Broadband multi-service, switching, transmission and distribution architecture for low-cost telecommunications networks
First Claim
1. A hybrid communications node comprising:
- a first interface exchanging first data with a first media in accordance with a first communication format;
a second interface exchanging second data with a second media in accordance with a second communication format; and
, a processor receiving the first data from said first interface in accordance with the first communication format, converting the received first data to the second communication format to provide a converted first data, and transmitting the converted first data to said second interface for reception by the second media.
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Abstract
A low-cost, distributed broadband multi-service communication network includes intelligent hybrid communication nodes which communicate with one another. The hybrid communication nodes have multi-media interfaces and processors that allow the node to receive a communication broadcast at one protocol interface, convert the broadcast to other communication protocols, and route it to those different communication protocol interfaces for transmission to other communication media. The smart hybrid communication nodes provides a distributed system that does not rely on a central intelligence, so that the network can be instantly deployed and expanded. In addition, a weatherproof container permits the nodes to be physically mounted adjacent to a communication antenna. This eliminates the need for a cable to connect a transmitter interface to the antenna (which can be several hundred feet away at the top of a tower). Even expensive cable results in substantial power and signal loss.
201 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A hybrid communications node comprising:
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a first interface exchanging first data with a first media in accordance with a first communication format;
a second interface exchanging second data with a second media in accordance with a second communication format; and
,a processor receiving the first data from said first interface in accordance with the first communication format, converting the received first data to the second communication format to provide a converted first data, and transmitting the converted first data to said second interface for reception by the second media. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communications station comprising:
- an antenna tower, an antenna affixed to the tower, a distribution/switching/transmission (DST) unit affixed to the tower and located adjacent to said antenna, a base unit located nearby said antenna tower, and a cable connecting said base unit to said routing unit.
- View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A communications station comprising:
- an antenna and a portable communications node having a processor for transmitting data to a media over said antenna.
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14. An integrated distributed communications network comprising:
- a plurality of communications nodes, each said communications node having an interface and a processor for communicating data to remotely located communications nodes via said interface.
- View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A housing comprising:
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a cover having a front plate and a divider plate substantially perpendicular to said front plate, said divider plate having electronic components attached thereto;
an outer shell having an opening for removably receiving said cover so that the front plate forms an enclosure with said outer shell and said divider plate separates the enclosure into a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion, whereby said first enclosure portion contains the electronic components and blocks electronic interference with the electronic components. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification