MESSENGER STRAND MOUNTED PICO-CELL RADIO

• US 20090304055A1
• Filed: 05/21/2008
• Published: 12/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Public Wireless, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Amber Networks, Inc. (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Nino, Robert, Castellano, Dan
• Granted Patent: US 8,082,007 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 375/222
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A messenger strand mounted low-power pico-cell radio, having its own environmentally controlled box, mounted on utility messenger strands, connects to the cable using the Internet protocol (IP) for back-haul, and has in-band monitor and control capability. These pico-cell radios also receive power through the same cable connection. The configuration control and monitoring is by independent discretely-managed internal mechanisms that can be remotely addressed. These internal mechanisms include the modem for backhaul, wireless radio transceiver(s), and the system management device for operation, administration, maintenance, and control. Such pico-cell radios help to provide wireless connectivity and coverage efficiently by reducing dark spots in wireless coverage. Distributing these radios in reasonable, close proximity enables wireless coverage in difficult terrains, where current high power systems fail. The radios disclosed herein eliminate the need and cost for additional power lines and IP connection lines, and are therefore easy to install and maintain.

Claims

1. A cable strand mounted radio (MSMR), comprising:

a cable modem connected to a cable strand through a coupler/splitter;

said MSMR comprising means for using said cable strand for backhaul capability;

a monitoring module connected to said cable modem;

said monitoring module comprising a secure modem, and environmental sensing and control elements;

a radio unit connected to said monitoring module;

at least a pair of antennas connected to said radio unit, a first antenna for transmission and a second antenna for reception; and

a power supply unit connected to said cable strand through said coupler/splitter, said MSMR receiving power from said power supply through said cable strand from a cable plant;

said MSMR comprising means for mounting it on said cable strand and comprising a base transceiver station (BTS).

2. The MSMR of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing for enclosing all components of said MSMR.

3. The MSMR of claim 2, said means for mounting comprising:

one or more clamps for attaching said housing box to said cable strand.

4. The MSMR of claim 1, said radio unit comprising:

a low-power radio unit.

5. The MSMR of claim 1, said radio unit comprising:

a pico-cell radio unit.

6. The MSMR of claim 1, said MSMR comprising:

a pico base-station transceiver subsystem (BTS).

7. The MSMR of claim 1, said monitoring module comprising means for providing said MSMR with in-line operational capability for at least one of configuration, measurement, calibration debug, and repair.

8. The MSMR of claim 1, said monitoring module comprising means for providing said MSMR with in-line control of the environment of said MSMR.

9. The MSMR of claim 1, said monitoring module comprising means for providing local access of the MSMR for at least one of measurement, calibration debug, and repair.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:

installing said multiple MSMRs to ensure wireless coverage in difficult terrain where high power systems are ineffective.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:

using said MSMR to eliminate at least one of dedicated power lines and Internet protocol (IP) connection lines.

10. A method for providing wireless coverage, comprising the steps of:

connecting a cable strand mounted radio (MSMR) to a cable strand for backhaul connectivity;

providing power to said MSMR via said cable strand;

providing in band control of operation and environment of said MSMR; and

distributing multiple MSMRs in close proximity to each other to provide full coverage of a terrain.