Remotely reconfigurable distributed antenna system and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in managing varying subscriber loads, optimizing radio resource usage, and achieving indoor location accuracy, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for frequent reconfiguration and separate dedicated devices for location determination.
Innovation Solution
A Reconfigurable Distributed Antenna System employing software-defined radio technology with frequency-selective Digital Up-Converters and Down-Converters, integrated Pilot Beacons, and a central Digital Access Unit to dynamically manage radio resources, optimize network performance, and enhance indoor location accuracy without the need for additional dedicated devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many low-power high-capacity base stations are deployed throughout the facility to accommodate maximum subscriber loading, then quality of service is improved, but total life cycle cost increases due to wasted capacity during low-usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of DAS remote units by changing system configuration based on time of day and usage patterns. The network can dynamically add or remove remote units from the system, and dynamically change which base station radio resources are assigned to which DAS remote units, allowing capacity to match actual demand rather than remaining fixed at maximum levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal DAS system where a single reconfigurable network infrastructure can serve multiple functions and multiple enterprise organizations. The system can be reconfigured to serve different groups of users at different times, making the infrastructure universally applicable rather than dedicated to a single fixed configuration, thereby reducing the need for separate base stations for each potential usage scenario
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional fixed DAS is deployed with remote units set up during design process, then initial configuration is established, but the system requires frequent manual reconfiguration when enterprise re-organizations occur, increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed DAS into a dynamic reconfigurable system where remote units can be automatically added, removed, or reassigned based on current enterprise needs. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration during organizational changes, as the system can adapt automatically through software-controlled resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the DAS system to self-reconfigure through automated resource management. When enterprise re-organizations occur, the system can automatically adjust remote unit assignments and base station resource allocations without requiring deployment of additional staff resources, making the system self-sufficient in adapting to changing conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed using network switches, then location and quantity of remote units can be changed, but additional staff resources are required for real-time management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated resource management where the DAS system itself performs the reconfiguration tasks that previously required manual staff intervention. The system can automatically manage remote unit locations and quantities, allocate base station resources, and adapt to changing enterprise needs without human involvement, thereby eliminating the need for additional staff resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of physical remote unit reconfiguration with automated software-controlled electronic reconfiguration. Instead of physically moving or connecting hardware components manually, the system uses software to dynamically allocate and reassign resources, substituting automated electronic control for manual mechanical operations
4Measurement precision
If separate dedicated devices are deployed for indoor location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the location determination function with the existing DAS infrastructure by integrating pilot beacon capabilities into the DAS remote units. Instead of deploying separate dedicated devices for location determination, the system merges multiple functions (wireless distribution and location tracking) into a single integrated platform, thereby improving location accuracy without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional DAS system where the same infrastructure that provides wireless signal distribution also performs location determination. The DAS remote units serve dual purposes: distributing wireless signals and transmitting pilot beacons for location tracking, making the system universally capable of multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is a novel utility of a software defined radio (SDR) based Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that is field reconfigurable and support multi-modulation schemes (modulation-independent), multi-carriers, multi-frequency bands and multi-channels. The present disclosure enables a high degree of flexibility to manage, control, enhance, facilitate the usage and performance of a distributed wireless network such as flexible simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, network and radio resource optimization, network calibration, autonomous/assisted commissioning, carrier pooling, automatic frequency selection, frequency carrier placement, traffic monitoring, traffic tagging, pilot beacon, etc.