Software-Defined Distributed Antenna Reconfiguration for Indoor Positioning
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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 services.
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 for flexible simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, and enhanced indoor location determination, allowing dynamic adjustment of radio resources and efficient use of optical fiber bandwidth.
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 allowing the system to change system configuration based on time of day and usage information. The network switch enables dynamic allocation of radio resources to different DAS remote units, transforming the static base station deployment into a dynamic system that adapts to varying subscriber loads throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by reconfiguring which DAS remote units are active and how radio resources are allocated to them. The network switch modifies system configuration parameters based on usage patterns, enabling the same physical infrastructure to serve different numbers of subscribers at different times without wasting capacity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional fixed DAS is deployed with remote units set up during design process, then initial deployment is simplified, but the system requires frequent manual reconfiguration when enterprise re-organizations occur, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed DAS into a dynamic system where the network switch can automatically or manually reconfigure radio resource allocation to DAS remote units based on changing enterprise needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to re-organizations without requiring physical redeployment of infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch serves multiple functions: it manages radio resources dynamically, supports different enterprise organizational structures, and provides both automated and manual reconfiguration capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse operational scenarios without requiring specialized equipment for each situation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed using network switches, then adaptability to changing needs is improved, but deployment of additional staff resources for real-time management is required, increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated reconfiguration capabilities where the system can autonomously adjust radio resource allocation to DAS remote units based on usage information and time of day. This self-service capability reduces or eliminates the need for manual intervention by staff, allowing the system to adapt to changing needs automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor usage patterns and automatically adjust resource allocation accordingly. By continuously gathering information about subscriber loads and enterprise needs, the system can make informed reconfiguration decisions without requiring constant manual oversight.
4Measurement precision
If separate dedicated devices are deployed for indoor location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the DAS remote units to perform multiple functions: they provide both wireless communication services and indoor location determination capabilities. By integrating location determination into the existing DAS infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the location determination function with the existing DAS remote units. Instead of deploying separate devices for location tracking, the patent combines this functionality into the communication infrastructure itself, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the same measurement objectives.
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.