MX368487B

Apparatus for providing communication services and methods thereof.

Abstract

Aspects of the object description may include, for example, a system for modulating a first electrical signal to generate first modulated electromagnetic waves, and transmitting the first modulated electromagnetic waves in a waveguide located in proximity to a transmission medium. In one embodiment, the first electromagnetic waves can induce second electromagnetic waves that propagate on an outer surface of the transmission medium. The second electromagnetic waves may have a first spectral range that is divided into, contains or otherwise includes a first control channel and a first plurality of bands. Other modalities are described.

MX368487B, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 24

Term

9 yearsleft in the term

Expires 21 September 2035.

22 claims: 3 independent, 19 dependent

1
NOVEDAD DE IA INVENCIÓN Habiendo descrito la presente invención como antecede, se considera como novedad y por lo tanto se reclama como propiedad lo descrito en las siguientes:REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un método, caracterizado porque comprende: modular, mediante un aparato, una primera señal eléctrica para generar primeras ondas electromagnéticas moduladas;y transmitir, mediante el aparato, las primeras ondas electromagnéticas moduladas en una guia de ondas ubicada en proximidad a un medio de transmisión, en donde las primeras ondas electromagnéticas moduladas inducen segundas ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan al menos en parte en una superficie exterior del medio de transmisión, en donde las segundas ondas electromagnéticas tienen un primer margen espectral, y en donde el primer margen espectral incluye un primer canal de control y una primera pluralidad de bandas.
2
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque comprende recibir, mediante el aparato, cuartas ondas electromagnéticas en la superficie exterior de la guía de ondas, en donde las cuartas ondas electromagnéticas se generan a partir de terceras ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan en la superficie exterior del 138 medio de transmisión, y en donde las cuartas ondas electromagnéticas tienen un segundo margen espectral, y en donde el segundo margen espectral se divide en un segundo canal de control y una segunda pluralidad de bandas.
3
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque el primer margen espectral y el segundo margen espectral se separan mediante una banda protectora.
4
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque una primera porción de la primera pluralidad de bandas y una segunda porción de la segunda pluralidad de bandas se utiliza mediante un primer proveedor de servicios de servicios de comunicación, y en donde una tercera porción de la primera pluralidad de bandas y una cuarta porción de la segunda pluralidad de bandas se utiliza mediante un segundo proveedor de servicios de servicios de comunicación.
5
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque el primer margen espectral comprende un enlace ascendente.
6
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque el segundo margen espectral comprende un enlace descendente.
7
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado además porque comprende generar, mediante el 139 aparato, una segunda señal eléctrica de las cuartas ondas electromagnéticas.
8
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado además porque comprende obtener, mediante el aparato, información de control en el segundo canal de control, en donde la información de control identifica una disposición de al menos una sesión de comunicación en al menos una porción de la segunda pluralidad de bandas.
9
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 8, caracterizado porque dicho al menos una sesión de comunicación comprende una sesión de comunicación de voz, una sesión de transmisión continua de video o una sesión de comunicación de datos.
10
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado además el primer margen espectral tiene una primera forma de espectro amplia, y en donde el segundo margen de espectro tiene una segunda forma de espectro amplia.
11
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 10, caracterizado porque la primera forma de espectro amplia y la segunda forma de espectro amplia tienen un nivel de energía y un margen de frecuencia que corresponde con un espectro sin licencia.
12
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado además porque comprende proporcionar, mediante el 140 aparato, información de control en el primer canal de control para identificar una disposición de al menos una sesión de comunicación en al menos una porción de la primera pluralidad de bandas.
13
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 12, caracterizado porque dicho al menos una sesión de comunicación comprende una sesión de comunicación de voz o una sesión de comunicación de datos.
14
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque cada banda de la primera pluralidad de bandas comprende una pluralidad de sub-bandas.
15
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque la guía de ondas no se alinea de forma coaxial con el medio de transmisión.
16
El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque la guía de ondas comprende una guía de ondas dieléctricas, y en donde el medio de transmisión comprende un alambre que tiene una superficie exterior no conductora.
17
Un aparato, caracterizado porque comprende:un transmisor que facilita generar primeras ondas electromagnéticas que tienen un primer modo de propagación;y una guía de ondas que facilita la propagación de las primeras ondas electromagnéticas al menos en parte a lo largo de una superficie de la guía de ondas, en donde las primeras ondas 141 electromagnéticas se acoplan, al menos en parte, a una superficie de un medio de transmisión en proximidad con la guía de ondas para generar segundas ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan al menos en parte en la superficie del medio de transmisión, en donde las segundas ondas electromagnéticas tienen un segundo modo de propagación, en donde las segundas ondas electromagnéticas tienen un primer margen espectral que comprende un primer canal de control y una primera pluralidad de bandas, y en donde el primer modo de propagación difiere del segundo modo de propagación.
18
El aparato de conformidad con la reivindicación 17, caracterizado además porque comprende un receptor que facilita recibir cuartas ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan en la superficie de la guía de ondas, en donde las cuartas ondas electromagnéticas se generan a partir de terceras ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan en la superficie del medio de transmisión que se acopla en la superficie de la guia de ondas.
19
El aparato de conformidad con la reivindicación 17, caracterizado porque el primer modo de propagación comprende ondas electromagnéticas simétricas, y en donde el segundo modo de propagación comprende ondas electromagnéticas simétricas combinadas con ondas electromagnéticas asimétricas.
20
Un sistema de guía de ondas, caracterizado porque comprende:142 al menos una guia de ondas, en donde la guia de ondas facilita la propagación de primeras ondas electromagnéticas al menos en parte en una superficie de la guía de ondas para generar segundas ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan al menos en parte en una superficie de un medio de transmisión, en donde las segundas ondas electromagnéticas tienen un primer margen espectral que incluye un primer canal de control y una primera pluralidad de bandas, y en donde la guía de ondas facilita la propagación de cuartas ondas electromagnéticas al menos en parte en la superficie de la guía de ondas que se generan a partir de terceras ondas electromagnéticas que se propagan al menos en parte a lo largo de la superficie del medio de transmisión, y en donde las cuartas ondas electromagnéticas tienen un segundo margen espectral dividido en un segundo canal de control y una segunda pluralidad de bandas;y un transceptor acoplado a dicha al menos una guía de ondas, en donde el transceptor facilita la generación de las primeras ondas electromagnéticas, y en donde el transceptor facilita la recepción de las cuartas ondas electromagnéticas.
21
El sistema de guía de ondas de conformidad con la reivindicación 20, caracterizado además porque comprende:un procesador;y una memoria acoplada al procesador;143 en donde el procesador está configurado para proporcionar información de control en el primer canal de control para identificar una disposición de al menos una sesión de comunicación en al menos una porción de la primera pluralidad de 5 bandas.
22
El sistema de guía de ondas de conformidad con la reivindicación 20, caracterizado además porque comprende:un procesador;y una memoria acoplada al procesador;10 en donde el procesador está configurado para obtener información de control en el segundo canal de control para identificar una disposición de al menos una sesión de comunicación en al menos una porción de la segunda pluralidad de bandas.

Independent claims22

273 paragraphs in 6 sections, as filed

Continuation of Classification Symbols

Classification:

CPC: H04L27 / 26; H04Q9 / 00; H04W72 / 0453; G01R31 / 08; H04B2203 / 5441; H04B2203 / 5466; H04Q2209 / 823; Y02E60 / 7815; Y02E60 / 7892;

Y04S40 / 121; Y04S40 / 146

APPARATUS TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND METHODS THEREOF

This application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 519,388 filed on October 21, 2014. The contents of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference in this application as set forth herein by full.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object description relates to an apparatus for providing communication services and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As smartphones and other portable devices become increasingly ubiquitous, and data usage increases, macrocell base station devices and existing wireless infrastructure in turn require increased bandwidth capacity in order to address increasing demand. To provide additional mobile bandwidth, the implementation of small cells is pursued, with microcells and picocells providing coverage for much smaller areas than traditional macrocells.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a guided wave communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupler and a transceiver in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dual dielectric waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional dielectric waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional dielectric waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional repeater system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 10A, FIGURE 10B, and FIGURE 10C are block diagrams illustrating examples, non-limiting embodiments of a grooved waveguide coupler in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide coupling system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide coupling system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a method of transmitting a transmission with a dielectric waveguide coupler as described herein.

FIGURE 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 15A, FIGURE 15B, FIGURE 15C, FIGURE 15D, FIGURE 15E, FIGURE 15F and FIGURE 15G illustrate examples, non-limiting modes of sources for detestable disturbances by the waveguide system of FIGURE 14 as described herein.

FIGURE 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a system for managing a power grid communication system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 17A illustrates an example flow chart, non-limiting embodiment of a method for detecting and mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication network of the system of FIGURE 16.

FIGURE 17B illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a method for detecting and mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication network of the system of FIGURE 16.

FIGURE 18A illustrates an example, non-limiting embodiment for mitigating a disturbance detected by the waveguide system of FIGURE 14, as described herein.

FIGURE 18B illustrates another example, non-limiting embodiment for mitigating a disturbance detected by the waveguide system of FIGURE 14, as described herein.

FIGURE 19 illustrates an example flow chart, a non-limiting embodiment of a method of providing communication services.

FIGURE 20 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting spectral mode for configuring communication services in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 21 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 22 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGURE 23 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a communication device according to various aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ΙΑ INVENTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the present. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a complete understanding of the various modalities. It is clear, however, that the various modalities can be practiced without these details (and without applying to any particular or standard network environment).

To provide network connectivity to additional base station devices, the backhaul network that links the communication cells (for example, microcells and macrocells) to network devices in the core network is expanded accordingly. Similarly, to provide network connectivity to a distributed antenna system, an extended communication system linking the base station devices and their distributed antennas is desirable. A guided wave communication system may be provided to enable increased or additional alternative network connectivity and a wave guide coupling system may be provided to transmit and / or receive guided wave communication (eg, surface waves) on a wire, such as a wire that operates as a single-wire transmission line, (for example, a utility line), which operates as a waveguide and / or otherwise operates to guide the transmission of an electromagnetic wave.

In one embodiment, a waveguide coupler that is used in a waveguide coupling system can be made of a dielectric material, or other low loss insulator (eg, Teflon, polyethylene, etc.), or can even be made of a conductive material (eg metallic, non-metallic, etc.), or any combination of the above materials. Reference throughout the detailed description to dielectric waveguide is for illustration purposes only and does not limit the arrangements to be considered exclusively of dielectric materials. In other embodiments, other dielectric or insulating materials are possible. It will be appreciated that a variety of transmission media can be used with guided wave communication without departing from exemplary modalities. Examples of such transmission media may include one or more of the following, either alone or in one or more combinations: wires, whether isolated or not, and whether single or multi-strand; conductors of other shapes or configurations including wire harness, cables, rods, rails, pipes; non-conductive such as dielectric pipes, rods, rails, or other dielectric members; combinations of conductors and dielectric materials; or other means of guided wave transmission.

For these and / or other considerations, in one or more embodiments, an apparatus comprises a waveguide that facilitates the propagation of a first electromagnetic wave at least in part on a waveguide surface, where the waveguide surface does not completely or substantially surround a wire surface of a wire, and, in response to waveguide that is placed relative to the wire, the first electromagnetic wave is coupled at least in part to the wire surface and travels at least partially around the wire surface as a second electromagnetic wave, and wherein the second electromagnetic wave has at least one mode of wave propagation to propagate longitudinally along the wire.

In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a waveguide having a waveguide surface that defines a cross-sectional area of the waveguide where a wire is placed outside the cross-sectional area of the waveguide so that a first electromagnetic wave, which travels along the wire at least in part on the wire surface, it engages at least in part on the waveguide surface and travels at least partially around the waveguide surface as a second electromagnetic wave.

In one embodiment, a method comprises emitting, via a transmission device, a first electromagnetic wave that propagates at least in part on a waveguide surface of a waveguide, where the waveguide is not aligned coaxial with a wire. The method may also include configuring the waveguide in proximity to the wire to facilitate coupling of at least a portion of the first electromagnetic wave to a wire surface, forming a second electromagnetic wave that propagates longitudinally along the wire, and at least partially around the wire surface.

In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises, in one or more embodiments, a waveguide having a groove formed by opposing the groove surfaces that are not parallel, where the opposing groove surfaces are separated by a distance that makes possible insertion of a wire into the slot, where the waveguide facilitates the propagation of a first electromagnetic wave at least in part on a waveguide surface, and, in response to the waveguide that is placed relative to the wire, the first electromagnetic wave couples at least in part to a wire surface of the wire and travels at least partially around the wire surface as a second electromagnetic wave to propagate longitudinally along the wire, and where the second electromagnetic wave has at least one wave propagation mode.

In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises, in one or more embodiments, a waveguide, wherein the waveguide comprises a material that is not electrically conductive and is suitable for propagating electromagnetic waves on a waveguide surface of the waveguide. waveform, where the waveguide facilitates the propagation of a first electromagnetic wave at least in part on the waveguide surface, and in response to the waveguide being placed relative to a wire, the first electromagnetic wave couples at least in part to a wire surface of the wire and travels at least partially around the wire surface as a second electromagnetic wave, and wherein the second electromagnetic wave has at least one mode of wave propagation to spread longitudinally along the wire.

One embodiment of the subject description includes an apparatus having a waveguide which facilitates the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves along a wire surface of a wire of a power network which also facilitates the supply of electrical energy to the devices. The apparatus may further include one or more sensors that facilitate the detection of a disturbance that is adverse to waveguide, wire, transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves that propagate along the wire surface or guide surface. wave, or any combination thereof.

One embodiment of the subject description includes a method of transmitting, by an apparatus having a waveguide and a sensor, electromagnetic waves propagating along a wire surface of a wire which facilitates the supply of electrical energy to the devices, and detects, through the sensor, a disturbance that is adverse to the electromagnetic waves that propagate along the wire surface.

One embodiment of the subject description includes a machine-readable storage medium (eg, computer-readable, processor-readable, etc.), which has executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, facilitate the performance of operations, including inducing with or by a waveguide, electromagnetic waves guided along a surface of a transmission medium, and collecting detection data from a sensor, detection data associated with a disturbance that is adverse to guided electromagnetic waves along the surface of the transmission medium.

One embodiment of the subject description includes an apparatus having a processor and a memory. The processor may perform an operation for receiving telemetry information from a waveguide system coupled to a sensor, detecting from the telemetry information a disturbance that is adverse to one of the operations of the waveguide system, transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves along the wire surface or waveguide surface, or a combination thereof, and reporting the disturbance. The waveguide system may comprise a waveguide that can be positioned relative to a wire in a power grid that facilitates the supply of electrical energy to the devices. The waveguide can also facilitate the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves along a wire surface of the wire, while the sensor can facilitate the detection of adverse disturbances to electromagnetic waves.

One embodiment of the subject description includes a method of receiving, by a network element comprising a processor, telemetry information from a waveguide system, determining, by the network element, a disturbance of detection data included in the telemetry information, and transmitting, through the network element, instructions to the waveguide system to adjust a path of the electromagnetic waves to avoid or compensate for the determined disturbance. The waveguide system can facilitate the transmission of electromagnetic waves along a wire surface of a power network wire and detect disturbances adverse to the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves.

One embodiment of the subject description includes a machine-readable storage medium (eg, computer-readable, processor-readable, etc.) that has executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate the performance of operations, including receiving telemetry information from an apparatus that induces electromagnetic waves on a wire surface or wire of a power network to supply communication signals to a receiving communication device coupled to the power network, and detecting a disturbance of the information of telemetry that is adverse to a supply of communication signals to the receiving communication device.

One embodiment of the subject description includes a method of modulating, by an apparatus, a first electrical signal to generate first modulated electromagnetic waves, and transmitting, by the apparatus, the first modulated electromagnetic waves in a waveguide located in proximity to a medium. of transmission. In one embodiment, the first electromagnetic waves can induce second electromagnetic waves that propagate at least in part on an outer surface of the transmission medium. The second electromagnetic waves may have a first spectral range that is divided into, contains or otherwise includes a first control channel and a first plurality of bands.

One embodiment of the subject description includes an apparatus including a transmitter that facilitates generating first electromagnetic waves, and a waveguide that facilitates the propagation of the first electromagnetic waves at least in part along a surface of the waveguide. In one embodiment, the first electromagnetic waves can be coupled at least in part to a transmission medium to generate second electromagnetic waves that propagate at least in part on a surface of the transmission medium. The second electromagnetic waves may have a first spectral range that is divided into, contains, or otherwise includes a first control channel and a first plurality of bands. In one embodiment, the first electromagnetic waves can have a first mode of propagation, while the second electromagnetic waves can have a second mode of propagation. In one embodiment, the first propagation mode may differ from the second propagation mode.

One embodiment of the subject description includes a waveguide system including a waveguide, and a transceiver coupled to at least one waveguide. The waveguide can facilitate the propagation of first electromagnetic waves at least in part on one surface of the waveguide to generate second electromagnetic waves that propagate at least in part on a surface of a transmission medium. The waveguide can also facilitate the propagation of four electromagnetic waves at least in part on the surface of the waveguide that is generated from the third electromagnetic waves that propagate at least in part along the surface of the medium. of transmission. In one embodiment, the second electromagnetic waves have a first spectral range divided into contains, or otherwise includes a control channel and a first plurality of bands, while the fourth electromagnetic waves have a second spectral range divided into, contains, or otherwise shape includes a second control channel and a second plurality of bands.

Various embodiments described herein relate to a waveguide coupling system for launching and extracting guided wave transmissions (eg, surface wave communications that are electromagnetic waves) from a wire. At millimeter wave frequencies (for example, 30 to 300 GHz), where the wavelength may be small compared to the size of the equipment, transmissions may propagate as waveguides guided by a waveguide, such as a strip or length of dielectric material or other coupler. The electromagnetic field structure of the guided wave can be inside and / or outside the waveguide. When this waveguide is brought into close proximity to a wire, (for example, a utility line, or other transmission line), at least a portion of the guided waves is decoupled from the waveguide and coupled to the wire, and continues to propagate as guided waves, such as surface waves around the wire's surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a surface wave is a type of guided wave that is guided by a wire surface, which may include 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). Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment, a surface of the wire guiding a surface wave may represent a transition surface between two different types of media. For example, in the case of bare or uninsulated wire, the surface of the wire may be the outer or outer conducting surface of the bare or insulated wire that is exposed to air or free space. As another example, in the case of insulated wire, the surface of the wire may be the conductive portion of the wire that meets the insulator portion of the wire, or otherwise it may be the insulator surface of the wire that is exposed to air. or to the free space, or otherwise can be any region of material between the wire insulator surface and the conductive wire portion that meets the wire insulator portion, depending on the relative differences in the properties (eg dielectric properties) of the insulator, air, and / or the conductor and furthermore depends on the frequency and mode or modes of propagation of the guided wave.

According to an exemplary embodiment, guided waves such as surface waves can be contrasted with radio transmissions through air / free space or conventional propagation of electrical energy or signals through the wire conductor. In fact, with the surface wave or guided wave systems described herein, electrical energy or conventional signals can still propagate or be transmitted through the conductor of the wire, while guided waves (including surface waves and other electromagnetic waves) they can spread or transmit around the surface of the wire, according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, a surface wave may have a field structure (eg, an electromagnetic field structure), which is primarily or substantially outside the line, wire, or transmission medium that serves to guide the surface wave .

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, electromagnetic waves traveling along the wire and around the outer surface of the wire are induced by other electromagnetic waves traveling along a waveguide in proximity to the wire. The induction of electromagnetic waves can be independent of any electrical potential, charge or current that is injected or otherwise transmitted through the wires as part of an electrical circuit. It will be appreciated that although small currents may form in the wire in response to the propagation of the electromagnetic wave along the wire, this may be due to the propagation of the electromagnetic wave along the surface of the wire, and does not form in response to the electrical potential, charge, or current that is injected into the wire as part of an electrical circuit. Electromagnetic waves traveling on the wire therefore do not require a circuit to propagate along the wire surface. Therefore the wire is on a single wire transmission line that is not part of a circuit. Also, in some embodiments, a wire is not required, and electromagnetic waves can propagate along a single line transmission medium that is not a wire.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the term around a wire is used in conjunction with a guided wave (eg, surface wave) can include fundamental wave and other guided wave propagation modes that have a circular or substantially circular field distribution (for example, electric field, magnetic field, electromagnetic field, etc.), at least partially around a wire or other transmission medium. Furthermore, when a guided wave propagates around a wire or other transmission medium, it can do so according to a wave propagation mode that includes not only fundamental wave propagation modes (for example, zero order modes), but additionally or alternatively other non-fundamental wave propagation modes such as higher order guided wave modes (eg 1-mode<sup>er </sup>order, modes 2<sup>d</sup>° order, etc.), asymmetric modes and / or other guided waves (for example, surface), which have non-circular field distributions around a wire or other transmission medium.

For example, non-circular field distributions can be unilateral or multilateral with one or more axial lobes characterized by relatively high field resistance and / or one or more null regions characterized by relatively low field resistance, zero field resistance, or substantially zero field. Furthermore, the field distribution may vary in another way as a function of longitudinal axial orientation around the wire such that one or more regions of axial orientation around the wire have an electric or magnetic field resistance (or combination thereof), which is larger than one or more of the other axially oriented regions, according to an exemplary embodiment. It will be appreciated that the relative positions of the higher order wave modes or asymmetric modes may vary as the guided wave travels along the wire.

Referring now to FIGURE. 1, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a guided wave communication system 100 is shown. The guided wave communication system 100 represents an exemplary environment in which a guide guide coupling system can be used. dielectric waves.

The guided wave communication system 100 may comprise a first instance of a distributed system 150 that includes one or more base station devices (eg, base station device 104) that are communicably coupled to a central office 101 and / or or to a macrocell 102 site. Base station device 104 may be connected by wire (eg fiber and / or cable), or by wireless connection (eg, wireless microwaves) to microcell site 102 and central office 101. A second may be used. instance of distributed system 160 to provide wireless data and voice services to mobile device 122 and residential and / or commercial establishments 142 (referred to herein as establishments 142). System 100 may have additional instances of distribution systems 150 and 160 to provide voice and / or data services to mobile devices 122-124 and establishments 142 as shown in FIGURE 1.

Macro cells such as macro cell site 102 may have dedicated connections to the mobile network and base station device 104 may share or / or otherwise use the connection of macro cell site 102. Central Office 101 can be used to distribute media content and / or provide Internet Service Provider (ISP) services to mobile devices 122-124 and establishments 142. Central Office 101 may receive media content from a satellite constellation 130 (one of which is shown in FIGURE 1) or other content sources and distribute such content to mobile devices 122-124 and establishments 142 via the first and second distribution system instances 15 and 160. Central Office 101 may also be communicatively coupled to Internet 103 to provide Internet data services to mobile devices 122-124 and establishments 142.

Base station device 104 may be mounted on, or attached to, a utility pole 116. In other embodiments, base station device 104 may be located near transformers and / or other locations located near a power line. Base station device 104 can facilitate connectivity to a mobile network for mobile devices 122 and 124. Antennas 112 and 114, mounted on or near utility poles 118 and 120, respectively, can receive signals from base station device 104 and transmit those signals to mobile devices 122 and 124 over a much wider area than if antennas 122 and 114 will be located on or near base station device 104.

It should be noted that FIGURE 1 shows three utility poles, in each instance of distribution systems 150 and 160, with a base station device, for simplicity purposes. In other embodiments, utility pole 116 may have more base station devices, and more utility poles with distributed antennas and] / or connections anchored to facilities 142.

A dielectric waveguide coupling device 106 can transmit the signal from base station device 104 to antennas 112 and 114 via utility lines or power lines that connect to utility poles 116, 118, and 120. To transmit the signal, the radio source and / or coupler 106 scales the signal (for example, by frequency mixing) from base station device 104 or otherwise converts the signal from base station device 104 to a signal. millimeter wave band and the dielectric waveguide coupling device 106 launches a millimeter wave band wave that propagates as a guided wave (eg, surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) that travels along the utility line or other wire. At utility pole 118, another dielectric waveguide coupling device 108 receives the guided wave (and optionally can amplify it as needed or desired or operate as a digital repeater to receive and regenerate it) and sends it forward such as a guided wave (eg, surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) on the utility line or other wire. The dielectric waveguide coupling device 108 can also extract a signal from the millimeter waveband guided wave and shift it down in frequency or otherwise convert it to its original cellular band frequency (eg 1.9 GHz or other defined cellular frequency) or other cellular (or non-cellular) band frequency. An antenna 112 can transmit (eg, wirelessly transmit) the down-shifted signal to mobile device 122. The process can be repeated using dielectric waveguide coupling device 110, antenna 114, and mobile device 124, as needed or desired.

Transmissions from mobile devices 122 and 124 can also be received by antennas 112 and 114 respectively. Repeaters in dielectric waveguide coupling devices 108 and 110 can scroll up or otherwise convert cellular band signals to millimeter waveband and transmit the signals as guided wave transmissions (eg, surface waves or other electromagnetic waves) through the power lines to the base station device 104.

The media content received by the central office 101 can be supplied to the second instance of the distribution system 160 by the base station device 104 for distribution to the mobile devices 122 and establishments 142. The dielectric waveguide coupling device 110 may be attached to establishments 142 by one or more wired connections to a wireless interconnect. The one or more wired connections may include, without limitation, a power line, a coaxial cable, a fiber cable, a twisted pair cable, or other wired media suitable for the distribution of media content and / or to provide streaming services. Internet. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire connections of the waveguide coupling device 110 may be communicatively coupled to one or more very high bit rate (VDSL) digital subscriber line modems located in one or more high-speed area interconnections. Corresponding services (UPS - not shown), each UPS provides services to a portion of the establishments 142. VDSL modems can be used to selectively distribute media content and / or provide internet services to gateways (not shown) located in establishments 142. UPSs can also be communicatively coupled to establishments 142 through a wired medium such as a power line, a coaxial cable, a fiber cable, a twisted pair cable, or other suitable wired means. In other exemplary embodiments, the waveguide coupling device 110 can be communicatively coupled directly to facilities 142 without intermediate interconnections such as UPSs.

In another exemplary embodiment, system 100 may employ diversity paths, where two or more utility lines or other wires are suspended between utility poles 116, 118, and 120 (for example, two or more wires between poles 116 and 120) and redundant base station transmissions are transmitted as guided waves down the surface of utility lines or other wires. Utility lines or other wires can be either isolated or uninsulated, and depending on environmental conditions causing transmission losses, coupling devices can selectively receive signals from isolated or uninsulated utility lines or other wires. Selection may be based on measurements of the signal to noise ratio of the wires, or based on the determined environmental weather conditions (eg humidity detectors, weather forecast, etc.). The use of diversity paths with system 100 can make it possible to toggle routing capabilities, load balancing, increased load handling, concurrent bidirectional or synchronous communication, broad spectrum communication, etc. (See FIGURE 8 for further illustrative details.)

It should be noted that the use of the dielectric waveguide coupling devices 106, 108, and 110 in FIGURE 1 are by way of example only, and that in other embodiments, other uses are possible. For example, dielectric waveguide coupling devices can be used in a reverse communication system, which provides network connectivity to base station devices. Dielectric waveguide coupling devices can be used in many circumstances where it is desirable to transmit guided wave communication through a wire, either isolated or uninsulated. Dielectric waveguide coupling devices are improvements over coupling devices in that they do not contact or are physically limited and / or come into electrical contact with wires that can carry high voltages. With dielectric waveguide coupling devices, the device can 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, because the dielectric element acts as an insulator, allowing a cheap, easy and / or less complex installation. However, as noted previously, conductive or non-dielectric couplers may be employed, for example, in configurations where the wires correspond to a telephone network, cable television network, broadband data service, fiber optic communication system or another network that uses low voltages or that has isolated transmission lines.

It is further noted that although base station device 104 and macro cell site 102 are illustrated in one embodiment, other network configurations are equally possible. For example, devices such as access points or other wireless gateways can be similarly employed to extend the range of other networks such as a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area network, or another wireless network that operates according to a communication protocol such as 802.11 protocol, WIMAX protocol, ultra broadband protocol, bluetooth protocol, protocol

Zigbee or other wireless protocol.

Turning now to FIGURE 2, a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupling system 200 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. The system 200 comprises a dielectric waveguide 204 having a wave 206 that propagates as a guided wave around a waveguide surface of the dielectric waveguide 204. In one embodiment, dielectric waveguide 204 is curved, and at least a portion of waveguide 204 can be placed near a wire 202 in order to facilitate coupling between waveguide 204 and wire 202, as is described herein. Dielectric waveguide 204 can be positioned such that a portion of curved dielectric waveguide 204 is parallel or substantially parallel to wire 202. The portion of dielectric waveguide 204 that is parallel to the wire may be an apex of the curve, or any point where a tangent of the curve is parallel to wire 202. When dielectric waveguide 204 is positioned or so positioned, wave 206 traveling along dielectric waveguide 204 couples, at least in part, to wire 202 and propagates as guided wave 208 near or around the wire surface of wire 202 and longitudinally along wire 202. Guided wave 208 can be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave, although other types of guided waves 208 can also be supported without departing from exemplary embodiments.

A portion of wave 206 that is not coupled to wire 202 propagates as wave 210 along dielectric waveguide 204. It should be appreciated that dielectric waveguide 204 can be configured and arranged in a variety of positions relative to wire 202 to achieve a desired level of coupling or non-coupling of wave 206 to wire 202. For example, the curvature and / or length of dielectric waveguide 204 that is parallel or substantially parallel, as well as its separation distance (which may include zero separation distance in one embodiment), to wire 202 can be varied without depart from exemplary modalities. Likewise, the arrangement of dielectric waveguide 204 relative to wire 202 can be varied based on considerations of the respective intrinsic characteristics (eg, thickness, composition, electromagnetic properties, etc.) of wire 202 and the dielectric waveguide 204, as well as the characteristics (eg, frequency, energy level, etc.) of waves 206 and 208.

Guided wave 208 remains parallel or substantially parallel to wire 202, even as wire 202 bends and flexes. Bends in wire 202 can increase transmission losses, which also depend on the frequency and material diameters of the wire. If the dimensions of dielectric waveguide 204 are selected for efficient energy transfer, most of the energy in wave 206 is transferred to wire 202, with little energy remaining in wave 210. It should be appreciated that the guided wave 208 may still be multimodal in nature (discussed herein) including that it has modes that are not fundamental or asymmetric, while traveling along a path that is parallel or substantially parallel to wire 202, with or without a fundamental mode of transmission. In one embodiment, non-fundamental or asymmetric modes can be used to minimize transmission losses and / or obtain increased propagation distances.

It should be noted that the parallel term is generally a geometric construction that often cannot be exactly achieved in real systems. Accordingly, the term parallel as used in the object description represents an approximation rather than an exact configuration when used to describe modalities revealed in the object description. In one embodiment, substantially parallel may include approximations that lie within 30 degrees of true parallel in all dimensions.

In one embodiment, wave 206 can display one or more wave programming modes. The dielectric waveguide modes may depend on the shape and / or design of the waveguide 204. One or more dielectric waveguide waveguide modes 206 may generate, influence, or impact one or more wave propagation modes. of guided wave 208 propagating along wire 202. In one embodiment, the wave propagation modes in wire 202 may be similar to dielectric waveguide modes in that both waves 206 and waves 208 propagate around the outside of dielectric waveguide 204 and the wire 202 respectively.

In some embodiments, as wave 206 is coupled to wire 202, the modes may change shape, or new modes may be created or generated, due to the coupling between dielectric waveguide 204 and wire 202. For example, differences in size, material, and / or impedances of dielectric waveguide 204 and wire 202 may create additional modes not present in dielectric waveguide modes and / or suppress some of the dielectric waveguide modes. . Wave propagation modes can comprise the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode (Quasi-TEMoo), where only small electric and / or magnetic fields extend in the direction of propagation, and electric and magnetic fields extend radially outward while the guided wave spreads along the wire. This guided wave mode may be donut-shaped, where there are few electromagnetic fields within dielectric waveguide 204 or wire 202.

Waves 206 and 208 may comprise a fundamental TEM mode where the fields extend radially outward, and may also comprise other, non-fundamental modes (eg, asymmetric, higher level, etc.). Although particular wave propagation modes are discussed above, other wave propagation modes are equally possible such as transverse electrical (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes based on the frequencies employed, the design of the guide dielectric waves 204, the dimensions and composition of wire 202, as well as its surface characteristics, its optional insulation, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc. It should be noted that, depending on the frequency, electrical and physical characteristics of wire 202 and the particular wave propagation modes that are generated, the guided wave 208 may travel along the conductive surface of an oxidized non-insulated wire, a wire non-insulated non-oxidized, an insulated wire and / or along the insulating surface of an insulated wire.

In one embodiment, a diameter of dielectric waveguide 204 is smaller than wire 202. For the millimeter band wavelength being used, dielectric waveguide 204 supports a single waveguide mode that constitutes the wave 206.

This simple waveguide mode may change as it couples to wire 202 as surface 208. If dielectric waveguide 204 were larger, more than one waveguide mode would be supported, but these waveguide modes Additional ones cannot be coupled to wire 202 as efficiently, and greater coupling losses can result. However, in some alternative embodiments, the diameter of dielectric waveguide 204 may be equal to or greater than the diameter of wire 202, for example, where higher coupling losses are desired or when used with other techniques to reduce otherwise. it forms the coupling losses (for example, impedance coupling with taper, etc.).

In one embodiment, the wavelength of waves 206 and 208 is comparable in size to, or smaller than, a circumference of dielectric waveguide 204 and wire 202. In one example, if wire 202 has a diameter of 0.5 cm, and a corresponding circumference of about 1.5 cm, the transmission wavelength is around 1.5 cm or less, corresponding to a frequency of 20 GHz or greater. In another embodiment, a suitable transmission and carrier wave signal frequency is in the range of 30-100 GHz, perhaps around 30-60 GHz, and around 38Ghz in one example. In one embodiment, when the circumference of dielectric waveguide 204 and wire 202 is comparable in size to, or greater than, a transmission wavelength, waves 206 and 208 can display multiple modes of wave propagation including fundamental and / or non-fundamental (symmetric and / or) asymmetric modes that propagate over sufficient distances to support various communication systems described herein. Waves 206 and 208 can therefore comprise more than one type of magnetic and electric field configuration. In one embodiment, as the guided wave 208 propagates below wire 202, the electric and magnetic field configurations will remain the same from end to end of wire 202. In other embodiments, as the guided wave 208 encounters interference or loses energy due to transmission losses, the electric and magnetic field configurations may change as the guided wave 212 propagates down the wire 202.

In one embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 204 may be composed of nylon, teflon, polyethylene, a polyamide, or other plastics. In other embodiments, other dielectric materials are possible. The wire surface of wire 202 can be metallic with either an exposed metal surface, or it can be insulated using plastic, dielectric, insulator, or other protection. In one embodiment, a dielectric or other non-conductive / insulated waveguide may be combined with either an exposed / metallic wire or insulated wire. In other embodiments, a metallic and / or conductive waveguide may be combined with an exposed / metallic or insulated wire. In one embodiment, an oxidation layer on the bare metal surface of wire 202 (eg, 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 protectors.

It should be noted that the graphical representations of waves 206, 208, and 210 are presented only to illustrate the principles that wave 206 induces or otherwise launches a guided wave 208 on a wire 202 that operates, for example, as a single line. transmission wire. Wave 210 represents the portion of wave 206 that remains in dielectric waveguide 206 after generation of guided wave 208. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wave propagation may vary depending on the frequencies employed, the particular wave propagation mode or modes, the design of the dielectric waveguide 204, the dimensions and composition of the wire 202 , as well as its surface characteristics, its optional insulation, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

It should be noted that dielectric waveguide 204 can include a termination or damper circuit 214 at the end of dielectric waveguide 204 that can absorb the remaining energy radiation from wave 210. Termination or damper circuit 214 can prevent and / or minimize the remaining energy radiation from wave 210 that is reflected back to transmitter circuit 212. In one embodiment, the termination or damper circuit 214 may include determination resistors, and / or other components that perform impedance couplings to attenuate reflection. In some embodiments, if the coupling efficiencies are high enough, and / or wave 210 is small enough, it may not be necessary to use a terminator or damper circuit 214 For the sake of simplicity, this transmitter and termination circuits or buffers 214 and 212 are not shown in other figures, but in these embodiments, the transmitter and termination circuits or buffers may possibly be used.

Furthermore, although a single dielectric waveguide 204 is presented which generates a single guided wave 208, multiple dielectric waveguides 204 may be employed positioned at different points along wire 202 and / or in different axial orientations around the wire to generate and receiving multiple guided waves 208 at the same or different frequencies, in the same or different phases, in the same or different wave propagation modes. The guided wave or waves 208 can be modulated to transport data by a modulation technique such as phase shift modulation, frequency shift modulation, quadrature amplitude modulation, amplitude modulation, multi-carrier modulation, and by multiple access techniques such as frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, multiplexing by differing wave propagation modes and by other modulation and access strategies.

Returning now to FIGURE 3, a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupling system 300 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. System 300 comprises a dielectric waveguide 304 and a wire 302 having a wave 306 that propagates as a guided wave around a wire surface of wire 302. In an exemplary embodiment, wave 306 can be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave.

In an exemplary embodiment, dielectric waveguide 304 is curved or otherwise has a curvature, and may be positioned near a wire 302 such that a portion of the curved dielectric waveguide 304 is parallel or substantially parallel to wire 302 The portion of the dielectric waveguide 304 that is parallel to the wire may be an apex of the curve, or any point where a tangent to the curve is parallel to wire 302. When the dielectric waveguide 304 is near the wire, the guided wave 306 traveling along the wire 302 can couple to the dielectric waveguide 304 and propagate as a guided wave 308 around the dielectric waveguide 304 One portion of the guided wave 306 that is not coupled to the dielectric waveguide 304 propagates as the guided wave 310 (eg, surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) along the wire 302.

Guided waves 306 and 308 remain parallel to wire 302 and dielectric waveguide 304, respectively, even as wire 302 and dielectric waveguide 304 bend and flex. Bending can increase transmission losses, which also depend on wire diameters, frequency, and materials. If the dimensions of the dielectric waveguide 304 are selected for efficient energy transfer, most of the energy in the guided wave 306 is coupled to the dielectric waveguide 304 and little remains in the guided wave 310.

In one embodiment, a receiver circuit may be placed at the end of waveguide 304 for the purpose of receiving wave 308. A determination circuit may be placed at the opposite end of waveguide 304 for the purpose of receiving guided waves that they travel in the opposite direction to the guided wave 306 which is coupled to the wave guide 304. The determination circuit could then avoid and / or minimize the reflections that are received by the receiving circuit. If the reflections are small, the determination circuit may not be necessary.

It should be noted that the dielectric waveguide 304 can be configured such that the selected polarizations of the surface wave 306 are coupled to the dielectric waveguide 304 as the guided wave 308. For example, if the guided wave 306 is made up of waves guided or wave propagation modes with respective polarizations, the dielectric waveguide 304 can be configured to receive one or more guided waves or selected polarizations. The guided wave 308 that couples to the dielectric waveguide 304 in this way is the set of guided waves that corresponds to one or more of the selected polarizations, and additional guided waves 310 may comprise the guided waves that do not couple to the selected polarizations.

The dielectric waveguide 304 can be configured to receive guided waves of a particular polarization based on an angle / rotation around the wire 302 on which the dielectric waveguide 304 is placed. For example, if the guided wave

306 is horizontally polarized, most of the guided wave 306 is transferred to the dielectric waveguide as wave 308. As the dielectric waveguide 304 is rotated 90 degrees around wire 302, though, most of the energy of the guided wave 306 would remain coupled to the wire as the guided wave 310, and only a small portion would be coupled to the wire 302 as the wave 308.

It should be noted that waves 306, 308 and 310 are shown using three circular symbols in FIGURE 3 and in other figures in the specification. These symbols are used to represent a general guided wave, but it does not imply that waves 306, 308, and 310 are necessarily circularly polarized or otherwise circularly oriented. In fact, waves 306, 308 and 310 can comprise a fundamental TEM mode where the fields extend radially outward, and can also comprise other, non-fundamental modes (eg higher level, etc.). These modes can be asymmetric (eg radial, bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral, etc.) in nature as well.

It should also be noted that wire-guided wave communication can be fully duplex, allowing simultaneous communication in both directions. Waves traveling in one direction can pass through waves traveling in an opposite direction. Electromagnetic fields can cancel at certain points and for short times due to the principle of superposition as applied to waves. Waves traveling in opposite directions propagate as if the waves were not there, but the compound effect for an observer may be a pattern of waves that remain stationary. As the guided waves pass each other and are no longer in an overlapping state, the interference decreases. As a guided wave (eg, surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) couples to a waveguide and moves away from the wire, any interference due to other guided waves (eg, surface waves or other electromagnetic waves) ) decreases. In one embodiment, as the guided wave 306 (eg, surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) approaches a dielectric waveguide 304, another guided wave (surface wave or other electromagnetic wave) (not shown) which It travels from left to right where wire 302 passes by causing local interference. As the guided wave 306 couples to the dielectric waveguide 304 as the wave 308, and moves away from the wire 302, any interference due to the passing guided wave decreases.

It should be noted that the graphical representations of waves 306, 308, and 310 are presented only to illustrate the principles that guided wave 306 induces or otherwise launches wave 308 in dielectric waveguide 304. The guided wave

310 represents the portion of guided wave 306 that remains on wire 302 after wave 308 is generated. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as a result of such followed wave propagation may vary depending on one or more of the shape and / or design of the dielectric waveguide, the relative position of the dielectric waveguide to the wire, the frequencies employed, the design of the 304 dielectric waveguide, the dimensions and composition of the 302 wire, as well as its surface characteristics, its optional insulation, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

Turning now to FIGURE 4, a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupling system 400 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. The system 400 comprises a dielectric waveguide 404 having a wave 4 06 which propagates as a guided wave around a waveguide surface of the dielectric waveguide 404. In one embodiment, dielectric waveguide 404 is curved and one end of dielectric waveguide 404 may be mechanically tied, clamped, or otherwise attached to wire 402. When the end of dielectric waveguide 404 is clamped to the wire 402, the end of the dielectric waveguide 404 is parallel or substantially parallel to wire 402.

Alternatively, another portion of the dielectric waveguide beyond one end may be clamped or coupled to wire 402 such that the clamped or coupled portion is parallel or substantially parallel to wire 402. Coupling device 410 may be a Nylon or other non-conductive / dielectric material that either separates from the 4 04 dielectric waveguide or is constructed as an integrated component of the 404 dielectric waveguide. Dielectric waveguide 404 may be adjacent wire 402 without surrounding wire 402.

When dielectric waveguide 404 is placed with the end parallel to wire 402, guided wave 406 that travels along dielectric waveguide 404 couples to wire 402, and propagates as guided wave 408 around the wire surface 402. In an exemplary embodiment, the guided wave 408 can be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave.

It should be noted that the graphical representations of waves 406 and 408 are presented solely to illustrate the principles that wave 406 induces or otherwise launches a guided wave 408 on a wire 402 that operates, for example, as a single transmission line. of wire. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as a result of wave propagation may vary depending on one or more of the shape and / or design of the dielectric waveguide, the relative position of the dielectric waveguide to the wire, the frequencies employed , the design of the dielectric waveguide 404, the dimensions and composition of the wire 402, as well as its surface characteristics, its optional insulation, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

In one embodiment, one end of dielectric waveguide 404 can be abused toward wire 402 in order to increase coupling efficiency. In fact, tapering the end of dielectric waveguide 404 can provide impedance matching to wire 402, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. For example, one end of dielectric waveguide 404 can be gradually abused in order to obtain a desired level of coupling between waves 406 and 408 as illustrated in FIGURE 4.

In one embodiment, coupling device 410 can be positioned such that there is a short length of dielectric waveguide 404 between coupling device 410 and one end of dielectric waveguide 404. Maximum coupling efficiencies are realized when the length of the end of the dielectric waveguide 404 beyond the coupling device 410 is at least several wavelengths long for any frequency at which it is transmitted.

Returning now to FIGURE 5, a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupler and transceiver system 500 (collectively referred to herein as system 500) is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described in the present. System 500 comprises a transmitter / receiver device 506 that launches and receives waves (eg, guided wave 504 in dielectric waveguide 502). Guided waves 504 can be used to transport signals received from and send to a base station 520, mobile devices 522, or a building 524 by means of a communication interface 501. Communication interface 501 may be an integral part of system 500. Alternatively communication interface 501 can be attached to system 500. Communication interface 501 may comprise a wireless interface for interconnecting base station 520, mobile devices 522, or building 524 using any of several wireless signaling protocols (eg, LTE, WiFi, WiMAX, 1EEE 802.xx, etc.). ). Communication interface 501 may also comprise a wired interface such as a fiber optic line, coaxial cable, twisted pair, or other suitable wired means for transmitting signals to base station 520 or building 524. For modes where system 500 operates as a repeater, communication interface 501 may not be necessary.

The output signals (eg, Tx) from communication interface 501 may be combined with a millimeter wave carrier wave generated by a local oscillator 512 in frequency mixer 510. Frequency mixer 512 may use heterodyning or other techniques. Frequency shifting techniques to shift the frequency of the output signals from the communication interface 501. For example, the signals sent to and from the communication interface 501 may be modulated signals such as orthogonal frequency direction (OFDM) multiplexed signals formatted according to a Long Term Evolution Wireless Protocol (LTE) or other wireless voice protocol. and 3G, 4G, 5G or higher data, a Zigbee, WIMAX, Ultra Broadband Wireless Protocol or IEEE 802.11 or other wireless protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, this frequency conversion can be performed in an analog domain, and as a result, the frequency shift can be performed regardless of the type of communication protocol used by base station 520, mobile devices 522, or devices in buildings. 524. As new communication technologies are developed, the communication interface 501 can be upgraded or replaced, and the frequency offset and transmission apparatus can remain, simplifying upgrades. The carrier wave can then be sent to a power amplifier (PA) 514 and can be transmitted via transmitter receiver device 506 via diplexer 516.

The signals received from the transmitter / receiver device 506 that are routed to the communication interface 501 can be separated from other signals by diplexer 516. The transmission can then be sent to a low noise amplifier (LNA) 518 for amplification. A frequency mixer 521, with the help of local oscillator 512, can down-shift the transmission (which is in the millimeter wave band or around 38 GHz in some modes) to the native frequency. Communication interface 501 can then receive the transmission on an output (Rx) port.

In one embodiment, the transmitter / receiver device 506 may include a cylindrical or non-cylindrical metal (which, for example, may be hollow in one embodiment, but is not necessarily drawn to scale) or other conductive or non-conductive waveguide and one end of the dielectric waveguide 502 may be positioned in or in proximity to the waveguide or the transmitter / receiver device 506 such that when the transmitter / receiver device 506 generates a transmission, the guided wave engages the dielectric waveguide 502 and propagates as a guided wave 504 around the waveguide surface of the dielectric waveguide 502. In some embodiments, the guided wave 504 may partially propagate in the outer surface of dielectric waveguide 502 and partly within dielectric waveguide 502. In other embodiments, the guided wave 504 can propagate substantially or completely on the outer surface of the dielectric waveguide 502. In still other embodiments, the guided wave 504 can propagate substantially or completely within the dielectric waveguide 502. In this latter embodiment, the guide wave 504 can radiate at one end of the dielectric waveguide 502 (such as the tapered end shown in FIGURE 4) to couple to a transmission medium such as wire 402 of FIGURE 4 . Similarly, if the guided wave 504 is incoming (coupled to the dielectric waveguide 502 of a wire), the guided wave 504 then enters the transmitter / receiver device 506 and couples to the cylindrical waveguide or waveguide conductive. Although the transmitter / receiver device 506 is shown to include a separate waveguide - an antenna, cavity resonator, klistron, magnetron, traveling wave tube, or other radiation element can be used to induce a guided wave in the waveguide. waves 502, without the separate waveguide.

In one embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 502 can be constructed entirely of a dielectric material (or other suitable insulation material), without any metallic or otherwise conductive material therein. The dielectric waveguide 502 may be composed of nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, a polyamide or other plastics or other non-conductive materials and suitable to facilitate the transmission of electromagnetic waves at least in part on an outer surface of such materials. In another embodiment, the dielectric waveguide 502 may include a core that is conductive / metallic, and that has an outer dielectric surface. Similarly, a transmission medium that couples to dielectric waveguide 502 to propagate electromagnetic waves induced by dielectric waveguide 502 or to supply electromagnetic waves to dielectric waveguide 502 can be constructed entirely of a dielectric material ( or other suitable insulation material), without any metallic or otherwise conductive material in it.

It should be noted that although FIGURE 5A shows that the aperture of the receiving and transmitting device 506 is much wider than the dielectric waveguide 502, it is not to scale, and that in other embodiments the width of the dielectric waveguide 502 is comparable or slightly smaller than the opening of the hollow waveguide. Also not shown, but in one embodiment, one end of waveguide 502 that is inserted into transmitter / receiver device 506 tapers downward in order to reduce reflection and increase coupling efficiency.

Transmitter / receiver device 506 can be communicably coupled to a communication interface 501, and alternatively, transmitter / receiver device 506 can also be communicably coupled to one or more distributed antennas 112 and 114 shown in FIGURE 1. In other In modalities, the receiver and transmitter device 506 may comprise part of a repeater system for a reverse network.

Prior to coupling to dielectric waveguide 502, one or more waveguide modes of the guided wave generated by transmitter / receiver device 506 may be coupled to dielectric waveguide 502 to induce one or more wave propagation modes. of the guided wave 504. The wave propagation modes of the guided wave 504 may be different from the hollow metal waveguide modes due to the different characteristics of the hollow metal waveguide and the dielectric waveguide. For example, the wave propagation modes of the guide wave 504 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 fields and Magnetic waves extend radially outward from dielectric waveguide 502 as the guided waves propagate along dielectric waveguide 502. The fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode wave propagation mode may not exist within a hollow waveguide. Therefore, the hollow metal waveguide modes that are used by the transmitter / receiver device 506 are waveguide modes that can be effectively and efficiently coupled to dielectric waveguide wave propagation modes 502.

Returning now to FIGURE 6, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a dielectric waveguide coupling system 600 in accordance with various aspects described herein is illustrated. In one embodiment, two or more dielectric waveguides (eg, 604 and 606) can be placed around a wire 602 in order to receive the guided wave 608. In one embodiment, the guided wave 608 can be characterized as a surface wave or other electromagnetic wave. In one embodiment, a dielectric waveguide is sufficient to receive the guided wave 608. In that case, the guided wave 608 couples to the dielectric waveguide 604 and propagates as the guided wave 610. If the field structure of the guided wave 608 oscillates or undulates around the wire 602 due to various external factors, the dielectric waveguide 606 can be positioned such that the guided wave 608 is coupled to the dielectric waveguide 606.

In some embodiments, four or more dielectric waveguides may be placed around a portion of wire 602, for example, at 90 degrees or other space with respect to each other, in order to receive guided waves that can oscillate or rotate around wire 602, which has been induced in different axial orientations or has non-fundamental or higher order modes, for example, it has lobes and / or nulls or other asymmetries that are orientation dependent. However, it will be appreciated that there may be fewer than or more than four dielectric waveguides placed around a portion of wire 602 without departing from exemplary embodiments. It will also be appreciated that while some exemplary embodiments have featured a plurality of dielectric waveguides around at least a portion of a wire 602, this plurality of dielectric waveguides can also be considered as part of a single dielectric waveguide system that It has multiple dielectric waveguide subcomponents. For example, two or more dielectric waveguides can be manufactured as a single system that can be installed around a wire in a single installation so that the dielectric waveguides are either pre-positioned or can be adjusted relative to each other (since either manually or automatically) according to the unique system. Receivers coupled to dielectric waveguides 606 and 604 can use diversity combining to combine the signals received from both dielectric waveguides 606 and 604 in order to maximize signal quality. In other embodiments, if some of the dielectric waveguides 604 and 606 receive a transmission that is above a predetermined threshold, receivers can use selection diversity when deciding which signal to use.

It should be noted that the graphical representations of waves 608 and 610 are presented only to illustrate the principles that guided wave 608 induces or otherwise launches wave 610 in dielectric waveguide 604. The actual electric and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wave propagation may vary depending on the frequencies employed, the design of the dielectric waveguide 604, the dimensions and composition of the wire 602, as well as its surface characteristics, its insulation optional, the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, etc.

Turning now to FIGURE 7, a block diagram of an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a bi-directional dielectric waveguide coupling system 700 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. In system 700, two dielectric waveguides 704 and 714 can be placed near a wire 702 so that the guided waves (eg, surface waves or other electromagnetic waves) that propagate along wire 702 are coupled to the dielectric waveguide 704 as wave 706, and are then driven or repeated by repeater device 710 and launched as a guided wave 716 in dielectric waveguide 714. Guided wave 716 can then be coupled to wire 702 and continue to propagate along wire 702. In one embodiment, repeater device 710 can receive at least a portion of the energy used to drive or repeat through magnetic coupling with the wire 702, which can be a power line.

In some embodiments, repeater device 710 may repeat the transmission associated with wave 706, and in other embodiments, repeater device 710 may be associated with a distributed antenna system and / or base station device located near repeater device 710. The Receiver waveguide 708 can receive wave 706 from dielectric waveguide 704 and transmitter waveguide 712 can launch guided wave 716 into dielectric waveguide 714. Between receiver waveguide 708 and transmitter waveguide 712, the signal can be amplified to correct signal losses and other inefficiencies associated with waveguide communication, or the signal can be received and processed to extract the data contained in the itself and regenerate the transmission. In one embodiment, a signal can be extracted from the transmission and processed and otherwise broadcast to nearby mobile devices by distributed antennas communicably coupled to the repeater device 710. Similarly, the signals and / or communication received by the distributed antennas can be inserted in the transmission that is generated and launched in the dielectric waveguide 714 by the transmitter waveguide 712. Consequently, the repeater system 700 depicted in FIGURE 7 may be comparable in function to the dielectric waveguide coupling device 108 and 110 in FIGURE 1.

It should be noted that although FIGURE 7 shows guided wave transmissions 706 and 716 entering from the left and exiting to the right respectively, this is only a simplification and is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, receiver waveguide 708 and transmitter waveguide 712 can also function as transmitters and receivers respectively, allowing repeater device 710 to be bi-directional.

In one embodiment, repeater device 710 can be placed at locations where there are discontinuities or obstacles in wire 702. These obstacles can include transformers, connections, utility poles, and other power line devices. Repeater device 710 can assist guided (eg, surface) waves to jump over these obstacles on the line and boost transmission energy at the same time. In other embodiments, a dielectric guide wave can be used to jump over the obstacle without the use of a repeater device. In that embodiment, both ends of the dielectric waveguide can be tied or attached to the wire, thereby providing a path for the guided wave to travel without being blocked by the obstacle.

Turning now to FIGURE 8, a block diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a bi-directional dielectric waveguide coupler 800 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. The bi-directional dielectric waveguide coupler 800 can employ diversity paths in the case where two or more wires are suspended between utility poles. Because guided wave transmissions have different transmission efficiencies and coupling efficiencies for insulated wires and uninsulated wires based on weather, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions, it may be advantageous to selectively transmit on either an insulated wire or a uninsulated wire at certain times.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8, the repeater device uses a receiver waveguide 808 to receive a guided wave that travels along the uninsulated wire 802 and repeats the transmission using the transmitter waveguide 810 as a wave guided along insulated wire 804. In other embodiments, the repeater device can change insulated wire 804 to uninsulated wire 802, or it can repeat transmission along the same paths. Repeater device 806 may include sensors, or be in communication with sensors that indicate conditions that may affect transmission. Based on the feedback received from the sensors, the repeater device 806 can make the determination as to whether to keep the transmission along the same wire or transfer the transmission to the other wire.

Turning now to FIGURE 9, a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a bidirectional repeater system 900 is illustrated. The bidirectional repeater system 900 includes waveguide coupling devices 902 and 904 that receive and transmit transmissions of other coupling devices located in a distributed antenna system or recoil system.

In various embodiments, the waveguide coupling device 902 can receive a transmission from another waveguide coupling device where the transmission has a plurality of subcarriers. The diplexer

906 You can separate the transmission from other transmissions, and direct the transmission to the 908 Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). A frequency mixer 928, with the help of a local oscillator 912, can down-shift the transmission (which is in the millimeter-wave band or around 38 GHz in some modes) to a lower frequency, either at a cellular band (~ 1.9 GHz) for a distributed antenna system, a native frequency, or another frequency for a reverse system. An extractor 932 can extract the signal on the subcarrier that corresponds to the antenna or other output component 922 and routes the signal to the output component 922. For signals that are not extracted at this antenna location, the extractor 932 can redirect them to another frequency mixer 936, where the signals are used to modulate a carrier wave generated by the local oscillator 914. The carrier wave, with its subcarriers, is routed to a power amplifier (PA) 916 and is retransmitted by waveguide coupling device 904 to another repeater system, by diplexer 920.

In output device 922 (antenna in a distributed antenna system), a PA 924 can drive the signal for transmission to the mobile device. An LNA 926 can be used to amplify weak signals that are received from the mobile device and then send the signal to a multiplexer 934 which fuses the signal with signals that have been received from the waveguide coupling device 904. The signals received from coupling device 904 have been divided by diplexer 920, and passed through LNA 918, and then subjected to frequency down-shifting by frequency mixer 938. When the signals are combined by multiplexer 934, they are up-shifted by frequency mixer 930, and then driven by PA 910, and transmitted back to the launcher or to another repeater by the coupling device. waveguide 902. In one embodiment, the bi-directional repeater system 900 may be only one repeater without the antenna / output device 922. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a bidirectional repeater system 900 could also be implemented using two separate and distinct unidirectional repeaters. In an alternative embodiment, a bidirectional repeater system 900 could also be an impeller or otherwise perform retransmissions without scroll down and scroll up. In fact in the exemplary embodiment, retransmissions can be based on receiving a guided wave or signal and performing some processing or reconfiguration, filtering or amplification of guided waves or signals, prior to retransmission of the guided wave or signal.

Returning now to FIGURE 10A, FIGURE 10B, and FIGURE 10C, block diagrams of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of a grooved waveguide coupler system 1000 are illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. In FIGURE 10A, the waveguide coupler system comprises a wire 1006 that is positioned relative to a waveguide 1002 such that the wire 1006 fits into or near a slot formed in the waveguide 1002 that it runs longitudinally with respect to wire 1004. Opposite ends 1004a and 1004b of waveguide 1002, and waveguide 1002 itself, surround less than 180 degrees of the wire surface of wire 1006.

In FIGURE 10B, the waveguide coupler system comprises a wire 1014 that is positioned relative to a waveguide 1008 such that wire 1014 fits into or near a slot formed in waveguide 1008 that it runs longitudinally with respect to wire 1004. The groove surfaces of waveguide 1008 may be non-parallel, and two different exemplary embodiments are shown in FIGURE 10B. In the first, the groove surfaces 1010a and 1010b may be non-parallel and point outward, slightly wider than the width of the wire 1014. In the other embodiment, the groove surfaces 1012a and 1012b may still be non-parallel, but narrow to form a slot opening smaller than a width of wire 1014. Any angle range of non-parallel slot surfaces is possible, of which these are two exemplary embodiments.

In FIGURE 10C, the waveguide coupler system shows a wire 1020 that fits into a groove formed in waveguide 1016. The groove surfaces 1018a and 1018b in this exemplary embodiment may be parallel, but axis 1026 of the Wire 1020 does not align with axis 1024 of waveguide 1016. Waveguide 1016 and wire 1020 therefore do not align coaxially. In another embodiment, shown, a possible wire position at 1022 also has an axis 1028 that does not align with axis 1024 of waveguide 1016.

It will be appreciated that although three different modalities of show a) waveguide surfaces surrounding less than 180 degrees of the wire, B) non-parallel groove surfaces and c) coaxially non-aligned wires and waveguides were shown separately in FIGURE 10A, FIGURE 10B, and FIGURE 10C, in various embodiments, various combinations of the listed features are possible.

Turning now to FIGURE 11, an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide coupling system 1100 is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. FIGURE 11 reflects a cross-sectional representation of the waveguide and wire guidance modalities shown in FIGURE 2, FIGURE 3, FIGURE 4, etc. As can be seen at 1100, wire 1104 can be placed directly after and in contact with waveguide 1102. In other embodiments, as shown in the waveguide coupling system 1200 in FIGURE 12, wire 1204 can still be placed close to, but not actually touching, waveguide strip 1202. In both cases, the electromagnetic waves that traveling along the waveguides can induce other electromagnetic waves on the wires and vice versa. Also, in both embodiments, wires 1104 and 1204 are placed outside the area of the cross section defined by the outer surfaces of waveguides 1102 and 1202.

For purposes of this description, a waveguide does not substantially surround a wire surface of a wire when the waveguide does not surround an axial region of the surface, when viewed in cross section, of more than 180 degrees. For the avoidance of doubt, a waveguide does not substantially surround a wire surface when the waveguide surrounds an axial region of the surface, when viewed in cross section, of 180 degrees or less.

It will be appreciated that although FIGURE 11 and FIGURE 12 show wires 1104 and 1204 having a circular shape and waveguides 1102 and 1202 having rectangular shapes, this does not mean that it is limiting. In other embodiments, the wires and waveguides can have a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. Shapes may include, but are not limited to: ovals or other ellipsoid shapes, octagons, quadrilaterals, or other polygons with either sharp or rounded edges, or other shapes. Additionally, in some embodiments, wires 1104 and 1204 may be stranded wires comprising smaller gauge wires, such as a twisted wire, braid, or other coupling of individual wires into a single wire. Any of the wires and waveguides shown in the figures and described throughout this description may include one or more of these embodiments.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a process along with the systems mentioned above. The process in FIGURE 13 can be implemented for example by systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 illustrated in FIGURE 1, FIGURE 2, FIGURE 3, FIGURE 4, FIGURE 5, FIGURE 6, FIGURE 7, FIGURE 8 and FIGURE 9 respectively. Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the process is shown and described as a series of blocks, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may appear in different orders and / or or simultaneously with other blocks of what is reflected and described herein. Furthermore, not all of the illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described below.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a flow diagram of a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of a method of transmitting a transmission with a dielectric waveguide coupler as described herein. Method 1300 can start at 1302 where a first electromagnetic wave is emitted by a transmission device as a guided wave that propagates at least in part on a waveguide surface of a waveguide, where the guide surface of Waveguide waves do not completely or substantially surround a wire surface of a wire. The transmission that is generated by a transmitter can be based on a signal received from a base station device, access point, network, mobile device or other signal source.

In 1304, based on the configuration or location of the waveguide in proximity to the wire, the guided wave then couples at least a portion of the first electromagnetic wave to the wire surface, forming a second electromagnetic wave (e.g., wave surface) that propagates at least partially around the wave surface, where the wire is in proximity to the waveguide. This can be done in response to the location of a portion of the dielectric waveguide (for example, a tangent to a dielectric waveguide curve) near and parallel to a wire, where a wavelength of the electromagnetic wave it is smaller than a wire circumference and dielectric waveguide. The guided wave, or surface wave, remains parallel to the wire, even as wire 202 bends and flexes. Bending can increase transmission losses, which also depend on wire diameters, frequency, and materials. The coupling interface between the wire and the waveguide can also be configured to achieve the desired level of coupling, as described herein, which may include using one end of the waveguide to improve impedance matching between the waveguide and the wire.

The transmission that is broadcast by the transmitter can display one or more waveguide modes. The waveguide modes may be dependent on the shape and / or design of the waveguide. The propagation modes in the wire may be different from the waveguide modes due to the different characteristics of the waveguide and the wire. When the wire circumference is comparable in size to, or greater than, a transmission wavelength, the guided wave displays multiple modes of wave propagation. The guided wave can therefore comprise more than one type of magnetic and electric field configuration. As the guided wave (eg, surface wave) propagates down the wire, the electric and magnetic field configurations may remain substantially the same from end to end of the wire or vary as the transmission passes through the wave by rotation, dispersion, attenuation or other effects.

FIGURE 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a waveguide system 1402 in accordance with various aspects described herein. Waveguide system 1402 may comprise sensors 1404, an energy management system 1405, a waveguide 1406, and a communication interface 1408.

Waveguide system 1402 may be coupled to a power line 1410 to facilitate data communication in accordance with the modalities described in the subject description. In an exemplary embodiment, waveguide 1406 may comprise all or part of system 500, as shown in FIGURE 5, to induce electromagnetic waves on a surface of power line 1410 that propagates longitudinally along the power line surface 1410 as described in the object description. Non-limiting techniques for coupling waveguide 1406 to power line 1410 are shown in FIGURE 2, FIGURE 3, FIGURE 4, and FIGURE 6. Waveguide 1406 can also serve as a repeater to relay electromagnetic waves on the same power line 1410 or to route electromagnetic waves between power lines 1410 as shown in FIGURE 7 and FIGURE 8.

Communication interface 1408 may comprise communication interface 501 shown in FIGURE 5, in an exemplary embodiment. Communication interface 1408 couples to waveguide 1406 for upconversion of signals operating on an original frequency to electromagnetic waves operating on a carrier frequency that propagates on a surface of a waveguide coupling device. 1406, such as dielectric 502 of FIGURE 5, and inducing corresponding electromagnetic waves that propagate on a surface of power line 1410. Power line 1410 may be a wire (eg, single-stranded or multi-stranded) having a conductive surface or an insulated surface. Communication interface 1408 can also receive signals from waveguide 1406 that has been down-converted from electromagnetic waves operating at a carrier frequency to signals at their original frequency.

Signals received through the 1408 upconversion communication interface may include without limitation signals supplied by a central office 1411 through a wired or wireless interface of the 1408 communication interface, a base station 1414 through a wired or wireless interface of the 1408 communication interface, wireless signals transmitted by mobile devices 1420 to base station 1414 for supply via wired or wireless interface of communication interface 1408, signals supplied by communication devices in buildings 1418 through the wired or wireless interface of communication interface 1408 and / or wireless signals supplied to communication interface 1408 by mobile devices 1412 roaming in a wireless communication range of the communication interface communication 1408. In embodiments where waveguide system 1402 operates as a repeater, as shown in FIGURE 7 and FIGURE 8, communication interface 1408 may not be included in waveguide system 1402.

The electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the energy 1410 can be modulated and formatted to include data frame packets that include a data payload and also include network information (such as header information to identify one or plus destination waveguide systems 1402). The network information may be provided by the waveguide system 1402 or a source device such as the central office 1411, the base station 1414, mobile devices 1420 or devices in buildings 1418, or a combination thereof. Additionally, modulated electromagnetic waves can include error correction data to mitigate signal disturbances. Network information and error correction data can be used by a destination waveguide system 1402 to detect transmissions directed to it, and for downconverting and processing with error correction data transmissions including voice signals and / or data directed s receiver communication devices communicatively coupled to the destination waveguide system 1402.

Referring now to sensors 1404 of waveguide system 1402, sensors 1404 may comprise one or more temperature sensors 1404a, a disturbance detection sensor 1404b, a power loss sensor 1404c, a noise sensor 1404d, a vibration sensor 1404e, an environmental sensor (eg, weather) 1404f, and / or an image sensor 1404g. The temperature sensor 1404a can be used to measure the ambient temperature, a waveguide temperature 1406, a power line temperature 1410, temperature differentials (for example, compared to a reference point or reference value, between 1046 and 1410, etc.), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the temperature metrics can be periodically collected and reported to a network management system 1601 via base station 1414.

The disturbance detection sensor 1404b can perform measurements on the power line 1410 to detect disturbances such as signal reflections, which can indicate a presence of a downstream disturbance that can prevent the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the power line 1410 . A signal reflection may represent a distortion resulting from, for example, an electromagnetic wave transmitted on power line 1410 by wave line 1406 that is fully or partly reflected back to waveguide 1406 from a disturbance in the power line 1410 located downstream of waveguide 1406.

Signal reflections can be caused by obstructions in power line 1410. For example, a tree limb shown in FIGURE 15 (A) can cause electromagnetic wave reflections when the tree limb is in power line 1410, or is in close proximity to power line 1410 which may cause corona discharge 1502. Other illustrations of obstructions that can cause electromagnetic wave reflections may include without limitation an object 1506 that has become entangled in power line 1410 as shown in FIGURE 15 (C) (eg, clothing, a shoe wrapped around a power line 1410 with a shoelace, etc.), a corroded buildup 1512 on power line 1410 as shown in FIGURE 15 (F), or an ice buildup 1514 as shown in FIGURE 15 (G). Power grid components can also interfere with the transmission of electromagnetic waves on the surface of power lines 1410. Illustrations of power grid components that can cause signal reflections include without limitation a transformer 1504 illustrated in FIGURE 15 (B) and a junction 1510 for connecting split power lines as illustrated in FIGURE 15 (E). An acute angle 1508 on a power line 1410, as shown in FIGURE 15 (D), can also cause electromagnetic wave reflections.

The disturbance detection sensor 1404b may comprise a circuit for comparing magnitudes of electromagnetic wave reflections with original electromagnetic wave magnitudes transmitted by waveguide 1406 to determine how much transmission is attenuated by a downstream disturbance in power line 1410. The disturbance detection sensor 1404b may further comprise a spectral analyzer circuit for performing spectral analysis on the reflected waves. Spectral data generated by the spectral analyzer circuit can be compared to spectral profiles by pattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting, coupled filtration, or other artificial intelligence, classification, or comparison technique to identify a type of disturbance based on, by 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 1404b or can be remotely accessible by the disturbance detection sensor 1404b. The profiles may comprise spectral data modeling different disturbances that can be found on power lines 1410 to enable disturbance detection sensor 1404b to identify disturbances locally. An identification of the disturbance if known can be reported to the network management system 1601 via base station 1414. The disturbance detection sensor 1404b can also use waveguide 1406 to transmit electromagnetic waves as test signals to determine a round trip time for electromagnetic wave reflection. The round trip time measured by the disturbance stop sensor 1404b can be used to calculate a distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave to a point where reflection occurs, making it possible for the disturbance detection sensor 1404b to calculate a distance from the waveguide 1406 to the downstream disturbance on power line 1410.

The calculated distance may be reported to network management system 1601 by base station 1414. In one embodiment, the location of waveguide system 1402 on power line 1410 may be known by network management system 1601, which can be used by the network management system 1601 to determine a location of the disturbance on power line 1410 based on a known topology of the power network. In another embodiment, waveguide system 1402 may provide its location to network management system 1601 to assist in determining the location of the disturbance on power line 1410. The location of the waveguide system 1402 can be obtained by the waveguide system 1402 from a pre-programmed location of the waveguide system 1402 stored in a memory of the waveguide system 1402, or the waveguide system. 1402 waves can determine your location using a GPS receiver (not shown) included in the 1402 waveguide system.

The energy management system 1405 provides power to the components mentioned in the foregoing of the waveguide system 1402. The energy management system 1405 may be powered by solar cells, or by a transformer (not shown) coupled to the line 1410 power, or by inductive coupling of the 1410 power line or other nearby power line. The 1405 power management system may also include a backup battery and / or a super capacitor or other capacitor circuit to provide the 1402 waveguide system with temporary power. The 1404c power loss sensor can be used to detect when the waveguide system

1402 have a power loss condition and / or the presence of some other malfunction. For example, the 1404c power loss sensor can detect when there is a power loss due to a defect in the solar cells, a blockage in the solar cells causing the malfunction, loss of power in the 1410 power line, and / or or when the backup power system malfunctions due to the expiration of a backup battery, or a detectable defect in a super capacitor. When a malfunction and / or power loss occurs, the power loss sensor 1404c can notify the network management system 1601 via base station 1414.

The 1404d noise sensor can be used to measure noise on the 1410 power line that can adversely affect the transmission of electromagnetic waves on the 1410 power line. The 1404d noise sensor can detect unexpected electromagnetic interference, noise bursts, or other Disturbance sources that can interrupt the transmission of modulated electromagnetic waves on a surface of a 1410 power line. An explosion of noise can be caused by, for example, a corona discharge or other noise source. The 1404d noise sensor can compare the measured noise with a noise profile obtained using the 1402 waveguide system from an internal noise profile database or from a remotely located database that stores noise profiles by pattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting, coupled filtration or other artificial intelligence technique, classification or comparison. From the comparison, the noise sensor 1404d can identify a noise source (eg corona discharge or otherwise) based on, for example, the noise profile that provides the closest match to the measured noise. The 1404d noise sensor can also detect how noise affects transmissions using measurement transmission metrics such as bit error rate, packet loss rate, jitter, packet retransmission requests, etc. The noise sensor 1404d can inform the network management system 1601 through the base station 1414 the identity of the noise sources, the time they occurred and the transmission metrics, among other things.

The 1404e vibration sensor can include accelerometers and / or gyroscopes to detect 2D or 3D vibrations on the 1410 power line. Vibrations can be compared to vibration profiles that can be stored locally in the 1402 waveguide system, or obtained using the 1402 waveguide system from a remote database using pattern recognition, an expert system, curve fitting , coupled filtration or other artificial intelligence technique, classification or comparison. Vibration profiles can be used, for example, to distinguish downed trees from gusts of wind based on, for example, the vibration profile that provides the closest match to the measured vibrations. The result of this analysis can be reported by the vibration sensor 1404e to the network management system 1601 through the base station 1414.

The 1404f environmental sensor can include a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature (which can be provided by the 1404a temperature sensor), wind speed, humidity, wind direction and rain, among other things. The 1404f environmental sensor can collect raw information and process this information by comparing it to environmental profiles that can be obtained from a 1402 waveguide system memory or a remote database to predict weather conditions before they originate by pattern recognition, an expert system, knowledge-based system or other artificial intelligence, classification or other weather modeling and prediction technique. The 1404f environmental sensor can report raw data as well as its analysis to the 1601 network management system.

The 1404g image sensor may be a digital camera (eg, a docked and charged device or CCD imager, infrared camera, etc.) for capturing images in the vicinity of the 1402 waveguide system. The 1404g image sensor may include an electromechanical mechanism to control the movement (eg, current position or focal points / close-ups) of the camera to inspect the 1410 power line from multiple perspectives (eg, top surface, bottom surface, surface left, right surface etc.). Alternatively, the 1404g image sensor can be designed so that no electromechanical mechanism is needed in order to obtain multiple perspectives. The collection and retrieval of image data generated by the 1404g image sensor can be controlled by the network management system 1601, or it can be autonomously collected and reported by the 1404g image sensor to the network management system 1601.

Other sensors that may be suitable for collecting telemetry information associated with waveguide system 1402 and / or power lines 1410 for the purpose of detection, prediction, and / or mitigation of disturbances that may impede the transmission of electromagnetic waves in Power lines 1410 (or any other form of an electromagnetic wave transmission medium) can be used using the waveguide system 1402. FIGURE 16 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a system 1600 for managing a power network 1603 and a communication system 1605 embedded therein in accordance with various aspects described herein. Communication system 1605 comprises a plurality of waveguide systems 1402 coupled to power lines 1410 of power network 1603. At least a portion of the waveguide systems 1402 used in the communication system 1605 can be in direct communication with a base station 1414 and / or the network management system 1601. Waveguide systems 1402 do not directly connect to a 1414 base station or the 1601 network management system can be coupled into communication sessions with either a 1414 base station or the 1601 network management system through other downstream waveguide systems 1402 connected to a base station 1414 or network management system 1601. Such communication sessions may include a voice communication session, a streaming video session, or a data communication session.

The network management system 1601 may be communicatively coupled to the equipment of a utility company 1602 and to the equipment of a communication service provider 1604 to provide each entity with status information associated with the power network 1603 and the 1605 communication system, respectively. The 1601 network management system, the equipment of the utility company 1602 and the communication service provider 1604 can access the communication devices used by the personnel of the utility company 1606 and / or the communication devices used by the staff of the service provider 1608 for the purpose of providing status information and / or to direct personnel in managing the 1603 power network and / or 1605 communication system.

FIGURE 17A illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method 1700 for detecting and mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication network of system 1600 of FIGURE 16. Method 1700 can start with step 1702 where a waveguide system 1402 transmits and receives messages embedded in, or forming part of, modulated electromagnetic waves or other types of electromagnetic waves traveling along a surface of a line power 1410. The messages may be voice messages, streaming video messages, and / or other data / information exchanged between communication devices communicatively coupled to communication system 1605. At step 1704, sensors 1404 of waveguide system 1402 they can collect detection data. In one embodiment, the detection data may be collected in step 1704 before, during, or after the transmission and / or reception of messages in step 1702. At step 1706 the waveguide system 1402 (or the sensors 1404 themselves) can determine from the detection data a current or expected presence of a disturbance in the communication system 1605 that may affect the communication originating from (eg transmitted by) or received by the 1402 waveguide system. The waveguide system 1402 (or sensors 1404) can process temperature data, signal reflection data, energy loss data, noise data, vibration data, environmental data, or any combination thereof to perform this determination. Waveguide system 1402 (or sensors 1404) can also detect, identify, estimate, or predict the source of the disturbance and / or its location in communication system 1605. If a disturbance is not detected / identified or predicted / estimated in step 1708, waveguide system 1402 can proceed to step 1702 where it continues to transmit and receive messages embedded in, or forming part of, modulated electromagnetic waves that they travel along a surface of the 1410 power line.

If at step 1708 a disturbance is detected / identified or predicted / estimated to occur, waveguide system 1402 proceeds to step 1710 to determine whether the disturbance adversely affects (or alternatively, is likely to adversely affect or insofar as it may adversely affect) the transmission or reception of messages in the 1605 communication system. In one embodiment, a duration threshold and a threshold occurrence frequency can be used in step 1710 to determine when a disturbance adversely affects communication in communication system 1605. For purposes of illustration only, a set duration threshold is assumed. at 500 ms, while a threshold frequency of occurrence is set to 5 disturbances that occur in an observation period of 10 seconds. Thus, a disturbance lasting longer than 500ms will trigger the duration threshold. Additionally, any disturbance that occurs more than 5 times in a 10 second time interval will trigger the threshold frequency of occurrence.

In one embodiment, a disturbance may be considered to adversely affect signal integrity in communication systems 1605 when the duration threshold is only exceeded. In another embodiment, a disturbance can be considered to adversely affect signal integrity in communication systems 1605 when both the duration threshold and the occurrence threshold frequency are exceeded. The latter modality in this manner is more conservative than the former modality for classifying disturbances that adversely affect signal integrity in communication system 1605. It will be appreciated that many other algorithms and associated parameters and thresholds can be used for the step

1710 according to exemplary modalities.

Referring again to method 1700, if in step 1710 the disturbance detected in step 1708 does not meet the condition to adversely affect communication (eg, does not exceed the duration threshold or the threshold frequency of occurrence), the Waveguide system 1402 can proceed to step 1702 and continue processing messages. For example, if the disturbance detected in step 1708 lasts for 1 ms with a single occurrence in a 10 second time period, then no threshold will be exceeded. Accordingly, such a disturbance can be considered to have a nominal effect on signal integrity in communication system 1605 and thus would not be indicated as a disturbance requiring mitigation. Although not indicated, the disturbance occurrence, its time of occurrence, its frequency of occurrence, spectral data, and / or other useful information may be reported to the network management system 1601 as telemetry data for monitoring purposes.

Referring again to step 1710, if on the one hand the disturbance satisfies the condition to adversely affect communication (eg, exceeds either threshold), waveguide system 1402 may proceed to step 1712 and report the incident to the 1601 network management system. The report may include unprocessed detection data collected by the 1404 sensor, a description of the disturbance if known from the 1402 waveguide system, a time of occurrence of the disturbance, a frequency of occurrence of the disturbance, a location associated with the disturbance, parameter readings such as bit error rate, packet loss rate, retransmission requests, jitter, latency and so on. If the disturbance is based on a prediction using one more 1402 waveguide system sensors, the report may include a type of expected disturbance, and if predictable, an expected time of occurrence of the disturbance, and an expected frequency of occurrence of the predicted disturbance when the prediction is based on historical detection data collected by the sensors 1404 of the waveguide system 1402.

In step 1714, network management system 1601 may determine a mitigation, circumvention, or correction technique, which may include directing waveguide system 1402 to re-route traffic to bypass the disturbance if the location of the disturbance can be determined. In one embodiment, the disturbance sensing waveguide system 1402 may direct a repeater 1802 such as that shown in FIGURE 18A to connect the waveguide system 1402 of a primary power line 1804 affected by the disturbance to a secondary power line 1806 to enable waveguide system 1402 to reroute traffic to a different transmission medium and prevent disturbance 1801. In an embodiment where waveguide system 1402 is configured as a repeater, such repeater 1802, waveguide system 1402 can itself reroute traffic from primary power line 1804 to the power line. secondary energy 1806. It will be further appreciated that for bi-directional communication (eg, full or half-duplex communication) repeater 1802 can be configured to reroute traffic from secondary power line 1806 back to primary power line 1804 to be processed by the system. of waveguide 1402.

In another embodiment, waveguide system 1402 can redirect traffic by instructing a first repeater 1812 located upstream of the disturbance and a second repeater 1814 located downstream of the disturbance to direct traffic from a primary power line 1804. temporarily to a secondary power line 1806 and back to primary power line 1804 in a manner that avoids disturbance 1801 as shown in FIGURE 18B. It will be further noted that for bi-directional communication (eg, full or half-duplex communication) repeaters 1812 and 1814 can be configured to reroute traffic from secondary power line 1806 back to the primary power line

1804 .

To avoid interrupting existing communication sessions that occur on a secondary 1806 power line, the network management system 1601 may direct the guidance system 1402 (in the FIGURES 18A and 18B modalities) to instruct the repeaters to use unused time slots and / or frequency bands of the power line secondary 1806 to redirect data and / or voice traffic away from primary power line 1804 to bypass disturbance 1801.

In step 1716, although traffic is rerouted to avoid disruption, network management system 1601 may notify the utility company 1602 team and / or the communication service provider team 1604, which in turn you can notify utility company staff 1606 and / or communication service provider staff 1608 of the disturbance detected at your location if known. Field personnel from anywhere can attend to resolve the disturbance at a particular disturbance location. Once the disturbance is eliminated or otherwise mitigated by public service company personnel such as communication service provider personnel, such personnel may notify their respective company or network management system 1601 using the equipment in the field (for example, a laptop computer, a smartphone, etc.) communicatively coupled to the network management system 1601 and / or to the equipment of the public utility company and / or the communication service provider. The notification may include a description of how the disturbance was mitigated and any changes to the 1410 power lines that may change a topology of the 1605 communication system.

Once the disturbance has been resolved, the network management system 1601 can direct the waveguide system 1402 to step 1720 to restore the previous routing configuration used by the waveguide system 1402 or route the traffic from Based on a new routing configuration if the restore strategy used to mitigate the disturbance resulted in a new network topology of the 1605 communication system. In another embodiment, waveguide system 1402 can be configured to monitor disturbance mitigation by transmitting test signals on power line 1410 to determine when the disturbance has been removed. Once waveguide 1402 detects an absence of the disturbance it can autonomously restore its routing configuration without assistance by network management system 1601 if it determines that the network topology of communication system 1605 has not changed, or you can use a new routing configuration that is adapted to a new discovered network topology.

FIGURE 17B illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method 1750 for detecting and mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication network of system 1600 of FIGURE 16. In one embodiment, method 1750 may start with step 1752 where a network management system 1601 receives maintenance information associated with a maintenance program from the utility company 1602 equipment or the communication service provider 1604 equipment. . The network management system 1601 at step 1754 can identify from the maintenance information, maintenance activities to be performed 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 1410, scheduled replacement of a waveguide system 1402 on power line 1410 , scheduled reconfiguration of power lines 1410 in power network 1603, etc.).

In another embodiment, network management system 1601 may receive in step 1755 telemetry information from one or more waveguide systems 1402. The telemetry information may include, among other things, an identity of each waveguide system 1402 that sends the telemetry information, measurements taken by sensors 1404 of each waveguide system 1402, information related to the expected, estimated or actual disturbances detected by the sensors 1404 of each waveguide system 1402, location information associated with each waveguide system 1402, an estimated location of a detected disturbance, an identification of the disturbance, and so on. The network management system 1601 can determine from the telemetry information a type of disturbance that may be adverse to waveguide operations, transmission of electromagnetic waves along the wire surface, or both. Network management system 1601 can also use telemetry information from multiple waveguide systems 1402 to isolate and identify the disturbance. Additionally, the network management system 1601 may request telemetry information from waveguide systems 1402 in close proximity to the affected waveguide system 1402 to triangulate a location of the disturbance and / or validate a disturbance identification by receive similar telemetry information from other 1402 waveguide systems.

In yet another embodiment, network management system 1601 may receive at step 1756 an unscheduled activity report from maintenance field personnel. Unscheduled maintenance can occur as a result of unplanned field calls or as a result of unexpected field problems discovered during field calls or scheduled maintenance activities. The activity report can identify changes to a 1603 power network topology configuration resulting from field personnel addressing problems discovered in the 1605 communication system and / or 1603 power network, changes to one or more systems of waveguides 1402 (such as replacement or repair of the same), mitigation of disturbances made in 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 whether a disturbance has occurred or is predicted to occur. will occur 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 anticipated disturbance requires re-routing of the traffic by the affected waveguide systems 1402 or other waveguide systems 1402 of the communication system. 1605.

When a disturbance is detected or predicted at step 1758, network management system 1601 can proceed to step

1760 where you can direct one or more waveguide systems 1402 to re-route traffic to bypass the disturbance similar to the illustrations in FIGURE 18A or FIGURE 18B. When the disturbance is permanent due to a permanent topology change of the power grid 1603, the grid management system 1601 can proceed to step 1770 and skip steps 1762, 1764, 1766, and 1772. In step 1770, network management system 1601 may direct one or more waveguide systems 1402 to use a new routing configuration that is adapted to the new topology. However, when the disturbance has been detected from telemetry information supplied by one or more waveguide systems 1402, the network management system 1601 may notify the maintenance personnel of the utility company 1606 or the provider of communication services 1608 of a disturbance location, a type of disturbance if known, and related information that may be useful for such personnel to mitigate the disturbance. When a disturbance is expected due to maintenance activities, the network management system 1601 can direct one or more waveguide systems 1402 to reconfigure traffic routes in a given program (consistent with the maintenance program) to avoid disruptions caused for maintenance activities during the maintenance program.

Returning back to step 1760 and upon completion, the process can continue with step 1762. At step 1762, the network management system 1601 can monitor when disturbances have been mitigated by field personnel. Mitigation of a disturbance can be detected at step 1762 by analyzing field reports sent to network management system 1601 by field personnel through a communication network (eg, cellular communication system) using equipment in field (for example, a laptop computer or laptop computer / device). If field personnel have reported that a disturbance has been mitigated, the network management system 1601 may proceed to step 1764 to determine from the field report whether a change in topology was required to mitigate the disturbance. A topology change may include rerouting a power line 1410, reconfiguring a waveguide system 1402 to use a different power line 1410, otherwise using an alternative link to bypass the disturbance, and so on. If a topology change occurred, network management system 1601 may direct one or more waveguide systems 1402 to step 1770 to use a new routing configuration that is adapted to the new topology.

If, however, a topology change has not been reported by field personnel, network management system 1601 can proceed to step 1766 where it can direct one or more waveguide systems 1402 to send test signals to test a routing configuration that had been used prior to the detected disturbance. Test signals can be sent to affected waveguide systems 1402 in close proximity to the disturbance. Test signals can be used to determine if signal disturbances (eg, electromagnetic wave reflections) are detected by any of the 1402 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 direct in step 1772 the affected waveguide systems 1402 to restore a routing configuration previous. If, however, test signals analyzed by one or more waveguide systems 1402 and reports to network management systems 1601 indicate that new disturbances or disturbances are present, then network management system 1601 will proceed to step 1768 and will report this information to field staff to further address field problems. The network management system 1601 can - continue in this situation to monitor disturbance mitigation in step 1762.

In the embodiments mentioned above, waveguide systems 1402 can be configured to self-adapt to changes in power grid 1603 and / or to mitigate disturbances. That is, one or more affected waveguide systems 1402 can be configured to self-monitor disturbance mitigation and reconfigure traffic routes without requiring instructions to be sent to them via network management system 1601. In this embodiment, one or more self-configuring waveguide systems 1402 can inform network management system 1601 of its routing choices so that network management system 1601 can maintain a macro level view of the communication topology of the 1605 communication system.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks, in FIGURE 17A and FIGURE 17B, respectively, it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, because some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than what is represented and described herein. Furthermore, all illustrated blocks may not be required to implement the methods described herein.

FIGURE 19 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a 1900 method of providing communication services. Method 1900 can be implemented by a processor (eg, a microprocessor or circuit) such as the illustrative processor of waveguide system 1402 of FIGURE 14 that executes instructions stored in memory to perform the steps of method 1900. Method 1900 can start with step 1902 where waveguide system 1402 generates a signal comprising information and control data. Data in the present context may come from voice services, real-time data services (for example, streaming video), non-real-time data services (for example, Internet browser), location information, information telemetry or other data sources. In one embodiment, the control information may comprise network information for directing data to other waveguide systems 1402 and / or receiving devices served by waveguide systems 1402.

In one embodiment, the control information and data may be transmitted by the waveguide system 1402 on one or more control channels and one or more transmission bands included in electromagnetic wave signals generated by the waveguide system 1402- See illustration in FIGURE 20. In another embodiment, the control information may further identify subbands or subchannels for transporting portions of the data directed to other waveguide systems 1402 and / or receiving devices serviced by the other waveguide systems 1402. In addition to the network information (for example, IP source and destination addresses or other network source and destination addresses), the control information may include descriptive information of a modulation scheme selected to send data, range allocations of time, carrier frequencies used, error correction schemes used, etc. Control information in this manner may represent different forms of signaling information to manage the transmission of data from waveguide system 1402 to other waveguide systems 1402 and / or receiver devices serviced by the other waveguide systems. waves 1402. Frequency division, time division or broad spectrum techniques can be used by means of the waveguide system 1402 to transmit information in the channels and band and / or sub-bands of the electromagnetic wave signals for multiple accesses and / or for duplex application. Other modulation techniques suitable for transmitting information using the 1402 waveguide system can be used.

In step 1904, waveguide system 1402 can modulate the signal generated in step 1902 to generate first electromagnetic waves using a first control channel and at least one of a first plurality of bands. This step can be performed by a transmitter portion of a transceiver used by waveguide system 1402 such as, for example, transceiver 503 shown in FIGURE 5. In step 1906, the first electromagnetic waves can propagate on an outer surface of waveguide 1406, which in turn induces second electromagnetic waves that propagate on an outer surface of a transmission medium (such as the power line 1410 of FIGURE 14). The first electromagnetic waves can have a first mode of propagation, while the second electromagnetic waves can have a second mode of propagation.

In one embodiment, the first mode of propagation may be exclusively symmetric electromagnetic waves (fundamental mode) inducing second electromagnetic waves having a propagation mode that includes symmetric electromagnetic waves (fundamental mode combined with asymmetric electromagnetic waves (non-fundamental mode). This modality, the first and second propagation modes differ, In other modalities the first and second propagation modes may be the same. For example, the first and second modes of propagation may comprise a combination of fundamental and non-fundamental electromagnetic waves. In another example, the first and second modes of propagation may comprise exclusively fundamental electromagnetic waves. Additionally, an operating (or carrier) frequency of the electromagnetic waves in the first and second propagation modes may be the same or different.

The first control channel may comprise the control information mentioned in step 1902. One or more sub-bands or sub-channels in at least one band of the first plurality of bands may include portions of the data generated in step 1902. As illustrated in the spectral diagrams in FIGURE 20, there can be multiple control channels and multiple bands on the uplink. A first control channel mentioned in step 1904 may represent one of the control channels shown in FIGURE 20, which is accompanied by one or more bands. Each band shown in FIGURE 20 can be made up of sub-bands or sub-channels. Any spectral arrangement can be used in a given bandwidth of an electromagnetic wave signal. For example, at millimeter wavelengths, an uplink may have 5GHz bands with a control channel between pairs of bands. Each 5 GHz band can be made up of sub-bands or channels that can be of any desirable bandwidth (for example 1000 instances of 5 MHz channels).

Referring again to method 1900, in step 1912, waveguide system 1402 can receive fourth electromagnetic waves, via waveguide 1406. Fourth electromagnetic waves can be induced by third electromagnetic waves propagating on an outer surface from the 1410 power line. A receiver portion of the transceiver 503 shown in FIGURE 5 can be used to selectively obtain in step 1914 a second control channel and at least one band of the fourth electromagnetic waves. In step 1916, waveguide processor 1402 can retrieve control information from the second control channel and data from at least one band obtained in step 1914. FIGURE 20 illustrates the downlink.

The third electromagnetic waves propagating on power line 1410 may have a first mode of propagation, while the fourth electromagnetic waves propagating on waveguide 1406 may have a second mode of propagation. In one embodiment, the first mode of propagation may be exclusively symmetric electromagnetic waves (fundamental mode) that induce fourth electromagnetic waves having a second mode of propagation that includes symmetric electromagnetic waves (fundamental mode combined with asymmetric electromagnetic waves (non-fundamental mode). In this mode, the first and second modes of propagation differ.

In other modes, the first and second modes of propagation may be the same. For example, the first and second modes of propagation may comprise a combination of fundamental and non-fundamental electromagnetic waves. In another example, the first and second modes of propagation may comprise exclusively fundamental electromagnetic waves. It will be appreciated that the propagation modes for transmitting electromagnetic waves by the 1402 waveguide system may differ from the propagation modes of the electromagnetic waves received by the 1402 waveguide system. Additionally, an operating (or carrier) frequency The electromagnetic waves transmitted or received in the first and second propagation modes can be the same or different.

Referring again to FIGURE 20, in one embodiment, the uplink and the downlink may be separated by a security band to avoid interference. Although not specifically shown, security bands can be inserted between channels or sub-bands for similar purposes. In one embodiment, the uplink can have an equal number of control channels and bands as the downlink. In one embodiment, the spectral assignments for the uplink and the downlink can be symmetric so that the communication bandwidths are the same. In another embodiment, the uplink and the downlink may have asymmetric spectral assignments so that one link may have more communication bandwidth than the other. Additionally, the bandwidth of the bands on the link

100 uplink and downlink may differ from each other. For illustration purposes only, the control channels and bands and their corresponding sub-bands of the downlink and uplink are shown as symmetric. Furthermore, although the uplink and downlink bands are shown as divided into contiguous channels, one or more noncontiguous channels or frequency ranges may be combined to constitute either the uplink spectrum or the downlink spectrum. In addition, even if channels are displayed with the same spectral width, unequal channel sizes can be used for spectral efficiency in the presence of different types of traffic such as: real-time vs. non-real-time, inherited vs. non-inherited, video vs. others types of continuous or non-continuous transmission traffic, etc.

In the spectral configuration of FIGURE 20, a waveguide system 1402 can perform full duplex communication with other waveguide systems and / or with the receiving devices served by the other waveguide systems. In other embodiments, the spectral configuration of FIGURE 20 can be adapted for semi-duplex or simplex communication. It will be further appreciated that other spectral arrangements are possible. For example, the 1402 waveguide system can be configured to modulate electromagnetic wave signals according to ultra-bandwidth techniques involving widths.

101 bandwidths greater than 500 MHz and an energy level that falls below the energy limits established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for ultra-bandwidth rules promulgated by the FCC. In this arrangement, the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the waveguide systems 1402 through a transmission medium can be treated as spectrum without a license.

It will be further noted that signals from other communication systems, such as LTE or Voice over LTE (VoLTE) signals from a cellular communication system or signals from a media communication system such as a cable TV system or TV broadcast system, can be embedded in the bands or sub-bands shown in FIGURE 20. Consequently, the signals or data carried over the downlink or uplink shown in FIGURE 20 can originate from any content source in real time and in non-real time.

It will be further appreciated that inter-carrier communication can be achieved by the spectral arrangement of FIGURE 20. For example, service providers may each be assigned exclusively to different control channels and / or different bands or sub-bands. Consequently, a transmission medium such as a power line can be shared by multiple service providers that offer

102 communication services to its subscribers.

Although for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIGURE 19 it will be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, because some blocks may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other blocks than what is represented and described herein. Furthermore, all illustrated blocks may not be required to implement the methods described herein. It will be further noted that the modalities of method 1900 can be adapted to use any of the modalities of the subject description including without limitation the modalities related to waveguide systems, waveguides, couplers, repeaters, sensors, etc.

Referring now to FIGURE 21, a block diagram of a computing environment according to various aspects described herein is illustrated. In order to provide additional context for various modalities of the modalities described herein, FIGURE 21 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief overview of a suitable computing environment 2100 in which the various modalities of the object description. Although the modalities have been described above in the general context of computer executable instructions

103 which can be run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the modalities can also be implemented in conjunction with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software.

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

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

104

The illustrated disclosures of the embodiments herein can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located on local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which may comprise computer readable storage media and / or communication media, the two terms of which are used herein differently from each other as follows. Computer readable media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media may be implemented in conjunction with any method or technology for information storage such as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data.

Computer readable storage media can comprise, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Memory Only

105 electrically erasable programmable read (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, read-only memory compact disc (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, storage on magnetic disk or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and / or non-transient means that can be used to store desired information. In this regard, the terms tangible or non-transitory herein as applied to storage, memory or computer-readable media will be understood to exclude only transitional signals that propagate per se as modifiers and do not waive rights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media that are not just transient signals propagating per se.

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

The media typically encompasses computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other structured or unstructured data.

106 structured in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, eg, a carrier wave or other transport mechanisms, and comprises any information provision or transport means. The term modulated data signal or signals refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a way that they encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, the communication means comprise wired means such as wired network or direct wired connection, and wireless means such as acoustic, RE, infrared and other wireless means.

Referring again to FIGURE 21, the exemplary environment 2100 for transmitting and receiving signals via or forming at least part of a base station (eg, base station 102, 104, or 520 devices) or central office (eg, office central 101, 1411 or 2000). At least a portion of the exemplary environment 2100 can also be used for repeater devices (eg, repeater devices 710, or 806). The exemplary environment may comprise a computer 2102, computer 2102 comprises a processing unit 2104, a system memory 2106 and a system bus 2108. System bus 2108 couples system components including, but not limited to, system memory 2106 to processing unit 2104. Processing unit 2104 may be

107 any of several commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures such as processing unit 2104 can also be used.

System bus 2108 can be any of several types of bus structures that can further be 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 architectures. commercially available bus stops. System memory 2106 includes ROM 2110 and RAM 2112. A basic input-output system (BIOS) can be stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, the BIOS of which contains the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 2102, such as during startup. RAM 2112 may also comprise high-speed RAM such as static RAM for cache data.

Computer 2102 further comprises a 2114 internal hard disk controller (HDD) (eg EIDE, SATA), whose internal 2114 hard disk controller 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, to read a CD-ROM disk 2122

108 or, to read from or write to another high-capacity optical medium such as DVD). Hard disk drive 2114, magnetic disk drive 2116, and optical disk drive 2120 can be connected to system bus 2108 by a hard disk drive interface 2124, a magnetic disk drive interface 2126, and a drive interface. optical disk 2128, respectively. The 2124 interface for external drive deployments comprises at least one or both Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive 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, and so on. For computer 2102, the drives and storage media house the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of the computer readable storage medium above refers to a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic floppy disk, and a removable optical medium such as a CD or DVD, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, cassettes

109 Magnetics, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and in addition, that any storage medium may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods described herein.

A number of programming modules may be stored in the drives and RAM 2112, comprising an operating system 2130, one or more application programs 2132, other programming modules 2134 and programming data 2136. All or part of the operating system, applications, Module and / or data can also be cached in RAM 2112. The systems and methods described herein can be implemented using various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems. Example application programs 2132 that can be implemented and executed in other ways by processing unit 2104 include diversity selection determination performed by repeater device 806. Base station device 508 shown in FIGURE 5 also has many applications and programs stored in memory that can be run by processing unit 2104 in this exemplary computing environment 2100.

A user can enter commands and information into the 2102 computer through one or more input devices

110 wired / wireless, 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 remote control video games, a stylus, a touch screen, or the like. These and other input devices are frequently connected to the processing unit 2104 through an input device interface 2142 that is attached to the 2108 system bus, but can be connected through other interfaces, such as a parallel port, serial port IEEE 1394, a video game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an IR interface, etc.

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

111 etc .

Computer 2102 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and / or wireless communication to one or more remote computers, such as a 2148 remote computer. Remote 2148 computers can be a workstation, server computer, router, personal computer, laptop, microprocessor-based entertainment device, peer device, or other common network node, and typically comprise many or all the items described in relation to computer 2102, although, for brevity, only one memory / storage device 2150 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise wireless / wired connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 2152 and / or larger networks eg, a wide area network (WAN) 2154. Such LAN and WAN environments are common in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communication network, for example, the Internet.

When using a LAN network environment, computer 2102 can connect 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

112

Wireless AP arranged in it for communication with the 2156 wireless adapter.

When used in a WAN network environment, computer 2102 may comprise a 2158 modem, or it may connect to a communication server on WAN 2154, or have other means of establishing communication through WAN 2154, such as by Internet. Modem 2158, which can be internal or external, and a wired or wireless device, can connect to system bus 2108 through input device interface 2142. In a networked environment, the program modules depicted in relation to computer 2102, or portions thereof, may be stored in remote memory / storage device 2150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are examples and other means. It can be used to establish a communication link between computers.

Computer 2102 can be operated to communicate with any wireless device or entity operatively arranged in wireless communication, for example, a printer, a scanner, a desktop and / or laptop computer, portable data assistant, communication satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (eg, a kiosk, newsstand, restroom), and telephone. This may comprise

113 wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the internet from a sofa at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to using a cell phone that enables such devices, for example computers, to send and receive data indoors and outdoors; anywhere within the margin of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.il ((a, b, g, n, ac, etc.) to provide fast, reliable, secure wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the internet, and to wired networks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the 2.4 and 5GHz unlicensed radio bands for example or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so that the networks can provide real performance similar to the basic lOBaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.

FIGURE 22 depicts an exemplary embodiment 2200 of a mobile network platform 2210 that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter described in

114 Present. In one or more embodiments, mobile network platform 2210 can generate and receive signals transmitted and received by base stations (eg, base station devices 102, 104, or 520), central office (eg, central office 101, 1411 or 2000) or repeater devices (eg, repeater devices 710 or 806) associated with the disclosed subject matter. Generally, the wireless network platform 2210 may comprise components, eg, nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or different platforms, that facilitate both packet switched (PS) traffic (eg, internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit switched (CS) (eg voice and data) as well as control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, the wireless network platform 2210 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 2210 comprises CS 2212 gateway nodes which can interconnect CS traffic received from legacy networks such as 2240 telephone networks (eg public switched telephone network (PSTN) or public land mobile network (PLMN )) or Signaling System Network # 7 (SS7) 2270. Circuit switched gateway nodes 2212 can authorize and authenticate

115 traffic (eg voice) originating from such networks. Additionally, the CS 2212 gateway nodes can access mobility data, or roaming data generated through the SS7 2270 network; for example, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR), which may reside in memory 2230. In addition, the CS 2212 gateway nodes interconnect CS-based traffic and signaling and the PS 2218 gateway nodes. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, the gateway nodes of CS 2212 can be performed at least in part on gateway GPRS support nodes (GGSN). It will be appreciated that the specific functionality and operation of the CS 2212 gateway nodes, PS 2218 gateway nodes, and 2216 service nodes are provided and dictated by radio technologies used by the network platform. mobile 2210 for telecommunication.

In addition to receiving and processing switched CS traffic and signaling, PS 2218 gateway nodes can authorize and authenticate PS-based data transfers with served mobile devices. The data sessions may comprise traffic, or content, exchanged with external networks with the wireless network platform 2210, such as 2250 wide area networks (WANS), 2270 business networks, and 2280 service networks, which can be represented in networks of area

116 Local (LANs) can also interconnect with the mobile network platform 2210 through PS 2218 gateway nodes. It should be noted that WANs 2250 and 2260 business networks can incorporate, at least in part, service networks such as IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Based on the radio technology layers available in technology resources 2217, packet switched gateway nodes 2218 can generate packet data protocol contexts when a data session is established; Other data structures that facilitate routing of packet data can also be generated. To that end, in one aspect, the PS 2218 gateway nodes may comprise a tunnel interface (eg Tunnel Determination Gateway (TTG) in 3GPP UMT networks (not shown) that can facilitate communication. in packets with different wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi networks.

In mode 2200, a wireless network platform 2210 also comprises service nodes 2216 that, based on the radio technology layers available within technology resources 2217, carry the various streams in packets of data streams received through from the PS 2218 gateway nodes. It should be noted that for the 2217 technology resources that rely primarily on CS communication, the server nodes can supply traffic without

117 depend on PS 2218 gateway nodes; for example, server nodes may incorporate at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, service nodes 2216 can be incorporated into service GPRS support nodes (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packet communication, servers 2214 on wireless network platform 2210 can run numerous applications that can generate multiple streams or streams of data in different packets, and manage (eg, schedule, query, format such flows. Such applications may comprise additional features to the standard services (for example provisioning, billing, customer service ...) provided by the 2210 wireless network platform. Data streams (eg content that is part of a voice call or data session) can be transported to PS 2218 gateway nodes for authorization / authentication and initiation of a data session, and to service nodes 2216 for communication after that. In addition to the application server, servers 2214 can comprise public service servers, a public service server can comprise a provisioning server, an operations and maintenance server, a firewall that can implement at least in part

118 a certificate of authority and firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In one aspect, firewalls ensure attended communication through the 2210 wireless network platform to ensure the operation and integrity of network data in addition to authorizing and authenticating procedures that gateway nodes CS 2212 and PS 2218 gateway nodes can enact. In addition, provisioning servers can provide external network services such as networks operated by a different service provider; for example, WAN 2250 or Global Positioning System (GPS) networks not shown). The provisioning server can also provide coverage through the networks associated with the wireless network platform 2210 (eg, implemented and operated by the same service provider), such as the distributed antenna networks shown in FIGURE 1 that improve wireless service coverage by providing more network coverage. Repeater devices such as those shown in FIGURE 7, FIGURE 8, and FIGURE 9 also improve network coverage for the purpose of improving the subscriber service experience through UE 2275.

It should be noted that 2214 servers may comprise one or more processors configured to confer at least in part

119 the functionality of the 2210 macro network platform. For that purpose, one or more processors may execute code instructions stored in memory 2230, for example. It will be appreciated that servers 2214 may comprise a content manager 2215, which operates in substantially the same manner as described above.

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

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the subject matter described, FIGURE 22,

120 and the following discussion, is intended to provide a brief overview of an appropriate environment in which the various aspects of the subject matter described can be implemented. Although the subject matter has been described in the foregoing 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 described subject matter may also be implemented. along with other program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks and / or implement particular abstract data types.

FIGURE 23 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 2300. Communication device 2300 can serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as mobile devices and devices in buildings referenced by the subject description (for example, in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 14).

Communication device 2300 may comprise a wired and / or wireless transceiver 2302 (herein transceiver 2302), a user interface (UI) 2304, a power supply 2314, a location receiver 2316, a motion sensor 2318 , a 2320 orientation sensor and a controller

121

2306 to manage its operations. The 2302 transceiver can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to name a few (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks of the Bluetooth® special interests and the ZigBee® alliance, 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 as they arise. The transceiver 2302 can also be adapted to support circuit switched wireless access technologies (such as PSTN), packet switched wire access technologies (such as TCP / IP, VoIP, etc.) and combinations thereof.

The UI 2304 may include a pressable or touch-sensitive keyboard 2308 with a navigation mechanism such as a trackball, joystick, mouse, or navigation pad to manipulate operations of the communication device 2300. Keyboard 2308 can be an integral part of a 2300 communication device housing assembly or a standalone device operably coupled to it via a tethered wired interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface that supports, for example, Bluetooth®. The 2308 keyboard can represent a numeric keyboard

122 Commonly used by phones and / or a QWERTY keyboard with alphanumeric keys. The UI 2304 may further include a display device 2310 such as a monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for bringing images to an end user of the display device. communication 2300. In an embodiment where display device 2310 is touch sensitive, a portion or all of keyboard 2308 may be displayed by display device 2310 with navigation features.

The display device 2310 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device 2300 can be adapted to present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with the touch of a finger. The 2310 touch screen may be equipped with capacitive, resistive, or other forms of detection technology to detect how much of the user's finger surface area has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This detection information can be used to control the manipulation of GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display device 2310 can be a

123 An integral part of the housing assembly of the 2300 communication device or a separate device communicatively coupled thereto via a tethered wired interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI2304 can also include a 2312 audio system that uses audio technology to transmit low volume audio (such as audio heard in close proximity to a human ear) and high volume audio (such as a telephone speaker for hands-free operation. ). Audio system 2312 may further include a microphone to receive audible signals from an end user. The 2312 audio system can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI 2304 may further include an image sensor 2313 such as a charge coupled device (CCD) camera to capture still or moving images.

Power supply 2314 can 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 communication device 2300 to facilitate portable communication of long and short range. Alternatively or in combination, the charging system may use external power sources such as DC power managed through a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable network tethering technologies.

124

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 GPS satellite constellation, which it can be used to facilitate location services such as navigation. Motion sensor 2318 can use motion detection technology such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other appropriate motion detection technology to detect motion of 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).

Communication device 2300 can use transceiver 2302 to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless access point using detection techniques such as using a received signal resistance (RSSI) indicator and / or measurements signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF). Controller 2306 can use computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),

125 Programmable gate arrangements, application specific integrated circuits, and / or video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned components of the 2300 communication device.

Other components not shown in FIGURE 23 can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject 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.

In the subject specification, terms such as store, storage, data warehouse, data warehouse, database, and substantially any other information storage component relevant to the operation and functionality of a component, refers to memory components, or entities represented in a report or components that comprise the report. It will be appreciated that the memory components described herein can be either volatile memories or nonvolatile memories, or

126 they may comprise both volatile and nonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and without limitation, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. In addition, nonvolatile memory can be included in read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as 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), Synchlink type DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus type RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, understanding these or any other suitable type of memory.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the described subject matter can be practiced with other computer system configurations, comprising single or multi-processor computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, portable computing devices (eg PDA, phone, watch, tablet computers, notebook computers, etc.), programmable or based consumer or industrial electronics

127 in microprocessors and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network; however, some if not all aspects of the object description can be practiced on autonomous computers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located on local and remote memory storage devices.

Some of the modalities described herein may also employ artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate the automation of one or more features described herein. For example, artificial intelligence can be used to determine the positions around a wire that dielectric waveguides 604 and 606 should place in order to maximize transfer efficiency. The modalities (for example, in conjunction with the automatically acquired cell identification sites that provide maximum value / benefit after addition to an existing communication network) may employ various AI-based schemes to carry out various modalities of the same. Furthermore, the classifier can be used to determine a category or priority of each cell site in the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps a

128 input attribute vector, X = (xl, x2, x3, x4,..., xn), to a trust that the input belongs to a class, that is, f (x) = trust (class). Such a classification may employ statistical and / or probabilistic analysis (for example, factoring in analysis and cost services) to forecast or infer an action that a user wants to perform automatically. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that you can use. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the possible input space, that the hypersurface tries to divide the trigger criteria from the non-trigger events. Intuitively, this causes the classification to correct test data that is close to, but not identical to, the training data. Other directed and undirected model classification procedures comprising, for example, simple Bayes, Bayecian networks, decision trees, neutral networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models that provide different patterns of independence may be employed. 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 classifying modalities that are explicitly trained (eg, by generic training data) can be employed as well

129 as implicitly trained (eg ^ via observation UE behavior, operator preferences, historical information, extrinsic receiving information). For example, SVMs can be configured through a learning or training phase within a classifier builder and feature selection module. Thus, classifiers can be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited to determining according to predetermined criteria which of the purchased cell sites will benefit from a maximum number of subscribers and / or which of the sites Cell phones purchased will add a minimum value to the existing communication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, the terms component, system, and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise a computer related entity or an operational apparatus related entity with one or more specific functionality, where the entity can be hardware, a combination of hardware and software, running software or 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, instructions executable by computer and / or a computer. By way of illustration and

130 Without limitation, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or a thread of execution and a component may be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be run from various computer-readable media that have various data structures stored on them. Components can communicate through local and / or remote processes such as according to a signal that has one or more data packets (for example, data from a component that interacts with another component in a local system, distributed system and / or through of a network such as the Internet with other systems using the signal). As another example, a component may 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 may be internal or external. to the device and run at least 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

131 functionality of electronic components. Although various 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 eg exemplary modalities.

Furthermore, the various modalities can be implemented as a method, apparatus or article to manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the described subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, or computer-readable storage / communication medium. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage devices (eg, hard drive, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical discs (eg, compact disc (CD), disk versatile digital (DVD)), smart cards and flash memory devices (eg cards, sticks, memory stick). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or

132 spirit of the various modalities.

Furthermore, the words example and exemplary are used herein to mean that it serves as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as an example or example is not necessarily construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Instead, the use of the word example or exemplar is intended to present concepts in a concrete way. As used in this application, the term o is intended to mean one or inclusive rather than one or exclusive. That is, unless otherwise specified or clarified from the context, X uses A or B is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X uses A; X employs B; or X uses both A and B, then X uses A or B is satisfied under any of the preceding instances. Furthermore, articles one and one as used in this application and in the appended claims are generally to be construed as meaning one or more unless otherwise specified or clarified from the context to address a singular form.

In addition, terms such as user equipment, mobile station, mobile, subscriber station, access terminal, terminal, hearing aids, mobile device (and / or terms representing similar terminology) may refer

133 to a wireless device used by a subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive or carry data, control, voice, video, sound, games, or substantially any data stream or signaling stream. The above terms are used interchangeably herein and with reference to related drawings.

In addition, the terms user, subscriber, customer, consumer and the like are used interchangeably throughout this document, unless the context warns of particular distinctions between the terms. It will be appreciated that such terms may refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (eg, an ability to make inference based on at least complex mathematical formalisms), which may provide simulated vision, sound recognition, etc. .

As used herein, the term processor can refer to substantially any compute processing unit or device that comprises, but is not limited to, simple core processors; simple processors with multi-process software execution capabilities; multi centric processors; multi-centric processors with multi-process software execution capabilities; processors

134 multi centric with multi process hardware technology; Parallel platforms and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor may refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate arrangement (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 exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, quantum dot-based and molecular transistors, switches, and gates, in order to optimize space use or improve user equipment performance. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of compute processing units.

As used herein, terms such as data storage, database, and substantially any other information storage component relevant to the operation and functionality of a component, refers to a memory component or entities represented in a memory. or components that comprise memory. It will be appreciated that the memory or media components

135 Computer readable storage described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.

As used herein, the term millimeter wave can refer to electromagnetic waves falling within the millimeter wave frequency band of 30 GHz to 300GHz. The term microwaves can refer to electromagnetic waves that fall within the microwaves frequency band of 300 MHz to 300GHz.

What has been described above includes mere examples of various modalities. Of course, it is impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for the purpose of describing these examples, but someone with ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many additional combinations and permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the modalities described and / or claimed herein are intended to encompass all alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, insofar as the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such a term is intended to be inclusive in a similar way to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim.

136

Although specific modalities have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that any arrangement that achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the modalities described or shown by the subject description. The object description is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various modalities. Combinations of the above modalities and other modalities not specifically described may be used in the object description. For example, one or more characteristics of one or more modalities may be combined with one or more characteristics of one or more of other modalities. In one or more modalities, the characteristics that are mentioned positively are also mentioned negatively and are excluded from the modality with or without being replaced by another structural and / or functional characteristic. The steps or functions described with respect to the modalities of the object description can be carried out in any order. The stages or functions described with respect to the modalities of the object description can be performed alone or in combination with other stages or functions of the object description, as well as from other modalities or from other stages that have not been described in the description. object. Furthermore, more or less of all the features described with respect to an embodiment can also be used.

Contents6

24 members in 9 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim

Priority claims3

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
14519388	United States of America	–	2014-10-21
201414519388	United States of America	A	2014-10-21
2015051163	United States of America	W	2015-09-21

Members24

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
US2016112132A1	United States of America	A1	2016-04-21
CA2963773A1	Canada	A1	2016-04-28
WO2016064503A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2016-04-28
US2016294444A1	United States of America	A1	2016-10-06
US9520945B2	United States of America	B2	2016-12-13
US9596001B2	United States of America	B2	2017-03-14
US2017117939A1	United States of America	A1	2017-04-27
US2017117941A1	United States of America	A1	2017-04-27
KR20170072299A	Republic of Korea	A	2017-06-26
MX2017005079A	Mexico	A	2017-07-05
CN107005275A	China	A	2017-08-01
EP3210311A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2017-08-30
JP2018500787A	Japan	A	2018-01-11
US9948355B2	United States of America	B2	2018-04-17
BR112017008005A2	Brazil	A2	2018-06-19
US2018198485A1	United States of America	A1	2018-07-12
KR101983011B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2019-05-29
JP6553182B2	Japan	B2	2019-07-31
US10389405B2	United States of America	B2	2019-08-20
MX368487BThis record	Mexico	B	2019-10-04
US2019334582A1	United States of America	A1	2019-10-31
MX2019011862A	Mexico	A	2019-11-21
US10666322B2	United States of America	B2	2020-05-26
US10797756B2	United States of America	B2	2020-10-06

Apparatus for providing communication services and methods thereof.

Abstract

Term

Y04S40 / 121; Y04S40 / 146

APPARATUS TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND METHODS THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Priority claims3

Members24

Events

Numbers

Titles2

Classification

Abstract

Term

Y04S40 / 121; Y04S40 / 146

APPARATUS TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND METHODS THEREOF

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Priority claims3

Members24

Events

Numbers

Titles2

Classification