Fixed OFDM wireless man utilizing CPE having internal antenna

Abstract

A fixed wireless access system generally comprises a consumer premise equipment (CPE) unit, that is connected via an Ethernet interface to a personal computer or local area network, and a base station unit that is connected via an Ethernet interface to a network. As such, the CPE unit is preferably easily user-installed while the base station unit is preferably tower-mounted within a 1-5 mile range of the CPE unit. Both the CPE unit and base station unit preferably incorporate an integrated data transceiver / switch that enables a radio frequency air link operating in the 2.5-2.686 GHz range. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing is used in the uplink and downlink transmissions between CPE units and base station units.

Description

CLAIM TO PRIORITY [0001] The present application claims priority to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Application No. 60 / 161,107, filed Oct. 22, 1999 and entitled “Fixed Wireless Access System.” The identified provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless data communication systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fixed wireless metropolitan area network (MAN) that uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) carrier access modulation configured to allow the consumer premise equipment (CPE) to utilize an antenna deployed internally within the consumer's premise, instead of requiring an externally accessible antenna that has a line of sight transmission path to a base station. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Wireless data communication systems that utilize radio frequency (RF) signals to transmit and re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a fixed wireless access system that uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signals for transmission. The system consists of a consumer premise equipment (CPE) unit and a base station unit connected through an Ethernet interface. The CPE unit is easy to install and has an internal antenna, while the base station unit is located within a range of the CPE unit. The CPE unit receives a digital signal from a computer or network, transforms it to an analog format, and transmits it through radio frequency technology to the base station unit. The base station unit then transforms the signal back to a digital format and passes it through the Ethernet connection to the computer, LAN, or network. The system utilizes OFDM symbols without a training symbol and detects them in a symbol-by-symbol manner. The system also utilizes a framed downlink transmission and an unframed uplink transmission. The technical effects of the invention include improved data transmission speed and reliability, as well as simplified installation and maintenance.

Problems solved by technology

The reason for this difference is due to the fact that RF signals lose power rapidly over longer distances or when transmitting through obstacles such as buildings or walls.

The primary problem with such wire-based MAN systems is the cost of installing and maintaining the high-quality telephone or coaxial cable communication medium.

These higher frequencies are subject to different technical concerns and require larger external antenna systems that provide line-of-sight transmission paths from the top of one building to another.

All of these more complicated modulation schemes for the existing fixed wireless MAN systems generally require more expensive equipment and more transmission power at each base station.

The most significant disadvantage of larger sizes for the coverage area for each base station is the greater potential for signal loss or attenuation between the base station and the CPE.

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