Multi-Range Distributed Antenna System Using Shared Optical Fiber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed antenna systems require significant investment and time to add new frequency ranges, as they need new equipment and cabling for each range, making it costly and inefficient to expand.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system that uses shared optical fibers to simultaneously communicate RF signals and millimeter wave signals across different frequency ranges, allowing for the co-location of components and reuse of existing cabling, with a common DC power source for efficient indoor architecture supporting all ranges below 6 GHz and millimeter wave ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new frequency ranges are added to distributed antenna systems, then communication versatility is improved, but system cost and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal distributed antenna system where a single optical fiber infrastructure supports multiple frequency ranges (sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave). The system uses frequency-division multiplexing to transmit different frequency signals over the same optical fiber, eliminating the need for separate cabling for each frequency range and enabling one system to perform multiple communication functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate distributed antenna systems for sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave into a single integrated system. By merging the optical fiber infrastructure and co-locating antenna elements, the system reduces redundant components and achieves economies of scale, where shared resources lower the overall cost and complexity of supporting multiple frequency ranges
2Adaptability or versatility
If new frequency ranges are added to distributed antenna systems, then communication versatility is improved, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary installation of optical fiber infrastructure that is designed to accommodate future frequency range expansions. The optical fiber is installed with sufficient capacity and routing flexibility to support additional frequency ranges without requiring new cabling, allowing rapid deployment when new frequency support is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The universal optical fiber infrastructure serves multiple frequency ranges simultaneously, meaning the initial installation creates a platform that can support sub-6 GHz, millimeter wave, and future frequency ranges without additional installation work. This multi-functional design eliminates repeated installation cycles for each frequency range addition
3Reliability
If separate systems are installed for different frequency ranges, then frequency-specific performance is optimized, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate frequency-specific systems into a unified distributed antenna system that shares optical fiber infrastructure, power supply, and control mechanisms. This consolidation reduces redundant resource consumption while maintaining frequency-specific performance through signal separation techniques at the antenna level
4Reliability
If separate cabling is installed for each frequency range, then signal integrity is maintained, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical cabling with optical fiber technology that can carry multiple frequency ranges simultaneously. The optical fiber acts as a universal transmission medium that substitutes for multiple separate electrical cables, reducing material consumption while maintaining signal integrity through optical signal isolation and frequency-division multiplexing
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
Enables efficient expansion of communication systems by reusing existing components and cabling, providing similar coverage areas across different frequency ranges without the need for new installations, reducing costs and time, and supporting 'low-band', 'mid-band', and 'millimeter wave' communication effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The distributed antenna system can use one or more shared optical fibers to simultaneously communicate both RF signals and millimeter wave signals in different ranges between network devices and mobile devices
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-range communication system is provided that can be expanded to support communications using both RF signals and millimeter wave signals without having to install entirely new systems to support communication of the signals. The communication system can use one or more shared optical fibers to simultaneously communicate both RF signals and millimeter wave signals in different ranges between network devices and mobile devices. The communication system permits the co-location of components for the communication system for the different ranges, which can result in substantially similar coverage areas for each of the ranges supported by the communication system. In addition, the corresponding equipment used for communicating signals in each of the ranges can be powered from a common DC power source. The supplied power can be configured for each piece of equipment, and corresponding range, such that the substantially similar coverage areas are obtained.