Communications system and method
First Claim
1. A communications system comprising:
- a plurality of base stations transmitting signals;
a plurality of distributed antennas in communication with mobile devices;
a switch matrix in operation with the plurality of base stations to route the signals to the plurality of distributed antennas;
a plurality of remote hubs;
a plurality of main hubs between the switch matrix and the plurality of remote hubs for routing the signals to the plurality of remote hubs, the plurality of remote hubs, which are remote from the plurality of main hubs and between the plurality of main hubs and the plurality of distributed antennas, for routing the signals to the plurality of distributed antennas; and
at least one wireless link between at least one of the main hubs and at least one of the remote hubs.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A signal distribution system for distributing signals, such as for outdoor wireless networks, comprises a number of remote hubs, each of which can direct wireless signals to a number of antennas. The antennas are used to provide wireless service to the service users, such as mobile units, within their geographic coverage area. The remote hubs are connected to main hubs, which are usually located centrally. Each main hub can support a number of remote hubs. The main hubs are connected to a number of base stations (again usually located centrally) in a flexible and re-configurable manner using a switch matrix. Some remote hubs may also include switched matrices for a further level of signal routing.
170 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A communications system comprising:
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a plurality of base stations transmitting signals; a plurality of distributed antennas in communication with mobile devices; a switch matrix in operation with the plurality of base stations to route the signals to the plurality of distributed antennas; a plurality of remote hubs; a plurality of main hubs between the switch matrix and the plurality of remote hubs for routing the signals to the plurality of remote hubs, the plurality of remote hubs, which are remote from the plurality of main hubs and between the plurality of main hubs and the plurality of distributed antennas, for routing the signals to the plurality of distributed antennas; and at least one wireless link between at least one of the main hubs and at least one of the remote hubs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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11. A communications method comprising:
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transmitting signals from a plurality of base stations to a switch matrix; and routing the signals by the switch matrix to a plurality of distributed antennas via a plurality of main hubs and a plurality of remote hubs, the plurality of main hubs are between the switch matrix and the plurality of remote hubs for routing the signals to the plurality of remote hubs, the plurality of remote hubs, which are remote from the plurality of main hubs and between the plurality of main hubs and the plurality of distributed antennas, for routing the signals to the plurality of distributed antennas, the routing uses at least one wireless link between at least one of the main hubs and at least one of the remote hubs. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 25, 26)
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16. A communications system, comprising:
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a plurality of base stations; first, second and third distributed antennas in communication with mobile devices; a first hub in communication with the first and second distributed antennas via respective wireless links; a switch matrix for routing signals from the plurality of base stations to the first and second distributed antennas via the first hub; a second hub in communication with the first hub via a respective wireless link, the second hub is between the first hub and the switch matrix; and a third hub in communication with the third distributed antenna via a respective wireless link, the second hub also in communication with the third hub via a respective wireless link, the second hub is between the third hub and the switch matrix. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification