Coaxial Cable Network Frequency Conversion for Indoor Wireless Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular communication networks face challenges in efficiently serving wireless devices indoors due to limited bandwidth utilization in coaxial cable networks, which are underutilized but not compatible with high-frequency radio access technologies like LTE and WCDMA without requiring significant infrastructure changes.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes existing coaxial cable networks by identifying available Intermediate Frequencies (IFs) and configuring radio head apparatuses to use specific communication Radio Frequencies (RFs) and IF bands for wireless communication, enabling flexible and scalable data transmission between Radio Access Networks (RAN) and wireless devices, while coexisting with other communication technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high-frequency radio access technologies like LTE and WCDMA are implemented in coaxial cable networks, then wireless communication capacity and speed are improved, but infrastructure changes and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication speedVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary frequency conversion mechanism that translates high-frequency LTE/WCDMA radio signals to lower intermediate frequencies suitable for coaxial cable transmission. This mediator approach allows the network to support advanced radio access technologies while using existing coaxial infrastructure, avoiding the need for complete infrastructure replacement while enabling higher wireless communication speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes frequency parameters by converting radio frequencies (RF) to intermediate frequencies (IF) that match the coaxial cable network's operational range. This parameter transformation enables compatibility between high-speed radio access technologies and legacy coaxial infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between speed improvement and infrastructure complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If existing coaxial cable networks are utilized for wireless communication, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but bandwidth utilization and communication capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure deployment easeVSAvoidavailable bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum by dividing it into multiple intermediate frequency bands that can be independently allocated and managed. This segmentation allows the system to fully exploit the available bandwidth of existing coaxial cable networks by utilizing multiple frequency segments simultaneously, thereby increasing overall communication capacity without requiring new infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system makes the existing coaxial cable network multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional cable services and wireless communication traffic through frequency conversion. This universal approach allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, effectively increasing the quantity of available bandwidth for wireless communication while maintaining ease of deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio access technologies are supported simultaneously, then system versatility is improved, but frequency management and coordination complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-technology supportVSAvoidfrequency management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves frequency management complexity by adding a frequency conversion dimension. Instead of managing multiple radio access technologies at the same radio frequency level (which would be complex), the system translates them all to the intermediate frequency dimension suitable for coaxial transmission. This dimensional transformation simplifies frequency coordination while maintaining support for multiple radio access technologies like LTE and WCDMA

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10447548B2Methods and arrangements relating to communication between a radio access network and wireless devices

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A head-end system and radio head apparatuses are connected to a cable network for wired transmission of radio signals. The head-end system obtains information identifying available IFs, and receives, from a RAN, information identifying communication RFs. The head-end system sends, to the radio head apparatuses, configuration instructions. The head-end system communicates data between the RAN and said radio head apparatuses, via broadcast of one or more radio signals in the cable network, located within the one or more communication IF bands. The radio head apparatuses communicate the data between the head-end system and wireless devices, via the cable network and wirelessly to/from the wireless devices using the communication RFs.