Multiband digital data network infrastructure with broadband analog frontend

Abstract

Provides a wireless network. [Solution] The multiband digital data network infrastructure comprises a network of access points (APs) 8. Each AP comprises a differential segmented aperture (DSA) 10 having a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered projections 12 arranged on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) 20 configuring the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / ortho-phase (IQ) board 22, and one or more network cards 24. The network of APs supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating in different RF bands. Each AP in the network supports both cellular and WiFi services using the same DSA. In some embodiments, the network of APs forms a network of cell relay towers for cellular services.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 192,427, filed May 24, 2021, and entitled "Multiband Digital Data Network Infrastructure with Broadband Analog Front End", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Background) The following relates to wireless communication technologies, wide-area band communication technologies, telecommunications technologies, WiFi technologies, cellular communication technologies, and related technologies.

Background Art

[0003] Some of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein employ differential segmented aperture (DSA) components. Some DSA embodiments are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0343646 A1 (Patent Document 1) and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0343929 A1 (Patent Document 2), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and are entitled "Conformal / Omnidirectional Differential Segmented Aperture" and "Systems and Methods for Signal Communication With Scalable, Modular Network Nodes", respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] (Brief summary) According to some illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, a wireless network comprises a network of access points (APs). Each AP includes a broadband electronically configurable aperture and electronic equipment connected to the broadband electronically configurable aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages over a plurality of different frequency bands via the broadband electronically configurable aperture.

[0006] According to some illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, a radio includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) having a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered projections disposed on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) configuring the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / ortho-phase (IQ) board, and one or more network cards. The IQ board is configured to (i) convert analog data received from the MAFE into digital data to be delivered to one or more network cards in the radio's receiving mode, and / or convert digital data received from one or more network cards into analog data to be delivered to the MAFE in the radio's transmission mode.

[0007] According to some illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, a multiband digital data network infrastructure comprises a network of access points (APs). Each AP includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) having a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered projections disposed on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) configuring the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / ortho-phase (IQ) substrate, and one or more network cards. The network of APs supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating in different RF bands. In some embodiments, each AP in the network supports both cellular and WiFi services using the same DSA. In some embodiments, the network of APs forms a network of cell relay towers for cellular services. In some embodiments, the network of APs forms a network of APs for an indoor wireless network. The present invention provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) It is a wireless network, Equipped with an access point (AP) network, Each AP is Broadband electronically steerable aperture, Electronic equipment connected to the broadband electronically configurable aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages across multiple different frequency bands via the broadband electronically configurable aperture. Wireless networks, including (Item 2) The wireless network according to item 1, wherein the electronic equipment is connected to the broadband electronically configurable aperture via the broadband electronically configurable aperture to receive and transmit wireless messages across the plurality of different frequency bands within the spectral range of 400 MHz to 30 GHz. (Item 3) The broadband electronically directional aperture is a wireless network according to any one of items 1-2, comprising a differential segmented aperture (DSA). (Item 4) The aforementioned multiple different frequency bands include the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) bands within the spectral range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz, and are part of the wireless network described in any one of items 1-3. (Item 5) The aforementioned multiple different frequency bands include the US Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) bands within the spectral range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz, as defined in any one of items 1-4 of the wireless network. (Item 6) The aforementioned multiple different frequency bands include the 5G band, and are part of the wireless network described in any one of items 1-5. (Item 7) The wireless network supports at least one cellular service, and the AP is a wireless network as described in any one of items 1-6, including a cell relay tower. (Item 8) The wireless network supports at least one office 5G service, and the APs include indoor APs, as described in any one of items 1-7. (Item 9) A wireless network as described in any one of items 1-8, in which at least two of the APs in the aforementioned AP network support both cellular and WiFi services using the same broadband electronically directional aperture. (Item 10) The wireless network described in any one of items 1-9, wherein the electronic equipment includes a plurality of modular analog front-ends (MAFEs) that constitute the broadband electronically configurable aperture for individual wireless services. (Item 11) It is a wireless device, A differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions arranged on a support substrate, A modular analog front end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different individual wireless services, In-phase / quadrant-phase (IQ) substrate, One or more network cards and Equipped with, The aforementioned IQ board is (i) Convert the analog data received from the MAFE into digital data to be delivered to one or more network cards in the radio's receiving mode, and / or Convert the digital data received from one or more network cards into analog data to be delivered to the MAFE in the transmission mode of the radio. A radio, configured to be at least one of the following. (Item 12) The digital IQ board is a radio device as described in item 11 that performs at least one of beam steering and / or beamforming. (Item 13) The radio described in any one of items 11-12 includes multiple network cards that provide coverage for multiple RF bands. (Item 14) The wireless device described in any one of items 11-14, wherein the one or more network cards include at least one cellular network card and at least one WiFi network card. (Item 15) The radio described in item 14, wherein the at least one cellular network card includes at least one of a 3G network card, a 4G network card, or a 5G network card. (Item 16) The plurality of RF bands supported by the MAFE include at least two of the channels in the L band, the channels in the S band, and / or the channels in the C band, the radio according to any one of items 11-15. (Item 17) The MAFE, the IQ substrate, and the one or more network cards are arranged on the back surface of the support substrate of the DSA opposite to the front surface of the support substrate that supports the 2D array of the conductive tapered protrusions, the radio according to any one of items 11-16. (Item 18) A multi-band digital data network infrastructure, Comprising a network of access points (APs), Each AP includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a 2D array of conductive tapered protrusions arranged on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) configuring the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / quadrature phase (IQ) substrate, and one or more network cards, The network of the APs is a multi-band digital data network infrastructure that supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating in different RF bands. (Item 19) Each AP of the network uses the same DSA to support both cellular service and WiFi service, the multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to item 18. (Item 20) The network of the APs forms a network of cell relay towers for cellular service, the multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to any one of items 18-19. (Item 21) The network of the APs forms a network of APs for an indoor wireless network, the multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to any one of items 18-19. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] Any quantitative dimensions shown in the drawings shall be understood as non-limiting illustrative examples. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are not to scale, and if any aspect of the drawings is shown as being to scale, the scale shown shall be understood as non-limiting illustrative examples.

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 schematically shows an exploded view of a wideband radio transceiver.

[0010] [Figure 2] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the RF aperture of the wideband radio shown in Figure 1.

[0011] [Figure 3] Figure 3 schematically shows the assembly diagram of the wideband radio shown in Figure 1.

[0012] [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a multi-tenant 5G / WiFi6 outdoor network configuration employing four instances of the wide-area band radio shown in Figures 1-3.

[0013] [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates a private 5G / WiFi6 network configuration employing three instances of the wideband radio shown in Figures 1-3.

[0014] [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows a network configuration for mobile field operation employing an instance of the wide-band radio shown in Figure 1-3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] (Detailed explanation) Disclosed herein are embodiments comprising a combination of a wideband array aperture and a multi-channel RF signal chain capable of operating digitally over a bandwidth of several hundred MHz. Embodiments disclosed herein enable a single device to provide a multiband, multi-carrier, and multi-function radio unit for telecommunications. Such a radio unit, preferably configured to be standards-compliant, can be plugged into one or more radio access networks and provide coverage for multiple telecom carriers or multiple bands / networks (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.) / waveforms (3GPP®, WiFi, FM, etc.). Through multi-element beamforming, each signal has its own beam pattern, enabling dynamic digital control of tilt, beamwidth, and sectorization.

[0016] The deployment of existing 5G facilities inevitably involves very high costs for extending fiber, supplying power, obtaining regulatory approvals, and carrying out the deployment itself. This process can take more than 18 months, requires a great deal of staff effort, and can also expose users to risks. Modifying the deployment later requires re-approval, which can be a process of 3 to 6 months.

[0017] Embodiments disclosed herein reduce the number of round trips required to reconfigure 5G facilities and those facilities by having a single radio unit (RU) that supports multiple bands and is capable of dynamically switching between bands. The radio unit does this while reducing the cost of the radio system. Through a reduction in the number of boxes, the costs of permits, enclosures, and poles, as well as installation, are also reduced.

[0018] An additional problem associated with existing multi-tenant facilities is that each network operator is constrained to the same operating parameters, such as beam pattern and tilt.

[0019] In embodiments disclosed herein, beamforming techniques enable each signal to have its own beam pattern and tilt. This enables better performance and faster adaptation to changing network needs.

[0020] The combination of these features can reduce network capital and maintenance costs by approximately 50% or more, while also providing higher performance.

[0021] Some aspects of certain embodiments disclosed herein include providing a single device, multiband, multiwaveform radio unit; providing digital steering and beamforming independently controlled for multiple networks from a single device; providing a single device operating in multiple licensed or unlicensed bands for private / community networks, including 4G, 5G, WiFi 6, etc.; providing a modular analog front-end that enables a single aperture and a single digitizer / radio board to be adapted to different signals and frequencies in a field-feasible manner without altering the appearance of the device; providing a single device that acts as a multi-tenant radio unit, where the same aperture and electronics support multiple network operators or multiple network types (5G, LTE, WiFi, etc.); providing a single device that can be digitally reprogrammed to switch frequencies and waveforms without changing or moving the antenna; and providing a radio that can support different electronic tilts for different frequencies operating simultaneously and dynamically control those tilts. A given embodiment may include one, more than, or all of the above aspects and / or advantages.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an exploded view of the wideband radio 8 is shown. Embodiments of the wideband radio 8 disclosed herein include a wideband aperture 10 that is operable over a continuous frequency range, at least 1 GHz wide, and in some embodiments, several gigahertz wide. In some illustrative embodiments, the wideband radio frequency (RF) aperture 10 may be a differential segmented aperture (DSA) 10 that supports simultaneous electronic steering, polarization separation, and multi-gigahertz widebands. Several illustrative DSA embodiments are, for example, both of which are incorporated herein by reference as a whole in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0343646 A1 and "Systems and Methods," both titled "Conformal / Omnidirectional Differential Segmented Aperture." for Signal Communication With Scalable, This is disclosed in U.S. Public Statement No. 2020 / 0343929 A1, titled "Modular Network Nodes".

[0023] Continuing with reference to Figure 1, and further with reference to Figure 2 which shows a perspective view of the RF aperture 10 of the wideband radio in Figure 1, several preferred embodiments of the RF aperture 10 are further described. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0343929 A1, the DSA 10 may comprise a two-dimensional (2D) array of conductive tapered projections 12 having a bottom surface positioned on the front surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) or other support substrate 14 and extending away from the front surface of the support substrate 14. Figure 1 shows a side view of the DSA 10 and shows a single row of the 2D array of conductive tapered projections 12, while Figure 2 shows a perspective view depicting the 2D array of conductive tapered projections 12. The conductive tapered projections 12 may have any type of cross-section (e.g., square, or circular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other, as shown). The vertices of the projections 12 can be flat, or (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) sharp points, or rounded, or may have some other vertex geometric shapes. The tapered ratio as a function of height (i.e., the distance "above" the base of the projection when the vertex is located at the maximum "height") can be constant, as in the embodiment of the inset, or the tapered ratio can be variable with height, for example, increasing as the height increases to form projections with rounded vertices, or decreasing as the height increases to form projections with sharper tips. Similarly, a 2D array of conductive tapered projections 12 can be a linear array with regular rows and orthogonal regular columns, or the array may have other symmetries, such as hexagonal symmetry, octagonal symmetry, or others. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface of each projection 12 is a square bottom surface, and the conductive tapered projection 12 has four flat inclined side walls. However, other side wall shapes are conceivable. For example, if the bottom surface and vertices are circular (or if the bottom surface is circular and the vertices are points), the side walls may preferably be inclined or tapered cylindrical. With respect to a hexagonal bottom surface and hexagonal or pointed vertices, there may preferably be six inclined side walls.The DSA10 has differential RF receiving (or RF transmitting) elements corresponding to adjacent pairs of conductive tapered projections 12. Generally, with respect to a linear array of conductive tapered projections 12 having N rows (or columns) of conductive tapered projections, there will be N-1 corresponding pixels along the row (or column).

[0024] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, one or more modular analog front-ends (MAFEs) 20 are mounted on the RF aperture 10. These MAFEs are mounted on sub-elements of the RF aperture 10, and the number of MAFEs 20 can be selected based on the desired antenna count for multiplexed input / output (MIMO) operation. Each MAFE 20 has amplification and filtering, and may or may not include frequency conversion. The MAFE 20 itself may support multiple operating bands. These operating bands may or may not be continuous. For example, a MAFE may support channels of 20 MHz in the L band, 40 MHz in the S band, and 100 MHz in the C band, and simultaneously, each band may have its own filter, amplifier, diplexer (for frequency division duplexing) or transmission-receiver switch (for time division duplexing). The MAFEs 20 traversing the RF aperture 10 do not have to be identical, however, in some embodiments, there are at least two identical MAFEs 20 within the aperture. Through different MAFEs, the aperture is subdivided to support more simultaneous signals. The MAFE 20 is preferably placed near the RF aperture 10 to reduce signal loss, noise, and cost. The MAFE 20 is designed to be field-replaceable at will, and thus the characteristics of the radio 8 can be changed in place without any modification to its appearance. As its function can be changed without changing its appearance, this feature has the advantage of reducing the cost of obtaining re-licensing for the device.

[0025] In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 1, the MAFE 20 is connected to a digital in-phase / ortho-phase (IQ) board or card 22 that converts (receives) analog data to digital data, or converts (transmits) digital data to analog data. The digital IQ board 22 can also perform beam steering and beamforming, as well as channelization. The outputs and inputs of the digital IQ board 22 are digital I / Q (in-phase and ortho-phase) data. This data may conform to a standardized format such as the Extended General Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) or Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN). The digital IQ board 22 is connected to one or more network cards 24. These network cards 24 may be selected to provide coverage for one, two, or more telecommunications carriers and / or multiband / network (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.) / waveform (3GPP®, WiFi, FM, etc.).

[0026] Referring to Figure 3, an assembly diagram of the wideband radio 8 of Figure 1 is shown. As schematically depicted in Figure 3, the digital IQ board or card 22 is also preferably located near the RF aperture 10 to reduce cost, weight, and increase performance. For example, Figure 3 shows a compact arrangement of the RF aperture 10, which includes conductive tapered projections 12 located on the support substrate 14, and the MAFE 20, as well as the digital IQ board or card 22 and network card 24, are mounted in close proximity to the back of the support substrate 14.

[0027] In the wideband radio 8 shown in Figure 1-3, the DSA 10 enables wideband coverage, e.g., the FR1 band (400 MHz to 7.125 GHz), as a non-limiting illustrative embodiment. The DSA 10 uses non-resonant elements that function with sub-half-wavelength spacing, enabling a more compact and multiband multi-antenna device, which increases spectral efficiency. Through a common design with a standards-compliant (e.g., O-RAN, eCPRI) digital backend, the radio 8 enables 8T8R (8 transmit / 8 receive antenna elements) to 64T64R (64 transmit / 64 receive antenna elements) and higher agile 5G radio unit (RU) capabilities using its multiband capabilities. For example, a DSA-enabled radio 8 can provide Long-Term Evolution (LTE) on Band 3 within a 20MHz channel while simultaneously providing 5G on n78 within a 100MHz channel, generating a single-device 5G non-standalone (NSA) solution that can be digitally upgraded from standalone (SA).

[0028] Referring here to Figures 4 and 5, various network configurations employing wideband radios 8, such as those depicted in Figures 1-3, are envisioned. For example, it is conceivable to provide only outdoor units, which are implemented as, for example, cell relay towers or other types of outdoor wireless relay towers (e.g., optionally including both 5G and WiFi capabilities), as schematically shown in Figure 4; to provide only indoor units, which provide, for example, local 5G or hybrid 5G / WiFi networks for office buildings; or to provide a combination of outdoor and indoor units, as shown in Figure 5.

[0029] Figure 4 depicts a multi-tenant 5G / WiFi6 outdoor network configuration employing four illustrative instances of wide-area band radios 8, including a pole-mounted wide-area band radio 8-1, a circuit-mounted wide-area band radio 8-2, and an optical-mounted multi-panel configuration consisting of two opposing wide-area band radios 8-3 and 8-4. In Figure 4, "CU" indicates a centralized unit of the network, while "DU" indicates a distributed unit of the network. Wide-area band radios 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4 can function as access points (APs), for example, in the form of cell relay towers for 5G or other cellular services.

[0030] Figure 5 depicts a private 5G / WiFi6 network configuration employing three illustrative instances of a wide-area band radio 8, including two ceiling-mounted wide-area band radios 8-5 and 8-6 for providing indoor wireless communication, and an externally mounted wide-area band radio 8-7 for connecting the residence to an external network (such as the outdoor network shown in Figure 4). For example, the ceiling-mounted wide-area band radios 8-5 and 8-6 may be part of a wireless network supporting at least one office 5G service, and the ceiling-mounted wide-area band radios 8-5 and 8-6 may form indoor access points (APs) of the wireless network.

[0031] In these embodiments, as used herein, “tenant” may be any wireless service, e.g., a 5G wireless cellular service provider, or a local office 5G service, or others. The use of a wide-band radio 8 with a wide-band RF aperture 10 that is electronically configurable and operable over a frequency range of at least 1 GHz or several gigahertz (in some illustrative embodiments) enables the unified wireless architecture to provide a wide range of tenants, while providing each tenant with flexibility in terms of factors such as beam tilt, beam pattern (e.g., width), signal amplitude, and others. Wireless communication by multiple tenants operating in different bands with different beam parameters can be performed simultaneously using a single aperture. Advantageously, the wide-band radios 8 in the exemplary networks of Figures 4 and 5 can support both cellular services (e.g., 5G) and WiFi services using the same broadband electronically configurable aperture (e.g., broadband radio 8).

[0032] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a network configuration for mobile field operation employing an illustrative instance of the wide-band radio 8 of Figures 1-3, the radio 8 again including an RF aperture 10 with a conductive tapered projection 12 having a bottom surface positioned on the front surface of the support substrate 14, an analog front end 20, a digital IQ board 22 providing analog-to-digital / digital-to-analog conversion, and one or more network cards 24. In mobile field operations for military or covert purposes, the RF communication protocol may be a non-standard protocol employing, for example, specialized encryption, spectrum, and / or spatial agility, and / or others. Therefore, in this embodiment, one or more network cards 24 may optionally comprise one or more specially programmed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) components. In illustrative embodiments, the wide-band radio 8 may, in some non-limiting embodiments, provide an aperture in the range of 600 MHz to 8 GHz. Illustrative field equipment for such operation may include, as an example, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, i.e., a drone) 30, a notebook computer or other mobile computer 32, various sensors 34, a cellular device 36, and / or others. As schematically shown on the right side of Figure 6, a backend radio unit (RU) 38 is constructed using two or more such wideband radios 8 and can support various communication protocols such as gNodeB and 5G core. Embodiments such as those in Figure 6 can provide a dedicated 5G network (or other protocol network) with enhanced capabilities, such as frequency agility within the 600MHz-7.125GHz Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) and Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) bands, enabling operation and various locale and competition environments. Spatial agility reduces signatures and enables adaptation to changing spectral environments.This system provides complete auditing capability for the 5G RU to core code, delivering a trusted 5G solution that utilizes open standards such as O-RAN, Evolutionary Public Radio Interface (eCPRI), or others, as desired, eliminating vendor lock-in. The system allows for 5G core replacement. Multi-gigabit connectivity is provided for both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and military-customized user equipment, reducing costs, keeping pace with the industry, and providing high bandwidth capabilities.

[0033] For home use, the disclosed wideband radio 8, with advanced RF aperture and electronics, can be used within a multiband and configurable 5G network. The DSA 10 facilitates spatial and spectral agility for compact electronics, while the miniature electronics used within various components 20, 22, 24 enable high instantaneous bandwidth exceeding 250 MHz, spanning across the entire FR1 band (400 MHz to 7.125 GHz). A 90-degree sector size generates 2 Gbit of available throughput within each quadrant. The use of COTS 5G core and radio access network (RAN) software with open standards connectivity provides a fast, cost-effective, and auditable 5G solution. The DSA 10's configurability and high channel count (32 / 64) establish large-scale multi-user MIMO, even within the sub-6 GHz band. The 5G network security architecture provides vetted waveform and subscriber identification module (SIM) based authentication to deliver and maintain a secure network.

[0034] In one embodiment, a 5G system is designed using a DSA-based analog front-end that provides multi-band operation (at least 3 bands, 2 in parallel), throughput, signature, and steering to support interference benefits, gigabit throughput, utilization of COTS and / or design-specific user equipment, and operation in environments such as a shipboard environment.

[0035] Generally, through the use of a suitable modular analog front-end (MAFE) 20, modular digital IQ board 22, and network card 24, which are combined with the DSA 10, the radio 8 can be deployed in a range of applications, including electronic warfare (EW), signal intelligence (SIGINT), image intelligence (IMINT), command and control such as C4I, TTL, and others. The radio 8 can implement wideband software-defined radio (SDR).

[0036] In the exemplary network of Figure 4-6 and the variations described herein, the wideband radio 8 forms a network of access points (APs) 8, each AP 8 including a broadband electronically configurable aperture 10 (e.g., the exemplary DSA 10) and electronic devices 20, 22, 24 connected to the broadband electronically configurable aperture 10, which receive and transmit wireless messages over a plurality of different frequency bands, for example, in the spectral range of 400 MHz to 30 GHz. In some embodiments, the plurality of different frequency bands may include the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) band in the spectral range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz. In some embodiments, the plurality of different frequency bands may include the Telecommunications Information Center (NTIA) band in the spectral range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz. In some embodiments, the plurality of different frequency bands may include the 5G band. In some embodiments, the wireless network supports at least one cellular service, and AP8 includes cell relay towers (e.g., cell relay towers 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4 in the embodiment of Figure 4). In some embodiments, the wireless network supports at least one office 5G service, and AP8 includes indoor APs (e.g., indoor AP8-5 and 8-6 in the embodiment of Figure 5). In some embodiments, at least two AP8s in the network of APs support both cellular services (e.g., 5G) and WiFi services using the same broadband electronically configurable aperture (e.g., broadband radio 8). In some embodiments, electronic devices 20, 22, 24 include multiple modular analog front-ends (MAFEs) 20 that constitute a broadband electronically configurable aperture 10 for individual wireless services.

[0037] Preferred embodiments are illustrated and described. Naturally, modifications and alterations will be conceivable to those skilled in the art, provided they carefully read and understand the preceding detailed description. The present invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and alterations, insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. An access point (AP) for a wireless network, wherein the AP is Broadband differential segmented aperture, Electronic equipment connected to the broadband differential segmented aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages across multiple different frequency bands via the broadband differential segmented aperture, wherein the electronic equipment includes multiple modular analog front ends (MAFEs) that constitute the broadband differential segmented aperture for different individual wireless services. AP, including.

2. The AP according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is connected to the broadband differential segmented aperture via the broadband differential segmented aperture to receive and transmit wireless messages across the plurality of different frequency bands within the spectral range of 400 MHz to 30 GHz.

3. Further comprising a support substrate, AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the broadband differential segmented aperture comprises a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered projections, the conductive tapered projections having a bottom surface disposed on the support substrate and extending away from the support substrate, and the broadband differential segmented aperture comprises differential radio frequency receiving or transmitting elements corresponding to adjacent pairs of the conductive tapered projections.

4. The AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands include the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) bands in the spectral range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz.

5. The AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands include the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) bands in the spectral range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz.

6. The AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands include the 5G band.

7. The AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the AP supports at least one cellular service, and the AP further comprises a cell relay tower.

8. The AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the AP is configured for use in a wireless access network (RAN).

9. The AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the AP supports both cellular services and Wi-Fi services using the same broadband differential segmented aperture.

10. Each MAFE is, Analog amplification and filtering components for the individual wireless services, The frequency or time-division dual component for the individual wireless service and AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, including the AP described in any one of claims 1 to 2.

11. The electronic device is In-phase / quadrant-phase (IQ) substrate, One or more network cards and It further includes, The aforementioned IQ board is (i) Convert the analog data received from the MAFE into digital data to be delivered to one or more network cards in the receiving mode of the AP, and / or (ii) Converting digital data received from one or more network cards into analog data to be delivered to the MAFE in the transmission mode of the AP. AP according to any one of claims 1 to 2, configured to perform at least one of the following.

12. The AP according to claim 11, wherein the IQ substrate performs at least one of beam steering and / or beamforming.

13. The AP according to claim 11, wherein the one or more network cards include a plurality of network cards that provide coverage for a plurality of radio frequency bands.

14. The AP according to claim 11, wherein the one or more network cards include at least one cellular network card and at least one Wi-Fi network card.

15. The AP according to claim 14, wherein the at least one cellular network card includes at least one of a 3G network card, a 4G network card, or a 5G network card.

16. The AP according to claim 11, further comprising a support substrate, wherein the differential segmented aperture comprises a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered projections disposed on the front surface of the support substrate.

17. The AP according to claim 16, wherein the MAFE, the IQ board, and the one or more network cards are arranged on the back surface of the support board opposite to the front surface of the support board.

18. The AP according to claim 17, wherein the MAFE, the IQ board, and the one or more network cards are arranged as a stack on the back surface of the support board, and in the stack, the MAFE is closest to the support board within the stack, and the one or more network cards are furthest from the support board within the stack.

19. The AP according to claim 18, wherein the broadband differential segmented aperture is operable over a frequency range of at least 1 GHz.

20. A multiband digital data network infrastructure comprising a network of APs as described in any one of Claims 1 to 2.

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