Optical Fiber Distributed Antenna Localization via Tracking Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed communications systems face challenges in providing accurate location determination for client devices indoors, especially in environments where GPS and triangulation techniques are obstructed, such as buildings, due to poor wireless reception and interference from indoor structures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical fiber-based distributed communications system that uses tracking signals and client device identification information to determine the location of client devices within the system, by correlating the client device's communication with specific components of the system, such as remote antenna units, without splitting or combining tracking signals, ensuring precise location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and triangulation techniques are used for location determination, then location accuracy is improved in outdoor environments, but these techniques become ineffective indoors due to obstruction and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tracking signals as an intermediary mechanism to enable location determination indoors. These signals are transmitted through the optical fiber-based distributed antenna system components (remote antenna units) and serve as a mediator between the client device and the localization service, allowing position tracking without relying on GPS satellites or external triangulation that are blocked by building structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical systems of GPS satellite signals and radio wave triangulation with an optical fiber-based signal distribution system. Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves from satellites or external towers that penetrate buildings, the system uses optical fibers to deliver tracking signals directly to indoor antenna units, substituting a system that works outdoors with one that is engineered for indoor environments
2Area of stationary object
If remote antenna units are distributed throughout a building to extend wireless coverage, then wireless communication coverage is improved, but the ability to determine client location is degraded due to poor wireless reception and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless coverage area into multiple zones, each served by a specific remote antenna unit connected to a particular optical fiber. By tracking which segmented zone (antenna unit) the client device is communicating with, the system can determine location even in the presence of interference, because each segment has a known geographic position and the tracking signal is delivered specifically to that segment's antenna unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tracking signals as an intermediary mechanism to enable location determination indoors. These signals are transmitted through the optical fiber-based distributed antenna system components (remote antenna units) and serve as a mediator between the client device and the localization service, allowing position tracking without relying on GPS satellites or external triangulation that are blocked by building structures
Solution Approach 3:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical systems of GPS satellite signals and radio wave triangulation with an optical fiber-based signal distribution system. Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves from satellites or external towers that penetrate buildings, the system uses optical fibers to deliver tracking signals directly to indoor antenna units, substituting a system that works outdoors with one that is engineered for indoor environments
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracking signals are split and combined in the optical fiber-based system, then signal distribution to multiple antenna units is achieved, but location determination precision is degraded due to loss of signal uniqueness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical fiber-based system into dedicated point-to-point connections between the head-end station and each remote antenna unit. Instead of using a shared medium where signals are split and combined, each antenna unit receives its own dedicated tracking signal through its own optical fiber, maintaining signal uniqueness while achieving distribution to multiple locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional signal distribution approach (splitting and combining signals in a shared medium) to a three-dimensional approach where dedicated optical fibers provide independent signal paths to each antenna unit. This dimensional change in the signal distribution architecture allows each tracking signal to maintain its uniqueness while reaching multiple antenna units through separate physical channels
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 accurate and precise location determination of client devices within indoor environments, supporting services like emergency 911 and enhancing wireless communication coverage by correlating client device identification with specific components of the optical fiber-based system, thereby improving localization services.
Implementation Method 1
the optical interface (OI) is configured to receive and convert the at least one electrical tracking signal into at least one optical tracking signal to be provided to at least one RAU
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical fiber link to provide the downlink optical RF communications signals to the at least one RAU
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fiber-based distributed communications components and systems, and related methods to provide localization services for client devices are disclosed. The localization services allow the providing and/or determination of the location of client devices in communication with a component or components of the optical fiber-based distributed communications system. The location of client devices can be provided and/or determined based on knowledge of the location of the component or components in the optical fiber-based distributed communications system in communication with the client device. This information can be used to determine or provide a more precise area of location or area of location for client devices. The optical fiber-based distributed communications components and systems, and related methods disclosed herein may be well-suited for indoor environments where other methods of providing and/or determining location of client devices may be obstructed or not possible due to the indoor environment.