplexed (for example 4 Mb / s each), and m number of channels of 64 Kb / s. The multiplexer 230 outputs two 450 Mb / s data streams and, in turn, feeds these two currents to the modulator 225. In this example, the modulator 225 is a quadrature phase shift key modulator (QPSK); however, the present invention considers using any type of modulation scheme such as CAP, DPCM or 8PSK. Antenna assembly 235 includes multiples of a 22.8 mm (9 inch) speaker 240, a 245 duplexer, a front end reception unit (RX) 250, a transmitter (F / C) 255 frequency changer, and a device 260 transmitter actuator (TX). The master frequency source 215 is coupled via the frequency multipliers 265 to F / Cs on all other antennas in the antenna array assembly 205. The master frequency source 215 is the source of all the frequencies required to operate the system, including the carrier and the local oscillator's frequency sources. Again, the present invention contemplates the use of any number of modulation methods including QPSK, 8PSK or MSK, etc. In the example shown, QPSK is selected for downstream traffic with a total multiplexed rate or rate of 0.9 Gb / s and an operating bandwidth of approximately 500 MHz. The duplexer 245 separates the carrier signals upstream from the downstream. This separation allows the unit to function as a downstream transmitter and with an upstream signal receiver. In the present preferred embodiment, the downstream signaling is the signal or data transmission from the CC 200 to the subscriber unit 300, while the upstream signaling is the data transmission from the subscriber unit 300 to the CC 200. After reception of the upstream signal, the front end unit RX 250 converts the 30 GHz carrier signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) (for example 3 GHz) for transmission to the base unit 210. The downstream signals are sent in the IFs from the base equipment 210 to the F / C 255 and the exciter TX 260 which amplifies the signal and sends it for transmission to the duplexer 245 and on the antenna horn 240.

C. Subscriber Unit Figure 4 is a block diagram of the components of subscriber unit 300 residing at a location at the subscriber's site, with the present invention. The subscriber unit 300 includes a wireless network unit (NU) 305 which is coupled to a rooftop assembly 345 via the coaxial cable 303. WNU 305 includes a demodulator and receiver demultiplexer 310 (RX), one or more audio decoders / video 315 (depending on the number of television sets served), the demultiplexer 320, a modulator 325, a signal multiplexer 320 and a master frequency source 335. WNU 305 receives input requests from the upstream source and distributes the source material downstream to the customer premises equipment (CPE) 400. In this example, CPE 400 includes the necessary components to use the material from the required source. This equipment may include, but is not limited to, electronic devices such as televisions, computer monitors, telephones, facsimile machines, audio receivers, etc. The demodulator and demultiplexer RX 310 identifies and selects the particular slots or time slots or packets from the downloaded transport stream. The identified slots or packets are separated by the demodulator and demultiplexer RX 310 into two output signals, one for the audio / visual channels and the other for a group of multiplexed data channels. The 64 Kb / s data channels are further demultiplexed by the demultiplexer 320, using identifiers contained in the packet header information. The 64 Kb / s demultiplexed channels are sent to the CPE 400 for processing by the appropriate component of the CPE 400 (for example, telephone, data, fax, narrowband audio / video conference, and signaling). The demodulator and demultiplexer RX 310 also communicates the standard command signals to the modulator 325. The decoders 315 provide analog audio / video channels (eg, NTIA television) for connection to the associated CPE 400 equipment, namely tuner / receiver units. of TV. Preferably, if the subscriber's site has two television sets, WNU 305 could contain at least two audio / video decoders, which, in turn, can be compatible with MPEG-2. For upstream signaling, the data upstream of the CPE 400 (for example, signaling, telephone, fax, data, narrowband video conferencing, etc.) is preferably generated in identifiable packets with the appropriate information of the header and the address. These packets are multiplexed in the mux 330 and maintained in a compensator (not shown) until they are processed by the modulator 325. As described above, the modulator 325 is periodically activated, or interrogated, by the control signals from the CC 200 and the compensator keeps the data packets upstream until the information is required by the CC 200. Alternatively, the subscriber is assigned a TDMA time slot or slot and the information packet is retrieved from the subscriber when the allocated time slot is reached in the data stream. After reception of the control signals from the CC 200, the modulator 325 empties the compensator and sends the packet or packages to a rooftop assembly. The modulator 325 is preferably a QPSK modulator to conform to the modulator 225 in the base equipment 210. Alternatively, if the interrogation procedure is not used, the packets are maintained until the TDMA time slot assigned to the particular subscriber, or to the CPE 400, is received. The rooftop assembly includes a module 345 coupled to a small antenna 343 (eg, 1 30 cm (1 foot) reflector) The module 345 includes a receiver front end (RX) 350, the frequency converter unit (F / C) 355, a transmitter driver (TX) 360, a 365 duplexer, and a frequency multiplier 375. Together, the F / C 355 unit, the TX 360 driver, and the 365 duplexer operate as an upstream signal transmitter that it has an IF-and local oscillator input.Preferably, the local oscillator input is derived from the downstream carrier signal generated by the master frequency source 335 contained in WNU 305. The front end RX 350 is coupled to WNU 305 via an IF frequency output that is outputted through the coaxial connection 303. Preferably, the DC power is provided to the roof assembly 340 through two of the three conductors in coaxial connection 303. The components in the assembly 340 of azot ea on the subscriber's site operate in the same way as those on the antenna mount 235 of the CC 200.

D. Signal Transmission The systems and methods consistent with the present invention allow the communication of information and signals over a wide coverage area. The directional antenna array described in the context of Figures 2 and 3 allows broadcasting of downstream information program material, to a plurality of home-based subscriber units, upon request of an upstream signal. Directional antenna array and segmentation of the service areas allows serving a large number of subscriber sites for each CC. In addition, upstream signals can be transmitted from the subscriber unit and distributed with the two-way transmitter / receiver that resides on the CC. The following summarizes the steps taken to complete an information request and a down load of a video / audio information program. First, a user selects a television channel using a keyboard or other selection device. Next, this selection is combined with a package identifier that includes the header and address data, which together identify the type of CPE and the particular subscriber required by the information program. The packet is maintained in a mux compensating site (multiplexer) 330 until it is required by the CC 200. The CC 200 periodically interrogates the subscribers' sites in its particular service segment by sending command signals to the modulator 325. command signals, in turn, instruct the modulator 325 to obtain the packet from the compensator and process it for transmission to the CC 200 via the rooftop assembly 345 and the antenna horn 343. After reception of the service request packet , the CC 200 processes the signal and switches it to the channel broadcasting the required information program. Preferably, the selected program has previously been assigned to a broadcasting channel, and therefore once the switching process occurs, the program information signal is downloaded to the subscriber's site by the transport stream previously described. The switching apparatus is preferably located on the CC 200; however, in the alternative, it may be located in the central office 120 or in the tuner section device 110. This feature reduces the bandwidth requirement on the trunk lines 115 and 125. In addition, the switched broadcasting channels allow the transport of an unlimited number of programs from head 110 to CPE 400. In addition, conventional CATV distribution systems are limited because the switching functions reside in the CPE, and therefore each channel must be sent to all the subscribers within the system. The present preferred embodiment eliminates this limitation by placing the channel switching mechanism throughout the entire distribution network 100 including at the head 110, the head office 120 and the CC 200.

Figure 5 is a geographically segmented set-up configuration and coverage area for wireless cellular loops consistent with the present invention. Figure 5, in conjunction with the following example, demonstrates that when creating and analyzing a model that meets the predicted service needs of the subscribers, the method of the present invention can provide adequate service. A modeling procedure is based on the coverage provided by the remote line units (RLU) of a telephone network and applies the data to a cellular architecture system. An RLU provides service for up to 750 homes. The maximum local loop length is in the range of 670 meters to 1700 meters (2000 feet to 5000 feet). Therefore, the area covered by any particular RLU is in the range of 1.4 x 106 to 9.1 x 106 meters. This means that the density of homes falls in the region from 121 / km2 to 536 / km2 and in this way, each household can be assigned in an area of 1,900 to 12,000 m2 (for example between 130 square feet and 330 square feet).

It should be noted that the following assumptions were made regarding the values of certain parameters of the network. These assumptions include: 1. Maximum path distance = 870 meters. 2. Transmitted bearer = 30 GHz. 3. QPSK modulation. 4. Bit rate transmitted = 900 Mb / s (2 x 450 Mb / s). 5. RF bandwidth = 0.5 GHz. 6. Compressed digital video / audio 4 Mb / s (MPEG-2). 7. Number of digital switched channels = 200 (allowing overhead and voice / data). 8. Half of the subscribers use switched channels. 9. Average number of video / audio channels per home = 2. Based on the accommodation density, the total number of required video / audio channels required is: x 7502 x 2 / (12,000 or 1900) m2 - of 300 to 1900 channels (1) Therefore, the required number of segments is 300/200 = 2 at 1,930 / 200 = 10 or between 180 degrees and 36 degrees per segment. With a segmentation of 45 degrees and a maximum free space distance of 0.9 km, the area of a segment is: x 8002/8 = 2.5 x 105 m2 (2) The number of subscriber sites served is equal to 100 and The area per subscriber site is 2.5 x 105/100 = 2500 m2. A line of sight path between a cellular antenna and a suseriptor site antenna is also essential for the above analysis.

In addition, the "shadow" areas can be covered by appropriately distributed low energy repeater sites, or alternatively possibly by using wire or fiber drops. It can be proved that it is necessary in some cases that an additional RF carrier frequency is available when the polarization protection is not feasible, for example, near the boundary between the two segments. An analysis of the transmission path reveals the feasibility of the described cellular procedure and the additional assumptions are made with respect to the components of the trajectory. The 45-degree cell antenna is assumed to have a vertical angle of 12 degrees and a gain of 21 dBi that can be expected from an economical speaker design. It is assumed that the receiving antenna disk is 1/3 of a meter in diameter with a gain of 36 dB with a beam width of 2.5 degrees. It is assumed that the noise figure of the receiver is 6 dB, and a safety factor of 20 dB that includes rain attenuation is assumed. With these presumed, the required transmitting energy is less than 400 mW. Tables 1-3 show the parameters used in the analysis.

TABLE 1: Parametric Variables TABLE 2: Computations and Results TABLE 3: Formulas Antenna Gain Transmitter 17.08 + 201og (F) + 201og (Diameter of the Antenna) Loss of Free Space (DB) 96.6 + 201og (F) 201og (PL / 1,609) Receiver Antenna Gain (DB) 17.08 + 201og (F) + 201og (D) Antenna Beam Width 22.97 / (FxD) Receiving Degrees It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (30)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A communication system having a source of tuner section of stored information signals coupled to a broadband wireless loop network, characterized in that the network comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a service area to subscribers that includes: a communication device configured to communicate with the units of the subscribers within a designated subscriber area; wherein each cell center is coupled to a central office, and wherein the central office includes: a switch, which responds to an upstream signal request coming from a cell center, for coupling to a subscriber services channel towards the cell; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a subscriber service area segment, and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to the adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission formats; and a plurality of subscriber units, each unit includes: a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the signal request upstream to the antenna.

2. A communication system having a source of tuner section of stored information signals, coupled to a broadband wireless loop network, which is characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a service area a subscribers that includes: a communication device configured to communicate with subscriber units within a designated subscriber area; wherein each cell center includes: a selection device, which responds to the upstream signal request, configured to couple a service channel to subscribers to the antenna serving the subscriber unit, wherein the service channel subscribers disseminate an information program; and a transmitter, coupled to the selection device, configured to transmit the information program to the subscriber unit making the request, in a downstream information signal, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of packets of data, and wherein at least one of the data packets is identified by a header section; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area, and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to the adjacent segments of the subscriber service area, operate in different formats of transmission; and a plurality of subscriber units, each unit includes: a receiver configured to receive an information signal downstream from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the signal request upstream to the antenna.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that the header information section includes: an address for identifying the subscriber unit to receive the downstream information signal.

4. A communication system having a source of tuner section of stored information signals coupled to a broadband wireless loop network, characterized in that the network comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber services area, which includes: a communication device configured to communicate with subscriber units, within a designated subscriber area; wherein each cell center includes: a selection device, which responds to the request for upstream signals, configured to couple a service channel to subscribers to the antenna serving the subscriber unit, wherein the service channel subscribers disseminate an information program; and a transmitter, coupled to the selection device, configured to transmit the information program to the subscriber unit making the request, in a current information signal below; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area, and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to the adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission formats; and a plurality of subscriber units, each unit includes: a receiver configured to receive an information signal downstream from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the signal request upstream to the antenna, wherein the request for upstream signal is divided into a series of data packets, wherein at least one data packet is identified by a header section.

5. The communication system according to claim 4, characterized in that the header section includes: an address to identify the subscriber unit that transmits the upstream signal request.

6. A communication system having a source of tuner section of stored information signals, coupled to a broadband wireless loop network, characterized in that the network comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a service area to subscribers , which includes: a communication device configured to communicate with the subscriber units within a designated subscriber area; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to the adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission formats, wherein the plurality of antennas is configured in a circular arrangement and includes: eight directional antennas each defining a 45 degree segment of the coverage area; and a plurality of subscriber units, each unit includes: a receiver configured to receive an information signal downstream from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the signal request upstream to the antenna.

7. A communication system having a source of tuner section of stored information signals, coupled to a broadband wireless loop network, characterized in that the network comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including: a communication device configured to communicate with the subscriber units within a designated subscriber area; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area, and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to the adjacent segments of the subscriber's service area operate in different transmission formats , wherein the plurality of antennas is configured in a circular array and wherein the different transmission formats include: a first polarization direction; and a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction; a plurality of subscriber units, each unit includes: a receiver configured to receive an information signal downstream from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the signal request upstream to the antenna.

8. The communications system according to claim 7, characterized in that: the first direction of the polarization corresponds to the horizontal polarization; and the second direction of the polarization corresponds to the vertical polarization.

9. The communication system according to claim 7, characterized in that: the first polarization direction corresponds to the right circular polarization; and the second polarization direction corresponds to the left circular polarization.

10. In a broadband cellular communication network that includes a sensing section device for storing and transmitting a plurality of information signals, and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of service areas to subscribers, a center of cells coupled to the central office, characterized in that it comprises: a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units in at least one of the service areas to the subscribers; a plurality of antennas each providing communication coverage to a segment of at least one of the service areas to the subscribers; wherein each antenna operates in a different transmission format than the antenna formats associated with the adjacent segments of at least one of the subscriber service areas; a selection device, which responds to the upstream signal request, configured to couple a service channel to subscribers, to the antenna serving the subscriber unit, where the service channel to the subscribers is a TDM channel broadband that broadcasts a stream of data; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data stream to the subscriber unit in a downstream information signal, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packets and wherein at least one data packet is identified by a header section.

11. The cell center according to claim 10, characterized in that the header information section includes: an address to identify the subscriber unit, to receive the downstream information signal.

12. In a broadband cellular communication network that includes a tuning section device for storing and transmitting a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of service areas to subscribers, a center of cells coupled to the central office is characterized in that it comprises: a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units in at least one of the subscriber service areas; a plurality of antennas providing each communication coverage to a segment of at least one of the service areas to the subscribers; wherein each antenna operates in a different transmission format than the antenna formats associated with the adjacent segments of at least one of the subscriber service areas; a selection device, which responds to the upstream signal request that is divided into a series of data packets and wherein at least one data packet is identified by a header section, configured to couple a service channel to subscribers , to the antenna serving the subscriber unit, where the subscriber services channel broadcasts a stream of data; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data stream to the subscriber unit, in a downstream information signal.

13. The cell center according to claim 12, characterized in that the header information section includes: an address for identifying the unit of the subscriber transmitting the upstream signal request.

14. A subscriber unit that resides in a subscriber service area of a broadband cellular communication system that includes a plurality of cell centers to distribute a plurality of services to the subscriber, wherein each service area to subscribers is served by a cell center, the subscriber unit is characterized in that it comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit an upstream signaling request to the subscribers, wherein the request for upstream signaling is a request for at least one subscriber service; the receiver configured to receive an information signal downstream from the cell center, which serves the subscriber service area, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packets, wherein at least one of the data packets is identified by a header section, wherein the downstream information signal includes at least one service to the subscriber required by the subscriber unit, and wherein the receiver includes: means for receiving the series of data packets; and a signal extraction device, coupled to the receiver, configured to extract at least one service to the subscriber from the downstream information signal.

15. The subscriber unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the header information section includes: an address to identify the subscriber unit, to receive the downstream information signal.

16. The subscriber unit according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one service to the subscriber is broadcasted in a broadband TDM channel, wherein the receiver includes: means for receiving the series of data packets on the TDM channel.

17. The subscriber unit according to claim 16, characterized in that the subscriber service required is a media information program, and wherein the signal extraction device includes: means for extracting the series of data packets corresponding to the program of information of means coming from the downstream information signal - means for - decoding the series extracted from data packets; means for assembling the decoded series of data packets, to form an audio / visual program; and means to visually display the audio / visual program.

18. The subscriber unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the upstream signal request is divided into a series of data packets and includes: an address to identify the unit of the subscriber transmitting the upstream signal request.

19. The subscriber unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the transmitter includes: a compensator, which responds to an interrogation signal, configured to retain the upstream signaling request until it is required by the cell center.

20. The subscriber unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the transmitter includes: means for retaining the upstream signaling request until an allocated TDMA slot or time slot is reached.

21. In a broadband wireless loop network having a tuner section source for storing and transmitting information signals coupled to a broadband wireless loop network, the network includes a plurality of cell centers that each provide service to a number of service areas, a method for providing subscriber services to a number of subscriber units, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: dividing each subscriber service area into a plurality of segments each associated with a respective antenna in the center of cells; the operation of each antenna on a common frequency channel, where the adjacent antennas operate in opposite transmission formats; initiating an upstream signal request at a subscriber unit located within a service area segment; sending an interrogation message to the subscriber units in the service area segment from a cell center to determine the presence of the information request upstream, where the cell center serves the service area segment that contains the subscriber unit that makes the request; the transmission, towards the cell center, of the upstream signal request after the reception of the interrogation message; switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, from a selection device to a subscriber service channel, wherein the subscriber service channel broadcasts a subscriber service; the subscriber service transmission, via the selected subscriber service channel, to the subscriber unit making the request, in an upstream information signal; and the receipt of the information signal downstream in the unit of the subscriber making the request.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the subscriber service channel is a broadband TDM channel, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packets and includes: an address to identify the subscriber unit, to receive the downstream information signal, and wherein the diffusion step includes the substeps of: identifying the subscriber unit making the request to receive the information program based on the address contained in the signal request Upstream; and transmitting the information signal downstream to the unit of the subscriber making the request, via the selected TDM channel, wherein the address of the unit of the subscriber making the request corresponds to the address in the downstream information signal .

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the subscriber service is a media program, and wherein the receiving step includes the substeps of: receiving the series of data packets via the selected TDM channel; extracting a selection of data packets representing the media program from the downstream information signal; the decoding of the selected data packets; the assembling of the selection of data packets to form an audio / visual program; and visually displaying the audio / visual program.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the subscriber service is located in the central office, and wherein the switching step includes the substeps of: transmitting the signal request upstream from the cell center to the central office; receive the signal request upstream at the central office; switching, after receiving the upstream signal request, a selection device residing in the central office to a subscriber service channel that broadcasts the required subscriber service; and the communication of the subscriber service to the cell center via a communication connection.

25. In a broadband communication system, a method for obtaining broadcast subscriber services on a plurality of subscriber service channels is characterized in the method because it comprises the steps of: initiating an upstream signal request in a subscriber unit, wherein the subscriber unit making the request is located within a service area segment; the reception of an interrogation message from a cell center, where the cell center serves the segment of the particular service area containing the subscriber unit making the request; transmitting, to the cell center, the upstream signal request via an antenna residing in the unit of the subscriber making the request, after the reception of the interrogation message, wherein the upstream signal request includes a command for switching a selection device to a service channel to subscribers that broadcasts a required subscriber service, wherein the subscriber service is a media program broadcast over a broadband TDM channel; and receiving an information signal downstream from the cell center serving the subscriber service area, wherein the information below includes the subscriber service corresponding to the required subscriber service, and wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packages; and wherein the reception step includes the substeps of: receiving the series of data packets via the TDM channel; extracting a selection of data packets representing the media program from the downstream information signal - the decoding of the data packet selection; the assembling of the decoded data packets, to form an audio / visual program; and visually displaying the audio / visual program.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that at least one of the data packets is identified by a header section, wherein the header section includes an address to identify the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request. , and wherein the junction step includes the sub-step of: assembling the decoded data packets according to the information contained in the header section.

27. In a broadband communication system, a method for obtaining services to subscribers broadcast on a plurality of subscriber service channels is characterized in the method because it comprises the steps of: initiating a request for a signal upstream in a unit of subscriber, wherein the upstream signal request includes a series of data packets, and an address to identify the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request, wherein the subscriber unit making the request is located within the subscriber unit. a service area segment, and wherein the start step includes the steps of: combining the address with a service request signal to form the upstream signal request; and storing the signal request upstream in a compensator until the interrogation message is received from the cell center; receiving an interrogation message from a cell center, where the cell center serves the particular service area segment that contains the unit of the subscriber making the request; the transmission, towards the cell center, of the upstream signal request via an antenna residing in the unit of the subscriber making the request, after the reception of the interrogation message, wherein the upstream signal request includes a command or command to change or switch a selection device to a service channel to the subscriber that broadcasts a required subscriber service; and receiving an information signal downstream from the cell center serving the subscriber's service area, wherein the downstream information signal includes the subscriber's service corresponding to the required subscriber service.

28. In a broadband cellular communication network that includes a tuning section device that stores a plurality of information signals, and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of service units to subscribers, one method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: periodically sending an interrogation message to a subscriber service unit from a cell center coupled to the central office, where the cell center serves a segment of the service area containing the unit of service. subscriber; receiving an upstream signal request, divided into a series of data packets, and including an address to identify the subscriber unit sending an upstream signal request, from a subscriber unit that includes substeps of: receive the address of the subscriber unit in the cell center; switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, a selection device to a subscriber service channel that broadcasts the subscriber service; and the service transmission of the subscriber to the unit of the subscriber making the request, in a downstream information signal.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the subscriber service channel is a broadband TDM channel, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packets, and wherein the broadcast step includes the substeps of: identifying the unit of the subscriber making the request, to receive the information program based on an address of the subscriber unit contained in the upstream signal request; and transmitting the information signal downstream to the subscriber unit making the request, via the selected TDM channel, wherein the subscriber unit corresponds to the downstream information signal address.

30. In a broadband cellular communication network including a tuning section device that stores a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of subscriber service units, a method characterized in that comprising the steps of: periodically sending an interrogation message to a subscriber service unit from a cell center coupled to the central office, where the cell center serves a service area segment containing the subscriber unit; receive an upstream signal request from a subscriber's unit; switching, after receiving the upstream signal request, a selection device to a subscriber service channel that broadcasts the subscriber service stored in the central office, and wherein the switching step includes the additional steps of: transmit the signal request upstream from the cell center to the central office; receive the signal request upstream at the central office; switching, after receiving the upstream signal request, a selection device residing in the central office to a subscriber service channel that broadcasts the required subscriber services; and communicating the subscriber service to the cell center via a communication connection; and transmit the subscriber service to the unit of the subscriber making the request, in a downstream information signal. METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING SUBSCRIBER SERVICES USING BROADBAND LOOPES WIRELESS BIDIRECTIONAL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method and system for distributing services to subscribers to a number of user sites in a broadband cellular network (100) is described. A bidirectional antenna arrangement located in a number of cell centers (200, 202, 204) provides coverage over a broad service area through the use of wireless distribution loops (140). The cell centers (200, 202, 204) broadcast subscriber services over designated channels and a user in the location of the subscriber's site commands a centralized mechanism, to switch to the channel that broadcasts the required service. The duplication of service channels is minimized, and the number of subscribers is maximized by allowing the selection of channels to occur at various points in the distribution network. Each antenna in the array is configured to provide the subscriber service to a particular service segment. These segments include subscriber location sites with the processing equipment to request and receive services in the form of information, data, signaling, etc. programs.