Free-Space Optical Links for Distributed Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary distributed antenna systems for high-profile events face challenges in coverage and capacity, requiring complex and costly installations that are not economically viable for operators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of free-space-optics (FSO) links in distributed communications systems, which can replace traditional physical cable links, simplifying and economizing temporary installations by eliminating installation obstacles associated with physical cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical cable links are used in distributed antenna systems, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly for temporary deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based transmission system with a free-space optical transmission system. Instead of using physical cables to transmit signals, the system uses optical beams transmitted through the air space between distributed antenna units, thereby eliminating the need for complex cable routing and physical connections during temporary installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (air space) for signal transmission. By using free-space optical transmission, the system transmits signals through the air rather than through solid cable media, allowing for flexible temporary deployments without the constraints of physical cable infrastructure.
2Reliability
If physical cable infrastructure is deployed for temporary events, then coverage requirements are met, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes mechanical cable installation with optical beam transmission. This replacement eliminates the time-consuming processes of cable laying, connecting, and routing, allowing for rapid deployment of distributed antenna systems for temporary events while maintaining reliable coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the distributed antenna system. Since the system uses free-space optical transmission rather than fixed cable infrastructure, antenna units can be dynamically positioned and repositioned as event requirements change, providing flexible coverage without the constraints of permanent cable installation.
3Reliability
If teams of installation professionals are deployed, then coverage and capacity requirements are satisfied, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical cable installation systems with simpler optical transmission components. This substitution reduces the skill level and number of installation professionals required, as the free-space optical system eliminates the need for specialized cable splicing, routing, and connection expertise, thereby reducing installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex cable infrastructure from the installation process. By eliminating the need for physical cable deployment, the system reduces the scope of installation work required, allowing smaller teams with fewer specialized skills to deploy the system while maintaining coverage and capacity requirements.
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
FSO links facilitate easier and more economical temporary installations by eliminating the need for physical cabling, enhancing the ease and efficiency of setting up communications paths between central and remote units, thereby addressing the economic and logistical challenges of temporary distributed antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more links of a communications path located between a central unit and a remote unit include FSO provided by one or more FSO components
Data Source
AI summary
Distributed communications systems employing one or more free-space-optics (FSO) links, and related components and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a distributed communications system is provided in which one or more links of a communications path located between a central unit and a remote unit include FSO provided by one or more FSO components. The FSO component(s) can replace optical fiber (or copper) cable assembly and the associated electrical/optical and optical/electrical converter circuitry. Note that FSO and fiber cable links may be used in a mixed fashion depending on the particular requirements of a given installation project for a distributed communications system. Use of such FSO components may allow temporary installations to be effectuated with greater ease and more economically since physical cable is not required for the FSO portion of the communications path. Likewise, installation obstacles associated with physical cable may be eliminated for portion of the communications paths that employ FSO.