Virtual radio access network using software-defined network of remotes and digital multiplexing switches

Abstract

A system for routing signals in a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) includes one or more Base Band Units (BBUs). Each of the one or more BBUs has one or more digital outputs. The system also includes a plurality of Digital Multiplexer Units (DMUs) coupled to each other and operable to route signals between the plurality of DMUs. Each of the plurality of DMUs is operable to receive one or more digital inputs from the one or more BBUs. The system further includes a plurality of Digital Remote Units (DRUs) coupled to the plurality of DMUs and operable to transport signals between the plurality of DRUs and one or more of the plurality of DMUs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 258,289, filed Nov. 20, 2015. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 580,585, filed on Dec. 23, 2014, entitled “Digital Multiplexer in a Distributed Antenna System”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 920,397, filed on Dec. 23, 2013, entitled “Digital Multiplexer in a Distributed Antenna System”. The foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Wireless and mobile network operators face the continuing challenge of building networks that effectively manage high data-traffic growth rates. Mobility and an increased level of multimedia content for end users requires end-to-end network adaptations that support both new services and the increased demand for broadband and flat-rate Internet access. One ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Numerous benefits are achieved by way of the present invention over conventional techniques. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems that utilize system elements with reduced hardware requirements (e.g., radio units in BTSs and radio units in DAUs), thereby reducing system cost, reducing system power consumption, and reducing system size. Additionally, embodiments described herein reduce or remove the requirement to perform RF to digital conversion and digital to RF conversion, thereby reducing signal degradation. These and other embodiments of the invention along with many of its advantages and features are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and attached figures.

Problems solved by technology

Wireless and mobile network operators face the continuing challenge of building networks that effectively manage high data-traffic growth rates.

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