Distributed Antenna Host Unit Concurrent RF and Ethernet Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in efficiently transporting cellular radio frequency (RF) signals and Ethernet signals over existing Ethernet networks, often requiring costly installations of coaxial or fiber optic cables due to bandwidth limitations of twisted pair cables.
Innovation Solution
A host unit for a DAS that utilizes twisted pair cables to concurrently transport cellular RF signals and Ethernet signals, with the ability to configure for either a single cellular RF band or dual cellular RF bands, allowing for simultaneous communication of RF and Ethernet signals without interfering with each other's frequency spectrum, thereby leveraging existing Ethernet infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If twisted pair cables are used to transport cellular RF signals, then cost is reduced by leveraging existing Ethernet infrastructure, but bandwidth limitations prevent concurrent transport of multiple RF bands and Ethernet signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the available frequency spectrum into separate non-overlapping segments: one segment for cellular RF signals (e.g., 700 MHz band) and another segment for Ethernet signals (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). This frequency segmentation allows multiple signal types to coexist on the same twisted pair cable without interference, resolving the bandwidth capacity limitation while maintaining cost effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-division multiplexing to frequency-division multiplexing, adding a frequency dimension to the signal transport. By operating RF signals and Ethernet signals in different frequency dimensions simultaneously, the system overcomes the bandwidth limitation of twisted pair cables and enables concurrent transport of multiple signal types.
2Quantity of substance
If coaxial or fiber optic cables are installed to transport multiple RF bands and Ethernet signals, then bandwidth capacity is sufficient, but installation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the twisted pair cable universal by enabling it to transport multiple types of signals (cellular RF bands and Ethernet signals) simultaneously through frequency-division multiplexing. This eliminates the need for separate cable installations for different signal types, reducing overall installation cost while maintaining sufficient bandwidth capacity for multiple RF bands and Ethernet services.
3Productivity
If frequency spectrum is shared between RF signals and Ethernet signals, then cable utilization is improved, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different frequency quality characteristics to different signal types: lower frequency bands (e.g., 700 MHz) for cellular RF signals and higher frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) for Ethernet signals. This local quality differentiation in the frequency domain allows high cable utilization while preventing signal interference between RF and Ethernet transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a host unit for a distributed antenna system. The host unit includes a first radio access network (RAN) interface module to communicate with a RAN node. The host unit also includes a distribution module configured to distribute transport signals between one or more downstream RJ45 connectors and the first RAN interface module. One or more non-permanent connectors are included to couple the distribution module to a second RAN interface module and one or more upstream RJ45 jacks. The one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are configured to pass Ethernet signals therethrough. The distribution module is configured to couple a downlink portion of the first transport signals and either a downlink portion of the second transport signals or a downlink Ethernet signal from one of the upstream RJ45 jacks to a first twisted pair cable connected to one of one or more downstream RJ45 jacks.