Backhaul link for distributed antenna system
First Claim
1. A system, comprising:
- a first coupler;
a second coupler;
an antenna;
a memory to store instructions; and
a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory, to facilitate execution of the instructions to perform operations, the operations comprising;
receiving, by the antenna, a first wireless signal that is converted to a first guided electromagnetic wave that propagates along a first transmission medium, wherein the first wireless signal conveys a modulated signal generated by a first communication device;
receiving, by the first coupler, the first guided electromagnetic wave guided by the first transmission medium;
converting the first guided electromagnetic wave to an electrical signal; and
converting the electrical signal to a second guided electromagnetic wave, the second guided electromagnetic wave generated on a surface of a second transmission medium utilizing the second coupler, wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal, and wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave is directed to another system that converts the second guided electromagnetic wave to a second wireless signal conveying the modulated signal, and wherein the second wireless signal is directed to a second communication device.
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Abstract
A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.
170 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
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a first coupler; a second coupler; an antenna; a memory to store instructions; and a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory, to facilitate execution of the instructions to perform operations, the operations comprising; receiving, by the antenna, a first wireless signal that is converted to a first guided electromagnetic wave that propagates along a first transmission medium, wherein the first wireless signal conveys a modulated signal generated by a first communication device; receiving, by the first coupler, the first guided electromagnetic wave guided by the first transmission medium; converting the first guided electromagnetic wave to an electrical signal; and converting the electrical signal to a second guided electromagnetic wave, the second guided electromagnetic wave generated on a surface of a second transmission medium utilizing the second coupler, wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal, and wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave is directed to another system that converts the second guided electromagnetic wave to a second wireless signal conveying the modulated signal, and wherein the second wireless signal is directed to a second communication device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method, comprising:
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receiving, by an antenna of a waveguide system, a first wireless signal that is converted to a first guided electromagnetic wave guided by a first transmission medium, wherein the first wireless signal conveys a modulated signal generated by a first communication device; receiving, by a first coupler of the waveguide system, the first guided electromagnetic wave guided by the first transmission medium; converting, by the waveguide system, the first guided electromagnetic wave to an electrical signal; and converting, by the waveguide system, the electrical signal to a second guided electromagnetic wave, the second guided electromagnetic wave being coupled to a second transmission medium by a second coupler of the waveguide system, wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method, comprising:
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receiving, by an antenna, a first wireless signal that is converted to a first guided electromagnetic wave guided by a surface of a first dielectric transmission medium, wherein the first wireless signal conveys a modulated signal generated by a first communication device; receiving, by a first coupler, the first guided electromagnetic wave guided by the first dielectric transmission medium; converting, by a receiver, the first guided electromagnetic wave to an electrical signal; and converting, by a transmitter, the electrical signal to a second guided electromagnetic wave, the second guided electromagnetic wave being coupled to a second dielectric transmission medium by a second coupler, wherein the second guided electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification