DAS Redundancy via Cross-Coupled Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public Safety communication systems face challenges in achieving 99.999% service availability due to the need for full redundancy of components in communication paths, especially in disaster scenarios where reliability and mobility are critical.
Innovation Solution
A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) with cross-coupled connections among Digital Host Units, Digital Distributed Units, and Digital Remote Radios is implemented, utilizing optical communications paths and redundant RF sections to ensure continuous signal transmission and failover capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full redundancy of all components is implemented to achieve 99.999% service availability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DAS system into distinct functional components (host units, distribution units, remote units) with independent redundancy capabilities. Each segment can fail independently while maintaining overall system operation through cross-coupled connections, achieving high availability without requiring complete system redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the system can automatically detect failures and reroute signals through alternative paths using cross-coupled connections. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain service availability without static redundant components everywhere, reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant components and cross-coupled connections are added to ensure continuous signal transmission, then system reliability is improved, but the number of system elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-coupled connections serve multiple functions: they provide redundancy paths, enable dynamic rerouting, and allow flexible signal distribution across the network. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated redundant components, maintaining reliability while controlling the number of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges redundancy functionality into the existing signal distribution architecture through cross-coupled connections rather than adding separate redundant subsystems. This integration achieves continuous signal transmission capability without proportionally increasing the number of system elements.
3Reliability
If self-monitoring and self-healing capabilities are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic failure detection and signal rerouting through self-monitoring mechanisms without requiring external intervention. The cross-coupled connections enable the system to self-heal by automatically detecting failures and switching to alternative paths, improving reliability while minimizing operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high service availability by providing fully redundant, self-monitoring, and self-healing networks, ensuring uninterrupted communication services even in the event of failures, with up to 99.999% availability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of DDUs is in communication with one or more of the DAUs using an optical communications path. Each of the DRUs in one of the plurality of transmit/rereceive cells is in communication with one or more of the plurality of DDUs using an optical communications path
Data Source
AI summary
A redundancy system for data transport in a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) includes a plurality of Digital Access Units (DAUs). Each of the plurality of DAUs is fed by a plurality of data streams and is operable to transport digital signals between others of the plurality of DAUs. The redundancy system also includes a plurality of Digital Distribution Units (DDUs). Each of the plurality of DDUs is in communication with each of the plurality of DAUs using cross connection communication paths. The redundancy system further includes a plurality of Digital Remote Units (DRUs). Each of the plurality of DRUs is in communication with each of the plurality of DDUs using cross connection communications paths.