Distributed Antenna System Link Configuration Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring communication transport links in a distributed antenna system (DAS) is challenging due to the complexity and size of the system, making hardware-based solutions impractical and costly, and difficult to modify post-deployment without disrupting service.
Innovation Solution
A configuration module determines signal characteristics such as frequency occupancy and digital bandwidth, and hardware capabilities like available bandwidth, to generate a plan for configuring communication transport links, allowing for flexible assignment of signals across links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hardware-based solutions (RF switches and switching matrix) are used to assign signals to communication transport links, then the DAS can be configured, but the system becomes impractical and costly as the size and complexity of the DAS increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based switching system (RF switches and switching matrix) with a software-based configuration system. The master unit includes a configuration module that automatically generates transport link assignments based on signal characteristics and system requirements, eliminating the need for physical hardware switching mechanisms and reducing system complexity as the DAS scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration module automatically performs the assignment of signals to transport links by determining signal characteristics (frequency occupancy, digital bandwidth, coverage zone) and generating the configuration plan without requiring manual hardware configuration. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for technicians to manually set up hardware switches and reduces deployment time.
2Ease of manufacture
If hardware-based solutions are used for signal assignment, then the DAS can be configured, but modifying the configuration subsequent to deployment is difficult and impossible to complete while allowing the DAS to continue to function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the master unit can recalculate and reassign transport link assignments in real-time based on changing system requirements or signal characteristics. The configuration module generates new assignment plans that can be applied without interrupting DAS operation, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining continuous service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables configuration changes to be made while the DAS continues to operate without interruption. The configuration module can generate and apply new transport link assignments during normal operation, ensuring continuous signal transmission and maintaining service continuity throughout the reconfiguration process.
3Quantity of substance
If the DAS size and complexity increases, then more remote antenna units can be supported, but hardware-based solutions become impractical and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based configuration mechanisms with software-based automation that scales efficiently. The configuration module automatically determines signal characteristics and generates transport link assignments for any number of remote antenna units without requiring proportional increases in hardware complexity, enabling the system to scale from small to large deployments cost-effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration module serves as a universal solution that handles configuration for any size of DAS deployment. Rather than requiring different hardware configurations for different system sizes, the software-based module adapts to accommodate any number of remote antenna units using the same fundamental approach, reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual hardware configuration is used, then the DAS can be set up, but the process is time-consuming and lacks flexibility in accounting for system changes
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration module automatically performs the entire configuration process by determining signal characteristics (frequency occupancy, digital bandwidth, coverage zone) and generating transport link assignments without requiring manual intervention. This self-configuration capability dramatically reduces deployment time and eliminates the need for technicians to manually configure each transport link.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs configuration calculations and generates assignment plans in advance before actual deployment. The configuration module can determine optimal transport link assignments based on predicted signal characteristics and system requirements, allowing the DAS to be deployed more quickly without sacrificing optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for developing a configuration plan for communication transport links of a distributed antenna system are provided. The distributed antenna system includes a unit communicating with remote antenna units over the communication transport links. The unit receives signals from base stations. Characteristics of each of the signals are determined. The characteristics include, for each signal, a frequency occupancy, a digital bandwidth, and a coverage zone to which to provide the signal. The frequency occupancy includes the minimum frequency component and the maximum frequency component of the signal. The digital bandwidth is a bandwidth for communicating the signal via the communication transport links. A hardware capability of the distributed antenna system, such as a respective available bandwidth for each communication transport link, is also determined. The configuration plan for transporting the digital representations of the signals is determined based on the hardware capability and the characteristics of the signals.