Backhaul link for distributed antenna system
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- receiving, by an antenna of a first waveguide device, a first wireless signal that conveys a modulated signal generated by a communication device;
generating, by the first waveguide device according to the first wireless signal, an electrical signal that conveys the modulated signal generated by the communication device;
converting, by the first waveguide device, the electrical signal to an electromagnetic wave; and
coupling, via a first coupler of the first waveguide device, the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic wave propagates along the transmission medium in a direction towards a second coupler of a second waveguide device coupled to the transmission medium, and wherein the electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal.
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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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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receiving, by an antenna of a first waveguide device, a first wireless signal that conveys a modulated signal generated by a communication device; generating, by the first waveguide device according to the first wireless signal, an electrical signal that conveys the modulated signal generated by the communication device; converting, by the first waveguide device, the electrical signal to an electromagnetic wave; and coupling, via a first coupler of the first waveguide device, the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic wave propagates along the transmission medium in a direction towards a second coupler of a second waveguide device coupled to the transmission medium, and wherein the electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A first waveguide device, comprising:
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an antenna; a first coupler; 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 conveys a modulated signal generated by a communication device; generating, according to the first wireless signal, an electrical signal that conveys the modulated signal generated by the communication device; and inducing, via the first coupler according to the electrical signal, propagation of an electromagnetic wave along a transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic wave propagates along the transmission medium towards a second coupler of a second waveguide device coupled to the transmission medium, and wherein the electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, responsive to being executed by a processing system including a processor, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:
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receiving, by an antenna, a first wireless signal that conveys a modulated signal generated by a communication device; generating, according to the first wireless signal, an electrical signal that conveys the modulated signal generated by the communication device; and inducing, via a first coupler according to the electrical signal, an electromagnetic wave that propagates along a transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic wave propagates along the transmission medium towards a second coupler coupled to the transmission medium, and wherein the electromagnetic wave conveys the modulated signal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification