Multi-functional, software-configurable device for fixed wireless networks

Abstract

Techniques are described that relate to a wireless network device having a single hardware architecture that supports multiple device roles through software configuration. A wireless network device includes a housing having an RF connector and a circuit board having a first radio coupled to an internal antenna and a second radio coupled to an external antenna via the RF connector. The external antenna is mounted on an exterior surface of a building and coupled to the RF connector via an RF cable. The wireless network device establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna and a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the second antenna. The second device can be a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway, the gateway being mounted outside the building. The third device is located inside the building and can be a customer premises equipment (CPE) station or a wireless endpoint device. Each of the wireless network device, the second wireless network device, and the CPE station includes the same hardware.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A large and growing number of users are enjoying entertainment by consuming digital media items such as music, movies, images, e-books, etc. Users consume these media items using a variety of electronic devices. Among these electronic devices (referred to herein as endpoint devices, user devices, clients, client devices, or user equipment) are e-book readers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players, tablet computers, netbooks, laptop computers, etc. These electronic devices communicate wirelessly with a communications infrastructure to enable consumption of digital media items. To communicate wirelessly with other devices, these electronic devices include one or more antennas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the present application are represented, however, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the specific embodiments represented, but rather just by explanation and understanding.

[0003] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified hardware architecture of a multi-functional, software-configurable network device for a fixed wireless network, according to one embodiment.

[0004] Figure 2 is a chart illustrating various uses of a multi-functional, software-configurable network device in a fixed wireless network, according to one embodiment.

[0005] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as an in-home unit (IHU), according to one embodiment.

[0006] Figure 4 illustrates a wireless network device configured as a customer IHU, according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as a community area gateway (CA-GW), according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 6 illustrates a wireless network device configured as a CA-GW, according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as an outdoor station (STA), according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 8 illustrates a wireless network device configured as an outdoor STA, according to one embodiment, with an externally-directed antenna mounted on a window of a customer premises.

[0011] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as an outdoor unit (ODU) of a base station device, a relay device, or a gateway device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 10 shows three wireless network devices configured as ODU in multi-sector base station relay (BS / RL) mode, multi-sector GW mode, and hybrid mode according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 11 is a network diagram of network devices deployed at a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) according to another embodiment.

[0014] Figure 12 is a network diagram of a wireless network with three node types in a star topology according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 13 shows an exemplary node configuration of a wireless network according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 14 is a block diagram of an electronic device that can be configured to operate as one of a plurality of device functions as described herein according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The description relates to technology for wireless network devices having a single hardware architecture that supports multiple device roles through software configuration. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio bands allow unlicensed wireless communication. Due to their unlicensed nature, many short-range, low-power wireless communication systems operate in these bands. As a result, the unlicensed spectrum is limited in various locations including India (e.g., 2.4 GHz ISM and 5 GHz U-NII bands). Various devices are described herein including wireless local area network (WLAN) radios operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz U-NII-1 bands and utilizing various WLAN protocols such as IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, etc.). The radios can utilize 2x2 spatial multiplexing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and channel bandwidths from 20 MHz to 40 MHz. The radios can see all 5.x GHz channels, including dynamic frequency selection (DFS) channels, and can operate at an equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) of up to 36 dBmi, depending on the channel. The devices described herein can be deployed in a wireless network that has a hierarchical topology between Internet service provider (ISP) ingress to subscribers. In various embodiments, the wireless network is logically organized as a cascading star topology as described in more detail below.

[0018] The network architecture described herein is capable of providing video on demand (VoD) and internet services at scale to customers. The network architecture described herein can be deployed in areas with limited traditional ISP infrastructure (e.g., India). These services can be achieved through a combination of wired entry points, wireless connections, and tiered content caching in the network architecture described herein. As described herein, the network architecture includes techniques for distributing VoD and internet services to customers using wired and wireless links. The network devices are organized into three logical units called nodes: base station nodes (BSNs), relay nodes (RLNs), and customer premises equipment (CPE) nodes (also referred to as home access nodes (HANs)). Each node supports a unique set of network functions. The CPE nodes provide home customer devices (FireTV, laptops) with connectivity to the outdoor wireless access network. The RLNs aggregate wireless access traffic from the CPEs and pass this data back to the central BSNs over a wireless distribution network. The BSNs aggregate the RLN wireless distribution and local wireless access traffic to the fiber entry point. The devices at the nodes can be manufactured as a general-purpose device type and programmed according to any of the following device roles: a router (RT) role, a base station (BS) role, a gateway (GW) role, a repeater (RL) role, or a customer station (STA) role.

[0019] In one embodiment, a wireless network device having a single hardware architecture can include a housing having an RF connector and a circuit board having a first radio coupled to an internal antenna and a second radio coupled to an external antenna via the RF connector. The second antenna is mounted on a first exterior surface of a residential unit (i.e., a building) and coupled to the RF connector via an RF cable. The wireless network device can be mounted on a second exterior surface of the building, such as a balcony of a customer premises. Alternatively, the wireless network device can be mounted to a column or other structure of the building. The wireless network device establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna and a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the second antenna. The second device can be a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway, which is mounted outside of the residential unit. The gateway can be mounted to a third exterior surface of the building, such as a roof of the building. Alternatively, the gateway can be mounted to a column or the like that extends from the building. It is also noted that, in some cases, the second wireless network device can be programmed to operate a hybrid mode device (e.g., BS / RL+GW) (also referred to as a hybrid device). The third device, which is located within the residential unit, can be a CPE station or a wireless endpoint device. Each of the wireless network device, the second wireless network device, and the CPE station includes the same hardware, as described below with respect to Figures 1 to 12 The devices described herein can be deployed in a cascaded star topology, as described with respect to Figures 13 to 14shown and described.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified hardware architecture of a multi-functional, software-configurable network device 100 for a fixed wireless network, according to one embodiment. The wireless network device 100 has a simplified hardware architecture that can be programmed by software according to a plurality of functions. The hardware of the wireless network device 100 can be the same hardware as other wireless network devices in the wireless network. That is, the wireless network devices can be manufactured as a common type of device (e.g., a single SKU product) and programmed according to any of the following device roles: operating as a router (RT) role, a base station (BS) role, a repeater (RL) role, a gateway (GW) role, a common area gateway (CA-GW), a client station (STA) role (e.g., an indoor unit (IHU) or an outdoor unit (OHU)), or a storage (NAS) role. Generally, a gateway is a device that connects to a base station device or a relay device via a wired network of a building and wirelessly to one or more client STAs (e.g., IHUs or OHUs). A common area gateway is a specific type of gateway that is located inside a building in a common area, as opposed to a gateway that is set up outside of the building (e.g., on the roof of the building). The common area gateway also connects to the wired network of the building and wirelessly to one or more client STAs. The common area gateway can be located closer to some of the client STAs inside the building as compared to a gateway located on the roof.

[0021] A "device role" is a set of specific network functions associated with one or more network devices, such as primary wireless network devices (also referred to herein as "wireless devices," "network devices," or "D2s"), which are configured according to the device role (e.g., gateway device, client station, etc.). It should be noted that a particular device role can vary based on the type of node in the wireless node. The wireless network is logically organized as nodes in a hierarchical topology, such as a cascading star topology, while one or more devices of a particular node are physically organized at the location of a customer premises, such as a single dwelling unit (SDU), an MDU, or other building or structure as described below.

[0022] As Figure 1As shown, the wireless network device 100 includes one or more processors 102 (hereafter “processors”), one or more memory devices 104 (hereafter “memory devices”), a first radio 106 coupled to an internal antenna 108, a second radio 110 coupled to one or more RF connectors 112 (e.g., SMA connectors) that are coupled to external antennas 114 via one or more RF cables 116. The wireless network device 100 includes one or more wired interfaces, including a serial interface transceiver 118 coupled between the processors 102 and a serial interface connector 120, a network switch 122 coupled between the processors 102 and both a first network interface connector 124 and a second network interface connector 126, and a power conditioning circuit 128 coupled to a power connector 129.

[0023] The processors 102 can be various types of processing devices, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, or other types of processors or processing devices. The processors 102 can implement processing logic including hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The processing logic can configure the wireless network device 100 to operate according to device roles using device role information and according to nodes of a cascading initiation topology using node configuration information as described herein. This information can be stored in the memory devices 104. The memory devices 104 can be any type of memory or storage device and can store instructions implementing the processing logic, device role information, and node configuration information. The processors 102 can communicate with other devices through wired interfaces, wireless interfaces (e.g., the first radio 106, the second radio 110), or any combination thereof.

[0024] As Figure 1As shown, the wireless network device 100 includes a device housing 130. Inside the housing 130, the wireless network device 100 can include a circuit board having a processor 102, a first radio 106, an internal antenna 108, a second radio 110, one or more RF connectors 112, a serial interface transceiver 118, a serial interface connector 120, a network switch 122, a first network interface connector 124, a second network interface connector 126, a power conditioning circuit 128, and a power connector 129. These components can be considered internal components. The circuit board can be a printed circuit board (PCB) and the internal antenna 108 can be a PCB antenna disposed on a first plane of the PCB. A memory device 104 can be disposed on the circuit board. Alternatively, the memory device 104 can be disposed off the circuit board and connected to the processor 102 via a connector on the circuit board. The serial interface transceiver 118 and the serial interface connector 120 can implement one of various technologies, such as a USB technology (e.g., USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 standards, etc.). In these implementations, the serial interface transceiver 118 can include a USB transceiver and the serial interface connector 120 can be a USB connector, such as a USB-A connector. A USB-connected storage medium can be attached to the serial interface connector 120 to provide additional storage. Alternatively, the serial interface transceiver 118 can include other transceivers, such as a universal asynchronous transceiver (UART), etc. The network switch 122 can be an Ethernet switch (e.g., a Gigabit Ethernet switch), and the first network interface connector 124 and the second network interface connector 126 can be RJ45 connectors. A Power over Ethernet (PoE) controller can be used to power via one or both of the RJ45 connectors. The wireless network device 100 can also include other interfaces, such as one or more memory interfaces (DDR memory interfaces and NAND flash memory interfaces) to connect volatile and non-volatile memory to the processor 102. In another implementation, the processor 102 can be coupled to an additional PAN radio implementing the Bluetooth® technology. Bluetooth® technology.

[0025] Serial interface connector 120, first network interface connector 124, second network interface connector 126, power conditioning circuit 128, and power connector 129 can be external connectors that can connect to components external to housing 130. External antenna 114, RF cable 116, and other items such as Ethernet cables, USB cables, and power cables can be considered external components because they are external to housing 130; while processor 102, first radio 106, second radio 110, internal antenna 108, RF connector 112, network switch 122, serial interface connector 120, first network interface connector 124, second network interface connector 126, power conditioning circuit 128, and power connector 129 can be considered internal components because they are internal to housing 130. As described herein, memory device 104 can be an external or internal component. First radio 106 and second radio 110 can implement or be one or more types of radio technology, such as WLAN technology, wireless personal area network (WPAN) technology, cellular technology, long range (LoRa) technology, body area network (BAN) technology, Near-Me (NAN) technology, etc. In one embodiment, first radio 106 and second radio 110 are Bluetooth® technology-enabled radios. For example, first radio 106 can implement 2.4 GHz Bluetooth® technology, while second radio 110 can implement 5 GHz Bluetooth® technology. In some implementations, first radio 106 can be a 2x2 MIMO radio operating according to IEEE 802.11n, while second radio 110 can be a 2x2 MIMO radio operating according to IEEE 802.11ac.

[0026] ​​​​As shown, the first radio 106 includes a first central processing unit (CPU) 132 coupled to the processor 102, a first transceiver 134 coupled to the first CPU 132, a first bandpass filter (BPF) 136 coupled to the first transceiver 134, a first low pass filter (LPF) 138 coupled to the first BPF 136 and the internal antenna 108, a second transceiver 140 coupled to the first CPU 132, a second BPF 142 coupled to the second transceiver 140, and a second LPF 144 coupled to the second BPF 142 and the internal antenna 108. The second radio 110 includes a second CPU 146 coupled to the processor 102; a third transceiver 148 coupled to the second CPU 146; a third BPF 150 coupled to the third transceiver 148; and a third LPF 152 coupled to the third BPF 150 and the RF connector 112, which is coupled to the external antenna 114 via the first RF cable 116; a fourth transceiver 154 coupled to the second CPU 146; a fourth BPF 156 coupled to the fourth transceiver 154; and a fourth LPF 158 coupled to the fourth LPF 156 and the second RF connector 112, which is coupled to the external antenna 114 via the second RF cable 116. The first BPF 136 and the second BPF 142 are configured to filter RF signals received via the internal antenna 108 within a first frequency range (e.g., the 5 GHz band), and the third BPF 150 and the fourth BPF 156 are configured to filter RF signals received via the external antenna 114 within a second frequency range (e.g., the 2.4 GHz band). The first frequency band is different from the second frequency band. It is noted that the various components of the wireless device 100 can be implemented in one or more semiconductor dies. For example, in one implementation, the processor 102, the first CPU 132, and the second CPU 142 can be implemented on a first integrated circuit, such as a system on a chip (SoC). In another implementation, other components of the first radio 106 and the second radio 110 can also be implemented on the first integrated circuit. Other components of the wireless device 100 can be implemented in one or more additional integrated circuits or components.

[0027] In one embodiment, the internal antenna 108 is a first directional antenna disposed on a first plane of a circuit board within the device housing 130, and the external antenna 114 is a second directional antenna disposed on a second plane of an external surface of a building, e.g., a single residential unit, a multi-residential unit, etc. The residential unit can be a customer's home, e.g., a single or multi-unit dwelling, an office building, etc. The second plane can be orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the first plane. In another embodiment, the external antenna 114 is a dual-band omni-directional antenna (e.g., a 5 GHz / 2.4 GHz WLAN antenna), while the internal antenna 108 can be a single-band directional antenna (e.g., a 5 GHz WLAN antenna or a 2.4 GHz antenna). Alternatively, the internal antenna 108 can also be omni-directional. In another embodiment, the first radio 108 can be selectively coupled to a second internal antenna 160. The internal antenna 108 can be designed as a 5 GHz WLAN antenna and the second internal antenna 160 can be designed as a 2.4 GHz WLAN antenna. It should be noted that when the first radio 106 includes two TX-RX chains (i.e., the first TX-RX chain includes the first transceiver 134, the first BPF 136, and the first LPF 138), the internal antenna 108 (and the second internal antenna 160) can include multiple antenna elements, each coupled to one of the two chains. Similarly, the second radio 110 can include two TX-RX chains, as shown, and the external antenna 114 can include one or more antenna elements.

[0028] In one embodiment, the one or more memory devices 104 store device role information and node configuration information. The device role information can include device settings for each device role: a router device role, a BS device role, a RL device role, a GW device role, a customer STA device role (e.g., an indoor or outdoor customer STA), a common area gateway (CA-GW) device role, a NAS device role, etc. The node configuration information can include node settings for each device role in each node type: a BS N, a RL N, or a CPE node. The node configuration information can also include information about hardware available at the wireless network device 100, including hardware plugged into hardware ports of the wireless network device 100. For example, the node configuration information can be determined during a boot-up process, e.g., by a basic input / output system (BIOS). The device role information and the node configuration information can be stored in memory, registers, designated files, etc. The node configuration information can also include an indication of whether a storage device is attached to a hardware port of the wireless network device 100. The device role information can be used to allow the wireless network device 100 to be configured as one of the device types described herein. The node configuration information can include information about the wireless network device 100’s connections. For example, the node configuration information can list each external connection to other devices, e.g., through a wired interface or a wireless interface. In one embodiment, the node configuration information includes an IP address for a WAN port. In other embodiments, the node configuration information includes an IP address for a private subnet. As described herein, the node configuration information can be used by the wireless network device 100 to configure according to the particular role of the wireless network device 100, depending on where the wireless network device 100 is placed in the cascading star topology.

[0029] During operation and after a power-on event, the processor 102 can use the device role information and the node configuration information to configure the device role and the node configuration. Operations to perform the device role process can be done by processing logic of the processor 102. The processor 102 can receive a first command identifying a first node of a wireless network and a first node type of the first node. The first node is a node in a cascading star topology of the wireless network. In response to the first command, the processor 102 configures the wireless network device 100 as part of a set of devices at the first node according to the first node type using the node configuration information. The processor 102 receives a second command identifying a first device role of the wireless network device 100. In response to the second command, the processor 102 configures the wireless network device 100 according to the first device role using the device role information. To configure the wireless network device 100 according to the first device role, the processor 102 establishes a wired connection with other devices of the set of devices (e.g., a second network device 113) at the first node. The processor 102 configures at least one of radios of a wireless interface to communicate with another device (e.g., a third network device) in a second node over a wireless link. In another embodiment, the processor 102 receives a command identifying a device role of the wireless network device 100. In response to the second command, the processor 102 configures the wireless network device 100 according to the device role using the device settings. The processor 102 can establish appropriate wired and wireless links with other devices as described herein.

[0030] In another embodiment, the processor 102 receives a third command after the first and second commands, the third command identifying a third node of the wireless network and a second node type of the third node. The third command can be initiated as part of a re-use process to re-use the wireless network device 100 as a different device type or a different node type. In response to the third command, the processor 102 configures the wireless network device 100 as part of a second set of devices at the third node according to the second node type using the node configuration information. After the first and second commands, the processor 102 receives a fourth command identifying a second device role of the wireless network device 100. In response to the fourth command, the processor 102 configures the wireless network device 100 according to the second device role using the device role information. To configure the wireless network device 100 according to the second device role, the processor 102 establishes appropriate wired and wired connections with other devices according to the role and node assigned to the wireless network device 100.

[0031] In other embodiments, the wireless network device 100 includes other components, such as peripheral ports, wired interface ports (e.g., Ethernet ports), directional antennas, omni-directional antennas, serial interfaces (e.g., USB, PCIe, PSGMII), card readers, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, UARTs, general purpose input-output terminals, integrated radios with or without dedicated CPU cores, multi-layer switches / routers, RF modules, pin connectors that allow external antennas to be coupled to the wireless network device 100, and the like. It should be noted that in some embodiments, in addition to the memory device 104, a single hardware architecture is fixed to include only the internal components shown. That is, a single PCB can be used in the same or different housings for various types of devices described herein, such as, for example, the BS / RL device, gateway device, outdoor customer STA, indoor customer STA, CA-GW device, or NAS device shown in Figure 1 FIG. 1. Figure 2 FIG. 2.

[0032] Figure 2 is a chart showing various uses of a multi-purpose, software-configurable network device 200 (hereinafter “wireless network device”) in a fixed wireless network, according to one embodiment. The wireless network device 200 can be any variant of the wireless network device 100 described above with respect to Figure 1 FIG. 1. The wireless network device 200 has the same hardware architecture 202, which can be used in different PCB versions, such as PCB SKU (version 1) 204 and PCB SKU (version 2) 206. Either of the PCB SKUs 204, 206 can be used in physical device units, including indoor units (IDUs) 208 and outdoor units (ODUs) 210. The IDUs 208 can include one type of device housing, while the ODUs 210 can have another type of device housing. For example, the ODUs 210 can include a device housing designed for outdoor use (e.g., features that protect the electronics from the elements, such as water, wind, temperature, humidity, etc.). Alternatively, the IDUs 208 and ODUs 210 can include the same type of device housing. Depending on the device role that the wireless network device 200 will be in indoors, the IDUs 208 can be programmed for a particular device use case. For example, the IDUs 208 can be programmed as an indoor customer STA 212 (also referred to as a home unit (IHU)). Depending on the device role that the wireless network device 200 will be in outdoors, the IDUs 210 can be programmed for a particular device use case. For example, the ODUs 210 can be programmed as a CA-GW device 214, an outdoor customer STA 216 (also referred to as a STA), or any combination of a base station device, a relay device, and a gateway device, collectively referred to as BS, RL, GW 218. Some details of setting up these different device use cases are described below.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as a customer IHU 300 according to an embodiment. The customer IHU 300 can be a physical device SKU of the IDU 208, including a device housing 302 having a width 304 (e.g., 120-140 mm), a length 306 (e.g., 120-140 mm), and a height 308 (e.g., 20-40 mm). The customer IHU 300 includes, for example, the first and second network interface connectors 310 and 312, the RF connector 314, and the power connector 316 described above with respect to Figure 1

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates the customer IHU 300 according to an embodiment. When the customer IHU 300 is set up in a customer’s home, two external omni-directional antennas 414 can be plugged into the RF connector 314, an Ethernet cable 410 can be plugged into the network interface connector 310 (data only), and a power cable 416 can be plugged into the power connector 316. The external omni-directional antennas 414 can radiate in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. Figure 3

[0035] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as a common area gateway (CA-GW) 500 according to an embodiment. The CA-GW 500 can be a physical device SKU of the ODU 210, including a device housing 502 having a width 504 (e.g., 130-170 mm), a length 506 (e.g., 130-170 mm), and a height 508 (e.g., 20-40 mm). The CA-GW 500 includes, for example, the first and second network interface connectors 510 and 512, the RF connector 514, and the power connector 516, the PoE controller 518, and the serial interface connector 520 described above with respect to Figure 1

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates the CA-GW 500 according to an embodiment. When the CA-GW 500 is set up in a customer’s home, two external omni-directional antennas 614 can be plugged into the RF connector 514, an Ethernet cable 610 can be plugged into the network interface connector 510 (48V PoE), and a power cable 616 can be plugged into the power connector 516. The external omni-directional antennas 614 can radiate in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. Figure 5 ​​​​

[0037] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a wireless network device configured as an outdoor STA 700 according to one embodiment. The outdoor STA 700 may be a physical device SKU of ODU 210, including a device housing 702 having a width 704 (e.g., 130-170 mm), a length 706 (e.g., 130-170 mm), and a height 708 (e.g., 20-40 mm). The outdoor STA 700 includes, for example, the components described above. Figure 1 The first network interface connector 710 and the second network interface connector 712, RF connector 714 and power connector 716, PoE controller 718 and serial interface connector 720 are described. RF connector 714 is coupled to external antenna 114 (e.g., a 2.4 / 5 GHz omnidirectional antenna). The outdoor STA 700 also includes internal antenna 108 (e.g., a directional 5.x GHz antenna).

[0038] Figure 8 Showing according to one implementation scheme Figure 7 The outdoor STA 700. When the outdoor STA 700 is installed outside the customer's home 800, two external antennas 814 can be inserted into RF connectors 714 via RF cables 816. An Ethernet cable 810 can be inserted into network interface connectors 710 (48V PoE). The external antennas 814 can be omnidirectional and can radiate in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, and the internal antenna 108 of the outdoor STA 700 ( Figure 8 (Not shown) It can radiate in the 5 GHz band. The external antenna 814 can be an external directional antenna and the internal antenna 108 can be an internal directional antenna. Alternatively, the external antenna 814 can be an omnidirectional antenna.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of an outdoor unit (ODU) 900 of a wireless network device configured as a base station device, relay device, or gateway device according to one embodiment. The ODU 900 is a physical device SKU comprising a device housing 902 having a width 904 (e.g., 130-170 mm), a length 906 (e.g., 130-170 mm), and a height 908 (e.g., 20-40 mm). The ODU 900 includes, for example, the components described above. Figure 1 The first network interface connector 910 and the second network interface connector 912, RF connector 914 and power connector 916, PoE controller 918 and serial interface connector 920 are described. RF connector 914 is coupled to external antenna 114 (e.g., a 2.4 / 5 GHz omnidirectional antenna). The ODU 900 also includes internal antenna 108 (e.g., a directional 5.x GHz antenna).

[0040] Figure 10 Three wireless network devices configured as ODUs 1000, 1004, 1008 in a multi-sector base station relay (BS / RL) mode, a multi-sector GW mode, and a hybrid mode are shown in accordance with one embodiment. The ODU 1000 includes an internal antenna that operates in the 5 GHz band and an RF connector that connects to an external antenna 1002. The internal antenna can be a directional antenna disposed in a first plane and radiate electromagnetic energy in a first direction. The external antenna 1002 can be disposed in a second plane and radiate electromagnetic energy in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction. In this embodiment, the ODU 1000 is programmed to operate as a base station (BS) and a relay node (RL) in a multi-sector BS / RL mode 1014. The ODU 1000 can be disposed on a roof of a building 1012. The ODU 1000 can communicate as a base station using the internal antenna and can communicate as a relay node using the external antenna 1002. In other embodiments, the ODU 1000 and the external antenna 1002 can be disposed in other orientations. The ODU 1000 can be configured for the multi-sector BS / RL mode 1014 to provide backhaul functionality to multiple sectors. For example, a wireless network device can include RL functionality and base station functionality. The base station functionality can be provided to devices located in a first sector (e.g., a first building) and the RL functionality can be provided to devices located in a second sector (e.g., a second building). In other embodiments, a single wireless network device can provide service for more than two sectors.

[0041] The ODU 1004 includes an internal antenna that operates in the 5 GHz band and an RF connector that connects to the external antenna 1006. The internal antenna can be a directional antenna disposed in a first plane and radiate electromagnetic energy in a first direction. The external antenna 1006 can be disposed in a second plane and radiate electromagnetic energy in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. In this implementation, the ODU 1004 is programmed to operate as a BS and a gateway (GW) or a RL and a GW in the (BS / RL+GW) mode 1016. The ODU 1004 can be disposed on a roof of the building 1012. The ODU 1004 can communicate as a BS or a RL using the internal antenna, and can communicate as a GW using the external antenna 1006. The external antenna 1006 can be disposed on a side of the building 1012 and oriented to radiate electromagnetic energy from the roof down to devices disposed outside of a customer's home as described herein. In other implementations, the ODU 1004 and the external antenna 1006 can be disposed in other orientations. The ODU 1004 can be configured for the BS / RL+GW mode 1016 to provide multiple backhaul functions in a single device, including base station functionality, relay functionality, and gateway functionality. For example, the BS or RL functionality can communicate with other devices as a BS or a RL using the internal antenna, and the GW functionality can communicate with other devices as a GW using the external antenna 1006. In this way, a single wireless network device operates in a hybrid mode.

[0042] The ODU 1008 includes an internal antenna that operates in the 5 GHz band and an RF connector that connects to an external antenna 1010. The internal antenna can be a directional antenna disposed in a first plane and radiate electromagnetic energy in a first direction. The external antenna 1010 can be disposed in a second plane and radiate electromagnetic energy in a second direction that is at a specified angle from the first direction. In this implementation, the ODU 1008 is programmed to operate as a GW in a multi-sector GW mode 1018. The ODU 1008 can be disposed on a roof of a building 1012 or on a side of the building 1012. The ODU 1004 can communicate using the internal antenna as a first GW and can communicate using the external antenna 1010 as a second GW. As depicted, the external antenna 1010 can be disposed with the ODU 1008 on a side of the building 1012 and the external antenna 1010 and the ODU 1008 can be disposed at different angles to radiate electromagnetic energy down from the roof in two different directions to devices. For example, the ODU 1008 can communicate with a first device outside a first customer's home in a first location using the internal antenna and can communicate with a second device outside a second customer's home in a second location. In other implementations, the ODU 1008 and the external antenna 1010 can be disposed in other orientations. The ODU 1008 can be configured for the multi-sector GW mode 1018 to provide GW functionality to multiple sectors. For example, the wireless network device can include GW functionality for devices located in a first sector (e.g., a first building) and provide GW functionality for devices located in a second sector (e.g., a second building). In this manner, a single wireless network device operates as two separate gateways for two sectors. In other implementations, a single wireless network device can provide service for more than two sectors.

[0043] Figure 11 is a network diagram of network devices deployed at an MDU 1100 according to another implementation. At the MDU 1100, there is a base station (BS) device or a relay (RL) device (hereinafter referred to as BS / RL device 1102) disposed on a roof of the MDU 1100. The BS / RL device 1102 is coupled to a wired network 1104. The wired network 1104 can include a PoE switch, a NAS storage device, etc.

[0044] The wired network 1104 can extend along the roof of the MDU 1100 and in the common area 1106 of the MDU 1100. The wired network 1104 can connect the BS / RL devices 1102 to one or more common area gateway devices 1108 (CA-GWs) in the common area 1106, and one or more gateway devices 1110 on the roof. The CA-GWs 1108 can be connected to each other via wired or wireless connections. For example, the CA-GWs 1108 can be connected in a ring topology daisy chain over Ethernet for redundancy. The CA-GWs 1108 can be connected to CPEs in customer homes in various ways (referred to herein as MDU options: N1-N4), by wired connections or wireless connections (e.g., 5.x GHz). For example, the gateway devices 1110 on the roof can be wirelessly connected to outdoor customer stations 1112 along the surface of the MDU 1100 (referred to as N2 networks (surface)). The outdoor customer stations 1112 can operate as access points to other endpoint devices (CPEs) in the customer home 1119 (i.e., customer premises), such as tablets, phones, entertainment devices, etc. The access points can communicate with these devices over the 2.4 GHz band using external antennas 1114. The outdoor customer stations 1112 also include internal directional antennas for communicating with the gateway devices 1110 on the roof along the surface of the MDU 1100 (or outside the building). The outdoor customer stations 1112 can be customer-installed ODUs that provide customer connectivity uniquely through an external directional 2.4 GHz antenna. The ODUs can provide physical security and environmental sealing. As described herein, the ODUs can use a single PCB design architecture that supports multiple network roles through software configuration.

[0045] In another implementation, one of the CA-GWs 1108 can wirelessly connect to an indoor customer station 1116 (also referred to as an IHU) in a customer home 1118 (referred to herein as N1 / N4 networks (WLTH)). The indoor customer station 1116 can operate as an access point to other endpoint devices within the customer premises, such as tablets, phones, entertainment devices, etc. The access point can communicate with these devices over the 2.4 GHz band and / or the 5 GHz band using internal antennas or external antennas. A second indoor customer station 1120 in a second customer home 1122 can include a wired connection to the BS / RL devices 1102 via the wired network 1104 (referred to herein as N3 networks (WTH)). The second indoor customer station 1120 can operate as an access point to other endpoint devices within the customer premises, such as tablets, phones, entertainment devices, etc. The access point can communicate with these devices over the 2.4 GHz band and / or the 5 GHz band using internal antennas or external antennas.

[0046] In one embodiment, the outdoor customer station 1112 includes a processor, a 2.4 GHz WLAN radio, a 5 GHz WLAN radio, a first internal antenna coupled to the 5 GHz WLAN radio, and an external antenna port coupled to the 2.4 GHz WLAN radio. The external antenna ports can be Subminiature version A (SMA) connectors, which are coaxial RF connectors with a helical type coupling mechanism. Alternatively, other RF connectors can be used. The external antenna 1114 is coupled to the 2.4 GHz WLAN radio via an RF cable that is coupled to the external antenna port. The external antenna 1114 is mounted on an outer surface of the MDU 1100, and the outdoor customer station 1112 is mounted outside the MDU, for example, on a pole that extends from the building. The outdoor customer station 1112 can be mounted on an outer surface of the building, on a pole, or other structure associated with the building. The gateway device 1110 includes a second processor, a third WLAN radio, a second internal antenna coupled to the third WLAN radio, and a wired port coupled to a network switch in the wired network 1104. The gateway device 1110 is mounted outside the building, for example, on a pole that extends from the MDU 1100. The CPE station 1126 includes a fourth WLAN radio and a third antenna coupled to the fourth WLAN radio. The CPE station 1126 is located inside the building, for example, in a customer home 1119. The first processor of the outdoor customer station 1112 establishes a first wireless link 1128 between the 2.4 GHz WLAN radio and the third WLAN radio of the gateway 1110. The first wireless link 1128 can be a line-of-sight (LOS) link outside the MDU 1100. For example, the outdoor customer station 1112 can use a radiation pattern of electromagnetic energy that focuses along an outer surface of the MDU 1100. The first wireless link can be a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) link or a near-line-of-sight (nLOS) link outside the building. The nLOS link can have a partially obstructed path between the location of the transmitter and the location of the receiver, while the NLOS link can be obstructed by walls, structures, etc. The first processor of the outdoor customer station 1112 establishes a second wireless link 1130 between the 5 GHz WLAN radio and the fourth WLAN radio of the CPE station 1126. The second wireless link 1130 is a LOS link through at least a window of the building or a NLOS link through or around a single wall or a single floor of the building. In this embodiment, the internal antenna of the outdoor customer station 1112 is disposed on a first plane, for example, a PCB plane within the outdoor customer station 1112, and the external antenna 1114 is disposed on a second plane, for example, an outer surface of the MDU 1100. The second plane can be orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the first plane. The outer surface can be a window or an outer wall of the customer home 1119. Alternatively, the external antenna 1114 can be mounted on another structure, for example, a structure on a balcony of the customer home 1119.

[0047] It should be noted that the various apparatuses described above can use a single apparatus architecture that is capable of providing one of a variety of functions, e.g., BS, RL, BS / RL, GW, CA-GW, IDU, outdoor customer station, etc. The single apparatus architecture can also be capable of providing one of a variety of multi-sector and hybrid modes, e.g., multi-sector BS / RL mode, BS / RL+GW mode, multi-sector GW mode, etc. The single apparatus architecture can also satisfy indoor and outdoor apparatus use cases with similar or different apparatus housings, e.g., a first apparatus housing for an IDU that provides physical and environmental protection and a second apparatus housing for an ODU. The various apparatuses can include the same hardware in the single apparatus architecture. The same hardware can be programmed to operate according to the various apparatus roles described herein. The techniques of the apparatuses described herein overcome problems in fixed wireless networks that are composed of apparatuses that provide different coverage ranges and connection profiles, e.g., PtMP access points (APs) that provide extensive RF coverage to multiple clients, PtP apparatuses that provide narrow coverage ranges from clients to APs or multi-sector (PtP or PtMP) or hybrid mode (PtP and PtMP) functionality that can be required for backhaul functionality or specific network architectures. In the context of wireless communications, a network apparatus is used for backhaul functionality that transmits data between a wireless access point and other nodes in a network, e.g., between a wireless access point and a public network (e.g., the Internet). For example, a wireless network apparatus with backhaul functionality can establish a backhaul connection with another wireless network apparatus in a network. A wireless network apparatus with AP functionality can establish a connection with a client apparatus. A wireless network apparatus can include backhaul functionality and AP functionality.

[0048] As Figure 11As shown, the outdoor customer station 1112 is a wireless network device that can be programmed to operate as an outdoor CPE station that uses an external antenna 1114 on a window / wall of a building and connects with the gateway device 1110 for a backhaul connection and to provide AP functionality for multiple customers within the building. The wireless network device includes a housing with one or more RF connectors, and a circuit board. The one or more RF connectors are coupled to the one or more external antennas 114 via one or more RF cables. The circuit board is disposed within the housing and can include the single device architecture described herein. The circuit board can include a first antenna, a first radio coupled to the first antenna, a second radio coupled to the RF connector, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device can store device settings to configure the wireless network device to operate as an outdoor CPE station mounted outside a residential unit (MDU 1100). The external antenna 1114 is mounted on an exterior surface of the residential unit and coupled to the RF connector via an RF cable. The processor establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna inside the housing. The second device can also be a second wireless network device that is programmed to operate as, for example Figure 11 a gateway mounted on a first exterior surface of a building as shown in FIG. 11. The processor also establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the external antenna 1114. The external antenna 1114 can be mounted on a second exterior surface of the building and coupled to the RF connector via an RF cable. The third device is located within the building and is either an indoor CPE station or a wireless endpoint device. The outdoor customer station 1112, the gateway device 1110, and the indoor customer station can all include the same hardware. In one embodiment, the first radio includes only a first CPU, a first transceiver, a first BPF, a first LPF, a first antenna, a second transceiver, a second BPF, and a second LPF. The second radio includes only a second CPU, a third transceiver, a third BPF, a third LPF, an RF connector, a fourth transceiver, a fourth BPF, and a fourth LPF.

[0049] In another embodiment, the wireless network device of the outdoor customer station 1112 can be repurposed for another device role or to perform a different function. The memory device can store additional device settings to reconfigure the wireless network device to operate as one of a BS, a RL, a GW, a CA-GW, an indoor CPE station, etc.

[0050] In addition to being programmed to operate as an outdoor CPE station (e.g., 1112), a wireless network device having a single device architecture can also be configured as an IHU, a CA-GW, a STA, a BS, a RL or GW, a hybrid mode, a multi-sector mode, etc. In one embodiment, a wireless network device includes a housing having an RF connector and a circuit board disposed within the housing. The circuit board includes a first antenna, a first radio coupled to the first antenna, a second radio coupled to the RF connector, a processor, and a memory device, where the memory device is to store device settings to configure the wireless network device to operate as an outdoor CPE station when installed outside a residential unit, as an indoor CPE station when disposed inside a residential unit, as a CA-GW when disposed in a common area of a residential unit, or as a base station, a repeater, or a gateway (BS-RL-GW) when disposed on a roof of a residential unit. The processor can receive a command identifying a device role for the wireless network device. In response to the command, the processor configures the wireless network device according to the device role using the device settings. Typically, the processor can configure the wireless network device to connect to two or more devices via wired or wireless links. For example, the processor can connect to a second device via a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of the second device, connect to a third device via a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of the third device through the second antenna, and / or connect to a network switch via a wired link between the wireless network device and the network switch, which is coupled to at least a fourth device.

[0051] In one implementation, in response to the device role in the command identifying an outdoor CPE station, the processor establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna, where the second device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway; and establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the second antenna, where the third device is a wireless end-point device located inside a residential unit.

[0052] In another implementation, responsive to the device role in the command identifying the wireless indoor CPE station, the processor establishes, via the network switch, a wired link between the CA-GW and a fourth device, where the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a base station or a repeater. The base station or repeater is located on a roof and the CA-GW is located in a common area. The processor also establishes, via the first antenna, a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device, where the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a wireless indoor CPE station. The wireless indoor CPE station is located in a customer's home within a residential unit. The processor also establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of the wireless indoor CPE station.

[0053] In another implementation, responsive to the device role in the command identifying the CA-GW, the processor establishes, via the network switch, a wired link between the CA-GW and a fourth device, where the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a base station or a repeater. The base station or repeater is located on a roof and the CA-GW is located in a common area. The processor also establishes, via the first antenna, a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device, where the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a wireless indoor CPE station. The wireless indoor CPE station is located in a customer's home within a residential unit. The processor also establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of the wireless indoor CPE station.

[0054] In another implementation, responsive to the device role in the command identifying the BS / RL in a multi-sector BS / RL mode, the processor establishes, via the network switch, a wired link between the BS / RL and a fourth device, where the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway or a CA-GW. The BS / RL and gateway are located on a roof and the CA-GW is located in a common area. The processor also establishes, via the first antenna, a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device, where the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a second BS / RL. The second BS / RL is located on a roof of a second residential unit. The processor also establishes, via the second antenna, a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device, where the third device is a fourth wireless network device programmed to operate as a third BS / RL. The third BS / RL is located on a roof of a third residential unit.

[0055] In another implementation, in response to the device role in the command identifying a BS / RL+GW in a hybrid BS / RL+GW mode, the processor establishes a wired link between the BS / RL+GW and a fourth device via the network switch, where the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway or CA-GW. The BS / RL+GW and gateway are located on a roof, and the CA-GW is located in a common area. The processor also establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna, where the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a second BS / RL. The second BS / RL is located on a roof of a second residential unit. The processor also establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the second antenna, where the third device is a fourth wireless network device programmed as an outdoor CPE station. The outdoor CPE station is mounted to an exterior surface of a residential unit.

[0056] In another implementation, in response to the device role in the command identifying a gateway in a multi-sector GW mode, the processor establishes a wired link between the gateway and a fourth device via the network switch, where the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a BS / RL. The gateway and BS / RL are located on a roof. The processor also establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna, where the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a first outdoor CPE station. The outdoor CPE station is mounted to an exterior surface of a residential unit outside of a first customer home. The processor also establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the second antenna, where the third device is a fourth wireless network device programmed as a second outdoor CPE station. The second outdoor CPE station is mounted to an exterior surface outside of a second customer home.

[0057] In another implementation, in response to the device role in the command identifying an indoor CPE station as a wired indoor CPE station, the processor establishes a wired link between the wired indoor CPE station and a fourth device via the network switch, where the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a BS / RL. The BS / RL is located on a roof, and the wired indoor CPE station is located in a customer home within a residential unit. The processor also establishes a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna, where the second device is a first wireless endpoint device located in the customer home within the residential unit. The processor also establishes a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via the second antenna, where the third device is a second wireless endpoint device located in the customer home.

[0058] The above regarding Figures 1 to 11The described apparatus can be part of a wireless network logically organized into a hierarchical topology. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be logically organized into a cascading star topology including the following hierarchical elements: a cell, a node, and an apparatus, according to one embodiment. A "cell element" is a collection of wired and wireless connections arranged in a cellular structure. It is noted that a cell element is not a cell of a cellular wireless network. A cell element is composed of smaller cell elements called pico cell elements, nano cell elements, and micro cell elements. As described herein, a pico cell element is a cell element that includes customer premises equipment at a customer premises (e.g., a building, a house, etc.). A pico cell element is served by a gateway apparatus from a single base station node or a relay node. A nano cell element is a cell element that includes one or more pico cell elements. A nano cell element is served by a base station apparatus from a single base station node. A micro cell element is a cell element that includes one or more nano cell elements. The nano cell elements of a micro cell are connected via a wireless network. A "node" is a logical network building block subdivided into "infrastructure" (e.g., base station nodes, relay nodes, etc.) and "CPE." A wireless network can include the following "nodes": base station nodes (BSNs), relay nodes (RLNs), storage (NAS) nodes, and CPE nodes (also referred to as home access nodes (HANs). A BSN is connected to an Internet service provider (ISP) ingress via a router apparatus, provides a first coverage range (e.g., a BS coverage range) to an RLN, and provides a second coverage range (e.g., a gateway coverage range) to a first CPE node, e.g., a CPE node. An RLN is connected to a BSN by a relay apparatus and provides a third coverage range (e.g., a gateway coverage range) to a second CPE node. A CPE node can include one or more customer stations that provide one or more access points for one or more endpoint devices at a customer premises. In a cascading star topology, a BSN can be a first tier hub with respect to an RLN and a first CPE node. Additionally, in a cascading star topology, an RLN can be a second tier hub with respect to a second CPE node. A cascading star topology is a configuration of a star network that can extend or cascade the network into additional star networks using hubs on the spokes of the star network. Alternatively, a BSN, an RLN, and a CPE node can be organized in other multi-star networks or other chain-like interface configurations. A wireless network can utilize wireless network apparatuses that are each manufactured as a general-purpose apparatus type (e.g., a single SKU product) and programmed to operate according to a "device role." A "device role" is a set of specific network functions associated with one or more network apparatuses, e.g., a primary wireless network apparatus (also referred to herein as a "wireless apparatus," a "network apparatus," or a "D2") configured according to a device role (e.g., a gateway apparatus, a customer station, etc.).In various embodiments, a generic device type can be programmed to operate according to one of the following device roles: RT, BS, RL, GW, STA, NAS, multi-sector GW, multi-sector BS / RL, or hybrid BS / RL+GW, etc. It should be noted that the nodes of the wireless network are logically organized, while nodes with multiple devices can be physically organized at the customer premises location, for example, an SDU, MDU, or other building or structure as described herein.

[0059] BS / RL connections can be through nano-cell units, and the devices under the BS / RL device 1102 are part of a pico-cell unit. The pico-cell unit can be subdivided by customer device connections (GW-STA or GW endpoints). Each cell type can be further sectorized in order to increase network capacity when managing intra-network interfaces. Sectorization of pico-cell and nano-cell units can increase network capacity and manage intra-network interference when unsynchronized transmission and reception windows in the wireless network, for example, for networks based on Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA-CA), are used.

[0060] Figure 12 is a network diagram of a wireless network 1200 having three node types in a star topology according to one embodiment. The wireless network 1200 is a network architecture for delivering VoD and Internet to customers in a limited infrastructure area, for example, India. The entry 1201 can be a high capacity entry, typically a fiber exchange, and a means to distribute to customers using wired and wireless links. The network devices within the network are organized into three logical units called nodes: BSN, RLN, and HAN. The wireless network 1200 includes a BSN 1202 having a fiber entry 1201 and communicating with RLNs 1204, 1206, 1208 using outdoor distribution links 1203. The BSN 1202 also communicates with HANs 1210, 1212, 1214 using outdoor access links 1205. The RLNs 1204, 1206, 1208 communicate with HANs 1216-1232 using outdoor access links 1205. The HANs 1210-1232 communicate with devices 1234-1256 using home connections 1207. Each node supports a unique set of network functions. The HAN provides home customer devices (e.g., Fire TV, laptop, etc.) connectivity to the outdoor wireless access network (e.g., 1205). The RLN aggregates HAN wireless access traffic and passes this data back to the central BSN 1202 through the wireless distribution network (e.g., 1203). The BSN aggregates RLN wireless distribution and local wireless access traffic. The BSN 1202 can also include a fiber entry point (e.g., entry 1201).​

[0061] In one embodiment, the BSN 1202 can include one or more wireless network devices of network switches and general device types. The one or more devices can include base station devices, gateway devices, and optional storage devices. A base station device is a wireless network device programmed to operate according to a BS device role. A gateway device is a wireless network device programmed to operate according to a GW device role. A storage device is a wireless network device that includes one or more attached storage media, such as a USB-connected storage media (e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), programmed to operate according to a NAS device role. That is, a storage device can be programmed to operate as a storage controller for the attached storage media. In one embodiment, a base station device (i.e., BS device role) can provide a first multi-sector, point-to-multipoint (PtMP) coverage to one or more relay devices using one or more radios for a first distance, which is approximately 100 meters.

[0062] The RLNs 1204-1208 can include network switches and a plurality of wireless devices of a general device type. The plurality of wireless devices of the RLNs can include relay devices, gateway devices, and optional storage devices. A relay device is a wireless network device programmed to operate according to the RL device role. A gateway device is a wireless network device programmed to operate according to the GW device role. An optional storage device is a wireless network device that includes one or more attached storage media, such as a USB-connected storage media (e.g., HDD, SSD, etc.), programmed to operate according to the NAS device role. That is, the optional storage device can be programmed to operate as a storage controller for the attached storage media. By using the general device type for these devices, flexible multi-purpose capabilities across the wireless network 1200 can be implemented at a relatively low cost and with ease of software development. It is also noted that the general device type can be used for the router devices, as well as the content storage functionality. Alternatively, other types of devices can be used for the routing and storage functionality of the wireless network 1200. The relay devices can use one or more radios to provide single sector, point-to-point (PtP) connectivity to the base station device for a second distance of about 100 meters. The first gateway device (at the BSN) can use one or more radios to provide second multi-sector PtMP coverage to one or more client stations for a third distance of about 30 meters. The second gateway device (at the RLN) can use one or more radios to provide third multi-sector PtMP coverage to one or more additional client stations for a fourth distance of about 30 meters. As noted above, one or more external storage media (at the BSN) can be coupled to the storage device, and the storage device operates as a first storage controller for the one or more external storage media. Similarly, one or more additional external storage media are coupled to the optional storage device at the RLN, and the second storage device operates as a second storage controller for the one or more external storage media.

[0063] The HAN nodes 1210-1232 can include one or more devices (referred to herein as customer premises equipment), including one or more client stations and one or more endpoint devices. For example, a client station can be a wireless network device manufactured according to the general device type and programmed to operate according to the customer STA device role. The one or more endpoint devices can be various types of wireless devices, such as a mobile device, a smart TV, a TV dongle, a watch, an IoT device, a thermostat, a home automation device, a notebook computer, a computer, an entertainment console, a gaming console, a voice control device, etc.

[0064] As noted above, the wireless network 1200 can be logically organized according to the hierarchy shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the wireless network devices of the wireless network 1200 can be logically and physically organized in other configurations and topologies. Figure 12 As noted above, the wireless network 1200 can be logically organized according to the hierarchy shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the wireless network devices of the wireless network 1200 can be logically and physically organized in other configurations and topologies.

[0065] Figure 13 An exemplary node configuration 1300 of a wireless network is shown in accordance with one embodiment. In node configuration 1300, there can be multiple nodes, one per building. As shown, a first building includes a BSN 1302, including two base station devices 1304 and two gateway devices 1306. Five other buildings include RLNs 1308, each including at least one relay device 1310 and multiple gateway devices 1312.

[0066] Figure 14 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment, which can be configured to operate as one of a plurality of device functions as described herein. Electronic device 1400 can correspond to the electronic devices described above with respect to Figures 1 to 13 Alternatively, electronic device 1400 can be other electronic devices as described herein.

[0067] Electronic device 1400 includes one or more processors 1430, such as one or more CPUs, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, or other types of processors. Electronic device 1400 also includes system memory 1406, which can correspond to any combination of volatile and / or non-volatile storage mechanisms. System memory 1406 stores information providing operating system components 1408, various program modules 1410, program data 1412, and / or other components. In one embodiment, system memory 1406 stores instructions of a method that controls operation of electronic device 1400. Electronic device 1400 performs functions by using processor 1430 to execute instructions provided by system memory 1406. In one embodiment, program modules 1410 can include processing logic 1424. Processing logic 1424 can perform some or all of the operations described herein.

[0068] The electronic device 1400 also includes a data store 1414, which can be comprised of one or more types of removable storage and / or one or more types of non-removable storage. The data store 1414 includes a computer-readable storage medium 1416 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions embodying any or all of the methodologies or functions described herein. Instructions for the program modules 1410 (e.g., processing logic 1424) can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium 1416, system memory 1406, and / or processor 1430 during execution by the electronic device 1400, with the system memory 1406 and processor 1430 also constituting computer-readable media. The electronic device 1400 also can include one or more input devices 1418 (keyboards, mouse devices, specialized selection keys, etc.) and one or more output devices 1420 (displays, printers, audio output mechanisms, etc.).

[0069] The electronic device 1400 also includes a modem 1422 to allow the electronic device 1400 to communicate with other computing devices, such as remote computers, item provisioning systems, etc., via a wireless connection (e.g., provided by a wireless communication system). The modem 1422 can be connected to one or more radio frequency (RF) modules 1486. The RF modules 1486 can be WLAN modules, WAN modules, WPAN modules, Global Positioning System (GPS) modules, etc. Antenna structures (antennas 1484, 1485, 1487) are coupled to front-end circuitry 1490, which is coupled to the modem 1022. The front-end circuitry 1490 can include radio front-end circuitry, antenna switching circuitry, impedance matching circuitry, etc. The antenna 1484 can be a GPS antenna, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, other WAN antenna, WLAN or PAN antenna, etc. The modem 1422 allows the electronic device 1400 to process voice and non-voice communications (e.g., communications for text messages, multimedia messages, media downloads, web browsing, etc.) with a wireless communication system. The modem 1422 can provide network connectivity using any type of mobile network technology, including, for example, cellular digital packet data (CDPD), general packet radio service (GPRS), EDGE, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), single-carrier radio transmission technology (lxRTT), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE Advanced (sometimes generally referred to as 4G), etc.

[0070] ​The modem 1422 can generate signals and transmit these signals via the front-end circuitry 1490 and the RF module 1486 as described herein to the first type of antenna 1484 (e.g., WLAN 5GHz), the second type of antenna 1485 (e.g., WLAN 2.4GHz), and / or the third type of antenna 1487 (e.g., WAN). The antennas 1484, 1485, 1487 can be configured to transmit in different frequency bands and / or using different wireless communication protocols. The antennas 1484, 1485, 1487 can be directional, omnidirectional, or nondirectional antennas. In addition to transmitting data, the antennas 1484, 1485, 1487 can receive data, sending the data to the appropriate RF module connected to the antenna. One of the antennas 1484, 1485, 1487 can be any combination of the antenna structures described herein.

[0071] In one embodiment, the electronic device 1400 establishes a first connection using a first wireless communication protocol and a second connection using a different wireless communication protocol. The first and second wireless connections can be active at the same time, for example, if the electronic device is receiving a media item from another electronic device via the first connection and simultaneously transmitting a file to another electronic device (e.g., via the second connection). Alternatively, both connections can be active at the same time during wireless communication with multiple devices. In one embodiment, the first wireless connection is associated with a first resonant mode of an antenna structure operating at a first frequency band and the second wireless connection is associated with a second resonant mode of the antenna structure operating at a second frequency band. In another embodiment, the first wireless connection is associated with a first antenna structure and the second wireless connection is associated with a second antenna.

[0072] Although the modem 1422 is shown as controlling transmission and reception via the antennas (1484, 1485, 1487), the electronic device 1400 can instead include multiple modems, each configured to transmit / receive data via a different antenna and / or wireless transmission protocol.

[0073] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, will appreciate that embodiments can be practiced without the specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the description.

[0074] Some parts of the detailed description are presented based on the algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means by which those skilled in the art of data processing most effectively communicate the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. The algorithms used herein are generally considered to be self-consistent sequences of steps that lead to desired results. A step is a step that requires physical manipulation of a physical quantity. Although not always necessary, these quantities are usually in the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has been shown that, primarily for reasons of general use, these signals may sometimes be appropriately referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, items, numbers, etc.

[0075] However, it should be remembered that all these and similar terms are associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely suitable labels applied to those quantities. Unless otherwise specifically indicated as is evident from the above discussion, it should be understood that throughout the description, discussions using terms such as “initiate,” “parasitic initiation,” “radiation,” “detect,” “determine,” “generate,” “communicate,” “receive,” “disable,” etc., refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers and memories of the computer system and converts said data into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system’s memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0076] The implementation also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a computer. This computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk, including floppy disks, optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) and magneto-optical disks, random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards or optical cards, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0077] The algorithms and displays presented herein are inherently independent of any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems can be used with the programs taught herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized devices to perform the required method steps. The necessary structures for various such systems will appear in the description below. Furthermore, no particular programming language is referenced in the description of this embodiment. It should be understood that the teachings of this embodiment described herein can be implemented using various programming languages. It should also be noted that the term “when” or the phrase “in response” as used herein should be understood to indicate that there may be an intermediate time, intermediate event, or both before the performance of the identified operation.

[0078] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the embodiments should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A wireless communication system, the wireless communication system comprising: a first wireless network device, the first wireless network device comprising a first processor, a 2.4 GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) radio, a 5 GHz WLAN radio, a first internal antenna coupled to the 5 GHz WLAN radio, and an external antenna port coupled to the 2.4 GHz WLAN radio, wherein the first internal antenna is a first directional antenna disposed on a first plane of the first wireless network device; an external antenna coupled to the 2.4 GHz WLAN radio via a radio frequency (RF) cable coupled to the external antenna port, wherein the external antenna is mounted on a first exterior surface of a building and the first wireless network device is mounted on a second exterior surface of the building, wherein the external antenna is a second directional antenna disposed on a second plane of the exterior surface, wherein the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane; a second wireless network device, the second wireless network device comprising a second processor, a third WLAN radio, a second internal antenna coupled to the third WLAN radio, and a wired port coupled to a network switch, wherein the second wireless network device is mounted on a third exterior surface of the building; and a third wireless device, the third wireless device comprising a fourth WLAN radio and a third antenna coupled to the fourth WLAN radio, wherein the third wireless device is a customer premises equipment (CPE) station or endpoint device, wherein the third wireless device is located within the building, wherein the first processor: establishes a first wireless link between the 2.4 GHz WLAN radio and the third WLAN radio, wherein the first wireless link is a line of sight (LOS) link; and establishes a second wireless link between the 5 GHz WLAN radio and the fourth WLAN radio, wherein the second wireless link is a LOS link through at least a window of the building, a near line of sight (nLOS) link, or a non-line of sight (NLOS) link through or around a single wall or a single floor of the building.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first wireless network device, the second wireless network device, and the customer premises equipment (CPE) station comprises the same hardware.

3. A wireless network device, the wireless network device comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a radio frequency (RF) connector; and a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board comprising a first antenna, a first radio coupled to the first antenna, a second radio coupled to the RF connector, a processor, and a memory device, wherein the first antenna is a first directional antenna disposed on a first plane of the circuit board, wherein the memory device is arranged to configure the wireless network device to operate as a first customer premises equipment (CPE) station, wherein the processor is configured to: ​ ​ establishing a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway mounted on a first exterior surface of a building; and establishing a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a third device via a second antenna mounted on a second exterior surface of the building and coupled to the radio frequency, RF, connector via an RF cable, wherein the second antenna is a second directional antenna disposed on a second plane of the exterior surface, wherein the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane, wherein the third device is located inside the building and is a second CPE station or a wireless endpoint device, wherein each of the wireless network device, the second wireless network device, and the second CPE station comprises the same hardware.

4. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein the memory device is to further store additional device settings to reconfigure the wireless network device to operate as one of: a base station, a repeater, a common area gateway, CA-GW, or a gateway.

5. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein: the first radio comprises a first central processing unit, CPU, coupled to the processor, a first transceiver coupled to the first central processing unit, CPU, a first band pass filter, BPF, coupled to the first transceiver, a first low pass filter, LPF, coupled to the first band pass filter, BPF, and the first antenna, a second transceiver coupled to the first central processing unit, CPU, a second BPF coupled to the second transceiver, and a second LPF coupled to the second BPF and the first antenna; and the second radio comprises a second CPU coupled to the processor, a third transceiver coupled to the second CPU, a third BPF coupled to the third transceiver, and a third LPF coupled to the third BPF and the radio frequency, RF, connector, a fourth transceiver coupled to the second CPU, a fourth BPF coupled to the fourth transceiver, and a fourth LPF coupled to the fourth BPF and second RF connector, wherein: (i) the second RF connector is coupled to the second antenna via a second RF cable, (ii) the first band pass filter, BPF, and the second BPF are configured to filter RF signals received via the first antenna in a first frequency range, (iii) the third BPF and the fourth BPF are configured to filter RF signals received via the second antenna in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range; (iv) the first frequency range is a 5 GHz band; and (v) the second frequency range is a 2.4 GHz band.

6. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein: the housing further comprises: a power connector; a serial interface connector; a first network interface connector; a second network interface connector; and a second RF connector coupled to the second radio; the circuit board further comprises: a serial interface transceiver coupled between the processor and the serial interface connector; and a switch coupled between the processor and both the first network interface connector and the second network interface connector.

7. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein the second wireless link is a line of sight, LOS, wireless link.

8. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein the second wireless link is a non-line of sight, NLOS, wireless link or a near line of sight, nLOS, wireless link.

9. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein: the first radio is a first 2x2 multiple input multiple output, MIMO, radio comprising a first MIMO port coupled to a first element of the first antenna and a second MIMO port coupled to a second element of the first antenna, wherein the first 2x2 MIMO radio communicates with the radio of the second wireless network device over the first wireless link; and the second radio is a second 2x2 MIMO radio comprising a third MIMO port coupled to a first element of the second antenna via the RF cable and a fourth MIMO port coupled to a second element of the second antenna via a second RF cable, wherein the second 2x2 MIMO radio communicates with the radio of the third device over the second wireless link, wherein the second 2x2 MIMO radio communicates with a radio of a fourth device over a third wireless link, and wherein the fourth device is located inside the building.

10. The wireless network device of claim 3, wherein: the first radio is a first 2x2 multiple input multiple output, MIMO, radio comprising a first MIMO port coupled to a first element of the first antenna and a second MIMO port coupled to a second element of the first antenna, wherein the first 2x2 MIMO radio provides a backhaul function between the wireless network device and the second wireless network device over a point-to-point, PtP, connection; and the second radio is a second 2x2 MIMO radio comprising a third MIMO port coupled to a first element of the second antenna via the RF cable and a fourth MIMO port coupled to a second element of the second antenna via a second RF cable, wherein the second 2x2 MIMO radio provides an access point, AP, function over a point-to-multipoint, PtMP, connection with at least the third device.

11. A wireless network device, the wireless network device comprising: a housing comprising a radio frequency, RF, connector; and a circuit board disposed within the housing, the circuit board including a first antenna, a first radio coupled to the first antenna, a second radio coupled to the radio frequency (RF) connector, a processor, and a memory device, wherein the first antenna is a first directional antenna disposed on a first plane of the circuit board, wherein the memory device is disposed to configure the wireless network device to operate as a first customer premises equipment (CPE) station, a second CPE station, a common area gateway (CA-GW), a base station, a repeater, or a gateway (BS-RL-GW), wherein the processor is configured to: receive a command identifying a device role for the wireless network device; in response to the command, configure the wireless network device according to the device role using the device settings; in response to the command, connect to at least two of: a second device via a first wireless link between the first radio and a radio of the second device; or a third device through a second antenna via a second wireless link between the second radio and a radio of the third device, the second antenna being external to the housing, wherein the second antenna is a second directional antenna disposed on a second plane of the external surface, wherein the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane; or a network switch via a wired link between the wireless network device and the network switch, the network switch being coupled to at least a fourth device.

12. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to the first customer premises equipment (CPE) station, wherein the first customer premises equipment (CPE) station is disposed outside a building, and the processor is further configured to: establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway; and establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the third device via the second antenna, wherein the third device is a wireless endpoint device located inside the building.

13. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to the second CPE station, and the processor is further configured to: establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a CA-GW, wherein the CA-GW is located in a common area of a building and the second CPE station is located in a customer home inside the building; establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the CA-GW via the second antenna; establish a third wireless link between the first radio and a radio of a first wireless endpoint device located in the customer home, wherein the first wireless link and the third wireless link are time division wireless links; and establishing a fourth wireless link between the second radio and a radio of a second wireless endpoint device located in a customer's home, wherein the second wireless link and the fourth wireless link are time-shared wireless links.

14. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to the CA-GW, and the processor is further configured to: connect the CA-GW and the fourth device through the wired link via the network switch, wherein the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a base station or a repeater (BS / RL), wherein the BS / RL is located on a roof, and the CA-GW is located in the public area; establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as the second CPE station, wherein the second CPE station is located in a customer's home within a building; and establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the second CPE station.

15. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to a BS / RL in a multi-sector base station and repeater (BS / RL) mode, and the processor is further configured to: connect the BS / RL and the fourth device through the wired link via the network switch, wherein the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway or CA-GW; establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a second BS / RL; and establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the third device via the second antenna, wherein the third device is a fourth wireless network device programmed to operate as a third BS / RL.

16. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to a BS / RL+GW in a hybrid base station or repeater and gateway (BS / RL+GW) mode, and wherein the processor is further configured to: connect the BS / RL+GW and the fourth device through the wired link via the network switch, wherein the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a gateway or CA-GW; establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as a second BS / RL; and establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the third device via the second antenna, wherein the third device is a fourth wireless network device programmed to be the first customer premises equipment (CPE) station, wherein the first customer premises equipment (CPE) station is mounted to an exterior surface of a first building. ​ ​ 17. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to a gateway in a multi-sector gateway (GW) mode, and wherein the processor is further configured to: connect the gateway and a fourth device via the network switch over the wired link, wherein the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a base station or repeater (BS / RL); establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a third wireless network device programmed to operate as the first customer premises equipment (CPE) station, wherein the first CPE station is mounted to an exterior surface of a building outside a first customer home; and establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the third device via the second antenna, wherein the third device is a fourth wireless network device programmed to the first CPE station, wherein the first CPE station is mounted to an exterior surface of a building outside a second customer home.

18. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the device role corresponds to the second CPE station, and the second CPE station is a wired CPE station, the processor is further configured to: connect the wired CPE station and a fourth device via the network switch over the wired link, wherein the fourth device is a second wireless network device programmed to operate as a base station or repeater (BS / RL); establish the first wireless link between the first radio and the radio of the second device via the first antenna, wherein the second device is a first wireless endpoint device in a customer home located within a building; and establish the second wireless link between the second radio and the radio of the third device via the second antenna, wherein the third device is a second wireless endpoint device in the customer home.

19. The wireless network device of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a second command identifying a second device role for the wireless network device; and reconfigure the wireless network device according to the second device role using the device settings in response to the second command.

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