RADIO FREQUENCY NETWORK

• US 20100054227A1
• Filed: 08/27/2009
• Published: 03/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Zorad, Robert, Schroeder, Axel, Hettstedt, Heinz-Dieter, Klauke, Gerd, Schomburg, Ekkehard
• Granted Patent: US 8,428,033 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/343
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/085 Access point devices with remote components

Abstract

The present invention relates to radio frequency (RF) distribution systems for mobile communications. In particular, the present invention relates to a radio frequency network facilitating radio communication where the usual free space propagation of electromagnetic waves is hampered, undesired or impossible, for example in tunnels, mines, and buildings and in large complexes like exhibition grounds, shopping malls, and airports. The radio frequency network (1) comprises a distributed antenna system (2) having radiating elements, a wired distribution system (3) feeding the distributed antenna system (2), at least one antenna amplifier (5) between one end of the wired distribution system (3) and the distributed antenna system (2), at least one line amplifier (4) at the other end of the wired distribution system (3), and automatic self-leveling units included in the antenna and line amplifiers (4, 5).

Claims

1. A radio frequency network, comprising;

a distributed antenna system having radiating elements,

a wired distribution system feeding the distributed antenna system,

at least one antenna amplifier between one end of the wired distribution system and the distributed antenna system,

at least one line amplifier at the other end of the wired distribution system, and

automatic self-leveling units included in the antenna and line amplifiers.

2. The radio frequency network according to claim 1, wherein the automatic self-leveling units are adapted to provide a fixed output signal level for a received signal level range.

3. The radio frequency network according to claim 1, wherein the antenna and line amplifiers comprise multiplexers for separating and/or combing upload and download frequency bands.

4. The radio frequency network according to claim 1, wherein the wired distribution system comprises broadband coaxial cables, splitters, and combiners.

5. The radio frequency network according to claim 1, wherein the distributed antenna system consists of discrete antennas and/or radiating cables.

9. The radio frequency network according to claim 1 incorporated in a communication system comprising at least one mobile terminal.

6. A method for signal transmission within a radio frequency network, the network comprising a distributed antenna system having radiating elements and a wired distribution system feeding the distributed antenna system, and the method comprising the steps of:

amplifying upload and download signals in at least one antenna amplifier arranged between one end of the wired distribution system and the distributed antenna system, amplifying the upload and download signals in at least one line amplifier arranged at the other end of the wired distribution system, and automatically self-leveling of signals transmitted within the wired distribution system in the antenna and line amplifiers by means of self-leveling units.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the self-leveling units provide a fixed output signal level for a received signal level range.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of separating and/or combining of upload and download frequency bands in the antenna and line amplifiers by means of multiplexers.