Multi-band digital data network infrastructure with broadband analog front-end

Abstract

A multi-band digital data network infrastructure comprises a network of access points (APs). Each AP comprises a differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a supporting substrate, a modular analog front-end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / quadrature (IQ) board, and one or more network cards. The network of APs supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating within different RF bands. In some embodiments, each AP of the network supports both cellular and WiFi services using the same DSA. In some embodiments, the network of APs forms a network of cell towers for cellular services.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] (background) The following relates to wireless communication technologies, wideband communication technologies, telecommunications technologies, WiFi technologies, cellular communication technologies, and related technologies. [Background technology]

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

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0343646 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0343929 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (Brief summary) According to some example embodiments disclosed herein, a wireless network comprises a network of access points (APs), each AP including a broadband electronically steerable aperture and electronics coupled to the broadband electronically steerable aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages over a plurality of different frequency bands via the broadband electronically steerable aperture.

[0006] According to some example embodiments disclosed herein, a radio includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / quadrature (IQ) board, and one or more network cards. The IQ board is configured to at least one of (i) convert analog data received from the MAFE into digital data that is delivered to the one or more network cards in a receive mode of the radio, and / or (ii) convert digital data received from the one or more network cards into analog data that is delivered to the MAFE in a transmit mode of the radio.

[0007] According to some illustrative embodiments disclosed herein, a multi-band digital data network infrastructure comprises a network of access points (APs). Each AP includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a supporting substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different, distinct wireless services, an in-phase / quadrature (IQ) board, and one or more network cards. The network of APs supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating within different RF bands. In some embodiments, each AP in the network supports both cellular and WiFi services using the same DSA. In some embodiments, the network of APs forms a network of cell towers for cellular service. In some embodiments, the network of APs forms a network of APs for an indoor wireless network. The present invention provides, for example, the following items. (Item 1) 1. A wireless network comprising: Equipped with a network of access points (APs), Each AP is a broadband electronically steerable aperture; an electronic device coupled to the broadband electronically steerable aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages over a plurality of different frequency bands via the broadband electronically steerable aperture; Including wireless networks. (Item 2) Item 10. The wireless network of item 1, wherein the electronic device is connected to the broadband electronically steerable aperture to receive and transmit wireless messages across the plurality of different frequency bands within a spectrum range of 400 MHz to 30 GHz via the broadband electronically steerable aperture. (Item 3) 3. The wireless network of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the broadband electronically steerable aperture comprises a differential segmented aperture (DSA). (Item 4) 4. The wireless network of any one of items 1-3, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands includes a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) band in the spectrum range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz. (Item 5) 5. The wireless network of any one of items 1-4, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands includes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) band in the spectrum range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz. (Item 6) 6. The wireless network of any one of items 1-5, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands includes a 5G band. (Item 7) 7. The wireless network of any one of items 1-6, wherein the wireless network supports at least one cellular service and the AP includes a cell tower. (Item 8) 8. The wireless network of any one of items 1-7, wherein the wireless network supports at least one office 5G service and the AP includes an indoor AP. (Item 9) 9. The wireless network of any one of items 1-8, wherein at least two APs in the network of APs support both cellular and WiFi services using the same broadband electronically steerable aperture. (Item 10) 10. The wireless network of any one of items 1-9, wherein the electronic device includes a plurality of modular analog front ends (MAFEs) that configure the broadband electronically steerable aperture for individual wireless services. (Item 11) A radio device, a differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a supporting substrate; a modular analog front end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different individual wireless services; In-phase / quadrature (IQ) boards, One or more network cards and Equipped with The IQ substrate is (i) converting analog data received from the MAFE into digital data that is delivered to the one or more network cards in a receive mode of the radio; and / or converting digital data received from the one or more network cards into analog data delivered to the MAFE in a transmit mode of the radio; The radio is configured to be at least one of: (Item 12) Item 12. The radio of item 11, wherein the digital IQ board performs at least one of beam steering and / or beam forming. (Item 13) 13. The radio of any one of items 11-12, wherein the one or more network cards include multiple network cards that provide coverage for multiple RF bands. (Item 14) 15. The radio of any one of items 11-14, wherein the one or more network cards include at least one cellular network card and at least one WiFi network card. (Item 15) Item 15. The radio of item 14, wherein the at least one cellular network card includes at least one of a 3G network card, a 4G network card, or a 5G network card. (Item 16) 16. The radio of any one of items 11-15, wherein the multiple RF bands supported by the MAFE include at least two of a channel in an L band, a channel in an S band, and / or a channel in a C band. (Item 17) 17. The radio of any one of items 11-16, wherein the MAFE, the IQ board, and the one or more network cards are disposed on a back surface of the support substrate of the DSA opposite a front surface of the support substrate that supports the 2D array of conductive tapered protrusions. (Item 18) 1. A multi-band digital data network infrastructure comprising: Equipped with a network of access points (APs), Each AP includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / quadrature (IQ) board, and one or more network cards; The network of APs is a multi-band digital data network infrastructure that supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating within different RF bands. (Item 19) Item 19. The multi-band digital data network infrastructure of item 18, wherein each AP of the network supports both cellular and WiFi services using the same DSA. (Item 20) 20. A multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to any one of items 18-19, wherein the network of APs forms a network of cell towers for cellular service. (Item 21) 20. A multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to any one of items 18-19, wherein the network of APs forms a network of APs of an indoor wireless network. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a wideband radio.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the RF aperture of the wideband radio of FIG.

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic assembly view of the wideband radio of FIG.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a multi-tenant 5G / WiFi 6 outdoor network configuration employing four instances of the wideband radios of FIGS. 1-3.

[0013] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic of a private 5G / WiFi6 network configuration employing three instances of the wideband radios of Figures 1-3.

[0014] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a network configuration for mobile field operation employing instances of the wideband radios of FIGS. 1-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0016] Deploying existing 5G facilities entails significant costs in laying fiber, providing power, obtaining regulatory permits, and performing the deployment itself. This process can take 18 months or more, involve significant staff effort, and expose to risk. Modifying the deployment later requires re-permitting, which can be a three- to six-month process.

[0017] The embodiments disclosed herein reduce 5G facilities and the number of trips to reconfigure those facilities by having a single radio unit (RU) that supports multiple bands and can dynamically switch between bands. This radio unit does so while reducing the cost of the radio system. Through reducing the number of boxes, permit, enclosure, and pole costs and deployment are also reduced.

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

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

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

[0021] Some aspects of certain embodiments disclosed herein include: providing a single device, multi-band, multi-waveform radio unit; providing independently controlled digital steering and beamforming for multiple networks from a single device; providing a single device to operate in multiple licensed or unlicensed bands for private / community networks, including 4G, 5G, WiFi6, etc.; providing a modular analog front end that enables a single aperture and a single digitizer / radio board to be adapted to suit different signals and frequencies in a field-viable manner without changes to the device's exterior; providing a single device that serves as a multi-tenant radio unit, with the same aperture and electronics supporting multiple network operators or multiple network types (5G, LTE, WiFi, etc.); providing a single device that can be digitally reprogrammed to switch frequencies and waveforms without changing or moving the antenna; and providing a radio that can support different electronic tilts for different frequencies of simultaneous operation and dynamically control the tilt. A given embodiment may include one, more, or all of the above aspects and / or advantages.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 , an exploded view of a wideband radio 8 is shown. The wideband radio 8 embodiments disclosed herein comprise a wideband aperture 10 that is steerable over a continuous frequency range at least 1 GHz wide, and in some embodiments, several gigahertz wide. In some exemplary embodiments, the wideband radio frequency (RF) aperture 10 can be a differential segmented aperture (DSA) 10 that supports simultaneous electronic steering, polarization separation, and multi-gigahertz wideband. Some exemplary DSA embodiments are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0343646 A1, entitled “Conformal / Omnidirectional Differential Segmented Aperture,” and U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0343929 A1, entitled “Systems and Methods for Signal Communication With Scalable, Modular Network Nodes,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0023] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and further reference to FIG. 2, which shows a perspective view of the RF aperture 10 of the wideband radio of FIG. 1, several preferred embodiments of the RF aperture 10 are further described. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0343929 A1, the DSA 10 may have a bottom surface disposed on a front surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) or other support substrate 14 and include a two-dimensional (2D) array of conductive tapered protrusions 12 extending away from the front surface of the support substrate 14. FIG. 1 shows a side view of the DSA 10 and illustrates a single row of the 2D array of conductive tapered protrusions 12, while FIG. 2 shows a perspective view depicting the 2D array of conductive tapered protrusions 12. The conductive tapered protrusions 12 can have any type of cross-section (e.g., square as shown, or circular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other). The apex of the protrusions 12 can be flat, or can be a sharp point (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), or can be rounded, or have some other apex geometry. The taper rate as a function of height (i.e., the distance “above” the base of the protrusion at which the apex resides at its maximum “height”) can be constant, such as in the inset example, or the taper rate can vary with height; for example, the taper rate can increase with increasing height to form protrusions with rounded apexes, or decrease with increasing height to form protrusions with more pointed tips. Similarly, a 2D array of conductive tapered protrusions 12 can be a linear array with regular rows and orthogonal regular columns, or the array may have other symmetries, such as hexagonal symmetry, octagonal symmetry, or others. In one illustrative embodiment, the base of each protrusion 12 is a square base and the conductive tapered protrusion 12 has four flat sloping sidewalls, however other sidewall shapes are envisioned, for example, if the base and apex are circular (or the base is circular and the apex is a point), the sidewalls may preferably be sloping or tapered cylindrical, for a hexagonal base and a hexagonal or pointed apex, there may preferably be six sloping sidewalls, etc.The DSA 10 has differential RF receiving (or RF transmitting) elements corresponding to adjacent pairs of conductive tapered protrusions 12. In general, for a linear array of conductive tapered protrusions 12 having N rows (or columns) of conductive tapered protrusions, there will be N-1 corresponding pixels along the rows (or columns).

[0024] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 , attached to the RF aperture 10 are more than one modular analog front-end (MAFE) 20. These MAFEs are attached to sub-elements of the RF aperture 10, and the number of MAFEs 20 can be selected based on the desired antenna count for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation. Each MAFE 20 has amplification and filtering, and may or may not include frequency conversion. The MAFE 20 itself may support multiple operating bands. These operating bands may or may not be contiguous. For example, a MAFE may support 20 MHz channels in the L-band, 40 MHz channels in the S-band, and 100 MHz channels in the C-band, while each band may have its own filters, amplifiers, diplexers (for frequency division duplexing), or transmit-receive switches (for time division duplexing). The MAFEs 20 across the RF aperture 10 need not be identical; however, in some embodiments, there are at least two identical MAFEs 20 within the aperture. Through heterogeneous MAFEs, the aperture is subdivided to support more simultaneous signals. MAFE 20 is preferably located near RF aperture 10 to reduce signal loss, noise, and cost. MAFE 20 is optionally designed to be field replaceable, so the identity of radio 8 can be changed in the field without any cosmetic modifications. This feature advantageously reduces the cost of recertifying a device, as its functionality can be changed without changing its appearance.

[0025] In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 , the MAFE 20 in turn connects to a digital in-phase / quadrature (IQ) board or card 22, which converts analog data to digital data (receive) or digital data to analog data (transmit). The digital IQ board 22 may also perform beamsteering and beamforming, as well as channelization. The outputs and inputs of the digital IQ board 22 are digital I / Q (in-phase and quadrature) data. These data may conform to standardized formats such as enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) or open Radio Access Network (O-RAN). The digital IQ board 22 connects to one or more network cards 24. These network cards 24 may be selected to provide coverage for one, two, or more telecom carriers and / or multi-bands / networks (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.) / waveforms (3GPP®, WiFi, FM, etc.).

[0026] Referring to Figure 3, an assembly diagram of the wideband radio 8 of Figure 1 is shown. As depicted diagrammatically in Figure 3, a digital IQ board or card 22 is also preferably located near the RF aperture 10, reducing cost, weight, and increasing performance. For example, Figure 3 shows a compact arrangement of the RF aperture 10, including a conductive tapered protrusion 12 disposed on a support substrate 14, with the MAFE 20 and digital IQ board or card 22 and network card 24 mounted in close proximity to the backside of the support substrate 14.

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

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

[0029] 4 depicts a multi-tenant 5G / WiFi 6 outdoor network configuration employing four illustrative instances of wideband radios 8, including a pole-mounted wideband radio 8-1, a line-mounted wideband radio 8-2, and an optically mounted multi-panel configuration consisting of two oppositely facing wideband radios 8-3 and 8-4. In FIG. 4, "CU" denotes a centralized unit of the network, while "DU" denotes a distributed unit of the network. Wideband radios 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4 may serve as access points (APs), for example, in the form of cell towers for 5G or other cellular services.

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

[0031] In these examples, as used herein, a “tenant” may be any wireless service, e.g., a 5G wireless cellular service provider, or a local office 5G service, or otherwise. The use of wideband radios 8 with wideband RF apertures 10 that are electronically steerable and operable over a frequency range at least 1 GHz or several gigahertz wide (in some illustrative examples) enables the present unified wireless architecture to serve a wide range of tenants while providing each tenant with flexibility regarding factors such as beam tilt, beam pattern (e.g., width), signal amplitude, and so forth. Wireless communications by multiple tenants operating within different bands with different beam parameters may occur simultaneously using a single aperture. Advantageously, the wideband radios 8 of the example networks of FIGS. 4 and 5 can support both cellular service (e.g., 5G) and WiFi service using the same broadband electronically steerable aperture (e.g., broadband radios 8).

[0032] FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates a network configuration for mobile field operation employing an illustrative instance of the wideband radio 8 of FIGS. 1-3 , where the radio 8 again includes an RF aperture 10 with a conductive tapered protrusion 12 having a bottom surface disposed on the front surface of a support substrate 14, an analog front end 20, a digital IQ board 22 providing analog-to-digital / digital-to-analog conversion, and one or more network cards 24. In mobile field operation for military or covert purposes, the RF communication protocol may be a non-standard protocol employing, for example, specialized encryption, spectrum, and / or spatial agility, and / or the like. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the one or more network cards 24 may optionally comprise one or more specially programmed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) components. As an illustrative example, the wideband radio 8 may, in some non-limiting examples, provide an aperture of 600 MHz to 8 GHz. Illustrative field equipment for such operations may include, by way of example, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, i.e., drone) 30, a notebook computer or other mobile computer 32, various sensors 34, cellular 36, and / or others. As shown diagrammatically on the right side of FIG. 6, a back-end radio unit (RU) 38 may be built using two or more such wideband radios 8 and support various communication protocols, such as gNodeB and 5G Core. Embodiments such as those in FIG. 6 can provide a dedicated 5G network (or other protocol network) with enhanced capabilities, such as frequency agility within the 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) bands, enabling operation in various locales and competitive environments. Spatial agility reduces signatures and enables adaptation to changing spectrum environments.The system provides full auditability of the 5G RU-to-core code, providing a trusted 5G solution that optionally utilizes open standards such as O-RAN, evolved Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI), or others, eliminating vendor lock-in. The system can be 5G core-interchangeable. Multi-gigabit connectivity can be provided to both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and military-customized user equipment, reducing costs, keeping pace with the industry, and providing high-bandwidth capabilities.

[0033] For in-home applications, the disclosed wideband radio 8 with its advanced RF aperture and electronics can be used within a multi-band, steerable 5G network. The DSA 10 facilitates spatial and spectral agility for a compact device, while the microelectronics used within the various components 20, 22, and 24 enable high instantaneous bandwidth exceeding 250 MHz, spanning the entire FR1 band (400 MHz to 7.125 GHz). The 90-degree sector size generates 2 Gbit usable throughput within each quadrant. The use of COTS 5G core and radio access network (RAN) software with open-standard connectivity provides a fast, cost-effective, and auditable 5G solution. The DSA 10's steering capabilities and high channel count (32 / 64) enable massive multi-user MIMO, even within sub-6 GHz bands. The 5G network security architecture provides vetted waveforms and subscriber identity module (SIM)-based authentication to provide and maintain a secure network.

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

[0035] In general, through the use of a suitable Modular Analog Front End (MAFE) 20, Modular Digital IQ board 22, and network card 24 in combination with the DSA 10, the radio 8 can be deployed in a range of applications such as electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), image intelligence (IMINT), command and control such as C4I, TTL, and others. The radio 8 can implement a wideband software defined radio (SDR).

[0036] 4-6 and variations described herein, the wideband radios 8 form a network of access points (APs) 8, each AP 8 including a broadband electronically steerable aperture 10 (e.g., an illustrative DSA 10) and electronics 20, 22, 24 connected to the broadband electronically steerable aperture 10 to receive and transmit wireless messages across multiple different frequency bands, e.g., within the 400 MHz to 30 GHz spectrum range, via the broadband electronically steerable aperture 10. In some embodiments, the multiple different frequency bands may include 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) bands within the 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz spectrum range. In some embodiments, the multiple different frequency bands may include National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) bands within the 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz spectrum range. In some embodiments, the multiple different frequency bands may include 5G bands. In some embodiments, the wireless network supports at least one cellular service, and the APs 8 include cell towers (e.g., cell towers 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4 in the example of FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the wireless network supports at least one office 5G service, and the APs 8 include indoor APs (e.g., indoor APs 8-5 and 8-6 in the example of FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, at least two APs 8 in the network of APs support both cellular (e.g., 5G) and WiFi services using the same broadband electronically steerable aperture (e.g., broadband radio 8). In some embodiments, the electronics 20, 22, 24 include multiple modular analog front ends (MAFEs) 20 that configure the broadband electronically steerable aperture 10 for the respective wireless services.

[0037] Preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A wireless network comprising: Equipped with a network of access points (APs), Each AP is a broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture operable over a frequency range at least 1 GHz wide, said broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a supporting substrate; an electronic device coupled to the broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages over a plurality of different frequency bands via the broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture, the electronic device including a plurality of modular analog front ends (MAFEs) that configure the broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture for distinct wireless services; Including wireless networks.

2. 10. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is coupled to the broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture for receiving and transmitting wireless messages via the broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture across the plurality of different frequency bands within a spectral range of 400 MHz to 30 GHz.

3. The wireless network of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands includes 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) bands in the spectrum range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz.

4. The wireless network of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands includes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) band in the spectrum range of 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz.

5. The wireless network of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the plurality of different frequency bands includes a 5G band.

6. The wireless network of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the wireless network supports at least one cellular service and the AP comprises a cell tower.

7. The wireless network of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the wireless network supports at least one office 5G service and the AP includes an indoor AP.

8. 3. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein at least two APs in the network of APs support both cellular and WiFi services using the same broadband electronically steerable differential segmented aperture.

9. A radio device, a differential segmented aperture (DSA) operable over a frequency range at least 1 GHz wide, the differential segmented aperture (DSA) comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a supporting substrate; a modular analog front end (MAFE) for configuring the DSA for different individual wireless services; an in-phase / quadrature (IQ) substrate; One or more network cards and Equipped with The IQ substrate comprises: (i) converting analog data received from the MAFE into digital data delivered to the one or more network cards in a receive mode of the radio; and / or (ii) converting digital data received from the one or more network cards into analog data delivered to the MAFE in a transmit mode of the radio; a radio configured to perform at least one of the following:

10. 10. The radio of claim 9, wherein the digital IQ board performs at least one of beam steering and / or beam forming.

11. The radio of any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the one or more network cards include multiple network cards providing coverage for multiple radio frequency bands.

12. The radio of any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the one or more network cards include at least one cellular network card and at least one WiFi network card.

13. 13. The radio of claim 12, wherein the at least one cellular network card includes at least one of a 3G network card, a 4G network card, or a 5G network card.

14. 12. The radio of claim 11, wherein the multiple radio frequency bands supported by the MAFE include at least two of channels in an L-band, channels in an S-band, and / or channels in a C-band.

15. 11. The radio of claim 9, wherein the MAFE, the IQ substrate, and the one or more network cards are disposed on a back surface of the support substrate of the DSA opposite a front surface of the support substrate that supports the 2D array of conductive tapered protrusions.

16. 1. A multi-band digital data network infrastructure comprising: Equipped with a network of access points (APs), Each AP includes a differential segmented aperture (DSA) operable over a frequency range at least 1 GHz wide, the DSA comprising a two-dimensional array of conductive tapered protrusions disposed on a support substrate, a modular analog front end (MAFE) that configures the DSA for different individual wireless services, an in-phase / quadrature (IQ) board, and one or more network cards; The network of APs is a multi-band digital data network infrastructure that supports two or more different wireless communication protocols operating within different RF bands.

17. 17. The multi-band digital data network infrastructure of claim 16, wherein each AP of the network supports both cellular and WiFi services using the same DSA.

18. A multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the network of APs forms a network of cell towers for cellular service.

19. A multi-band digital data network infrastructure according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein said network of APs forms a network of APs of an indoor wireless network.

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