Distributed Antenna Routing for Shared Multi-Provider Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in extending coverage and increasing capacity without incurring high costs associated with deploying micro/pico cells or distributed antenna systems (DAS), especially in areas with poor RF propagation or aesthetic concerns, and require a system that can accommodate multiple service providers sharing resources efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system (DAS) that allows simultaneous signal distribution between collocated base stations operated by multiple service providers, supporting multiple RF bands, channels, and air interface standards, using a system controller, master units, and remote units connected via high-data-rate media, including digitally modulated optical channels, to optimize coverage and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each service provider deploys micro/pico cells or distributed antenna systems independently to extend coverage and increase capacity, then coverage and capacity are improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple service provider's base station signals into a single distributed antenna system. Multiple base stations from different service providers are merged and their signals are distributed through a common DAS infrastructure, allowing multiple providers to share the same physical infrastructure and thereby reducing deployment costs while maintaining coverage and capacity improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed antenna system is designed to support multiple service providers simultaneously, handling multiple RF bands, multiple channels, and multiple air interface standards (CDMA, UMTS, TDMA, WiMax) through a single universal platform. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each provider.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service providers deploy separate base stations to serve different RF bands and air interface standards, then service versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal base station design that can handle multiple RF bands (e.g., 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz) and multiple air interface standards (CDMA, UMTS, TDMA, WiMax) through a single integrated platform. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated base stations for each service provider and technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic signal routing and switching capabilities to adaptively direct different service provider signals through the distributed antenna system. The system can dynamically reconfigure which base station signals are distributed to which remote units, allowing flexible support for multiple technologies without fixed dedicated paths.
3Reliability
If traditional micro/pico cells are deployed to extend coverage in areas with poor RF propagation, then coverage is improved, but cost and aesthetic restrictions make deployment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coverage extension function of multiple micro/pico cells into a single distributed antenna system. Instead of deploying separate micro/pico cells for each service provider, the system combines their signals and distributes them through a shared infrastructure, reducing the number of individual deployments needed and lowering overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed antenna system acts as an intermediary between the base stations and the end users. It receives signals from multiple base stations and redistributes them through remote units positioned in hard-to-reach areas, effectively extending coverage without requiring direct base station deployment in every location.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A distributed antenna system 50 is provided for communicating with a plurality of base stations 24. The distributed antenna system 50 includes a system controller 52 and a master unit 42 communicating with at least one of the plurality of base stations 24. A remote unit 44 communicates over a high data rate media with the master unit 42 and/or a downstream remote unit 44. Alternatively, the distributed antenna system 50 includes a controller 52 and a digital time/space crosspoint switch 302 controlled by the controller 52. A digitizing transceiver 306 is in communication with the digital time/space crosspoint switch 302. The crosspoint switch 302 is configured to transmit and receive digital data through the digitizing transceiver 306.