Donor Remote Unit for Distributed Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed antenna systems face challenges in efficiently communicating RF signals between base stations and terminal devices, particularly in areas with fewer terminal devices, leading to increased costs and the need for additional base stations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a donor remote unit that can receive and transmit RF signals in various frequency bands, acting as an RF link between base stations and terminal devices, reducing the need for separate repeaters and allowing for flexible configuration and device-to-device communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional base stations are deployed to improve coverage in areas with fewer terminal devices, then coverage reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a base station for terminal devices in its coverage area, simultaneously functions as a repeater to receive and forward signals from the original base station, and enables device-to-device communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate base stations and repeaters, reducing system cost while maintaining coverage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of a base station and a repeater into a single remote unit. The remote unit integrates the signal receiving capability from the original base station with the signal forwarding capability to terminal devices, merging what were previously separate components into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity and cost.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional repeaters are used to extend base station coverage, then coverage area is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote unit performs multiple functions including acting as a base station for local terminal devices, functioning as a repeater to receive and forward signals from the original base station, and enabling device-to-device communication. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single device reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate repeaters and base stations.
3Reliability
If separate base stations and repeaters are deployed, then signal coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of base stations and repeaters into a single remote unit that can be deployed and configured as a unified component. This integration simplifies deployment and operation compared to managing separate base stations and repeaters, while still providing comprehensive signal coverage through the combined functionality of the remote unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote unit of a distributed antenna system is disclosed that can communicate analog RF signals with both base stations and terminal devices in a coverage zone serviced by the remote unit. In some aspects, the remote unit can include a signal processing module and a transceiver. The transceiver can communicate RF signals between a master unit of the distributed antenna system and a terminal device. The transceiver can also receive analog downlink RF signals from a base station. The signal processing module can convert the analog downlink RF signals to digital downlink signals and provide the digital downlink signals to the master unit.