Antenna system for controlled coverage within a building

Abstract

This invention provides an antenna system for controlled coverage within a building when the building's data communication network includes one or more external antennas. [Solution] At least one of the external antennas 905, 925 is installed on the roof of the building or outdoors, either within or associated with a window, sky sensor 907, or digital building element 923. One or more of the external antennas are coupled to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines 919 and / or wireless links, including a trunk line 921, and configured for communication with an external wireless network. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel 913. In some embodiments, at least one of the external antennas is configured for communication with an external wireless network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Incorporation by Reference A PCT application form is filed concurrently with the present specification as part of the present application. Each application from which the present application claims benefit or priority, as identified in the concurrently filed PCT application form, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] Not only is high data rate wireless connectivity becoming expected, but as it becomes a necessity, buildings need to not only enable, but also facilitate such transmission of wireless signals. This is particularly true when wireless connectivity shifts to higher frequency carrier bands, such as in the case involving 5G wireless networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some implementations, a data communication network within a building includes one or more external antennas. At least one of the external antennas is disposed on the roof of the building or outdoors and is associated with a window, a sky sensor, or a digital building element. The one or more external antennas are coupled to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The network infrastructure comprises one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

[0004] In some examples, at least one of the external antennas may be configured for communication with an external wireless network.

[0005] In some examples, the network infrastructure may include one or more building network antennas and associated radios that are installed in and / or on the building and configured to provide wireless data connectivity indoors within the building and / or adjacent to the building.

[0006] In some cases, the radio may be configured to provide Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or cellular wireless data connectivity inside and / or adjacent to a building.

[0007] In some examples, one or more external antennas may include one or more donor antennas configured for communication with an external cellular network.

[0008] In some examples, at least one control panel may be configured to connect to an external cellular network via a backhaul with high-speed cabling.

[0009] In some cases, one or more data transport lines in a network infrastructure may support data communication of 1 Gb / s or more.

[0010] In some examples, at least one of its control panels may be coupled to one or more window controllers for connection to one or more IGUs.

[0011] In some examples, at least one of the external antennas located within or associated with a digital building element may include a radiating element located outside the building, coupled to an electrical connector located inside the building via a pass-through device. In some examples, the pass-through device may be configured to provide a weather-tight seal between the inside and outside of the building. In some examples, the pass-through device may include an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element. In some examples, the electrical connector may be configured to connect to the building's network infrastructure.

[0012] According to several implementations, a method for providing connectivity to an external wireless network includes communicating with the external wireless network using one or more external antennas, at least one of which is located within a sky sensor or digital building element including a sensor assembly on the roof or outdoors of a building, or is associated with a sky sensor or digital building element; and transmitting data between the one or more external antennas and the building's network infrastructure using one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The network infrastructure includes one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

[0013] In some examples, the network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed inside and / or on the building, and the method may include one or more building network antennas providing wireless data connectivity inside and / or adjacent to the building.

[0014] In some examples, the method may further include associated radio equipment that provides Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or cellular wireless data connectivity inside and / or adjacent to a building.

[0015] In some examples, one or more external antennas may include one or more donor antennas that communicate with an external cellular network.

[0016] In some examples, the method may further include at least one control panel that communicates with an external cellular network via a backhaul equipped with a high-speed cable.

[0017] In some examples, the method may include assigning the antenna and / or radio protocol to the antenna and / or radio before changing the operating parameter, if that parameter is frequency or power.

[0018] In some examples, this may further include sequentially changing the operating parameters of each antenna and / or radio, simultaneously measuring the signal strength of other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed parameters, and selecting values ​​for the operating parameters for each antenna and / or radio based on the measured signal strength.

[0019] According to some implementations, the system includes multiple antennas and / or radios distributed within a building, and at least one logic device. The at least one logic device includes logic for configuring the multiple antennas and / or radios by supplying power to the antennas and / or radios, changing the operating parameters of at least one of the antennas and / or radios, simultaneously measuring the signal strength in the other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed operating parameters, and selecting values ​​for the operating parameters for the operation of at least one of the antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

[0020] In some examples, the logic for configuring multiple antennas and / or radios may further include determining the location of each antenna within a building.

[0021] In some cases, the operating parameters may be the antenna and / or radio protocol, frequency, or power.

[0022] In some examples, the logic for configuring multiple antennas and / or radios may include assigning antennas and / or radio protocols to the antennas and / or radios before changing the operating parameters, if the operating parameters are frequency or power.

[0023] In some examples, the logic may further include sequentially changing the operating parameters of each antenna and / or radio, simultaneously measuring the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed parameters, and selecting values ​​for the operating parameters for each antenna and / or radio based on the measured signal strength.

[0024] In some examples, at least one logic device may be a local logic device or a remote logic device.

[0025] According to some implementations, a data communication network within a building includes one or more antennas located inside the building, one or more antennas located outside the building, and a wired or wireless coupling between at least one external antenna and at least one internal antenna. The at least one external antenna is communicatively coupled to an external cellular network. The at least one internal antenna is configured to transmit the wireless signals received by the external antenna from the external cellular network to one or more locations located inside or near the building. The data communication network is configured to control wireless coverage to that one or more locations.

[0026] In some cases, some of the locations may be inside the building, while others may be outside the building.

[0027] In some examples, the at least one external antenna may be coupled to a building network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links, and the network infrastructure may include one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

[0028] In some examples, the plurality of internal antennas may be distributed within the building.

[0029] In some examples, the network infrastructure may have a vertical data plane between building floors, and a horizontal data plane all within a single floor or across multiple adjacent floors. In some examples, the vertical data plane includes a plurality of control panels and high-capacity data carrier lines.

[0030] In some examples, a building may include at least one rooftop donor antenna configured to communicate with an external cellular network via physical electrical or optical lines, and at least one control panel. In some examples, the rooftop donor antenna may be configured to provide a downlink to the building to provide wireless service to occupants and / or indoor devices.

[0031] These and other features and embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device coating that can be used in a tintable window. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a tintable window constructed as an IGU. [Figure 2B] FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a corner portion of an IGU. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an example of a window control network of a window control system having one or more tintable windows. [Figure 4A] This is a simplified diagram of the building network infrastructure in a room, including the control panel, antenna, and various devices. [Figure 4B] This is a simplified diagram of a control panel according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a simplified diagram of a portion of a framing structure that provides several mullions for supporting windows on the facade wall or other outdoor structure of a building. [Figure 6A] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 6B] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 6C] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 6D] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 6E] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 6F] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 6G] Various diagrams of window frame structures, including mullions configured to support one or more antennas, are shown. [Figure 7] This describes the features of network building infrastructure, including roof-mounted antennas for receiving and / or transmitting wireless signals. [Figure 8A] Here are three examples of use cases for outdoor antennas on buildings. [Figure 8B] Here are three examples of use cases for outdoor antennas on buildings. [Figure 8C] Here are three examples of use cases for outdoor antennas on buildings. [Figure 9]Examples of components of a wired high-speed building data communication network are provided, including components that interface with one or more communication service provider systems. [Figure 9A] Examples of components of a wired high-speed building data communication network are provided, including components that interface with one or more communication service provider systems. [Figure 9B] Examples of components of a wired high-speed building data communication network are provided, including components that interface with one or more communication service provider systems. [Figure 9C] Examples of components of a wired high-speed building data communication network are provided, including components that interface with one or more communication service provider systems. [Figure 10A] For example, we present an example of a patch antenna having a conductive material disposed on the surface of a window and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the window. [Figure 10B] For example, we present an example of a patch antenna having a conductive material disposed on the surface of a window and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the window. [Figure 10C] For example, we present an example of a patch antenna having a conductive material disposed on the surface of a window and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the window. [Figure 10D] For example, we present an example of a patch antenna having a conductive material disposed on the surface of a window and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the window. [Figure 11] This shows the radiation pattern of an exemplary monopole antenna formed on a specific surface of two light IGUs. [Figure 12A] An example of a trough antenna with two main structural components, namely a curved conductive antenna element and an outer case, is shown. [Figure 12B] An example of a trough antenna with two main structural components, namely a curved conductive antenna element and an outer case, is shown. [Figure 12C] An example of a trough antenna with two main structural components, namely a curved conductive antenna element and an outer case, is shown. [Figure 13A] An example of a handle antenna, which includes a handle-shaped antenna element, is shown. [Figure 13B] An example of a handle antenna, which includes a handle-shaped antenna element, is shown. [Figure 14A] An example of a slotted coaxial antenna is shown, comprising a printed circuit board or a similar substantial planar structure, and a case made of or containing conductive material. [Figure 14B] An example of a slotted coaxial antenna is shown, comprising a printed circuit board or a similar substantial planar structure, and a case made of or containing conductive material. [Figure 15A] An example of a microstrip patch antenna that can be used inside a building is shown. [Figure 15B] An example of a microstrip patch antenna that can be used inside a building is shown. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the antenna configuration process for determining the operating parameters of multiple antennas within a building. [Figure 17A] An exemplary block diagram of a software-definable radio that can be employed in a particular embodiment is shown. [Figure 17B] This shows a comparison of network stacks for conventional hardware radios and software-definable radios. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Introduction Certain disclosed embodiments provide a network infrastructure that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing broadband wireless communication services to occupants of a building and / or users outside the building. In the latter case, the network infrastructure may work in conjunction with, or replace, a portion of, the infrastructure of a cellular operator. This network infrastructure is optionally provided within a building, including electrically switchable windows. In some cases, examples of components included with the network infrastructure include high-speed backhaul, such as cables and switches, physical antennas, and transceivers or radios.

[0034] This disclosed network infrastructure can provide additional coverage inside the building (beyond what is provided by the cellular operator itself) and / or provide or supplement the capabilities of the cellular operator to provide coverage and capacity outside the building, usually near the building, for example, within about 100 meters of the building, and in some cases within the site's network. In some cases, the building and associated network infrastructure may also function as a cellular tower.

[0035] High-speed, high-frequency communication protocols such as 5G face numerous challenges before they can be widely accepted and adopted. For example, higher frequency bands require more antennas compared to lower frequency bands. For instance, it is estimated that deploying 5G cellular service in a given area would require more than twice the number of antennas needed to provide the same level of service as 4G cellular service. Some of these antennas could be provided to a building, or a portion of a building.

[0036] Consider an example of providing 5G or other wireless coverage in urban canyons, such as roads in major metropolitan areas like Manhattan, New York, or Singapore. 5G services require many antennas to provide adequate coverage and capacity. Public spaces, such as utility poles, where operators can deploy antennas to provide adequate 5G coverage and capacity are insufficient. For this purpose, privately owned buildings connecting urban canyons provide space for 5G antennas.

[0037] Unfortunately, 5G and other high-frequency protocols are susceptible to attenuation. 5G communications (especially in their higher frequency bands, such as the range of approximately 6–30 GHz) are particularly susceptible to attenuation by conductive structures such as reinforced concrete in walls, aluminum-clad insulation in building walls and floors, low-dielectric films on glass, and, in some cases, electrochromic devices on glass. To address this, active elements such as repeaters may be installed within buildings. For example, cellular repeaters may be placed on or near walls, windows, floors, and / or ceilings that attenuate radio signals.

[0038] When describing the cellular protocols disclosed herein, note that 5G is often used as an example. However, the disclosed embodiments relate to any wireless communication protocol or combination of protocols.

[0039] function: The communication infrastructure described herein can provide a variety of functions, some of which are listed here.

[0040] 1. Some systems described herein are configured to selectively block and transmit radio signals in a controllable manner. In various embodiments, the system is configured so that the transmission of radio communications is fully controlled based on location, time, and / or other criteria. In some embodiments, this is achieved by using controllable active elements that convert and retransmit signals. For example, a receiving antenna is oriented in a direction on one side of a wall or window, and a transmitting antenna is oriented in roughly the opposite direction on the other side of that wall or window. Active elements between the receiver and the transmitter include one or more transceivers or other signal converters. When the element is on or active, it transmits a signal, and when it is off or inactive, it does not transmit a signal. In some embodiments, the active element that receives and automatically retransmits radio communications signals is a repeater. This repeater can amplify the signal and / or otherwise transmit the signal to a location where it would not otherwise receive it.

[0041] Repeaters or other active elements may include a specific combination of antennas, having one type of antenna on the inside of the building and a different type of antenna on the outside of the building (or on the opposite side of the interior wall or window). In relation to the description of various antenna types herein, some embodiments employ a handle antenna located on the outside of the building, coupled to one of the other antennas located on the inside of the building (e.g., a microstrip antenna). In some implementations, one or both antennas are positioned on a mullion feature such as a beauty cap.

[0042] It has been observed that an electrochromic window can provide a signal that is blocked with an insertion loss of 10-20 dB depending on the transmission frequency, with greater losses occurring at higher frequencies. For this reason, some embodiments use a radio retransmitter or repeater to avoid this blocking by the electrochromic window. In some embodiments, such a retransmitter is positioned on or near the IGU.

[0043] In certain embodiments, a window or wall includes a layer or structure that completely blocks radio transmission over a specific spectral range. In one example, the blocking layer completely covers one surface of a light, for example, surface 3 of an IGU. An example of a window blocking structure is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Security systems employing repeaters may employ walls and windows that effectively block the transmission of electromagnetic signals over a specific region of the spectrum, for example, at least in the 5G region.

[0044] A signal repeater or retransmitter does not need to directly retransmit the radio signal across walls or windows. In some cases, it can selectively transmit the radio signal through a building to one or more locations away from where the signal was received. It can carry the received signal using a wired network that runs a protocol such as Ethernet®. For example, an externally generated radio signal may be received by a sensor on the roof or an outdoor wall of a building and transmitted via a wire to a distant location within the building, such as the 10th floor below the roof, or even down to the basement.

[0045] In some cases, a retransmission system may transmit a cellular signal (or other appropriate radio signal) to a selected building location at a selected time, and that signal may be delayed from the time the radio signal was first received. In other words, the communication may be stored (e.g., in a buffer) and / or retransmitted after a delay. This retransmission may be performed regardless of where and when the communication embodied in the cellular signal is received.

[0046] 2. Because a great many 5G antennas are expected to require adequate coverage and capacity in densely built-up areas such as the central areas of certain major cities, deploying 5G antennas on the outdoor portion of buildings can complement the data transport and antenna infrastructure of cellular operators' networks. In some cases, such antennas can be connected to broadband network infrastructure, such as Ethernet® network infrastructure within buildings. Exemplary, complete or partial wired network infrastructures for supporting such 5G applications are described in WO2019 / 246497, designated to the assignee of the present invention, and are thereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0047] Various antenna configurations can be deployed to support 5G cellular and other communication services. Both coverage and capacity can be considered when designing wireless communication infrastructure. Coverage can be addressed by providing various antennas positioned to be as effective as possible to provide cellular services in a defined area. Capacity can be addressed by having high-bandwidth data carriers and switches. Several examples of high-capacity infrastructure are provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 2019 / 246497, which has been previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Capacity can also be addressed by providing multiple antennas within a defined area.

[0048] In certain embodiments, individual antennas are exclusively assigned to specific protocols, and each antenna has its own baseband radio. For example, one or more antennas may be designed for use with low-power citizen's broadband radios (CBRS), including CBRS baseband radios. Note that in the United States, CBRS is a 150 MHz wide broadcast band in the 3.5 GHz band (3550 MHz to 3700 MHz), which can be used to provide radio services not authorized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Other antennas and associated baseband radios may be provided for cellular communications according to specific protocols. The required baseband radios can be installed in various locations within a building, including, for example, within digital building elements.

[0049] Various embodiments support multiple frequency bands and / or multiple protocols. Examples include various wireless networks, including cellular (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), Wi-Fi®, CBRS, and related applications such as WLAN and Voice over WLAN. In some cases, a given antenna or combination of antennas, and sometimes associated transmitters and / or receivers, are protocol-independent. For example, carriers A and B may use different radios and / or protocols, some of which may be defined by the Multimedia over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA). In some cases, similar antenna configurations can be used to transmit and / or receive signals of multiple protocols.

[0050] Certain infrastructure includes devices for indoor communications (within a building) via the 5G protocol without supporting Wi-Fi®. Because 5G is limited to relatively narrow line-of-sight, many 5G antennas must be deployed throughout the building. These can be placed where Wi-Fi® antennas would normally be located. In some installations, 5G will have sufficient bandwidth and coverage to provide all the functionality that Wi-Fi® currently offers.

[0051] Tintable windows, IGUs, and window networks In various embodiments, but not all embodiments, the building network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more tintable windows, such as electrochromic windows. While the disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows (also known as optically switchable windows, tintable windows, and smart windows), the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including, for example, liquid crystal devices and suspended particle devices. For example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices can be incorporated into some or all of the disclosed implementations rather than electrochromic devices.

[0052] Tintable windows A tintable window (sometimes called a switchable window) is a window that exhibits a controllable and reversible change in its optical properties when a stimulus, such as an applied voltage, is applied. Tintable windows can be used to control lighting conditions and temperature within a building by regulating the transmission of solar energy and thus the heat load on the interior of the building. The control may be manual or automatic and can be used to maintain occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption of heating, air conditioning, and / or lighting systems. In some cases, tintable windows may respond to environmental sensors and user control. In this application, tintable windows are most often described in reference to electrochromic windows located between the interior and exterior of a building or structure; however, this is not limited to them. Tintable windows may operate using liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices (such as microshutters), or any currently known or future-developed technology configured to control light transmission through the window. Windows having MEMS devices for coloring are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 443,353, filed on 15 May 2015, titled "MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, colorable windows can be located inside a building, for example, between a conference room and a corridor. In some cases, colorable windows can be used in automobiles, trains, aircraft, and other vehicles in place of passive or uncolored windows.

[0053] Electrochromic (EC) device coating - EC device coating (sometimes referred to as an EC device (ECD)) is a coating comprising at least one layer of an electrochromic material that exhibits a change from one optical state to another optical state when an electric potential is applied across both ends of the EC device. The transition of an electrochromic layer from one optical state to another optical state can be caused by reversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (for example, by intercalation) and the corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. In some examples, some of the ions that cause the optical transition are irreversibly bound within the electrochromic material. In many EC devices, some or all of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for "hidden charge" in the material.

[0054] In some implementations, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some other implementations, other ions may be suitable. For example, tungsten oxide (WO 3-y (0<y≤about 0.3)) intercalation of lithium ions into tungsten oxide changes the tungsten oxide from a transparent state to a blue state. An EC device coating as described herein is disposed within the visible portion of a tintable window, so that the tinting of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the tintable window.

[0055] Schematic cross-sectional views of the electrochromic device 100 according to several embodiments are shown in Figure 1. The EC device coating is attached to a substrate 102, a transparent conductive layer (TCL) 104, an electrochromic layer (EC) 106 (sometimes called a cathode coloring layer or cathode tinting layer), an ion conductive layer or region (IC) 108, a counter electrode layer (CE) 110 (sometimes called an anode coloring layer or anode tinting layer), and a second TCL 114. Elements 104, 106, 108, 110, and 114 are collectively called an electrochromic stack 120. A voltage source 116, operable to apply a potential across the ends of the electrochromic stack 120, brings about a transition of the electrochromic coating, for example, from a clear state to a colored state. In other embodiments, the order of the layers is reversed with respect to the substrate; that is, the layers are in the following order: substrate, TCL, counter electrode layer, ion conductive layer, electrochromic material layer, TCL.

[0056] In various embodiments, the ion-conducting region 108 can be formed from a portion of the EC layer 106 and / or a portion of the CE layer 110. In such embodiments, the electrochromic stack 120 may be deposited to include a cathode-colored electrochromic material (EC layer) in direct physical contact with an anode-colored counter electrode material (CE layer). The ion-conducting region 108 (sometimes called an interface region, or a substantially electronically insulating ion-conducting layer or region) may be formed in this case, for example, through heating and / or other processing steps, at the point where the EC layer 106 and the CE layer 110 meet. Electrochromic devices manufactured without the deposition of specific ion-conducting materials are further discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the EC device coating may also include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. For example, passive layers may be used to improve specific optical properties, provide moisture, or provide scratch resistance. These passive layers or other passive layers may also function to seal the EC stack 120. Furthermore, various layers, including transparent conductive layers (such as 104 and 114), may be treated with anti-reflective layers or protective oxide or nitride layers.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured to reversibly repeat between a clear state and a colored state. In the clear state, a potential is applied to the electrochromic stack 120 such that the available ions in the stack that can color the electrochromic material 106 are mainly located at the counter electrode 110. When the potential applied to the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions are transported across the ion-conducting layer 108 to the electrochromic material 106, causing the material to enter a colored state.

[0058] It should be understood that references to transitions between transparent and colored states are non-limiting and suggest only one example among many possible electrochromic transitions. Unless otherwise specified herein, whenever a reference to a transparent-colored transition is made, the corresponding device or process encompasses other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective-reflective and transparent-opaque. Furthermore, the terms “clear” and “bleached” refer to optically neutral states, such as uncolored, transparent, or translucent. Moreover, unless otherwise specified herein, “color” or “coloring” in an electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or wavelength range. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the relevant optical transitions depend on the selection of appropriate electrochromic and counter electrode materials.

[0059] In certain embodiments, all materials making up the electrochromic stack 120 are inorganic, solid (i.e., in a solid state), or both inorganic and solid. Inorganic materials offer the advantage of a reliable electrochromic stack that can function for extended periods, as organic materials tend to degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat and UV light, such as in the windows of colored buildings. Solid-state materials also offer the advantage of not having the containment and leakage problems common to liquid-state materials. It should be understood that while any one or more layers in the stack may contain some amount of organic matter, in many implementations, one or more layers will contain little to no organic matter. The same applies to liquids, which may be present in small amounts in one or more layers. It should also be understood that solid-state materials can also be deposited or formed by processes that employ liquid components, such as certain processes using sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition.

[0060] Figures 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of exemplary tintable windows embodied within an insulated glass unit ("IGU") 200 in several implementation configurations. Generally speaking, unless otherwise stated, the terms "IGU," "tintable window," and "optically switchable window" are used interchangeably. This descriptive convention is used because, for example, it is generally known and when provided for installation within a building, it may be desired that the IGU function as a base configuration for holding an electrochromic pane (also called a "light"). The IGU light or pane may be a multi-pane configuration, such as a single-pane or a single-layer configuration of two panels. IGUs, in particular those with double or triple-pane configurations, may offer several advantages over other single-pane configurations; for example, a multi-pane configuration may offer improved thermal insulation, sound insulation, environmental protection, and / or durability when compared to a single-pane configuration. The multi-pane configuration can also provide improved protection for ECD, for example, because the electrochromic film, as well as associated layers and conductive interconnects, can be formed on the internal surface of the multi-pane IGU and protected by inert gas filling within the internal volume 208 of the IGU. The inert gas filling provides at least part of the (thermal) insulating function of the IGU. The electrochromic IGU has added thermal barrier capability through the effect of a colorable coating that absorbs (or reflects) heat and light.

[0061] Figure 2A shows an exemplary implementation of the IGU 200, which includes a first pane 204 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. In some implementations, the first surface S1 of the first pane 204 faces an external environment, such as outdoors or the outside environment. The IGU 200 also includes a second pane 206 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some implementations, the second surface S4 of the second pane 206 faces an indoor environment, such as the interior environment of a house, building, or vehicle, or a room or passenger compartment inside a house, building, or vehicle.

[0062] In some implementations, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 is transparent or translucent to light in at least the visible spectrum. For example, each of panes 204 and 206 is a glass material, particularly architectural glass, or, for example, silicon dioxide (SO4). x It can be formed from other shatterproof glass materials such as ) glass materials. More specifically, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be a soda-lime glass substrate or a float glass substrate. Such a glass substrate may consist, for example, of Na2O, CaO, and some small amount of additives, along with about 75% silica (SiO2). However, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be formed from any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. For example, other suitable substrates that can be used as one or both of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may include, along with other glass materials, plastic materials, semiplastic materials, thermoplastic materials (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diglycol carbonate, SAN (styrene acrylonitrile copolymer), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, polyamide), or mirror materials. In some implementations, the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can be strengthened, for example, by tempering, heating, or ion strengthening.

[0063] Generally, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206, as well as the IGU 200 as a whole, are rectangular parallelepipeds. However, other shapes are conceivable and desirable in some other implementations (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, curved, convex, or concave). In some specific implementations, the length "L" of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can range from approximately 20 inches (in.) to approximately 10 feet (ft.), the width "W" of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can range from approximately 20 inches to approximately 10 feet, and the thickness "T" of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 can range from approximately 0.3 millimeters (mm) to approximately 10 mm (however, smaller and larger other lengths, widths, or thicknesses are possible and may be desirable based on the requirements of a particular user, administrator, manager, builder, designer, or owner). In cases where the thickness T of substrate 204 is less than 3 mm, the substrate is typically laminated on an additional substrate that is thicker and therefore protects the thinner substrate 204. Furthermore, while IGU 200 includes two panes (204 and 206), in some other mounting configurations, the IGU may include three or more panes. In addition, in some mounting configurations, one or more of the panes may themselves be a laminated structure of two, three or more layers or sub-panes.

[0064] The first pane 204 and the second pane 206 are separated from each other by a spacer 218, which is typically a frame structure and forms an internal volume 208. In some implementations, the internal volume is filled with argon (Ar), but in some other implementations, the internal volume 208 can be filled with another gas, such as another noble gas (e.g., krypton (Kr) or xenon (Xe)), another gas (non-noble gas), or a mixture of gases (e.g., air). Filling the internal volume 208 with a gas such as Ar, Kr, or Xe can reduce conductive heat transfer through the IGU 200 due to the low thermal conductivity of these gases, and can also enhance sound insulation due to their high atomic weight. In some other implementations, the internal volume 208 can be emptied by removing air or other gases. The spacer 218 generally determines the height "C" of the internal volume 208, i.e., the space between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. In Figure 2A, the thicknesses of the ECD, sealing material 220 / 222, and busbar 226 / 228 are not to scale; these components are typically very thin, but are exaggerated here for the sake of clarity. In some implementations, the spacing "C" between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 ranges from approximately 6 mm to approximately 30 mm. The width "D" of the spacer 218 can range from approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm (although other widths are also possible and may be desirable).

[0065] Although not shown in the cross-sectional view, the spacer 218 is generally a frame structure formed around all sides of the IGU 200 (e.g., top, bottom, left, and right sides of the IGU 200). For example, the spacer 218 may be formed from foam or plastic material. However, in some other configurations, the spacer may be formed from a metal or other conductive material, for example, a metal tube or groove structure having at least three sides: two sides for sealing to each of the substrates, and one side as a surface for supporting and separating the light and for applying the sealing material 224. The first primary seal 220 adheres and seals the spacer 218 to the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. The second primary seal 222 adheres and seals the spacer 218 to the first surface S3 of the second pane 206. Depending on the configuration, each of the primary seals 220 and 222 may be formed from an adhesive sealing material such as polyisobutylene (PIB). In some implementations, the IGU 200 further includes a secondary seal 224 that seals the entire perimeter of the IGU 200 outside the spacer 218. For this purpose, the spacer 218 is fitted at a distance "E" from the edges of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. The distance "E" can be in the range of approximately 4 mm to approximately 8 mm (however, other distances may be possible and desirable). In some implementations, the secondary seal 224 may be formed of an adhesive sealant such as a polymer material that adds structural support to the assembly, such as silicone, polyurethane, and similar structural sealants that form a waterproof seal, for example.

[0066] In the implementation shown in Figure 2A, the ECD210 is formed on the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. In some other implementations, the ECD210 may be formed on another preferred surface, for example, the first surface S1 of the first pane 204, the first surface S3 of the second pane 206, or the second surface S4 of the second pane 206. The ECD210 includes an electrochromic ("EC") stack 212, the electrochromic stack itself may include one or more layers, as described with reference to Figure 1.

[0067] Window controller A window controller may be associated with one or more colorable windows and is configured to control the optical state of the window by applying a stimulus to the window—for example, by applying a voltage or current to the EC device coating. The window controllers described herein can have many sizes, forms, and locations with respect to the optically switchable windows they control. Typically, the controller can be mounted on the IGU or stacked light, but the controller may also be located within the frame housing the IGU or stack, or even in a separate location. As mentioned above, a colorable window may include one, two, three or more individual electrochromic panes (electrochromic devices on a transparent substrate). Also, each pane of the electrochromic window may have an electrochromic coating with independently colorable zones. Controllers such as those described herein can control all electrochromic coatings associated with such windows, whether the electrochromic coatings are integral or layered.

[0068] When not directly mounted to a tintable window, IGU, or frame, the window controller is typically located near the tintable window. For example, the window controller may be adjacent to the window, on one of the window's light surfaces, within the wall next to the window, or within the frame of a self-contained window assembly. In some embodiments, the window controller is an "in situ" controller; that is, the controller is part of the window assembly, IGU, or laminate and does not necessarily need to be matched with the electrochromic window and installed in situ; for example, the controller moves with the window as part of the assembly from the factory. The controller may be installed within the window frame of the window assembly, or it may be part of an IGU or laminate assembly mounted, for example, on or between panes of an IGU, or on panes of a laminate. When the controller is located in the visible portion of an IGU, at least a portion of the controller may be substantially transparent. Further examples relating to controllers on glass are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 951,410, filed November 14, 2015, entitled “SELF CONTAINED EC IGU,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, a localized controller may be provided as a plurality of parts, where at least one part (e.g., a memory component storing information about an associated electrochromic window) is provided as part of a window assembly, and at least one other part is configured to separate and mate with at least one part that is part of a window assembly, IGU, or laminate. In certain embodiments, the controller may not be in a single housing, but rather an assembly of interconnected parts that are spaced apart, for example, in a secondary seal of an IGU. In other embodiments, the controller may be a compact unit, for example, in a single housing, or in two or more components combined, for example, a dock and a housing assembly, where the compact unit is in close proximity to the glass, or mounted on the glass, but not in the visible area.

[0069] In one embodiment, the window controller is incorporated into or on the IGU and / or window frame, or at least within the same building as the window, before the installation of the colorable window. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into or on the IGU and / or window frame before leaving the manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU substantially within a secondary seal. In another embodiment, the controller is incorporated in or on the IGU, partially, substantially, or entirely, within the periphery defined by the primary seal between the sealing separator and the substrate.

[0070] The controller may be part of the IGU and / or window assembly, and may move together with the IGU or window unit, for example. If the controller is part of the IGU assembly, the IGU may hold the controller's logic and features.

[0071] In situations where the characteristics of an electrochromic device change over time (e.g., due to degradation), characteristic functions can be used to update control parameters, for example, those used to drive colored state transitions. In another example, if already installed in an electrochromic window unit, the controller's logic and characteristics can be used to calibrate and align the control parameters to the intended installation, for example, if already installed, to align them to the performance characteristics of the electrochromic pane.

[0072] In other embodiments, the controller is not pre-associated with the window, but rather a dock component having a general-purpose part for any electrochromic window is associated with each window at the factory. After the window is installed, or in other areas, a second component of the controller is combined with the dock component to complete the electrochromic window controller assembly. The dock component may include a chip programmed at the factory with the physical characteristics and parameters of a particular window, to which the dock is mounted (for example, on a surface that faces the interior of the building after installation and is sometimes called surface 4 or "S4"). The second component (sometimes called the "carrier," "casing," "housing," or "controller") is fitted with the dock and powered, and the second component can read the chip and configure itself to power the window according to the specific characteristics and parameters stored in the chip. In this way, the shipped window only needs to have its associated parameters stored in a chip integrated with the window, while more sophisticated circuits and components can be added later (for example, shipped separately and installed by the window manufacturer after the glassworker installs the window, followed by commissioning by the window manufacturer). Various embodiments are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the chip is included in a wire or wire connector attached to the window controller. Such wires with connectors are sometimes called lead wires.

[0073] As discussed, an "IGU" comprises two (or more) substantially transparent substrates, for example, two glass panes, where at least one substrate comprises an electrochromic device disposed thereon, and the panes have a separator disposed between them. The IGU is typically sealed and has an internal area isolated from the surrounding environment. A "window assembly" may include an IGU or, for example, a standalone laminate, and may include electrical leads for connecting one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, a switch, etc., and a frame supporting the IGU or laminate. A window assembly may include a window controller and / or components of a window controller (e.g., a dock) as described herein.

[0074] As used herein, the term "outboard" refers to a surface closer to the external environment, while the term "inboard" refers to a surface closer to the interior of a building. For example, in the case of an IGU with two panes, the pane located closer to the external environment is called the outboard pane or outer pane, while the pane located closer to the interior of the building is called the inboard pane or inner pane. As illustrated with respect to Figures 2A and 2B, the different surfaces of an IGU can be referred to as S1, S2, S3, and S4 (assuming an IGU with two panes). S1 refers to the surface facing outwards from the outboard light (i.e., the surface that a person standing outside can physically touch). S2 refers to the surface facing inwards from the outboard light. S3 refers to the surface facing outwards from the inboard light. S4 refers to the surface facing inwards from the inboard light (i.e., the surface that a person standing inside the building can physically touch). In other words, the surfaces are labeled S1-S4, counting inwards from the outermost surface of the IGU. This tendency holds true when the IGU includes three panes (S6 is a surface that can be physically touched by a person standing inside the building). In certain embodiments using two panes, an electrochromic device (or other optically switchable device) is located on S3. In certain embodiments, one or more of the surfaces have a structure for blocking the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. In Figure 2B, this is illustrated as an "IMI" (multiple conductive layer shield stack) on S3. Additional embodiments of the shield stack structure are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0075] Further examples of window controllers and their features are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,248, “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS,” filed April 17, 2012; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,251, “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS,” filed April 17, 2012; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 334,835, “CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” filed October 26, 2016; and International Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 20805, “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS,” filed March 3, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] Window control system When a building is equipped with tintable windows, window controllers can connect to each other and / or other entities via a communication network sometimes called a window control network or window network. The network and various devices (e.g., controllers and sensors) connected via the network (e.g., wired or wireless power transfer and / or communication) are referred to herein as a window control system. The window control network can provide tinting commands to window controllers, provide window information to a master controller or other network entities, etc. Examples of window information include the current tinting status or other information collected by the window controllers. In some cases, a window controller has one or more associated sensors that provide detected information via the network, including, for example, photosensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, and / or gas sensors. In some cases, information transmitted via the window communication network does not necessarily affect window control. For example, information received by a first window configured to receive Wi-Fi® or LiFi signals can be transmitted via the communication network to a second window configured to wirelessly broadcast the information, for example, as Wi-Fi® or LiFi signals. A window control network does not necessarily have to be limited to providing information for controlling tintable windows; it can also transmit information for other devices that interface with the communication network, such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, and personal computing devices.

[0077] Figure 3 provides an example of a control network 301 of a window control system 300. The network can deliver control commands and feedback, and can also function as a power distribution network. A master controller 302 communicates with and operates in conjunction with a number of network controllers 304, each of which can address a number of window controllers 306 (sometimes referred to herein as leaf controllers) that apply voltage or current to control the coloring state of one or more optically switchable windows 308. The communication controllers (304, 306, and 308) may be present via wired (e.g., Ethernet®) or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi®, CBRS, cellular, or LiFi) connections. In some implementations, the master controller issues high-level commands (such as the final coloring state of an electrochromic window) to the network controllers, which then communicate the commands to the corresponding window controllers. Typically, the master controller is configured to communicate with one or more outward-facing networks 309. The window control network 301 may include any suitable number of distributed controllers having various capabilities or functions, and may not necessarily be arranged within the hierarchical structure depicted in Figure 3. Network 301 may also be used as a communication network between distributed controllers (e.g., 302, 304, 306) acting as communication nodes to other devices or systems (e.g., 309).

[0078] In some embodiments, the externally facing network 309 is part of or connected to a Building Management System (BMS). A BMS is a computer-based control system that can be installed within a building to monitor and control the building's mechanical and electrical equipment. A BMS can be configured to control the operation of HVAC systems, lighting systems, power systems, elevators, fire systems, security systems, and other safety systems. BMSs are frequently used in large buildings and function to control the building environment. For example, a BMS can monitor and control lighting, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity within a building. In doing so, a BMS can control the operation of heating furnaces, air conditioners, fans, vents, gas lines, water lines, etc. To control the building environment, a BMS can turn these various devices on and off according to rules established, for example, by the building manager. One function of a BMS is to maintain a comfortable environment for building occupants. In some implementations, a BMS can not only monitor and control building conditions but also optimize the synergies between various systems—for example, it can be configured to save energy and reduce building operating costs. In some implementations, the BMS can be configured with disaster response. For example, the BMS can initiate the use of backup generators and shut off water and gas lines. In some cases, the BMS has a more focused application—for example, simply controlling an HVAC system—while parallel systems such as lighting, tintable windows, and / or security systems operate either standalone or interact with the BMS.

[0079] In some embodiments, network 309 is a remote network. For example, network 309 can operate in the cloud or on a device located away from a building having optically-switchable windows. In some embodiments, network 309 is a network that provides information or enables control of optically-switchable windows via a remote wireless device. In some cases, network 309 includes seismic event detection logic. Further examples of window control systems and their features are presented in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 334,832, filed October 26, 2016, entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES," and International Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 62634, filed November 23, 2016, entitled "AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0080] While the illustrated embodiments show a window 308 and a window control network 301, it should be understood that some embodiments do not include EC windows or any other type of optically switchable window. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the network includes a controller, but the controller does not control the window. In some embodiments, the network has a topology similar to that depicted in Figure 3, but it does not necessarily serve to control the window. Such a network may serve a variety of other purposes and may or may not include providing instructions to control the tinting state of an optically switchable window or other building functions. In some cases, the network is initially deployed without an optically switchable window, but such windows are installed later and attached to the network. With or without window installation, the network may provide a variety of functions unrelated to window control. For example, in certain embodiments, a building facade (enveloping surface) computing and power distribution system is described, with or without switchable windows. Such a system can be installed early in the construction of a building, and therefore, once the building is completed and occupied, it can be used, for example, to complete the construction and / or to supply power and computing power to an edge computing platform and / or cloud that can be used by the building's occupants. See, for example, the considerations in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US19 / 30467, filed 2 May 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0081] It should be understood that the communication infrastructure disclosed herein may or may not provide an optically switchable window. In the latter case, i.e., without a window infrastructure, the network does not need to be connected to an electrically switchable window, include a window controller, and / or have logic for determining the appropriate optical state of the window.

[0082] Communication infrastructure components Building network infrastructure typically includes various components such as antennas for receiving and / or transmitting wireless signals, high-speed switches or other network devices for coupling information between antennas and cables, and high-capacity lines for carrying information between antennas.

[0083] High-capacity cables, twisted-pair wires, or other data carrier lines can be employed. In certain embodiments, such lines are configured to carry at least 1 gigabit / second Ethernet® communication or at least 10 gigabit / second Ethernet® communication. In certain embodiments, such lines are coaxial cables coupled to a MoCA circuit, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324 filed on February 8, 2019, the entirety of which has been previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] Regarding antennas, some of these may face the interior of a building (for example, their positioning and orientation may be such that they transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals towards a room or other interior part of the building). In some cases, one or more antennas may face outward from the interior of the building. Such antennas may be positioned and oriented to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals (e.g., cellular signals) outside the building. Still, other antennas may be omnidirectional or nearly omnidirectional.

[0085] Network infrastructure can include one or more radios that work in conjunction with antennas. Various radios may be employed for the various communication protocols used within a building. These radios may include radio frequency (RF) radio chipsets from various vendors. A radio can employ one or more circuits to receive radio signals from antennas and provide electrical signals to cables communicating in an appropriate format, such as MoCA (see, for example, MoCA transceiver devices sold by Maxlinear, Carlsbad, California).

[0086] The network infrastructure described herein can serve a variety of devices provided by building occupants and the building itself. In general, the infrastructure can serve any device that uses communications. Examples include mobile phones, tablets, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, computers, and displays.

[0087] In some cases, building network infrastructure provides controlled transmission by having receiver antennas outside the building and one or more retransmitter antennas inside the building. However, if the building works in conjunction with a wider geographic cellular communication infrastructure, the building may have one or more transmitter antennas outside the building, as well as receiver antennas inside and / or outside the building. In certain embodiments, for example, an outdoor antenna located on the roof of a building is configured to interface with a cellular communication such as 4G or 5G communication. Such an antenna may be used in conjunction with or integrated with a sky sensor or ring sensor having one or more air or weather sensors, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646 filed October 6, 2016, etc., the whole of which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, the sky sensor or ring sensor includes multiple air sensors, environmental sensors such as radiation sensors (e.g., infrared sensors and / or visible spectrum light sensors), or other types of sensors. In some embodiments, one or more of those sensors are directed or configured to take up information for determining and / or predicting the weather in the building. For example, optical and / or infrared sensors can be used to determine cloud conditions (e.g., type, location, and amount of cloud cover), temperature, radiant flux, etc. Any of these parameters can be monitored over time and / or in multiple directions.

[0088] In some cases, several radiation sensors are dispersed by azimuth around a ring or other planar structure oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally, and are oriented outward away from the ring or other structure on which they are mounted. In some embodiments, in addition to the sensors dispersed by azimuth, the sky sensor or ring sensor includes one or more additional sensors facing upward or substantially upward to detect radiation coming from above. In various embodiments, the sky sensor or ring sensor is mounted on the roof of a building, and the amount sensed therein can be used in routines to determine window tinting status and / or other building parameter setpoints. As more fully described herein, the sky sensor or ring sensor may include one or more antennas configured to transmit and / or receive cellular communications (e.g., 5G cellular communications). Unless otherwise specified, where this disclosure refers to antennas mounted on the roof of a building, such antennas may be implemented within the sky sensor or ring sensor.

[0089] As shown, building network infrastructure can employ active coupling and transmission, where electromagnetic signals are received at one location, converted to digital or analog format, and then transmitted as electromagnetic signals at another location. In some cases, building network infrastructure includes components that act as repeaters, which couple electromagnetic signals transmitted or received by antennas into data transmissions of the building network infrastructure (wired or unwired).

[0090] Building network infrastructure components can be integrated into the building or at various levels within a building floor. In various embodiments, a building floor, or a portion of that floor, has a control panel with multiple lines coming out therefor to distribute signals to indoor antennas. In some cases, the network infrastructure is divided based on leases, with one or more tenants receiving access to certain network resources, while other tenants do not receive such access, while other tenants receive a different set of network services.

[0091] Figure 4A shows an example of a portion of the building communications infrastructure 401 within a room or other part of a floor of a building. Similar portions of the communications infrastructure may be replicated within other areas of the floor and across multiple floors if there are multiple floors in the building.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 4A, the control panel 403 provides an interface between communication devices within the building infrastructure 401 and external networks 405, such as a wide area network, the internet, one or more cloud-based storage, and / or processing resources. The control panel 403 may include various components for providing communication and power distribution resources to parts of the building's components. Examples of communication resources that may be provided within the control panel 403 include a master controller and / or network controller. Examples of power distribution resources that may be included within the control panel 403 include transformers and interfaces that provide Class 1 or Class 2 power to window controllers and / or other devices in the network infrastructure. For more information regarding the control panel, as well as the master and network controllers, see, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 365,685 filed November 30, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 365,685 filed October 26, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0093] The control panel 403 includes one or more devices configured to provide high-speed communication over one or more internal networks, such as a network having a coaxial signal carrier line. For example, a MoCA device / interface may be employed for this purpose. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed on February 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The control panel 403 may further include one or more devices configured to provide data and commands to the window controller over a separate network, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN). As shown in Figure 4A, the control panel 403 may include a MoCA transceiver 404.

[0094] In the illustrated example, conductive wires 409 (e.g., coaxial cable) are configured to carry high-speed communication (e.g., via Ethernet®) between the control panel 403 and one or more digital elements, such as a digital wall interface and digital building element 411. Similarly, conductive wires 413 are configured to carry data and communication (e.g., via a CAN bus) between the control panel 403 and one or more window controllers 415, and are routed along the walls of a room or a portion of the building floor housing the infrastructure 401. In the illustrated example, each window controller 415 controls the associated electrically switchable window 417. In some cases, a single window controller controls two or more electrically switchable windows.

[0095] In the illustrated example, the communication infrastructure 401 includes an outward-facing antenna 419 configured to transmit and / or receive wireless radio signals between a location outside the building (or part of the building) and the part of the building housing the infrastructure 401. As shown in the figure, a communication link 421 (wired or wireless) connects the antenna 419 to a control panel 403. As a result, externally generated communications, for example, provided by cellular signals, can be coupled to the interior of the building or a part of the building, even if the cellular signals cannot penetrate the building's walls and windows.

[0096] In certain embodiments, one or more of the digital building elements 411 may include their respective antennas 423, which may be configured to provide communication such as Wi-Fi®, cellular (e.g., 5G), or Bluetooth® with communication devices located in the building or part of the building. The digital building elements 411 may have various sensors, user interface devices, computing / processing devices, and / or acoustic devices. Embodiments of the digital building elements are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed on 8 February 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0097] Various devices can be used to couple the antenna to Ethernet® communication, such as MoCA protocol Ethernet® communication. Such devices can be located, for example, within a control panel and / or within a digital element such as a digital building element 411. In certain implementations, a single chip or transceiver device can be used to convert analog signals from the antenna to Gigabit Ethernet® communication provided via coaxial cable, and vice versa. In other implementations, multiple integrated circuits may be required to perform the conversion. In one example, a suitable device has three ports: one for coaxial cable, suitable for transmitting and receiving Gigabit Ethernet® communication according to, for example, the MoCA protocol; one for a peripheral device interconnection (PCI) bus (e.g., PCI Express (PCIE) bus); and a third port for conventional Gigabit Ethernet® communication. In another example, a suitable device also has three ports, one for coaxial cable and MoCA communication, and the other two for conventional Gigabit Ethernet® communication. Suitable examples of devices that offer such capabilities include the MxL3710 and MxL3712, manufactured by Maxlinear, Inc. in Carlsbad, California.

[0098] The control panel 403, or other elements of the building data communication network infrastructure, can function as a headend. In some implementations, the headend is configured to divide the transmission bandwidth into time slices, each time slice being allocated to a specific customer (e.g., a specific device on the horizontal data plane). Time-division multiplexing can be implemented with a specific guaranteed latency. In some implementations, the headend is configured to provide point-to-multipoint connectivity. For example, this headend can serve each of a certain number (e.g., 31) downstream clients. Each of these clients can participate in a separate conversation or session. In some implementations, clients cannot communicate with each other. This is based on the cable TV model.

[0099] A chip or other logic device designed or configured in this manner may, on one side, interface with digital elements in a building network via a coaxial cable and participate in communication using the MoCA protocol, and on the other side, interface with another integrated circuit or device that functions as a transceiver for interfaceping or converting analog antenna signals from an antenna to digital Gigabit Ethernet® provided via one of the other communication links supported by other integrated circuits or devices, i.e., a circuit or device that converts between Gigabit Ethernet® via coaxial and Gigabit Ethernet® via one of the two other ports.

[0100] The network backbone components can employ network or data conversion chips and cables that support Gigabit Ethernet® communication over coaxial cables. As mentioned above, the MoCA communication protocol can be employed for this purpose.

[0101] A simple block diagram of a control panel 441 for a given floor of a building is illustrated in Figure 4B. This control panel 441 may include a conventional 10-40 Gb / s Ethernet® switch 443. The control panel 441 may also include a device 445 for interface with MoCA-compatible wideband Ethernet® over cables stretched across the entire floor of the building (or across multiple floors). For example, InCoax of Gävle, Sweden, supplies a MoCA transmitter that can receive a 10 Gb / s input signal (Ethernet®) and transmit four 2.5 Gb / s output signals (Ethernet®).

[0102] In a specific example in Figure 4B, the control panel 441 provides, for example, four MoCA lines 449 with data rates exceeding 10 Gb / s. In other words, the system supports, for example, 10 Gb / s MoCA lines spread across an entire single floor. The control panel 441 also provides four CAN lines 451.

[0103] The system can provide separate parallel trunk lines for each cable (e.g., eight trunk lines in this example), or it can provide shared trunk lines, such that there are a total of two or four trunk lines in this example. Ethernet® MoCA cable is a coaxial cable, specifically a low-impedance coaxial cable such as RG-6 or higher gauge cables used for CATV. A CAN bus connection can be implemented using, for example, two twisted-pair cables having a total of five conductors. In one example, one twisted pair houses a high-gauge conductor (e.g., 14 gauge) for supplying DC power to the device, a second twisted pair houses an impedance control conductor (e.g., 22 gauge) for CAN bus communication, and the last conductor is for grounding. In this example, the control panel can supply two networks (left and right in the figure), each having two or more trunk lines. For example, each trunk line may include MoCA cables and CAN cables.

[0104] In various embodiments, communication capability to fixed nodes, such as window controllers or other computing hardware, is provided via a pull-in from the trunk line (pull-in cable). In some cases, only a few nodes on a floor require a cable pull-in that provides high-bandwidth communication capability. For example, as described elsewhere herein, some nodes may be adequately provided by wireless connectivity, such as that provided by one or more digital elements.

[0105] Note that the MoCA protocol uses two frequency bands: one below 700 MHz and the other above 700 MHz. In certain networks where the below 700 MHz band is not transmitting CATV or mobile phone signals, the network may include transmitters with a band centered around approximately 500 MHz, which is sufficient for approximately 3 gigabits per second Ethernet® capability. The network may also employ another device that operates at frequencies above 700 MHz (e.g., up to approximately 1455 MHz) and can deliver approximately 3 gigabits of Ethernet® performance. Between these two devices, a network in some embodiments can address up to approximately 126 endpoints (e.g., mobile phones and other wireless communication devices).

[0106] The MoCA standard uses time-domain modulated signals. Therefore, if a network has a relatively small number of devices using the network at any given moment (e.g., about 10 to 20 devices), each device can effectively receive the full bandwidth (e.g., a capacity far exceeding 1 / 126 of 6 gigabits).

[0107] Either of the MoCA standards may be supported; for example, the system can support MoCA Mesh and MoCA Access (e.g., MoCA Access 2.5 or MoCA Access 3.0). MoCA Mesh is designed to support mesh networks, while MoCA Access is designed to support source-to-destination routing. Both standards support 63 devices per network. Two MoCA channels combined can support 126 devices. For comparison, a CAN network can support 128 devices.

[0108] It should be understood that not all communication links in the backbone or other building network infrastructure necessarily have to be wired; some may be wireless. For example, circuits 409 and 413 shown in Figure 4A may be wired or wireless. Various wireless protocols such as cellular (4G, 5G, etc.), Wi-Fi®, and LiFi can be employed. An exemplary embodiment of integrating LiFi into a building network infrastructure is presented in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 827,674, filed April 1, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It should also be understood that antennas may be installed in locations other than those illustrated in Figure 4A. Various examples are considered elsewhere herein. For example, antennas may be installed directly on windows, on window controllers, on window frames, mullions, and / or any other type of structural element. Examples of antenna types are listed below. These include patch antennas, handle antennas, microstrip antennas, slotted coaxial antennas, and trough antennas.

[0109] Antenna (integrated within the building) General The antennas described herein can be installed in various locations within a building. In some cases, the antenna is installed on a window surface, such as one of the surfaces S1-S4 of a dual-light IGU. See Figures 2A and 2B showing these surfaces. Antennas on glass can be transparent antennas. In some cases, the antenna is installed on a component associated with a window or IGU. Examples include IGU spacers, window frame parts, window controllers attached to windows, or IGU spacers. See Figure 2A, as well as the relevant descriptions of IGUs and associated components. In some cases, the antenna is attached to a structural element, which is typically a permanent element of the building, such as an element provided during construction. Such elements may be permanent, meaning they are not easily removed from the building. Examples include walls, partitions (e.g., partitions of office spaces), doors, beams, stairs, facade walls, moldings, mullions, and transoms. In various examples, the structural elements of the building are located on the periphery of the building or room. The structural elements are optionally associated with one or more windows (e.g., mullions). In some cases, antennas may be installed on equipment, which may be installed after the building has been constructed. Examples include lighting fixtures, work area structures such as small rooms, and ceiling tiles. In some cases, antennas may be installed on non-fixed elements such as furniture. Examples of furniture on which antennas can be installed include desks, chairs, cabinets, and craft items.

[0110] Examples of window components and related building structural elements on which an antenna can be installed include a frame, a frame structure that encloses and supports an entire window system including a head, rib columns, and sill, the head being a horizontal part that forms the top of the window frame, the rib columns forming the sides of the window frame and contacting or forming with a part of the building's fixed part (i.e., the windows usually do not contact each other on both sides), and the sill being a horizontal part that forms the bottom of the window frame, a rib column liner, strips that move along the sides of the window frame providing a sliding fit for the window sash, a grille, decorative components that visually divide the window panel and make the glass appear as multiple glass panes, mutton, thin pieces of wood or other material that further divide the window (e.g., multiple small windows in a door), mullions, and major structural vertical or horizontal components that support and separate two or more windows.

[0111] Muttons are typically decorative rather than structural and can be oriented either horizontally or vertically. Mullions are vertical or horizontal elements used decoratively to form divisions between units of a window or screen. When dividing adjacent window units, mullions can provide rigid support for the glass panes of those windows. They can also provide structural support for the arch or lintel above the window opening. Horizontal elements that separate the head of a door from the window above are both the side posts and horizontal mullions of the head and are sometimes called "transoms." An example of a framing structure that provides several mullions to support structural windows on the facade or other exterior of a building is illustrated in Figure 5. The illustrated network of mullions can provide routes for electrical and / or optical carriers and fibers in the illustrated framing structure, e.g., route 510. Those routes can also provide mounting points for antennas, radios, controllers, sensors, etc.

[0112] Any of these elements can be colored or covered.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the antenna may be mounted on a digital element such as a digital building element or a digital wall fixture. A digital building element is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 803,324, filed November 16, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Digital elements within a building can be mounted in various locations, such as on mullions.

[0114] Digital building elements can include various sensors, processors (e.g., microcontrollers), network interfaces, and one or more peripheral device interfaces. Examples of sensors for an element include optical sensors, which optionally include image capture sensors such as cameras (visual or IR images), acoustic sensors such as audio coils or microphones, air quality sensors (particle sensors, gas sensors such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, etc.), and proximity sensors (e.g., certain IR and / or RF sensors). Network interfaces may be high-bandwidth interfaces such as Gigabit (or faster) Ethernet® interfaces. Examples of peripheral devices include video display monitors, add-on speakers, mobile devices, and battery chargers. Examples of peripheral device interfaces include ports such as standard Bluetooth® modules, USB ports, and network ports. In addition or alternatively, ports may include any of various dedicated ports for third-party devices.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element works in conjunction with other hardware and software provided for an optically switchable window system (e.g., a display on a window). In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element includes a window controller, or other controllers such as a master controller, network controller, etc.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the digital building element includes one or more signal-generating devices such as a speaker, a light source (e.g., and LEDs), a beacon, and an antenna (e.g., a Wi-Fi® or cellular communication antenna). In certain embodiments, the digital building element includes an energy storage component and / or an energy harvesting component. For example, the element may include one or more batteries or capacitors as energy storage devices. Such an element may additionally include a solar cell. In one example, the digital building element has one or more user interface components (e.g., a microphone or speaker), and one or more sensors (e.g., proximity sensors), as well as a network interface for broadband communication.

[0117] In various embodiments, digital architectural elements are designed or configured to be attached to or placed alongside structural elements of a building. In some cases, digital architectural elements have an appearance that harmonizes with the structural elements to which they are associated. For example, digital architectural elements may have shapes, sizes, and colors that harmonize with the structural elements to which they are associated. In some cases, digital architectural elements may not be easily visible to the occupants of the building; for example, the elements may be completely or partially camouflaged. However, such elements may interface with other components that do not blend in, such as video display monitors, touchscreens, and projectors.

[0118] Structural elements of a building to which digital architectural elements can be attached may include any of a variety of building structures. In certain embodiments, the building structure to which the digital architectural elements are attached is a structure that is installed during the construction of the building, possibly in the early stages of construction. In certain embodiments, the structural elements of a building for digital architectural elements are elements that function as building structural functions. Such elements may be permanent, meaning they are not easily removed from the building. Examples include walls, partitions (e.g., partitions for office spaces), doors, beams, stairs, facade walls, moldings, mullions, and transoms. In various examples, structural elements of a building are placed on top of the building or around the perimeter of a room. In some cases, digital architectural elements are provided as separate modular units or boxes to be attached to structural elements of a building. In some cases, digital architectural elements are provided as facade walls of structural elements of a building. For example, digital architectural elements may be provided as covers for mullions, transoms, or parts of doors. In one example, digital architectural elements are placed inside or on top of mullions. If the digital building element is attached to a mullion, it is bolted to or attached to the rigid part of the mullion. In certain embodiments, the digital building element can be snapped into place on a structural element of the building. In certain embodiments, the digital building element functions as a molding, such as a crown molding. In certain embodiments, the digital building element is modular, meaning it functions as part of a larger system, such as a communication network, a power distribution network, and / or a computing system employing an external video display and / or other user interface components.

[0119] In some embodiments, the digital building element is a digital mullion designed to be deployed on some, but not necessarily all, mullions within a room, floor, or building. In some cases, the digital mullions are arranged regularly or periodically. For example, digital mullions may be deployed every six mullions.

[0120] In certain embodiments, in addition to broadband network connectivity (ports, switches, routers, etc.) and housing, the digital building element includes several of the following digital and / or analog components: The camera may include sensors and processing logic for imaging features in the visible, IR (see Use of Thermal Imaging Devices below), or other wavelength ranges, and various resolutions beyond HD are possible. Proximity or motion sensors—in some cases, these sensors are infrared sensors, e.g., IR sensors. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a radar or radar-like device that uses ranging capabilities to detect the distance from an object and the distance between objects. Radar sensors can also be used to distinguish densely populated occupants through biometric detection capabilities, e.g., detection of different breathing movements. When using radar or radar-like sensors, better operation may be facilitated if they are placed in an unobstructed environment or behind the plastic casing of a digital building element. Occupancy Sensor - In one embodiment, the occupancy sensor may include a multi-pixel thermal imaging device, which, when configured with a suitable computer implementation algorithm, can be used to detect and / or count the number of occupants in a room. In one embodiment, data from the thermal imaging device or thermal camera is correlated with data from a radar sensor to provide a better level of reliability in a particular decision being made. In an embodiment, measurements from the thermal imaging device can be used to evaluate other thermal events at a particular location, such as changes in airflow caused by open windows and doors, the presence of an intruder, and / or a fire. Regarding color temperature sensors, they can be used to analyze the spectrum of lighting present in a specific location and provide an output that can be used to change that lighting as needed or desired, for example, to improve the health or mood of residents. Regarding biometric authentication sensors (fingerprint, retinal, facial recognition), any of these can be provided as a standalone sensor or integrated with another sensor, such as a camera. Speakers (these can be relatively small, for example, about 1 inch from edge to edge) Speaker Power Amplifiers - In some embodiments, the speakers and amplifiers are collectively configured as a soundbar, i.e., a rod-shaped device housing multiple speakers. The device may be designed or configured to provide high-fidelity sound. Microphone (sometimes with associated equalizer) – In some embodiments, logic for processing the microphone signal (e.g., an equalizer and / or primary processor device) detects the acoustic signal generated by the speaker but reflected off walls or objects in the room, and the logic automatically adjusts the speaker output to correct for frequency fluctuations, echoes, and other factors that negatively affect the user's perception of the acoustics. The microphone, logic, and speaker can also be configured to work together to cancel out ambient noise, or white noise. Air quality sensors (which can selectively measure one or more of the following air components: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and particles) can be used in conjunction with HVAC control to control air circulation. A hub can be provided for connecting power and / or data to sensors, speakers, microphones, etc. This hub may be a USB hub, a Bluetooth® hub, etc. This hub may include one or more ports such as USB ports, HDMI® ports, etc. Alternatively, or in addition, the element may include a connector dock for external sensors, lighting equipment, peripheral devices (e.g., cameras, microphones, speakers), network connections, power supplies, etc. A video driver for a display (e.g., a transparent OLED device) located on or near the IGU is associated with the architectural element. The driver may be wired or optically coupled; for example, see a switchable Bragg grating containing a display with an optical engine and lens that emits an optical signal into the window by optical transmission, focusing on a glass waveguide that passes through the glass and travels perpendicular to the line of sight. Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point The antenna may be part of a Wi-Fi® access point or may serve a different purpose. In certain embodiments, the building element itself, or a faceplate covering all or part of the building element, may function as an antenna. Various approaches can be employed to isolate the building element and allow it to transmit or receive in a directional manner. Alternatively, a prefabricated antenna may be used, or a window antenna such as the one described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106 filed 4 May 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, the Wi-Fi® access point is configured to provide communication via the IEEE 802.11AT standard. Location services via beacons or other mechanisms A power source such as an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery or capacitor). In some implementations, energy harvesting devices, such as solar cells or solar panels, are included. This makes it possible to make the device self-sufficient or partially self-sufficient. The harvesting device can be transparent or opaque depending on the installation location. For example, a solar cell can be mounted outdoors on a digital mullion and can partially or completely cover it, while a transparent solar cell can cover a display or user interface (e.g., dials, buttons, etc.) on a digital building element. A light source (e.g., an LED) is configured with a processor to emit light under specific conditions, such as signal transmission when the device is in an active state. The processor is configured to provide a variety of embedded or non-embedded applications. The processor may be a microcontroller. In certain embodiments, the processor is a low-power MCU (Mobile Computing Unit) with memory and is configured to run a lightweight, secure operating system that provides applications and data. In certain embodiments, the processor is an embedded system, a system-on-a-chip, or an extension. Auxiliary processing devices such as image processing units, or equalizers or other acoustic processing devices, are configured to interpret acoustic signals.

[0121] A building feature may have one or more antennas. These may be pre-constructed and attached to the element, or incorporated into the element, either on an internal surface of the element or inside the element. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the antenna may be fabricated such that the structure of a digital building element or building structure element functions as an antenna component. For example, a conductive metal piece of a mullion may function as an antenna element or ground plane. In some embodiments, a portion of a digital building element or building structure element is removed (or added), and as a result, the remaining portion functions as a tuned antenna element. For example, a portion of a mullion can be punched out to provide a tuned antenna element. By connecting coaxial or other cables to the element and an RF transmitter or receiver, building structure elements and / or associated digital building elements may function as antenna elements. The antenna component may need to be designed with an impedance that matches the impedance of the RF transmitter (e.g., about 50 ohms).

[0122] Depending on the structure, the antenna element can function as a Wi-Fi® antenna, a Bluetooth® antenna, a cellular communication antenna (4G, 5G, ...), etc. The antenna may be a patch antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or other examples, as presented below. The antenna can be configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals in any suitable wavelength range. An example of an antenna component that can be used in an optically switchable window system is described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106, filed 4 May 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0123] Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view (looking down) of a mullion 601 with adjacent IGU 603 in a typical configuration that can be equipped with one or more antennas. As shown in the figure, the mullion 601 has a structural cavity 605. The mullion 601 is straddled by the IGU 603.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the mullion 601 has a hole 607 through which power and communication lines 615 (sometimes called lead lines) are routed from an optically switchable window in the IGU 603 to a structural cavity 605 of the mullion, to which they can be connected to a service line or trunk line (not illustrated). After the lead lines or other lines have been supplied through the hole, a sealant can be applied to the hole.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the pressure plate 609 is screwed into or attached to the mullion 601 and pressed against edge points on two adjacent IGUs that straddle the mullion. There may be several pressure plates arranged around the periphery of the IGU, spaced, for example, by about 2 feet (60 cm) from each other. See Figure 6B for a front view of an IGU having multiple pressure plates arranged around the periphery of the IGU. The gasket 611 seals the points on adjacent IGUs against the mullion 601 when the pressure plate 609 engages with the mullion.

[0126] The pressure plates would be visible from the outside of the building without a cover. The beauty cap 613 functions to cover separate pressure plates on the mullions 601 between two IGUs 603. Multiple pressure plates can be concealed with a single beauty cap. The beauty cap 613 conceals the pressure plate 609 so that the area between the IGUs appears continuous. The beauty cap can be installed in various ways, such as by snapping into place. Depending on the size of the window, the beauty cap may be relatively long, for example, up to about 20 feet in length. Antennas, such as trough antennas or handle antennas (described below), may be mounted on the beauty cap 613. In one example, the trough antenna functions, for example, as the beauty cap 613 itself.

[0127] Figure 6C shows an example of an H-shaped beauty cap 613C configured to both cover a pressure plate mounted on a mullion and provide an outward-facing trough antenna or other antenna.

[0128] It will be understood that outward-facing antenna radiating elements may need to be electrically coupled to internal feed lines. It will also be understood that, in certain contexts, it may be advantageous to install, upgrade, and / or maintain outward-facing antennas from inside a building. In some embodiments, their feed lines may be configured to pass through mullions and / or beauty caps. Thus, a pass-through installation, including a weather-resistant seal, can be envisioned between the outdoor and indoor parts of a building. Figure 6D shows a simplified example of an antenna assembly 650 including such a pass-through installation. First, referring to detail A, in the illustrated example, the antenna assembly is configured to include a radiating element 651 in its outdoor portion. The indoor portion of the radiating element 651 is coupled to a pass-through portion 652 via an articulated link 653. The articulated link 653 may provide one or two axes of rotation through which the radiating element 651 can articulate either manually or with an actuating device (not illustrated). The pass-through fixture 652 consists of flanges 656(i) and 656(o), each flange having associated sealing members (e.g., O-rings) 655(i) and 655(o). The indoor end of the coupling fixture is coupled to an electrical connector 657, which may be electrically coupled to the radiating element 651 and to power lines (not illustrated) from the network building infrastructure. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 657 may be a coaxial connector.

[0129] The antenna assembly 650 can be configured to be mounted on a mullion 601, as illustrated in Figure 6A. Referring to detail B, it can be observed that the mullion 601, which is coupled to the IGU 603 via a gasket 611 and is located between them, includes a structural cavity 605 and is comprised of access holes 620 and 621. Detail C shows an example of mounting the antenna assembly 650 on a mullion 601, in which case the radiating element 651 protrudes to the outside of the building, while the electrical connector is easily accessible from inside the building. Sealing members 655(i) and 655(o), together with the gasket 611, can be configured to provide a weather-resistant seal between the outside and inside of the building. In detail C, the radiating element 651 is illustrated as having a long axis generally aligned with the pass-through equipment. In detail D, the radiating element 651 is illustrated as being articulated around an articulated link 653, in which case the radiating element forms an acute angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0130] In the example shown in Figure 6D, a beauty cap (e.g., beauty cap 613 in Figure 6A) is omitted for clarity, but it will be understood that a beauty cap may be conceivable. In some implementations, some or all of the radiating elements 651 protrude outside the beauty cap. In some implementations, the radiating elements 651 may not protrude outside the beauty cap. In such implementations, the beauty cap can be configured, by choice of cap material and / or geometric shape, to avoid substantial attenuation of RF signals in at least some directions. In some implementations, a generally metallic beauty cap may include low-attenuation gaps, holes, or sections, which can be covered by non-metallic "patches" in close proximity to the radiating elements.

[0131] In some implementations, the radiating element 651 may be very small compared to, for example, the typical width of a mullion. For example, an array of 5G-compatible multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) antennas can be conveniently housed on the inner or outer surface of a beauty cap designed to a standard size. In such implementations, the pass-through equipment 652 can be configured to accommodate, for example, a large number of power supply lines from a 4x4 or 8x8 array of MIMO antennas. In some implementations, the radiating element may have a shape factor such that it is mounted within a framework system in a manner similar to conventional glass lamination. In other implementations, the radiating element may be laminated on the glass of IGU light. In yet another implementation, the radiating element may be configured to have a shape factor similar to that of a standard mullion and / or beauty cap.

[0132] Figure 6E illustrates a further example of a weather-resistant pass-through envisioned by this disclosure, which provides an electrical pass-through from the indoor portion of the mullion to the outdoor side of the IGU without compromising the integrity of the building's glass pane inlay system. In the example envisioned by Figure 6E, a mullion 601 spanning 603 of the IGU is coupled with a flexible sealing element 667. As shown in detail E, before the installation of the antenna structure 661 (and / or after the removal of the antenna structure 661), the spring-like elements 665(i) and 665(o) can compress the sealing element 667 toward the closed position. As shown in detail F, once the antenna structure 651 is installed (advantageously, from the inside of the building), the sealing element 667 expands to conform to the antenna structure and presses the spring-like elements 665(i) and 665(o) radially outward. The sealing element 667 can provide a weather-tight seal, for example, to prevent moisture from entering the mullion 601. Although omitted for illustrative purposes, the antenna structure 661 may include one or more articulated links, similar to the articulated link 653 in Figure 6D, which allow the radiating elements of the antenna structure 601 to be at a desired angle relative to the IGU 603. Thus, the antenna radiating elements can still be positioned outside the building during installation, and their installation is only affected from inside the building.

[0133] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the mullions can accommodate arrays of antenna radiating elements, such as MIMO arrays, or a series of spaced-out individual radiating elements aligned along mullions oriented horizontally, vertically, or obliquely. Referring to Figures 6F and 6G, in some examples, the beauty cap can be configured to seal the volume 614. Radiating elements (not illustrated) can be disposed on the outer or inner surface of the beauty cap or within the volume 614. Such radiating elements can be hidden, for example, from the view of an observer outside the building. In Figure 6F, the flat portion of the beauty cap 613F can provide mounting space for any number of radiating elements disposed inside or outside the flat portion. In an alternative embodiment, Figure 6G shows that the beauty cap 613G may be configured in a curved form (approximately hemispherical in the illustrated example), resulting in radiating elements disposed thereon having diverse orientations with respect to the IGU 603. Advantageously, such a configuration can increase effective antenna coverage compared to a configuration in which each radiating element is oriented to face a common direction.

[0134] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the radiating elements may be arranged on the same plane or protrude minimally from the outer surface of the beauty cap 613, so as to minimize any significant impact on the structural aesthetics of the building.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the mullion is equipped with multiple outward-facing antennas, such as two or three or more such antennas. In some implementations, two or more outward-facing antennas are separated from each other vertically along a vertical mullion. In some implementations, two or more outward-facing antennas are separated from each other horizontally along a horizontal mullion. In certain embodiments, the two or more outward-facing antennas are configured to provide redundancy in the event of failure of one of them, which would otherwise require costly and / or complex replacement. In some cases, the two or more outward-facing antennas are configured to provide complementary roles, such as complementary frequency ranges and / or complementary coverage volumes.

[0136] In some embodiments, the mullion or cavity within it that houses the radio or other electronic instrument associated with the antenna radiating element functions as a heat sink for the electronic equipment. In some implementations, the radio or other associated electronic instrument is kept in close proximity to the antenna radiating element. For example, the electronic instrument may be positioned within about 1 meter or about 0.5 meters of the radiating element.

[0137] Antennas can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or obliquely within a building. These orientations may refer not only to the physical orientation of the antenna along its principal axis, but also, in addition or alternatively, to the orientation of signal strength or polarization (transmitted or received by the antenna). In certain embodiments, antennas are mounted on vertically oriented structural elements or other building features. For example, an antenna may be mounted on a vertically oriented digital building element that extends to the ceiling. Such an antenna may extend vertically along the length of the digital building element (e.g., the axis of the longest dimension of the antenna which is substantially parallel to the vertical direction), and then change direction and extend horizontally when facing the ceiling (e.g., its antenna elements have a T-shape or L-shape). In certain embodiments, an antenna is mounted horizontally and provides a horizontally directed radiation pattern that extends into a room where building occupants normally work and / or interact.

[0138] Cellular applications (examples) Because 5G is a high-frequency protocol, 5G signals cannot travel long distances and cannot penetrate many materials. Therefore, 5G communication may sometimes require a clear line of sight between the transmitting and receiving antennas. Naturally, cellular infrastructure and service providers face the challenge of deploying 5G communication inside buildings. In certain embodiments of this specification, one or more antennas are mounted on the roof of a building, and such antennas function as gateways for cellular communication to the building. In some implementations, antennas placed on the roof may be the sole, or most important, point of contact for cellular service to the building. The roof location can offer various advantages. For example, in some implementations, roof antennas are accessible from 360 degrees (compared to antennas mounted on the front exterior wall, which only offer a 90-degree view). Furthermore, building roofs often have relatively few signal-attenuating obstacles such as trees. Moreover, roofs usually have sufficient space available to accommodate antennas, resulting in an acceptable aesthetic compromise.

[0139] A roof antenna configured as a gateway for cellular communication (e.g., 5G communication) with a building can establish various communication paths. For example, a roof antenna can be configured to receive cellular signals and rebroadcast them to the building for indoor coverage. This can be achieved using wired or wireless connections with other communication nodes within the building (e.g., digital building elements). In some cases, a roof cellular antenna is configured to transmit cellular communications to one or more other antennas in or above the same building on which it is installed. For example, a roof antenna can be configured to rebroadcast cellular communications to a roof-mounted sensor, which accommodates a different cellular antenna. In another example, a roof antenna is configured to retransmit signals (bidirectionally) between antennas mounted on the facade wall of a building. In some cases, a roof antenna is configured to communicate cellularly with one or more external communication nodes, such as a standalone cell tower or a cell tower in a neighboring building.

[0140] In certain embodiments, one or more roof antennas may be contained within a structure having one or more sensors. An example of such sensors is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646, filed October 6, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, the roof antenna is housed within a roof-mounted antenna tower that can be separated from the sensor assembly. In some cases, the antenna tower is of a relatively sufficient height (e.g., about 5 meters or more above the roof) and its structure is optimized for transmitting and receiving cellular communications.

[0141] A single or multiple roof antennas can be deployed and configured to transmit and / or receive cellular signals. Roof antenna deployment may take into account factors such as size, location, and redundancy. If the roof antenna is part of a roof sensor, its deployment can be chosen to optimize the combination of cellular signal reception and sensing capabilities (to determine sky conditions and address weather conditions that will influence window tinting decisions). In some implementations, a cellular roof antenna supports cellular services from multiple carriers, each of which may have its own transceivers.

[0142] Figure 7 illustrates the features of a network building infrastructure 701 that receives and / or transmits radio signals using a roof-mounted antenna 703. The antenna 703 can function as a bridge or gateway between the network building infrastructure 701 and an external cellular communication node, such as a cell tower. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 703 is coupled to the rest of the network building infrastructure 701 via a conductive line 705. In an alternative embodiment, the antenna 703 is coupled to the rest of the network building infrastructure 701 via one or more radio links. As illustrated, the line 705 electrically connects the antenna 703 to a control panel 707. Transmitters and receivers may be provided within the antenna 703 or the control panel 707. The control panel 707 includes an input power line 709 and one or more communication connections to an external network or an internal backbone, such as an optical fiber connection 711 and an Ethernet® connection 713, as in the illustrated example.

[0143] The control panel 707 can be configured to provide power and data to the window controller 715 via power insertion lines 717, trunk lines 719, and drop-off lines 721. Various connectors and terminators can be used, as shown in the figure. The window controller 715 supplies power and controls the coloring state of electrically switchable devices in the IGU 723. The window controller 715 is connected to the IGU 723 via IGU connection lines 725 and IGU lead lines 727.

[0144] Three exemplary use cases for constructing an outdoor antenna are illustrated in Figures 8A to 8C. In Figure 8A, two roof-mounted antennas 803 and 805 are within each other's line of site. Either one or both of them can function as (a) a cellular tower of a particular telecommunications carrier (e.g., Sprint 5G) and / or (b) a gateway for cellular services within a related building (e.g., building 807 or 809 to which the roof antennas are mounted). Buildings 807 and 809 can be located in reasonable proximity to each other, for example, within a neighborhood or a single urban block.

[0145] In Figure 8B, the roof-mounted antenna 811 is located within the line of sight of antenna 813 on or near the front exterior wall of another building 817. Antenna 813 has an associated radio 815 configured to receive cellular communications (e.g., 5G communications) and convert them into digital (or analog) communications for delivery over the building's network infrastructure, the associated radio including, for example, a broadband circuit 819 and antenna 821, which is optionally configured to transmit and / or receive Wi-Fi® or 5G cellular communications. Details of the network infrastructure, such as control panels and Wi-Fi® transceivers, are omitted for simplicity. Note that one or more frequency bands employed by antenna 821 do not need to be the same as those used by roof-mounted antenna 811.

[0146] Another use case, illustrated in Figure 8C, provides cellular coverage outside of building 833. The cellular infrastructure involved includes an antenna 831 mounted inside or on the exterior wall of building 833 and configured to transmit and receive cellular signals (e.g., 5G signals) outside of building 833. Antenna 831 may be configured to take advantage of specific network infrastructure of building 833, including a radio 835 connected to a high-speed communications backbone, including cable 837. Antenna 831 can be used as a component of a cellular operator's infrastructure, enabling cellular services to be provided outside of building 833.

[0147] From a certain perspective, as described herein, a building network infrastructure can be viewed as a platform having multiple sockets, each of which can accept components that may be configured for wireless communication protocols. Examples of such protocols include Wi-Fi®, CBRS radio, small cells (e.g., microcells or femtocells), carrier-specific protocols, and carrier-independent cellular services such as vRAN (Virtual Radio Access Network). The platform is a network infrastructure that includes, for example, sufficient gauge data transmission cables (coaxial, UTP, optical fiber, etc.), high-speed switches, routers, and / or other network devices that can operate with one or more network protocols (e.g., Ethernet®, Fibre Channel, MoCA, etc.), antennas, radios, etc.

[0148] Figures 9, 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate components of a high-speed building data communication network, including distributed antenna systems and components that interface to one or more communication service provider systems. In certain embodiments, the building network infrastructure has a vertical data plane (between building floors) and a horizontal data plane (all within a single floor or multiple adjacent floors). In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have the same or similar data carrying capabilities and components. In other cases, these two data planes have different data carrying capabilities. For example, the vertical data plane may accommodate components for higher data transmission rates and / or bandwidth. In one example, the vertical data plane may include components supporting Ethernet® transmission of 10 gigabits per second or more (e.g., using UTP wires and / or fiber optic cables), while the horizontal data plane may include components supporting Gigabit Ethernet® transmission of approximately 1 gigabit per second via coaxial cables. In some cases, the horizontal data plane supports data transmission via the MoCA 2.5 or MoCA 3.0 standard. In certain embodiments, inter-floor connectivity in the vertical data plane utilizes control panels equipped with high-speed Ethernet® switches. These same control panels communicate with nodes on a given floor via MoCA interfaces and associated coaxial cables on the horizontal data plane. Horizontal and vertical data planes within a single building structure are illustrated in Figures 9 and 9C.

[0149] Data transmission, and in some embodiments, voice services, can be supplied within a building via wireless communication between occupants. However, even with relatively low-frequency protocols such as 3G or 4G cellular, this presents problems due to partial attenuation by building structures such as walls, floors, ceilings, and windows. This attenuation becomes more severe with higher-frequency protocols such as 5G. To address this challenge, buildings may sometimes be equipped with components that function as gateways or ports to cellular signals. Such gateways connect to indoor antennas and other infrastructure within the building that provides wireless services via Wi-Fi®, small cell services (e.g., via microcell or femtocell devices), CBRS, etc. Gateways or entry points for such services may include wireless signals received by high-speed cables (usually underground) from the telecommunications operator's telephone exchange and / or antennas placed at key locations outside the building (e.g., donor antennas or sky sensors on the building's roof). High-speed cables to a building are sometimes referred to as "backhaul."

[0150] Figures 9 and 9C illustrate various diagrams of components of a distributed antenna system within a building. Figure 9C illustrates various antennas on the building's exterior and participating in communications outside the building and / or facilitating communications inside the building. Figure 9 highlights a control panel, or similar indoor network, that facilitates the distribution of wired signals on each floor. Some functions of the control panel are described above with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

[0151] Figures 9 and 9C illustrate the components that enable a building service network to wirelessly interface with one or more telecommunications service provider systems. As connection points, in the illustrated example, the building includes multiple rooftop donor antennas 905 and sky sensors 907 for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The building also has at least one control panel 913 configured to connect to the provider's telephone exchange 911 via a physical line 909 (e.g., optical fiber such as single-mode optical fiber). This control panel 913 may include hardware and / or software configured to provide, for example, a signal source carrier headend, a fiber distribution headend, and bidirectional amplifiers or repeaters. Collectively, the rooftop donor antennas 905, sky sensors 907, and control panel 913 enable building occupants and / or devices to access the telecommunications service provider's wireless systems. Each of these interface elements can provide access to several variations, such as systems of the same service provider, systems of different service providers, or two interface elements providing access to systems of one provider, and different interface elements providing access to systems of a second provider.

[0152] As illustrated in Figure 9, the vertical data plane may include multiple control panels 917 and high-capacity data carrier lines 919, such as single-mode optical fiber or UTP copper wire of sufficient gauge. In some embodiments, a separate control panel 917 is provided on each floor. In some embodiments, a single high-capacity line directly connects the control panel 917 on the top floor to the control panel 913 on the bottom floor. Note that the control panel 917 connects directly to the rooftop antenna 905 and / or sky sensor 909, while the control panel 913 connects directly to the service provider telephone exchange 911.

[0153] As shown in the figure, and further referring to Figure 9, the horizontal data plane may include one of the control panels 917 (or 913 on the ground floor) and a data carrier line including a trunk line 921. In certain embodiments, the trunk line is made of coaxial cable. The control panel may be configured to provide data on the trunk line 921 via a protocol such as MoCA. Each horizontal data plane may provide high-speed network access to one or more digital elements 923 (e.g., digital building elements as described elsewhere herein) and / or antennas 925, some or all of which may optionally be integrated with the digital elements 923. The antennas 925 (and associated radios, not shown) may be configured to provide radio access by any of a variety of protocols, including, for example, cellular (e.g., one or more frequency bands around 28 GHz), Wi-Fi® (e.g., one or more frequency bands at 2.4, 5, and 60 GHz), CBRS, etc. A drop-in line (e.g., drop-in line 927) may connect the digital elements 923 to the trunk line 921. In some embodiments, the horizontal data plane is deployed on a single floor of the building.

[0154] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 9A, one or more donor antennas 905 can be connected to a control panel 917 via a high-speed line (e.g., single-mode optical fiber or copper) 929. In the illustrated example, the control panel may be located on the upper floor of a building. Also, as illustrated, the connection to the donor antennas 905 can be via one or more vRAN radios 915 and coaxial cables.

[0155] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 9B, the telecommunications service provider telephone exchange 911 connects to the ground floor control panel 913 via a high-speed line 909 (e.g., an optical fiber providing service as part of the backhaul). This entry point for the service provider into the building is sometimes referred to as the main entry point (MPOE), which can be configured to deliver both voice and data traffic to the building.

[0156] As shown in the figure, in certain embodiments, one or more cellular service gateways employ vRAN. vRAN technology virtualizes baseband functionality on server hardware, for example. The components of vRAN are radios that can support multiple different carrier communication protocols, but usually only one at a time. For example, an antenna and associated vRAN can be configured to send and receive data for one carrier at a time (e.g., ATT) and can be reconfigured to send and receive data for different carriers (e.g., T-Mobile) at different times. Among the carrier-specific parameters that can be set on a vRAN radio are carrier frequency (e.g., allocated carrier-specific spectrum around 800 MHz and 1.2 GHz), modulation mode, data packing (e.g., CDMAv, GSM®), encryption protocol, and quality of service. A radio configured to implement vRAN can accommodate configurable logic (programming, firmware, etc.) to facilitate conversion from a first parameter set of one carrier to a second parameter set of a different carrier. Additional antennas and vRAN radios can be deployed in a building to accommodate an increase in total cellular traffic within the building. If the total traffic of one carrier increases or decreases slightly, the vRAN radios can be reconfigured to rebalance the overall cellular carrier-dedicated infrastructure within the building. As illustrated in Figures 9 and 9A, each of the multiple rooftop antennas 905 may have its vRAN radio 915 which can be configured to carry the radio traffic of a particular carrier. Donor antennas and / or sky sensor antennas can communicate via vRAN.

[0157] In various implementations, vRAN radios rely on a set of commands to manage them. Individual management can be provided for each cellular carrier supported by the antenna and vRAN radio. This management communication can be provided over a dedicated or shared line to the vRAN radio.

[0158] The rooftop antenna 905 and / or the antennas within the Sky Sensor 907 can be configured to function as donor antennas. Donor antennas are typically used to provide point-to-point wireless connectivity to a cellular operator's service within a specific geographical area. These donor antennas can communicate with each other and / or with a dedicated cell tower for a given cellular operator. A cellular operator can extend the range of its service from a particular tower without having to build a new tower. These donor antennas can also address changing circumstances that significantly detriment wireless cellular communications, such as shadows caused by new buildings, trees, etc. These donor antennas can address such challenges by providing a new path between the dedicated tower and the handset or other consumers of the wireless service. In some cases, donor antennas can also provide wireless service to tenants and / or indoor devices by providing a downlink within a building, connecting to the cellular operator's telephone exchange and / or to an internal antenna within the building via a wired cable link. In the former case, the donor antenna can simply use the building's vertical data plane, while in the latter case, the donor antenna can use the braided vertical and horizontal data planes.

[0159] If a building is located in an area without a physical line from the telecommunications carrier's telephone exchange to the building, cellular service to the building may need to rely on one or more donor antennas on neighboring buildings and one or more donor antennas on the building itself. These donor antennas can act as gateways for cellular service to the building itself.

[0160] In some embodiments, all nodes within a building (e.g., antennas and associated radios) are configured for the same service. For example, a single carrier provides service throughout the building. The telephone exchange and donor antennas provide cellular service throughout the building, possibly via several indoor antennas on multiple floors of the building. This seems acceptable as long as the building is comfortable using the service of a single carrier. However, if building management decides to switch to a different carrier's cellular service, the new carrier will install its own carrier-specific hardware within the building. Options include using multiple small cell systems within the same building and using vRAN technology to enable communication through multiple carriers.

[0161] Historically, small cell carrier services (e.g., microcells and femtocells) relied on lines connecting small devices via backhaul connections. Such services also provided wireless access to handsets, which was otherwise limited by factors such as remote locations or building attenuation. This service carried data over wired connections using network communication protocols such as TCP / IP. A given small cell service is typically limited to a single carrier.

[0162] In some cases, small cell systems can be made available to a building, at least partially, via one or more antennas in a sky sensor. See also those mounted on or associated with a sky-facing multisensor device. Such a sky-facing multisensor device is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646, filed October 6, 2016, which in whole has been previously incorporated herein and may be referred to herein as a “sky sensor.” The use of a sky sensor can provide other advantages, such as facilitating cellular coverage to an increased area (geographically), similar to the modes described above for donor antennas. In some cases, small cell systems can be made available to a building, at least partially, via one or more donor antennas.

[0163] In large cities where high-capacity, high-speed fiber optics are widely deployed (e.g., through utilities), the need for donor antennas decreases, at least as long as the fiber optics function as links for wireless services between buildings. In the advancement of cellular services into geographical areas, services can initially be provided by RAN, in which case a single carrier provides the service and all data is transmitted wirelessly. In the next advancement, local services within the geographical area may be provided by vRAN services. This occurs when additional carriers enter the market, but high-speed fiber optics are not yet available to transmit data. The next stage of advancement may occur when high-speed fiber optics become available within the geographical area. At this point, cellular services may be available via small cell services, in which case separate small cell infrastructure is provided for each carrier within a building. Antennas in one or more sky sensors, and / or donor antennas, can facilitate this service.

[0164] In some building communication systems, data or voice information is transmitted and received from the building using one protocol, but is delivered to the building's occupants or made available to the building's occupants using a different protocol. Such systems can be employed, for example, when a specific cellular protocol, such as 5G, is not deployed inside the building but is used by the building to transmit and receive communications with an external carrier or other wireless communication system. As described elsewhere in this specification, outdoor antennas may be deployed on the roof of the building, for example, via one or more roof antennas and / or sky sensors.

[0165] In certain embodiments, wireless communication between a building and one or more other communication structures outside the building (e.g., cell towers, or other buildings with roof antennas) is performed using a first protocol operating on one frequency, while communication within the building is performed using one or more section protocols operating on one or more other frequencies. In some embodiments, the frequency of the protocol used by the building for communication outside the building is higher than the frequency of communication within the building that is made available to the building's occupants. For example, the 5G cellular protocol can be used for communication between the building and external communication structures (e.g., cell towers), while 4G, Wi-Fi® (including 2.4, 5, and 60 GHz standards), CBRS, or other protocols are used for communication within the building. In some cases, communication within the building is delivered at least partially via wired infrastructure such as coaxial cable using the MoCA protocol or unshielded twisted-pair cable using conventional Ethernet®. In addition, the multiprotocol system may use a repeater or other similar structure having a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving 5G (or other first protocol) wireless communication outside the building, and a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or other second protocol wireless communication inside the building, as described.

[0166] Using this approach, it is possible to avoid having communications delivered inside a building via very high frequency signals (e.g., 5G) and rebroadcasting those communications at the same frequency to thousands of potential locations within the building. In certain embodiments, communications signals outside the building (but including the building) are delivered via 5G at wavelengths of 30-300 GHz or nearby, but these signals are rebroadcast inside the building as CBRS signals at 3.5 GHz. As described on the World Wide Web at fiercewireless.com / wireless / next-release-cbrs-specs-will-support-5G, CBRS can be made to be compatible with 5G. Therefore, buildings that support or rely on the 5G protocol do not need to provide 30-300 GHz signals inside the building.

[0167] The dual-protocol approach described above may be particularly suitable when windows, walls, and / or other building structures block or significantly attenuate 5G signals, effectively preventing 5G communications from entering the building directly.

[0168] In some cases, windows and other building structures can be modified or manufactured in such a way as to block substantially all electromagnetic radiation within at least a specific frequency range, so that a room, area of ​​a building, or the entire building is effectively housed within a category of Faraday cages. For a description of an example of a structure that substantially blocks specific electromagnetic radiation, see U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 709,339, filed September 19, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, such a structure is designed or tuned to block the frequency of one protocol (e.g., 5G) while allowing the frequencies of other protocols to pass through, and such a structure is deployed on a window or other building structure to support a multiprotocol system.

[0169] Therefore, in certain embodiments, a roof antenna or other outdoor antenna interfaces with 5G cellular from outside the building, while a wired and / or indoor antenna interfaces with building occupants via a non-5G protocol. Furthermore, when indoor antennas and radios are used (not wired), the antennas / radios can communicate at frequencies below 5G, e.g., below about 10 GHz. In such cases, suitable examples of internal communication include 4G and 3G cellular, Wi-Fi®, CBRS, etc. In some cases, indoor communication is performed at least partially via wired and / or LiFi. An exemplary implementation of a system for LiFi communication with a building is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 827,674, filed April 1, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0170] In certain embodiments, a building communications system includes infrastructure for providing wireless communication within a building via licensed bands (e.g., licensed by a communications agency such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission) for multiple cellular operators (e.g., Verizon, Sprint, etc.), and uses those bands within the building, either alone or optionally in combination with unlicensed bands such as CBRS bands. In certain embodiments, the building communications infrastructure can function as a gateway that cellular operators can license or lease to facilitate cellular communications into the building via those FCC-licensed bands. As described elsewhere, a cellular operator can use the building communications system infrastructure to complement its existing systems.

[0171] Antenna (transmission and reception characteristics) Radiation pattern The transmitted or received radiation pattern of a given antenna can be shaped and sized to cover a specific area of ​​a building, such as a floor, lobby, or room within a floor. Horizontal and vertical coverage can be controlled by the design of the antenna and its location within the building. In certain embodiments, the radiation pattern of an antenna has an approximately hemispherical shape. In some cases, such a pattern is suitable for covering an entire side of a building or multiple floors. However, in some buildings, there are metal structures (e.g., corrugated metal plates) between floors, and such structures can significantly attenuate any radiation signals passing vertically between floors. With this or other considerations, the radiation pattern of an antenna can be horizontally flat or fan-shaped. Such a pattern may be effective for covering a single floor or a portion of a floor. Such a pattern consumes relatively little power in signals directed vertically, and this power may otherwise be attenuated by constructing structures within the floor or ceiling. In certain embodiments, an antenna is designed so that the horizontal shape or angular spread of its radiation pattern is limited (e.g., 90 degrees versus 180 degrees). In certain embodiments, the antenna generates a heart-shaped radiation pattern.

[0172] In certain embodiments, the shape of the radiation pattern is controlled using two or more antennas spaced apart from each other (for example, placed on opposite walls of a room or floor). Two spaced-apart antennas can, for example, provide maximum power distribution to the front and rear of a virtual circuit connecting the two antennas.

[0173] Various features of the antenna design significantly influence the shape of the radiation pattern. Examples include (i) the overall shape of the antenna element conductor (straight, lobed, corrugated, handle-shaped, strip-shaped, etc.), (ii) any slots or holes within the conductor, and (iii) whether or not a ground surface is used.

[0174] In some implementations, building antennas are equipped with transceivers capable of generating signals within a limited range, for example, signals that propagate effectively only over a limited distance, such as approximately 10 meters or less. Such limited-range transceivers and associated antennas have the advantage of operating outside areas subject to certain regulatory restrictions, such as those imposed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Such antennas may be particularly useful for transmitting and receiving signals within the indoor areas of a building.

[0175] Polarization: Radio waves emitted from an antenna often have a specific polarization. Similarly, receiving antennas may be predominantly sensitive to radio waves with a particular polarization. Radiation emitted from or received from a building antenna may have a preferred polarization, such as linear polarization or circular polarization. Linearly polarized signals can be, for example, horizontally or vertically polarized. Ionospheric noise on the ground is generally oriented vertically. Therefore, many conventional outdoor antennas primarily transmit and receive horizontally polarized signals. However, the effect of ionospheric noise is not as pronounced inside buildings. Therefore, non-horizontally polarized signals may be acceptable.

[0176] frequency: Building antennas can transmit and receive signals on a single frequency or multiple frequencies, for example, in one or more of the Wi-Fi®, 4G cellular, 5G cellular, and millimeter-wave frequency bands. Certain antenna implementations require transmission or reception in multiple frequency bands, in which case the system may include either a single antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving signals on multiple required frequencies, or multiple single-frequency band antennas, each configured to transmit and receive signals on one of the required frequencies. In the latter case, the system may employ group antennas, such as a dense array of antennas, in which case each antenna is configured to transmit / receive on its own frequency. Each such antenna also requires its own connector and cable, and they may run in parallel with each other; in some cases, each such antenna requires its own transceiver. Another application where multiple antennas operating under the control of different transceivers can be used is in multi-input and multiple-output (MIMO) configurations used by certain cellular protocols. MIMO antenna designs are sometimes used to support wide bandwidths. By providing multiple channels or frequencies for input and output, the antenna and associated hardware are more likely to have good connectivity to ambient wireless communication signals, such as 3G, 4G, 5G cellular signals, or Wi-Fi® signals.

[0177] When using a multi-frequency antenna, the antenna and its transceiver require only a single cable, thus reducing the number of cables or circuits that need to be installed and maintained. For example, a multi-frequency antenna transmits / receives signals over a wide range, e.g., approximately 700 MHz to 60 GHz, across various frequencies, for example, 2 to 5 frequency bands.

[0178] Antenna (Examples of types) General Antennas used within a building to provide the network or service functions described herein can have any of a variety of designs. Several examples are provided below. Other examples are presented in the following patent applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US17 / 31106 (PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 192881) filed 4 May 2017, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 287,646 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0122802) filed 6 October 2016, and PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US18 / 29460 (PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 200740) filed 25 May 2018.

[0179] Patch antenna Patch antennas can be mounted on the surface of a light. They can be provided as a flat patch of conductive material located on the surface of a window and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the window. See, for example, the examples provided in Figures 10A-10D. Such antennas can be provided indoors or outdoors facing both sides of a window. For example, in a dual-pane IGU, such antennas can be mounted on any of the four light surfaces. In certain embodiments, the patch antenna is mounted on surface 3 or 4 of the IGU. In certain embodiments, a grounding surface (not shown) is provided. In some mounting configurations, the grounding surface is provided as a conductive surface such as a layer of transparent conductive material (e.g., indium tin oxide) or a very fine mesh (imperceptible to human vision) of conductive wires or curves on a surface parallel to the patch antenna (e.g., on the light surface of the IGU containing the patch antenna). Various examples of window patch antennas are described in patent application PCT / US17 / 31106 (PCT Patent Application Publication 2017 / 192881), filed on 4 May 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0180] Figure 10A shows a layout in the upper panel where a patch antenna element 1001A is located on a glass or other window substrate 1003A. Note the shape of this patch—it is rectangular and airfoil-shaped, connected on the patch and having defined spacing—influences various characteristics of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such characteristics include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. For example, the spacing of the rectangle may correspond to the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. An electrical connector is shown in the lower left of the antenna. The lower panel of Figure 10A shows the radiation intensity profile of the patch antenna element 1001A. The first curve 1010A represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the yz plane, and the second curve 1020A represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the xy plane, in both cases where 0 degrees corresponds to the direction of the y axis. In the illustrated example, these curves are generated assuming that the sheet resistance of the patch is approximately 1 ohm / square. In certain embodiments, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation with a center frequency of approximately 5 GHz.

[0181] Figure 10B shows the layout of the patch antenna element 1001B on a glass or other window substrate 1003B in the upper panel. Similar to the patch design of antenna element 1001A, note that the shape of antenna element 1001B—its multiple, distinct rectangular features connected on the patch and having defined intervals—affects various properties of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such properties include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. For example, the spacing of the rectangular features may correspond to the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. Antenna element 1001B may be provided with or without a ground surface. An electrical connector is shown in the lower left of the antenna. The lower panel of Figure 10B shows the radiation characteristics of the patch antenna element 1001B. The first curve 1010B represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the yz plane, and the second curve 1020B represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the xy plane, in both cases where 0 degrees corresponds to the direction of the y axis. As in previous examples, these curves are generated assuming that the sheet resistance of the patch is approximately 1 ohm / square. In a particular embodiment, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation with a center frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz.

[0182] Figure 10C shows the layout of the patch antenna element 1001C on a glass or other window substrate 1003C in the upper panel. Note that, as with the patch designs of antenna elements 1001B and 1001A, the shape of antenna element 1001C—the two are molded slightly differently, with roughly rectangular features connected on the patch and having defined spacing—affects various properties of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such properties include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. For example, the spacing of the rectangular features may correspond to the wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. Antenna element 1001C may be provided with or without a ground surface. An electrical connector is shown in the lower left of the antenna. The lower panel of Figure 10C shows the radiation characteristics of the patch antenna element 1001C. The first curve 1010C represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the yz plane, and the second curve 1020C represents the radiation intensity distribution of the antenna in the xy plane, in both cases where 0 degrees corresponds to the y axis. As in previous examples, these curves are generated assuming that the sheet resistance of the patch is approximately 1 ohm / square. In a particular embodiment, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation with a center frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz.

[0183] Figure 10D shows the layout of the antenna element 1001D on glass or other window substrate 1003D. Note that the complex grid structure of the antenna element 1001D has more than 10 segments with different widths and angles relative to one another. This grid structure affects various properties of the radiation emitted from the patch antenna. Examples of such properties include the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and the intensity distribution of the radiation emitted and / or received by the antenna. The antenna element 1001D may be provided with or without a ground surface. In certain embodiments, the illustrated patch antenna transmits and / or receives radiation at multiple frequencies. In certain embodiments, this is achieved by having different transceivers connected to elements of different grids that are electrically isolated (e.g., individual antenna elements on a plane of a dielectric substrate that do not electrically contact each other).

[0184] Figure 11 shows the radiation pattern of an exemplary monopole antenna formed on an identified surface of a two-light IGU. EC stands for "Electrochromic," "Ant" for "Antenna," "GP" for "Ground Surface," and "TCO" for "Transparent Conductive Oxide" (e.g., indium tin oxide). All of these may be supplied as a layer or partial layer on the identified light surface of the IGU.

[0185] Trough antenna Figures 12A to 12C show a trough antenna 1201 having two main components: a convex-shaped conductive antenna element 1209 and an outer case 1203. Figure 12A provides a perspective view of the entire antenna with the walls of the outer case 1203 transparent. Figure 12B provides a cross-sectional view of the antenna in the xz plane. Finally, Figure 12C provides an end view in the yz plane at the end of the antenna, in which case a conductor (for electrical coupling with the transmitter and / or receiver) is connected to the antenna element 1209.

[0186] The outer casing 1203 of the antenna is provided in two parts. The first part 1205 is a partially sealed structure (e.g., a roughly bathtub-shaped part) that is conductive and serves as a grounding surface. The second part 1207 covers the opening of the first part and is made of a material that is more transparent to electromagnetic radiation at the antenna's frequency (compared to the first part). The second part 1207 may be optional.

[0187] Inside the trough-shaped outer case 1203 is a generally winding conductor 1209, sometimes referred to herein as an antenna element. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1209 has a generally undulating or wave-like shape, comprising one or more peaks and one or more troughs. In some cases, the antenna element 1209 has at least two peaks and at least two troughs. In various embodiments, their peaks and / or troughs have a generally square or rectangular shape, and for example, collectively they can have a generally rectangular wave shape. Other embodiments may use curved, triangular, or other polygonal peaks and / or troughs. During transmission or reception, a signal propagates through this conductor.

[0188] A conductive ridge or partition 1211 runs longitudinally through the trough, dividing the conductor 1209 into two parts, 1210A and 1210B. The shape, size, and relative orientation of the conductive elements, particularly partition 1211, as well as parts 1210A and 1210B, determine the frequency band, polarization, and / or intensity distribution of the emitted and / or received radiation. For example, the shapes of parts 1210A and 1210B determine a specific pattern of constructive and destructive interference that produces a unique shape and frequency of electromagnetic radiation propagating into adjacent space. Depending on the conductor shape, the radiation intensity pattern can be fan-shaped, hemispherical, heart-shaped, cylindrical, etc. The shape and size of the conductor also determine the frequency distribution and polarization of the signal transmitted / received by the antenna. The trough-shaped outer case 1203 (the part not occupied by the winding conductor) is optionally filled with a dielectric material.

[0189] In some implementations, the peaks and troughs of section 1210A are separated from each other by the approximately wavelength of the emitted or received radiation. Similarly, the peaks and troughs of section 1210B may be separated from each other by the approximately wavelength of the emitted or received radiation, in which case they may be oriented with a phase shift of about 180 degrees from the peaks and troughs of 1210A. The signals transmitted or received in sections 1210A and 1210B may, accordingly, have a phase shift of about 180 degrees. As a result, the resulting structure can produce a generally flat or fan-shaped radiant intensity profile that propagates generally in the z direction. By shifting the radiation source being driven or received to a wavelength slightly smaller or larger than the wavelength defined by sections 1210A and 1210B, the radiant intensity profile is slightly shifted in the positive or negative x direction, depending on the direction of the wavelength offset. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna 1201 emits radiation with polarization generally in the x direction.

[0190] The trough antenna 1201 includes a feed point 1213 located at one of the bottom ends of the trough-shaped outer case 1203 for attaching a conductive antenna element 1209 to a conductive wire leading to a transceiver. Another wire connects the first portion 1205 of the trough to earth. In certain embodiments, a single coaxial cable is employed, with an outer conductor (grounded) of the cable connected to the first portion 1205 and a central conductor connected to the generally curved conductor 1209.

[0191] In various embodiments, the antenna element 1209 is made of a metal or other highly conductive material. Examples include aluminum, copper, and brass. In various embodiments, the first part 1205 of the outer case 1203 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or brass. In various embodiments, the second part 1207 of the outer case 1203 is made of a dielectric material. Examples include glass, polymer, and ceramic. The trough antenna can be constructed to withstand exposure to direct sunlight, wind, rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures and their fluctuations, and vibrations, as well as other environmental issues such as dust and other particles.

[0192] A trough antenna can be positioned in various locations inside or above a building. Generally, the trough antenna can be installed in any of the antenna locations described above. In some embodiments, the trough antenna can be positioned outside the building. In some embodiments, the trough antenna can be installed on building elements such as mullions, sills, or ceilings, or on IGUs or windows. In the case of mullions, the trough antenna can be installed in a slot within the mullion or other building element of the building.

[0193] In certain embodiments, the longest dimension of the trough antenna is approximately 5–50 cm, or approximately 10–40 cm. In some such embodiments, the remaining dimension can be approximately 2–20 cm.

[0194] The transmitted signal is emitted from an opening within the partially enclosed structure 1205 of the trough antenna. Alternatively, if the trough antenna is configured to receive a signal, the signal is received through the opening. In certain embodiments, the signal emitted (or received) from this opening has a flat, fan-shaped form, which is generally planar and roughly parallel to the long axis of the antenna. Depending on the orientation of the mounted antenna, the fan-shaped signal may be oriented horizontally. However, the size and shape of the curved conductor allow for alternative signal shapes such as heart-shaped patterns, partial hemispherical patterns, and cylindrical patterns. In certain embodiments, the emitted signal is polarized in the direction of the long axis of the antenna, for example, the antenna may emit horizontally polarized radiation.

[0195] In various embodiments, the trough antenna can be configured to operate in only a single frequency band. Thus, in the specific implementations of the trough antenna shown in Figures 12A–12C, the conductive antenna element 1209 is configured to transmit and / or receive signals in only a single frequency band. If the system can support multiple protocols (e.g., 4G and 5G cellular protocols), the system may use multiple trough antennas within a room or other service area, with one trough antenna used for each target frequency. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna is designed or configured to transmit or receive radiation in the frequency range of approximately 700 MHz to 60 GHz. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna is designed or configured to transmit or receive radiation in the frequency range of approximately 700 MHz to 6 GHz. In certain embodiments, the trough antenna is designed or configured to transmit or receive radiation in the frequency range of approximately 6 GHz to 30 GHz.

[0196] Handle antenna As illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B, the handle antenna includes a handle-shaped antenna element 1301. Figure 13A provides a perspective view of the handle antenna including the antenna element and the grounding surface 1307 to which the antenna element is mounted. Figure 13B shows a side view in the yz plane and illustrates an exemplary profile of the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 together with the grounding surface 1307 and the support substrate 1305. The handle-shaped antenna element 1301 can be mechanically mounted to any of various substrates, such as various building structures, such as building elements. In certain embodiments, the handle antenna has a conductive connector for feeding an RF signal to the handle-shaped antenna element (e.g., via the central conductor of a coaxial cable). See connector 1303 located to the lower left of the handle antenna element 1301 in Figure 13B. The electrical energy within the antenna element 1301 can propagate within the loop or a portion of the loop.

[0197] In some implementations, the antenna element (handle) 1301 is seated in front of a grounding surface 1307. The grounding surface may be, for example, a separate layer providing the antenna element, or a conductive part of an architectural element such as a mullion, a beauty cap, or another conductive structure to which the antenna element is attached. Such a grounding surface may be connected to a second conductor, which in turn is connected to an electrical ground such as the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1301 is connected to ground at one end of the element, for example, at a connection point 1309.

[0198] In some cases, one or more inverted F antennas are used in the form of a handle antenna as described herein. In fact, in various embodiments, a handle antenna is in the form of an inverted F antenna. An inverted F antenna may have a monopole antenna element oriented substantially parallel to the ground plane. One end of the antenna element is connected to ground, and an electrical signal is supplied to an intermediate point of the antenna element located at a distance from the ground end. In certain embodiments, the inverted F antenna is a planar inverted F antenna. In some cases, the inverted F antenna is a planar patch inverted F antenna.

[0199] The shape, dimensions, and thickness of the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 at least partially determine the frequencies at which the antenna transmits and / or receives electromagnetic radiation, as well as the characteristics of the antenna's radiation pattern. Generally, the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 is substantially flat (yz plane in Figures 13A and 13B) and has a non-linear (e.g., wave-like) profile.

[0200] In certain embodiments, the handle-shaped antenna element 1301 has materialless slots, holes, or other areas (not shown) inside the antenna element when viewed in the yz plane of Figure 13B. These areas, combined with the handle's shape or profile, may affect antenna parameters such as the number and location of frequency bands, the width of such bands, polarization, and antenna intensity dispersion (radiation pattern).

[0201] In addition to the connection points 1303 and 1309 shown in Figure 13B, the antenna element may be attached to the substrate 1305 at one or more additional locations as needed to ensure that the antenna is securely and robustly mounted to the substrate.

[0202] In some implementations, the antenna structure includes multiple handles, each having its own handle profile (and optionally internal holes). Collectively, the handles of such a structure provide a multi-frequency antenna. In some cases, the frequency span of a multi-handle antenna is very large, for example, about 700 MHz to 30 GHz. As an example, one or more handle antennas may resonate in one or more frequency bands including about 700 MHz, about 900 MHz, and about 2.1 GHz, and in one or more bands from about 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.

[0203] Handle antennas can be positioned in various locations within or on a building, such as indoors or outdoors. Given the robust construction of handle antennas, they can be properly secured outdoors. In certain embodiments, handle antennas are mounted on building elements, for example, the antennas are bolted or screwed into the building element. In some implementations, holes are drilled through the mullions to supply lead wires or other wires / cables from optically switchable windows to a window network. The same or similar holes can be used to secure the handle antennas to the mullions. In fact, any of the antennas described herein can be secured to building elements using such holes in the mullions or other building elements. As described above in relation to Figure 6C, the mullions may have an H-shaped beauty cap with a cavity in which an antenna can be housed. In one example, the handle antenna is located within that cavity. To protect and conceal the antenna, the cavity can be filled with plastic resin or other material that conceals the antenna but is transparent to signals received and transmitted by the antenna. Therefore, the frame or mullion looks just like any other, and there is little to no indication that the frame or mullion houses an antenna.

[0204] Handle antennas can be relatively smaller than the trough antennas discussed above. In certain embodiments, the handle antenna has a maximum dimension (e.g., x-direction) of approximately 50–500 mm (e.g., approximately 100–300 mm). In certain embodiments, the height of the handle antenna (dimension in the z-direction) is approximately 10–400 mm (e.g., approximately 40–100 mm).

[0205] A single handle antenna can be designed to emit or receive one or more frequency bands. As long as the antenna structure accommodates multiple handle-shaped antenna elements of different shapes and / or sizes, the antenna structure can transmit and / or receive signals at multiple frequencies. In such cases, the handle antenna can support multiple protocols (e.g., 4G and 5G), and a single one of these antenna structures may be used within a room or other service area. As an example, one or more handle antennas may resonate in one or more frequency bands, including center frequencies of approximately 700 MHz, approximately 900 MHz, approximately 2.1 GHz, and one or more bands between approximately 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0206] In certain embodiments, each of the multiple frequency bands is provided by a separate handle-shaped antenna element. This approach may be suitable when a single handle antenna cannot cover a sufficiently wide range of frequencies, or when different frequency bands are associated with different communication protocols, each requiring its own transceiver. It may also be suitable for communication protocols that use multiple antenna configurations, such as the multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) configuration used in some cellular communication protocols (e.g., 5G MIMO).

[0207] Each of the multiple antenna elements can be manufactured from a separate wafer or other substrate, and thin, flat substrates can be stacked side by side. However, individual handles may have their own unique profiles and / or sizes and can be tuned for various frequencies. In one example, the antenna has at least four different flat handle antenna elements, each having its own unique shape and each having its own frequency band, but each being relatively thin (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2 centimeters thick). Each of these individual elements can be supplied side by side. Each of the handles can be coupled together so that the handles collectively function as a monolithic structure.

[0208] Coaxial antenna with slots As illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B, the slotted coaxial antenna 1401 includes a printed circuit board or a similar substantially planar structure 1403, and a case 1405 made of or containing a conductive material. Figure 14A provides a perspective view of the slotted coaxial antenna including the structure 1403 and the case 1405. Figure 14B shows a side view in the xy plane and also shows the planar structure 1403 and the case 1405. In certain embodiments, the slotted coaxial antenna 1401 has a conductive connector 1415 for supplying RF signals to the planar structure 1403 (e.g., via the central conductor of a coaxial cable).

[0209] As mentioned, element 1403 can be mounted as a printed circuit board or other substantial planar structure. It may include a single conductive layer or two conductive layers separated by an insulating layer. The combination of the planar structure 1403 and the surrounding case 1405 can effectively form a waveguide, and in some ways, the planar structure 1403 and case 1405 can function as the inner and outer conductors of a coaxial cable. In various embodiments, the planar element 1403 has various slots that help to adjust the characteristics of the radiation emitted from the element.

[0210] In certain embodiments, element 1403 includes two substantially planar conductive layers. The separation of these conductive layers and the adjustment of their cross-sections can provide a specific impedance. Both of these layers can be patterned. However, typically, a single feed line exists to element 1403. This feed line can be divided and supplied, for example, to conductive elements associated with each of the slots within element 1403.

[0211] As shown in the figure, the circuit board 1403 has slots 1411 that help to adjust the power distribution. Different locations, as well as the size and shape of the slots, adjust the frequency distribution, polarization, and shape of the output distribution of the emitted radiation. For example, individual feeds and emitted outputs from areas adjacent to slots 1411 can be combined in phase to produce a desired shape of emitted radiation. In certain embodiments, the slots 1411 are spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the wavelength (or half-wavelength) of the emitted or received radiation.

[0212] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the case at least partially encloses the substantial planar structure 1403 and has openings or slots 1413 for emitting or receiving outward from the antenna during operation. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the case 1405 may also have ridges 1417 (defining grooves) for holding the substantial planar structure 1403.

[0213] In certain embodiments, the signal emitted (or received) from a slotted coaxial antenna has a fan-shaped form. However, the actual radiation pattern produced by any given slotted coaxial antenna is controlled by the slot design and the spacing between the conductor slots and the case in the printed circuit board. Depending on the orientation of the mounted antenna, the signal can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

[0214] Slotted coaxial antennas can be relatively smaller than the trough antennas discussed above. In certain embodiments, the maximum dimensions of a slotted coaxial antenna are approximately 100–1000 mm (e.g., approximately 300–800 mm).

[0215] Slotted coaxial antennas can be positioned in various locations inside and / or outside a building. In one example, a slotted coaxial antenna is mounted on a horizontal mullion or sill, above or below a window. In some cases, a slotted coaxial antenna is mounted on a structure not associated with a window. For example, the antenna can be installed on ceiling tiles, the wall of a private room, etc. In certain embodiments, a slotted coaxial antenna is provided horizontally at a relatively high height within a room (e.g., about 2 meters or more above the floor) but is rotated to have a downward-focused beam pattern. This focuses the radio signal within the area so that it can be used by the building's occupants. In certain implementations, a horizontally oriented, downward-focused slotted coaxial antenna is part of or installed within a digital building element such as a horizontal digital mullion. When horizontally oriented, the slotted coaxial cable can be configured to produce a horizontally polarized signal.

[0216] In certain embodiments, the case 1405 functions as all or part of a building element, such as a mullion, transom, or digital building element casing. For example, a portion of a hollow conductive structure of a mullion can function as a case.

[0217] Given the potential compact size of these antennas, many of them can be deployed in locations spanning an entire room or other areas of a building, in which case each antenna provides narrow-range coverage, but collectively they cover a wide area. In some implementations, slotted coaxial antennas feature transceivers that produce limited-range signals, for example, the signal only effectively propagates over a limited distance, such as about 10 meters or less. Such limited-range transceivers have the advantage of not being subject to certain regulatory requirements, such as those issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

[0218] In one embodiment, multiple slotted coaxial antennas are installed on the walls of a small room or on other work area structures within an office space. The collective effect of the antennas is that they can cover the work area using coverage, but not using an area that is not sufficient for the signal to radiate out of the building, or in some cases, even out of the room.

[0219] In some cases, a mounted slotted coaxial antenna may be oriented horizontally but tilted slightly up or down (e.g., about ±10 degrees). This can help generate a fan-shaped radiation pattern that surrounds the area where residents are expected to live. For example, if the antenna is mounted at a height greater than the height of most people, it may be oriented to radiate a few degrees downward from the horizontal.

[0220] In certain embodiments, a slotted coaxial antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive a single frequency band or a wideband signal.

[0221] Microstrip patch antenna Microstrip patch antennas may be used in some buildings. An example of such an antenna is shown in Figures 15A and 15B. The antenna element of a microstrip patch antenna may be a thin metal, such as foil, on a dielectric substrate, such as a thin plastic substrate (e.g., about 2 mm or less in thickness). This structure does not necessarily need to include a grounding surface. However, if the dielectric substrate is bonded or fixed to a conductive and grounding structure such as a mullion or beauty plate, it will function as an antenna.

[0222] The conductive structure of the antenna element can have various configurations, such as monopole, dipole, and various patch antenna configurations, as described, for example, in PCT published patent application PCT / US17 / 31106 (publication number 2017 / 192881) filed on 4 May 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0223] In certain embodiments, the dielectric on which the antenna elements of the microstrip antenna are mounted is relatively resistant to UV radiation and other weathering effects. In certain embodiments, the metal strip placed on top of the dielectric is relatively thick (e.g., 1 mm or more), and as a result, the metal strip does not easily wear down even when exposed to UV and other ambient conditions for extended periods. In some cases, the dielectric material is cut away from some or all of the area outside the metal used for the antenna elements.

[0224] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the microstrip patch antenna 1501 may include a substantially flat conductive antenna element 1503 and a dielectric substrate 1505. Figure 15A is a perspective view of the microstrip patch antenna 1501 mounted on a structural element or mounting part 1507, and Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view thereof in the xy plane. In certain embodiments, element 1507 is a conductive structure such as a beauty cap connected to ground, thereby serving as a grounding surface for the antenna element 1503. In certain embodiments, the antenna element 1503 is a stamped metal piece. The antenna element 1503 may be made of a suitable conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or steel. In certain embodiments, the rectangular or other relatively larger connecting parts of the antenna element are spaced apart from each other by approximately the wavelength or half-wavelength of the radiation being emitted or received.

[0225] Microstrip patch antennas can be relatively smaller than the trough antennas discussed above. In certain embodiments, the longest dimensions of a microstrip patch antenna are approximately 100–1000 mm (e.g., approximately 300–800 mm).

[0226] In some cases, microstrip patch antennas are configured to be embedded in or adhered to building elements such as mullions, beauty caps, or the surface of digital building elements. Because microstrip patch antennas can easily adhere to conductive structures, it may not be necessary to drill holes in or partially modify the building element to which the antenna is adhered. Microstrip patch antennas are also small enough and / or inconspicuous that they do not need to be concealed, even when applied to structural elements or mounting locations. In some embodiments, microstrip patch antennas are embedded within a trough, which is either designed for the antenna or forms part of a structural element such as a building mounting location or beauty cap. In some cases, microstrip patch antennas are oriented vertically on building structural elements or mounting locations such as IGUs or small rooms. In such cases, the antenna may be configured to emit and / or receive vertically polarized electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, microstrip patch antennas are mounted facing outward and away from the building, as is the case when it is mounted on a beauty cap. In some cases, microstrip patch antennas are mounted facing inward and into the interior of the building, as is the case when it is mounted on a mullion.

[0227] Like some other relatively small antennas, some microstrip patch antennas may produce signals with a limited range, for example, their signals only effectively propagate over a limited distance, such as about 10 meters or less.

[0228] In certain embodiments, the microstrip patch antenna is mounted substantially horizontally (for example, the y-direction is substantially vertical). In such cases, the antenna can be configured to emit and / or receive vertically polarized radiation.

[0229] Similar to slotted coaxial antennas, the relatively compact size of microstrip patch antennas allows many of them to be deployed in locations spanning an entire room or other areas of a building. While each antenna may provide short-range coverage, collectively they can cover a wide area. For example, a microstrip patch antenna can have transceivers that produce signals over a limited range, such as those that only effectively propagate over a limited distance, such as about 10 meters or less, thus avoiding being subject to certain regulatory requirements, such as those issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

[0230] In some cases, multiple microstrip patch antennas are installed on the walls of small rooms or on other work area structures within the office space. The collective effect of the antennas is that they can cover the work area using coverage, but not with sufficient range for the signal to radiate out of the building, or in some cases, even out of the room.

[0231] In some cases, the mounted antenna is oriented horizontally as described above, but is tilted slightly up or down (for example, by about ±10 degrees).

[0232] Self-organizing antenna structure (configuration and reconfiguration of antennas and transceivers) In certain embodiments, one or more antennas and their associated radios are initially installed without assigning a specific protocol, or possibly even a frequency band. In some cases, the protocol and / or frequency band are assigned before, during, or immediately after installation, but the operating output is not yet assigned. During or after installation, the output, and optionally the protocol and / or frequency, are set by appropriate programming. The goal of this process may be to test for interference and reachability between individual antennas and, as appropriate, to set the output level for each radio.

[0233] In some implementations, the configuration or commissioning system determines the functions and / or operating parameters that will only be useful after a particular antenna and associated radio are installed. At that point, the radio is configured to incorporate the desired functions and / or parameters. The functions / parameters are then fixed unless any changes are required, or until they are required, in which case the radio can be reconfigured.

[0234] In certain embodiments, this process is carried out in two stages. The initial stage, performed during or after installation, optionally after the detection phase, determines which of the newly installed antennas has a particular reachability based on the surrounding communication infrastructure and user load. Subsequently, during normal operation, when the environment or circumstances change, the antennas and transceivers can be reconfigured to adapt to the changing demands or requirements. For example, if trees or other features are visible in front of an antenna, the transceiver output of that antenna may need to be increased and / or the role of the antenna in the network infrastructure may need to be reduced or altered. Furthermore, if the radio traffic pattern changes, the radio / antenna parameters may be adjusted, albeit temporarily, to accommodate such changes, even if only for a short duration.

[0235] The logic for performing this self-organizing of antennas and their associated radios can be located (and run) inside or outside the building. In either case, this logic may be centralized or distributed across multiple processing nodes. In some cases, the logic responsible for the self-organization of antennas / radios is distributed among processing capabilities dedicated to one function, such as the initial setup or configuration of antennas and radios, while other logic is dedicated to tuning or adapting radios to cope with changing environments. In certain embodiments, a local (in-building) logic device, such as a master network controller, is used for this purpose. In other embodiments, a remote (outside the building) logic device, or a collection of devices, is performed (e.g., cloud-based resources).

[0236] Among the parameters that can be adjusted or set in this process are the frequency of the antenna signal, the output power of the transmitted antenna signal, and the communication protocol employed. These can be adjusted or set by modifying the settings within the transmitter and / or receiver used by various antennas.

[0237] In one example, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 16, the antenna configuration process 1601 begins by determining the locations of all antennas within the building and the relevant characteristics of the antennas at those locations. See Block 1603. This is because specific location information can help determine how individual antennas should be configured. For example, if antennas are located on lower floors, they may be better suited to communicating with or providing services to cell phone users outside the building and on roads or plazas adjacent to the building. In contrast, antennas on upper floors of the building may be better suited to providing services associated with cell tower antennas and communicating with other distant communication nodes on the cellular network. In certain embodiments, the placement of antennas is performed in a manner similar to the commissioning of windows or window controllers, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 727,258 filed October 6, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some implementations, it is not necessary to know or determine the exact location of some or all of the antennas.

[0238] As the next step, the antennas are powered on and scanned across the entire frequency range available to them to determine which other cellular or other radio nodes on the network they can communicate with. See blocks 1605 and 1607. This scan is performed on an optional basis for each antenna. For example, each antenna / radio is scanned sequentially (block 1605), and adjacent antennas / radios report on interference with their transmitted and / or received signals as a function of their output (or other parameter adjustments in adjacent antennas) (block 1607).

[0239] Using information about the location and capabilities of individual antennas to handle specific cellular or other wireless network requirements, the system determines how to set the parameters of a particular radio among the individual radios throughout the building. See Block 1609. With this in mind, the system can now be configured to determine which parameters should be given to which radios, for example, which radios should transmit and receive at what frequencies and at what power levels. Once the appropriate parameters are determined, the configuring system applies those parameters. See Block 1611.

[0240] Optionally, while the network / communication infrastructure is operating, the system listens to or monitors usage patterns that are worth reconfiguring antennas for specific purposes, such as network operation, administrative decisions, and / or providing additional capacity or coverage for particular users. For example, if a large number of users suddenly appear along a road near a building during a protest or celebration, the system can deploy additional capacity to address the new demands on cellular or other wireless infrastructure. Changing conditions can be detected in various ways, such as by news feeds, periodically rescanning antennas to understand where they can be connected, and detecting degradations in output or other performance.

[0241] In some cases, a schedule may be adopted for rescanning or checking the antenna characteristics. For example, such a schedule may check the characteristics daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. If any conditions are detected that suggest different settings, the system may adjust the parameters of one or more antennas. Note that scan and reset operations may be performed initially using one type of computing infrastructure, while subsequent operations may be performed using a different type of computing infrastructure.

[0242] In certain embodiments, the radio / antenna self-assembly process is used in a building having at least about 10 radios / antennas installed for configuration. In certain embodiments, such a process is used in a building having at least about 50 or at least about 100 radios / antennas installed for configuration.

[0243] For example, a typical floor of a typical high-rise building may have nearly 200 windows and nearly 100 mullions, many or all of which may have mounted antennas with associated radios. Because of such a large number of antennas and the associated potential for interference, radios can be tuned to ensure effective transmission of wireless connectivity (e.g., cellular or Wi-Fi® signals) as users move within the building. Self-organized networks are designed so that individual radios are properly configured to provide orderly handoffs, i.e., they provide good coverage within the building without interfering with each other.

[0244] In certain embodiments, almost all radios are SDRs (Software-Definable Radios), and they can be components of a vRAN. The vRAN includes an application processor in front of the SDR. The SDR may have, for example, a wide-spectrum band of available frequencies from about 20 MHz to 6 GHz. In some cases, the SDR supports any protocol in any frequency band from 20 MHz to 6 GHz.

[0245] In some implementations, vRAN includes two main components: a headend (HE) and a number of remote software-definable radio units (RRUs) supplied by the HE. In certain embodiments, the HE is implemented in one or more control panels, such as the control panel 917 shown in Figure 9, and the RRUs are implemented within digital building elements, such as element 923, also shown in Figure 9. In certain embodiments, data is transmitted from the control panel to the RRUs over coaxial cables implemented via the MoCA standard.

[0246] However, in other implementations, RRUs may be used in systems where one or more are standalone units not integrated with sensors, etc. Furthermore, in some implementations, HEs may be implemented at remote base stations or, for example, on the internet via cloud resources.

[0247] Figure 17A is a block diagram of an exemplary SDR / RRU. In this diagram, data and outputs are provided from the HE to a microcontroller and a circuit board or other component having a programmable logic device (e.g., FPGA) or other high-performance processor. This component stores operating parameters that define the RRU's operating characteristics (e.g., radio protocol, frequency bandwidth, modulation mode, and transmit power). It also executes software instructions to operate the radio for the associated data transmission. In certain embodiments, the FPGA or other processor consists of a real-time operating system for processing raw data. It can consist of transmitter ID, specific frequency, channel bandwidth, modulation, output, etc. The FPGA can be built from licensable IP blocks, such as an ARM A53 core for the RF processor and an ARM A9 application core for managing the RF section. In one example, the processor is an FPGA such as the ZYNQ7045, sold by Xilinx Inc. in San Jose, California.

[0248] SDRs may also include radio chips that include an RF power amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. An example of a suitable radio chip is the AD9361, sold by Analog Devices Inc. in Norwood, Massachusetts. An example of a suitable and complete RRU is the USRP E320, sold by EttusResearch in Santa Clara, California.

[0249] Figure 17B shows an exemplary stack of radio equipment used for data transmission. As shown in the figure, many of the functions at the center of the stack are implemented in hardware for hardware-based radios, while those same functions can be implemented in software for SDRs. The software components of an SDR can use open-source products such as GNU radios, or non-open-source software such as "Titanium Cloud" sold by Wind River Systems Inc. in Alameda, California.

[0250] An exemplary sequence of the self-configured radio characteristic process is as follows: Assume that some or all of the radios on a floor of a multi-floor building (for example, there are 100 of those radios) are assigned to a specific protocol and frequency band (for example, CBRS band 48). 1. Power on all 100 radios on the floor, send commands, and configure all radios according to a specific protocol / band (CBRS, band 48) using appropriate spectrum assignments, etc. In some embodiments, a field service technician or operator at the network operations center takes action to command the radios that can operate with this protocol. In an alternative approach, an automated process selects the protocols, frequency bands, etc., for various radios. In certain embodiments, a subset of antennas is selected for one frequency band, and another subset is selected for a different frequency band. Generally, both frequency bands and protocols are selected for each antenna / radio on the floor. In one example, different radios / antennas are selected for different cellular protocols; for example, in the 28GHz band, some radios are selected for ATT and others for Verizon. 2. A technician, operator, or automated logic sends commands to the radios to adjust their output power. This can be done in a brute-force manner, for example, by sequentially increasing the output of each radio to, for example, 1mW. 3. Examine each device and determine its signal strength, any interference it experiences with adjacent antennas, etc. Based on 4.2 and 4.3, determine which radios should be set to what power (e.g., which radios should be activated and which radios should be used for callback). For example, if a first antenna is located in the center of the floor or room and is adjacent to two other antennas (both adjacent antennas) located approximately 180° apart, operations 2 and 3 may suggest that the first antenna can operate at a relatively high power. However, if a second antenna is located in a corner of the floor or room and has adjacent antennas at approximately 90° apart, the radio for the second antenna may be set to a lower power compared to the power output of the radios for the adjacent antennas.

[0251] Overall, this process can provide profiles of adjacency and signal strength. The output provided by individual antennas can be optimized based on the principle of "speaking only at the necessary volume." In some implementations, it is not necessary to know or determine the exact position of the antennas, only the adjacency relationship is required.

[0252] This process may involve considering heterogeneous radios, such as radios operating on one protocol and others operating on one or more other protocols. For example, one of four radios on a floor could be configured to implement CBRS, while the remaining three could implement 5G cellular and operate on 28GHz (multiple bands), and those radios could optionally be physically connected to antennas located outside the building (e.g., donor antennas or sky sensors). 5G cellular could be split between different carriers (e.g., Sprint vs. ATT), with each carrier having its own subset of antennas. Assuming that different radios may operate in different spectrum regions, and these different radios may be adjacent to each other, they may not interfere with each other, or at least have less significant an impact than radios operating in the same part of the spectrum.

[0253] As shown in the diagram, the configuration of the radios can be adjusted to balance the usage patterns of the residents. The SDR control system for floor antennas, or other parts of the building, can consider traffic patterns as a function of time. The available bandwidth for a specific radio among those radios can be adjusted by creating more bandwidth available for the radios / antennas placed in the locations where it is most needed.

[0254] conclusion It should be understood that certain specific embodiments described in the present specification can be implemented in the form of control logic that uses computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person skilled in the art will know and understand other approaches and / or methods for implementing the present invention using hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0255] Any of the software components or functions described in the present application may be implemented as software code executed by a processor using any suitable computer language, for example, using conventional or object-oriented techniques such as Java (registered trademark), C++, or Python (registered trademark). The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer-readable medium such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard drive or a floppy disk, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable medium may be on or within a single computing device, or may be on or within different computing devices in a system or network.

[0256] The foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for clarity of understanding, but it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be implemented within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative approaches to implementing the processes, systems, and apparatuses of the present embodiments. Furthermore, one or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further additions, omissions, and modifications may be made to any embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Components of any embodiment may be combined or separated in accordance with particular needs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present embodiments should be considered exemplary rather than limiting, and the embodiments should not be limited to the details given herein. (Other Possible Items) [Item 1] A data communication network in a building comprising one or more external antennas, at least one of said external antennas is arranged on the roof of said building or outdoors, and is associated with a window, a sky sensor, or a digital building element, said one or more external antennas are coupled to the network infrastructure of said building via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links, said network infrastructure comprises one or more data carrier lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel. [Item 2] The data communication network according to Item 1, wherein at least one of said external antennas is configured for communication with an external wireless network. [Item 3] The data communication network according to Item 1 or 2, wherein said network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated radio devices installed in and / or on said building, and configured to provide wireless data connections indoors in said building and / or adjacent to said building. [Item 4] The data communication network according to Item 3, wherein said radio devices are configured to provide Wi-Fi (registered trademark), CBRS, or cellular wireless data connections indoors in said building and / or adjacent to said building. [Item 5] The data communication network according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein said one or more external antennas comprise one or more donor antennas configured for communication with an external cellular network. [Item 6] The data communication network according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein said at least one control panel is configured to connect to an external cellular network via a backhaul comprising a high-speed cable. [Item 7] A data communication network as described in any one of items 1 to 6, wherein one or more data transport lines of the network infrastructure support data communication of 1 Gb / second or more. [Item 8] A data communication network according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein at least one control panel is coupled to one or more window controllers for connection to one or more IGUs. [Item 9] A data communication network according to any one of items 1 to 8, comprising a radiating element located outside the building, wherein at least one of the external antennas located within or associated with a digital building element is coupled to an electrical connector located inside the building via a pass-through facility. [Item 10] The data communication network according to item 9, wherein the pass-through equipment is configured to provide a weather-tight seal between the inside of the building and the outside of the building. [Item 11] The data communication network according to item 9 or 10, wherein the pass-through equipment includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element. [Item 12] The data communication network according to item 11, wherein the electrical connector is configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building. [Item 13] A method for providing a connection to an external wireless network, wherein the method is Communicating with the external wireless network using one or more external antennas, wherein at least one of the external antennas is located within or associated with a sky sensor or digital building element, including a building roof or outdoor sensor assembly. This includes transmitting data between the one or more external antennas and the building's network infrastructure using one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links, A method wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more data transport lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel. [Item 14] The method of item 13, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed inside and / or on the building, and the method includes the one or more building network antennas providing wireless data connectivity inside and / or adjacent to the building. [Item 15] The method of item 14, further comprising the associated radio equipment providing Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or cellular wireless data connectivity within the said building and / or adjacent to the said building. [Item 16] The method according to any one of items 13 to 15, wherein the one or more external antennas comprises one or more donor antennas that communicate with an external cellular network. [Item 17] The method according to any one of items 13 to 16, further comprising the at least one control panel communicating with an external cellular network via a backhaul equipped with a high-speed cable. [Item 18] The method according to any one of items 13 to 17, wherein one or more data transport lines of the network infrastructure support data communication of 1 Gb / second or more. [Item 19] The method according to any one of items 13 to 18, further comprising the at least one control panel communicating with one or more window controllers for controlling one or more IGUs. [Item 20] The method according to any one of items 13 to 19, wherein at least one of the external antennas, which is located within or associated with a digital building element, includes a radiating element located outside the building, which is coupled to an electrical connector located inside the building via a pass-through facility. [Item 21] The method according to item 20, wherein the pass-through equipment is configured to provide a weather-tight seal between the interior of the building and the exterior of the building. [Item 22] The method according to item 20 or 21, wherein the pass-through equipment includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element. [Item 23] The method according to item 22, wherein the electrical connector is configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building. [Item 24] A method for configuring multiple antennas and / or radios distributed within a building, wherein the method is To supply power to the aforementioned multiple antennas and / or radio equipment, The operation parameter of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios is changed, and at the same time, the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios is measured as a function of the changed operation parameter. A method comprising selecting a value for the operation of the operation of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength. [Item 25] The method according to item 24, further comprising determining the location of each of the plurality of antennas within the building. [Item 26] The method according to item 24 or 25, wherein the operating parameters are the antenna and / or radio protocol, frequency, or power. [Item 27] The method according to any one of items 24 to 26, wherein the method comprises assigning an antenna and / or a radio protocol to the antenna and / or radio before changing the operating parameter, and the operating parameter is frequency or power. [Item 28] sequentially changing an operating parameter of each of said plurality of antennas and / or radios, and simultaneously measuring a signal strength at said other antennas and / or radios as a function of said changed parameter; The method according to any one of items 24 to 27, further comprising selecting a value of the operating parameter for each of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength. [Item 29] A system, comprising: a plurality of antennas and / or radios distributed within a building; at least one logic device, wherein the at least one logic device comprises logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios by: powering the plurality of antennas and / or radios; changing an operating parameter of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios, and simultaneously measuring a signal strength at other antennas and / or radios as a function of the changed operating parameter; and selecting a value of the operating parameter for operation of the at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength. [Item 30] The system of item 29, wherein the logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios further comprises determining a location of each of the plurality of antennas within the building. [Item 31] The system according to item 29 or 30, wherein the operating parameter is an antenna and / or radio protocol, a frequency, or power. [Item 32] The system according to any one of items 29 to 31, wherein the logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios includes assigning an antenna and / or radio protocol to the antenna and / or radio before changing the operating parameter, the operating parameter being frequency or power. [Item 33] The aforementioned logic, The operation parameters of each of the aforementioned multiple antennas and / or radios are sequentially changed, and at the same time, the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios is measured as a function of the changed parameters. The system according to any one of items 29 to 32, further comprising selecting the value of the operating parameter for each of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength. [Item 34] The system according to any one of items 29 to 33, wherein the at least one logic device is a local logic device or a remote logic device. [Item 35] A data communication network within a building, comprising one or more antennas located inside the building, one or more antennas located outside the building, and a wired or wireless connection between at least one external antenna and at least one internal antenna, The at least one external antenna is coupled to communicate with an external cellular network, The at least one internal antenna is configured to transmit the radio signal received by the external antenna from the external cellular network to one or more locations inside or near the building. A data communication network configured to control wireless coverage to one or more locations. [Item 36] The data communication network described in item 35, wherein some of the one or more locations are located inside the building and the other locations are located outside the building. [Item 37] The at least one external antenna is connected to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The data communication network according to item 35 or 36, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more data transport lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel. [Item 38] A data communication network according to any one of items 35 to 37, wherein multiple internal antennas are distributed within the building. [Item 39] The data communication network according to item 37, wherein the network infrastructure comprises a vertical data plane between building floors and a horizontal data plane located within a single floor or multiple adjacent floors. [Item 40] The data communication network described in item 39, comprising a vertical data plane, multiple control panels, and high-capacity data transport lines. [Item 41] A data communication network according to any one of items 35 to 40, comprising at least one rooftop donor antenna and at least one control panel configured to communicate with the external cellular network via physical electrical or optical lines. [Item 42] The data communications network described in item 41, wherein the rooftop donor antenna is configured to provide a downlink to the building and to provide wireless services to tenants and / or indoor devices.

Claims

1. A data communication network within a building equipped with one or more external antennas, At least one of the external antennas is installed on the roof or outdoors of the building and is associated with a window, sky sensor, or digital building element. The one or more external antennas are connected to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. A data communication network comprising one or more data transport lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

2. The data communication network according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the external antennas is configured for communication with an external wireless network.

3. The data communication network according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated radios installed inside and / or on the building and configured to provide wireless data connectivity within the building and / or adjacent to the building.

4. The data communication network according to claim 3, wherein the wireless device is configured to provide Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or cellular wireless data connectivity within the building and / or adjacent to the building.

5. The data communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more external antennas comprises one or more donor antennas configured for communication with an external cellular network.

6. The data communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one control panel is configured to connect to an external cellular network via a backhaul with a high-speed cable.

7. The data communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more data transport lines of the network infrastructure support data communication of 1 Gb / second or more.

8. The data communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one control panel is coupled to one or more window controllers for connection to one or more IGUs.

9. A data communication network according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a radiating element located outside the building, wherein at least one of the external antennas located within or associated with a digital building element is coupled to an electrical connector located inside the building via a pass-through facility.

10. The data communication network according to claim 9, wherein the pass-through equipment is configured to provide a weather-tight seal between the inside of the building and the outside of the building.

11. The data communication network according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the pass-through equipment includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element.

12. The data communication network according to claim 11, wherein the electrical connector is configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building.

13. A method for providing a connection to an external wireless network, wherein the method is Communicating with the external wireless network using one or more external antennas, wherein at least one of the external antennas is located within or associated with a sky sensor or digital building element, including a building roof or outdoor sensor assembly. This includes transmitting data between the one or more external antennas and the building's network infrastructure using one or more data transport lines and / or wireless links, A method wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more data transport lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more building network antennas and associated wireless devices installed inside and / or on the building, and the method includes the one or more building network antennas providing wireless data connectivity inside and / or adjacent to the building.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the associated radio equipment providing Wi-Fi®, CBRS, or cellular wireless data connectivity inside the building and / or adjacent to the building.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the one or more external antennas comprises one or more donor antennas that communicate with an external cellular network.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising the at least one control panel communicating with an external cellular network via a backhaul equipped with a high-speed cable.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein one or more data transport lines of the network infrastructure support data communication of 1 Gb / second or more.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising the at least one control panel communicating with one or more window controllers for controlling one or more IGUs.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein at least one of the external antennas, which is located within or associated with a digital building element, includes a radiating element located outside the building, which is coupled to an electrical connector located inside the building via a pass-through facility.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the pass-through equipment is configured to provide a weather-tight seal between the inside of the building and the outside of the building.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the pass-through equipment includes an electrical coupling between the electrical connector and the radiating element.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the electrical connector is configured to connect to the network infrastructure of the building.

24. A method for configuring multiple antennas and / or radios distributed within a building, wherein the method is To supply power to the aforementioned multiple antennas and / or radio equipment, The operation parameter of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios is changed, and at the same time, the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios is measured as a function of the changed operation parameter. A method comprising selecting a value for the operation of the operation of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising determining the location of each of the plurality of antennas within the building.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the operating parameter is an antenna and / or a radio protocol, frequency, or power.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the method includes assigning an antenna and / or radio protocol to the antenna and / or radio before changing the operating parameter, the operating parameter being frequency or power.

28. The operation parameters of each of the aforementioned multiple antennas and / or radios are sequentially changed, and at the same time, the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios is measured as a function of the changed parameters. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising selecting a value for the operating parameter for each of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

29. It is a system, Multiple antennas and / or radios distributed within the building, It comprises at least one logic device, The at least one logic device is To supply power to the aforementioned multiple antennas and / or radio equipment, The operation parameter of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios is changed, and at the same time the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios is measured as a function of the changed operation parameter, and A system comprising logic for configuring a plurality of antennas and / or radios by selecting the value of the operating parameter for the operation of at least one of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios further includes determining the location of each of the plurality of antennas within the building.

31. The system according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the operating parameter is an antenna and / or a radio protocol, frequency, or power.

32. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the logic for configuring the plurality of antennas and / or radios includes assigning an antenna and / or radio protocol to the antenna and / or radio before changing the operating parameter, the operating parameter being frequency or power.

33. The aforementioned logic, The operation parameters of each of the aforementioned multiple antennas and / or radios are sequentially changed, and at the same time, the signal strength of the other antennas and / or radios is measured as a function of the changed parameters. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, further comprising selecting a value for the operating parameter for each of the plurality of antennas and / or radios based on the measured signal strength.

34. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the at least one logic device is a local logic device or a remote logic device.

35. A data communication network within a building, comprising one or more antennas located inside the building, one or more antennas located outside the building, and a wired or wireless connection between at least one external antenna and at least one internal antenna, The at least one external antenna is coupled to communicate with an external cellular network, The at least one internal antenna is configured to transmit the wireless signal received by the external antenna from the external cellular network to one or more locations inside or near the building. A data communication network configured to control wireless coverage to one or more locations.

36. The data communication network according to claim 35, wherein some of the one or more locations are located inside the building, and the other locations are located outside the building.

37. The at least one external antenna is connected to the building's network infrastructure via one or more data carrier lines and / or wireless links. The data communication network according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the network infrastructure comprises one or more data transport lines, one or more network switches, and at least one control panel.

38. A data communication network according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein multiple internal antennas are distributed within the building.

39. The data communication network according to claim 37, wherein the network infrastructure comprises a vertical data plane between building floors and a horizontal data plane located within a single floor or multiple adjacent floors.

40. The data communication network according to claim 39, wherein the vertical data plane includes a plurality of control panels and a high-capacity data transport line.

41. The data communication network according to any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the building comprises at least one rooftop donor antenna and at least one control panel configured to communicate with the external cellular network via physical electrical or optical lines.

42. The data communication network according to claim 41, wherein the rooftop donor antenna is configured to provide a downlink to the building and to provide wireless services to residents and / or indoor devices.

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