Converged in-building network

• US 9,343,797 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2012
• Issued: 05/17/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation (Corning Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Shoemaker, Curtis L., Benson, Paul H., LeBlanc, Stephen Paul, Le Van-Etter, Laylonie L., Petersen, Kurt H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Hoang V
• Application Number:
  US13/470,439
• Publication Number:
  US 20120293390A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,464 Days
• Field of Search: 343/850, 385/135, 379/229, 370/338
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/007 specially adapted for indoor communication
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/28 Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems multiple beam H01Q25/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/27 Spiral antennas

Abstract

A converged network is described. The converged network includes a distributed antenna system hub coupled to the communication lines for wireless communications, horizontal cabling to carry communication lines for wired communications and wireless communications and a remote socket. The horizontal cabling is a duct that carries the wired and wireless communication lines to convey the telecommunication signals within the building. The remote socket connects the wireless communication lines with a remote electronics unit. In addition, one or more antennas can also be coupled to the remote socket to convey analog RF electrical radiation from the remote socket over adhesive backed coaxial cabling to the indoor environment.

Claims

1. A converged network for in building communications, comprising:

horizontal cabling comprising a duct that carries communication lines for wired communications and wireless communications;

a distributed antenna system (DAS) hub coupled to the communication lines for wireless communications;

a remote socket to couple to the communication lines for wireless communications with a remote electronics unit, wherein the remote socket comprises a socket to receive the remote electronics unit, wherein the socket is configured to house different multiple media to connect to remote electronics housed in the remote electronics unit, the socket including a socket interface configured to mate with a remote electronics unit interface, wherein at least one of the socket and remote electronics unit further includes an actuation mechanism configured to connect the different multiple media simultaneously, wherein the multiple media includes;

one or more insulated copper wires for providing power to the remote electronics unit;

one of fiber cabling for RF signal distribution and cabling for digitally modulated signal distribution; and

cabling for RF signal transmission to antennas; and

one or more antennas coupled to the remote socket.

2. The converged network of claim 1, further comprising a branch point disposed between the DAS hub and the remote socket to further distribute the communication lines for wired communications and the communications lines for wireless communications at a location in the building.

3. The converged network of claim 1, further comprising a main distribution rack to organize signals coming into the building from external networks.

4. The converged network of claim 3, wherein the main distribution rack receives communications lines from at least one external wired communications network and feeds from an external wireless communications network.

5. The converged network of claim 3, wherein the main distribution rack routes power lines and the communications lines for wired communications and wireless communications to area junction boxes located on one or more floors of the building.

6. The converged network of claim 1, wherein the horizontal cabling is disposed between an area junction box and a point of entry box disposed at a living unit location in the building, wherein at the point of entry box, one or more communications lines for wireless communications are accessed from the horizontal cabling and coupled to the remote socket within the living unit.

7. The converged network of claim 6, wherein at the point of entry box, one or more communications lines for wired communications are accessed from the horizontal cabling and coupled to communication equipment within the living unit and one or more communications lines for wireless communications are accessed from the horizontal cabling and coupled to the remote socket within the living unit.

8. The converged network of claim 7, wherein a remainder of the communications lines for wired communications and communications lines for wireless communications continue to other locations within the building.

9. The converged network of claim 1, wherein a substantial portion of the horizontal cabling is mounted below the ceiling of a hallway.

10. The converged network of claim 1, wherein the horizontal cabling comprises an adhesive-backed duct having at least one conduit portion and a flange having an adhesive backing.

11. The converged network of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism connects the multiple media simultaneously in a single action.

12. The converged network of claim 1, wherein the remote electronics unit comprises one of a remote radio circuit for wireless signal distribution, a wireless access point for Wi-Fi transmission, and a low power wireless sensor.

13. A network for distributing communication lines for wireless communications within a building, comprising:

horizontal cabling comprising a duct that carries the communication lines for wireless communications;

a main distribution rack coupled to the communication lines for wireless communications;

a remote socket to couple to the communication lines for wireless communications with a remote electronics unit, wherein the remote socket comprises a socket to receive the remote electronics unit, wherein the socket is configured to house different multiple media to connect to remote electronics housed in the remote electronics unit, the socket including a socket interface configured to mate with a remote electronics unit interface, wherein at least one of the socket and remote electronics unit further includes an actuation mechanism configured to connect the different multiple media simultaneously, wherein the multiple media includes;

one or more insulated copper wires for providing power to the remote electronics unit;

fiber cabling for RF signal distribution; and

cabling for RF signal transmission to antennas; and

one or more antennas coupled to the remote socket.

14. The network of claim 13, wherein the main distribution rack houses a distributed antenna system (DAS) hub.

15. The network of claim 13, wherein the horizontal cabling is coupled to multiple remote sockets, wherein each remote socket is coupled to at least one antenna via a coaxial cable, wherein each antenna positioned at a different location within the building.

16. A converged network for in building communications, comprising:

horizontal cabling comprising a duct that carries communication lines for wired communications and wireless communications;

a main distribution rack coupled to organize signals coming into the building from external networks; and

a remote socket to couple to the communication lines for wireless communications with a remote electronics unit, wherein the remote socket comprises a socket to receive the remote electronics unit, wherein the socket is configured to house different multiple media to connect to remote electronics housed in the remote electronics unit, the socket including a socket interface configured to mate with a remote electronics unit interface, wherein at least one of the socket and remote electronics unit further includes an actuation mechanism configured to connect the different multiple media simultaneously, wherein the multiple media includes;

one or more insulated copper wires for providing power to the remote electronics unit;

fiber cabling for RF signal distribution; and

cabling for RF signal transmission to antennas.

17. The network of any of claim 16, wherein the remote electronics unit comprises at least one of a Wifi access point, a picocell and a femtocell.