Antenna system and connectivity system for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an antenna system and a connectivity system which realize both hardware redundancy between antennas and communication redundancy between different cellular networks, which allow selection of those having good signal / performance, which can reduce the total number of antennas, and which alleviate challenges associated with disposing many antennas on a vehicle.SOLUTION: Systems 100 for providing connectivity for a vehicle 20 include a first antenna 102, a second antenna 108, and a splitter 114. The first antenna 102 is configured to be in communication with a first modem 22 and a second modem 24 via the splitter 114 for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals on a first cellular network and / or a second cellular network different than the first cellular network. The second antenna 108 is configured to be in communication with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via the splitter 114 for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals on the first cellular network and / or the second cellular network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 415,098, filed on January 17, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to antenna systems and connection systems for vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to antenna systems and connection systems for vehicles to enable communication via multiple cellular networks.

Background Art

[0003] Vehicle communications such as remote operation and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications have conventionally relied on a single cellular network for connection. This reliance causes several issues such as network coverage gaps and network congestion, both of which can lead to delays or failures in data transmission to or from the vehicle. Further, the reliance on a single component of network hardware (e.g., a single modem or a single antenna) creates a single point of failure (SPOF). Therefore, there is a need for antenna systems and connection systems for vehicles to address these issues.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] One general aspect of the present disclosure provides an antenna system for providing connectivity to a vehicle, comprising a first modem operable on a first cellular network and having a first connection port and a second connection port, and a second modem operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network and having a third connection port and a fourth connection port. The antenna system comprises a first antenna. The first antenna comprises a first connection interface and a first radiating element operable to communicate with the first connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The antenna system also comprises a second antenna. The second antenna comprises a second connection interface and a second radiating element operable to communicate with the second connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The second antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The antenna system further comprises at least one splitter. The at least one splitter comprises a first splitter port, a second splitter port, a third splitter port, a fourth splitter port, a fifth splitter port, and a sixth splitter port. The first splitter port communicates with the first connection interface of the first antenna. The second splitter port communicates with the first splitter port and is configured to communicate with one of the first connection port and the second connection port of the first modem of the vehicle. The third splitter port communicates with the first splitter port and is configured to communicate with one of the third connection port and the fourth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle. The fourth splitter port communicates with the second connection interface of the second antenna. The fifth splitter port communicates with the fourth splitter port and is configured to communicate with the other of the first connection port and the second connection port of the first modem of the vehicle. The sixth splitter port communicates with the fourth splitter port and is configured to communicate with the other of the third connection port and the fourth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle.The first antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of a first cellular network and a second cellular network by communicating with a first modem and a second modem via at least one splitter, and the second antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem and the second modem via at least one splitter.

[0005] Another general aspect of the present disclosure provides connectivity to a vehicle, comprising a first modem operable on a first cellular network and having a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, and a fourth connection port, and a second modem operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network and having a fifth connection port, a sixth connection port, a seventh connection port, and an eighth connection port. The antenna system comprises a first antenna. The first antenna comprises a first connection interface and a first radiating element operable to communicate with the first connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The antenna system also comprises a second antenna. The second antenna comprises a second connection interface and a second radiating element operable to communicate with the second connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The second antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The antenna system further comprises a third antenna. The third antenna comprises a third connection interface and a third radiating element operable to communicate with the third connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The third antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The antenna system further comprises a fourth antenna. The fourth antenna comprises a fourth connection interface and a fourth radiating element operable to communicate with the fourth connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The fourth antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The antenna system further comprises a first splitter. The first splitter comprises a first splitter port, a second splitter port, and a third splitter port. The first splitter port communicates with the first connection interface of the first antenna. The second splitter port communicates with the first splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle. The third splitter port communicates with the first splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle. The antenna system further comprises a second splitter.The second splitter includes a fourth splitter port, a fifth splitter port, and a sixth splitter port. The fourth splitter port communicates with the second connection interface of the second antenna. The fifth splitter port communicates with the fourth splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle. The sixth splitter port communicates with the fourth splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle. The antenna system further includes a third splitter. The third splitter includes a seventh splitter port, an eighth splitter port, and a ninth splitter port. The seventh splitter port communicates with the third connection interface of the third antenna. The eighth splitter port communicates with the seventh splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle. The ninth splitter port communicates with the seventh splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle. The antenna system further includes a fourth splitter. The fourth splitter includes a tenth splitter port, an eleventh splitter port, and a twelfth splitter port. The tenth splitter port communicates with the fourth connection interface of the fourth antenna. The eleventh splitter port communicates with the tenth splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle. The twelfth splitter port communicates with the tenth splitter port and is configured to communicate with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle. The first antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem and the second modem via the first splitter.The second antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem and the second modem via a second splitter. The third antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem and the second modem via a third splitter. The fourth antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem and the second modem via a fourth splitter.

[0006] Yet another general aspect of the present disclosure provides a connection system for a vehicle. The connection system includes a plurality of modems, each of the plurality of modems being operable on a different cellular network. The connection system also includes a first antenna. The first antenna includes a first connection interface and a first radiating element operable to communicate with the first connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The connection system further includes a second antenna. The second antenna includes a second connection interface and a second radiating element operable to communicate with the second connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The second antenna is configured to be disposed on the vehicle. The connection system further includes at least one splitter. The at least one splitter includes a first splitter port, a second splitter port, a third splitter port, a fourth splitter port, a fifth splitter port, and a sixth splitter port. The first splitter port communicates with the first connection interface of the first antenna. The second splitter port communicates with the first splitter port and with one of the plurality of modems. The third splitter port communicates with the first splitter port and with another one of the plurality of modems. The fourth splitter port communicates with the second connection interface of the second antenna. The fifth splitter port communicates with the fourth splitter port and with one of the plurality of modems. The sixth splitter port communicates with the fourth splitter port and with another one of the plurality of modems. The first antenna transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals on at least two different cellular networks by communicating with at least two of the plurality of modems via the at least one splitter. The second antenna transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals on at least two different cellular networks by communicating with at least two of the plurality of modems via the at least one splitter.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The system according to the present disclosure can achieve both hardware redundancy between antennas and communication redundancy between different cellular networks. Further, the system according to the present disclosure enables a vehicle or another system related to the vehicle to select (e.g., via software) one of different cellular networks with good signal / performance. Further, the system according to the present disclosure can reduce the total number of antennas compared to the case where each connection port of the modem has a corresponding antenna. By reducing the total number of antennas, problems associated with arranging a large number of antennas on a vehicle (e.g., packaging / aesthetic constraints, interference between antennas, etc.) are alleviated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood and thus will be readily understood by referring to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Referring to the drawings, in various figures, similar reference numerals are used to identify similar or identical components, and FIGS. 1-9 show various antenna systems 100 according to the present disclosure for providing connectivity to a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 and its components are shown by phantom lines throughout the figures to illustrate an example application of the antenna system 100 according to the present disclosure for providing connectivity to the vehicle 20.

[0010] Vehicle 20 may be any transport vehicle including, for example, a passenger car, a truck, a bus, a van, a train, etc. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 1, vehicle 20 includes a first modem 22 operable on a first cellular network and a second modem 24 operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network. The first modem 22 and the second modem 24 may each be any modem operable on a cellular network. For example, the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 may be a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) modem, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) modem, a 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) modem, a 5G modem, etc., or a combination thereof. The first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24 may be integrated into vehicle 20 or may be a standalone device. The first cellular network and the second cellular network may be any type of cellular network including a 4G LTE network, a 5G cellular network, a 5G broadcast network, and other current and future cellular networks. The cellular network may be operated by any cellular service provider.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first modem 22 has a first connection port 22A and a second connection port 22B, and the second modem 24 has a third connection port 24A and a fourth connection port 24B. The first connection port 22A, the second connection port 22B, the third connection port 24A, and / or the fourth connection port 24B can be configured as a transmission (Tx) port for transmitting data from each modem, a reception (Rx) port for each modem to receive data, a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) port, a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) port, a multiple-input single-output (MISO) port, a single-input single-output (SISO) port, etc., or a combination thereof. From a hardware perspective, the first connection port 22A, the second connection port 22B, the third connection port 24A, and / or the fourth connection port 24B can be implemented as a coaxial cable port (such as SMA, TS9, CRC9, etc.), a universal serial bus (USB) port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0012] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the antenna system 100 includes a first antenna 102 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The first antenna 102 includes a first connection interface 104 and a first radiating element 106 that communicates with the first connection interface 104. The first radiating element 106 is energized via the first connection interface 104 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first connection interface 104 can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the antenna system 100. The first radiating element 106 can be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. The first antenna 102 can be configured to transmit and / or receive cellular radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Thus, the first antenna 102 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by cellular networks and / or modems are also considered. The first antenna 102 can be configured as an omnidirectional or directional antenna. As used herein, "omnidirectional" means an antenna that transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals with substantially uniform gain in all directions within a single plane, providing a 360-degree coverage area. As used herein, "directional antenna" means an antenna that transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals with high gain in a desired direction.

[0013] The antenna system 100 also includes a second antenna 108 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The second antenna 108 includes a second connection interface 110 and a second radiating element 112 that communicates with the second connection interface 110 and is capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The second radiating element 112 is energized via the second connection interface 110 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The second connection interface 110 can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the antenna system 100. The second radiating element 112 can be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. The second antenna 108 can be configured to transmit and / or receive cellular radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Thus, the second antenna 108 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the cellular network and / or the modem are also considered. The second antenna 108 can be configured as an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

[0014] As best shown in FIG. 1, the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108 are configured to be disposed on the vehicle 20. The arrangement of the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108 on the vehicle 20 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure. In other words, the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108 can be disposed at any suitable location on the vehicle 20, such as the roof, window / front glass, mirror, body panel, inside the vehicle, etc., or combinations thereof. In one example, the first antenna 102 and / or the second antenna 108 are configured to be disposed on the transparent glass 28 of the vehicle 20 and have a transmittance of 70% or more (best shown in FIG. 1). In this context, the term "transparent" means a material that transmits 70% or more of the light in a predetermined visible light range. Unless otherwise specified, the predetermined visible light range is the region of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye (from about 380 nanometers to about 780 nanometers). In some examples, the transparent plate 28 is implemented as at least one glass plate. When the transparent plate 28 is implemented as glass, the transparent plate 28 can be composed of any suitable glass composition, including soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate aluminosilicate glass, etc., or combinations thereof. When the transparent plate 28 is implemented as a plurality of glass plates (i.e., a laminated glass assembly), the first antenna 102 and / or the second antenna 108 can be disposed on the outer surface of the glass plate or on the inner surface of the glass plate (i.e., between the glass plates). Those skilled in the art will understand that the transparent glass 28 can also be formed from polymer materials such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0015] Antenna system 100 further includes at least one splitter 114. The at least one splitter 114 may be a coaxial cable splitter, a USB cable splitter, an Ethernet cable splitter, an optical fiber cable splitter, etc., or a combination thereof. The at least one splitter 114 communicates with the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108, and the first antenna 102 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24. The second antenna 108 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24.

[0016] As best shown in FIG. 2, at least one splitter 114 includes a first splitter port 116A, a second splitter port 116B, a third splitter port 116C, a fourth splitter port 116D, a fifth splitter port 116E, and a sixth splitter port 116F. The first splitter port 116A, the second splitter port 116B, the third splitter port 116C, the fourth splitter port 116D, the fifth splitter port 116E, and / or the sixth splitter port 116F can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the antenna system 100. The first splitter port 116A communicates with the first connection interface 104 of the first antenna 102. As used herein, the term "communicates" means electrical communication between two reference ports. Electrical communication between two reference ports can be performed via a cable 118 (e.g., a coaxial cable, a USB cable, an Ethernet cable, an optical fiber cable, etc., or a combination thereof), but other configurations (e.g., wireless) are also contemplated. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first splitter port 116A communicates with the first connection interface 104 of the first antenna 102 via a first cable 118A. The second splitter port 116B communicates with the first splitter port 116A and is configured to communicate with either the first connection port 22A or the second connection port 22B of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20 (e.g., via a second cable 118B). The third splitter port 116C communicates with the first splitter port 116A and is configured to communicate with either the third connection port 24A or the fourth connection port 24B of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20 (e.g., via a third cable 118C). The fourth splitter port 116D communicates with the second connection interface 110 of the second antenna 108 (e.g., via a fourth cable 118D).The fifth splitter port 116E communicates with the fourth splitter port 116D and is configured to communicate with the other one of the first connection port 22A and the second connection port 22B of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20 (e.g., via the fifth cable 118E). The sixth splitter port 116F communicates with the fourth splitter port 116D and is configured to communicate with the other one of the third connection port 24A and the fourth connection port 24B of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20 (e.g., via the sixth cable 118F).

[0017] Accordingly, the first antenna 102 communicates with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via at least one splitter 114 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network. The second antenna 108 communicates with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via at least one splitter 114 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network. With this configuration, both hardware redundancy between the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108 and communication redundancy between the first cellular network and the second cellular network can be achieved. For example, since both the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108 are configured to communicate with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24, even if a hardware failure occurs in either the first antenna 102 or the second antenna 108, the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 can transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from their respective cellular networks via either the other of the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108. Also, with this configuration, the vehicle 20 or other systems associated with the vehicle 20 can select (e.g., via software) the one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network that has better signal / performance (e.g., measured by upload speed, download speed, latency, packet loss, etc., or a combination thereof). Furthermore, with this configuration, the total number of antennas can be reduced compared to the case where an antenna is provided corresponding to each connection port of the modem. By reducing the total number of antennas, problems associated with arranging a large number of antennas on the vehicle (e.g., packaging / aesthetic constraints, interference between antennas, etc.) can be alleviated. Here, the first modem 22 has two ports (a first connection port 22A and a second connection port 22B), and the second modem 24 has two ports (a third connection port 24A and a fourth connection port 24B), resulting in a total of four connection ports (if there is an antenna corresponding to each connection port, there are four antennas).The antenna system 100 according to the present disclosure reduces the number of antennas by at least half by using at least one splitter 114 so that each antenna can communicate with at least two connection ports of the modem.

[0018] It should be understood that the at least one splitter 114 may be a single splitter 114 (i.e., a single component having a plurality of inputs and a corresponding plurality of outputs), or may be a plurality of discrete splitters 114. Referring to FIG. 3, in one example, the at least one splitter 114 is a plurality of discrete splitters 114 (a first splitter 114A and a second splitter 114B). Here, the first splitter 114A includes a first splitter port 116A, a second splitter port 116B, and a third splitter port 116C, and the second splitter 114B includes a fourth splitter port 116D, a fifth splitter port 116E, and a sixth splitter port 116F. Other configurations of the at least one splitter 114 are also conceivable.

[0019] One skilled in the art would understand that due to the antenna system 100 including at least one splitter 114 and / or the length of the cable 118, there is a possibility that the gain of the radio frequency signal transmitted between the first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24 via the first antenna 102 and / or the second antenna 108 is lost. Therefore, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the antenna system 100 further includes a plurality of amplifiers 120 operably connected to the first antenna 102 and the second antenna 108, and can increase the amplitude of the radio frequency signal transmitted to the first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24 via the first antenna 102 and / or the second antenna 108. The plurality of amplifiers 120 can include any suitable amplifier for increasing the amplitude of the radio frequency signal transmitted to the first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24 via the first antenna 102 and / or the second antenna 108. For example, the plurality of amplifiers 120 can include powered or unpowered amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, broadband amplifiers, high frequency amplifiers, gain block amplifiers, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0020] In one example, referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of amplifiers 120 includes a first amplifier 120A and a second amplifier 120B. In the configuration of FIG. 4, the first amplifier 120A is disposed between (i.e., in electrical communication with) the first connection interface 104 of the first antenna 102 and the first splitter port 116A of at least one splitter 114, and the second amplifier 120B is disposed between the second connection interface 110 of the second antenna 108 and the fourth splitter port 116D of at least one splitter 114. In another example, referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of amplifiers 120 includes a first amplifier 120A, a second amplifier 120B, a third amplifier 120C, and a fourth amplifier 120D. In the configuration of FIG. 5, the first amplifier 120A communicates with the second splitter port 116B and is configured to communicate with one of the first connection port 22A and the second connection port 22B of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20, the second amplifier 120B communicates with the third splitter port 116C and is configured to communicate with one of the third connection port 24A and the fourth connection port 24B of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20, the third amplifier 120C communicates with the fifth splitter port 116E and is configured to communicate with the other of the first connection port 22A and the second connection port 22B of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20, and the fourth amplifier 120D communicates with the sixth splitter port 116F and is configured to communicate with the other of the third connection port 24A and the fourth connection port 24B of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20. Other configurations of the plurality of amplifiers 120 are also contemplated, for example, when the modem includes four ports and / or when the vehicle includes a third modem 26, which will be described in more detail below.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 6, in some examples, vehicle 20 includes a third modem 26 that is operable on a third cellular network different from the first cellular network and the second cellular network. Similar to the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 described above, the third modem 26 may be a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) modem, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) modem, a 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) modem, a 5G modem, etc., or a combination thereof. The third modem 26 may be integrated into the vehicle 20 or may be a standalone device. The third cellular network may be any type of cellular network, including a 4G LTE network, a 5G cellular network, a 5G broadcast network, and other current and future cellular networks. The third cellular network may be operated by any cellular service provider. The third modem 26 includes a fifth connection port 26A and a sixth connection port 26B. The fifth connection port 26A and / or the sixth connection port 26B can be configured as a transmission (Tx) port for transmitting data from the third modem 26, a reception (Rx) port for receiving data by the third modem 26, a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) port, a single input multiple output (SIMO) port, a multiple input single output (MISO) port, a single input single output (SISO) port, etc., or a combination thereof. From a hardware perspective, the fifth connection port 26A and / or the sixth connection port 26B can be implemented as a coaxial cable port (such as SMA, TS9, CRC9, etc.), a universal serial bus (USB) port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0022] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, the antenna system 100 further includes a third antenna 122 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The third antenna 122 includes a third connection interface 124 and a third radiating element 126 that communicates with the third connection interface 124 and is capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The third radiating element 126 is energized via the third connection interface 124 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The third connection interface 124 can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the antenna system 100. The third radiating element 126 can be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. The third antenna 122 can be configured to transmit and receive cellular radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Therefore, the third antenna 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the third cellular network and / or the third modem 26 are also considered. The third antenna 122 is disposed on the vehicle as described above. The third antenna 122 can be configured as an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

[0023] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle 20 includes a third modem 26, and the second splitter port 116B is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22 (e.g., via the first connection port 22A or the second connection port 22B), the second modem (e.g., via the third connection port 24A or the fourth connection port 24B), and the third modem (e.g., via the fifth connection port 26A or the sixth connection port 26B). The third splitter port 116C is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Thereby, the first antenna 102 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Similarly, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, the fifth splitter port 116E is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26, and the sixth splitter port 116F is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. As a result, the second antenna 108 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26.Furthermore, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, at least one splitter 114 further includes a seventh splitter port 116G that communicates with the third connection interface 124 of the third antenna 122, an eighth splitter port 116H that communicates with the seventh splitter port 116G and is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26, and a ninth splitter port 116I that communicates with the seventh splitter port 116G and is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. The third antenna 122 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26.

[0024] Figures 7 to 9 show an antenna system 200 according to another example of the present disclosure. First, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the configuration shown in the figures, the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20 has a first connection port 22A, a second connection port 22B, a third connection port 22C, and a fourth connection port 22D, and the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20 has a fifth connection port 24A, a sixth connection port 24B, a seventh connection port 24C, and an eighth connection port 24B. The first connection port 22A, the second connection port 22B, the third connection port 22C, the fourth connection port 22D, the fifth connection port 24A, the sixth connection port 24B, the seventh connection port 24C, and / or the eighth connection port 24D can be configured as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) ports, single-input multiple-output (SIMO) ports, multiple-input single-output (MISO) ports, single-input single-output (SISO) ports, etc., or combinations thereof, as transmission (Tx) ports for transmitting data from their respective modems and reception (Rx) ports for their respective modems to receive data. From a hardware perspective, the first connection port 22A, the second connection port 22B, the third connection port 22C, the fourth connection port 22D, the fifth connection port 24A, the sixth connection port 24B, the seventh connection port 24C, and / or the eighth connection port 24D can be implemented as coaxial cable ports (such as SMA, TS9, CRC9, etc.), universal serial bus (USB) ports, Ethernet ports, optical fiber ports, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0025] Referring further to FIGS. 7 and 8, the illustrated antenna system 200 includes a first antenna 202, a second antenna 208, a third antenna 214, and a fourth antenna 220. The first antenna 202 includes a first connection interface 204 and a first radiating element 206 that communicates with the first connection interface 204. The second antenna 208 includes a second connection interface 210 and a second radiating element 212 that communicates with the second connection interface 210. The third antenna 214 includes a third connection interface 216 and a third radiating element 218 that communicates with the third connection interface 216. The fourth antenna 220 includes a fourth connection interface 222 and a fourth radiating element 224 that communicates with the fourth connection interface 222. Similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1-6, the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 are each operable to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. In particular, the first radiating element 206, the second radiating element 212, the third radiating element 218, and the fourth radiating element 224 are each energized via the first connection interface 204, the second connection interface 210, the third connection interface 216, and the fourth connection interface 222, respectively, and are configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first connection interface 204, the second connection interface 210, the third connection interface 216, and the fourth connection interface 222 can each be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof. The first radiating element 206, the second radiating element 212, the third radiating element 218, and the fourth radiating element 224 can each be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0026] The first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 can each be configured to transmit and / or receive cellular radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Thus, the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 can each be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the cellular network and / or the modem are also contemplated. The first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 are configured to be disposed on a vehicle as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-6. The first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 can be configured as omnidirectional or directional antennas as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-6.

[0027] As best shown in FIG. 7, the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 are each configured to be disposed on the vehicle 20. The placement of the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 on the vehicle is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure. In other words, the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and the fourth antenna 220 can be disposed at any suitable location on the vehicle 20, such as on the roof, window / front glass, mirror, body panel, inside the vehicle, etc., or combinations thereof. In one example, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-6, the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and / or the fourth antenna 220 are configured to have a transmittance of 70% or more and be disposed on the transparent glass 28 of the vehicle 20 (best shown in FIG. 7).

[0028] Referring further to FIGS. 7 and 8, the illustrated antenna system 200 further includes a first splitter 226. The first splitter 226 includes a first splitter port 226A, a second splitter port 226B, and a third splitter port 226C. The first splitter port 226A communicates with the first connection interface 204 of the first antenna 202. The second splitter port 226B communicates with the first splitter port 226A and is configured to communicate with any one of the first connection port 22A, the second connection port 22B, the third connection port 22C, and the fourth connection port 22D of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20. The third splitter port 226C communicates with the first splitter port 226A and is configured to communicate with any one of the fifth connection port 24A, the sixth connection port 24B, the seventh connection port 24C, and the eighth connection port 24D of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20. Accordingly, the first antenna 202 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via the first splitter 226.

[0029] The antenna system 200 further includes a second splitter 228. The second splitter 228 includes a fourth splitter port 228A, a fifth splitter port 228B, and a sixth splitter port 228C. The fourth splitter port 228A communicates with the second connection interface 210 of the second antenna 208. The fifth splitter port 228B communicates with the fourth splitter port 228A and is configured to communicate with any one of a first connection port 22A, a second connection port 22B, a third connection port 22C, and a fourth connection port 22D of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20. The sixth splitter port 228C communicates with the fourth splitter port 228A and is configured to communicate with any one of a fifth connection port 24A, a sixth connection port 24B, a seventh connection port 24C, and an eighth connection port 24D of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20. Accordingly, the second antenna 208 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via the second splitter 228.

[0030] The antenna system 200 further includes a third splitter 230. The third splitter 230 includes a seventh splitter port 230A, an eighth splitter port 230B, and a ninth splitter port 230C. The seventh splitter port 230A communicates with the third connection interface 216 of the third antenna 214. The eighth splitter port 230B communicates with the seventh splitter port 230A and is configured to communicate with any one of a first connection port 22A, a second connection port 22B, a third connection port 22C, and a fourth connection port 22D of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20. The ninth splitter port 230C communicates with the seventh splitter port 230A and is configured to communicate with any one of a fifth connection port 24A, a sixth connection port 24B, a seventh connection port 24C, and an eighth connection port 24D of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20. Accordingly, the third antenna 214 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via the third splitter 230.

[0031] The antenna system 200 further includes a fourth splitter 232. The fourth splitter 232 includes a tenth splitter port 232A, an eleventh splitter port 232B, and a twelfth splitter port 232C. The tenth splitter port 232A communicates with the fourth connection interface 222 of the fourth antenna 220. The eleventh splitter port 232B communicates with the tenth splitter port 232A and is configured to communicate with any one of a first connection port 22A, a second connection port 22B, a third connection port 22C, and a fourth connection port 22D of the first modem 22 of the vehicle 20. The twelfth splitter port 232C communicates with the tenth splitter port 232A and is configured to communicate with any one of a fifth connection port 24A, a sixth connection port 24B, a seventh connection port 24C, and an eighth connection port 24D of the second modem 24 of the vehicle 20. Accordingly, the fourth antenna 220 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 22 and the second modem 24 via the fourth splitter 232.

[0032] The first splitter 226, the second splitter 228, the third splitter 230, and the fourth splitter 232 may each be a coaxial cable splitter, a USB cable splitter, an Ethernet cable splitter, an optical fiber cable splitter, etc., or a combination thereof. Further, the first splitter port 226A, the second splitter port 226B, the third splitter port 226C, the fourth splitter port 228A, the fifth splitter port 228B, the sixth splitter port 228C, the seventh splitter port 230A, the eighth splitter port 230B, the ninth splitter port 230C, the tenth splitter port 232A, the eleventh splitter port 232B, and / or the twelfth splitter port 232C can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals for interoperability between components of the antenna system 200.

[0033] Further, as described above in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, the antenna system 200 further includes a plurality of amplifiers operably connected to the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and / or the fourth antenna 220, and can increase the amplitude of the radio frequency signal transmitted to the first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24 via the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and / or the fourth antenna 220. The plurality of amplifiers can include any suitable amplifier for increasing the amplitude of the radio frequency signal transmitted to the first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24 via the first antenna 202, the second antenna 208, the third antenna 214, and / or the fourth antenna 220. For example, the plurality of amplifiers can be powered or unpowered amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, broadband amplifiers, high frequency amplifiers, gain block amplifiers, or combinations thereof. Similar to what was described above in connection with FIG. 4, in some examples, the plurality of amplifiers can be disposed between the antennas 202, 208, 214, 220 and the splitters 226, 228, 230, 232. In other examples, similar to what was described above in connection with FIG. 5, the plurality of amplifiers can be configured to communicate with the splitters 226, 228, 230, 232 and communicate with the first modem 22 and / or the second modem 24.

[0034] Similar to that described above in connection with FIG. 6, in some examples, vehicle 20 may include a third modem 26 operable on a third cellular network different from the first cellular network and the second cellular network. Referring to FIG. 9, in some examples, third modem 26 includes a ninth connection port 26A, a tenth connection port 26B, an eleventh connection port 26C, and a twelfth connection port 26D. The ninth connection port 26A, the tenth connection port 26B, the eleventh connection port 26C, and / or the twelfth connection port 26D can be configured as a transmit (Tx) port for transmitting data from the third modem 26, a receive (Rx) port for the third modem 26 to receive data, a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) port, a single input multiple output (SIMO) port, a multiple input single output (MISO) port, a single input single output (SISO) port, etc., or a combination thereof. From a hardware perspective, the ninth connection port 26A, the tenth connection port 26B, the eleventh connection port 26C, and / or the twelfth connection port 26D can be implemented as a coaxial cable port (such as SMA, TS9, CRC9, etc.), a universal serial bus (USB) port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0035] In the configuration of FIG. 9, the second splitter port 226B of the first splitter 226 is configured to communicate with any one of the first modem 22 (e.g., via the first connection port 22A, the second connection port 22B, the third connection port 22C, or the fourth connection port 22D), the second modem (e.g., via the fifth connection port 24A, the sixth connection port 24B, the seventh connection port 24C, or the eighth connection port 24D), and the third modem (e.g., via the ninth connection port 26A, the tenth connection port 26B, the eleventh connection port 26C, or the tenth connection port 26D). The third splitter port 226C is configured to communicate with any one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. The first antenna 202 transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Also, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, the fifth splitter port 228B of the second splitter 228 is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26, and the sixth splitter port 228C is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. As a result, the second antenna 208 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Further, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, the eighth splitter port 230B of the third splitter 230 is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26, and the ninth splitter port 230C is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. As a result, the third antenna 214 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26.Furthermore, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, the eleventh splitter port 232B of the fourth splitter 232 is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26, and the twelfth splitter port 232C is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26, such that the fourth antenna 220 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26.

[0036] Continuing to refer to FIG. 9, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 26, the antenna system 200 further includes a fifth antenna 236 and a sixth antenna 242 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The fifth antenna 236 includes a fifth connection interface 238 and a fifth radiating element 240 that communicates with the fifth connection interface 238 and is capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The fifth radiating element 240 is energized via the fifth connection interface 238 and is configured to be capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The sixth antenna 242 includes a sixth connection interface 244 and a sixth radiating element 246 that communicates with the sixth connection interface 244 and is capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The sixth radiating element 246 is energized via the sixth connection interface 244 and is configured to be capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The fifth connection interface 238 and the sixth connection interface 244 can each be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the antenna system 200. The fifth radiating element 240 and the sixth radiating element 246 can each be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the fifth antenna 236 and the sixth antenna 242 can be configured to transmit and / or receive cellular radio frequency signals having frequencies from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Accordingly, the fifth antenna 236 and the sixth antenna 242 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the third cellular network and / or the third modem 26 are also considered.The fifth antenna 236 and the sixth antenna 242 are each configured to be arranged on the vehicle as described above. The fifth antenna 236 and the sixth antenna 242 can each be configured as an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

[0037] Continuing to refer to FIG. 9, when the vehicle 20 is provided with the third modem 26, the antenna system 200 is further provided with a fifth splitter 248 and a sixth splitter 250. The fifth splitter 248 includes a thirteenth splitter port 248A, a fourteenth splitter port 248B, and a fifteenth splitter port 248C. The thirteenth splitter port 248A communicates with the fifth connection interface 238 of the fifth antenna 236. The fourteenth splitter port 248B communicates with the thirteenth splitter port 248A and is configured to communicate with one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. The fifteenth splitter port 248C is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Thus, the fifth antenna 236 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals with at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. The sixth splitter 250 includes a sixteenth splitter port 250A, a seventeenth splitter port 250B, and an eighteenth splitter port 250C. The sixteenth splitter port 250A communicates with the sixth connection interface 244 of the sixth antenna 242. The seventeenth splitter port 250B communicates with the sixteenth splitter port 250A and is configured to communicate with any one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. The eighteenth splitter port 250C is configured to communicate with another one of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Thus, the sixth antenna 242 is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals with at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network by communicating with at least two of the first modem 22, the second modem 24, and the third modem 26. Of course, similar to the descriptions of FIGS. 4 and 5, it should be understood that the configurations of FIGS. 7-9 can include a plurality of amplifiers 234.

[0038] Figures 10 to 20 illustrate another aspect of the present disclosure regarding a connection system 300 for a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 can be any transportation vehicle including, for example, cars, trucks, buses, vans, trains, and the like. The connection system 300 includes a plurality of modems 302, each of which is operable on a different cellular network. Each of the plurality of modems 302 can be, for example, a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) modem, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) modem, a 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) modem, a 5G modem, or a combination thereof. The plurality of modems 302 can be integrated into the vehicle 20 or can be standalone devices. The different cellular networks can be any type of cellular network including, for example, 4G LTE networks, 5G cellular networks, 5G broadcast networks, and other current and future cellular networks. The various cellular networks can be operated by any cellular service provider.

[0039] As used herein, the phrase "operable on different cellular networks" means that each of the plurality of modems 302 is operable on at least one cellular network different from at least one cellular network of the other modems of the plurality of modems 302. In some examples, each of the plurality of modems 302 is operable only on a single cellular network. Thus, in these examples, each of the plurality of modems 302 is operable only on a cellular network different from the other modems of the plurality of modems 302. However, in other examples, each of the plurality of modems 302 is operable on a plurality of cellular networks. Here, the plurality of cellular networks of each of the plurality of modems 302 can share a common cellular network, but at least, each of the plurality of modems 302 is operable on at least one cellular network different from at least one cellular network of the other modems of the plurality of modems 302. By way of non-limiting example, in some configurations, the connection system 300 includes a first modem 302A operable only on a first cellular network and a second modem 302B operable only on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network. However, in other configurations, the first modem 302A is operable on both the first cellular network and the second cellular network, and the second modem 302B is operable only on the second cellular network. The plurality of modems 302 may include two or more modems (e.g., three modems, four modems, etc.).

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the plurality of modems 302 can include a plurality of connection ports 303. In some examples, each of the plurality of modems 302 includes two connection ports 303, although more connection ports 303 are conceivable. For example, each of the plurality of modems 302 can include four connection ports, as described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. Each of the plurality of connection ports 303 can be configured as a transmit (Tx) port for transmitting data from each respective modem, a receive (Rx) port for each respective modem to receive data, a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) port, a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) port, a multiple-input single-output (MISO) port, a single-input single-output (SISO) port, etc., or a combination thereof. From a hardware perspective, the plurality of connection ports 303 can be implemented as coaxial cable ports (SMA, TS9, CRC9, etc.), universal serial bus (USB) ports, Ethernet ports, fiber optic ports, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the connection system 300 also includes a first antenna 304 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The first antenna 304 includes a first connection interface 306 and a first radiating element 308 that communicates with the first connection interface 306. The first radiating element 308 is energized via the first connection interface 306 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first connection interface 306 can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the connection system 300. The first radiating element 308 can be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. The first antenna 304 can be configured to transmit and / or receive cellular radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Thus, the first antenna 304 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the cellular network and / or the plurality of modems 302 are also considered. The first antenna 304 can be configured as an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

[0042] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 10 and 11, the connection system 300 also includes a second antenna 310 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The second antenna 310 includes a second connection interface 312 and a second radiating element 314 that communicates with the second connection interface 312 and is capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The second radiating element 314 is energized via the second connection interface 312 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The second connection interface 312 can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the connection system 300. The second radiating element 314 can be realized as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. The second antenna 310 can be configured to transmit and receive cellular radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Therefore, the second antenna 310 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the cellular network and / or the modem are also considered. The second antenna 310 can be configured as an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

[0043] <W As best shown in FIG. 10, the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 are configured to be disposed on the vehicle 20. The arrangement of the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 on the vehicle is not particularly limited for the purposes of the present disclosure. In other words, the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 can be disposed at any suitable location on the vehicle 20, such as on the roof, window / front glass, mirror, body panel, inside the vehicle, etc., or combinations thereof. In one example, the first antenna 304 and / or the second antenna 310 are configured to have a transmittance of 70% or more and be disposed on the transparent plate 28 of the vehicle 20 (best shown in FIG. 10). In some examples, the transparent plate 28 is implemented as at least one glass plate. When the transparent plate 28 is implemented as glass, the transparent plate 28 can be composed of any suitable glass composition, such as soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, borosilicate aluminosilicate glass, etc., or combinations thereof. When the transparent plate 28 is implemented as a plurality of glass plates (i.e., a laminated glass assembly), the first antenna 304 and / or the second antenna 310 can be disposed on the outer surface of the glass plate or on the inner surface of the glass plate (i.e., between the glass plates). Those skilled in the art will understand that the transparent plate 28 can also be formed from polymer materials such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0044] The connection system 300 further includes at least one splitter 316. The at least one splitter 316 can be a coaxial cable splitter, a USB cable splitter, an Ethernet cable splitter, an optical fiber cable splitter, etc., or combinations thereof. The at least one splitter 316 communicates with the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310, whereby each of the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on at least two different cellular networks by communicating with at least two of the plurality of modems 302.

[0045] As best shown in FIG. 11, at least one splitter 316 includes a first splitter port 318A, a second splitter port 318B, a third splitter port 318C, a fourth splitter port 318D, a fifth splitter port 318E, and a sixth splitter port 318F. The first splitter port 318A, the second splitter port 318B, the third splitter port 318C, the fourth splitter port 318D, the fifth splitter port 318E, and / or the sixth splitter port 318F can be implemented as coaxial cable ports, USB ports, Ethernet ports, fiber optic ports, etc., or combinations thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the connection system 300. The first splitter port 318A communicates with the first connection interface 306 of the first antenna 304. As used herein, the term "communicates" means electrical communication between two reference ports. Electrical communication between two reference ports can be effected via a cable 320 (e.g., a coaxial cable, a USB cable, an Ethernet cable, a fiber optic cable, etc., or combinations thereof). As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first splitter port 318A communicates with the first connection interface 306 of the first antenna 304 via a first cable 320A. The second splitter port 318B communicates with the first splitter port 318A and communicates with one of the plurality of modems 302 (e.g., via a second cable 320B). The third splitter port 318C communicates with the first splitter port 318A and communicates with another one of the plurality of modems 302 (i.e., a modem different from the second splitter port 318B) (e.g., via a third cable 320C). The fourth splitter port 318D communicates with the second connection interface 312 of the second antenna 310 (e.g., via a fourth cable 320D). The fifth splitter port 318E communicates with the fourth splitter port 318D and communicates with one of the plurality of modems 302 (e.g., via a fifth cable 320E).The sixth splitter port 318F communicates with the fourth splitter port 318D and communicates with other modems among the plurality of modems 302 (e.g., via the sixth cable 320F).

[0046] Accordingly, the first antenna 304 transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals on at least two different cellular networks by communicating with at least two of the plurality of modems 302 via at least one splitter 316, and the second antenna 310 transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals on at least two different cellular networks by communicating with at least two of the plurality of modems 302 via at least one splitter 316. With this configuration, both hardware redundancy between the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 and communication redundancy between different cellular networks can be achieved. For example, since both the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 communicate with at least two of the plurality of modems 302, even if a hardware failure occurs in either the first antenna 304 or the second antenna 310, the plurality of modems 302 can transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from their respective cellular networks via the other of the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310. Also, with this configuration, the vehicle 20 or other systems associated with the vehicle 20 can select (e.g., via software) the one of the different cellular networks that has excellent signal / performance (e.g., measured by upload speed, download speed, latency, packet loss, etc., or a combination thereof). Furthermore, with this configuration, the total number of antennas can be reduced compared to the case where an antenna corresponding to each connection port of the plurality of modems 302 is provided respectively.

[0047] In some examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the plurality of modems 302 includes a first modem 302A operable on a first cellular network and a second modem 302B operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network. In the configuration shown in the figures, the second splitter port 318B communicates with the first modem 302A, and the third splitter port 318C communicates with the second modem 302B, whereby the first antenna 304 can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 302A and the second modem 302B. Further, in the configuration shown in the figures, the fifth splitter port 318E communicates with the first modem 302A, and the sixth splitter port 318F communicates with the second modem 302B, whereby the second antenna 310 can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on the first cellular network and the second cellular network by communicating with the first modem 302A and the second modem 302B.

[0048] At least one splitter 316 may be a single splitter 316 (i.e., a single component having a plurality of inputs and a corresponding plurality of outputs), or may be a plurality of individual splitters 316. Referring to FIG. 12, in one example, at least one splitter 316 is a plurality of individual splitters 316 (a first splitter 316A and a second splitter 316B). Here, the first splitter 316A includes a first splitter port 318A, a second splitter port 318B, and a third splitter port 318C, and the second splitter 316B includes a fourth splitter port 318D, a fifth splitter port 318E, and a sixth splitter port 318F. Other configurations of at least one splitter 316 are also conceivable.

[0049] One skilled in the art would understand that due to the connection system 300 including at least one splitter 316 and / or the length of the cable 320, the gain of the radio frequency signal transmitted between the plurality of modems 302 via the first antenna 304 and / or the second antenna 310 may be lost. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connection system 300 may further include a plurality of amplifiers 322 operably connected to at least one of the first antenna 304 and the second antenna 310 to increase the amplitude of the radio frequency signal provided to the plurality of modems 302. The plurality of amplifiers 322 may include any suitable amplifier for increasing the amplitude of the radio frequency signal transmitted and received between the plurality of modems 302 via the first antenna 304 and / or the second antenna 310. For example, the plurality of amplifiers 322 may include a powered or unpowered amplifier, a low noise amplifier, a broadband amplifier, a high frequency amplifier, a gain block amplifier, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0050] In one example, referring to FIG. 13, the plurality of amplifiers 322 includes a first amplifier 322A and a second amplifier 322B. In the configuration of FIG. 13, the first amplifier 322A is disposed between the first connection interface 306 of the first antenna 304 and the first splitter port 318A of at least one splitter 316, and the second amplifier 322B is disposed between the second connection interface 312 of the second antenna 310 and the fourth splitter port 318D of at least one splitter 316. In other examples, referring to FIG. 14, the plurality of amplifiers 120 includes a first amplifier 322A, a second amplifier 322B, a third amplifier 322C, and a fourth amplifier 322D. In the configuration of FIG. 14, the first amplifier 322A is disposed between the second splitter port 318B and one of the plurality of modems 302, the second amplifier 120B is disposed between the third splitter port 318C and another one of the plurality of modems 302, the third amplifier 322C is disposed between the fifth splitter port 318E and one of the plurality of modems 302, and the fourth amplifier 322D is disposed between the sixth splitter port 318F and another one of the plurality of modems 302. Other configurations of the plurality of amplifiers 322 are also conceivable.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, in some examples, the plurality of modems 302 includes a first modem 302A operable on a first cellular network, a second modem 302B operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network, and a third modem 302C operable on a third cellular network different from the first cellular network and the second cellular network. Continuing to refer to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the vehicle 20 includes the third modem 302C, the connection system 300 further includes a third antenna 324 capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The third antenna 324 includes a third connection interface 326 and a third radiating element 328 that communicates with the third connection interface 326 and is capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals. The third radiating element 328 is energized via the third connection interface 326 and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The third connection interface 326 can be implemented as a coaxial cable port, a USB port, an Ethernet port, an optical fiber port, etc., or a combination thereof, and can include additional hardware necessary to convert signals to ensure interoperability between components of the connection system 300. The third radiating element 328 can be implemented as any suitable radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, such as a monopole radiating element, a dipole radiating element, a loop radiating element, a patch radiating element, etc., or a combination thereof. The third antenna 324 can be configured to transmit and / or receive cellular radio frequency signals having frequencies from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Thus, the third antenna 324 can be configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on 4G LTE, 5G sub-6 GHz networks, and other current and future cellular networks included in the frequency range of 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz. Of course, other frequencies supported by the third cellular network and / or the third modem 302C are also considered. The third antenna 324 is disposed on the vehicle as described above. The third antenna 324 can be configured as an omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna.

[0052] As best shown in FIG. 16, the connection system 300 includes a third modem 302C, the second splitter port 318B communicates with one of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C, and the third splitter port 318C communicates with another one of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C. As a result, the first antenna 304 communicates with at least two of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network. Similarly, when the connection system 300 includes the third modem 302C, the fifth splitter port 318E communicates with one of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C, the sixth splitter port 318F communicates with another one of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C, and the second antenna 310 communicates with at least two of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network. Further, when the connection system 300 includes the third modem 302C, at least one splitter 316 further includes a seventh splitter port 318G that communicates with the third connection interface 326 of the third antenna 324, an eighth splitter port 318H that communicates with the seventh splitter port 318G and communicates with one of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C, and a ninth splitter port 318I that communicates with the seventh splitter port 318G and communicates with another one of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C. Thereby, the third antenna 324 communicates with at least two of the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and the third modem 302C to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network.

[0053] Similar to what was described above in connection with FIG. 12, at least one splitter 316 may be a single splitter 316 (i.e., a single component having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of corresponding outputs), or at least one splitter 316 may be a plurality of individual splitters 316. As shown in FIG. 17, in some examples where a plurality of modems 302 include a third modem 302C, at least one splitter 316 can include a first splitter 316A, a second splitter 316B, and a third splitter 316C. In these examples, the first splitter 316A includes a first splitter port 318A, a second splitter port 318B, and a third splitter port 318C, the second splitter 316B includes a fourth splitter port 318D, a fifth splitter port 318E, and a sixth splitter port 318F, and the third splitter 316C includes a seventh splitter port 318G, an eighth splitter port 318H, and a ninth splitter port 318I. Of course, other configurations of at least one splitter 316 are also conceivable. Further, similar to what was described above in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14, when a plurality of modems 302 include a third modem 302C, the connection system 300 further includes a plurality of amplifiers 322 operably connected to at least one of the first antenna 304, the second antenna 310, and the third antenna 324, and can increase the amplitude of the radio frequency signals provided to the first modem 302A, the second modem 302B, and / or the third modem 302C.

[0054] Also, in the configurations shown in FIGS. 10 - 17, each modem of the plurality of modems 302 is shown with two connection ports 303, but it should also be understood that, similar to what was described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9, each modem of the plurality of modems 302 may have four connection ports. In these examples, the connection system 300 may include additional antennas (e.g., a third antenna, a fourth antenna, a fifth antenna, a sixth antenna, etc.), similar to what was described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0055] In the above description, several embodiments have been described. However, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a particular form. The terms used herein are not limiting but have the nature of terms for explanation. Many changes and modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0056] To the above embodiments, various additional changes and modifications can be made in addition to those already described herein. This disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments, nor should the claims be construed as limited to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, without limitation, any individual element of the described embodiments can be replaced with an alternative element that provides substantially the same function or otherwise performs suitably. This includes, for example, alternative elements that are currently known, such as those that may be currently known to those skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that may be recognized by those skilled in the art as alternative elements at the time of development. When referring to an element of a claim in the singular, for example, when using an article such as "a", "an", "the" or "said", it should not be construed that the element is limited to the singular. Also, it will be understood that the term "include, includes, including" has the same meaning as the term "comprise, comprises, comprising".

Claims

1. An antenna system for providing connectivity to a vehicle, comprising a first modem operable on a first cellular network and having a first connection port and a second connection port, and a second modem operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network and having a third connection port and a fourth connection port, wherein the antenna system comprises: A first antenna comprising a first connection interface and a first radiating element operable to communicate with the first connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals, the first antenna being configured to be disposed on the vehicle; A second antenna comprising a second connection interface and a second radiating element operable to communicate with the second connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals, the second antenna being configured to be disposed on the vehicle; A first splitter port communicating with the first connection interface of the first antenna; A second splitter port communicating with the first splitter port and configured to communicate with one of the first connection port and the second connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; A third splitter port communicating with the first splitter port and configured to communicate with one of the third connection port and the fourth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; A fourth splitter port communicating with the second connection interface of the second antenna; A fifth splitter port communicating with the fourth splitter port and configured to communicate with the other of the first connection port and the second connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; A sixth splitter port communicating with the fourth splitter port and configured to communicate with the other of the third connection port and the fourth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; At least one splitter comprising; Comprising, The first antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem via the at least one splitter and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network. The second antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem via the at least one splitter, and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network. Antenna system. **Claim 2** The at least one splitter includes a first splitter and a second splitter. The first splitter includes the first splitter port, the second splitter port, and the third splitter port. The second splitter includes the fourth splitter port, the fifth splitter port, and the sixth splitter port. The antenna system according to claim 1. **Claim 3** The antenna system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of amplifiers operably connected to the first antenna and the second antenna, and configured to increase the amplitude of radio frequency signals transmitted between the first modem and / or the second modem via the first antenna and / or the second antenna. The antenna system according to claim 1. **Claim 4** The plurality of amplifiers include a first amplifier disposed between the first connection interface of the first antenna and the first splitter port; and a second amplifier disposed between the second connection interface of the second antenna and the fourth splitter port. The antenna system according to claim 3. **Claim 5** The plurality of amplifiers include a first amplifier configured to communicate with the second splitter port and communicate with one of the first connection port and the second connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; a second amplifier configured to communicate with the third splitter port and communicate with one of the third connection port and the fourth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; a third amplifier configured to communicate with the fifth splitter port and communicate with the other of the first connection port and the second connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; and a fourth amplifier configured to communicate with the sixth splitter port and communicate with the other of the third connection port and the fourth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle. The antenna system according to claim 3. **Claim 6** At least one of the first antenna and the second antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals having a frequency from 400 megahertz to 6 gigahertz, and / or At least one of the first antenna and the second antenna is an omnidirectional antenna, and / or At least one of the first antenna and the second antenna has a transmittance of 70% or more and is configured to be disposed on a transparent glass of the vehicle. The antenna system according to claim 1.

7. An antenna system for providing connectivity to a vehicle, comprising: a first modem operable on a first cellular network and having a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, and a fourth connection port; and a second modem operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network and having a fifth connection port, a sixth connection port, a seventh connection port, and an eighth connection port, the antenna system comprising: A first antenna comprising a first connection interface and a first radiating element operable to communicate with the first connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals, the first antenna being configured to be disposed on the vehicle; A second antenna comprising a second connection interface and a second radiating element operable to communicate with the second connection interface and transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals, the second antenna being configured to be disposed on the vehicle; A third antenna comprising a third connection interface and a third radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, the third antenna being configured to be disposed on the vehicle; A fourth antenna comprising a fourth connection interface and a fourth radiating element capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals, the fourth antenna being configured to be disposed on the vehicle; A first splitter port communicating with the first connection interface of the first antenna; A second splitter port communicating with the first splitter port and configured to communicate with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle, and A third splitter port configured to communicate with the first splitter port and with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; A first splitter comprising the same; A fourth splitter port configured to communicate with the second connection interface of the second antenna; A fifth splitter port configured to communicate with the fourth splitter port and with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; A sixth splitter port configured to communicate with the fourth splitter port and with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; A second splitter comprising the same; A seventh splitter port configured to communicate with the third connection interface of the third antenna; An eighth splitter port configured to communicate with the seventh splitter port and with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; A ninth splitter port configured to communicate with the seventh splitter port and with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; A third splitter comprising the same; A tenth splitter port configured to communicate with the fourth connection interface of the fourth antenna; An eleventh splitter port configured to communicate with the tenth splitter port and with any one of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port of the first modem of the vehicle; A twelfth splitter port configured to communicate with the tenth splitter port and with any one of the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, and the eighth connection port of the second modem of the vehicle; A fourth splitter comprising the same; Comprising; The first antenna is configured to communicate with the first modem and the second modem via the first splitter, and to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network; The second antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem via the second splitter, and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network; The third antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem via the third splitter, and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network, The fourth antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem via the fourth splitter, and is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least one of the first cellular network and the second cellular network. Antenna system.

8. A plurality of amplifiers operably connected to at least one of the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna, and configured to increase the amplitude of radio frequency signals provided to the first modem and / or the second modem, and / or At least one of the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna has a transmittance of 70% or more and is configured to be disposed on a transparent glass of the vehicle. The antenna system according to claim 7.

9. A connection system for a vehicle, A plurality of modems, each of the plurality of modems being operable on a different cellular network; A first connection interface and a first antenna configured to be disposed on the vehicle, the first antenna including a first radiating element that communicates with the first connection interface and is operable to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals; A second connection interface and a second antenna configured to be disposed on the vehicle, the second antenna including a second radiating element that communicates with the second connection interface and is operable to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals; A first splitter port that communicates with the first connection interface of the first antenna; A second splitter port that communicates with the first splitter port and communicates with one of the plurality of modems; A third splitter port that communicates with the first splitter port and communicates with another one of the plurality of modems; A fourth splitter port that communicates with the second connection interface of the second antenna; A fifth splitter port that communicates with the fourth splitter port and communicates with one of the plurality of modems; A sixth splitter port that communicates with the fourth splitter port and communicates with another one of the plurality of modems; At least one splitter comprising: Comprising The first antenna communicates with at least two of the plurality of modems via the at least one splitter, and transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals in at least two of the different cellular networks; The second antenna communicates with at least two of the plurality of modems via the at least one splitter, and transmits and / or receives radio frequency signals in at least two of the different cellular networks. Connection system.

10. The plurality of modems A first modem operable on a first cellular network; A second modem operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network Comprising The second splitter port communicates with the first modem, the third splitter port communicates with the second modem, and the first antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on the first cellular network and the second cellular network; The fifth splitter port communicates with the first modem, the sixth splitter port communicates with the second modem, and the second antenna communicates with the first modem and the second modem to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals on the first cellular network and the second cellular network; Optionally, the at least one splitter comprises a first splitter and a second splitter, the first splitter comprises the first splitter port, the second splitter port, and the third splitter port, and the second splitter comprises the fourth splitter port, the fifth splitter port, and the sixth splitter port. The connection system according to claim 9.

11. The plurality of modems A first modem operable on a first cellular network; A second modem operable on a second cellular network different from the first cellular network, A third modem operable on a third cellular network different from the first cellular network and the second cellular network, Comprising, The second splitter port communicates with one of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, the third splitter port communicates with another one of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, and the first antenna communicates with at least two of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network, The fifth splitter port communicates with one of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, the sixth splitter port communicates with another one of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, and the second antenna communicates with at least two of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network. The connection system according to claim 9.

12. A third connection interface and a third radiator operable to communicate with the third connection interface to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals, further comprising a third antenna configured to be disposed on the vehicle, The third antenna communicates with at least two of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem via the at least one splitter to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals in at least two of the first cellular network, the second cellular network, and the third cellular network, Optionally, the connection system further comprises a plurality of amplifiers operably connected to at least one of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna to increase the amplitude of the radio frequency signals provided to the first modem, the second modem, and / or the third modem. The connection system according to claim 11.

13. The at least one splitter further comprises a seventh splitter port communicating with the third connection interface of the third antenna, an eighth splitter port communicating with the seventh splitter port and communicating with one of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, a ninth splitter port communicating with the seventh splitter port and communicating with another one of the first modem, the second modem, and the third modem, and optionally, the at least one splitter comprises a first splitter, a second splitter, and a third splitter, the first splitter comprises the first splitter port, the second splitter port, and the third splitter port, the second splitter comprises the fourth splitter port, the fifth splitter port, and the sixth splitter port, and the third splitter comprises the seventh splitter port, the eighth splitter port, and the ninth splitter port. The connection system according to claim 12.

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