Host node device and methods for use therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As smartphones and other portable devices become more and more universal, and data usage increases, macrocell base station devices and existing wireless infrastructure in turn require greater bandwidth capacity in order to address the increased demand To provide additional mobile bandwidth, small cell implementation is pursued, with micro-cells and peak-cells that provide coverage for much smaller areas than traditional macro cells.

In addition, most homes and businesses have grown to rely on broadband data access for services such as voice, video and Internet browsing, etc. Broadband access networks include satellite, 4G or 5G wireless networks, power line, fiber optic, cable, and telephone communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will now be made to the attached figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a guided wave communications system according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a transmission device according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 3 is a graphic diagram illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of an electromagnetic field distribution according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 4 is a graphic diagram illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of an electromagnetic field distribution according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 5A is a graphic diagram illustrating a non-limiting modality, for example of a frequency response according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 5B is a graphic diagram illustrating non-limiting modalities, for example of a longitudinal cross-section of an insulated wire representing electromagnetic wave fields guided at different operating frequencies according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 6 is a graphical diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of an electromagnetic field distribution according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of an arc coupler according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of an arc coupler according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 9A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a fragment coupler according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 9B is a diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of an electromagnetic distribution according to different aspects described herein.

Figures 10A and 10B are block diagrams illustrating non-limiting embodiments, for example of couplers and transceivers according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of a double fragment coupler according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of a repeater system according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 13 illustrates a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a bidirectional repeater according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting embodiment, for example of a waveguide system according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a guided wave communications system according to different aspects described herein.

Figures 16A and 16B are block diagrams illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a system for managing a power grid communication system in accordance with different aspects described herein.

Figure 17A illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting mode, an example of a method for detecting and mitigating disturbances that occur in a communication network of the system of Figures 16A and 16B.

Figure 17B illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting mode, for example of a method for detecting and mitigating disturbances that occur in a communication network of the system of Figures 16A and 16B.

Figure 18A illustrates a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a communication system according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18B illustrates a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a network termination according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18C illustrates a graphical diagram illustrating an example non-limiting modality of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18D illustrates a graphical diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18E illustrates a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a host node device according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18F illustrates a block and pictorial combination diagram illustrating an example non-limiting mode of downstream data flow according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18G illustrates a block and pictorial combination diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of an upstream data flow according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 18H illustrates a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a client node device according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 19A illustrates a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of an access point repeater according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 19B illustrates a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a mini-repeater according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 19C illustrates a block and pictorial combination diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a mini-repeater according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 19D illustrates a graphical diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein.

Figures 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D illustrate flow charts of exemplary non-limiting modalities of methods according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 21 is a block diagram of a non-limiting mode, for example of a computing environment according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 22 is a block diagram of a non-limiting mode, for example of a mobile network platform according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 23 is a block diagram of a non-limiting embodiment, for example of a communication device according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 24A is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a communication system according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 24B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the communication nodes of the communication system of Figure 24A in accordance with different aspects described herein.

Figures 24C and 24D are block diagrams illustrating exemplary non-limiting embodiments of a communication node of the communication system of Figure 24A in accordance with different aspects described herein.

Figure 25A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting modality of downlink and uplink communication techniques to allow a base station to communicate with the communication nodes of Figure 24A according to different aspects described in the present.

Figure 25B is a block diagram 2520 illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a communication node according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 25C is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a communication node according to different aspects described herein.

Figures 25D, 25E, 25F, and 25G are graphical diagrams illustrating exemplary non-limiting modalities of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 25H is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a transmitter according to different aspects described herein.

Figure 251 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a receiver according to different aspects described herein.

Figures 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, 26F, 26G, 26H, 261, 26J and 26K are flowcharts of example non-limiting modalities of methods according to different aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more modalities are now described with reference to the figures, where similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar elements at all times. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, several details are set forth in order to provide a complete understanding of the different modalities. It is clear, however, that different modalities can be practiced without these details (and without referring to any particular norm or environment in a particular network).

In one embodiment, a guided wave communication system is presented to send and receive communication signals such as data or other signaling through guided electromagnetic waves. Guided electromagnetic waves include, for example, surface waves or other electromagnetic waves that bind to or are guided by a transmission medium. It will be appreciated that a variety of transmission media with guided wave communications can be used without departing from exemplary embodiments. Examples of these transmission means may include one or more of the following, either separately or in one or more combinations: wires, either insulated or not, and either one wire or multiple wires; conductors of other shapes or configurations that include bundles of wires, cables, rods, rails, tubes; non-conductive such as dielectric tubes, rods, rails, or other dielectric members; combinations of conductors and dielectric materials; or other means of transmitting guided waves.

The induction of guided electromagnetic waves in a transmission medium may be independent of any electrical potential, charge or current that is injected or otherwise transmitted through the transmission medium as part of an electrical circuit. For example, in the case where the transmission medium is a wire, it will be appreciated that while a small current can be formed in the wire in response to the propagation of the guided waves along the wire, this can be due to the propagation of the electromagnetic wave along the wire surface, and it is not formed in response to electrical potential, charge or current that is injected into the wire as part of an electrical circuit. Electromagnetic waves that travel on the wire therefore do not require a circuit to propagate along the wire surface. Therefore the wire is a single wire transmission line that is not part of a circuit. Also, in some embodiments, a wire is not necessary, and electromagnetic waves can propagate along a single-line transmission medium that is not a wire.

More generally, "guided electromagnetic waves or" guided waves "as described by the description are affected by the presence of a physical object that is at least a part of the transmission medium (eg, a bare wire or other conductor, a dielectric, an insulated wire, a conduit or other hollow element, an insulated wire package that is coated, covered or circled by a dielectric or insulator or other wire package, or other form of solid transmission medium, liquid or otherwise non-gaseous) to be joined at least partially to or guided by the physical object and to propagate along a transmission path of the physical object. This physical object can operate as at least a part of a transmission means that guides, by means of an interface of the transmission means (for example, an external surface, internal surface, an interior portion between the external and internal surface or other limit between elements of the transmission medium), the propagation of guided electromagnetic waves, which in turn can transport energy, data and / or other signals along the transmission path of a sending device to a receiving device.

Unlike the spread in the free space of wireless signals such as unguided (or loose) electromagnetic waves that decrease in intensity inversely by the square of the distance traveled by unguided electromagnetic waves, guided electromagnetic waves can propagate at along a transmission medium with less loss in magnitude per unit distance than what was experienced by unguided electromagnetic waves.

In contrast to electrical signals, guided electromagnetic waves can propagate from an emitting device to a receiving device without requiring an electrical return path, separated between the emitting device and the receiving device. As a consequence, guided electromagnetic waves can be propagated from a sending device to a receiving device along a transmission medium that has no conductive component (for example, a dielectric strip), or by a transmission medium that has no more of an individual conductor (for example, an individual bare wire or insulated wire). Even if a transmission medium includes one or more conductive components and the guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium generate currents that flow in the one or more conductive components in a direction of the guided electromagnetic waves, These guided electromagnetic waves can propagate along the transmission medium of a sending device to a receiving device without requiring a flow of opposing comments on an electrical return path between the sending device and the receiving device.

In a non-limiting illustration, consider electrical systems that transmit and receive electrical signals between emitting and receiving devices by means of conductive means. These systems generally depend on electrically separate round-trip routes. For example, consider a coaxial cable that has a central conductor and a grounded shield that is separated by an insulator. Conventionally, in an electrical system, a first terminal of the sending device (or receiver) can be connected to the central conductor, and a second terminal of the sending device (or receiver) can be connected to the grounded shield. If the emitting device injects an electrical signal into the central conductor through the first terminal, the electrical signal will propagate along the central conductor, causing LED currents in the central conductor, and return currents in the grounded shield. The same conditions apply for a two-terminal receiving device.

In contrast, consider a guided wave communication system as described in the description, which can use different modes of a transmission medium (including, among others, a coaxial cable) to transmit and receive guided electromagnetic waves without a return path. electric In one embodiment, for example, the guided wave communication system of the description can be configured to induce guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along an external surface of a coaxial cable. Although guided electromagnetic waves will cause forward currents in the grounded shield, guided electromagnetic waves do not require return currents to allow guided electromagnetic waves to propagate along the outer surface of the coaxial cable. The same can be said of other transmission means used by a guided wave communication system for the transmission and reception of guided electromagnetic waves. For example, guided electromagnetic waves induced by the guided wave communication system on an outer surface of a bare wire, or an insulated wire can propagate along the length of the bare wire or the insulated wire without an electrical return path.

In consecuense, Electrical systems that require two or more conductors to carry day and reverse currents in separate conductors to allow the propagation of electrical signals injected by a emitting device are distinct from guided wave systems that can induce guided electromagnetic waves over an interface of a medium. of transmission without the need for an electrical return path to allow propagation of electromagnetic waves guided along the interface of the transmission medium.

It is further noted that guided electromagnetic waves as described in the description may have an electromagnetic field structure that is primarily or substantially outside a transmission means to be joined or guided by the transmission means and to propagate non-trivial distances. on or along an external surface of the transmission medium. In other embodiments, the guided electromagnetic waves may have an electromagnetic field structure that is primarily or substantially within a transmission medium so that they are joined or guided by the transmission medium and for propagating nontrivial distances within the transmission medium. In other embodiments, guided electromagnetic waves may have an electromagnetic field structure that is primarily inside and partially outside a transmission medium so that they are joined or guided by the transmission medium and to propagate non-trivial distances along the medium of transmission. The desired electromagnetic field structure in one mode may vary based on a variety of factors, including the desired transmission distance, the characteristics of the transmission medium itself, and environmental conditions / characteristics outside the transmission medium (e.g., presence of rain, fog, atmospheric conditions, etc.).

Different modalities described herein refer to coupling devices, which may be referred to as "waveguide coupling devices," waveguide couplers "or more simply as" couplers "," coupling devices "or "Launchers" for launching and / or extracting electromagnetic waves guided to and from a transmission medium at millimeter wave frequencies (for example 30 to 300 GHz, wherein the wavelength may be small compared to one or more dimensions of the coupling device and / or the transmission medium such as the circumference of a wire or other cross-sectional dimension, or lower microwave frequencies such as 300MHz at 30GHz Transmissions can be generated to propagate as waves guided by a coupling device, such as: a strip, arc or other length of dielectric material; a horn, monopole, rod, slot or other antenna; an array of antennas; magnetic resonant cavity, or other resonant coupler; a coil, a strip line, a waveguide or other coupling device. In operation, the coupling device receives an electromagnetic wave from a transmitter or transmission medium. The electromagnetic field structure of the electromagnetic wave can be transported within the coupling device, outside the coupling device or some combination thereof. When the coupling device is in close proximity to a transmission medium, at least a portion of an electromagnetic wave is coupled to or attached to the transmission medium, and continues to propagate as guided electromagnetic waves. Reciprocally, a coupling device can extract guided waves from a transmission medium and transfer these electromagnetic waves to a receiver.

According to an example embodiment, a surface wave is a type of guided wave that is guided by a surface of a transmission medium, such as an outer or outer surface of the wire, or another surface of the wire that is adjacent to or exposed to another type of medium that has different properties (for example, dielectric properties). Certainly, in an exemplary embodiment, a surface of the wire that guides a surface wave can represent a transition surface between two different types of media. For example, in the case of a bare or uninsulated wire, the surface of the wire may be the outer or outer conductive surface of the bare or uninsulated wire that is exposed to air or free space. As another example, in the case of insulated wire, the surface of the wire can be the conductive portion of the wire that meets the insulating portion of the wire, or it can be otherwise the insulating surface of the wire that is exposed to air or space free, or it may be otherwise any region of material between the insulating surface of the wire and the conductive portion of the wire that meets the insulating portion of the wire, depending on the relative differences in the properties (for example, dielectric properties) of the insulator, air, and / or the conductor and also dependent on the frequency and mode or modes of propagation of the guided wave.

According to an example embodiment, the term "around" a wire or other transmission means used in conjunction with a guided wave may include fundamental guided wave propagation modes such as guided waves having a circular or substantially circular field distribution , a symmetric electromagnetic field distribution (for example, electric field, magnetic field, electromagnetic field, etc.), or another pattern fundamentally at least partially around a wire or other means of transmission. In addition, when a guided wave propagates “around” a wire or other transmission medium, it can do so in accordance with a guided wave propagation mode that includes not only the fundamental modes of wave propagation (for example, order modes zero), but also or alternatively non-fundamental wave propagation modes such as higher order guided wave modes (for example, modes of 1^er order, modes 2^d° order, etc.), asymmetric modes and / or other guided waves (for example, surface waves) that may have non-circular field distributions around a wire or other means of transmission. As used herein, the term "guided wave mode" refers to a guided wave propagation mode of a transmission medium, coupling device or other system component of a guided wave communication system.

For example, these non-circular field distributions may be unilateral or multilateral with one or more axial lobes characterized by relatively higher field strength and / or one or more null or null regions characterized by relatively low field strength, zero field strength. or substantially zero field strength. In addition, the field distribution may vary in another way as a function of azimuthal orientation around the wire such that one or more angular regions around the wire have an electric or magnetic field strength (or combination thereof) that is greater than one or more other angular regions of azimuthal orientation, according to an example modality. It will be appreciated that the relative positions or orientations of the higher order guided wave modes or asymmetric modes may vary as the guided wave travels along the wire.

As used herein, the term "millimeter wave" may refer to electromagnetic waves / signals that fall within the "millimeter wave frequency band" from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. The term "microwave" may refer to electromagnetic waves / signals that fall within a "microwave frequency band" from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. The term "radiofrequency" or "RF" may refer to electromagnetic waves / signals that fall within the "radiofrequency band" from 10 kHz to 1 THz. It is appreciated that wireless signals, electrical signals, and guided electromagnetic waves as described in the description can be configured to operate at any desirable frequency range, such as, for example, at frequencies within, above or below frequency bands of millimeter waves and / or microwaves. In particular, when a coupling device or transmission means includes a conductive element, the frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves that are transported by the coupling device and / or propagate along the transmission means may be below the frequency. of average collision of electrons in the conductive element. In addition, the frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves that are transported by the coupling device and / or propagated along the transmission medium may be a non-optical frequency, for example a radiofrequency below the range of optical frequencies starting at 1 THz.

As used herein, the term "antenna" may refer to a device that is part of a transmission or reception system to transmit / radiate or receive wireless signals.

According to one or more modalities, a network termination includes a network interface configured to receive data downstream of a communication network and to send data upstream to the communication network. A downstream channel modulator modulates the downstream data into upstream channel signals that correspond to upstream frequency channels of a guided wave communication system. A host interface sends the downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system and receives upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system. An upstream channel demodulator demodulates upstream channel signals in the upstream data.

According to one or more modalities, a method includes receiving data downstream of a communication network; modulate the downstream data into upstream channel signals corresponding to downstream frequency channels of a guided wave communication system; send the downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system through a wired connection; receiving upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system through the wired connection; demodulate upstream channel signals in upstream data; and send the data upstream to the communication network.

According to one or more modalities, a network termination includes a downstream channel modulator configured to modulate downstream in downstream channel signals to transport the data downstream through a guided electromagnetic wave that joins a means of transmission of a guided wave communication system. A host interface sends the downstream channel signals to the guided wave communication system and receives upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system. An upstream channel demodulator demodulates upstream channel signals in comments above.

According to one or more modalities, a host node device includes at least one access point repeater (APR) configured to communicate through a guided wave communication system. A terminal interface receives signals from the channel below a communication network. A first channel duplexer transfers the channel signals downstream to at least one APR. The at least one APR releases the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system as guided electromagnetic waves.

According to one or more modalities, one method includes receiving signals from the channel below a communication network; launching the downstream channel signals in a guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves; and wirelessly transmit the downstream channel signals to at least one client node device.

According to one or more modalities, a host node device includes a terminal interface configured to receive downstream channel signals from a communication network and send upstream channel signals to the communication network. At least one access point repeater (APR) releases the downstream channel signals as guided electromagnetic waves in a guided wave communication system and extracts a first subset of the upstream channel signals of the guided wave communication system. A broadcast apparatus wirelessly transmits the downstream channel signals to at least one client node device and wirelessly receives a new subset of the upstream channel signals of the at least one client node device.

According to one or more modalities, a client node device includes a broadcast apparatus configured to wirelessly receive channel signals downstream of a communication network. An access point repeater (APR) throws the downstream channel signals into a guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium and wirelessly transmits the downstream channel signals At least one client device.

According to one or more modalities, one method includes wirelessly receiving channel signals downstream of a communication network; launching the downstream channel signals in a guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium; and wirelessly transmit the downstream channel signals to at least one client device.

According to one or more modalities, a client node device includes a broadcast apparatus configured to wirelessly receive downstream channel signals from a communication network and to wirelessly transmit first upstream channel signals and second downstream channel signals to The communication network. An access point repeater (APR) releases the upstream channel signals in a guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium, to extract the first upstream channel signals from the guided wave communication system, to wirelessly transmit the channel signals, comment at least one client device below and to wirelessly receive the second channel signals upstream of the communication network.

According to one or more modes, a repeater device includes a first coupler configured to extract downstream channel signals from first guided electromagnetic waves attached to a transmission means of a guided wave communication system. An amplifier amplifies the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals. A channel selection filter selects one or more of the downstream channel signals, amplified for wireless transmission of at least one client device through an antenna. A second coupler guides the downstream channel signals, amplified to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second guided electromagnetic waves. A channel duplexer transfers the downstream channel signals, amplified to the coupler and the channel selection filter.

According to one or more modalities, one method includes extracting channel signals downstream of first guided electromagnetic waves attached to a transmission medium of a guided wave communication system; amplify the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; select one or more of the downstream channel signals, amplified for wireless transmission of at least one client device through an antenna; and guiding the downstream channel signals, amplified to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second guided electromagnetic waves.

According to one or more modes, a repeater device includes a first coupler configured to extract downstream channel signals from first guided electromagnetic waves attached to a transmission means of a guided wave communication system. An amplifier amplifies the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; A channel selection filter selects one or more of the downstream channel signals, amplified for wireless transmission of at least one client device through an antenna. A second coupler guides the amplified downstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second guided electromagnetic waves.

Referring now to Figure 1, a block diagram 100 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a guided wave communications system. In operation, a transmission device 101 receives one or more communication signals 110 from a communication network or other communication device that includes data and generates guided waves 120 to transport the data through the transmission means 125 to the transmission device 102 . The transmission device 102 receives the guided waves 120 and converts them to communication signals 112 that include the data for transmission to a communications network or other communication device. Guided waves 120 can be modulated to transport data through a modulation technique such as phase shift modulation, frequency shift modulation, quadrature amplitude modulation, amplitude modulation, multi-carrier modulation such as frequency division multiplexing orthogonal and through multiple access techniques such as frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, multiplexing through different wave propagation modes and through other access and modulation strategies.

The communication network or networks may include a wireless communication network such as a mobile data network, a cellular data and voice network, a wireless local area network (for example, WiFi or an 8O2.xx network), a network of satellite communications, a personal area network or other wireless network. The communication network or networks may also include a wired communication network such as a telephone network, an Ethernet network, a local area network, a wide area network such as the Internet, a broadband access network, a wired network , a fiber optic network, or other wired network. Communication devices may include a peripheral network device, local bridge or gateway device, a decoder, broadband modem, telephone adapter, access point, base station, or other fixed communication device, a communication device mobile such as a car gateway, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, cell phone, or other communication device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the guided wave communication system of diagram 100 may operate in a bidirectional manner where the transmission device 102 receives one or more communication signals 112 from a network or communication device that includes other data and generates waves guides 122 for transporting the other data through the transmission means 125 to the transmission device 101. In this mode of operation, the transmission device 101 receives the guided waves 122 and converts them to communication signals 110 that include the other data for transmission to a communication device or network. Guided waves 122 can be modulated to transport data through a modulation technique such as phase shift modulation, frequency shift modulation, quadrature amplitude modulation, amplitude modulation, multi-carrier modulation such as frequency division multiplexing orthogonal and through multiple access techniques such as frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, multiplexing through different wave propagation modes and through other modulation and access strategies.

The transmission means 125 may include a cable having at least one inner portion surrounded by a dielectric material such as an insulator or other dielectric sheath, sheathing or other dielectric material, the dielectric material having an external surface and a corresponding circumference. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission means 125 operates as a single wire transmission line to guide the transmission of an electromagnetic wave. When the transmission means 125 is implemented as a single wire transmission system, it can include a wire. The wire can be insulated or not insulated, and can be made of one wire or multiple wires (for example, braided). In other embodiments, the transmission means 125 may contain conductors of other shapes or configurations that include bundles of wires, cables, rods, rails, tubes. In addition, the transmission means 125 may include non-conductors such as dielectric tubes, rods, rails, or other dielectric members; combinations of conductors and dielectric materials, conductors without dielectric materials or other means of guided wave transmission. It should be noted that the transmission means 125 may otherwise include any of the previously analyzed transmission means.

In addition, as previously analyzed, guided waves 120 and 122 can be contrasted with radiofrequency transmissions through free space / air or conventional propagation of electrical energy or signals through the conductor of a wire through an electrical circuit. In addition to the propagation of guided waves 120 and 122, the transmission means 125 may optionally contain one or more wires that propagate electrical energy or other communication signals in a conventional manner as part of one or more electrical circuits.

Referring now to Figure 2, a block diagram 200 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a transmission device. The transmission device 101 or 102 includes a communications interface (l / F) 205, a transceiver 210 and a coupler 220.

In an example of operation, communication interface 205 receives a communication signal 110 or 112 that includes data. In different modalities. The communication interface 205 may include a wireless interface for receiving a wireless communication signal in accordance with a standard wireless protocol such as LTE or other data and cellular voice protocol, Wifi or an 802.11 protocol, WIMAX protocol, ultra-band protocol wide, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbee protocol, a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) protocol or other satellite communication protocol or other wireless protocol. In addition or alternatively, communication interface 205 includes a wired interface that operates in accordance with an Ethernet protocol, universal serial bus protocol (USB), a cable data service interface (DOCSIS) specification protocol, a protocol digital subscriber line (DSL), a Firewire protocol (IEEE 1394), or other wired protocol. In addition to standards-based protocols, the communications interface

205 it can operate together with another wired or wireless protocol, which includes any of the current or planned variations of the previous standard protocols, modified for example for operation in conjunction with a network that incorporates a guided wave communication system, or a different protocol as a whole. In addition, the communication interface 205 may optionally operate together with a protocol stack that includes multiple protocol layers that include a MAC protocol, transport protocol, application protocol, etc.

In an example of operation, the transceiver 210 generates an electromagnetic wave based on the communication signal 110 or 112 to carry the data, the electromagnetic wave has at least one carrier frequency and at least one corresponding wavelength. The carrier frequency may be within a 30GHz - 300GHz millimeter wave frequency band, such as 60GHz or a carrier frequency in the range of 30-40GHz or a lower frequency band of 300 MHz - 30GHz in the frequency range of microwaves such as 26-30GHz, 11 GHz, 6 GHz or 3GHz, but it will be appreciated that other carrier frequencies are possible in other modalities. In one mode of operation, the transceiver 210 simply increases in frequency the communications signal or signals 110 or 112 for transmission of the electromagnetic signal in the microwave band or millimeter waves such as an electromagnetic wave that is guided by or joins the medium of transmission 125. In another mode of operation, the communication interface 205 either converts the communication signal 110 or 112 to a nearby baseband or baseband signal or extracts the data from the communication signal 110o 112 and the transceiver 210 modulates a high carrier frequency with the data, the baseband or nearby baseband signal for transmission. It should be appreciated that the transceiver 210 can modulate the data received through the communication signal 110 or 112 to preserve one or more data communication protocols of the communication signal 110 or 112, either by encapsulation in the payload of a different protocol or by simple frequency offset. Alternatively, the transceiver 210 may otherwise translate the data received through the communication signal 110 or 112 to a protocol that is different from the data communication protocol or protocols of the communication signal 110 or 112.

In an example of operation, the coupler 220 couples the electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium 125 as a guided electromagnetic wave to carry the communication signal or signals 110 or 112. While the above description has focused on the operation of transceiver 210 as a transmitter, transceiver 210 can also operate to receive electromagnetic waves that carry other data from the single wire transmission medium through coupler 220 and to generate signals. of communications 110 or 112, through communications interface 205 which includes the other data. Consider modalities where an additional, guided electromagnetic wave carries other data that also propagates along the transmission medium 125. The coupler 220 can also couple this additional electromagnetic wave, from the transmission means 125 to the transceiver 210 for reception.

The transmission device 101 or 102 includes an optional training controller 230. In an example mode, the training controller 230 is implemented by an independent processor or a processor that is shared with one or more other components of the transmission device 101 or 102. The training controller 230 selects the carrier frequencies, modulation schemes and / or guided wave modes for the guided electromagnetic waves based on feedback data received by the transceiver 210 of the at least one remote transmission device coupled to receive the wave Guided electromagnetic

In an exemplary embodiment, a guided electromagnetic wave transmitted by a remote transmission device 101 or 102 carries data that is also propagated along the transmission means 125. The data from the remote transmission device 101 or 102 can be generated to include Feedback data. In operation, the coupler 220 also couples the guided electromagnetic wave of the transmission means 125 and the transceiver receives the electromagnetic wave and processes the electromagnetic wave to extract the feedback data.

In an exemplary embodiment, training controller 230 operates based on feedback data to evaluate a plurality of candidate frequencies, modulation schemes and / or transmission modes to select a carrier frequency, modulation scheme and / or mode of transmission to improve performance, such as performance, signal strength, reduce propagation loss, etc.

Consider the following example: a transmission device 101 begins operation under control of training controller 230 by sending a plurality of guided waves as test signals such as pilot waves or other test signals in a corresponding plurality of candidate frequencies and / or modes candidates directed to a remote transmission device 102 coupled to the transmission medium 125. Guided waves may include, in addition to or alternatively, test data. Test data may indicate the particular candidate frequency and / or guided wave mode of the signal. In one embodiment, the training controller 230 in the remote transmission device 102 receives the test signals and / or test data of any of the guided waves that were properly received and determines the best frequency and / or candidate guided wave mode , a set of frequencies and / or candidate guided wave modes, acceptable, or a classification of frequencies and / or candidate guided wave modes. This selection of frequencies and / or candidate guided wave modes are generated by training controller 230 based on one or more optimization criteria such as received signal strength, bit error rate, packet error rate, signal ratio to noise, loss of propagation, etc. The training controller 230 generates feedback data indicating the selection of candidate frequencies and / or guided wave modes and sends the feedback data to the transceiver 210 for transmission to the transmission device 101. The transmission device 101 and 102 can then communicate data with another based on the selection of frequencies and / or guided wave modes candidates.

In other embodiments, the guided electromagnetic waves containing the test signals and / or test data are reflected again, repeated again or put in a return loop by the remote transmission device 102 to the transmission device 101 for reception and analysis by training controller 230 of transmission device 101 that initiated these waves. For example, the transmission device 101 may send a signal to the remote transmission device 102 to initiate a test mode where a physical reflector is switched on the line, a termination impedance is changed to cause reflections, a loop mode is turned on. return to couple the electromagnetic waves back to the source transmission device 102, and / or a repeater mode is allowed to amplify and retransmit the electromagnetic waves back to the source transmission device 102. The training controller 230 in the source transmission device 102 receives the test signals and / or test data of any of the guided waves that were properly received and determines selection of frequencies and / or candidate guided wave modes.

While the above procedure has been described in a start-up or initialization mode, each transmission device 101 or 102 can send test signals, evaluate frequencies or candidate guided wave modes without tests such as normal transmissions or otherwise evaluate frequencies. or guided wave modes candidates at other times or continuously as well. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication protocol between transmission devices 101 and 102 may include a test mode on request or newspaper where either complete tests or more limited tests of a subset of frequencies and modes of testing are tested and evaluated. Guided wave candidates. In other modes of operation, re-entry into this test mode can be triggered by performance degradation due to disturbance, weather conditions, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver bandwidth of transceiver 210 is wide enough or is swept to receive all candidate frequencies or can be selectively adjusted by training controller 230 to a training mode where receiver bandwidth of transceiver 210 is wide enough or is swept to receive all candidate frequencies.

Referring now to Figure 3, a graphic diagram 300 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example an electromagnetic field distribution. In this embodiment, a transmission means 125 in the air includes an internal conductor 301 and an insulating sheath 302 of dielectric material, as shown in cross-section. The diagram 300 includes different gray scales representing different electromagnetic field intensities generated by the propagation of the guided wave that has an asymmetric and non-fundamental guided wave mode.

In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution corresponds to a modal "optimum point" that improves the guided electromagnetic wave propagation along an isolated transmission medium and reduces end-to-end transmission loss. In this particular mode, electromagnetic waves are guided by the transmission means 125 to propagate along an external surface of the transmission means - in this case, the external surface of the insulating sheath 302. The electromagnetic waves are partially incorporated into the insulator and they radiate partially over the outer surface of the insulator. In this way, the electromagnetic waves are coupled "slightly" to the insulator to allow propagation of electromagnetic wave over long distances with low loss of propagation.

As shown, the guided wave has a field structure that is primarily or substantially outside the transmission means 125 that serves to guide the electromagnetic waves. The regions within the conductor 301 have little or no field.

Similarly, the regions within the insulating sheath 302 have low field strength. The majority of the electromagnetic field strength is distributed in the lobes 302 on the outer surface of the insulating sheath 302 and in close proximity thereto. The presence of an asymmetric guided wave mode is shown by the high intensities of the electromagnetic field at the top and bottom of the outer surface of the insulating sheath 302 (in the orientation of the diagram) - as opposed to very small field intensities on the other sides of the insulating sheath 302.

The example shown corresponds to a 38 GHz electromagnetic wave guided by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric insulation of a thickness of 0.36 cm. 30 Because the electromagnetic wave is guided by the transmission means 125 and most of the field strength is concentrated in the air outside the insulating sheath 302 within a limited distance from the outer surface, the guided wave can propagate longitudinally by the transmission medium 125 with very little loss. In the example shown, this "limited distance" corresponds to a distance from the outer surface that is less than 35 of the largest cross-sectional dimension of the transmission means 125. In this case, the largest cross-sectional dimension of the wire corresponds to the general diameter of 1.82 cm, however, this value may vary with the size and shape of the transmission medium 125. For example, if the transmission means 125 is of a rectangular shape with a height of 0.3 cm and a width of 0.4 cm, the largest cross-sectional dimension should be 0.5 cm diagonal and the corresponding limited distance should be 0.25 cm . The dimensions of the area that contains the most field strength can also vary with frequency, and in general, increase as carrier frequencies decrease.

It should also be noted that the components of a guided wave communication system, such as couplers and transmission media, can have their own cutoff frequencies for each guided wave mode. The cutoff frequency generally establishes that the lowest frequency for which a particular guided wave mode is designed by that particular component is to be supported. In an exemplary embodiment, the particular asymmetric mode of propagation shown is induced in the transmission medium 125 by an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that falls within a limited range (such as Fe at 2Fc) of the lower cutoff frequency Fe for this particular asymmetric mode. The lower cutoff frequency Fe is particular to the characteristics of the transmission medium 125. For embodiments as shown to include an internal conductor 301 surrounded by an insulating sheath 302, this cutoff frequency may vary based on the dimensions and properties of the insulating sheath 302 and potentially the dimensions and properties of the internal conductor 301 and can be determined experimentally they have a pattern as desired. It should be noted, however, that similar effects can be found for a hollow insulator or dielectric without an internal conductor. In this case, the cutoff frequency may vary based on the dimensions and properties of the hollow insulator or dielectric.

At frequencies lower than the lower cutoff frequency, the asymmetric mode is difficult to induce in the transmission medium 125 and fails to propagate for all less trivial distances. As the frequency increases above the limited frequency range around the cutoff frequency, the asymmetric mode moves more and more into the insulating sheath 302. At frequencies much higher than the cutoff frequency, the field strength is no longer concentrated outside the insulating sheath, but mainly within the insulating sheath 302. While the transmission means 125 provides a strong guide to the electromagnetic wave and Propagation is still possible, the intervals are more limited by increased losses due to propagation within the insulating sheath 302 - unlike the surrounding air.

Referring now to Figure 4, a graphic diagram 400 is shown illustrating a non-limiting example of an electromagnetic field distribution. In particular, a cross-sectional diagram 400 is shown, similar to Figure 3 with common reference numbers used to refer to similar elements. The example shown corresponds to a 60 GHz wave guided by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric insulator with a thickness of 0.36 cm. Because the frequency of the guided wave is above the limited range of the cutoff frequency in this asymmetric j ^ ffticular manner, much of the field strength has shifted into the insulating sheath 302. In particular, the Field strength is mainly concentrated within the insulating sheath 302. While the transmission means 125 provides strong guidance to the electromagnetic wave and propagation is still possible, the intervals are more limited when compared to the mode of Figure 3, for increased losses due to propagation within the insulating sheath 302 .

Referring now to Figure 5A, a graphic diagram showing a non-limiting mode, for example of a frequency response, is shown. In particular, diagram 500 presents a graph of end-to-end loss (in dB) as a function of frequency, covered with electromagnetic field distributions 510, 520 and 530 at three points for a medium voltage wire, insulated, of 200cm The boundary between the insulator and the surrounding air is represented by the reference number 525 in each electromagnetic field distribution.

As discussed in conjunction with Figure 3, an example of a desired asymmetric mode of propagation shown is induced in the transmission medium 125 by an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that falls within a limited range (such as Fe at 2Fc) of the lower cutoff frequency Fe of the transmission medium for this particular asymmetric mode. In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution 520 at 6 GHz falls within this modal "optimum point" which improves the propagation of electromagnetic wave along an isolated transmission medium and reduces the loss of end-to-end transmission. In this particular mode, guided waves are partially incorporated into the insulator and partially radiate on the outer surface of the insulator. In this way, the electromagnetic waves are coupled "slightly" to the insulator to allow guided electromagnetic wave propagation over long distances with little loss of propagation.

At lower frequencies represented by the electromagnetic field distribution 510 at 3 GHz, the asymmetric mode radiates more strongly generating greater propagation losses. At higher frequencies represented by the 530 to 9 GHz electromagnetic field distribution, the asymmetric mode moves more and more into the insulating sheath providing too much absorption, again generating greater propagation losses.

Referring now to Figure 5B, a graphic diagram 550 is shown illustrating non-limiting modalities, for example of a longitudinal cross-section of a transmission means 125, such as an insulated wire, depending on electromagnetic wave fields guided at different frequencies. of operation. As shown in diagram 556, when the guided electromagnetic waves are at approximately the cutoff frequency (f_c) which corresponds to the modal “optimal point”, the guided electromagnetic waves weakly couple to the insulated wire in such a way that absorption is reduced and the fields of the guided electromagnetic waves are sufficiently joined to reduce the amount radiated to the environment (for example, air). Because the absorption and radiation of the fields of the guided electromagnetic waves is low, consequently the propagation losses are low}, which allows the guided electromagnetic waves to propagate for longer distances.

As shown in diagram 554, the propagation losses increase when an operating frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves increases above approximately twice the cutoff frequency (f_c) - or referred to as, above the "optimum point" range. Most of the field strength of the electromagnetic wave is directed within the insulating layer, increasing propagation losses. At frequencies much higher than the cutoff frequency (f_c) Guided electromagnetic waves bind strongly to the insulated wire as a result of the fields emitted by the guided electromagnetic waves that are concentrated in the insulation layer of the wire, as shown in diagram 552. This in turn turn raises the propagation losses additionally due to the absorption of electromagnetic waves guided by the insulation layer. Similarly, the propagation losses increase when the operating frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves is substantially below the cutoff frequency (f_c), as shown in diagram 558. At frequencies much lower than the cutoff frequency (f_c) Guided electromagnetic waves bind weakly (or nominally) to the insulated wire and therefore tend to radiate to the environment (for example, air), which in turn, increases propagation losses due to wave radiation guided electromagnetic.

Referring now to Figure 6, a graphic diagram 600 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example an electromagnetic field distribution. In this embodiment a transmission medium 602 is a bare wire, as shown in cross section. Diagram 300 includes different gray scales representing different electromagnetic field intensities generated by the propagation of a guided wave that has a symmetric and fundamental guided wave mode at a single carrier frequency.

In this particular mode, electromagnetic waves are guided by the transmission means 602 to propagate along an external surface of the transmission medium - in this case, the outer surface of the bare wire. The electromagnetic waves are "slightly" coupled to the wire to allow propagation of electromagnetic wave over long distances with little loss of propagation, as shown, the guided wave has a field structure that is substantially outside the transmission medium 602 that serves to guide electromagnetic waves The regions within the 625 conductor have little or no field.

Referring now to Figure 7, a block diagram 700 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example an arc coupler. In particular, a coupling device is presented for use in a transmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1. The coupling device includes an arc coupler 704 coupled to a transmitter circuit 712 and termination or attenuator 714. The arc coupler 704 can be made of a dielectric material, or other low-loss insulator (for example, Teflon, polyethylene, etc.), or made of a conductive material (for example, metallic, non-metallic, etc.), or any combination of the above materials. As shown, the arc coupler 704 operates as a waveguide and has a wave 706 that propagates as a guided wave around a waveguide surface of the arc coupler 704. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the arc coupler 704 may be placed near a wire 702 or other transmission means, (such as transmission means 125), in order to facilitate coupling between the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 or other transmission means, as described herein to launch guided wave 708 on the wire. The arc coupler 704 can be positioned such that a portion of the curved arc coupler 704 is tangential to, and parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. The portion of the arc coupler 704 that is parallel to the wire can be an apex of the curve, or any point where a tangent of the curve is parallel to wire 702. When the arc coupler 704 is placed or placed in this way, the wave 706 that travels along the arc coupler 704 is coupled, at least in part, to the wire 702, and propagates as a guided wave 708 around the surface of wire of the wire 702 and longitudinally along the wire 702. The guided wave 708 may be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave that is guided by or joins the wire 702 or other transmission means.

A portion of the wave 706 that does not engage the wire 702 is propagated as a wave 710 along the arc coupler 704. It will be appreciated that the arc coupler 704 can be configured and arranged in a variety of positions with respect to the wire 702 to achieve a desired level of coupling or non-coupling of wave 706 to wire 702. For example, the curvature and / or length of the arc coupler 704 that is parallel or substantially parallel, as well as its separation distance (which may include zero separation distance in one embodiment), to the wire 702 can be varied without departing from modalities as an example Similarly, the arrangement of the arc coupler 704 with respect to the wire 702 can be varied based on considerations of the respective intrinsic characteristics (eg, thickness, composition, electromagnetic properties, etc.), of the wire 702 and the coupler of arc 704, as well as the characteristics (for example frequency, energy level, etc.), of waves 706 and 708.

Guided wave 708 remains parallel or substantially parallel to wire 702, even as wire 702 bends and flexes. Curves in wire 702 can increase transmission losses, which are also dependent on wire diameters, frequency and materials. If the dimensions of the arc coupler 704 are chosen for efficient energy transfer, most of the energy in wave 706 is transferred to wire 702, with little energy remaining in wave 710. It will be appreciated that the guided wave 708 may still be multimodal in nature (discussed herein), which includes that it has modes that are non-fundamental or asymmetric, while traveling along a route that is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire. 702, with or without a fundamental transmission mode. In one embodiment, non-fundamental or asymmetric modes can be used to minimize transmission losses and / or obtain increased propagation distances.

It is noted that the parallel term is generally a geometric construction that is often not exactly achievable in real systems. Consequently, the parallel term as used in the description represents an approximation rather than an exact configuration when used to describe modalities described in the description. In one embodiment, substantially parallel can include approximations that are within 30 degrees of true parallel in all dimensions.

In one embodiment, wave 706 may exhibit one or more wave propagation modes. The arc coupler modes may be dependent on the shape and / or design of the 704 coupler. The one or more wave arc coupler modes 706 can generate, influence, or impact one or more wave propagation modes of the guided wave 708 that propagates along wire 702. It should be particularly noted, however, that the guided wave modes present in the guided wave 706 may be the same or different from the guided wave modes of the guided wave 708. Thus, one or more guided wave modes of the guided wave 706 may not be transferred to the guided wave 708, and one or more additional guided wave modes of the guided wave 708 may not have been present in the guided wave 706. It should also be noted that the cutoff frequency of the arc coupler 704 for a particular guided wave mode may be different than the cutoff frequency of the wire 702 or other transmission means for that same mode. For example, while the wire 702 or other transmission means can be operated slightly above its cutoff frequency for a particular guided wave mode, the arc coupler 704 can be operated well above its Cutoff frequency to that same mode for low loss, slightly below a cutoff frequency for that same mode, for example, to induce greater coupling and energy transfer, or some other point with respect to the cutoff frequency of the arc coupler for that mode.

In one embodiment, the wave propagation modes on the wire 702 may be similar to the arc coupler modes since both waves 706 and 708 propagate around the outside of the arc coupler 704 and wire 702 respectively. In some embodiments, as wave 706 is coupled to wire 702, the modes may change shape, or new modes may be created or generated, due to the coupling between arc coupler 704 and wire 702. For example, differences in size, material, and / or impedances of arc coupler 704 and wire 702 can create additional modes not present in arc coupler modes and / or can suppress some of the arc coupler modes. The wave propagation modes may comprise the fundamental, transverse electromagnetic mode (Quai-TEMoo), where only small electric and / or magnetic fields extend in the direction of propagation, and the electric and magnetic fields extend radially outward as long as that the guided wave propagates along the wire. This guided wave mode can be donut-shaped, where there are few of the electromagnetic fields within the arc coupler 704 or wire 702.

Waves 706 and 708 may comprise a fundamental TEM mode where the fields extend radially outward, and also comprise other, non-fundamental modes (eg, asymmetric, higher level, etc.). While particular wave propagation modes are discussed above, other wave propagation modes such as transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes are also possible, based on the frequencies used, the arc coupler design 704, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702, as well as its surface characteristics, its insulation if present, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc. It should be noted that, depending on the frequency, the electrical and physical characteristics of the wire 702 and the particular wave propagation modes that are generated, the guided wave 708 can travel along the conductive surface of an oxidized non-insulated wire, a non-oxidized non-insulated wire, an insulated wire and / or along the insulating surface of an insulated wire.

In one embodiment, a diameter of the arc coupler 704 is smaller than the diameter of the wire 702. For the millimeter band wavelength that is used, the arc coupler 704 supports an individual waveguide mode that shapes the wave 706.

This individual waveguide mode changes as wire 702 is coupled as guided wave 708. If the arc coupler 704 were larger, more than one waveguide mode could be supported, but these additional waveguide modes they may not engage wire 702 so efficiently, and greater coupling losses may result. However, in some alternative embodiments, the diameter of the arc coupler 704 may be equal to or larger than the diameter of the wire 702, for example, where greater coupling losses are desirable or when used in conjunction with other techniques to reduce other It forms coupling losses (for example, impedance matching with reduction, etc.).

In one embodiment, the wavelength of waves 706 and 708 is comparable in size, or smaller than an circumference of the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702. In one example, if the wire 702 has a diameter of 0.5 cm, and a corresponding circumference of about 1.5 cm, the wavelength of the transmission is about 1.5 cm or less, which corresponds to a frequency of 70 GHz or greater. In another embodiment, an adequate frequency of the transmission and the carrier wave signal is in the range of 30-100 GHZ, maybe around 30-60 GHz, and about 38 GHz in one example. In one embodiment, when the circumference of the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 is comparable in size with, or greater than, a transmission wavelength, waves 706 and 708 can exhibit multiple wave propagation modes that include modes fundamental and / or non-fundamental (symmetric and / or asymmetric) that propagate over sufficient distances to support different communication systems described herein. Waves 706 and 708 can therefore comprise more than one type of electric and magnetic field configuration. In one embodiment, as the guided wave 708 propagates through the wire 702, the electric and magnetic field configurations will remain the same end to end of the wire 702. In other embodiments, as the guided wave 708 encounters interference (distortion or obstructions) or loses energy due to loss of transmission or dispersion, the electric and magnetic field configurations may change as the guided wave 708 and propagates through the wire 702.

In one embodiment, the arc coupler 704 may be composed of nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, a polyamide, or other plastics. In other embodiments, other dielectric materials are possible. The wire surface of the wire 702 may be metallic with either a bare metal surface, or it may be insulated using plastic, dielectric, insulator or other coating, sheath or coating. In one embodiment, a dielectric or otherwise non-conductive waveguide / pair with either an insulated wire or bare / metallic wire. In other embodiments, a metallic and / or conductive waveguide can be paired with an insulated wire or bare / metallic wire. In one embodiment, an oxidation layer on the bare metal surface of the wire 702 (for example, resulting from exposure of the bare metal surface to oxygen / air) can also provide insulation or dielectric properties similar to those provided by some insulators. or coatings.

It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 706,708 and 710 are simply presented to illustrate the principles that wave 706 induces or otherwise launches a guided wave 708 on a wire 702 that operates, for example, as a transmission line of single wire Wave 710 represents the portion of wave 706 that remains in arc coupler 704 after the generation of guided wave 708. The actual magnetic and electric fields generated as a result of this wave propagation may vary depending on the frequencies employed, the particular wave propagation mode or modes, the design of the arc coupler 704, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702, as well as its surface characteristics, its optional isolation, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

It is noted that the arc coupler 704 may include a termination or attenuator circuit 714 at the end of the arc coupler 704 that can absorb remaining radiation or wave energy 710. The termination or attenuator circuit 714 may prevent and / or reduce to a minimum the remaining radiation or wave energy 710 that is reflected back to the transmitter circuit 712. In one embodiment, the termination circuit or attenuator 714 may include termination resistors, and / or other components that perform impedance coupling to attenuate reflection. In some embodiments, if the coupling efficiency is sufficiently high, and / or the wave 710 is small enough, it may not be necessary to use a termination or attenuator circuit 714. For simplicity, this transmitter 712 and termination circuits or attenuators 714 may not be represented in other figures, but in those embodiments, the transmitter and termination circuits or attenuators may possibly be used.

In addition, as long as an individual arc coupler 704 is presented which generates an individual guided wave 708, multiple arc couplers 704 placed at different points along the wire 702 and / or at different azimuthal orientations around the wire can be used to generate and receive multiple guided waves 708 at the same or different frequencies, at the same or different phases, in the same or different wave propagation modes.

Figure 8 is a block diagram 800 illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example an arc coupler. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the coupler 704 may be placed near a wire 702 or other transmission means, (such as transmission means 125), in order to facilitate coupling between the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 or other transmission means, to extract a portion of the guided wave 806 as a guided wave 808 as described herein. The arc coupler 704 can be positioned such that a portion of the curved arc coupler 704 is tangential to, and parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. The portion of the arc coupler 704 that is parallel to the wire can be an apex of the curve, or any point where a tangent of the curve is parallel to wire 702. When the arc coupler 704 is placed or placed in this way, the wave 806 traveling along the wire 702 is coupled, at least in part, to the arc coupler 704, and propagates as a guided wave 808 along the arc coupler 704 to a receiving device (not expressly shown). A portion of wave 806 that is not coupled to the arc coupler propagates as wave 810 along wire 702 or other transmission means.

In one embodiment, wave 806 may exhibit one or more wave propagation modes. The arc coupler modes may be dependent on the shape and / or design of the 704 coupler. The one or more guided wave modes 806 can generate, influence, or impact the one or more guided wave modes of the guided wave 808. that propagates along the arc coupler 704. It should be noted in particular, however, that the guided wave modes present in the guided wave 806 may be the same or different from the guided wave modes of the guided wave 808. Thus, one or more wave modes guided waveguide 806 may not be transferred to guided wave 808, and one or more additional guided wave modes of guided wave 808 may not have been present in guided wave 806.

Referring now to Figure 9A, a block diagram 900 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a fragment coupler. In particular, a coupling device is presented that includes fragment coupler 904 for use in a transmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1. The fragment coupler 904 can be made of a dielectric material, or other low loss insulator (for example, Teflon, polyethylene and etc.), or made of a conductive material (for example, non-metallic metallic, etc.), or Any combination of the above materials. As shown, fragment coupler 904 operates as a waveguide and has a wave 906 that propagates as a guided wave around a waveguide surface of fragment coupler 904. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the fragment coupler 904 may be placed near a wire 702 or other transmission means, (such as transmission means 125), in order to facilitate coupling between the fragment coupler 904 and the wire 702 or other transmission means, as described herein to launch the guided wave 908 into the wire.

In one embodiment, the fragment coupler 904 is curved, and one end of the fragment coupler 904 can be mechanically attached, fastened, or otherwise coupled to a wire 702. When the end of the fragment coupler 904 is attached to the wire 702 , the end of the fragment coupler 904 is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. Alternatively, another portion of the dielectric waveguide may be attached or coupled beyond one end to the wire 702 such that the fastened or coupled portion is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. The fastener 910 can be a nylon cable tie or other type of dielectric / non-conductive material that is either separated from fragment coupler 904 or constructed as an integrated component of fragment coupler 904. Fragment coupler 904 can be adjacent to wire 702 without circling wire 702.

Like the arc coupler 704 described together with Figure 7, when the fragment coupler 904 is positioned with the end parallel to the wire 702, the guided wave 906 traveling along the fragment coupler 904 is coupled to the wire 702 , and is propagated as a guided wave 908 around the wire surface of the wire 702. In an exemplary embodiment, the guided wave 908 can be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave.

It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 906 and 908 are simply presented to illustrate the principles that wave 906 induces or otherwise launches a guided wave 908 on a wire 702 that operates, for example, as a transmission line of single wire The actual magnetic and electric fields generated as a result of this wave propagation may vary depending on one or more of the coupler shape and / or design, the relative position of the dielectric waveguide to the wire, the frequencies employed, the design of the fragment coupler 904, the dimensions and combination of the wire 702, as well as its surface characteristics, its optional insulation, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

In one embodiment, one end of the fragment coupler 904 can be reduced to the wire 702 in order to increase coupling efficiencies. Certainly, reducing the end of the fragment coupler 904 can provide impedance coupling to the wire 702 and reduce reflections, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the description. For example, one end of the fragment coupler 904 can be gradually reduced in order to obtain a desired level of coupling between waves 906 and 908 as illustrated in Figure 9A.

In one embodiment, the fastener 910 can be positioned such that there is a short length of the fragment coupler 904 between the fastener 910 and one end of the fragment coupler 904. Maximum coupling efficiencies are achieved in this mode when the length of the end of the fragment coupler 904 that is beyond the holder 910 is at least several wavelengths long for any frequency that is transmitted.

Turning now to Figure 9B, a diagram 950 illustrating a non-limiting mode is shown, for example an electromagnetic distribution according to different aspects described herein. In particular, a two-dimensional electromagnetic distribution is presented for a transmission device that includes coupler 952, shown in an example fragment coupler constructed of a dielectric material. Coupler 952 couples an electromagnetic wave for propagation as a guided wave along an outer surface of a wire 702 or other transmission means.

Coupler 952 guides the electromagnetic wave to an x-junction through a symmetric guided wave mode. While some of the energy of the electromagnetic wave that propagates along the coupler 952 is outside the coupler 952, most of the energy of this electromagnetic wave is contained within the coupler 952. The x-junction couples the electromagnetic wave to the wire 702 or other transmission medium at an azimuthal angle corresponding to the lower part of the transmission medium. This coupling induces an electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the wire 702 or other means of transmission through at least one guided wave mode in the direction 956. Most of the energy of the guided electromagnetic wave is outside or, but in close proximity to the outer surface of the wire 702 or other means of transmission. In the example shown, the junction in xq forms an electromagnetic wave that propagates both through a symmetric mode with at least one asymmetric surface mode, such as the first-order mode presented together with Figure 3, which brushes the surface of wire 702 or other means of transmission.

It is noted that the graphical representations of guided waves are presented simply to illustrate an example of guided wave propagation and coupling. The actual magnetic and electric fields generated as a result of this wave propagation may vary depending on the frequencies used, the design and / or configuration of the coupler 952, the dimensions and composition of the wire 702 or other transmission medium, as well as its surface characteristics , its insulation if present, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

Turning now to Figure 10A, a block diagram 1000 of an example, of a non-limiting mode of a coupler and transceiver system according to different aspects described herein, is illustrated. The system is an example of a transmission device 101 or 102. In particular, communication interface 1008 is an example of communication interface 205, fragment coupler 1002 is an example of coupler 220, and transmitter / receiver device 1006, diplexer 1016, power amplifier 1014, low noise amplifier 1018 , frequency mixers 1010 and 1020 and local oscillator 1012 collectively form an example of transceiver 210.

In operation, the transmitter / receiver device 1006 releases and receives waves (for example, guided wave 1004 in the fragment coupler 1002). Guided waves 1004 can be used to transport signals received from and sent to a host device, base station, mobile devices, a construction or other device via a communication interface 1008. Communication interface 1008 can be an integral part of the 1000 system. Alternatively, the communication interface 1008 may be attached to the system 1000. The communication interface 1008 may comprise a wireless interface to interface with the host device, base station, mobile devices, a construction or other device using any of different wireless signaling protocols (for example LTE, WiFi, WiMAX, IEEE 8O2. xx, etc.), which include an infrared protocol such as an infrared data association protocol (IrDA) or other optical line of sight protocol. The communication interface 1008 may also comprise a wired interface such as a fiber optic line, coaxial cable, twisted pair, category 5 cable (CAT-5) or other optical or wired media suitable for communication with the host device, base station , mobile devices, a construction or other device through a protocol such as an Ethernet protocol, universal serial bus protocol (USB), a cable data service interface specification (DOCSIS) protocol, a digital subscriber line protocol (DSL), a Firewire protocol (IEEE 1394), or another optical or wired protocol. For modes where system 1000 functions as a repeater, communication interface 1008 may not be necessary.

The output signals (for example Tx) of the communication interface 1008 can be combined with a carrier wave (for example, a millimeter wave carrier wave) generated by a local oscillator 1012 in the frequency mixer 1010. The frequency mixer 1010 You can use heterodination techniques or other frequency shift techniques to shift the frequency of the output signals of the communication interface 1008. For example, the signals sent to and from the communications interface 1008 can be modulated signals such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (ODFM) signals formatted according to a long-term wireless evolution protocol (LTE) or other 3G wireless protocol , 4G, 5G or greater voice and data protocol, a wireless Zigbee, WIMAX, ultra-wideband or IEEE 802.11 protocol; a wired protocol such as an Ethernet protocol, universal serial bus protocol (USB), a cable data service interface (DOCSIS) protocol, a digital subscriber line protocol (DSL), a Firewire protocol (IEEE) 1394), or other wired and wireless protocol. In an example mode, this frequency conversion can be done in the analog domain, and as a result, the frequency shift can be done regardless of the type of communications protocol used by a base station, mobile devices, or embedded devices. As new communications technologies are developed, the communications interface 1008 can be updated (for example, updated with software, firmware, and / or hardware) or replaced and the transmission and frequency shifting device can remain, simplifying updates. The carrier wave can then be sent to a power amplifier ("PA") 1014 and can be transmitted through the receiver / transmitter device 1006 by the diplexer 1016.

The signals received by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 that are directed to the communication interface 1008 can be separated from other signals through the diplexer 1016. The received signal can then be sent to the low noise amplifier ("LNA) 1018 for amplification. A frequency mixer 1020, with the help of local oscillator 1012 can reduce the frequency of the received signal (which is in the millimeter wave band or about 38 GHz in some modes) to the native frequency. The communication interface 1008 can then receive the transmission at an input port (Rx).

In one embodiment, the transmitter / receiver device 1006 may include a cylindrical or non-cylindrical metal (which, for example, may be hollow in one mode, but not necessarily drawn to scale) or another conductive or non-conductive waveguide and an end of the fragment coupler 1002 can be placed in or in proximity to the waveguide or the transmitter / receiver device 1006 such that when the transmitter / receiver device 1006 generates a transmission. The guided wave is coupled to the fragment coupler 12002 and propagates as a guided wave 1004 around the waveguide surface of the fragment coupler 1002. In some embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate in part on the outer surface of the coupler. fragment 1002 and in parre within fragment coupler 1002. In other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the fragment coupler 1002. In still other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate substantially or completely within the fragment coupler 1002. In this latter embodiment, the guided wave 1004 can be radiated at one end of the fragment coupler 1002 (such as the reduced end shown in Figure 4) for coupling to a transmission medium such as a wire 702 of Figure 7. Similarly, if the guided wave 1004 is incoming (coupled to the fragment coupler 1002 from a wire 702), the guided wave 1004 then enters the transmitter / receiver device 1006 and is coupled to the cylindrical waveguide or conductive waveguide . While the transmitter / receiver device 1006 is shown to include a separate waveguide - an antenna, cavity resonator, valve

Klystron, magnetron, progressive wave tube, or other radiating element can be used to induce a guided wave at coupler 1002, with or without the separate waveguide.

In one embodiment, fragment coupler 1002 can be constructed entirely of a dielectric material (or other suitable insulating material), without any metallic or other conductive material therein. The fragment coupler 1002 may be composed of nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, a polyamide, other plastics, or other materials that are not conductive and suitable to facilitate transmission of electromagnetic waves at least in part on an external surface of these materials. In another embodiment, fragment coupler 1002 may include a core that is conductive / metallic, and has an outer dielectric surface. Similarly, a transmission medium that is coupled to fragment coupler 1002 for propagation of electromagnetic waves induced by fragment coupler 1002 or for supply of electromagnetic waves to fragment coupler 1002, in addition to being a bare or insulated wire, is It can be constructed entirely of a dielectric material (or other suitable insulating material), without any metallic or other conductive material therein.

It is noted that although Figure 10A shows that the aperture of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 is much wider than the fragment coupler 1002, it is not to scale, and that in other embodiments the width of the fragment coupler 1002 is comparable or slightly smaller than the hollow waveguide opening. Nor is it shown, but in one embodiment, one end of the coupler 1002 that is inserted into the transmitter / receiver device 1006 is reduced in order to reduce reflection and increase coupling efficiencies.

Prior to coupling to the fragment coupler 1002, the one or more waveguide modes of the guided wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 can be coupled to the fragment coupler 1002 to induce one or more wave propagation modes of the wave Guided 1004. The wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004 may be different than the hollow metal waveguide modes due to the different characteristics of the hollow metal waveguide and the dielectric waveguide. For example, wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004 may comprise the fundamental, transverse electromagnetic mode (Quasi-TEMoo), where only small electric and / or magnetic fields extend in the direction of propagation, and the electric and magnetic fields they extend radially outward of the fragment coupler 1002 while guided waves propagate along the fragment coupler 1002. There may or may not be the transverse electromagnetic mode wave propagation mode, fundamental within a waveguide that is hollow. Therefore, the hollow metal waveguide modes that are used by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 are waveguide modes that can be efficiently and effectively coupled to the wave propagation modes of the fragment coupler 1002.

It will be appreciated that other constructions or combinations of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 and fragment coupler 1002 are possible. For example, a fragment coupler 1002 'can be placed tangentially or in parallel (with or without a space) with respect to a External surface of the hollow metal waveguide of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 '(corresponding to circuitry not shown) as represented by reference 1000' of Figure 10B. In another embodiment, not shown as reference 1000 ', the fragment coupler 1002' can be placed within the hollow metal waveguide of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 'without an axis of the fragment coupler 1002' which coaxially aligns with a shaft of the hollow metal waveguide * del · transmitter / receiver device 1006 '. In any of these embodiments, the guided wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 'can be coupled to a surface of the fragment coupler 1002' to induce one or more wave propagation modes of the guided wave 1004 'in the fragment coupler 1002 'which includes a fundamental mode (for example, a symmetric mode) and / or a non-fundamental mode (for example, asymmetric mode).

In one embodiment, guided waves 1004 'may propagate partly on the outer surface of fragment coupler 1002' and partly within fragment coupler 1002 '. In another embodiment, the guided wave 1004 'can propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the fragment coupler 1002'. In still other embodiments, guided wave 1004 'can propagate substantially or completely within fragment coupler 1002'. In this latter embodiment, the guided wave 1004 'can be radiated at one end of the fragment coupler 1002' (such as the reduced end shown in Figure 9) for coupling to a transmission medium such as a wire 702 of Figure 9.

It will be further described, that other constructions of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 are possible. For example, a hollow metal waveguide of a transmitter / receiver device 1006 "(corresponding to circuitry not shown), shown in Figure 10B as reference 1000", can be placed tangentially or in parallel (with or without a space ) with respect to an external surface of a transmission means such as wire 702 of Figure 4 without the use of fragment coupler 1002. In this mode, the guided wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 "can be coupled to a surface of the wire 702 to induce one or more wave propagation modes of a guided wave 908 on the wire 702 that includes a fundamental mode (by for example, a symmetric mode) and / or a non-fundamental mode (for example, asymmetric mode). In another embodiment, the wire 702 can be placed inside a hollow metal waveguide of a transmitter / receiver device 1006 "(corresponding to circuitry not shown) whereby an axis of the wire 702 coaxially aligns (or not coaxially) with a hollow metal waveguide shaft without the use of fragment coupler 1002-see figure 10B reference 1000 ”. In this mode, the guided wave generated by the transmitter / receiver device 1006 '"can be coupled to a surface of the wire 702 to induce one or more wave propagation modes of a guided wave 908 in the wire that includes a fundamental mode (by for example, a symmetric mode) and / or a non-fundamental mode (for example, asymmetric mode).

In the 1000 "and 1000" modes, for a wire 702 having an insulated outer surface, the guided wave 908 can propagate partly on the outer surface of the insulator and partly inside the insulator. In embodiments, guided wave 908 may propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the insulator, or substantially or completely within the insulator. In the 1000 "and 1000" modes, for a wire 702 that is a bare conductor, the guided wave 908 can propagate partly on the outer surface of the conductor and partly inside the conductor. In another embodiment, guided wave 908 can propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the conductor.

Referring now to Figure 11, a block diagram 1100 is shown that illustrates a non-limiting mode * ^. example of a double fragment coupler. In particular, a double coupler design is presented for use in a transmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1. In one embodiment, two or more couplers (such as fragment couplers 1104 and 1106) may be placed around a wire 1102 in order to receive the guided wave 1108. In one embodiment, a coupler is sufficient to receive the guided wave 1108 In that case, guided wave 1108 is coupled to coupler 1104 and propagated as guided wave 1110. If the field structure of the guided wave 1108 oscillates or undulates around the wire 1102 due to the particular guided wave modes or different external factors, then the coupler 1106 can be positioned such that the guided wave 1108 is coupled to the coupler 1106 . In some embodiments, four or more couplers may be placed around a portion of the wire 1102, for example, at 90 degrees or other separation from each other, in order to receive guided waves that can oscillate or rotate around the wire 102 , which have been induced in different azimuthal orientations or have a non-fundamental or higher order mode that, for example, have lobes and / or nulls or other asymmetries that are dependent on the orientation. However, it will be appreciated that there may be less or more than four couplers placed around a portion of the wire 1102 without departing from exemplary embodiments.

It should be noted that as long as the couplers 1106 and 1004 are illustrated as fragment couplers, any other of the coupler designs described herein that include arc couplers, antenna or horn couplers, magnetic couplers, etc., are They can use the same way. It will also be appreciated that while some exemplary embodiments have presented a plurality of couplers around at least a portion of a wire 1102, this plurality of couplers can also be considered as part of a single coupler system having multiple coupler subcomponents. For example, two or more couplers can be manufactured as a single system that can be installed around a wire in a single installation such that the couplers are either pre-positioned or adjustable with respect to each other (either manually or automatically with a controllable mechanism such as a motor or other actuator) according to the individual system.

Receivers coupled to couplers 1106 and 1104 can use diversity combination to combine signals received from both couplers 1106 and 1104 to maximize signal quality. In other embodiments, if one or the other of the couplers 1104 and 1106 receives a transmission that is above a predetermined threshold, the receivers may use selection diversity when deciding which signal should be used. Furthermore, as long as reception by a plurality of couplers 1106 and 1104 is illustrated, transmission by couplers 1106 and 1104 in the same configuration can take place in the same way. In particular, a wide range of transmission and reception techniques of multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO) can be used for transmissions where a transmission device such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1 includes multiple transceivers and multiple couplers

It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 1108 and 1110 are simply presented to illustrate the principles that guided wave 1108 induces or forms a wave 1110 in a coupler 1104. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as a result of this wave propagation may vary depending on the frequencies used, the design of the coupler 1104, the dimensions and composition of the wire 1102, as well as its surface characteristics, its insulation if present, the properties electromagnetic of the surrounding environment, etc.

Referring now to Figure 12, a block diagram 1200 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a repeater system. In particular, a repeater device 1210 is presented for use in a transmission device, such as transmission device 101 and 102 presented together with Figure 1. In this system, two couplers 1204 and 1214 can be placed near a wire 1202 or other transmission means such that the guided waves 1205 that propagate along the wire 1202 are extracted by the coupler 1204 as wave 1206 (by example as a guided wave), and then they are augmented or repeated by the repeater device 1210 and launched as a wave 1216 (for example as a guided wave) in the coupler 1214. The wave 1216 can then be released on the wire 1202 and continue to propagate along the wire 1202 as a guided wave 1217. In one embodiment, the repeater device 1210 can receive at least a portion of the energy used for the increase or repetition at through magnetic coupling with the wire 1202, by the time the wire 1202 is an electric line or otherwise contains a conductor that carries energy. It should be noted that as long as couplers 1204 and 1214 are illustrated as fragment couplers, any other of the coupler designs described herein that include arc couplers, antenna or horn couplers, couplers can be used in the same way magnetic, or similar.

In some embodiments, repeater device 1210 may repeat the transmission associated with wave 1206, and in other embodiments, The repeater device 1210 may include a communication interface 205 that extracts data or other signals from wave 1206 to deliver this data or signals to another network and / or one or more other devices such as communication signals 110 or 112 and / or receive communication signals 110 or 112 of another network and / or one or more other devices and launching the guided wave 1216 which has incorporated in it the communication signals received 110 or 112. In a repeater configuration, the receiver waveguide 1208 can receive wave 1206 from coupler 1204 and transmitter waveguide 1212 can loop guided wave 1216 into coupler 1214 as guided wave 1217. Between the receiving waveguide 1208 and the transmitting waveguide 1212, the signal incorporated in the guided wave 1206 and / or the guided wave 1216 itself can be amplified to correct signal loss and other inefficiencies associated with guided wave communications or the signal can be received and processed to extract the data contained therein and regenerate for transmission. In one embodiment, the receiving waveguide 1208 can be configured to extract data from the signal, process the data to correct data errors using, for example, error correction codes, and regenerate an updated signal with the corrected data. The transmitting waveguide 1212 can then transmit the guided wave 1216 with the updated signal incorporated therein. In one embodiment, a signal incorporated in the guided wave 1206 can be extracted from the transmission and processed for communication with another network and / or one or more other devices through the communication interface 205 as communication signals 110 or 112. Similarly, the communication signals 110 or 12 received by the communication interface 205 can be inserted into a guided wave transmission 1216 that is generated and released to the coupler 1214 by the transmitter waveguide 1212.

It is noted that although Figure 12 shows guided wave transmissions 1206 and

1216 which enter from the left side and exit from the right side respectively, this is simply a simplification and is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, the receiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide 1212 can also function as transmitters and receivers respectively, which allow the repeater device 1210 to be bidirectional.

In one embodiment, the repeater device 1210 can be placed in locations where there are discontinuities or obstacles in the wire 1202 or other means of transmission. In the case where wire 1202 is an electric line, these obstacles may include transformers, connections, public service poles, and other power line devices. The repeater device 1210 can help guided waves (for example, surface waves) to jump over this obstacles in the line and increase the transmission power at the same time. In other embodiments, a coupler can be used to storm the obstacle without the use of a repeater device. In that mode, both ends of the coupler can be attached or attached to the wire, thus providing a route for the guided wave to travel without being blocked by the obstacle.

Turning now to Figure 13, a block diagram 1300 of a non-limiting mode is illustrated, an example of a bidirectional repeater according to different aspects described herein. In particular, a bidirectional repeater device 1306 is presented for use in a transmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1. It should be noted that as long as the couplers are illustrated as fragment couplers, any other of the coupler designs described herein that include arc couplers, antenna or horn couplers, magnetic couplers, or the like can be used in the same way Similar. Bidirectional repeater 1306 may employ diversity routes in the case when two or more wires or other transmission means are present. Since guided wave transmissions have different transmission efficiencies and coupling efficiencies for the transmission medium of different types such as insulated wires, non-insulated wires or other types of transmission media and also, if exposed to the elements, they They may affect weather, or other atmospheric conditions, it may be advantageous to electively transmit on different transmission media at certain times. In different modalities, the different transmission means can be designed as a primary, secondary, tertiary, etc., yes or no this designation indicates a preference of one transmission medium over another.

In the embodiment shown, the transmission means includes an insulated or non-insulated wire 1302 and an insulated or non-insulated wire 1304 (referred to herein as wires 1302 and 1304, respectively). The repeater device 1306 uses receiver coupler 1308 to receive a guided wave that travels along the wire 1302 and repeats the transmission using transmitter waveguide 1310 as a guided wave along the wire 1304. In other embodiments, the repeater device 1306 can switch from wire 1304 to wire 1302, or it can repeat transmissions along the same routes. The repeater device 1306 may include sensors, or may be in communication with sensors (or a network management system 1601 shown in Figure 16A) indicating conditions that may affect transmission. Based on the feedback received from the sensors, the repeater device 1306 can determine whether to maintain the transmission along the same wire, or transfer the transmission to the other wire.

Turning now to Figure 14, a block diagram 1400 is illustrated illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a bidirectional repeater system. In particular, a bidirectional repeater system is presented for use in a transmission device, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1. The bidirectional repeater system includes waveguide coupling devices 1402 and 1404 that receive and transmit transmissions from other coupling devices located in a distributed antenna system or return network system.

In different embodiments, the waveguide coupling device 1402 can receive a transmission from another waveguide coupling device, wherein the transmission has a plurality of subcarriers. Diplexer 1406 can separate the transmission from other transmissions, and directs the transmission to the low noise amplifier ("LNA") 1408. A frequency mixer 1428, with the help of a local oscillator 1412, can decrease the transmission frequency (which is in the millimeter wave band or around 38 GHz in some modes) to a lower frequency, such as a cell band ( ~ 1.9 GHz) for a distributed antenna system, a native frequency, or another frequency for a return network system. An extractor (or demultiplexer) 1432 can extract the signal in a subcarrier and direct the signal to an output component 1422 for optional amplification, intermediate storage to isolation by the power amplifier 1424 for coupling to the communication interface 205. The communication interface 205 can also process the signals received from the power amplifier 1424 or otherwise transmit these signals through a wired or wireless interface to other devices such as a base station, mobile devices, a construction, etc. For signals that are not extracted at this location, the extractor 1432 can redirect them to another frequency mixer 1436, where the signals are used to modulate a carrier wave generated by the local oscillator 1414. The carrier wave, with its subcarriers, is directed to a power amplifier ("PA") 14165 and is retransmitted by the waveguide coupling device 1404 to another system, through the diplexer 1420.

An LNA 1426 can be used to amplify, intermediate store or isolate signals that are received by the communication interface 205 and then send the signal to a multiplexer 1434 that combines the signal with signals that have been received from the device.

I waveguide coupling 1404. The signals received from coupling device 1404 have been divided by diplexer 1420, and then passed through LNA 1418, and reduced in frequency by frequency mixer 1438. When combined The signals by the multiplexer 1434 are increased in frequency by the frequency mixer 1430, and then increased by the PA 1410, and transmitted to another system by the waveguide coupling device 1402. In one embodiment, the bidirectional repeater system may simply be a repeater without the output device 1422. In this mode, the multiplexer 1434 would not be used and the LNA signals 1418 would be directed to the mixer 1430 as previously described. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bidirectional repeater system can also be implemented using two separate and distinct unidirectional repeaters. In an alternative mode, a bidirectional repeater system may also be an increase circuit or otherwise carry out retransmissions without lowering or increasing the frequency. Certainly in an exemplary embodiment, retransmissions can be based on the reception of a signal, or guided wave and that some processing or re-formation, filtration, and / or signal amplification or guided wave is carried out, before the signal retransmission or guided wave.

Referring now to Figure 5, a block diagram 1500 is shown illustrating a non-limiting mode, for example of a guided wave communications system. This diagram represents an example environment in which a guided wave communication system can be used, such as the guided wave communication system presented together with Figure 1.

To provide additional network connectivity to an additional base station device, a return network that links the communication cells (for example, micro cells and macro cells) to network devices of a central network is expanded accordingly. Similarly, to provide network connectivity to a distributed antenna system, an extended communication system that links base station devices to its distributed antennas is desirable. A guided wave communication system 1500 as shown in Fig. 15 can be provided to allow for alternative, increased or additional network connectivity and a waveguide coupling system can be provided to transmit and / or receive wave communications. guided (for example, surface wave) in a transmission medium such as a wire that operates as a single wire transmission line (for example, a public service line), and that it can be used as a waveguide and / or that operates in another way to guide the transmission of an electromagnetic wave.

The guided wave communication system 1500 may comprise a first case of a distribution system 1550 that includes one or more base station devices (for example, base station device 1504) communicatively coupled to a central office 1501 and / or a 1502 macrocell site. The base station device 1504 can be connected by a wired connection (for example, optical fiber and / or cable) or by a wireless connection (for example, microwave wireless) to the macrocell site 1502 and the central office 1501. A second case of the distribution system 1560 may be used to provide wireless voice and data services to the mobile device 1522 and to residential and / or commercial establishments 1542 (hereinafter referred to as establishments 1542). System 1500 may have additional cases of distribution systems 1550 and 1560 to provide voice and / or data services to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 1542 as shown in Figure 15.

Macro cells such as macro cell site 1502 may have connections dedicated to a mobile network and base station device 1504 or they may share and / or otherwise use another connection. The central office 1501 can be used to distribute media content and / or provide internet service provider (ISP) services to mobile devices 1522-1524 and 1542 establishments. The head office 1501 may receive media content from a satellite constellation 1530 (one of which is shown in Figure 15) or other content sources, and distribute this content to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 1542 through the first and second case of the distribution system 1550 and 1560. The central office 1501 can also be communicatively connected to internet 1503 to provide internet data services to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 1542.

The base station device 1504 may be mounted on, or attached to, public service post 1516. In other embodiments, the base station device 1504 may be near transformers and / or other suitable locations near an electrical line. The base station device 1504 can facilitate connectivity to a mobile network for mobile devices 1522 and 1524. Antennas 1512 and 1514, mounted on or near public service poles 1518 and 1520, respectively, can receive signals from base station device 1504 and transmit those signals to mobile devices 1522 and 1524 through a much wider area than if the antennas 1512 and 1514 were located at or near the base station device 1504.

It is noted that Figure 15 shows three public service posts, in each case of the 1550 and 1560 distribution systems, with a base station device, for simplicity purposes. In other embodiments, the public service post 1516 may have more base station devices, and more public service posts with distributed antennas and / or connections attached to 1542 establishments.

A transmission device 1506, such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented together with Figure 1, can transmit a signal from the base station device 1504 to the antennas 1512 and 1514 through power lines or public service that are connected to the public service posts 1518 and 1520. To transmit the signal, the radio frequency source and / or transmission device 1506 increases the frequency of the signal (e.g., through frequency mixing) of the base station device 1504 or otherwise converts the signal from the base station device 1504 to a microwave band signal and the transmission device 1506 releases a microwave band wave that propagates as a guided wave that travels along the public service line or other wire as described in previous modalities. In the public service post 1518, another transmission device 1508 receives the guided wave (and optionally it can be amplified as necessary or desired or operated as a repeater to receive and regenerate it) and sends it forward as a guided wave in the public service line or other wire. The transmission device 1508 can also extract a signal from the microwave waveguided wave and reduce it in frequency or otherwise convert it to its original cellular band frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz or other defined cellular frequency) or other frequency cell band (or non cell). An antenna 1512 can wirelessly transmit the reduced frequency signal to the mobile device 1522. The process can be repeated by the transmission device 1510, the antenna 1514 and the mobile device 1524, as necessary or desirable.

Transmissions of mobile devices 1522 and 1524 can also be received by antennas 1512 and 1514 respectively. The transmission devices 1508 and 1510 can be increased in frequency or otherwise convert the cellular band signals to the microwave band and transmit the signals as guided wave transmissions (e.g., surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) through the power lines to the base station device 1504.

The media content received by the central office 1501 can be supplied to the second case of the distribution system 1560 through the base station device 1504 for distribution to mobile devices 1522 and establishments 1542. The transmission device 1510 can be attached to the establishments 1542 by one or more wired connections or a wireless interface. The one or more wired connections may include, without limitation, an electrical line, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber cable, a twisted pair cable, a guided wave transmission means or other wired means suitable for distribution of media content and / or to provide interne services! In an example mode, the wired connections of the transmission device 1510 can be communicatively coupled to one or more very high bit rate digital subscriber line modems (VDSL) located in one or more corresponding service area interfaces (UPSs - not shown) or pedestals , each UPS or pedestal that provides services to a proportion of the 1542 establishments. VDSL modems can be used to selectively distribute media content and / or provide Internet services and gateways (not shown) located in 1542 establishments. UPSs or pedestals can also be communicatively coupled to 1542 establishments through a wired medium such as a power line, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a twisted pair cable, a guided wave transmission means or other suitable wired means. In other exemplary embodiments, the transmission device 1510 can be communicatively coupled directly to the establishments 1542 without intermediate interfaces such as the UPS or pedestals.

In another exemplary embodiment, the system 1500 may employ diversity routes, where two or more public service lines or other wires are chained between the public service posts 1516,1518 and 1520 (for example, two or more wires between the posts 1516 and 1520) and redundant transmissions of the 1502 macrocell / base station site are transmitted as waves guided by the surface of public service lines or other wires, public service lines or other wires can be either isolated or non-isolated, and depending on the environmental conditions that cause transmission losses, the coupling devices can selectively receive signals from public service lines or other isolated or non-isolated wires . The selection can be based on measurements of the signal-to-noise ratio of the wires, or based on certain weather / environmental conditions (for example, humidity detectors, weather forecasts, etc.). The use of diversity routes with the 1500 system may allow for alternate routing capabilities, load balancing, increased load handling, concurrent synchronous or bidirectional communications, spread spectrum communications, etc.

It is noted that the use of transmission devices 1506, 1508 and 1510 in Figure 15 is by way of example only, and that in other embodiments, other uses are possible. For example, transmission devices can be used in a return network communication system, which provides network connectivity to base station devices. The transmission devices 1506, 1508 and 1510 can be used in many circumstances where it is desirable to transmit guided wave communications through a wire, either isolated or non-isolated. The transmission devices 1506, 1508 and 1510 are improvements with respect to other coupling devices because they are not in contact or are not in physical and / or electrical contact limited to the wires that can carry high voltages. The transmission device may be located away from the wire (for example, separated from the wire) and / or located on the wire as long as it is not electrically in contact with the wire, since the dielectric acts as an insulator, which allows economical installation , easy, and / or less complex. However, as indicated previously, conductive or non-dielectric couplers can be used, for example in configurations where the wires correspond to a telephone network, cable television network, broadband data service, fiber optic communications system or other network that uses low voltages or that has isolated transmission lines.

It is further noted that, while the base station device 1504 and the macro cell site 1502 are illustrated in one embodiment, other network configurations are equally possible. For example, devices such as access points or other wireless gateways can be used in a similar manner to extend the reach of other networks such as a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area network or other wireless network that It operates in accordance with a communication protocol such as an 802.11 protocol, WIMAX protocol, ultra-wideband protocol, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbee protocol, or other wireless protocols.

With reference now to Figures 16A and 16B, block diagrams 1600 and 1650 are shown, illustrating non-limiting modalities, for example a system for managing a power grid communication system. Considering Figure 16A, a waveguide system 1602 is presented for use in a guided wave communications system, such as the system presented in conjunction with Figure 15. The waveguide system 1602 may comprise sensors 1604, an energy management system 1605, a transmission device 101 or 102 that includes at least one communication interface 205, transceiver 210 and coupler 220.

The waveguide system 1602 can be coupled to a power line 1610 to facilitate guided wave communications according to modalities described in the description. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission device 101 or 102 includes coupler 220 to induce electromagnetic waves on a surface of the power line 1610 that propagates longitudinally along the surface of the power line 1610 as described in the description. The transmission device 101 and 102 can also serve as a repeater to retransmit electromagnetic waves on the same power line 1610 or to route electromagnetic waves between power lines 1610 as shown in Figures 12-13.

The transmission device 101 or 102 includes transceiver 210 configured to, for example, increase in frequency a signal that operates in an original frequency range to electromagnetic waves that operate at, that exhibit, or are associated with a carrier frequency that propagates to along a coupler to induce corresponding guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a power line surface 1610. A carrier frequency can be represented by a central frequency that has higher and lower cutoff frequencies that define the bandwidth of electromagnetic waves. The power line 1610 may be a wire (for example, single-wire or multi-wire) having a conductive surface or insulated surface. The transceiver 210 can also receive signals from the coupler 220 and decrease in frequency the electromagnetic waves operating at a carrier frequency to signals at their original frequency.

The signals received by the communication interface 205 of the transmission device 101 or 102 for frequency increase may include without limitation signals supplied by a central office 1611 via a wired or wireless interface of the communication interface 205, a base station 1614 via a wired or wireless interface of communications interface 205, wireless signals transmitted by mobile devices 1620 to the base station 1614 for distribution through the wired or wireless interface of the communication interface 205, signals supplied by indoor communication devices 1618 through the wired or wireless interface of the interface communications 205, and / or wireless signals supplied to the communication interface 205 by mobile devices 1612 that travel in a wireless communication range of the communication interface 205. In embodiments where the waveguide system 1602 functions as a repeater, as is shown in Figures 12-13, communication interface 205 may or may not be included in waveguide system 1602.

Electromagnetic waves that propagate along the surface of power line 1610 can be modulated and formatted to include data packets or frames that include a data payload and also include network information (such as header information to identify one or more destination waveguide systems 1602). The network information may be provided by the waveguide system 1602 or a source device such as the central office 1611, the base station 1614, mobile devices 1620, or devices and interiors 1618, or a combination thereof. Additionally, modulated electromagnetic waves may include error correction data to mitigate signal disturbances. The network information and error correction data can be used by a destination waveguide system 1602 to detect transmissions directed thereto, and for decrease in frequency and processing with error correction data transmissions that include voice signals and / or data directed to target communication devices communicatively coupled to the destination waveguide system 1602.

With reference now to the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602, the sensors 1604 may comprise one or more of a temperature sensor 1604a, a disturbance detection sensor 1604b, a power loss sensor 1604c, a noise sensor 1604d, a vibration sensor 1604e, an environmental sensor (for example, climate) 1604f, and / or an image sensor 1604g. The temperature sensor 1604a can be used to measure ambient temperature, a temperature of the transmission device 101 or 102, a temperature of the power line 1610, temperature differentials (for example, compared to a set or reference point, between the transmission device 101 or 102 and power line 1610, etc.), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, temperature metrics can be collected and reported periodically to a network management system 1601 through the base station 1614.

The disturbance detection sensor 1604b can carry out measurements on the power line 1610 to detect disturbances such as signal reflections, which may indicate a presence of a disturbance downstream that can prevent the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the power line 1610. A signal reflection may represent a distortion resulting from, for example, an electromagnetic wave transmitted on the power line 1610 by the transmission device 101 and 102 that is reflected in whole or in part again to the transmission device 101 or 102 from a disturbance in the power line 1610 located downstream of the transmission device 101 or 102.

The signal reflections can be caused by obstructions in the power line 1610. For example, a tree branch can cause reflections of electromagnetic waves when the tree branch is on the power line 1610, or is in close proximity to the power line 1610 which can cause a corona discharge. Other obstructions that may cause electromagnetic wave reflections may include, without limitation, an object that has become entangled in power line 1610 (e.g., clothing, a shoe tangled around a power line 1610 with a shoelace, etc.), a corroded accumulation on the power line 1610 or an accumulation of ice. Mains or electrical components can also prevent or obstruct with the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the surface of power lines 1610. Illustrations of electrical network components that can cause signal reflections include without limitation a transformer and a junction to connect power lines spliced An acute angle in power line 1610 can also cause electromagnetic wave reflections.

The disturbance detection sensor 1604b may comprise a circuit for comparing magnitudes of electromagnetic wave reflections with original electromagnetic wave magnitudes transmitted by the transmission device 101 or 102 to determine the amount that a disturbance downstream in the power line 1610 attenuates the transmissions The disturbance detection sensor 1604b can further comprise a spectrum analyzer circuit for performing spectral analysis on the reflected waves. The spectral data generated by the spectrum analyzer circuit can be compared with spectral profiles through pattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting, adapted filtration or other artificial intelligence, classification or comparison technique to identify a type of disturbance with based on, for example, the spectral profile that most closely matches the spectral data. The spectral profiles can be stored in a memory of the disturbance detection sensor 1604b or can be remotely accessible by the disturbance detection sensor 1604b. The profiles may comprise spectral data modeling different disturbances that can be found on power lines 1610 to allow the disturbance detection sensor 1604b to identify disturbances locally. An identification of the disturbance if known can be reported in the network management system 1601 by means of the base station 1614. The disturbance detection sensor 1604b can also use the transmission device 101 or 102 to transmit electromagnetic waves as signals. test to determine a travel time for an electromagnetic wave reflection. The travel time measured by the disturbance detection sensor 1604b can be used to calculate a distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave to a point where the reflection takes place, allowing the disturbance detection sensor 1604b to calculate a distance from the device from transmission 101 or 102 to the downstream disturbance on power line 1610.

The calculated distance can be reported to the network management system 1601 by means of the base station 1614. In one embodiment, the location of the waveguide system 1602 on the power line 1610 can be known by the network management system 1601 , which the network management system 1601 can use to determine a location of the disturbance in the power line 1610 based on a known topology of the power grid. In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1602 can provide its location to the network management system 1601 to assist in determining the location of the disturbance in the power line 1610. The location of the waveguide system 1602 can be obtained by the waveguide system 1602 from a pre-programmed location of the waveguide system 1602 stored in a memory of the waveguide system 1602, or the guidance system Wave 1602 can determine its location using a GPS receiver (not shown) included in the 1602 waveguide system.

The energy management system 1605 provides power to the aforementioned components of the waveguide system 1602. The energy management system 1605 can receive energy from solar cells, or from a transformer (not shown) coupled to the power line 1610 , or by inductive coupling to power line 1610 or another nearby power line. The energy management system 1605 may also include a backup battery and / or a super-capacitor or other capacitor circuit to provide the waveguide system 1602 with temporary energy. The energy loss sensor 1604c can be used to detect when the waveguide system 1602 has a power loss condition and / or the incidence of some other malfunction. For example, the energy loss sensor 1604c can detect when there is a loss of energy due to defective solar cells, an obstruction in the solar cells that causes them to malfunction, loss of energy in the power line 1610, and / or when The backup power system is malfunctioning due to the expiration of a backup battery, or a detectable defect in a super-capacitor. When a malfunction and / or loss of energy occurs, the energy loss sensor 1604c can notify the network management system 1601 through the base station 1614.

The noise sensor 1604d can be used to measure noise on the power line 1610 that can negatively affect the transmission of electromagnetic waves on the power line 1610. The noise sensor 1404d can detect unexpected electromagnetic interference, noise bursts, or other sources of disturbances that can interrupt reception of modulated electromagnetic waves on a surface of a 1610 power line. A burst of noise can be caused by, for example, a corona discharge, or other noise source. The noise sensor 1604d can compare the measured noise with a noise profile obtained by the waveguide system 1602 from an internal database of noise profiles or from a remotely located database that stores noise profiles at through pattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting, coupled filtration or other artificial intelligence, classification or comparison technique. From the comparison, the noise sensor 1604d can identify a noise source (for example, corona discharge or otherwise) based on, for example, the noise profile that provides the closest match to the measured noise. The noise sensor 1604d can also detect how noise affects transmissions by measuring transmission metrics such as bit error rate, packet loss rate, jitter, packet retransmission requests, etc. The noise sensor 1604d can report to the network management system 1601 through the base station 1614 the identity of noise sources, their incidence time, and transmission metrics, among other things.

The 1604e vibration sensor may include accelerometers and / or gyroscopes to detect 2D or 3D vibrations in the 1610 power line. The vibrations can be compared with vibration profiles that can be stored locally in the waveguide system 1602, or obtained by the waveguide system 1602 from a remote database through pattern recognition, a system expert, curve fitting, coupled filtration or other artificial intelligence, classification or comparison technique. Vibration profiles can be used, for example, to distinguish fallen trees from wind gusts based on, for example, the vibration profile that provides the closest match to the measured vibrations. The results of this analysis can be reported by the vibration sensor 1604e to the network management system 1601 through the base station 1614.

The 1604f environmental sensor may include a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature (which can be provided by the 1604a temperature sensor), wind speed, humidity, wind direction, and rain, among other things. The environmental sensor 1604f can collect unprocessed information and process this information by comparing it with environmental profiles that can be obtained from a memory of the waveguide system 1602 or a remote database to predict weather conditions before they arise through recognition of patterns, an expert system, knowledge-based system or other artificial intelligence, classification or other time modeling and prediction technique. The environmental sensor 1604f can report raw data as well as its analysis to the network management system 1601.

The image sensor 1604g can be a digital camera (for example, a coupled charging device or CCD imager, infrared camera, etc.), for capturing images in a vicinity of the waveguide system 1602. The image sensor 1604g may include an electromechanical mechanism to control the movement (e.g., actual position or focal points / approaches) of the camera to inspect the power line 1610 from multiple perspectives (e.g., upper surface, lower surface, left surface, right surface etc.). Alternatively, the image sensor 1604g can be designed in such a way that no electromechanical mechanism is needed in order to obtain multiple perspectives. The collection and retrieval of image data generated by the image sensor 1604g can be controlled by the network management system 1601, or can be collected and reported autonomously by the image sensor 1604g to the network management system 1601.

Other sensors that may be suitable for collecting telemetry information associated with waveguide system 1602 and / or power lines 1610 for purposes of detecting, predicting and / or mitigating disturbances that may prevent the propagation of electromagnetic wave transmissions in lines Electrical 1610 (or any other form of electromagnetic wave transmission means) can be used by the waveguide system 1602.

Referring now to Figure 16B, block diagram 1650 illustrates a non-limiting mode, for example of a system for managing an electrical network 1653 and a communications system 1655 incorporated therein or associated therewith according to different aspects. described herein. The communication system 1655 comprises a plurality of waveguide systems 1602 coupled to power lines 1610 of the power grid 1653. At least a portion of the waveguide systems 1602 used in the communication system 1655 may be in direct communication with a base station 1614 and / or the network management system 1601. Waveguide systems 1602 not directly connected to a base station 1614 or the network management system 1601 can be coupled in communication sessions with either of a base station 1614 or the network management system 1601 by means of other systems downstream waveguide 1602 connected to a base station 1614 or network management system 1601.

The network management system 1601 can be communicatively coupled to equipment of a public service company 1652 and equipment of a communications service provider 1654 to provide each entity with status information associated with the electrical network 1653 and the system of communication 1655, respectively. The 1601 network management system, the 1652 public service company team, and the 1654 communications service provider may access communication devices used by personnel of the 1656 public service company and / or communication devices used by 1658 communications service provider personnel for purposes of providing status information and / or to detect this personnel in the management of the 1653 electricity network and / or 1655 communication system.

Figure 17A illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting mode, for example of a method 1700 for detecting and mitigating disturbances that occur in a communication network of the systems of Figures 16A and 16B. Method 1700 may begin with step 1702 where a waveguide system 1602 transmits and receives messages incorporated in, or that are part of, modulated electromagnetic waves or other types of electromagnetic waves that travel along a surface of a line 1610 electric. The messages may be voice messages, streaming video, and / or other data / information exchanged between communication devices communicatively coupled to the communication system 1655. In step 1704 the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602 may Collect detection data. In one embodiment, the detection data can be collected in step 1704 before, during, or after the transmission and / or reception of messages in step 1702. In step 1706 the waveguide system 1602 (or the sensors 1604 themselves) can determine from the detection data a real or predicted incidence of a disturbance in the communication system

1655 which may affect communications originating from (for example, transmitted by) or received by waveguide system 1602. Waveguide system 1602 (or sensors 1604) can process temperature data, signal reflection data , energy loss data, noise data, vibration data, environmental data, or any combination thereof to make this determination. The waveguide system 1602 (or sensors 1604) can also detect, identify, estimate or predict the source of the disturbance and / or its location in the communication system 1655. If a disturbance is neither detected / identified nor predicted / estimated in step 1708, the waveguide system 1602 may proceed to step 1702 where it continues to transmit and receive messages incorporated in, or that are part of, electromagnetic modulated waves that they travel along a surface of power line 1610.

If in step 1708 a disturbance is detected / identified or predicted / estimated, the waveguide system 1602 proceeds to step 1710 to determine whether the disturbance affects negatively (or alternatively, is likely to affect negatively or the extent to which it may adversely affect) the transmission or reception of messages in the communication system 1655. In one embodiment, a duration threshold and an incidence frequency threshold can be used in step 1710 to determine when a disturbance negatively affects communications in the communication system 1655. For illustration purposes only, it is assumed that it is adjusted a duration threshold of 500 ms, while an incidence frequency threshold is adjusted to 5 disturbances that occur in an observation period of 10 seconds. Therefore, a disturbance that has a duration greater than 500 ms will activate the duration threshold. In addition, any disturbance that occurs more than 5 times in a 10-second time interval will activate the incidence frequency threshold.

In one embodiment, a disturbance can be considered to negatively affect the signal integrity in communication systems 1655 when the duration threshold separately is exceeded. In another embodiment, a disturbance can be considered as negatively affecting signal integrity in communication systems 1655 when both the duration threshold and the incidence frequency threshold are exceeded. This last modality is therefore more conservative than the first modality for classifying disturbances that negatively affect the signal integrity in the communication system 1655. It will be appreciated that many other algorithms and associated parameters and thresholds can be used for step 1710 according to example modalities.

With reference again to method 1700, if in step 1710 the disturbance detected in step 1708 does not meet the condition for affected communications d negatively (for example, neither exceeds the duration threshold nor the incidence frequency threshold), the Waveguide system 1602 can proceed to step 1702 and continue processing messages. For example, if the disturbance detected in step 1708 has a duration of 1 ms, with an individual incidence over a period of 10 seconds, then no threshold will be exceeded. Consequently, this disturbance can be considered as having a nominal effect on the signal integrity in the communication system 1655 and therefore would not be marked as a disturbance that requires mitigation. Although not marked, the incidence of the disturbance, its time of incidence, its frequency of incidence, spectral data, and / or other useful information, can be reported to the network management system 1601 as telemetry data for monitoring purposes.

With reference again to step 1710, if on the other hand the disturbance satisfies the condition for negatively affected communications (for example, it exceeds either or both thresholds), waveguide system 1602 can proceed to step 1712 and report the incidence to the network management system 1601. The report may include unprocessed detection data collected by sensors 1604, a description of the disturbance if known by the waveguide system 1602, a time of incidence of the disturbance, a frequency of incidence of the disturbance, a location associated with the disturbance, parameter readings such as bit error rate, packet loss rate, retransmission requests, fluctuation, latency, etc. If the disturbance is based on a prediction by one or more sensors of waveguide system 1402, the report may include an expected type of disturbance, and if predictable, an expected temporary incidence of the disturbance, and an expected incidence frequency of the predicted disturbance when the prediction is based on historical detection data collected by the sensors 1604 of the waveguide system 1602.

In step 1714, the network management system 1601 may determine a mitigation, avoidance, or correction technique, which may include directing the waveguide system 1602 to re-route the traffic to avoid disturbance if the location of the disturbance. In one embodiment, the waveguide coupling device 1402 that detects the disturbance can direct a repeater such as that shown in Figs. 1314 to connect the waveguide system 1602 of a main power line affected by the disturbance to a secondary power line to allow the 1602 waveguide system to re-encapsulate traffic to a different transmission medium and avoid disturbance. In an embodiment where the waveguide system 1602 is configured as a repeater, the waveguide system 1602 can itself re-route the traffic from the main power line to the secondary power line. It is further noted that for bidirectional communications (eg, half-duplex or duplex communications), the repeater can be configured to re-route traffic from the secondary power line back to the main power line for processing by the waveguide system 1602.

In another embodiment, waveguide system 1602 can redirect traffic by instructing a first repeater placed upstream of the disturbance and a second repeater placed downstream of the disturbance to redirect traffic from a main power line temporarily to a line. secondary power and back to the main power line in a way that avoids disturbance. It is further noted that for bidirectional communications (eg, half-duplex or duplex communications), repeaters can be configured to re-route the traffic from the secondary power line back to the main power line.

To avoid interruption of existing communication sessions that occur on a secondary power line, network management system 1601 can direct waveguide system 1602 to instruct repeaters to use unused time slots and / or bands of frequencies of the secondary power line to redirect data and / or voice traffic away from the main power line to avoid disturbance.

In step 1716, while traffic is rerouted to avoid disturbance, the network management system 1601 can notify the public service company team 1652 and / or equipment of the communications service provider 1654, that in turn, it can notify the personnel of the public service company 1656 and / or personnel of the 1658 communications service provider of the detected disturbance and its location if known. Field personnel from anywhere can attend to resolve the disturbance at a particular location of the disturbance. Once the disturbance is removed or otherwise mitigated by public service company personnel and / or personnel of the communications service provider, these personnel can notify their respective companies and / or network management system 1601 using field equipment (for example, a laptop, smartphone, etc.), communicatively coupled to the 1601 network management system, and / or equipment of the public service company and / or the communications service provider. The notification may include a description of how it mitigated the disturbance and any changes to the power lines 1610 that may change a topology of the communication system 1655.

Once the disturbance has been resolved (as determined in decision 1718), The network management system 1601 may direct the waveguide system 1602 in step 1720 to restore the previous routing configuration used by the waveguide system 1602 or route traffic according to a new routing configuration if the strategy Restoration used to mitigate the disturbance resulted in a new network topology of the 1655 communication system. In another embodiment, waveguide system 1602 can be configured to monitor disturbance mitigation by transmitting test signals on power line 1610 to determine when the disturbance has been removed. Once the waveguide system 1602 detects an absence of the disturbance it can autonomously restore its routing configuration without assistance by the network management system 1601 if it determines that the network topology of the communication system 1655 has not changed , or you can use a new routing configuration that adapts to a new detected network topology.

Figure 17B illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting mode, for example of a method 1750 for detecting and mitigating disturbances that occur in a communication network of the system of Figures 16A and 16B. In one embodiment, method 1750 may begin with step 1752 where a network management system 1601 receives from the public service company 1652 or communications service provider 1654 equipment maintenance information associated with a maintenance program. The network management system 1601 can in step 1754 identify from the maintenance information, maintenance activities that will be carried out during the maintenance program. From these activities, the network management system 1601 can detect a disturbance resulting from maintenance (for example, scheduled replacement of a power line 1610, scheduled replacement of a waveguide system 1602 on power line 1610, reconfiguration Programming of 1610 power lines in the 1653 grid, etc.).

In another embodiment, the network management system 1601 can retrieve in step 1755 telemetry information from one or more waveguide systems 1602. The telemetry information may include among other things an identity of each waveguide system 1602 that sends the telemetry information, measurements taken by sensors 1604 of each waveguide system 1602, information related to predicted, estimated, or actual disturbances. detected by sensors 1604 of each waveguide system 1602, location information associated with each waveguide system 1602, an estimated location of a detected disturbance, an identification of the disturbance, etc. The network management system 1601 can determine from the telemetry information a type of disturbance that can be negative to waveguide operations, transmission of electromagnetic waves along the wire surface, or both. The network management system 1601 can also use telemetry information from multiple waveguide systems 1602 to isolate and identify the disturbance. In addition, the network management system 1601 may request telemetry information from waveguide systems 1602 in a neighborhood of an affected waveguide system 1602 to triangulate a disturbance location and / or validate a disturbance identification to the receive similar telemetry information from other 1602 waveguide systems.

In yet another embodiment, the network management system 1601 can receive in step 1756 a report of unscheduled activity of the maintenance field personnel. Unscheduled maintenance may occur as a result of unplanned field visits or as a result of unexpected field problems discovered during field visits or scheduled maintenance activities. The activity report may identify changes to a topology configuration of the 1653 power network resulting from field personnel addressing problems discovered in the 1655 communication system and / or 1653 power network, changes to one or more waveguide systems 1602 (such as replacement or repair thereof), mitigation of disturbances carried out if any, etc.

In step 1758, the network management system 1601 can determine from the reports received in accordance with steps 1752 to 1756 whether a disturbance will occur based on a maintenance schedule, or if a disturbance has occurred or predicts that it will be presented based on telemetry data, or if a disturbance has occurred due to unplanned maintenance identified in a field activity report. From any of these reports, the network management system 1601 can determine whether a detected or predicted disturbance requires re-routing of traffic by the affected waveguide systems 1602 or other waveguide systems 1602 of the communication system 1655

When a disturbance is detected or predicted in step 1758, the network management system 1601 can proceed to step 1760 where it can direct one or more waveguide systems 1602 to re-route the traffic to avoid the disturbance. When the disturbance is permanent due to a permanent topology change of the electrical network 1653, the network management system 1601 can proceed to step 1770 and skip steps 1762, 1764, 1766 and 1772. In step 1770, the network management system 1601 can direct one or more waveguide systems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts to the new topology, however, when the disturbance has been detected from telemetry information supplied by one or more waveguide systems 1602, The network management system 1601 may notify the maintenance staff of the public service company 1656 or the communications service provider 1658 of a location of the disturbance, a type of disturbance if known, and related information that may be useful. so that this staff mitigates the disturbance. When a disturbance is expected due to maintenance activities, the network management system 1601 can direct one or more waveguide systems 1602 to reconfigure traffic routes in a given program (consistent with the maintenance program) to avoid disturbances caused for maintenance activities during the maintenance program.

Returning now to step 1760 and after completion, the process can continue with step 1762. In step 1762, the network management system 1601 can monitor when disturbances have been mitigated by field personnel. Mitigation of a disturbance can be detected in step 1762 by analyzing field reports issued to the network management system 1601 by field personnel through a communications network (for example, cellular communication system) using field equipment ( for example, a laptop or computer / portable device). If the field staff has reported that a disturbance has been mitigated, the network management system 1601 can proceed to step 1764 to determine from the field report whether a change of topology was necessary to mitigate the disturbance. A topology change may include re-routing of a power line 1610, reconfiguration of a waveguide system 1602 to use a different power line 1610, otherwise using an alternative link to omit the disturbance etc. If a topology change has taken place, the network management system 1601 may direct in step 1770 one or more waveguide systems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts to the new topology.

If, however, no change of topology has been reported by field personnel, the network management system 1601 may proceed to step 1766 where it may direct one or more waveguide systems 1602 to send test signals to test. a routing configuration that had been used before the detected disturbances. Test signals can be sent to affected waveguide systems 1602 in a neighborhood of the disturbance. Test signals can be used to determine if signal disturbances (for example, electromagnetic wave reflections) are detected by any of the 1602 waveguide systems. If the test signals confirm that a previous routing configuration is no longer subject to previously detected disturbances, then the network management system 1601 may in step 1772 direct the affected waveguide systems 1602 to restore a previous routing configuration . If, however, the test signals analyzed by one or more waveguide coupling devices 1402 and reported to the network management system 1601 indicate that the disturbances or new disturbances are present, then the network management system 1601 will proceed to step 1768 and will report this information to the field staff to further address field problems. The network management system 1601 can in this situation continue monitoring the mitigation of disturbances in step 1762.

In the aforementioned modalities, waveguide systems 1602 can be configured to adapt to changes in the electrical network 1653 and / or to mitigate disturbances. That is, one or more affected waveguide systems 1602 can be configured to self-monitor disturbance mitigation and reconfigure traffic routes without requiring instructions to be sent to them by the network management system 1601. In this mode, the one or more waveguide systems 1602 that are self-configuring can inform the network management system 1601 of their routing selections such that the network management system 1601 can maintain a macro-level view of the communication topology of the 1655 communication system.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figures 17A and 17B, respectively, it will be understood and appreciated that the subject matter claimed is not limited by the order of the blocks , since some blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks of what is represented and described herein. In addition, not all polished blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 18A, a block diagram 1800 is shown illustrating a non-limiting example of a communication system according to different aspects described herein. In particular, a communication system is shown to include client node devices 1802, a host node device 1804, guided wave communication systems 1810 including mini-repeaters (MR) 1806, client devices 1812 and network termination 1815. Network termination 1815 communicates upstream and downstream data 1816 with an 1818 network such as the Internet, a packet switched telephone network, an Internet voice protocol (VolP) network, an Internet protocol (IP) based television network ), a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a larger 4G or wireless access network, a WIMAX network, an ultra-wideband network, personal area network or other wireless access network, a satellite broadcast network and / or other communications network. The upstream and downstream data 1816 may include voice, data or text, audio, video, graphics, and / or other media communications. 1812 client devices may include mobile phones, electronic readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, doors Wireless, mobile, home gateway devices, and / or other mobile or stationary computing devices.

In particular, the downstream data of the network termination 1815 is sent to the host node device 1804 that transfers the downstream data directly to client devices 1812 within range through the wireless link 1814. Host node device 1804 is also coupled to one or more guided wave communication systems 1810 to send the data downstream to client device 1812 through mini-repeaters 1806 through wireless links 1814 that are further remote from the device. host node 1804. In addition, the host node device 1804 sends the data downstream through wireless links 1808 to one or more client node devices 1802, which may be beyond the scope of the guided wave communication system 1810. The node devices 1802 client sends the data downstream to 1812 client devices via 1814 wireless links. ” Client node devices 1802 repeat the data downstream to guided wave communication systems, additional 1810 'and wireless links 1808' to service client devices 1812 that are additionally remote, through MR 1806 and / or node devices client, additional not expressly shown.

In addition, the upstream data received from client devices 1812 through wireless links 1814 "can be transferred back to the network terminal 1815 through client node devices 1802, wireless links 1808 and host node device 1804. The upstream data received from client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814 'can be transferred back to the network terminal 1815 through the guided wave communication system 1810 and host node device 1804. The upstream data received from Client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814 can be transferred back to network terminal 1815 through host node device 1804. The data above the client devices 1812 that are more remote can be transferred to the network terminal 1815 via wireless links 1808 'and / or guided wave communication systems 1810', client node devices 1802, wireless links 1808 and host node device 1804, etc. It should be noted that the communication system shown can separate upstream and downstream data 1816 into multiple upstream and downstream channels and operate a spatial channel reuse scheme to service mobile client devices 1812 in adjacent areas with minimal interference.

In different modalities, the communication system shown is used together with a public service company such as an electric power company distribution system. In this case, the host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and / or the mini-repeaters 1816 are supported by public service poles of the distribution system and the guided wave communication systems 1810 can operate through a transmission medium that includes segments of a medium voltage, insulated or stripped power line and / or other transmission line or support wire of the distribution system. In particular, the guided wave communication systems 1810 can transport one or more data channels downstream and upstream 1816 through guided electromagnetic waves that are guided by or attached to the outer surface of the bare or insulated wire.

It should be noted that while the client node devices 1802, host node devices 1804 and MR 1806 have been described as communicating with client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814, 1814 'and 1814 ", they can be used 5 same way one or more wired links. In this case, the 1812 client devices may further include personal computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablets, or other computing devices along with digital subscriber line modems (DSL), data service interface specification modems through Coaxial cable (DOCSIS) or other cable modems, telephones, media players, televisions, an optical modem, a home decoder or gateway and / or other access devices.

In different embodiments, network termination 1815 performs physical layer processing for communication with client devices 1812. In this case, network termination performs the necessary demodulation and data extraction comment above and 15 modulation and other formatting. of downstream data, leaving host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and mini repeaters 1806 to operate through simple analog signal processing. As used herein, analog signal processing includes filtration, switching, duplexing, amplification, frequency increase or reduction conversion, and other analog processing that does not require either analog to digital conversion or digital to analog conversion. According to other modalities, the network terminal operates together with a common public radio interface (CPRI) that sends data flow to host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and mini-repeaters 1806 that operate through processing Simple signals that may include switching, routing or other packet selection in a 25 packet stream that will be received from and sent to multiple destinations and / or other fast processes that operate in a data domain and that can be implemented, for example, with low power devices and / or inexpensive hardware.

Additional implementation is provided with respect to the communication system shown in diagram 1800, which includes many optional features and functions, 30 together with Figures 18B-18H, 19A-19D and 20A-20D that follow.

Turning now to Figure 18B, a block diagram 1820 is shown illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a network termination 1815 according to different aspects described herein. As discussed in conjunction with Figure 18A, network termination 1815 performs physical layer processing for communication with the client devices 1812. In this case, network termination 1815 performs the necessary demodulation and upstream data extraction and modulation and other downstream data formatting.

In particular, network termination 1815 includes a network interface 1835 configured to receive data downstream 1826 from a communication network and to send data upstream 1836 to the communication network, such as network 1818. A downstream channel modulator 1830 is configured to modulate downstream data 1826 into downstream channel signals 1828 corresponding to downstream frequency channels of a guided wave communication system, such as guided wave communication system 1810. A host interface 1845 is configured to send downstream channel signals 1828 to one or more guided wave communication systems 1810 or 1810 'through, for example, the host node device 1804 and / or client node device 1802. Host interface 1845 also receives upstream channel signals 1838 corresponding to upstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810 ', through, for example, host node device 1804 and / or node device customer 1802. An upstream channel demodulator 1840 is configured to demodulate upstream channel signals 1838 received through host node device 1804, in the upstream data 1836.

In different embodiments, the downstream channel modulator 1830 modulates one or more of the downstream channel signals of 1828 to transport the downstream data 1826 through the guided wave communication system 1810 as guided electromagnetic waves, such as guided waves 120 that are attached to a transmission means 125 analyzed together with Figure 1. The upstream channel demodulator 1840 demodulates one or more of the upstream channel signals 1838 carrying upstream data 1836 received through the guided wave communication system 1810 as guided electromagnetic waves, such as guided waves 120 joining a transmission means 125 analyzed together with Figure 1.

In different embodiments, the 1835 network interface may include one or more optical cable interfaces, telephone cable interfaces, coaxial cable interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, or other interfaces, whether wireless or wired to communicate with the 1818 communication network. The host node interface 1845 may include a fiber optic cable interface for communicating with the host node device 1804; however, other wired or wireless interfaces can also be used in the same way for this purpose.

In different embodiments, the number of upstream frequency channels is less than the number of downstream frequency channels according to an asymmetric communication system, however the number of upstream frequency channels may be greater than or equal to the number of frequency channels downstream in the case where a symmetric communication system is implemented.

Upstream channel signals and downstream channel signals can be modulated and formatted in another way according to a DOCSIS 2.0 protocol or major standard protocol, a WiMAX standard protocol, an 802.11 standard protocol, a 4G 5 protocol or Higher wireless voice and data protocol such as an LTE protocol and / or other standard communication protocol. In addition to the protocols that conform to current standards, any of these protocols can be modified to operate in conjunction with a communications network as shown. For example, an 802.11 protocol or other protocol can be modified to include additional guidelines and / or a separate data channel to provide multiple conditions / access detection across a wider area (which allows devices to communicate through of a particular frequency channel listen to each other). In different modalities all the upstream channel signals 1838 and downstream channel signals of 1828 are formatted according to the same communications protocol. Alternatively, however, two or more 15 different protocols can be used to, for example, be compatible with a wider range of client devices and / or operate in different frequency bands.

When two or more different protocols are used, a first subset of the downstream channel signals 1828 can be modulated by the downstream channel modulator 1830 according to a first standard protocol and a second subset of the 20 downstream channel signals 1828 can be modulated according to a second standard protocol that differs from the first standard protocol. Similarly a first subset of the upstream channel signals 1838 can be received through the host interface 1845 in accordance with a first standard protocol for demodulation by the channel demodulator comment up 1840 in accordance with the first standard protocol and a 25 second subset of the upstream channel signals 1838 can be received through the host interface 1845 in accordance with a second standard protocol for demodulation by the 1840 upstream channel demodulator according to the second standard protocol that differs from the first standard protocol.

Turning now to Figure 18C, a graphic diagram 1850 is shown that illustrates a non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein. In particular, the downstream channel band 1844 includes a plurality of downstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols. Similarly, the upstream channel band 1846 includes a plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols 35. These separate spectral symbols are proposed to be placeholders for the frequency assignment of each individual channel signal. Their actual spectral response will vary based on the modulation and protocol used and also as a function of time.

As previously analyzed, the number of upstream frequency channels may be less than or greater than the number of downstream frequency channels according to an asymmetric communication system. In this case, the upstream channel band 1846 may be narrower or wider than the downstream channel band 1844. Alternatively, the number of upstream frequency channels can be equal to the number of downstream frequency channels in the case where a symmetric communication system is implemented. In this case, the width of the upstream channel band 1846 may be equal to the width of the downstream channel band 1844 and bit filling techniques or other data filling techniques can be used to compensate for variations in current traffic above.

While the downstream channel band 1844 is shown at a lower frequency than the upstream channel band 1846, in other embodiments, the downstream channel band 1844 may be at a higher frequency than the upstream channel band 1846 In addition, as long as the downstream channel band 1844 and upstream channel band 1846 are shown as occupying a single contiguous frequency band, in other embodiments, two or more upstream and / or two channel bands can be used or more downstream channel bands, depending on the available spectrum and / or the communication standards used.

Turning now to Figure 18D, a graphic diagram 1852 is shown illustrating a non-limiting, example of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein. As discussed previously, two or more different communication protocols can be used to communicate downstream and upstream data. In the example shown, the downstream channel band 1844 includes a first plurality of downstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols of a first type representing the use of a first communication protocol. The downstream channel band 1844 'includes a second plurality of downstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols of a second type representing the use of a second communication protocol. Similarly, the upstream channel band 1846 includes a first plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols of the first type representing the use of the first communication protocol. The upstream channel band 1846 'includes a second plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate spectral symbols of the second type representing the use of the second communication protocol.

While the individual channel bandwidth is shown to be approximately the same for the first and second type channels, it should be noted that the upstream and downstream frequency channels may be of different bandwidths and the first Frequency channels of the first and second type may be of different bandwidths, depending on the available spectrum and / or the communication standards used.

Turning now to Fig. 18E, a block diagram 1860 is shown illustrating a non-limiting example of a host node device 1804 according to different aspects described herein. In particular, host node device 1804 includes a terminal interface 1855, duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858, two access point repeaters (APR) 1862 and broadcast apparatus 1865.

The access point repeaters 1862 are coupled to a transmission means 125 to communicate through a guided wave communication system (GWCS) 1810. The terminal interface 1855 is configured to receive downstream channel signals 1828, through of a network terminal 1815, of a communication network, such as network 1818. The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 is configured to transfer the downstream channel signals from 1828 to the APR 1862. The APRs send the downstream channel signals 1828 in the guided wave communication system 1810 as guided electromagnetic waves. In the example shown, APR 1862 releases the channel signals downstream of 1828 in different directions (designated address A and address B) in the transmission medium 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 as guided electromagnetic waves.

Consider the example where the transmission medium is a bare or insulated wire. One APR 1862 can send the downstream channel signals of 1828 in a longitudinal direction along the wire while the other APR 1862 throws the downstream channel signals in the opposite longitudinal direction along the wire. In other network configurations where several transmission means 125 converge on host node device 1804, three or more APR 1862 may be included to launch guided waves that carry the channel signals downstream 1828 outward along each medium. of transmission. In addition to launching guided wave communications, one or more of the 1862 APRs also communicate one or more selected downstream channel signals 1828 to the client device within the range of host node device 1804 via wireless links 1814.

The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 is further configured to transfer downstream channel signals 1828 to the broadcasting device 1865. The broadcasting device 1865 is configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more client node devices 1802 within the range of the communication device. host node 1804. In different embodiments, the broadcasting apparatus 1865 is an analogue broadcasting apparatus that increases the frequency of downstream channel signals 1828 through mixing or other heterodyne action to generate downstream increased frequency channel signals that communicate to one or more client node devices 1802. Broadcasting apparatus 1865 may include multiple individual antennas for communicating with client node devices 1802, an array of phase antennas or multi-beam or dirigible beam system for communicating with multiple devices in different locations. In one embodiment, downstream channel signals 1828 are increased in frequency in a 60 GHz band for line-of-sight communications to a client node device 1802 at a certain distance. The 1858 duplexer / triplexer assembly may include a duplexer, triplexer, splitter, switch, router and / or other assembly that operates as a "channel duplexer" to provide bidirectional communications through multiple communication paths.

In addition to downstream communications intended for client devices 1812, host node device 1804 can handle upstream communications originating from client devices 1812 as well. In operation, the APR 1862 extracts upstream channel signals 1838 from the guided wave communication system 1810, received through mini-repeaters 1806 of wireless links 1814 'and / or client node devices 1802 from wireless links 1814 "or from other more remote devices. Other upstream channel signals 1838 can be received through APR 1862 via wireless link 1814 and through broadcasting device 1865 of client node devices 1802 in direct communication with client devices 1812 via wireless links 1814 "or communication indirect by either 1810 'guided wave communication systems or other client node devices 1802. In situations where the broadcasting apparatus 1865 operates in a higher frequency band, the broadcasting apparatus 1865 reduces the frequency of the upstream channel signals, increased in frequency. The duplexer / triplexer assembly 1858 transfers the upstream channel signals 1838 received by the APR 1812 and reduces the frequency by the broadcasting device 1865 to the terminal interface 1855 so that they are sent to the network 1818 through the termination of 1815 network.

Consider an example where host node device 1804 is used in conjunction with a utility company such as an electric power company distribution system. In this case, the host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and / or the mini-repeaters 1806 can be supported by public service poles, other structures or power lines of the distribution system and the guided wave communication systems 1810 may operate through a transmission means 125 that includes segments of an isolated or stripped medium voltage power line and / or another transmission line or support wire of the distribution system.

In a particular example, 2n mini repeaters 1806 or 2n public service posts in two directions along the power line of the public service post that supports host node device 1804 can each receive and repeat downstream channel signals 1828 at the address of client node devices 1802 which, for example, can be supported by the (n + 1)^esir™ public service post in each address of host node device 1804. The mini-repeaters 1806 can each communicate one or more downstream channel signals, selected with 1812 client devices in range through 1814 'wireless links. Further, the host node device 1804 transfers the downstream channel signals 1828 directly to client devices 1812 via wireless link 1808-for wireless communication to client devices 1812 within the range of client node devices 1802 through wireless links 1814 " and downstream further through 1810 'guided wave communication systems and / or 1808' wireless link to other additional client node devices 1802 and 1806 mini repeaters that operate in a similar way. Host node device 1804 operates reciprocally to receive upstream channel signals 1838 from client devices 1812, either directly through wireless link 1814, or indirectly through guided wave communication systems 1810 and 1810 ' and mini-repeaters 1806, client node devices 1802, wireless links 1814 'and 1814 "and combinations thereof.

Turning now to Figure 18F, a block and pictorial combination diagram 1870 is shown illustrating an example non-limiting mode of downstream data flow according to different aspects described herein. It should be noted that the diagram is not shown to scale. In particular, consider again an example where a communication system is implemented together with a public service company such as an electric power company distribution system. In this case, the host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and mini-repeaters 1806 are supported by public service posts 1875 of the distribution system and the guided wave communication systems 1810 of Figure 18A operate through a transmission means 125 that includes segments of an insulated or stripped medium voltage power line that is supported by public service posts 1875. The downstream channel signals 1828 of the network termination 1815 are received by the host node device 1804. The host node device 1804 wirelessly transmits selected channels of the downstream channel signals 1828 to one or more client devices 1812 -4 in the scope of host node device 1804. The host node device 1804 also sends the downstream channel signals 1828 to the mini repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2 as guided waves attached to the transmission medium 125. In addition, the host node device

1804 optionally increases the frequency of downstream channel signals 1828 as downstream channel signals 1828 'and sends the downstream channel signals 1828' wirelessly to client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2.

The mini-repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2 communicate selected downstream channel signals 1828 with client devices 1812-3 and 1812-5 that are in range and repeat the downstream channel signals 1828 as guided waves sent to mini- 1806-3 and 1806-4 repeaters. The 1806-3 and 1806-4 mini repeaters communicate selected downstream channel signals 1828 with client devices 1812-2 and 1812-6 that are in range. Client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2 operate to repeat downstream channel signals 1828 "as guided waves to mini-repeaters downstream additionally and wirelessly as downstream channel signals 1828 'to node devices customer, additional not expressly shown. Client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2 also operate to communicate downstream channel signals selected 1828 with client devices 1812-1 and 1812-7 that are in range.

It should be noted that the downstream channel signals 1828 can flow in other ways as well. Consider the case where the guided wave communication network between host node device 1804 and mini-repeater 1806-1 is affected by a break or blockage in the line, equipment failure or environmental conditions. The downstream channel signals 1828 can flow as guided waves from the client device 1802-1 to the mini repeater 1806-3 and the mini repeater 1806-1 for compensation.

Turning now to Figure 18G, a block and pictorial combination diagram 1878 is shown that illustrates an example non-limiting mode of upstream data flow in accordance with different aspects described herein. Consider again an example where a communication system is implemented together with a public service company such as an electric power company distribution system. In this case, the host node device 1804, client node devices 1802 and mini repeaters 1806 are supported by public service posts 1875 of the distribution system and the guided wave communication systems 1810 of Figure 18A operate through a means of transmission 125 that includes segments of an isolated or stripped medium voltage power line that is supported by public service posts 1875. As previously analyzed, host node device 1804 collects signals from upstream channels 1838 from different sources for transfer to network termination 1815.

In particular, the upstream channel signals 1838 on selected channels of client devices 1812-4 are wirelessly communicated to the host node device 1804. The upstream channel signals 1838 on selected channels of client devices 1812-3 and 1812-5 are wirelessly communicate to mini-repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2 that transfer these signals from upstream channel 1838 to host node device 1804 as guided waves. The upstream channel signals 1838 on selected channels of client devices 1812-2 and 1812-6 communicate wirelessly to mini-repeaters 1806-3 and 1806-4 which transfer these upstream channel signals 1838 to the host node device 1804 as guided waves, through mini-repeaters 1806-1 and 1806-2. The upstream channel signals 1838 on selected channels of client devices 1812-1 and 1812-7 are wirelessly communicated to client node devices 1802-1 and 1802-2 are optionally increased in frequency and added to other signals upstream channel 1838 'received wirelessly from additional client node devices and other upstream channel signals 1838 ”received as guided waves from other mini-repeaters can also be increased by frequency optionally for wireless transmission to host node device 1804.

It should be noted that the channel signals comment above 1838 may flow in other ways as well. Consider the case where the guided wave communication network between host node device 1804 and mini-repeater 1806-1 is affected by a break or blockage in the line, equipment failure or environmental conditions. The upstream channel signals 1838 from client devices 1812-3 can flow as guided waves from mini repeater 1806-1 to mini repeater 1806-3 and to client node device 1802-1 for wireless transfer to host node device 1804, for compensation.

Turning now to Figure 18H, a block diagram 1880 is shown illustrating a non-limiting example of a client node device 1802 according to different aspects described herein. The client node device 1802 includes a broadcasting apparatus 1865 configured to wirelessly receive downstream channel signals 1828 from a communication network, through, for example, a host node device 1804 or another client node device 1802. The access point repeater 1862 is configured to release the downstream channel signals 1828 in a guided wave communication system 1810 as guided electromagnetic waves propagating along a transmission means 125 and to wirelessly transmit a or more downstream channel signals selected 1828 to one or more client devices via the wireless link 1814 ".

In different embodiments, broadcasting device 1865 is an analog broadcasting device that generates downstream channel signals 1828 by reducing the frequency of RF signals having higher carrier frequencies compared to carrier frequencies of downstream channel signals 1828 . For example, broadcasting apparatus 1865 reduces the frequency of downstream channel signals increased in frequency from a host node device 1804 or another client node device 1802 through mixing or other heterodyne action to generate the current channel signals down 1828. Broadcasting apparatus 1865 may include multiple individual antennas to communicate with host node device 1804 and other client node devices 1802, an array of phase antennas or systems of multi-beam or dirigible beam antennas for communicating with multiple devices in different locations In one embodiment, the downstream channel signals 1828 are reduced in frequency of a 60 GHz band for line of sight communications. In addition, the broadcasting apparatus 1865 can operate as a repeater to receive downstream channel signals 1828 through the wireless link 1808 of the host node device 1804 and repeat them on the wireless link 1808 'for transmission to other client node devices 1802.

In addition to downstream communications intended for client devices 1812, the client node device 1802 can handle upstream communications originating from client devices 1812 as well. In operation, the APR 1862 extracts upstream channel signals 1838 from the guided wave communication system 1810, received through mini-repeaters 1806 from the guided wave communication systems 1810 or 1810 '. Other upstream channel signals 1838 can be received through the APR 1862 by communication via wireless links 1814 "in direct communication with client devices 1812. In situations where the broadcasting device 1865 operates in a higher frequency band, the Broadcasting apparatus 1865 increases the frequency of upstream 1838 channel signals received through the APR 1862 for communication via link 1808 to the host node device. In addition, the broadcasting apparatus 1865 may operate as a repeater to receive upstream channel signals 1838 through the wireless link 1808 'of other client node devices 1802 and repeat them on the wireless link 1808 for transmission to the host node device 1804.

Turning now to Figure Ί9Α, a block diagram 1900 is shown illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of an access point repeater 1862 according to different aspects described herein. As analyzed in conjunction with Figures 18E and 18H, the access point repeater 1862 is coupled to a transmission means 125 to communicate in upstream channel signals 1838 and downstream channel signals 1828 through a communication system of Guided waves (GWCS) 1810 to and from either the broadcast device 1865 of the client node device 1802 or duplexer 1858 of the host node device 1804. In addition, the APR 1862 communicates selected downstream channels and 1850 cable with 1812 client devices via the 1814 or 1814 wireless link. ”

In the mode shown, the APR 1802 includes an amplifier, such as two-way amplifier 1914 that amplifies the downstream channel signals 1828 from either the broadcasting device 1865 (when implemented in a client node device 1802) or duplexer assembly / triplexer 1858 (when implemented in host node device 1804) to generate amplified downstream channel signals. The bidirectional duplexer / diplexer (2: 1) 1912 transfers the downstream amplified channel signals 1828 to the coupler 1916 and the channel selection filter 1910. The channel selection filter 1910 is configured to select one or more of the signal signals. Amplified downstream channel to communicate wirelessly with 1812 client devices in range through a 1918 antenna and 1814 wireless link. In particular, the channel selection filter 1910 can be configured to operate different APR 1862 according to one or more different channels according to the physical location of host node device 1804 or client node device'1802 and a reuse scheme of space channels for 1814 wireless links that communicate with 1812 client devices in different locations. In different embodiments, the channel selection filter 1910 includes a filter, such as a digital analog filter that passes one or more selected frequency channels while the filter attenuates other frequency channels. Alternatively, the channel selection filter 1910 may include a packet filter or data filter that passes one or more selected channel streams while the filter blocks other channel streams. The coupler 1916 guides the amplified downstream channel signals to a transmission means 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810 'so that they are released as guided electromagnetic waves.

As previously analyzed, the APR 1862 is also capable of processing upstream channel signals 1838 in a reciprocal manner. In this mode of operation, the coupler 1916 extracts guided electromagnetic waves containing channel signals upstream of the transmission means 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810 '. Other upstream channel signals 1838 are received through antenna 1918 and channel selection filter 1910. The upstream channel signals 1838 of each of these means are combined by the duplexer / diplexer 1912 and amplified by the bidirectional amplifier 1914 for transfer to the broadcasting device 1865 or assembly of duplexer / triplexer 1858, depending on the implementation of the APR 1862 The 1912 duplexer / diplexer may include a duplexer, diplexer, splitter, switch, router and / or other assembly that operates as a "channel duplexer to provide bidirectional communications through multiple communications paths.

Turning now to Figure 19B, a block diagram 1925 is shown that illustrates a non-limiting example of a mini-repeater according to different aspects described herein. In particular, a repeater device, such as mini repeater 1806 includes a coupler 1946 configured to extract signals from downstream channel 1828 of electromagnetic waves guided in any direction A or B that are attached to a transmission means 125 of a wave communication system guided 1810 or 1810 '. An amplifier, such as bidirectional amplifier 1944 amplifies the downstream channel signals 1828 to generate amplified downstream channel signals. The bidirectional channel duplexer (2: 1) 1942 transfers the amplified downstream channel signals 1828 to the coupler 1946 and the channel selection filter 1940. The channel selection filter 1940 is configured to select one or more of the signals from Amplified downstream channel to communicate wirelessly with 1812 client devices in range through a 1948 antenna and 1814 wireless link. In particular, the channel selection filter 1940 can be configured to operate different mini repeaters 1806 according to one or more different channels according to the physical location of the mini repeaters 1806 and a space channel reuse scheme for links 1814 wireless devices that communicate with 1812 client devices in different locations. The coupler 1946 'guides the downstream channel signals amplified to a transmission medium 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810' so that they are released as guided electromagnetic waves in the transmission means 125.

As previously analyzed, the mini-repeater 1806 is also capable of processing upstream channel signals 1838 in a reciprocal manner. In this mode of operation, the coupler 1946 'extracts guided electromagnetic waves containing channel signals upstream of the transmission means 125 of the guided wave communication system 1810 or 1810'. Other upstream channel signals 1838 are received through antenna 1948 and channel selection filter 1940. The upstream channel signals 1838 of each of these means are combined by the bidirectional channel duplexer 1942 and amplified by the bidirectional amplifier 1944 for transfer to the coupler 1946 to be launched in the guided wave communication system 1810 in any address A or B.

Turning now to Figure 19C, a block and pictorial combination diagram 1950 is shown illustrating a non-limiting example of a mini-repeater according to different aspects described herein. In particular, the mini-repeater 1806 is shown as bridging an insulator 1952 on a public service post of a utility company. As shown, the mini-repeater 1806 is coupled to a transmission means, in this case, an electric line on both sides of the insulator 1952. It should be noted, however, that other installations of mini repeaters 1806 are equally possible. Other installations Public utility electric power companies include being supported by other public service structures or by a power line or system support wire. In addition, the mini-repeater 1806 can be supported by other transmission means 125 or support structures for other transmission means 125.

Turning now to Figure 19D, a graphic diagram 1975 is shown illustrating an example non-limiting modality of a frequency spectrum according to different aspects described herein. In particular, a frequency channel selection is presented as analyzed in conjunction with any 1910 or 1940 channel selection filter. As shown, a particular upstream frequency channel 1978 of the upstream frequency channel band 1846 and a particular downstream frequency channel 1976 of the downstream channel frequency band 1844 is selected to pass through the filter of channel selection 1910 or 1940, with the remaining portions of the upstream frequency channel band 1846 and downstream channel channel band 1844 that are filtered out that is attenuated to mitigate negative effects of analog processing of the desired frequency channels that are passed through the selection filter of channel 1910 or 1940. It should be noted that as long as a particular 1978 upstream frequency channel and individual 1976 downstream frequency channel are shown as being selected by the 1910 or 1940 channel selection filter, two or more channels of upstream and / or downstream frequency in other modes.

It should be noted that while the above has focused on the host node device 1804, client node device 1802 and mini-repeaters 1810 operating in an individual transmission medium such as an individual power line, each of these devices It can operate to send and receive in two or more communication routes, such as separate segments or branches of transmission media in different directions as part of a more complex transmission network. For example, in a node where first and second power line segments of a public service company branch, a host node device 1804, client node device 1802 to mini-repeaters 1810 may include a first coupler for extracting and / or launch guided electromagnetic waves along the first power line segment and a second coupler to extract and / or launch guided electromagnetic waves along the second power line segment.

Turning now to Figure 20A, flowcharts 2000 of non-limiting methods of example methods are shown. In particular, methods for use with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-19 are presented. These methods can be carried out separately or contemporaneously. Step 2002 comprises receiving data downstream of a communication network. Step 2004 comprises modulating the downstream data in upstream channel signals corresponding to downstream frequency channels of a guided wave communication system. Step 2006 comprises sending the channel signals downstream to the guided wave communication system through a wired connection. Step 2008 comprises receiving upstream channel signals corresponding to upstream frequency channels of the guided wave communication system through the wired connection. Step 2010 comprises demodulating the channel signals commenting upstream on upstream data. Step 2012 comprises sending the data upstream to the communication network.

In different embodiments, the downstream channel modulator modulates the downstream channel signals to transport the data downstream through a guided electromagnetic wave that is guided by a means of transmitting the guided wave communication system. The transmission medium can include a wire and the guided electromagnetic wave can be attached to an external surface of the wire.

In different embodiments, a number of the upstream frequency channels is less than, greater than or equal to a number of the downstream frequency channels. A first subset of the upstream channel signals can be demodulated according to a first standard protocol and a second subset of the upstream channel signals can be demodulated according to a second standard protocol that differs from the first standard protocol.

Similarly, a first subset of the downstream channel signals can be modulated according to a first standard protocol and a second subset of the downstream channel signals can be modulated according to a second standard protocol that differs from the first protocol. standard.

In different embodiments, the host interface is coupled to a host node device of the guided wave communication system via a fiber optic cable to send the downstream channel signals and receive the upstream channel signals. At least a portion of the upstream channel signals and at least a portion of the downstream channel signals are formatted in accordance with a cable data system interface specification protocol or an 802.11 protocol.

Turning now to Figure 20B, a flow chart 2020 of a non-limiting example of a method is shown. In particular, a method for use with one or more functions or features presented together with Figures 1-19 is presented. Step 2022 includes receiving channel signals downstream of a communication network. Step 2024 includes launching the channel signals downstream in a guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves. Step 2026 includes wirelessly transmitting the downstream channel signals to at least one client node device.

In different embodiments, the wireless transmission of downstream channel signals includes: increasing the frequency of the downstream channel signals to generate downstream channel signals increased in frequency; and transmitting the downstream channel signals increased in frequency to at least one client node device. The launching of the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system as guided electromagnetic waves may include: launching the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system as first guided electromagnetic waves in a first direction length of a transmission medium; and launching the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system as second electromagnetic waves guided in a second direction along a transmission medium.

In different embodiments, the transmission medium includes a wire and the launching of the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system as the first guided electromagnetic waves includes coupling the downstream channel signals to an external surface of the wire to propagation in the first direction, and the launching of the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system such as the second guided electromagnetic waves includes coupling the downstream channel signals to the outer surface of the wire for propagation in the second direction.

The method may further include: amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; selectively filter one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals to generate a subset of the amplified downstream channel signals; and wirelessly transmit the subset of the amplified downstream channel signals to a plurality of client devices through an antenna. The launch of the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system as guided electromagnetic waves may include: amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; and coupling the amplified downstream channel signals to an external surface of a transmission medium for propagation such as guided electromagnetic waves.

The method may also include extracting first channel signals upstream of the guided wave communication system; and send the first upstream channel signals to the communication network and / or wirelessly receive second upstream channel signals from the at least one client node device and send the second upstream channel signals to the communication network.

Turning now to Figure 20C, a flow chart 2040 of a non-limiting example of a method is shown. In particular, a method for use with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-19 is presented. Step 2042 includes wirelessly receiving channel signals downstream of a communication network. Step 2044 includes launching the downstream channel signals in a guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium. Step 2046 includes wirelessly transmitting the downstream channel signals to at least one client device.

In different embodiments, the transmission medium includes a wire and the guided electromagnetic waves are attached to an external surface of the wire. Wireless transmission of the downstream channel signals to at least one client device may include: amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals; select one or more of the amplified downstream channel signals; and wirelessly transmitting one or more of the downstream channel signals amplified to at least one client device through an antenna. The launch of the downstream channel signals in the guided wave communication system such as guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium may include: amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate downstream channel signals amplifying; and guiding the amplified comment channel signals below to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system.

In different embodiments, wireless reception of the current channel signals below the communication network may include: reducing the frequency of RF signals that have higher carrier frequencies compared to the carrier frequencies of the downstream channel signals. The method may also include: extracting first channel signals upstream of the guided wave communication system; and wirelessly transmit the first upstream channel signals to the communication network. The method may also include: wirelessly receiving second channel signals upstream of the at least one client device; and wirelessly transmit the second upstream channel signals to the communication network. The transmission medium may include a power line from a public service post.

Turning now to Figure 20D, a flow chart 2060 of an example non-limiting mode of a method is shown. In particular, a method for use with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-19 is presented. Step 2062 includes extracting channel signals downstream of first guided electromagnetic waves attached to a transmission medium of a guided wave communication system. Step 2064 includes amplifying the downstream channel signals to generate amplified downstream channel signals. Step 2066 includes selecting one or more of the downstream channel signals amplified for wireless transmission of at least one client device through an antenna. Step 2068 includes guiding the amplified downstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as second guided electromagnetic waves.

In different embodiments, the transmission medium includes a wire and the second guided electromagnetic waves and the second guided electromagnetic waves are guided by an external surface of the wire. At least a portion of the upstream or downstream channel signals can be formatted in accordance with a cable data system interface specification protocol. At least a portion of the upstream or downstream channel signals can be formatted according to an 802.11 protocol or a fourth generation protocol or higher, mobile wireless protocol.

In different embodiments, the method includes wirelessly receiving channel signals upstream of the at least one client device through the antenna; amplify the upstream channel signals to generate amplified upstream channel signals; and guiding the amplified upstream channel signals to the transmission medium of the guided wave communication system to propagate as third guided electromagnetic waves. The downstream channel signals may correspond to a number of downstream frequency channels and the upstream channel signals may correspond to a number of the upstream frequency channels that is less than or equal to the number of the current frequency channels down. At least a portion of the above-mentioned channel signals may be formatted in accordance with any of a cable data system interface specification protocol, an 802.11 protocol or a fourth generation protocol or higher wireless mobile protocol.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figures 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to Figure 21, a block diagram of a computing environment according to different aspects described herein is illustrated. In order to provide additional context for different modalities of the modalities described herein, Figure 21 and the following analysis are proposed to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 2100 in which the different modalities of the description. While the modalities have been described above in the general context of computer executable instructions that can be executed on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the modalities can also be implemented in combination with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software.

In general, the program modules comprise routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that inventive methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, comprising single-processor or multi-processor computer systems, minicomputers, central computers, as well as personal computers, portable computing devices. , programmable or microprocessor-based consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes a processor as well as other specific application circuits such as a specific application integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine, programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals or data and that produces output signals or data in response to them. It should be noted that while any function and feature described herein in association with the operation of a processor can be carried out in the same way by a processing circuit.

The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., as used in the claims, unless otherwise clear from the context, are only for clarity and do not indicate otherwise or imply any order. in the time. For example, "a first determination," "a second determination," and "a third determination," do not indicate or imply that the first determination is to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The illustrated modalities of the modalities herein can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are carried out by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be placed on both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices conventionally comprise a variety of media, which may comprise computer readable storage media and / or communications media, the two terms of which are used herein differently from each other as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and without limitation, computer readable storage media can be implemented together with any method or technology for information storage such as computer readable instructions, program modules, structured data or unstructured data.

The computer readable storage media may comprise, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology , compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, Magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and / or non-transient media that can be used to store desired information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or "non-transitory" herein as they apply to storage, memory or computer readable media, will be understood to exclude only transient signals that propagate per se as modifiers and not waive rights to all standard storage, memory or computer readable media that are not just transient signals that propagate per se.

The readable storage media can be accessed by computer by one or more computing devices, local or remote, for example, through access requests, queries or other data recovery protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the information stored by the medium.

The communication means conventionally incorporate computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, for example, a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any means of transport or distribution of information. The term "modulated data signal or signals" refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics established or changed in such a way that it encodes information in one or more signals. By way of example, and without limitation, communication means may comprise wired media, such as wired network or direct wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again to Figure 21, the example environment 2100 for transmission and reception of signals through or forming at least part of a base station (for example, base station devices 1504, macrocell site 1502 or base stations 1614) or central office (for example, central office 1501 or 1611). At least a portion of the example environment 2100 can also be used for transmission devices 101 or 102). The exemplary environment may comprise a computer 2102, the computer 2102 comprising a processing unit 2104, a system memory 2106 and a system bus 2108. The system bis 2108 couples system components that include, but are not limited to , the system memory 2106 to the processing unit 2104. The processing unit 2104 can be any of different commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures such as processing unit 2104 can also be used.

The system bus 2108 can be any of several types of bus structure that can be additionally interconnected to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus that uses any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. System memory 2106 comprises ROM 2110 and RAM 2112. A basic input / output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, program read-only, erasable memory (EPROM), EEPROM, whose BIOS contains the basic routines to help transfer information between items within computer 2102, such as, during startup. RAM 2112 can also comprise a high speed RAM such as static RAM for data storage in cache memory.

The computer 2102 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 2114 (eg, EIDE, SATA), whose internal hard disk drive 2114 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a drive magnetic floppy disk (FDD) 2116, (for example, to read from or write to a removable floppy disk 2118) and an optical disk drive 2120, (for example, that reads a CD-ROM disk 2122 or, to read from writing to another high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 2114, magnetic disk drive 2116 and optical disk drive 2120 can be connected to the system bus 2108 via a hard disk drive interface 2124, a magnetic disk drive interface 2126 and a drive interface optical disk 2128, respectively. Interface 2124 for external unit implementations comprises at least one or both of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface technologies and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394. Other external unit connection technologies are within the contemplation of the modalities described herein.

The drives and their associated computer readable storage media provide non-volatile data storage, data structures, computer executable instructions, etc. For computer 2102, the storage units and media adapt the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of the above readable storage media by computer refers to a disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic floppy disk, and a removable optical medium such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of storage media that are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, they can also be used in the example operating environment, and furthermore, that any of these storage media may contain computer executable instructions for carrying out the methods described herein.

Several program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 2112, which comprise an operating system 2130, one or more application programs 2132, other program modules 2134 and program data 2136. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules , and / or data can be stored in cache memory in RAM 2112. The systems and methods described herein can be implemented using different commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems. Examples of application programs 2132 that can be implemented or otherwise executed by the processing unit 2104 include the determination of diversity selection carried out by the transmission device 101 or 102.

A user can enter commands and information to the computer 2102 through one or more wired / wireless input devices, for example, a keyboard 2138 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 2140. Other input devices (not shown) may comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a video game controller, a pen, touch screen or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 2104 through an input device interface 2142 that can be coupled to the system bus 2108, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a video game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 2144 or other type of display device can also be connected to the system bus 2108 through an interface, such as a video adapter 2146. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 2144 can also be any display device (e.g., another computer that has a screen, a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc.), to receive display information associated with the computer. 2102 through any means of communication, which includes over the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to the monitor 2144, a computer conventionally comprises other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

Computer 2102 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections through wired and / or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 2148. The remote computers 2148 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, laptop, microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device or other common network node, and conventionally comprises many or all of the elements described with respect to computer 2102, although, for brevity purposes, only one memory / storage device 2150 is illustrated. The logical connections represented comprise wired / wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 2152 and / or larger networks, for example, a wide area network (WAN) 2154. These LAN and WAN network environments are common in offices and companies, and provide computer networks for the entire company, such as Intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications network, for example, the Internet.

When used in a LAN network environment, computer 2102 can be connected to local network 2152 through a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter 2156. Adapter 2156 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 2152, which can also comprise a wireless AP placed therein to communicate with the wireless adapter 2156.

When used in a WAN network environment, computer 2102 can comprise a modem 2158 or can be connected to a communications server on WAN 2154 or has other means to establish communications through WAN 2154, such as by means of Internet. The modem 2158, which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 2108 through the input device interface 2142. In a networked environment, program modules represented with respect to the computer 2102 or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote storage / memory device 2150. It should be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and can be use other means to establish a communication link between computers.

Computer 2102 can be operable to communicate with any wireless device or entity operatively placed in wireless communication, for example a printer, scanner, desktop and / or laptop, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (for example, a kiosk, newspaper stand, bathroom), and telephone. This can include wireless wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH technologies^MR. Therefore, the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

The Wi-Fi connection can allow Internet connection from a sofa in the home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in cellular telephony that allows these devices, for example, computers to send and receive data inside and outside; wherever within the reach of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.), to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). The Wi-Fi networks operate in the 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands without a license for example or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real performance similar to wired, 10BaseT, basic Ethernet networks Used in many offices.

Figure 22 presents an example mode 2200 of a mobile network platform 2210 that can either implement and take advantage of one or more aspects of the subject matter described herein. In one or more modes, the mobile network platform 2210 can generate and receive signals transmitted and received by base stations (for example, base station devices 1504, macrocell site 1502, or base stations 1614), central office (for example, headquarters 1501 or 1611), or transmission device 101 or 102 associated with the subject matter described. In general, the wireless network platform 2210 may comprise components, for example, nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or various platforms, which facilitate both packet switching (PS) traffic (eg, Internet Protocol (IP) ), frame retransmission, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) such as circuit switching (CS) traffic (eg voice and data), as well as control generation for wireless network telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, the wireless network platform 2210 may be included in telecommunications operator networks, and operator-side components may be considered as discussed elsewhere herein, the mobile network platform 2210 comprises nodes of CS 2222 gateway that can be in interface with CS traffic received from legacy networks such as 2240 telephone networks (for example, public switched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system network # 7 (SS7) 2270. The circuit switching gateway nodes 2222 can authorize and authenticate traffic (eg, voice) arising from these networks . In addition, the CS 2222 gateway nodes can access mobility, or roaming data generated through the SSC7 2270 network; for example mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR), which may reside in memory 2230. In addition, the CS 2222 gateway nodes are in interface with CS 2218-based PS and signaling and traffic nodes. As an example, in a UMTS 3GPP network, CS 2222 gateway nodes can be implemented at least in part on the GPRS gateway (GGSN) support nodes. It should be appreciated that the specific functionality and operation of the CS 2222 gateway nodes, PS 2218 gateway nodes and 2216 service nodes, is provided and dictated by the radio technologies used by the mobile network platform 2210 for telecommunication.

In addition to receiving and processing signaling and switching traffic of CS circuits, PS 2218 gateway nodes can authorize and authenticate PS-based data sessions with attended mobile devices. The data sessions may comprise traffic, or content, exchanged with networks external to the wireless network platform 2210, such as wide area networks (WAN) 2250, business networks 2270, and service networks 2280, which can be incorporated into the networks of Local area (LAN), can also be interfaced with the mobile network platform 2210 through PS 2218 gateway nodes. It will be noted that WAN 2250 and 2260 business networks can incorporate, at least in part, service networks as an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on the radio technology layers available in the technology resources 2217, the packet switching gateway nodes 2218 can generate packet data protocol contexts when a data session is established; Other data structures that facilitate routing of packed data can also be generated. To that end, in one aspect, the PS 2218 gateway nodes may comprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in 3GPP UMTS networks (not shown)) that can facilitate communication packaged with various wireless networks, such as Wi-F networks.

In the 2200 mode, the wireless network platform 2210 also comprises service nodes 2216 which, based on the radio technology layers available within technology resources 2217, transport the different packed streams of data streams received through nodes PS 2218 gateway. It will be noted that for technology resources 2217 that rely primarily on CS communication, server nodes can distribute traffic without dependence on PS 2218 gateway nodes; for example, the server nodes may at least partly incorporate a mobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, the service nodes 2216 can be incorporated into the service GPRS support nodes (SGSN).

For radio technologies that take advantage of packaged communication, servers 2214 on the wireless network platform 2210 can run several applications that can generate multiple flows or streams of different packaged data, and manage (for example, schedule, line up, format ...) these flows. These applications may comprise additional features to standard services (for example, provisioning, billing, customer support ...) provided by the 2210 wireless network platform. Data streams (for example, content that is part of a voice call or data session) can be transported to PS gateway nodes

2218 for authorization / authentication and initiation of a data session, and 2216 service nodes for communication after that. In addition to the application server, the servers 2214 may comprise public service servers, a public service server may comprise a provisioning server, an operation and maintenance server, a security server that can at least partly implement a certificate authority and firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In one aspect, the security servers ensure the communication served through the wireless network platform 2210 to ensure the operation and integrity of network data in addition to authorization and authentication procedures that the CS 2222 gateway nodes and nodes PS 2218 gateway can represent. In addition, provisioning servers can provision external network services such as networks operated by a diverse service provider; for example, WAN 2250 or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) networks (not shown). Provisioning servers can also provision coverage through networks associated with the wireless network platform 2210 (for example, implemented and operated by the same service provider), such as the distributed antenna networks shown in Figure 1 that improve the Wireless service coverage by providing more network coverage. Repeater devices such as those shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 also improve network coverage in order to improve the subscriber's service experience via UE 2275.

It will be noted that the servers 2214 may comprise one or more processors configured to at least partially confer the functionality of the macro network platform 2210. For that purpose, the one or more processors may execute code instructions stored in memory 2230, by way of example. It should be appreciated that the servers 2214 may comprise a content manager 2215, which operates substantially in the same manner as described above.

In example mode 2200, memory 2230 can store information related to the operation of wireless network platform 2210. Other operational information may include provisioning information of mobile devices served through the wireless platform network 2210, subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes, for example, promotional rates, fixed rate programs, coupon campaigns; technical specifications consistent with telecommunications protocols for operation of various layers of radio, or wireless technology; etc. Memory 2230 can also store information from at least one of the telephone networks 2240, WAN 2250, business networks 2270, or SS7 2260 network. In one aspect, for example, memory 2230 can be accessed as part of a storage component data or as a memory store connected remotely.

In order to provide a context for the different aspects of the subject matter described, it is proposed that Figure 22, and the following analysis, provide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in which the different aspects of the subject matter described . While the subject matter has been described above in the general context of computer executable instructions of a computer program running on a computer and / or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described can also be implemented in combination with other program modules. In general, the program modules comprise routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks and / or implement particular abstract data types.

Figure 23 represents an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 2300. The communication device 2300 can serve as an illustrative mode of devices such as mobile devices and devices inside buildings referred to by the description (for example, in Figures 15 , 16A and 16B).

The communication device 2300 may comprise a wired and / or wireless transceiver 2302 (in the present transceiver 2302), a user interface (Ul) 2304, a power source 2314, a location receiver 2316, a motion sensor 2318, an orientation sensor 2320, and a controller 2306 to manage operations thereof. The 2302 transceiver can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth^MR, ZigBee^MR, WiFi, DECT, or other cellular communication technologies, to mention just a few (Bluetooth^MR and ZigBee^MR are trademarks of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group^MR and the ZigBee Alliance^MR, respectively). Cellular technologies may include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS / HSDPA, GSM / GPRS, TDMA / EDGE, EV / DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next-generation wireless communication technologies when they arise. Transceiver 2302 can also be adapted to support wired circuit switching access technologies (such as PSTN), wired packet switching access technologies (such as TCP / IP, VolP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The Ul 2304 may include a pressurizable or touch-sensitive keyboard 2308 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for handling operations of the communication device 2300. The keyboard 2308 may be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device 2300 or an independent device operatively coupled thereto by a related wired interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface that supports, for example, Bluetooth^MR. The keyboard 2108 may represent a numeric keypad commonly used by telephones, and / or a QWERTY keyboard with alphanumeric keys. The UL

2304 It may also include a 2310 screen such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other display technology suitable for transporting images to an end user of the communication device 2300. In a mode where the screen 2310 is touch sensitive, a portion of or all of the keyboard 2308 can be presented by means of the screen 2310 with navigation features.

The 2310 screen can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface to detect user input. As a touch screen, the communication device 2300 can be adapted to present a user interface that has graphic user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touch screen 2310 may be equipped with capacitive, resistive technology or other forms of detection technology to detect the amount of surface area of ​​a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen. This detection information can be used to control the manipulation of GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The screen 2310 may be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device 2300 or a separate device communicatively coupled thereto by a related wired interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The Ul 2304 may also include an audio system 2312 that uses audio technology to carry low-volume audio (such as audio heard in close proximity to a human ear) and high-volume audio (such as speaker for hands-free operation). The audio system 2312 may also include a microphone to receive audible signals from an end user. The 2312 audio system can also be used for voice recognition applications. The Ul 2304 may further include an image sensor 2313 such as a docking device (CCD) camera for capturing static or moving images.

The power supply 2314 may utilize common energy management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and / or charging system technologies to supply power to the components of the communication device 2300 to facilitate portable communications of Long range or short range. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system may use external power sources such as CD power supplied through a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable connection technologies.

The location receiver 2316 can use location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver with assisted GPS capability to identify a location of the communication device 2300 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be use to facilitate location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 2318 may use motion detection technology such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other motion detection technology suitable for detecting movement of the communication device 2300 in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor 2320 can use orientation detection technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device 2300 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics ).

The communication device 2300 can use the transceiver 2302 to also determine a proximity to a cellular access point, WiFi, Bluetooth^MR, or other wireless access point by detection techniques such as using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and / or measurements of signal arrival time (TOA) or flight time (TOF). The 2306 controller can use computer technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrangements, application specific integrated circuits, and / or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM , RAM, SRAM, DRAM, or other storage technologies to execute computer instructions, control, and process data supplied by the aforementioned components of communication device 2300.

Other components not shown in Figure 23 can be used in one or more embodiments of the description. For example, the communication device 2300 may include a slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used to identify subscriber services, run programs, store subscriber data, etc.

Turning now to Figure 24A, a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of a communication system according to different aspects of the description is shown. The communication system may include a macro-base station 2402 such as a base station or access point having antennas covering one or more sectors (eg, 6 or more sectors). The base macro-station 2402 can be communicatively coupled to a communication node 2404A that serves as a main or distribution node for other communication nodes 2404B-E distributed in different geographical locations within or beyond a coverage area of the macro-base station 2402. Communication nodes 2404 operate as a distributed antenna system configured to manage communications traffic associated with client devices such as mobile devices (e.g., cell phones) and / or fixed / stationary devices (e.g., a communication device in a residence, or commercial establishment) that are wirelessly coupled to any of the 2404 communication nodes. In particular, the wireless resources of the base macro-station 2402 can be made available to mobile devices by allowing and / or redirecting certain mobile and / or stationary devices to use the wireless resources of a communication node 2404 in a communication scope of mobile or stationary devices.

Communication nodes 2404A-E can be communicatively coupled to each other through an interface 2410. In one embodiment, interface 2410 may comprise a wired or anchored interface (eg, fiber optic cable). In other embodiments, interface 2410 may comprise a wireless RF interface that forms a system of distributed radio antennas. In different embodiments, communication nodes 2404A-E can be configured to provide communication services to mobile and stationary devices according to instructions provided by the base macro station 2402. In other operating examples, however, communication nodes 2404A-E simply operate as analog repeaters to spread the coverage of the base macro-station 2402 along the full range of individual communication nodes 2404AE.

The base micro-stations (represented as communication nodes 2404) may differ from the base macro-station in different ways. For example, the communication range of the base micro-stations may be smaller than the communication range of the base macro-station. Consequently, the energy consumed by the base micro-stations may be less than the energy consumed by the base macro-station. The base macro-station optionally directs the base micro-stations as to which mobile and / or stationary devices they are going to communicate with, and what carrier frequency, spectral segments and / or time interval program of these spectral segments are going to be used by base micro-stations when communicating with certain mobile or stationary devices. In these cases, the control of the base micro-stations by the base macro-station can be carried out in a master-slave configuration or other suitable control configurations. If it operates independently or under the control of the base macro-station 2402, the resources of the base macro-stations may be simpler and less expensive than the resources used by the base macro-station 2402.

Turning now to Figure 24B, a block diagram is shown illustrating an example non-limiting mode of communication nodes 2404B-E of communication system 2400. In this illustration, communication nodes 2404B-E are placed in a public service luminaire such as a lamppost. In other embodiments, some of the 2404B-E communication nodes can be placed in a construction on a public service pole or pole that is used to distribute power and / or communication lines. The 2404B-E communication nodes in these illustrations can be configured to communicate with each other through the 2410 interface shown in this illustration as a wireless interface. Communication nodes 2404B-E can also be configured to communicate with mobile or stationary devices 2406A-C through a wireless interface 2411 that adapts to one or more communication protocols (for example, fourth-generation wireless signals (4G) such as LTE signals or other 4G signals, fifth generation wireless signals (5G), WiMAX, 82.11 signals, ultra-wideband signals, etc.). Communication nodes 2404 can be configured to exchange signals through interface 2410 at an operating frequency that may be greater (for example, 28 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz, 80 GHz or greater) than the operating frequency used to communicate with mobile or stationary devices (for example, 1.9 GHz) through the 2411 interface. The high carrier frequency and a wider bandwidth can be used for communication between communication nodes 2404 that allows communication nodes 2404 to provide communication services to multiple mobile or stationary devices through one or more different frequency bands , (for example, a 900 MHz band, 1.9 GHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, and / or a 5.8 GHz band, etc.) and / or one or more different protocols, as will be illustrated by uplink and downlink spectral diagrams of Figure 25A described below. In other embodiments, particularly where interface 2410 is implemented through a guided wave communications system on a wire, a broadband spectrum can be used in a lower frequency range (for example, in the 6 GHz range, 4-10 GHz, etc.).

Turning now to Figures 24C-24D, block diagrams are shown that illustrate exemplary non-limiting modalities of a communication node 2404 of the communication system 2400 of Figure 24A. Communication node 2404 can be attached to a support structure 2424 of a public service luminaire such as a public service post or pole as shown in Figure 24C. The communication node 2404 can be attached to the support structure 2424 with an arm 2426 constructed of plastic or other suitable material that joins one end of the communication node 2404. The communication node 2404 may further include a housing assembly of plastic 2416 covering components of communication node 2404. Communication node 2404 can be powered by a power line 2426 (for example, 110/226 VAC). The power line 2426 can originate from a lamppost or can be coupled to a power line from a utility pole.

In an embodiment where communication nodes 2404 communicate wirelessly with other communication nodes 2404 as shown in Figure 24B, an upper side 2412 of communication node 2404 {also illustrated in Figure 24D) may comprise a plurality of 2422 antennas (for example, 16 dielectric antennas devoid of metal surfaces) coupled to one or more transceivers such as, for example, in whole or in part, the transceiver 1400 illustrated in Figure 14. Each of the plurality of antennas 2422 of the upper side 2412 can operate as a communication node sector 2404, each sector configured to communicate with at least one communication node 2404 in a communication scope of the sector. Alternatively, or in combination, interface 2410 between communication nodes 2404 may be an anchored interface (for example, a fiber optic cable, or an electrical line used for transporting guided electromagnetic waves as described previously). In other embodiments, interface 2410 may differ between communication nodes 2404. That is, some communication nodes 2404 can communicate through a wireless interface, while others communicate through an anchored interface. In still other embodiments, some communication nodes 2404 may use a combined wireless and anchored interface.

A lower side 2414 of communication node 2404 may also comprise a plurality of antennas 2424 for wireless communication with one or more mobile or stationary devices 2406 on a carrier frequency that is suitable for mobile or stationary devices 2406. As indicated above, the carrier frequency used by the communication node 2404 to communicate with the mobile or station devices through the wireless interface 2411 shown in Figure 24B may be different from the carrier frequency used for communication between the nodes of 2404 communication through the 2410 interface. The plurality of antennas 2424 of the lower portion 2414 of the communication node 2404 can also use a transceiver, such as, in whole or in part, the transceiver 1400 illustrated in Figure 14.

Turning now to Figure 25A, a block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting mode of downlink and uplink communication techniques to allow a base station to communicate with communication nodes 2404 of Figure 24A is illustrated. In the illustrations of Figure 25A, the downlink signals (ie, signals directed from the base macro-station 2402 to the communication nodes 2404) can be spectrally divided into control channels 2502, downlink spectral segments 2506 each including modulated signals that can be converted into frequency to their original / native frequency band to allow communication nodes 2404 to communicate with one or more mobile or stationary devices 2506, and pilot signals 2504 that can be supplied with some or all of the spectral segments 2506 to mitigate distortion created between the communication nodes

2504 Pilot signals 2504 can be processed by the transceivers (anchored or wireless) on the upper side 2416 of the downstream communication nodes 2404 to remove distortion of a reception signal (eg phase distortion). Each downlink spectral segment 2506 can be assigned a bandwidth 2505 wide enough (e.g. 50 MHz) to include a corresponding pilot signal 2504 and one or more downlink modulated signals located in frequency channels (or intervals of frequency) in spectral segment 2506. The modulated signals may represent cellular channels, WLAN channels or other modulated communications signals (for example, 10-26 MHz), which can be used by communication nodes 2404 for communication with one or more mobile or stationary devices 2406.

The uplink modulated signals generated by mobile or stationary communication device may in their native / original frequency bands become frequency and therefore be located in frequency channels (or frequency ranges) in the uplink spectral segment 2510 The uplink modulated signals can represent cellular channels, WLAN channels or other modulated communication signals. Each uplink spectral segment 2510 can be assigned a similar or equal bandwidth 2505 to include a pilot signal 2508 that can be provided with some or each spectral segment 2510 to allow upstream communication nodes 2404 and / or the 2402 base-station macro remove distortion (for example, phase error).

In the mode shown, the downlink and uplink spectral segments 2506 and 2510 each comprise a plurality of frequency channels (or frequency ranges), which may be occupied with modulated signals that have become frequency of any number of native / original frequency bands (for example, a 900 MHz band, a 1.9 GHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, and / or a 5.8 GHz band, etc.). Modulated signals can be increased in frequency to adjacent frequency channels in spectral downlink and uplink spectral segments 2506 and 2510. Thus, while some adjacent frequency channels in a downlink spectral segment 2506 may include signals originally modulated in the same native / original frequency band, other adjacent frequency channels in the downlink spectral segment 2506 may also include signals originally modulated in different native / original frequency bands, but converted into frequency to be located in adjacent frequency channels of the downlink spectral segment 2506. For example, a first signal modulated in a 1.9 GHz band and a second signal modulated in the same frequency band (ie 1.9 GHz ) can be converted into frequency and therefore placed in adjacent frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506. In another illustration, a first signal modulated in a 1.9 GHz band and a second communication signal in a different frequency band (i.e. 2.4 GHz) can be converted into frequency and therefore placed in adjacent frequency channels of a 2506 downlink spectral segment. Consequently, the frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 may be occupied with any combination of signals modulated from the same or different signaling protocols and from the same or different native / original frequency bands.

Similarly, while some adjacent frequency channels in an uplink spectral segment 2510 may include signals originally modulated in the same frequency band, adjacent frequency channels in the uplink spectral segment 2510 may also include originally modulated signals in different native / original frequency bands, but converted into frequency to be located in adjacent frequency channels of an uplink segment 2510. For example, a first communication signal in a 2.4 GHz band and a second communication signal in the same frequency band (i.e., 2.4 GHz) can be converted into frequency and therefore placed in adjacent frequency channels of a 2510 uplink spectral segment. In another illustration, a first communication signal in a 1.9 GHz band and a second communication signal in a different frequency band (i.e. 2.4 GHz) can be converted into frequency and therefore placed in adjacent frequency channels of the uplink spectral segment 2506. Consequently, the frequency channels of an uplink spectral segment 2510 may be occupied with any combination of signals modulated from the same or different signaling protocols and from the same or different native / original frequency bands. It should be noted that a downlink spectral segment 2506 and an uplink spectral segment 2510 may themselves be adjacent to each other and be separated only by a guard band or otherwise separated by a larger frequency separation. , depending on the spectral assignment instead.

Turning now to Figure 25B, a block diagram 2520 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a communication node is shown. In particular, the communication node device such as communication node 2404A of a distributed radio antenna system includes a base station interface 2522, duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524, and two transceivers 2530 and 2532. It should be noted, however, that when the communication node 2404A is located in the same place with a base station, such as a macro-base station 2402, the duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 and the transceiver 2530 can be omitted and the transceiver 2532 can be directly coupled to the base station interface 2522.

In different embodiments, the base station interface 2522 receives a first modulated signal having one or more downlink channels in a first spectral segment for transmission to a client device such as one or more mobile communication devices. The first spectral segment represents an original / native frequency band of the first modulated signal. The first modulated signal may include one or more downlink communication channels that adapt to a signaling protocol such as an LTE protocol or other 4G wireless protocol, a 5G wireless communication protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a WiMAX protocol, an 802.11 protocol or other wireless local area network protocol and / or other communication protocol. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 transfers the modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the transceiver 2530 for direct communication with one or more mobile communication devices in the range of the communication node 2404A as a wireless free space signal. In different modalities, transceiver 2530 is implemented through analog circuitry that simply provide: Filtering to pass the spectrum of the downlink channels and the uplink channels of modulated signals in their original / native frequency bands while attenuating out-of-band signals, power amplification, transmission / reception switching, duplexing, diplexing , and impedance coupling to drive one or more antennas that send and receive wireless signals from the 2410 interface.

In other embodiments, transceiver 2532 is configured to perform frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in a first carrier frequency based on, in different modalities, an analog signal processing of the first modulated signal without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. The first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency may occupy one or more frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506. The first carrier frequency may be in a millimeter or microwave wave frequency band. As used in the present analog signal processing includes filtration, switching, duplexing, diplexing, amplification, frequency increase and decrease, and other analog processing that does not require digital signal processing, such as including without limitation either analog to digital, digital to analog conversion, or digital frequency conversion. In other embodiments, transceiver 2532 can be configured to perform frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency by applying digital signal processing to the first modulated signal without using some form of processing analog signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. In still other embodiments, transceiver 2532 can be configured to perform frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first carrier frequency by applying a combination of digital signal processing and analog processing to the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal.

The transceiver 2532 can also be configured to transmit one or more control channels, one or more corresponding reference signals, such as pilot signals or other reference signals, and / or one or more clock signals in conjunction with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to a network element of the distributed antenna system, such as one or more downstream communication nodes 2404B-E, for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to one or more mobile communication devices once they are converted in frequency by the network element to the first spectral segment. In particular, the reference signal allows the network element to reduce a phase error (and / or other forms of signal distortion) during the processing of the first modulated signal of the first carrier frequency to the first spectral segment. The control channel may include instructions to direct the distributed node of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment, to control frequency selections and reuse patterns, transfer and / or other control signaling. In embodiments where the instructions transmitted and received through the control channel are digital signals, the transceiver 2532 may include a digital signal processing component that provides analog to digital conversion, digital to analog conversion and that processes the digital data sent and / or received through the control channel. The clock signals supplied with the downlink spectral segment 2506 can be used to synchronize the timing of the digital control channel processing by the downstream communication nodes 2404B-E to retrieve the instructions of the control channel and / or provide other signals of timing.

In different embodiments, transceiver 2532 can receive a second signal modulated on a second carrier frequency of a network element such as a communication node 2504B-E. The second modulated signal may include one or more uplink frequency channels occupied by one or more modulated signals that are adapted to a signaling protocol such as an LTE protocol or another 4G wireless protocol, a 5G wireless communication protocol, a protocol ultra-wideband, a protocol

802.11 or other wireless local area network protocol and / or other communication protocol. In particular, the mobile or stationary communication device generates the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment such as an original / native frequency band and the network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second signal frequency. modulated in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency as received by the communication node 2404A. The transceiver 2532 operates to convert the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment and sends the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment, through the 2524 duplexer / diplexer assembly and station interface base 2522, to a base station, such as macro-base station 2402, for processing.

Consider the following examples where communication node 2404A is implemented in a distributed antenna system. The uplink frequency channels in an uplink spectral segment 2510 and downlink frequency channels in a downlink spectral segment 2506 may be occupied with modulated and otherwise formatted signals in accordance with DOCSIS 2.0 or other protocol. higher standard, a WiMAX standard protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, an 802.11 standard protocol, a 4G or 5G voice and data protocol such as an LTE protocol and / or other standard communication protocol. In addition to the protocols that are adapted to current standards, any of these protocols can be modified to operate in conjunction with the system in Figure 24A. For example, an 802.11 protocol or other protocol can be modified to include additional guidelines and / or a separate data channel to provide collision detection / multiple access across a wider area (e.g., which allow the network elements or communication devices communicatively coupled to the network elements that communicate through a particular frequency channel of a downlink spectral segment 2506 or uplink spectral segment 2510 to listen to each other ). In different embodiments, all uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segment 2510 and downlink frequency channel of the downlink spectral segment 2506 can all be formatted according to the same communications protocol. In the alternative, however, two or more different protocols can be used in both the uplink spectral segment 2510 and the downlink spectral segment 2506, for example, to be compatible with a wider range of client devices and / or Operate in different frequency bands.

When two or more different protocols are used, a first subset of the downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectral segment

2506 they can be modulated according to a first standard protocol and a second subset of the downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectral segment 2506 can be modulated according to a second standard protocol that differs from the standard protocol. Similarly, a first subset of the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segment 2510 can be received by the demodulation system according to the first standard protocol and a second subset of the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segment 2510 can be received according to a second standard protocol for demodulation according to the second standard protocol that differs from the First standard protocol.

In accordance with these examples, the base station interface 2522 can be configured to receive modulated signals such as one or more downlink channels in their original / native frequency bands of a base station such as macro-base station 2402 or another element of communications network. Similarly, the base station interface 2522 can be configured to provide a base station with modulated signals received from another network element that are converted into frequency to modulated signals that have one or more uplink channels in their original frequency bands / native. The base station interface 2522 can be implemented through a wired or wireless interface that communicates bi-directionally communication signals such as uplink and downlink channels in their original / native frequency bands, communication control signals and other Network signaling with a macro-base station or other network element. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 is configured to transfer the downlink channels in their original / native frequency bands to the transceiver 2532 which converts the frequency of the downlink channels of their original / native frequency bands to the frequency spectrum. interface frequency 2410 - in this case a wireless communication link used to transport the communication signals downstream to one or more other nodes of 2404B-E communication of the distributed antenna system within the reach of the 2404A communication device.

In different embodiments, transceiver 2532 includes an analog radio that converts downlink channel signals into frequency in their original / native frequency bands through mixing or other heterodyne action to generate uplink signals converted into frequency that occupy downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectral segment 2506. In this illustration, the downlink spectral segment 2506 is within the downlink frequency band of the interface 2410. In one embodiment, the downlink channel signals are increased in frequency from their original / native frequency bands to a band of 28 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz, 70 GHz or 80 GHz of the downlink spectral segment 2506 for wireless line-of-sight communications to one or more other communication nodes 2404B-E. It is noted, however, that other frequency bands can be used in the same way for a downlink spectral segment 2506 (for example 3 GHz to 5 GHz). For example, transceiver 2532 can be configured for down-conversion of one or more downlink channel signals in its original / native spectral bands in cases where the frequency band of Interface 2410 falls below the original frequency bands / native of the one or more downlink channel signals.

The transceiver 2532 can be coupled to multiple individual antennas, such as antennas 2422 presented together with Figure 24D, for communication with communication nodes 2404B, an array of antennas in phase or airship or multi-beam antenna system for communication with multiple devices in different locations. The 2524 duplexer / diplexer assembly may include a duplexer, a triplexer, a splitter, switch, router and / or other assembly that operates as a "channel duplexer" to provide two-way communications through multiple communication paths and through one or more original / native spectral segments of the uplink and downlink channels.

In addition to retransmitting modulated signals converted into low current frequency to other communication nodes 2404B-3 in a carrier frequency that differs from their original / native spectral bands, communication node 2404A can also communicate all or a selected portion of the unmodified modulated signals of its original / native frequency bands to client devices in a wireless communication range of communication node 2404A through the wireless interface 2411. The 2524 duplexer / diplexer assembly transfers the modulated signals in their original / native spectral bands to the 2530 transceiver. The transceiver 2530 may include a channel selection filter for selecting one or more downlink channels and a power amplifier coupled to one or more antennas, such as antennas 2424 presented together with Figure 24D, for transmission of the link channels down through 2411 wireless interface to mobile or fixed wireless devices.

In addition to downlink communications intended for client devices, communication node 2404 can operate reciprocally to manage uplink communications originating from client devices as well. In operation, transceiver 2532 receives uplink channels in the uplink spectral segment 2510 of communication nodes 2404B-E through the uplink spectrum of interface 2410. The uplink frequency channels in the uplink spectral segment 2510 include modulate signals that were converted into frequency by communication nodes 2404B-E of their original / native spectral bands to the uplink frequency channels of the link spectral segment ascending 2510. In situations where the interface 2410 operates in a higher frequency band than the native / original spectral segments of the modulated signals supplied by the client devices, the transceiver 2532 decreases the increased frequency modulated signals to their original frequency bands. In situations, however, where interface 2410 operates in a frequency band lower than the native / original spectral segments of the modulated signals supplied by the client devices, the transceiver 2532 increases the frequency of the frequency-modulated signals decreased to their bands. of original frequency. In addition, the transceiver 2530 operates to receive all or selected signals of the signals modulated in its original / native frequency bands of client devices through the wireless interface 2411. The duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 transfers the modulated signals in their original / native frequency bands received through the transceiver 2530 to the base station interface 2522 so that they are sent to the base macro-station 2402 or another network element of a communications network. Similarly, modulated signals occupying uplink frequency channels in an uplink spectral segment 2510 that are converted into frequency to their native / native frequency bands by transceiver 2532 are supplied to duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 for transfer to the base station interface 2522 to be sent to the base macro-station 2402 or another network element of a communications network.

Turning now to Figure 25C, a block diagram 2535 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a communication node is shown. In particular, the communication node device such as communication node 2404B, 2404C, 2404D or 2404E of a distributed antenna system includes transceiver 2533, duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524, an amplifier 2538 and two transceivers 2536A and 2536B.

In different embodiments, transceiver 2536A receives, from a communication node 2404A or a communication node upstream 2404B-E, a first signal modulated at a first carrier frequency corresponding to the placement of the channels of the first signal modulated in the converted spectrum of the distributed antenna system (for example, frequency channels of one or more downlink spectral segments 2506). The first modulated signal includes first communications data provided by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device. The transceiver 2536A is further configured to receive, from a communication node 2404A one or more control channels and one or more corresponding reference signals, such as pilot signals or other reference signals, and / or one or more associated clock signals with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency. The first modulated signal may include one or more downlink communication channels that adapt to a signaling protocol such as an LTE protocol or another 4G wireless protocol, a 5G wireless communication protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a WiMAX protocol, an 802.11 protocol or other wireless local area network protocol and / or other communication protocol.

As previously analyzed, the reference signal allows the network element to reduce a phase error (and / or other forms of signal distortion) during the processing of the first modulated signal from the first carrier frequency to the first spectral segment (ie say, original / native spectrum). The control channel includes instructions to direct the distributed node of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment, to control frequency selections and reuse patterns, transfer and / or other control signaling. The clock signals can synchronize the digital control channel processing timing by communication nodes downstream 2404B-E to retrieve the control channel instructions and / or provide other timing signals.

The amplifier 2538 may be a bidirectional amplifier that amplifies the first modulated signal on the first carrier frequency in conjunction with the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals for coupling through the duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 to the transceiver 2536B, which in this illustration serves as a repeater for a retransmission of the first amplified modulated signal on the first carrier frequency in conjunction with the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals to one or more of the other communication nodes 2404B-E that are downstream of the communication node 2404B-E shown and operated in a similar manner.

The first modulated signal amplified in the first carrier frequency together with the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals are also coupled through the duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524 to the transceiver 2533. The transceiver 2533 performs processing of digital signal in the control channel to retrieve the instructions, such as in the form of digital data, from the control channel. The clock signal is used to synchronize the timing of the digital control channel processing. The transceiver 2533 then performs frequency conversion of the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment according to the instructions and based on an analog (and / or digital) signal processing. of the first modulated signal and that uses the reference signal to reduce distortion during the conversion process. Transceiver 2533 wirelessly transmits the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to direct communication with one or more mobile communication devices within the range of communication node 2404B-E as wireless free-space signals.

In different embodiments, transceiver 2536B receives a second signal modulated at a second carrier frequency in an uplink spectral segment 2510 of other network elements such as one or more communication nodes 2404B-E that are downstream of communication node 2404B -E shown. The second modulated signal may include one or more uplink communication channels that adapt to a signaling protocol such as an LTE protocol or another 4G wireless protocol, a 5G wireless communication protocol, an ultra-wideband protocol, a 802.11 protocol or other wireless local area network protocol and / or other communication protocol. In particular, one or more mobile communication devices generate the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment such as an original / native frequency band and the downstream network element leads down frequency conversion in the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency in an uplink spectral segment 2510 as received by the communication node 2404B-E shown. The transceiver 2536B operates to send the second modulated signal on the second carrier frequency to the amplifier 2538, through the duplexer / diplexer assembly 2524, for amplification and retransmission through the transceiver 2536A back to the communication node 2404A or current communication nodes above 2404B-E for additional retransmission back to a base station, such as macro-base station 2402, for processing.

The transceiver 2533 can also receive a second modulated signal in the second spectral segment of one or more mobile communication devices in the interval of the communication node 2404B-E. The transceiver 2533 operates to perform frequency conversion in the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency, for example, under the control of the instructions received through the control channel, inserted the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals for use by the communication node 2404A in the conversion of the second modulated signal back to the original / native spectral segments and sends the second modulated signal at the second carrier frequency, through the assembly of duplexer / diplexer 2524 and amplifier 2538, to transceiver 2536A for amplification and retransmission back to communication node 2404A or upstream communication nodes 2404B-3 for additional retransmission back to a station

100 base, such as macro-base station 2402, for processing.

Turning now to Figure 25D, a graphic diagram 2540 is illustrated illustrating a non-limiting example of a frequency spectrum. In particular, a spectrum 2542 is shown for a system of distributed antennas that transmit modulated signals that occupy frequency channels of a downlink segment 2506 or uplink spectral segment 2510 after they have become frequency (for example, through frequency increase or decrease) of one or more original / native spectral segments in the 2542 spectrum.

In the example presented, the downstream channel band (downlink) 2544 includes a plurality of downstream frequency channels represented by separate downstream spectral segments 2506. Similarly, the upstream channel band (uplink) 2546 it includes a plurality of upstream frequency channels represented by separate uplink spectral segments 2510. The spectral shapes of the separate spectral segments are intended to be placeholders for the frequency assignment of each modulated signal along with associated reference signals, control channels and clock signals. The actual spectral response of each frequency channel in a downlink spectral segment 2506 or uplink spectral segment 2510 will vary based on the protocol and modulation employed and also as a function of time.

The number of uplink spectral segments 2510 may be less than or greater than the number of downlink spectral segments 2506 according to an asymmetric communication system. In this case, the upstream channel band 2546 may be narrower or wider than the downstream channel band 2544. In the alternative, the number of uplink spectral segments 2510 may be equal to the number of downlink spectral segments 2506 in the case where a symmetric communication system is implemented. In this case, the width of the upstream channel band 2546 can be equal to the width of the downstream channel band 2544 and bit fill techniques or other data fill techniques can be used to compensate for variations in upstream traffic . While the downstream channel band 2544 is shown at a lower frequency than the upstream channel band 2546, in other embodiments, the downstream channel band 2544 may be at a higher frequency than the upstream channel band 2546 In addition, the number of spectral segments and their respective frequency positions in the 2542 spectrum may change dynamically over time. For example, a general control channel can be provided in the spectrum 2542 (not shown) that can indicate to communication nodes 2544 the frequency position of each spectral link segment

101 downlink 2506 and each uplink spectral segment 2510. Depending on traffic conditions, or network requirements that require a reallocation of bandwidth, the number of downlink spectral segments 2506 and uplink spectral segments 2510 can be changed through the general control channel. In addition, the downlink spectral segments 2506 and uplink spectral segments 2510 do not have to be grouped separately. For example, a general control channel may identify a downlink spectral segment 2506 that is followed by an uplink spectral segment 2510 in an alternative manner, or in any other combination that may or may not be symmetric. It is further noted that instead of using a general control channel, multiple control channels can be used, each identifying the frequency position of one or more spectral segments and the type of the spectral segment (ie, uplink or link falling).

In addition, while the downstream channel band 2544 and upstream channel band 2546 are shown as occupying a single contiguous frequency band, in other embodiments, two or more upstream channel bands and / or two or more bands The downstream channel can be used, depending on the available spectrum and / or the communication standards used. The frequency channels of uplink spectral segments 2510 and downlink spectral segments 2506 can be occupied by frequency-modulated signals, formatted according to a DOCSIS 2.0 or other higher standard protocol, a WiMAX standard protocol, a ultra-wideband protocol, an 802.11 standard protocol, a 4G or 5G voice and data protocol such as an LTE protocol and / or other standard communication protocol. In addition to the protocols that are adapted to current standards, any of these protocols can be modified to operate together with the system shown. For example, an 802.11 protocol or other protocol can be modified to include additional guidelines and / or a separate data channel to provide collision detection / multiple access over a wider area (for example, which allows devices to communicate to through a particular frequency channel listen to each other). In different embodiments, all the uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segments 2510 and the downlink frequency channel of the downlink spectral segments 2506 are formatted according to the same communications protocol. In the alternative, however, two or more different protocols can be used in both uplink frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments

Ί

2510 and downlink frequency channels of one or more downlink spectral segments 2506, for example, to be compatible with a wider range

102 of client devices and / or operate in different frequency bands.

It should be noted that, modulated signals can be obtained from different original / native spectral segments for aggregation in the 2542 spectrum. Thus, the first portion of uplink frequency channels of an uplink spectral segment 2510 may be adjacent to a second portion of uplink frequency channels of the uplink spectral segment 2510 that have become frequency of one or more different original / native spectral segments. Similarly, a first portion of downlink frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 may be adjacent to a second portion of downlink frequency channels of the downlink spectral segment 2506 that have become frequency of one or more different original / native spectral segments. For example, one or more 0.9 GHz 802.11 channels that have become frequency may be adjacent to one or more 5.8 GHz 802.11 channels that have also converted frequency to a 2542 spectrum that is centered at 80 GHz. It should be noted that each spectral segment may have an associated reference signal such as a pilot signal that can be used to generate a local oscillator signal at a frequency and phase that provides the frequency conversion of one or more frequency channels of the segment. spectral of its placement in the 2542 spectrum back to its original / native spectral segment.

Turning now to Figure 25E, a graphical diagram 2550 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a frequency spectrum is shown. In particular, a spectral segment selection is presented as analyzed together with signal processing carried out in the spectral segment selected by transceivers 2530 of communication node 2440A or transceiver 2532 of communication node 2404B-E. As shown, a particular uplink frequency portion 2558 that includes one of the uplink spectral segments 2510 of uplink frequency channel band 2546 and a particular downlink frequency portion 2556 that includes one of the segments downlink spectral 2506 downlink frequency band 2544 is selected to be passed through channel selection filtration, with the remaining portions of the uplink frequency channel band 2546 and the downlink frequency band band 2544 that are filtered off are attenuated to mitigate negative effects of the processing of the desired frequency channels that are passed through the transceiver. It should be noted that as long as a single particular uplink spectral segment 2510 and a particular downlink spectral segment 2506 is shown, two or more uplink and / or spectral segments of uplink and / or spectral segments can be passed in other modalities link

103 falling.

While transceivers 2530 and 2532 can operate based on static channel filters with the uplink and downlink frequency portions 2558 and 2556 that are fixed, as discussed previously, instructions sent to transceivers 2530 and 2532 through the control channel to dynamically configure transceivers 2530 and 2532 to a particular frequency selection. In this way, the upstream and downstream frequency channels of corresponding spectral segments can be dynamically assigned to different communication nodes by the base macro-station 2402 or another element of a communication network to optimize performance by the communication system. distributed antennas

Turning now to Figure 25F, a graphic diagram 2560 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a frequency spectrum is shown. In particular, a 2562 spectrum is shown for a distributed antenna system that transmits modulated signals that occupy frequency channels of uplink or downlink spectral segments after they have become frequency (for example, through increase or decrease frequency) of one or more original / native spectral segments in the 2562 spectrum.

As discussed previously, two or more different communication protocols can be used to communicate upstream and downstream data. When two or more different protocols are used, A first subset of the downlink frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 may be occupied by frequency-modulated signals according to a first standard protocol and a second subset of the downlink frequency channels thereof. or a different downlink spectral segment 2510 may be occupied by frequency-converted modulated signals according to a second protocol of standard that differs from the first standard protocol. Similarly, a first subset of the uplink frequency channels of an uplink spectral segment 2510 can be received by the demodulation system according to the first standard protocol and a second subset of the uplink frequency channels. of the same or a different uplink spectral segment 2510 can be received according to a second standard protocol for demodulation according to the second protocol of standard that differs from the first standard protocol.

In the example shown, the downstream channel band 2544 includes a first plurality of downstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral forms of a first type representing the use of a first communication protocol.

104

The downstream channel band 2544 'includes a second plurality of downstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of a second type representing the use of a second communication protocol. Similarly, the upstream channel band 2546 includes a first plurality of upstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of the first type representing the use of the first communication protocol. The upstream channel band 2546 'includes a second plurality of upstream spectral segments represented by separate spectral shapes of the second type representing the use of the second communication protocol. These separate spectral forms are intended to be placeholders for the frequency assignment of each individual spectral segment along with associated reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals. While the individual channel bandwidth is shown as being approximately the same for first and second type channels, it should be noted that the upstream and downstream channel bands 2544, 2544 ', 2546 and 2546' can be of different bandwidths. In addition, the spectral segments in these first and second type channel bands can be of different bandwidths, depending on the available spectrum and / or the communication standards employed.

Turning now to Figure 25G, a graphic diagram 2570 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a frequency spectrum is shown. In particular, a portion of the spectrum 2542 or 2562 of Figures 25D-25F is shown for a system of distributed antennas that transmit modulated signals in the form of channel signals that have become frequency (for example, through increase or decrease frequency) of one or more original / native spectral segments.

Portion 2572 includes a portion of a downlink or uplink spectral segment 2506 and 2510 that is represented by a spectral shape and that represents a portion of the bandwidth reserved for a control channel, reference signal, and / or signal clock The spectral form 2574, for example, represents a control channel that is separated from the reference signal 2579 and a clock signal 2578. It should be noted that the clock signal 2578 is shown in a spectral form that represents a sinusoidal signal that may require conditioning in the form of a more traditional clock signal . In other embodiments, however, a traditional clock signal can be sent as a modulated carrier wave such as by modulating the reference signal 2579 through amplitude modulation or another modulation technique that preserves the carrier phase for use as A phase reference. In other embodiments, the clock signal can be transmitted by modulating another carrier wave or as another signal. In addition, it is noted that both the clock signal 2578 and the reference signal 2579 are shown as being outside the band of

105 frequency of the control channel 2574.

In another example, portion 2575 includes a portion of an uplink or downlink spectral segment 2506 and 2510 that is represented by a portion of a spectral shape representing a portion of the bandwidth reserved for a control channel 5, signal reference, and / or clock signal. The spectral form 2576 represents a control channel containing instructions that include digital data that modulate the reference signal 2579, through modulation and amplitude, amplitude shift modulation or other modulation technique that preserves the carrier phase for use. As a phase reference. The clock signal 2578 is shown as being outside the 10 frequency band of the spectral form 2576. The reference signal 2579 which is modulated by the control channel instructions, is in effect a subcarrier of the control channel and is in band with the control channel. Again, the clock signal 2578 is shown in a spectral form representing a sine wave, in other embodiments, however, a traditional clock signal such as a modulated carrier wave or other signal can be sent. In this case, the control channel instructions can be used to modulate the clock signal 2578 instead of the reference signal 2579.

Consider the following example, where the control channel is transmitted through modulation of a reference signal 2579 in the form of a continuous wave (CW) of which the phase distortion in the receiver is corrected during the frequency conversion of the 20 downlink spectral segment or uplink 2506 and 2510 back to their original / native spectral segment. The control channel can be modulated with a robust modulation such as pulse amplitude modulation, binary phase displacement modulation, amplitude displacement modulation or another modulation scheme to transmit instructions between network elements of the distributed antenna system such as 25 network operations, administration and management traffic and other control data. In different modalities, control data may include without limitation:

• Status information indicating online status, offline status, and network performance parameters of each network element.

• Network device information such as module names and addresses, 30 hardware and software versions, device capabilities, etc.

• Spectral information such as conversion and frequency factors, channel separation, guard bands, uplink / downlink assignments, uplink and downlink channel selections, etc.

• Environmental measurements such as weather conditions, image data, information on power outages, line of sight locks, etc.

In an additional mode, control channel data can be sent through

106 Ultra-wide band signaling (UWB) control channel data can be transmitted by generating radio power at specific time intervals and occupying a larger bandwidth, through pulse position or time modulation, when encoding the polarity or amplitude of the UWB pulses and / or when using orthogonal pulses. In particular, UWM pulses can be sent sporadically at relatively low pulse rates to support time or position modulation, but they can also be sent at speeds up to the inverse of the UWM pulse bandwidth. In this way, the control channel can be spread over a UWM spectrum with relatively low power, and without interfering with CW transmissions of the reference signal and / or clock signal that can occupy in-band portions of the UWM spectrum of the control channel. .

Turning now to Figure 25H, a block diagram 2580 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a transmitter is shown. In particular, a transmitter 2582 is shown for use with, for example, a receiver 2581 and a digital control channel processor 2595 in a transceiver, such as transceiver 2533 presented together with Figure 25C. As shown, transmitter 2582 includes an analog input terminal 2586, clock signal generator 2589, a local oscillator 2592, a mixer 2596, and a transmitter input terminal 2584.

The first modulated signal amplified in the first carrier frequency together with the reference signals, control channels and / or clock signals are coupled from the amplifier 2538 to the analog input terminal 2586. The analog input terminal 2586 includes one or more filters or another frequency selection to separate the control channel signal 2587, a clock reference signal 2578, a pilot signal 2591 and one or more signals from selected channels 2594.

The digital control channel processor 2595 performs digital signal processing in the control channel to retrieve the instructions, such as through demodulation of digital control channel data, of the control channel signal 2587. The generator Clock signal 2589 generates the clock signal 2590, of the clock reference signal 2578, to synchronize the timing of the digital control channel processing by the digital control channel processor 2595. In embodiments where the clock reference signal 2578 is sinusoidal, the clock signal generator 2589 may provide amplification and be limited to creating a traditional clock signal or other sinusoidal timing signal. In embodiments where the clock reference signal 2578 is a modulated carrier signal, such as a modulation of the reference or pilot signal or other carrier wave, the clock signal generator 2589 may provide demodulation to create a traditional clock signal or Another timing signal.

In different embodiments, the control channel signal 2587 can be either a

107 digitally modulated signal over a separate frequency range of pilot signal 2591 and clock reference 2588 or as modulation of pilot signal 2591. In operation, digital control channel processor 2595 provides demodulation of control channel signal 2587 to extract the instructions contained therein in order to generate a control signal 2593. In particular the control signal 2593 generated by the digital control channel processor 2595 in response to the instructions received through the control channel can be used to select the particular channel signals 2594 together with the corresponding pilot signal 2591 and / or clock reference 2588 to be used to convert the frequencies of the 2594 channel signals for transmission through the wireless interface 10 2411. It should be noted that in circumstances where the control channel signal 2587 transmits the instructions through modulation of the pilot signal 2591, the pilot signal 2591 can be extracted through the digital control channel processor 2595 instead of the terminal 2586 analog input as shown.

The 2595 digital control channel processor can be implemented through a processing module such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, array of programmable gates in the field, programmable logic device, state machine, logic clustering, digital circuitry, an analog to digital converter, a digital to analog converter and / or any device that manipulates signals (analog and / or digital) based on rigid coding of the circuitry and / or operational instructions. The processing module may be, or may also include, memory and / or an integrated memory element, which may be an individual memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and / or integrated circuitry of another processing module, module , processing circuit, and / or processing unit. This memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and / or any device that stores digital information. It is noted that if the processing module includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (for example, directly coupled together via a wired and / or wireless bus structure) or they may be located in a distributed way (for example, cloud computing through indirect coupling through a local area network and / or a wide area network). It is further noted that the memory and / or memory element that stores the corresponding operational instructions may be incorporated into, or ₍ external to, the microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, array of programmable gates in the field, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, circuitry

108 digital, an analog to digital converter, a digital to analog converter or other device. It is further noted that, the memory element may store, and the processing module executes, rigidly encoded and / or operational instructions that correspond to at least some of the steps and / or functions described herein and this device Memory or memory item can be implemented as a manufacturing item.

The local oscillator 2592 generates the local oscillator signal 2597 which uses the pilot signal 2591 to reduce distortion during the frequency conversion process. In different embodiments the pilot signal 2591 is at the correct frequency and phase of the local oscillator signal 2597 to generate the local oscillator signal 2597 at the appropriate frequency and phase to convert the channel signals 2594 into the carrier frequency associated with its placement. in the spectrum of the antenna system distributed to its original / native spectral segments for transmission to fixed or mobile communication devices. In this case, local oscillator 2592 may employ bandpass filtration and / or other signal conditioning to generate a local sine oscillator signal 2597 that preserves the frequency and phase of the pilot signal 2591. In other embodiments, the pilot signal 2591 has a frequency and phase that can be used to obtain the local oscillator signal 2597. In this case, the local oscillator signal 2592 employs frequency division, frequency multiplication or other frequency synthesis, based on the pilot signal 2591, to generate the local oscillator signal 2597 at the appropriate frequency and phase to convert the 2594 channel signals into the carrier frequency associated with its placement in the spectrum of the antenna system distributed to its original / native spectral segments for transmission to communication devices fixed or mobile.

Mixer 2596 operates based on local oscillator signal 2597 to shift channel signals 2594 in frequency to generate channel signals converted in frequency 2598 to their corresponding original / native spectral segments. The transmission input terminal (Xmtr) 2584 includes a power amplifier and impedance coupling to wirelessly transmit the channel signals converted to frequency 2598 as wireless signals of free space through one or more antennas, such as antennas 2424, to one or more mobile or fixed communication devices within the reach of communication node 2404B-E.

Turning now to Figure 25I, a block diagram 2585 illustrating an example non-limiting mode of a receiver is shown. In particular, a receiver 2581 is shown for use with, for example, transmitter 2582 and digital control channel processor 2595 in a transceiver, such as transceiver 2533 presented together with Figure 25C. As shown, receiver 2581 includes an analog receiver input terminal (RCVR).

109

2583, local oscillator 2592, and mixer 2596. The digital control channel processor 2595 operates under instruction control of the control channel to generate the pilot signal 2591, control channel signal 2587 and clock reference signal 2578.

The control signal 2593 generated by the digital control channel processor 2595 in response to the instructions received through the control channel can also be used to select the particular channel signals 2594 together with the corresponding pilot signal 2591 and / or reference clock 2588 to be used to convert the frequencies of channel signals 2594 for reception via the wireless interface 2411. The analog receiver input terminal 2583 includes a low noise amplifier and one or more filters or other frequency selection to receive one or more signals from selected channels 2594 under the control of control signal 2593.

The local oscillator 2592 generates the local oscillator signal 2597 which uses the pilot signal 2591 to reduce distortion during the frequency conversion process. In different embodiments, the local oscillator uses bandpass filtration and / or other signal conditioning, frequency division, frequency multiplication or other frequency synthesis, based on the pilot signal 2591, to generate the local oscillator signal 2597 a the appropriate frequency and phase to convert frequency to channel signals 2595, pilot signal 2591, control channel signal 2587 and clock reference signal 2578 to the spectrum of the distributed antenna system for transmission to other communication nodes 2404A-E. In particular, mixer 2596 operates based on local oscillator signal 2597 to shift channel signals 2594 in frequency to generate channel signals converted to frequency 2598 to the desired placement within the spectral segment of the distributed antenna system for coupling to the 2538 amplifier, to transceiver 2536A for amplification and retransmission through transceiver 2536A back to communication node 2404A or communication nodes upstream 2494B-E for additional retransmission back to a base station, such as macro-base station 2402, for processing.

Turning now to Figure 26A, a flow chart of an example non-limiting mode of a 2600 method is shown. Method 2600 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. The method 2600 may begin with step 2602 in which a base station, such as the macro-base station 2402 of Figure 24A, determines a travel speed of a communication device. The communication device may be a mobile communication device such as one of the mobile devices 2406 illustrated in Figure 24B, or a stationary communication device (for example, a communication device in a residence, or commercial establishment). The base station can communicate directly with the

110 communication device using wireless, cellular (e.g., LTE) communications technology, which allows the base station to monitor the movement of the communication device upon receiving location information from the communication device, and / or provide the communication device with wireless communication such as voice and / or data services. During a communication session, the base station and the communication device exchange wireless signals that operate at a certain native / original carrier frequency (for example, a 900 MHz band, 1.9 GHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, and / or a 5.8 GHz band, etc.) using one or more spectral segments (for example, resource blocks) of a certain bandwidth (for example, 1026 MHz). In some embodiments, the spectral segments are used in accordance with a time interval program assigned to the communication device by the base station.

The travel speed of the communication device can be determined in step 2602 of GPS coordinates provided by the communication device to the base station by means of cellular wireless signals. If the travel speed is above a threshold (for example, 25 miles per hour) in step 2604, the base station may continue to provide wireless services to the communication device in step 2606 using the wireless resources of the base station. If, on the other hand, the communication device has a travel speed below the threshold, the base station can be configured to further determine if the communication device can be redirected to a communication node to make resources available. Wireless base station for other communication devices.

For example, assume that the base station detects that the communication device has a slow travel speed (for example, 3 miles per hour or almost stationary). Under certain circumstances, the base station may also determine that a current location of the communication device places the communication device in a communication range of a particular communication node 2404. The base station may also determine that the slow travel speed of the communication device will keep the communication device within the communication range of the particular communication node 2404 for a sufficiently long time (another threshold test that can be used by the base station ) to justify the redirection of the communication device to particular communication node 2404. Once this determination is made, the base station can proceed to step 2608 and selects the communication node 2404 that is in the communication range of the communication device to provide communication services to it.

Consequently, the selection process carried out in step 2608 can be

111 based on a location of the determined communication device of GPS coordinates provided to the base station by the communication device. The selection process can also be based on a travel path of the communication device, which can be determined from several cases of GPS coordinates provided by the communication device. In some embodiments, the base station may determine that the path of the communication device will eventually place the communication device in a communication range of a subsequent communication node 2404 near the communication node selected at step 2608. In this mode, the base station can inform multiple communication nodes 2404 of this path to allow communication nodes 2404 to contain a transfer of communication services provided to the communication device.

Once one or more communication nodes 2404 have been selected in step 2608, the base station may proceed to step 2610 where it allocates one or more spectral segments (e.g. resource blocks) for use by the communication device in a first carrier frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz). It is not necessary that the first carrier frequency and / or spectral segments selected by the base station be the same as the carrier frequency and / or spectral segments in use between the base station and the communication device. For example, suppose that the base station and the communication device use a carrier frequency at 1.9 GHz for wireless communications with each other. The base station may select a different carrier frequency (for example, 900 MHz) in step 2610 for the communication node selected in step 2608 to communicate with the communication device. Similarly, the base station can assign spectral segments (for example, resource blocks) and / or a time slot program of the spectral segments to the communication node that differs from the spectral segments and / or time slot program in use between the base station and the communication device.

In step 2612, the base station may generate first modulated signals in the spectral segments assigned in step 2610 at the first carrier frequency. The first modulated signals may include data directed to the communication device, the data representative of a voice communication session, a data communication session, or a combination thereof. In step 2614, the base station can increase the frequency (with a mixer, bandpass filter and other circuitry) of the first signals modulated in the first native carrier frequency (e.g. 1.9 GHz) to a second carrier frequency ( for example, 80 GHz) for transporting these signals on one or more frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 that is directed to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608. Alternatively, the

112 base station may provide the first signals modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first communication node 2404A (illustrated in Figure 24A) to increase the frequency of the second carrier frequency for transport in one or more frequency channels of a spectral link segment down 2506 directed to communication node 2404 selected in step 2608.

In step 2616, the base station may also transmit instructions to move from the communication device to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608. The instructions may be directed to the communication device while the communication device is in direct communications with the base station using the wireless resources of the base station. Alternatively, the instructions can be communicated to the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 by means of a control channel 2502 of the downlink spectral segment 2506 illustrated in Figure 25A. Step 2616 may be presented before, after or in a contemporary manner with steps 2612-2614.

Once the instructions have been transmitted, the base station can proceed to step 2624 where it transmits on one or more frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 the first modulated signal on the second carrier frequency (e.g., 80 GHz ) for transmission over the first communication node 2404A (illustrated in Figure 24A). Alternatively, the first communication node 2404A may perform the frequency increase in step 2614 for transporting the first modulated signal on the second carrier frequency in one or more frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 after receive from the base station the first signals modulated on the first native carrier frequency. The first communication node 2404A can serve as a main communication node to distribute downlink signals generated by the base station to the downstream communication nodes 2404 according to the downlink spectral segments 2506 assigned to each communication node 2404 in step 2610. The allocation of the downlink spectral segments 2506 can be provided to the communication nodes 2404 by means of instructions transmitted by the first communication node 2404A in the control channel 2502 illustrated in Figure 25A. In step 2624, the communication node 2404 that receives the first signals modulated in the second carrier frequency in one or more frequency channels of a downlink spectral segment 2506 can be configured to decrease the frequency to the first carrier frequency, and use the pilot signal supplied with the first modulated signals to remove distortions (for example, phase distortion) caused by the distribution of downlink spectral segments 2506 through communication breaks between communication nodes 2404B-D. In particular, the pilot signal can be obtained from the oscillator signal

113 local used to generate the frequency increase (for example, through multiplication and / or frequency division). When frequency reduction is required, the pilot signal can be used to recreate a correct version of the frequency and phase of the local oscillator signal (for example, through multiplication and / or frequency division) to return the modulated signal to its position Original frequency band with minimal phase error. In this way, the frequency channels of a communication system can be converted into frequency for transport through the distributed antenna system and then returned to their original position in the spectrum for transmission to the wireless client device.

Once the frequency reduction process is completed, the communication node 2404 can transmit in step 2622 the first signal modulated in the first native carrier frequency (eg 1.9 GHz) to the communication device using the same spectral segment assigned to communication node 2404. Step 2622 can be coordinated in such a way that it occurs after the communication device has passed to communication node 2404 in accordance with the instructions provided in step 2616. To make this transition continuously, and to avoid interrupting an existing wireless communication session between the base station and the communication device, the instructions provided in step 2616 may direct the communication device and / or the communication node 2404 to pass to the assigned spectral segments and / or time slot program as part of and / or subsequent to a registration process between the communication device and communication node 2404 selected in step 2608. In some cases this transmission may require that the communication device have wireless communications with the base station and the communication node 2404 for a short period of time.

Once the communication device successfully passes to communication node 2404, the communication device can terminate wireless communications with the base station, and continue the communication session through communication node 2404. Termination of services Wireless between the base station and the communication device makes certain wireless resources of the base station available for use with other communication devices. It should be noted that although the base station has delegated wireless connectivity to a selected communication node 2404 in the previous steps, the communication session between the base station and the communication device continues as before via the network of communication nodes 2404 illustrated in figure 24A. The difference, however, is that the base station no longer needs to use its own wireless resources to communicate with the communication device.

In order to provide two-way communications between the base station and the

114 communication device, by means of the communication node network 2404, the communication node 2404 and / or the communication device can be instructed to use one or more frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments 2510 in the link ascending ¡illustrated in figure 25A. The uplink instructions can be provided to the communication node 2404 and / or communication device in step 2616 as part of and / or subsequent to the registration process between the communication device and the communication node 2404 selected in step 2608 . Consequently, when the communication device has data that it needs to transmit to the base station, it can wirelessly transmit second modulated signals on the first native carrier frequency that ge can receive by the communication node 2404 in step 2624. The second modulated signals may be included in one or more frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments 2510 specified in the instructions provided to the communication device and / or communication node in step 2616.

To transmit the second modulated signals to the base station, the communication node 2404 may increase the frequency of these signals in step 2626 of the first native carrier frequency (eg 1.9 GHz) to the second carrier frequency (e.g., 80 GHz) To allow the upstream communication nodes and / or the base station to remove distortion, the second signals modulated in the second carrier frequency may be transmitted in step 2628 by the communication node 2404 with one or more uplink pilot signals 2508 . Once the base station receives the second signals modulated at the second carrier frequency through the communication node 2404A, it can decrease the frequency of these signals in step 2630 of the second carrier frequency to the first native carrier frequency to obtain data provided by the communication device in step 2632. Alternatively, the first communication node 2404A can carry out the frequency reduction of the second signals modulated in the second carrier frequency to the first native carrier frequency and provide the resulting signals to the base station. The base station then processes the second modulated signals on the first native carrier frequency to retrieve data provided by the communication device in a similar or identical way to how the base station would have processed signals from the communication device if the base station had been in communications Direct wireless with the communication device.

The above step method 2600 provides a way for a base station 2402 to make wireless resources available (eg, sector antennas, spectra) for communication devices that move fast and in some modes

115 increases bandwidth utilization by redirecting communication devices that move slowly to one or more communication nodes 2404 communicatively coupled to the base station 2402. For example, suppose that a base station 2402 has ten (10) communication nodes 2404 to which can redirect mobile and / or stationary communication devices. Suppose further that the 10 communication nodes 2404 have substantially non-overlapping communication ranges.

Suppose further that the base station 2402 has certain spectral segments reserved (for example, resource blocks 5, 7 and 9) during particular time intervals and at a particular carrier frequency, which it assigns to all 10 communication nodes 2404. During operations, the base station 2402 can be configured not to use resource blocks 5, 7 and 9 during the time interval and carrier frequency program reserved for communication nodes 2404 to avoid interference. As the base station 2402 detects movement of communication devices that move slowly or stationary, it can redirect the communication devices to different nodes of the 10 communication nodes 2404 based on the location of the communication devices. When, for example, the base station 2402 redirects communications from a particular communication device to a particular communication node 2404, the base station 2402 may increase the frequency of the resource blocks 5, 7 and 9 during the assigned time intervals and in the carrier frequency at one or more spectral intervals in the downlink (see, figure 25A) assigned to the communication node 2404 in question.

The communication node 2404 in question can also be assigned one or more frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments 2510 in the uplink that can be used to redirect communication signals provided by the communication device to the base station 2402 These communication signals may be increased in frequency on the communication side 2404 in accordance with the uplink frequency channels assigned in one or more corresponding uplink spectral segments 2510 and transmitted to the base station 2402 for processing. The uplink and downlink frequency channel assignments can be communicated by the base station 2402 to each communication node 2404 via a control channel as shown in Figure 25A. The uplink and downlink assignment process above can also be used for the other communication nodes 2404 to provide communication services to other communication devices redirected by the base station 2402 thereto.

In this illustration, the reuse of resource blocks 5, 7 and 9 during a program of corresponding time intervals and carrier frequency by the 10 nodes of

116 Communication 2404 can effectively implement the use of bandwidth by base station 2402 up to a factor of 10. Although the base station 2402 can no longer use resource blocks 5, 7 and 9 reserves the 10 communication nodes 2404 to communicate wirelessly with other communication devices, its ability to redirect communication devices to 10 different communication nodes 204 by reusing these blocks Resource effectively increases the bandwidth capabilities of base station 2402. Consequently, the method 2600 in certain modalities can increase the bandwidth utilization of a base station 2402 and makes available resources of the base station 2402 for other communication devices.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, base station 2402 may be configured to reuse spectral segments assigned to communication nodes 2404 by selecting one or more sectors of a base system antenna system 2402 that point away from assigned communication nodes 2404 to the same spectral segments. Consequently, base station 2402 can be configured in some modalities to avoid reusing certain spectral segments assigned to certain communication nodes 2404 and in other modalities reusing other spectral segments assigned to other communication nodes 2404 by selecting specific sectors of the antenna antenna system. the base station 2402. Similar concepts can be applied to sectors of the antenna system 2424 used by the communication nodes 2404. Certain reuse schemes can be used between the base station 2402 and one or more communication nodes 2404 based on sectors used by the base station 2402 and / or the one or more communication nodes 2404.

The 2600 method also allows the reuse of legacy systems when communication devices are redirected to one or more communication nodes. For example, the signaling protocol (for example, LTE) used by the base station to communicate wirelessly with the communication device can be preserved in the communication signals exchanged between the base station and the communication nodes 2404. Accordingly, when spectral segments are assigned to communication nodes 2404, the exchange of modulated signals in these segments between the base station and communication nodes 2404 may be the same signals that would have been used by the base station to carry out Direct wireless communications with the communication device. Therefore, legacy base stations can be updated to carry out the frequency increase and decrease process described above, with the added distortion mitigation feature, while all other functions performed on hardware and / or Software to process modulated signals on the first native carrier frequency can remain substantially unmodified. It should be noted that, in additional modalities, channels of a band of

117 original frequency to another frequency band by using the same protocol. For example, LTE channels in the 2.5 GHz band can be increased in frequency to an 80 GHz band for transport and then decreased in frequency as 5.8 GHz LTE channels if required for spectral diversity.

It is further noted that method 2600 can be adapted without departing from the scope of the description. For example, when the base station detects that a communication device has a path that will result in a transition of the communication range from one communication node to another, the base station (or the communication nodes in question) can monitor this path by means of periodic GPS coordinates provided by the communication device and consequently coordinate a transfer of the communication device to the other communication node. The 2600 method can also be adapted such that when the communication device is near a transition point of the communication range from one communication node to another, instructions may be transmitted by the base station (or the active communication node) to direct the communication device and / or the other communication node to use certain spectral segments and / or time slots in the uplink and downlink channels to successfully pass communications without interrupting an existing communication session.

It is further noted that method 2600 can also be adapted to coordinate a transfer of wireless communications between the communication device and a communication node 2404 back to the base station when the base station or active communication node 2404 detects that the device of communication at some point will pass outside a communication range of the communication node and no other communication node is in a communication range of the device communication. Other adaptations of method 2600 are contemplated by the subject described. It is further noted that when a carrier frequency of a spectral segment downlink or uplink is less than a native frequency band of a modulated signal, a reverse frequency conversion process would be required. That is, when a modulated signal is transported in a downlink or uplink spectral segment, frequency increase will be used instead of frequency decrease. The 2600 method can also be adapted to use the above-mentioned clock signal to synchronize the processing of digital data in a control channel. The 2600 method can also be adapted to use a reference signal that is modulated by instructions in the control channel or a clock signal that is modulated by instructions in the control channel.

The 2600 method can also be adapted to prevent motion tracking of a communication device and instead of directing to multiple communication nodes 2404 to

118 transmitting the modulated signal of a particular communication device at its native frequency without knowledge of which communication node is in a communication range of the particular communication device. Similarly, each communication node can be instructed to receive modulated signals from the particular communication device and transport these signals on certain frequency channels of one or more uplink spectral segments 2510 without knowledge as to which communication node will receive signals. modulated of the particular communication device. This implementation can help reduce the complexity of implementation and cost of communication nodes 2404.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26A, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all polished blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26B, a flow chart of an example non-limiting mode of a method 2635 is shown. Method 2635 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2636 includes receiving, by a system that includes circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is adapted to a signaling protocol. Step 2637 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in a first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, where the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2638 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to a network element to reduce a phase error when converting the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal. modulated in the first spectral segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment.

In different modalities, signal processing does not require either analog to digital conversion or digital to analog conversion. The transmission may comprise transmitting the first signal on the first carrier frequency to the network element as a wireless free space signal. The first carrier frequency may be in a frequency band of millimeter waves.

The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating signals in a plurality of

119 frequency channels according to the signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may comprise a wireless long-term evolution (LTE) protocol or a fifth-generation cellular communications protocol.

The conversion by the system may comprise increasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency or decreasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in The first carrier frequency. The conversion by the network element may comprise decreasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment or increasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment.

The method may also include receiving, by the system, a second signal modulated on a second carrier frequency of the network element, where the mobile communication device generates the second signal modulated on a second spectral segment, and where the network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency. The method may further include converting, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency to the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment; and send, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment to a base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may differ from the first spectral segment, and where the first carrier frequency may differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted on a first public service post and the network element can be mounted on a second public service post.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26B, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26C, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a method 2640 is shown. Method 2635 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2641 includes receiving, by a network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference signal and a

120 first modulated signal on a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal that includes first communication data provided by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device. Step 2642 includes converting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in a first spectral segment based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and using the reference signal for Reduce distortion during conversion. Step 2646 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In different modalities the first modulated signal is adapted to a signaling protocol, and the signal processing converts the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency without modifying the signaling protocol of the first signal modulated Conversion by the network element may include converting the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal. The method may also include receiving, by the network element, a second signal modulated in a second spectral segment generated by the mobile communication device, converting, by the network element, the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment to the second signal modulated on a second carrier frequency; and transmit, by the network element, to another network element of the distributed antenna system the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency. The other network element of the distributed antenna system can receive the second modulated signal on the second carrier frequency, converts the second modulated signal on the second carrier frequency to the second modulated signal on the second spectral segment, and provides the second modulated signal on the second spectral segment to the base station for processing. The second spectral segment may differ from the first spectral segment, and the first carrier frequency may differ from the second carrier frequency.

While for the purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26C, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26D, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a method 2645 is shown. Method 2645 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2646 includes receiving,

121 by a system that includes circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is adapted to a signaling protocol. Step 2647 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in a first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, where the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2648 includes transmitting, through the system, instructions in a control channel to direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Step 2649 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the network element of a distributed antenna system, the reference signal that allows the network element to reduce a phase error when converting the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment, where the reference signal is transmitted on an out-of-band frequency with respect to the control channel.

In different embodiments, the control channel is transmitted on a frequency adjacent to the first modulated signal on the first carrier frequency and / or on a frequency adjacent to the reference signal. The first carrier frequency may be in a frequency band of millimeter waves. The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating signals in a plurality of frequency channels according to the signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may comprise a wireless long-term evolution (LTE) protocol or a fifth-generation cellular communications protocol.

The conversion by the system may comprise increasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency or decreasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in The first carrier frequency. The conversion opr the network element may comprise decreasing the frequency of the first signal modified in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment or increasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment.

The method may also include receiving, by the system, a second signal modulated at a second carrier frequency of the network element, wherein the device

122 Mobile communication generates the second modulated signal in a second spectral segment, and where the network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal in the second frequency carrier The method may further include converting, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency to the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment; and send, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment to a base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may differ from the first spectral segment, and where the first carrier frequency may differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted on a first public service post and the network element can be mounted on a second public service post.

While for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26D, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some blocks They can be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks of what is represented and described herein. In addition, not all polished blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26C, a flow chart of an example non-limiting mode of a 2650 method is shown. Method 2650 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2651 includes receiving, by a network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference signal, a control channel and a first signal modulated at a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal that includes first communications data provided by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the instructions in the control channel direct the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in a first spectral segment, where the reference signal is received in an out-of-band frequency with respect to the control channel. Step 2652 includes converting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment according to instructions and based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and which Use the reference signal to reduce distortion during conversion. Step 2653 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In different modalities, the control channel can be received on a frequency

123 adjacent to the first signal modulated at the first carrier frequency and / or adjacent to the reference signal.

While for the purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26E, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26F, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a method 2655 is shown. Method 2655 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2656 includes receiving, by a system that includes circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is adapted to a signaling protocol. Step 2657 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in a first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, where the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2658 includes transmitting, through the system, instructions in a control channel to direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Step 2659 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the network element of a distributed antenna system, the reference signal that allows the network element to reduce a phase error when converting the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment, where the reference signal is retransmitted at a frequency in band with respect to the control channel.

In different modalities, the instructions are transmitted through modulation of the reference signal. The instructions can be transmitted as digital data by a modulation of amplitude of the reference signal. The first carrier frequency may be in a frequency band of millimeter waves. The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating signals in a plurality of frequency channels according to the signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may comprise a wireless protocol of

124 long-term evolution (LTE) or a fifth generation cellular communications protocol.

The conversion by the system may comprise increasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency or decreasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in The first carrier frequency. The conversion by the network element may comprise decreasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment or increasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment.

The method may also include receiving, by the system, a second signal modulated on a second carrier frequency of the network element, where the mobile communication device generates the second signal modulated on a second spectral segment, and where the network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency. The method may further include converting, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency to the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment; and send, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment to a base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may differ from the first spectral segment, and where the first carrier frequency may differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted on a first public service post and the network element can be mounted on a second public service post.

While for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26F, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all polished blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26G, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a 2660 method is shown. Method 2660 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2661 includes receiving, by a network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference signal, a control channel and a first signal modulated at a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal that includes first communications data provided by a

125 base station and directed to a mobile communication device, where the instructions in the control channel direct the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in a first segment spectral, and where the first reference signal is received at a frequency in band with respect to the control channel Step 2662 includes converting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment according to instructions and based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and using the reference signal to reduce distortion during conversion. Step 2663 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In different modalities, the instructions are received through demodulation of the reference signal and / or as digital data through demodulation of amplitude of the reference signal.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26G, it will be understood and appreciated that the subject matter claimed is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all polished blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26H, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a method 2665 is shown. Method 2665 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2666 includes receiving, by a system that includes circuitry, a first modulated signal in a first spectral segment directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the first modulated signal is adapted to a signaling protocol. Step 2667 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in a first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, where the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2668 includes transmitting, through the system, instructions in a control channel to direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. Step 2669 includes transmitting, through the system, a clock signal with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the network element of a distributed antenna system, wherein the clock signal synchronizes the processing timing

126 of the digital control channel of the network element to retrieve the instructions of the control channel.

In different embodiments, the method also includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to a network element of a distributed antenna system, the reference signal that allows the network element to reduce a phase error when converting the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment. The instructions can be transmitted as digital data through the control channel.

In different modalities, the first carrier frequency may be in a frequency band of millimeter waves. The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating signals in a plurality of frequency channels according to a signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may comprise a wireless long-term evolution (LTE) protocol or a fifth-generation cellular communications protocol.

The conversion for the system may comprise increasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency or decreasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in The first carrier frequency. The conversion by the network element may comprise decreasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment or increasing the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment.

The method may also include receiving, by the system, a second signal modulated on a second carrier frequency of the network element, where the mobile communication device generates the second signal modulated on a second spectral segment, and where the network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency. The method may further include converting, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency to the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment; and send, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment to a base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may differ from the first spectral segment, and where the first carrier frequency may differ from the second carrier frequency. The

127 system can be mounted on a first public service post and the network element can be mounted on a second public service post.

While for the purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26H, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 261, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a method 2670 is shown. Method 2670 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2671 includes receiving, by a network element of a distributed antenna system, a clock signal, a control channel and a first signal modulated at a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal that includes first communications data provided by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the clock signal synchronizes the digital control channel processing timing by the network element to retrieve instructions from the control channel, where the instructions in the control channel direct to the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment. Step 2672 includes converting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment according to the instructions and based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal. Step 2673 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device. In different modalities, the instructions are received as digital data through the control channel.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26I, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26J, a flow chart of an example non-limiting embodiment of a method 2675 is shown. Method 2675 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2676 includes receiving, by a system that includes circuitry, a first signal modulated in a first segment

128 spectral directed to a mobile communication device, where the first modulated signal adapts to a signaling protocol. Step 2677 includes converting, by the system, the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in a first carrier frequency based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and without modifying the signaling protocol of the first modulated signal, where the first carrier frequency is outside the first spectral segment. Step 2678 includes transmitting, through the system, instructions in an ultra-wide band control channel to direct a network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in The first spectral segment. Step 2659 includes transmitting, by the system, a reference signal with the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the network element of a distributed antenna system, the reference signal that allows the network element to reduce a phase error when converting the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment for wireless distribution of the first modulated signal to the mobile communication device in the first spectral segment.

In different modalities, where the first reference signal is transmitted on a band frequency with respect to the ultra-wide band control channel. The method may also include receiving, through the ultra-wide band control channel of the network element of a distributed antenna system, control channel data including: status information indicating network status of the network element, network device information indicating device information of the network element or an environmental measurement indicating an environmental condition in proximity to the network element. The instructions may further include a channel separation, a guard band parameter, an uplink / downlink assignment, or an uplink channel selection.

The first modulated signal can be generated by modulating signals in a plurality of frequency channels according to the signaling protocol to generate the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment. The signaling protocol may comprise a wireless long-term evolution (LTE) protocol or a fifth-generation cellular communications protocol.

The conversion by the system may comprise increasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency or decreasing the frequency of the first modulated signal in the first spectral segment to the first modulated signal in The first carrier frequency. The conversion by the network element may comprise decreasing the frequency of the first

129 signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment or increase the frequency of the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment.

The method may also include receiving, by the system, a second signal modulated on a second carrier frequency of the network element, where the mobile communication device generates the second signal modulated on a second spectral segment, and where the network element converts the second modulated signal in the second spectral segment to the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency and transmits the second modulated signal in the second carrier frequency. The method further includes converting, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second carrier frequency to the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment; and send, by the system, the second signal modulated in the second spectral segment to a base station for processing.

The second spectral segment may differ from the first spectral segment, and where the first carrier frequency may differ from the second carrier frequency. The system can be mounted on a first public service post and the network element can be mounted on a second public service post.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26J, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all polished blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

Turning now to Figure 26K, a flow chart of an example non-limiting mode of a 2680 method is shown. Method 2680 can be used with one or more functions and features presented together with Figures 1-25. Step 2681 includes receiving, by a network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference signal, an ultra-wide band control channel and a first signal modulated at a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal that includes first communication data provided by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device, wherein the instructions in the ultra-wideband control channel direct the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert a first modulated signal in the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in a first spectral segment, and where the First reference signal is received on a band frequency with respect to the control channel. Step 2682 includes converting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first carrier frequency to the first signal modulated in the first

130 Spectral segment according to the instructions and based on a signal processing of the first modulated signal and using the reference signal to reduce distortion during conversion. Step 2683 includes wirelessly transmitting, by the network element, the first signal modulated in the first spectral segment to the mobile communication device.

In different modalities, where the first reference signal is received on a received one in a band frequency with respect to the ultra-wide band control channel. The method may further include transmitting, via the ultra-wide band control channel of the network element of a distributed antenna system, control channel data including: status information indicating network status of the network element, information of network device indicating device information of the network element or an environmental measurement indicating an environmental condition in proximity to the network element. The instructions may further include a channel separation, a guard band parameter, an uplink / downlink assignment, or an uplink channel selection.

While for the purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in Figure 26K, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, since some Blocks may be presented in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than is represented and described herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be necessary to implement the methods described herein.

In the specification, terms such as "store", "storage", "data warehouse", "data storage", "database", and substantially any other information storage component relevant to the operation and functionality of a component, they refer to "memory components", or entities incorporated in a "memory or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components described herein may be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or may comprise both volatile and nonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and without limitation, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, storage of disk, and memory storage. In addition, non-volatile memory may be included in read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as an external cache memory. By way of illustration and without limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM ), DRAM Synchlink

131 (SLDRAM), and RAM Rambus direct (DRRAM). In addition, the described memory components of systems or methods herein are proposed to understand, without being limited to understanding, these and any other types of memory.

In addition, it will be indicated that the subject matter described can be practiced with other computer system configurations, which comprise single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computer devices, central computers, as well as personal computers, portable computing devices (for example , PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tablet computers, netbooks ...), programmable or microprocessor-based industrial or consumer electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where the tasks are carried out by means of remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network: however, some but not all aspects of the description can be practiced in stand-alone computers In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be placed on both local and remote memory storage devices.

Some of the modalities described herein may also employ artificial intelligence (Al) to facilitate the automation of one or more features described herein. For example, artificial intelligence can be used in the optional training controller 230 to evaluate and select and candidate frequencies, modulation schemes, MIMO modes, and / or guided wave modes to maximize transfer efficiency. Modalities (for example, in connection with the automatic identification of acquired cell sites that provide a maximum value / benefit after the addition to an existing communication network) can use different Al-based schemes to carry out different modalities of the same. In addition, the classifier can be used to determine a classification or priority of each cell site in the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps a vector of input attributes, x = (x1, x2, x3, x4 ..... xn), to a trust that the input belongs to a class, that is, f (x) = trust (class). This classification can employ a statistical and / or probabilistic analysis (for example, factorization in the costs and utilities of analysis) to predict or infer an action that a user wishes to perform automatically. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be used. The SVM operates by finding a hyper-surface in the space of possible entries, which the hyper-surface tries to divide the activation criteria from the non-activation criteria. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct to test the data that is close, but not identical to the training data. Other approaches to classification of directed and non-directed models include, for example, Naive Bayes, Bayesian networks,

132 decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models that provide different patterns of independence can be used. The classification as used herein is also inclusive of statistical regression that is used to develop priority models.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the modalities may employ classifiers that are explicitly trained (for example, by generic training data), as well as implicitly trained (for example, by observing EU behavior, operator preferences, historical information, reception of extrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured through a training or learning phase within a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Therefore, classifiers can be used to automatically learn and perform different functions, which include, but are not limited to determination according to a predetermined criterion of which of the acquired cell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and / or which of the acquired cell sites will add a minimum value to the existing communication network coverage, and so on.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some modalities, the terms "component", "system" and the like are proposed to refer to, or understand, a computer entity related to a computer or an entity related to an operational apparatus. with one or more specific functionalities, where the entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or running software. As an example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process that runs on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executable instructions, a program, and / or a computer By way of illustration and not limitation, both an application that runs on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component may be placed on a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from different computer readable media that have different data structures stored therein. Components can communicate via local and / or remote processes such as according to a signal that has one or more data packets (for example, data from one component that interacts with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or through a network such as the Internet with other systems through the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electrical or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software or firmware application executed by a processor, where the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and run at least

133 a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component may be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, the electronic components may comprise a processor therein to execute software or firmware that at least partially confers the functionality of the components electronic While different components have been illustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as a single component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple components, without departing from the example modalities.

In addition, different modalities can be implemented as a manufacturing method, apparatus or article using standard engineering and / or programming techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the described matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any device readable by computer or storage readable by computer / media. For example, computer readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical discs (e.g., compact disk (CD), disk Versatile digital (DVD)), smart cards and flash memory devices (for example, card, memory card, key unit). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the different modalities.

In addition, the words "example" and "example" are used herein in the sense that they act as an instance or illustration. Any modality or design described herein as "example" or "example" is not necessarily to be considered preferred or advantageous with respect to other designs or modalities. On the contrary, the use of the word example or example is proposed to present concepts in a concrete way. As used in this application, the term "o" is intended to mean an inclusive "o" rather than an exclusive "o". That is, unless specified in a manner or clearly by context, "X uses A or B" is proposed to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X uses A; X uses B; or X uses both A and B, so "X uses A or B" is satisfied under any of the previous instances. Furthermore, the articles "one" and "one as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be considered to mean" one or more "unless otherwise specified or clearly by the context that is directed to a form. singular.

In addition, terms such as "user equipment", "mobile station", "subscriber station", "access terminal", "terminal", "headset", "mobile device" (and / or terms that

134 they represent similar terminology) may refer to a wireless device used by a subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive or transfer data, control, voice, video, sound, games or substantially any data stream or signal stream. The above terms are used interchangeably herein and with reference to the related figures.

In addition, the terms "user", "subscriber", "consumer", "customer" and the like are used interchangeably throughout the description, unless the context justifies particular distinctions between the terms. It should be appreciated that these terms may refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (for example, an ability to make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms), which provides simulated vision, sound recognition, etc. .

As used herein, the term "processor" may refer to substantially any computer processing unit or device that comprises, but is not limited to comprising, single core processors; processors with multiple software execution capabilities; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with multiple software execution capabilities; multi-core processors with multi-wire hardware execution technology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor may refer to an integrated circuit, a specific application integrated circuit (ASIO), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC) , a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors can take advantage of nano-scale architectures, such as, but not limited to, quantum or molecular transistors, switches and gates to optimize space usage or improve user equipment performance. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, the terms such as "data storage", "database", and substantially any other information storage component relevant to the operation and functionality of a component, refers to "memory components ”, Or entities incorporated in a“ memory ”or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the computer readable memory components or storage media described herein may be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or may include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.

135

What has been described above includes simple examples of different modalities. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing these examples, but a person skilled in the art can recognize that many additional combinations and permutations of the present modalities are possible. Consequently, the modalities described and / or claimed herein are proposed to cover all these modifications, alterations and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, to the extent that the term "includes" uses either the detailed description or the claims, it is proposed that this term be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transition word in a claim: *

In addition, a flowchart may include an indication of "start" and / or "continue". The "start" and "continue" indications reflect that the steps presented may optionally be incorporated into or used in other ways along with other routines. In this context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically shown. In addition, the indication of “continue” reflects that the steps presented can be carried out multiple times and / or can be followed by other activities not specifically shown. In addition, while a flowchart indicates a particular order of steps, other orders are possible in the same way as long as the causality principles are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the terms "operatively coupled", "coupled to", and / or "coupled" includes direct coupling between elements and / or indirect coupling between elements by one or more intermediate elements. These intermediate elements and elements include, but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and / or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signal transported from a first element to a second element can be modified by one or more intermediate elements by modifying the form, nature or format of information in a signal, as one or more elements of the Information in the signal is still transported in a way that can be recognized by the second element. In a further example of indirect coupling, an action in a first element can cause a reaction in the second element, as a result of actions and / or reactions in one or more intermediate elements.

Although specific modalities have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement that achieves the same or a similar purpose can be replaced by the modalities described or shown by the description. It is proposed that the description cover any and all adaptations or variations of different modalities. The

136 combinations of the above modalities, and other modalities not specifically described herein, can be used in the description. For example, one or more characteristics of one or more modalities may be combined with one or more characteristics of one or more other modalities. In one or more modalities, the characteristics that are mentioned positively can also be mentioned negatively and excluded from the modality with or without replacement by another structural and / or functional characteristic. The steps or functions described with respect to the modalities of the description can be carried out in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the modalities of the description can be carried out separately or in combination with other steps or 10 functions of the description, as well as other modalities or other steps that have not been described in the description. . In addition, more or less of all the features described with respect to one modality can also be used.