Set-Top Box Wireless Signal Distribution via Out-of-Band Coaxial Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless signals have poor penetration through external and internal walls of large structures, leading to inadequate indoor wireless communication coverage, which also affects additional services like text messaging and web connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Facilitating wireless communications by delivering cellular signaling through existing coaxial networks using an out-of-band frequency channel, allowing it to coexist with legacy cable services without consuming additional bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless signals are transmitted through existing coaxial networks, then indoor wireless coverage is improved, but cable bandwidth capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an out-of-band frequency channel (860-1000 MHz) that operates in a different frequency dimension from traditional cable services (below 860 MHz). This dimensional separation allows cellular signaling to coexist with legacy cable services on the same coaxial infrastructure without consuming additional bandwidth in the traditional frequency range, effectively resolving the bandwidth capacity conflict while improving indoor wireless coverage
2Reliability
If cellular signaling is transmitted through coaxial networks, then indoor wireless signaling coverage is improved, but interference with legacy cable services may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cellular signaling transmission into a separate out-of-band frequency channel (860-1000 MHz) that is distinct from the legacy cable service frequency range (below 860 MHz). This extraction ensures that cellular signaling can be delivered through the coaxial network without interfering with existing cable services, as the two signals operate in separate frequency domains
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box serves as an intermediary device that receives cellular signaling through the coaxial network and converts it to wireless signals for indoor distribution. This intermediary approach allows the system to leverage existing coaxial infrastructure for cellular signal delivery while preventing direct interference between cellular and cable signals through frequency separation
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
Enhances indoor wireless coverage and service availability by leveraging existing coaxial infrastructure without requiring significant changes to the legacy cable network, ensuring reliable communication within buildings.
Implementation Method 1
converted to an electrical signaling format
Implementation Method 2
cellular signaling is carried through the coaxial network, not allowing it to leak, within a portion of spectrum that is out-of-band from the current cable-services signaling
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating wireless communications over a coaxial network coupled to a wireless communications network. The system comprises one or more set-top boxes capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications, one or more converting devices capable of converting between optical signaling and electrical signaling, and a base transceiver station coupled to one or more communications networks. One method comprises providing a set-top box capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications and providing for the communication of data through an out-of-band frequency channel. Another method comprises providing a set-top box physically coupled to a coaxial network and wireless network by a communications line having an out-of-band frequency channel, receiving a request to establish communications, and logically coupling two endpoints.