Tower top cellular communication devices and method for operating the same

Abstract

A cellular network (100, 200) and method are provided that reduce loses between a base station (102, 202) and an antenna (114, 214). Generally, the network (100, 200) includes a tower (112, 212) having a tower-top (110, 210) on which the antenna (114, 214) is supported, a base station (102, 202) and a separate amplifier (124, 224) on the tower-top near to the antenna, the amplifier in a communication path between the base station and the antenna. In one embodiment, the network (100, 200) further includes a backhaul (122, 222) on the tower-top (110, 210) near the antenna (114, 214), the backhaul configured to couple signals between the base station (102, 202) and a controller (108, 208). Preferably, the backhaul (122, 222) is integrated with the base station (102, 202). In another version, the backhaul (122, 222) is configured to couple communication signals between the base station (102, 202) and the controller (108, 208) via a radio network (128, 228). More preferably, a photovoltaic cell (132, 232) on the tower (112, 212) supplies electrical power to the base station (102, 202), the amplifier (124, 224) and the backhaul (122, 222), thereby providing a self-contained tower-top node (134, 234).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to cellular communication systems, and more particularly to cellular communication networks having a tower-mounted base transceiver station or tower-mounted Node B with an integrated backhaul, and methods of operation thereof. Background of the invention [0002] In recent years, the use of mobile communication devices, including cellular telephones, pagers, and wireless Internet access devices, has increased exponentially. This increased demand for mobile communication devices has led to a rapid growth in the infrastructure necessary to support these services. [0003] A block diagram of a conventional communication network for communicating with cellular or mobile telephones or stations is shown in FIG. 1 . Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional communication network 10 for communicating with mobile base stations 12 typically includes a mobile switching center (MSC 14) in communication with the public switched te...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While the current designs work well, they are not particularly modular because if for any reason it is desired to change the size of the cell, the entire BTS20 or Node B40 must be replaced, not just one of the amplifiers contained in it , duplexer, backhaul section or transceiver

Usually BTS20 and Node B40 are relatively large and expensive units

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