Messenger strand mounted pico-cell radio

• US 8,082,007 B2
• Filed: 05/21/2008
• Issued: 12/20/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Public Wireless, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Public Wireless, Inc.
• Inventors: Nino, Robert, Castellano, Dan
• Primary Examiner(s): West, Lewis
• Application Number:
  US12/124,470
• Publication Number:
  US 20090304055A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,308 Days
• Field of Search: 455/561
• US Class Current: 455/561
• 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 which uses said cable strand for backhaul capability;

a coupler/splitter connected to said cable modem for coupling to said cable strand to provide backhaul access for said cable modem and for extracting electrical power from said cable strand;

a monitoring module connected to said cable modem, said monitoring module comprising a secure server with environmental sensing and control elements;

a radio unit connected to said monitoring module;

one or more antennas connected to said radio unit for transmission and for reception; and

a power supply unit connected to said cable strand through said coupler/splitter and extracting electrical power from the cable strand, said power supply converting the electrical power from said cable strand and supplying said converted power to said cable modem, said monitoring module and said radio unit;

wherein said MSMR further comprises means for mounting it on said cable strand.

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 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, control and repair.

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