Streetlight Telecom Support Unit for Obstructed Cellular Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current streetlight controllers and telecommunications systems lack efficient integration of telecommunications support units (TSUs) that can operate as baseband devices, cellular repeaters, or combined units, especially in scenarios where traditional cellular communication is obstructed, and there is a need for smart streetlight control and utility-grade power metering.
Innovation Solution
A streetlight-mountable telecommunications support unit (TSU) that includes a microcontroller for smart streetlight control, utility-grade power metering, and high-bandwidth communication interfaces, enabling bidirectional communication with remote radio heads and the core network, and can be configured as a baseband device, cellular repeater, or combined unit, using standardized powerline interfaces and fiber-optic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cellular communication systems are deployed, then mobile telephony service is provided, but network coverage is obstructed in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telecommunications support unit (TSU) as an intermediary device between the core network and mobile devices in obstructed areas. The TSU includes a receiver that captures cellular signals from remote areas and a transmitter that retransmits these signals locally, acting as a mediator to overcome signal obstruction caused by buildings or terrain features.
Solution Approach 2:
The TSU is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a signal receiver from remote areas and as a local transmitter for mobile devices. This universal device combines baseband unit functionality with repeater capabilities in a single integrated system, allowing it to perform multiple roles simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate baseband units and repeaters are deployed, then comprehensive telecommunications functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of baseband units and repeaters into a single integrated telecommunications support unit. The TSU combines the signal reception capabilities of a repeater with the baseband processing functions in one device, eliminating the need for separate deployed units and simplifying system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The TSU is designed as a universal device that can operate in multiple modes - functioning as a baseband unit, a repeater, or both simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve comprehensive telecommunications functionality without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
3Ease of manufacture
If streetlight infrastructure is utilized for telecommunications, then existing infrastructure is leveraged, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TSU is designed as a universal platform that can be deployed on existing streetlight infrastructure while maintaining standalone functionality. The device integrates with streetlight power and mounting structures but retains independent telecommunications operations, allowing leverage of existing infrastructure without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications (telecom) system includes cellular transceivers, a core network, and at least one streetlight-mountable telecom support unit providing communications connectivity between the cellular transceivers and the core network. The cellular transceivers may be mounted to other streetlights. The telecom support unit includes a housing mountable to streetlight, a powerline interface, and a communication interface. The powerline interface is integrated or configured though a boundary structure of the housing and connectable to a complementary powerline interface of the streetlight. The communication interface provides communicative coupling to one or more of the remote cellular transceivers and may be configured through a second boundary structure of the housing. The telecom support unit may also include a clamp configured to enable mechanical coupling of the housing to a support structure of the streetlight. The telecom support unit may further include a microcontroller arranged to control operations of at least the streetlight.