Method and apparatus for optimizing connectivity quality of wireless devices

Abstract

The primary wireless device communicates with a remote signal source. The secondary wireless device is removably coupled to the primary wireless device and communicates wirelessly. The primary and secondary wireless devices are moved together around the premises. While the primary and secondary wireless devices are moved, the primary wireless device generates signal quality information for signals received from the remote signal source. The signal quality information is communicated from the primary wireless device to the secondary wireless device. The secondary wireless device generates an output indicative of the signal quality information. The primary wireless device is placed in a location within the premises that generates signal quality information that meets or exceeds a signal quality threshold. The secondary wireless device is detached from the primary wireless device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 437002, filed January 4, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Some embodiments relate to a method that includes providing a primary wireless device for communicating with a remote signal source and providing a secondary wireless device for wireless communication removably coupled to the primary wireless device. The method includes moving the primary and secondary wireless devices together around a premises, and generating signal quality information by the primary wireless device for signals received from the remote signal source while moving the primary and secondary wireless devices. The method also includes communicating the signal quality information to the secondary wireless device and generating an output by the secondary wireless device indicative of the signal quality information. The method further includes placing the primary wireless device at a location within the premises that generates signal quality information that meets or exceeds a signal quality threshold.

[0003] Some embodiments relate to a method that includes providing a primary wireless device that receives signals from a remote signal source, the primary wireless device operably coupled to a movable antenna. The method also includes providing a secondary wireless device that is detachably coupled to the antenna and in wireless communication with the primary wireless device. The method also includes moving the antenna and the secondary wireless device together around a premises, and generating signal quality information by the primary wireless device for signals received from the remote signal source while moving the antenna with the secondary wireless device. The method further includes communicating the signal quality information to the secondary wireless device and generating an output by the secondary wireless device indicative of the signal quality information. The method also includes positioning the antenna at a location within the premises that generates signal quality information that meets or exceeds a signal quality threshold.

[0004] Some embodiments relate to an apparatus including a primary wireless device configured to communicate with a remote signal source and generate signal quality information for signals received from the remote signal source, a secondary wireless device removably coupled to the primary wireless device and configured to wirelessly communicate with the primary wireless device, the secondary wireless device including a processor configured to obtain the signal quality information from the primary wireless device while moving the primary and secondary wireless devices together around a premises, and to generate an output indicative of the signal quality information.

[0005] Some embodiments relate to a primary wireless device configured to communicate with a remote signal source and generate signal quality information for signals received from the remote signal source. The primary wireless device is operably coupled to a movable antenna. A secondary wireless device is configured to detachably couple to the antenna. The secondary wireless device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the primary wireless device. The secondary wireless device comprises a processor configured to obtain the signal quality information from the primary wireless device while moving the antenna and secondary wireless device together around a premises and to generate an output indicative of the signal quality information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] Throughout the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a mobile device comprising a primary wireless device physically and communicatively coupled to a secondary wireless device in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a mobile device comprising a primary wireless device physically and communicatively coupled to a secondary wireless device in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a mobile device comprising a primary wireless device physically and communicatively coupled to a secondary wireless device in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a mobile device comprising a primary wireless device physically and communicatively coupled to a secondary wireless device in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 3A]FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a signal quality meter that may be displayed on the display of a secondary wireless device of the mobile device shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B according to various embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates a scenario in which a human installer uses the mobile equipment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B to generate real-time signal quality information during the installation process according to various embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a mobile device having a secondary wireless device physically coupled to an external antenna of a primary wireless device, the primary and secondary wireless devices being communicatively coupled during an installation process according to various embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a mobile device having a secondary wireless device physically coupled to an external antenna of a primary wireless device, the primary and secondary wireless devices being communicatively coupled during an installation process according to various embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing an installation process using a mobile device with a secondary wireless device physically coupled to a primary wireless device or an antenna of the primary wireless device, according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating hardware and software elements of a wireless device according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating hardware and software elements of a primary wireless device according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating hardware and software elements of a primary wireless device including a detachable communications module according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a mobile device comprising a primary wireless device physically and communicatively coupled to a secondary wireless device according to various embodiments. [Figure 10]10 is a diagram illustrating a mobile device comprising a secondary wireless device physically coupled to an external antenna of a primary wireless device, the primary and secondary wireless devices being communicatively coupled during an installation process according to various embodiments. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of numbers to refer to components in a given figure is not intended to limit the components in another figure that are identically numbered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007]

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for optimizing connectivity quality for wireless devices. The embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate optimal placement of a primary wireless device or an external antenna of the primary wireless device with the use of a secondary wireless device. During the installation process, the secondary wireless device is physically connected to the primary wireless device or the external antenna and communicatively coupled to the primary wireless device. After the installation process is complete, the secondary wireless device is removed from the primary wireless device.

[0008] These coupled components, along with a secondary wireless device connected to a primary wireless device or external antenna, define a mobile device that generates signal quality information that can be used by an installer to position the primary wireless device or external antenna in a location that provides reliable (e.g., optimal) communication with a remote signal source. The mobile device may be considered to be a device that mimics a signal detector that monitors the quality of the signal transmitted between the primary wireless device and the remote signal source. The signal quality information generated by the mobile device may be transmitted to an installer (e.g., a human or robot) using an output device on the secondary wireless device. The installer can use the signal quality information to position the primary wireless device or external antenna in a location and orientation that provides reliable communication with the remote signal source.

[0009] In some embodiments, the primary wireless device may be wireless customer premises equipment (CPE) (e.g., 5G CPE) or fixed wireless access (FWA) equipment installed in a premise such as a home. The primary wireless device includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with a remote signal source such as a base station. In other embodiments, the primary wireless device may be a wireless device connected to an external antenna. For example, the primary wireless device may be a satellite communications (satcom) receiver connected to a satellite dish. In another example, the primary wireless device may be an indoor CPE connected to an external (e.g., outdoor) antenna.

[0010] The primary wireless device includes or is coupled to a second communication unit that enables the primary wireless device to communicate with the secondary wireless device. For example, the secondary wireless device may be a smartphone, tablet, or small computer. In some approaches, the second communication unit is an internal unit of the primary wireless device. In other approaches, the second communication unit is implemented as a communication module that can be coupled to the primary wireless device.

[0011] For example, installing a wireless CPE, FWA device, or satellite antenna in a home is typically performed by a skilled technician and is costly for the homeowner. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable the average homeowner to locate and install wireless CPE, FWA devices, satellite antennas, and other wireless devices without the need for specialized skills or diagnostic tools.

[0012] 1A and 1B illustrate an apparatus 100 including a primary wireless device 102 and a secondary wireless device 120 according to various embodiments. The primary wireless device 102 includes a first communication unit 103 configured to provide signal transmission between the primary wireless device 102 and a remote signal source 104. The first communication unit 103 includes an internal antenna coupled to an RF front end, an RF transceiver, and a modem for communicating with the remote signal source 104 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the primary wireless device 102 requires placement within a premises for reliable communication with the remote signal source 104. For example, the primary wireless device 102 may be a wireless CPE (e.g., 5G CPE) or FWA device installed in a home, and the remote signal source 104 may be a base station.

[0013] 1A and 1B, the primary wireless device 102 is physically coupled to the secondary wireless device 120 via a mechanical coupler 122. The mechanical coupler 122, such as a bracket arrangement, is configured to temporarily connect the secondary wireless device 120 to the primary wireless device 102. For example, the secondary wireless device 120 may be a smartphone, tablet, or small computer. The primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 120 remain mechanically coupled while positioning the primary wireless device 102 during the installation process. Once the positioning process is complete, the secondary wireless device 120 and mechanical coupler 122 may be removed from the primary wireless device 102.

[0014] The primary wireless device 102 includes a second communication unit 105 that facilitates communication between the primary wireless device 102 and the secondary wireless device 120 via a wireless link 124. The wireless link 124 is also referred to as an over-the-air (OTA) link. The second communication unit 105 includes an antenna coupled to an RF front end, an RF transceiver, and a modem (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the second communication unit 105 is an internal unit of the primary wireless device 102 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). In other embodiments, the second communication unit 105 is configured as an external module that can be communicatively coupled to the primary wireless device 102 via a communication interface (e.g., a USB, PCIe, or M.2 interface) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).

[0015] During the installation process, the primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 120 are moved together around the premises as a mobile device 100 in an attempt to find a location and position that provides reliable reception of the signal transmitted by the remote signal source 104. A portable power source 108 may be temporarily connected to the primary wireless device 102 (e.g., via a bracket arrangement and power cable) to provide power to the primary wireless device 102 during the installation process. The use of the portable power source 108 allows the primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 120 to be moved freely around the premises without interfering with the power cord connected to the primary wireless device 102.

[0016] As the primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 120 move around the premises, the primary wireless device 102 receives signals from the remote signal source 104 and generates signal quality parameters. For example, the primary wireless device 102 may generate a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) parameter, a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) parameter, a Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) parameter, or other signal quality metrics. The secondary wireless device 120 can communicate a request for the signal quality parameters to the primary wireless device 102 via wireless link 124. In response to the request, the primary wireless device 102 can send the signal quality parameters to the secondary wireless device 120.

[0017] In some embodiments, the secondary wireless device 120 can output the signal quality information 126 in a form perceptible to a human installer (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile). The secondary wireless device 120 may include a display, and the signal quality information 126 may be displayed on the display in various forms (e.g., numerical, textual, graphical). For example, a signal quality meter (e.g., shown in FIG. 3A ) may be displayed on the display to indicate the status of the signal quality information 126 (e.g., poor, acceptable, good, excellent). A quality score may be assigned to the signal quality information 126, and the quality score may be compared to a threshold (e.g., minimum) quality score. The secondary wireless device 120 may include an audio output device that emits a sound (e.g., different tones, human speech) indicating the status of the signal quality information 126. The secondary wireless device 120 may include a tactile output device that emits a tactile output (e.g., a series of different vibration pulses) indicating the status of the signal quality information 126.

[0018] In other embodiments, the primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 120 may be moved around the premises by a robot rather than a human installer. In such embodiments, the secondary wireless device 120 need not include a display, audio output device, or tactile output device. The signal quality information 126 may be output from the secondary wireless device 120 in the form of a signal (e.g., digital data) suitable for use by a robot.

[0019] 2A and 2B illustrate examples of device 100 in horizontal and vertical installation configurations, respectively. In the installation configurations shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, secondary wireless device 120 is attached to the rear panel of primary wireless device 102 via bracket 122. In this embodiment, primary wireless device 102 is an outdoor FWA device, and secondary wireless device 120 is a smartphone. Portable power source 108 is attached to the rear panel of primary wireless device 102 using bracket 123. Power cable 109 is connected to portable power source 108 and connector 107 of primary wireless device 102, which receives power.

[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a scenario in which a human installer 112 uses the device 100 to generate real-time signal quality information during the installation process. The secondary wireless device 120 includes a display 121 that displays signal quality information generated from signal quality parameters received from the primary wireless device 102. In this example embodiment, a signal quality score is displayed on the display 121 (e.g., a higher score indicates better signal quality). As the device 100 moves (e.g., translates and rotates) around the premises, the signal quality score changes. The installer 112 continues to move the device 100 around the premises until a location and position that produces an acceptable or optimal signal quality score (e.g., meets or exceeds a signal quality threshold, such as a minimum signal quality score) is found. The primary wireless device 102 can then be installed (e.g., attached to a pole, wall, or other structure) at such a location and position. Additional details of this and other installation processes are shown in FIG. 5 and described below.

[0021] 4A and 4B illustrate an apparatus 100a including a primary wireless device 102a and a secondary wireless device 120 according to some embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the primary wireless device 102a is a fixed device connected to an external antenna 125. The external antenna 125 is movable relative to the fixed primary wireless device 102a. In this exemplary embodiment, the primary wireless device 102a may be located anywhere within a premises, as signal quality depends on the placement of the external antenna 125. In one example, the primary wireless device 102a may be a satellite communications receiver, and the antenna 125 may be a satellite antenna connected to the satellite communications receiver. In another example, the primary wireless device 102a may be an indoor CPE connected to an external (e.g., outdoor) antenna 125.

[0022] 4A and 4B, primary wireless device 102a is physically coupled to antenna 125 via mechanical coupler 122. Mechanical coupler 122 (e.g., a bracket arrangement) is configured to temporarily connect secondary wireless device 120 to antenna 125. As previously mentioned, secondary wireless device 120 may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or small computer. Secondary wireless device 120 and antenna 125 remain mechanically coupled during installation of antenna 125. Once the installation process is complete, secondary wireless device 120 and mechanical coupler 122 may be removed from antenna 125.

[0023] The primary wireless device 102a includes a first communication unit 105 that facilitates communication between the primary wireless device 102a and the remote signal source 104 over wireless link 106. The first communication unit 105 includes an RF front end, an RF transceiver, a modem, and an antenna 125 (shown, for example, in FIG. 10 ). The primary wireless device 102a also includes a second communication unit 105 that facilitates communication between the primary wireless device 102a and the secondary wireless device 120 over wireless link 124. The second communication unit 105 includes an antenna coupled to the RF front end, an RF transceiver, and a modem (shown, for example, in FIG. 10 ). In some embodiments, the second communication unit 105 is an internal unit of the primary wireless device 102 (shown, for example, in FIG. 10 ). In other embodiments, the second communication unit 105 is configured as an external module that can be communicatively coupled to the primary wireless device 102 via a communication interface (e.g., a USB, PCIe, or M.2 interface) (shown, for example, in FIG. 8 ).

[0024] As the primary wireless device 102a and antenna 125 move around the premises, the primary wireless device 102a receives signals from the remote signal source 104 and produces signal quality parameters (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR). The secondary wireless device 120 can communicate requests for the signal quality parameters to the primary wireless device 102a via wireless link 124. In response to the request, the primary wireless device 102a can send the signal quality parameters to the secondary wireless device 120. The secondary wireless device 120 can output signal quality information 126 in a form perceptible by a human installer (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile) or in a form suitable for use by a robot, as previously described.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an installation process according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The installation process shown in FIG. 5 involves the use of a mobile device that can have different configurations. In a first configuration, the mobile device includes a secondary wireless device physically attached to a primary wireless device that includes an internal antenna (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). In a second configuration, the mobile device includes a secondary wireless device physically attached to a mobile external antenna that is connected to the primary wireless device. The primary wireless device in the second configuration may be a fixed or stationary device (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0026] The installation process shown in FIG. 5 assumes that the primary wireless device is communicatively linked (e.g., paired) to the secondary wireless device. The primary and secondary wireless devices are also assumed to execute an app that facilitates OTA messaging between the two devices so that signal quality parameters are sent from the primary wireless device to the secondary wireless device. The secondary wireless device is further assumed to execute an app that facilitates output of signal quality information in a form perceptible to a human installer or in a form suitable for a robot programmed to perform the placement process. In the case of a human installer (e.g., a homeowner), the app executing on the secondary wireless device may cause a signal quality score or meter (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A ) to be displayed on a display of the secondary wireless device. Alternatively, or in addition, as described above, the app may cause the secondary wireless device to produce an audio or tactile output indicative of signal quality.

[0027] An installer begins the installation process 500, which includes grasping a mobile device having one of the two configurations described above. The installer moves the device around the premises 502, for example, by translating and rotating the device. Translation of the device may include changing the device's height and / or lateral position. Rotation of the device may include changing one or both of the device's azimuth and elevation angles. While the device moves 502, a data acquisition process 504 is performed. During the device's discontinuous or continuous movement in block 502, the secondary wireless device requests and receives signal quality parameters (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) from the primary wireless device via an OTA messaging link established between the primary and secondary wireless devices.

[0028] In addition to signal quality parameters, other information may be acquired and recorded by at least one of the primary wireless device, the secondary wireless device, and the installer. For example, such additional information may include a timestamp, GPS coordinates, the height of the primary wireless device, the azimuth angle of the primary wireless device, and the elevation angle of the primary wireless device. In a relatively simple implementation, the installer may perform data acquisition 504 by, for example, recording (e.g., mentally or on paper) the location, height, and orientation (azimuth and elevation) of the device and related signal quality information. In a more complex example, the secondary wireless device (e.g., a smartphone) may provide a timestamp and may include a GPS sensor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) such as a gyroscope. The GPS sensor can provide GPS coordinates, and the IMU can provide azimuth and elevation. The height data may be provided by the installer. These data and related signal quality information may be stored in the secondary wireless device.

[0029] A check is made at block 506 to determine if the data acquisition criteria have been met. In some approaches, the data acquisition criteria may be a target signal quality level (e.g., a target SINR). In other approaches, the data acquisition criteria may be a predetermined iteration value. In further approaches, multiple data acquisition criteria may be used, including target signal quality levels and predetermined iteration values.

[0030] The predetermined iteration value may correspond to a predetermined number of times the processes of blocks 502 and 504 are performed at one or more locations within the premises. For example, the installation process may require the installer to travel to five different locations within the premises (e.g., five different rooms in a house when installing an indoor wireless CPE) and rotate the device 360 ​​degrees in 10-degree increments, changing the azimuth angle at each location while signal quality information and other information is acquired at each increment. The predetermined iteration value in this example is set to 180 (5*360 / 10). In another example, the installation process may require the installer to travel to different locations within the premises and change the azimuth and elevation angles of the device at each location. For example, the device may be moved to five different locations within the premises. At each location, the azimuth angle may be changed in 10-degree increments for a 360-degree movement, and the elevation angle may be changed in 10-degree increments for a movement ranging from 0 to 90 degrees, while signal quality information and other information is acquired at each increment. In this example, the predetermined iteration value is set to 1800 (5*(360 / 10*90 / 10+1), where the "+1" accounts for an elevation angle of 0°).

[0031] The process of blocks 502 and 504 is repeated until the data acquisition criteria are met. The data acquired in block 504 and the physical environmental constraints at each location on the premises are used by the installer to determine the optimal location for deploying the primary wireless device or external antenna. For example, the data acquired in block 504 may be reviewed (e.g., by the installer) or analyzed (e.g., by the secondary wireless device) to identify the location and equipment orientation that produces the highest signal quality values. The installer can use the optimal parameters (e.g., GPS coordinates, height, azimuth, and elevation) to deploy 508 the primary wireless device or external antenna at the optimal location on the premises. The installer then completes the installation process 510, which includes detaching the secondary wireless device from the primary wireless device or external antenna.

[0032] The general installation process shown in FIG. 5 may be implemented as a multi-stage process including a global positioning process and a detailed placement process. The global positioning process seeks to determine locations within the premises that are candidate locations (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, roof, yard, exterior wall / structure) for deploying the primary wireless device or external antenna. For example, considerations for such candidate locations may include the availability of power outlets, whether the location can accommodate a mounting structure (e.g., a mounting pole or wall bracket), and whether the location is suitable for receiving signals from a remote signal source. To determine which of these locations are candidate locations for deploying the primary wireless device or external antenna, processes 502-506 are performed at each of the target locations. A candidate location is a location where data acquisition criteria 506 is met. The global positioning process is completed by identifying one or more candidate locations within the premises.

[0033] At any of the candidate locations, a detailed location process may be performed. The detailed location process attempts to optimally locate a primary wireless device or antenna at the candidate location. For example, the global location process may identify the kitchen of a home as a candidate location for installing a primary wireless device (e.g., a 5G CPE). In this example, the kitchen has a power outlet for powering the primary wireless device and a mounting pole supporting the primary wireless device. The detailed location process can be used to optimally locate the primary wireless device on the mounting pole.

[0034] Aspects of the detailed placement process will be described in the context of optimizing the azimuth angle of a primary wireless device at a candidate location, such as a kitchen. Due to physical constraints of where the mounting rod is located in the kitchen, the azimuth angle of the primary wireless device in this example may be changed in 10° increments over a 180° movement 502. The predetermined iteration value in this example is set to 19 (180 / 10+1). As the azimuth angle of the primary wireless device is changed by the installer, signal quality data is acquired 504 at 0° and each of the 10° increments, resulting in 19 sets of data (signal quality and associated azimuth data) at which point the data acquisition criteria 506 (predetermined iteration value of 19) is met.

[0035] An installer or a secondary wireless device may determine that azimuth angles of 30° and 110° produce the highest signal quality values. The detailed location process attempts to determine whether azimuth angles between 30° and 110° can produce signal quality values ​​higher than the signal quality values ​​associated with azimuth angles of 30° and 110° (an 80° span). In one example, the azimuth angle of the primary wireless device may be changed in 5° increments over an 80° movement between azimuth angles of 30° and 110°. In this example, the predetermined repetition value is set to 16 (80 / 5). When the azimuth angle of the primary wireless device is changed by the installer 502, signal quality data (signal quality and associated azimuth angle data) is acquired at each 5° increment 504, resulting in 16 sets of data, at which point the data acquisition criteria 506 (predetermined repetition value of 16) is met. For example, an installer or a secondary wireless device may determine that an azimuth angle of 90° produces the highest signal quality values. The azimuth angle of the primary wireless device may be set by the installer to 90° 508. A detailed location process may also be performed to optimize the elevation angle and height of the primary wireless device.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates basic hardware and software (HW / SW) elements 130 of a wireless device. HW / SW elements 130 may be incorporated into each of the primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 102a, 120 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A, and 4B. HW / SW elements 130 include software elements 132 and hardware elements 140. Software elements 132 include user processes, applications, and programs 136, and an operating system 134 with a kernel 137 that manages the hardware and software resources of the wireless device. Hardware elements 140, preferably attached to a PCBA, include general-purpose I / O (GPIO) 142, a power management IC (PMIC) 144, a processor 146, memory 158, and connectivity elements 156 (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, PCIe, USB, M.2 elements). The hardware element 140 also includes a communication unit 147 that includes a modem 148 , an RF transceiver 152 , an RF front end 150 , and an antenna 154 .

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a primary wireless device 102 including the HW / SW elements 130 shown in Figure 6 (some reference numerals are not repeated for clarity). In Figure 7, modem 148, RF transceiver 152, RF front end 150, and antenna 154 define a first communication unit 103 configured to communicate with a remote signal source 104, as shown in Figures 1A and 4A. The communication protocol between primary wireless device 102 and remote signal source 104 may be, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi, cellular (e.g., LTE / 5G / 6G), or satellite communication protocol.

[0038] 1A , the primary wireless device 102 also includes a second communication unit 105. The second communication unit 105 includes a modem 178, an RF transceiver 176, an RF front-end 172, and an antenna 174. The second communication unit 105 facilitates wireless communication between the primary wireless device 102 and a secondary wireless device 120 (e.g., a smartphone). The communication protocol between the primary and secondary wireless devices 102, 120 may be, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or UWB (ultra-wideband). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the second communication unit 105 is an internal unit of the primary wireless device 102.

[0039] 8 illustrates an embodiment of a primary wireless device 102 that includes the HW / SW elements 130 shown in FIG. 6 (some reference numbers are not repeated for clarity). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the primary wireless device 102 includes a second communication unit 105 configured as a communications module that includes a modem 178, an RF transceiver 176, an RF front end 172, and an antenna 174. The second communication unit 105 may be communicatively coupled to the primary wireless device 102 via an interface 180, such as a USB, PCIe, or M.2 interface. Implementing the second communication unit 105 as a communications module eliminates the need to integrate components of the second communication unit 105 into the hardware 140 of the primary wireless device 102.

[0040] Figure 9 illustrates a device 100 including a primary wireless device 102 and a secondary wireless device 120. The device 100 shown in Figure 9 illustrates a representative implementation of the device 100 shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 9, the secondary wireless device 120 is physically connected to the primary wireless device 102 in a manner as described above. The primary wireless device 102 is communicatively coupled to the secondary wireless device 120 via an OTA link 124 established between the second communication unit 105 of the primary wireless device 102 and the communication unit 147 of the secondary wireless device 120.

[0041] During the installation process, the device 100 is moved around the premises in an attempt to find a location and position for the primary wireless device 102 that provides reliable reception of the signal transmitted by the remote signal source 104. While moving the device 100 around the premises, the primary wireless device 102 communicates with the remote signal source 104 and develops signal quality parameters that change as the location and position / orientation of the primary wireless device 102 changes. The signal quality parameters are sent from the primary wireless device 102 to the secondary wireless device 120 via an OTA link 124 established between the second communication unit 105 and the communication unit 147. In some embodiments, the secondary wireless device 120 may include a display 121 that can display signal quality information viewable by the installer during the installation process. The device 100 can be used to implement the process shown in FIG. 5 .

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a device 100a including an antenna 125 of a primary wireless device 102 and a secondary wireless device 120. The device 100a shown in FIG. 10 illustrates a representative implementation of the device 100a shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In the implementation shown in FIG. 10, the first communication unit 103 of the primary wireless device 102 includes an external antenna 125 that can be moved by an installer during the installation process. As shown in FIG. 10, the secondary wireless device 120 is physically connected to the antenna 125 in the manner described above. The primary wireless device 102 is communicatively coupled to the secondary wireless device 120 via an OTA link 124 established between the second communication unit 105 of the primary wireless device 102 and the communication unit 147 of the secondary wireless device 120.

[0043] During the installation process, device 100a is moved around the premises in an attempt to find a location and position for antenna 125 that provides reliable reception of the signal transmitted by remote signal source 104. While moving device 100a around the premises, primary wireless device 102 communicates with remote signal source 104 and develops signal quality parameters that change as the location and position / orientation of antenna 125 changes. The signal quality parameters are sent from primary wireless device 102 to secondary wireless device 120 via OTA messaging link 124 established between second communication unit 105 and communication unit 147. In some embodiments, secondary wireless device 120 includes display 121 that can display signal quality information viewable by the installer during the installation process. Device 100a can be used to implement the process shown in FIG. 5.

[0044] Reference is now made to the accompanying set of drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, and at least one skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, aspects of the embodiments described herein may be combined with each other in various ways. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the claimed embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

[0045] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing shapes, quantities, and physical properties used in the specification and claims may be understood to be modified by either the term "exactly" or "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the teachings disclosed herein, or within typical experimental error, for example.

[0046] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range, where the term "up to" or "less than or equal to" a number (e.g., up to 50) includes that number (e.g., 50), and the term "greater than or equal to" a number (e.g., 5 or greater) includes that number (e.g., 5).

[0047] The terms "coupled" or "connected" refer to elements that are attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements between the two attaching elements). Both terms may be modified to "operably" and "operably," which may be used interchangeably, describing that the coupling or connection is configured to allow the components to interact to perform at least some functions (e.g., a radio chip may be operably coupled to an antenna element to provide radio frequency electrical signals for wireless communication).

[0048] Directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "side," and "end" are used to describe the relative positions of components and are not meant to limit the orientation of the embodiments under consideration. For example, embodiments described as having "top" and "bottom" also include embodiments rotated in various orientations unless otherwise specified.

[0049] References such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," or "some embodiments" mean that the particular feature, configuration, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As such, the appearances of such phrases in various places do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0050] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments with plural referents unless expressly stated otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "having," "including," "comprising," and the like are used in an open sense and generally mean "including," but not limited to. The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of at least two of the listed elements. The phrases "at least one," "comprising at least one," and "one or more," followed by a list, refer to any one item of the list, and any combination of two or more items of the list.

Claims

1. providing a primary wireless device for communicating with a remote signal source; providing a secondary wireless device removably coupled to and wirelessly communicating with the primary wireless device; moving the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device together around a premises; generating, by the primary wireless device, signal quality information for signals received from the remote signal source while the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device are moved; communicating said signal quality information to said secondary wireless device; generating, by the secondary wireless device, an output indicative of the signal quality information; placing the primary wireless device at a location within the premises that produces signal quality information that meets or exceeds a signal quality threshold; A method for providing

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating of the output by the secondary wireless device comprises generating a human-perceptible indication of the signal quality information.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating of the output by the secondary wireless device comprises displaying the signal quality information on a display of the secondary wireless device.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating of the output by the secondary wireless device comprises generating a data signal indicative of the signal quality information.

5. moving the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device to a plurality of different locations within the premises; acquiring, by the secondary wireless device, signal quality information and additional information at each of the plurality of different locations; The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the additional information comprises one or more of a timestamp, a GPS coordinate, an elevation of the primary wireless device, an azimuth angle of the primary wireless device, and an elevation angle of the primary wireless device.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the process of moving and acquiring is repeated until a data acquisition criteria is met.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the data acquisition criteria comprises an iteration criterion that specifies the number of times the moving and acquiring process is to occur.

9. coupling a portable power source to the primary wireless device; providing power to the primary wireless device via the portable power source; The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the primary wireless device comprises an internal communication unit for facilitating wireless communication with the secondary wireless device.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the primary wireless device comprises an interface coupled to an external communication module that facilitates wireless communication between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device.

12. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the primary wireless device comprises wireless customer premises equipment and the remote signal source is a base station.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the secondary wireless device comprises a smartphone, a tablet, or a portable computer.

14. providing a primary wireless device for receiving a signal from a remote signal source, said primary wireless device being operably coupled to a movable antenna; providing a secondary wireless device removably coupled to the antenna and in wireless communication with the primary wireless device; moving the antenna and the secondary wireless device together around a perimeter of a campus; generating, by the primary wireless device, signal quality information for signals received from the remote signal source while moving the antenna with the secondary wireless device; communicating said signal quality information to said secondary wireless device; generating, by the secondary wireless device, an output indicative of the signal quality information; placing said antennas at locations within said premises that produce signal quality information that meets or exceeds a signal quality threshold; A method for providing

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the primary wireless device comprises wireless customer premises equipment located within a structure on the premises, the remote signal source is a base station, and the antenna is located outside the structure.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the primary wireless device comprises a satellite receiver, the remote signal source is a satellite, and the antenna is a satellite dish.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the generating of the output by the secondary wireless device comprises generating a human-perceptible indication of the signal quality information.

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the generating of the output by the secondary wireless device comprises displaying the signal quality information on a display of the secondary wireless device.

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the generating of the output by the secondary wireless device comprises generating a data signal indicative of the signal quality information.

20. moving the antenna and the secondary wireless device to a plurality of different locations within the premises; acquiring, by the secondary wireless device, signal quality information and additional information at each of the plurality of different locations; 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the additional information comprises one or more of a timestamp, a GPS coordinate, a height of the antenna, an azimuth angle of the antenna, and an elevation angle of the antenna.

22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the process of moving and acquiring is repeated until a data acquisition criteria is met.

23. The method of claim 22 , wherein the data acquisition criteria comprises an iteration criteria that specifies the number of times the moving and acquiring process is to occur.

24. 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the primary wireless device comprises an internal communication unit for facilitating wireless communication with the secondary wireless device.

25. 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the primary wireless device comprises an interface coupled to an external communication module that facilitates wireless communication between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device.

26. 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the primary wireless device comprises wireless customer premises equipment and the remote signal source is a base station.

27. 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the secondary wireless device comprises a smartphone, a tablet, or a portable computer.

28. a primary wireless device configured to communicate with a remote signal source and generate signal quality information for signals received from said remote signal source; a secondary wireless device configured to be removably coupled to the primary wireless device and to communicate wirelessly with the primary wireless device; wherein the secondary wireless device acquiring signal quality information from the primary wireless device while moving the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device together around a premises; configured to generate an output indicative of the signal quality information. An apparatus comprising a processor.

29. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, comprising a portable power source removably connected to the primary wireless device via a mechanical coupler.

30. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the secondary wireless device comprises a display for graphically displaying the output indicative of the signal quality information.

31. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the primary wireless device comprises an internal communication unit for facilitating wireless communication with the secondary wireless device.

32. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the primary wireless device comprises an interface coupled to an external communication module that facilitates wireless communication between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device.

33. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the primary wireless device comprises wireless customer premises equipment and the remote signal source is a base station.

34. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the secondary wireless device comprises a smartphone, tablet, or portable computer.

35. a primary radio configured to communicate with a remote signal source and generate signal quality information for signals received from the remote signal source, the primary radio being operably coupled to a movable antenna; a secondary wireless device configured to be removably coupled to the antenna, the secondary wireless device configured to wirelessly communicate with the primary wireless device; wherein the secondary wireless device acquiring signal quality information from the primary wireless device while moving the antenna and the secondary wireless device together around a premises; configured to generate an output indicative of the signal quality information. An apparatus comprising a processor.

36. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the secondary wireless device comprises a display for graphically displaying the output indicative of the signal quality information.

37. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the primary wireless device comprises an internal communication unit for facilitating wireless communication with the secondary wireless device.

38. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the primary wireless device comprises an interface coupled to an external communication module that facilitates wireless communication between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device.

39. 39. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the primary wireless device comprises wireless customer premises equipment and the remote signal source is a base station.

40. 39. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the primary wireless device comprises a satellite communications receiver and the remote signal source is a satellite.

41. 39. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the secondary wireless device comprises a smartphone, tablet, or portable computer.

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