ao United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2010/0296816 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Nov. 25, 2010
`
`Larsen
`
`US 20100296816A1
`
`(54) FLEXIBLE DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA
`SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Tormod Larsen, Geneva, IL (US)
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int.Ch.
`(2006.01)
`HO4B 10/00
`(52) US. CU. cece rscscesrecseecaensreesenses 398/116
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERG-
`An apparatus and method for implementingaflexible distrib-
`HOFF LLP
`uted antenna system (DAS) head end are disclosed. A flexible
`300 S. WACKER DRIVE, 32ND FLOOR
`DAShead end includes an RF conditioning module config-
`ured to be connected to one or more basestation transceiver
`CHICAGO,IL 60606 (US)
`(BITS) devices and one or more low-power RF modules that
`are also part of the flexible DAS head end. In an example
`embodiment, the flexible DAS head end receives high-power
`digital-RF passband transmissions from its connections to the
`one or more BTS devices, and low-power digital-RF pass-
`band signals from the one or more low-power RI’ modules.
`The low-power RF modules, in turn, can receive input base-
`band signals from one or more baseband units (BBUs) in a
`wircless network, and then convert the input signals to the lo
`low-powerdigilal-RF passband signals. The RF conditioning
`module constructs one or more superposition RI signals from
`the passband signals, and routes and transmits them to an
`array of antenna nodes.
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`EXTENET SYSTEMS,INC..
`Lisle, IL (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/781,881
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May18, 2010
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/180,462, filed on May
`22, 2009.
`
`
`Wireless
`Service
`302
`Provider 1
`
`
`
`
`Electro-
`
`
`
`Optical
`304
`
`
`
`Converter
`319-1
`
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`Wireless
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`324
`
`Electro-
`
`Optical
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`Wireless
`
`
`Service
`Provider K
`
`
`326
`
`DAS Head End
`
`Page 1
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 25,2010 Sheet 1 of 8
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`US 2010/0296816 Al
`
`112
`
`PACKET-
`
`SWITCHED
`
`
`
`
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`ROUTER
`
`124
`
`FIG.1
`
`g
`
`100
`
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Nov. 25, 2010 Sheet 6 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Nov. 25, 2010 Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 2010/0296816 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Nov. 25,2010 Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 2010/0296816 Al
`
`START
`
`814
`
`AT THE RF CONDITIONING MODULE, RECEIVE A RESPECTIVE
`INPUT DIGITAL RF PHYSICAL SIGNAL VIA EACH OF ONE OR
`MORE OF A PLURALITY OF FIRST PHYSICAL INTERFACES
`
`802
`
`AT THE RF CONDITIONING MODULE, SPLIT EACH RECEIVED
`RESPECTIVE INPUT DIGITAL RF PHYSICAL SIGNAL INTO A
`RESPECTIVE NUMBER OF DUPLICATE SIGNALS
`
`804
`
`AT THE RF CONDITIONING MODULE, COMBINE PARTICULAR
`DUPLICATE SIGNALS SELECTED FROM AMONG EACH OF THE
`RESPECTIVE NUMBER OF DUPLICATE SIGNALS INTO ONE OR
`MORE SUPERPOSITION RF SIGNALS
`
`806
`
`AT THE RF CONDITIONING MODULE, ROUTE AND TRANSMIT
`THE ONE OR MORE SUPERPOSITION RF SIGNALS TO AN
`ARRAY OF REMOTE ANTENNA NODES
`
`808
`
`AT THE LOW-POWER RF MODULES,RECEIVE RESPECTIVE
`BASEBAND DIGITAL OPTICAL SIGNALS VIA RESPECTIVE
`SECOND PHYSICAL INTERFACES
`
`810
`
`AT THE LOW-POWER RF MODULES, MODULATE THE RECEIVED
`RESPECTIVE BASEBAND DIGITAL OPTICAL SIGNALS TO
`RESPECTIVE RF PASSBAND SIGNALS
`
`812
`
`AT THE LOW-POWER RF MODULES, SEND THE RESPECTIVE RF
`PASSBAND SIGNALS TO THE RF CONDITIONING MODULE VIA
`COMMUNICATIVE CONNECTIONS TO THE PLURALITY OF FIRST
`PHYSICAL INTERFACES
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Page 9
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`

`US 2010/0296816 Al
`
`US 2010/0296816 Al
`
`1
`
`Nov. 25, 2010
`
`Nov. 25, 2010
`
`FLEXIBLE DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA
`SYSTEM
`FLEXIBLE DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA
`RELATED APPLICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`[0001] This Application claims the benefit of priority to
`RELATED APPLICATION,
`U.S. Provisional Application 61/180,462 filed May 22, 2009,
`which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
`[0001] This Application claims the benefit of priority to
`USS. ProvisionalApplication 61/180,462filed May 22, 2009,
`BACKGROUND
`which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND
`[0002] A wireless communication system typically pro(cid:173)
`vides one or more forms of wireless access to mobile access
`[0002] A wireless communication system typically pro-
`devices, enabling them to engage in voice and data commu(cid:173)
`vides one or more formsof wireless access to mobile access
`nications with other devices-both wired and wireless--op(cid:173)
`devices, enabling them to engage in voice and data commu-
`erating in or connected to the system, and to partake in various
`nications with other devices—both wired and wireless—op-
`other communication services provided or supported by the
`erating in or connected to the system, andto partake in various
`system. The communication path from a mobile access
`other communication services provided or supported bythe
`device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant
`system. The communication path from a mobile access
`(PDA), or an appropriately equipped portable computer, for
`device, such as a cellular telephone, personaldigital assistant
`(PDA), or an appropriately equipped portable computer, for
`instance, to one or more other communication endpoints gen(cid:173)
`instance, to one or more other communication endpoints gen-
`erally traverses a radio frequency (RF) air interface to a base
`erally traverses a radio frequency (RF) air interface lo a base
`transceiver station (BTS) or other form of access point, and on
`transceiverstation (BTS)or other form ofaccess point, and on
`into a core transport network via a base station controller
`into a core transport network via a base station controller
`(BSC) connected to a mobile switching center (MSC) or to a
`(BSC) connected to a mobile switching center (MSC)orto a
`packet data serving node (PDSN). The MSC supports prima(cid:173)
`packet data serving node (PDSN). The MSC supports prima-
`rily circuit voice communications, providing interconnectiv(cid:173)
`rily circuit voice communications, providing interconnectiv-
`ity with other MSCs and PSTN switches, for example. The
`ity with other MSCs and PSTN switches, for example. ‘lhe
`PDSN supports packet data communications, providing inter(cid:173)
`PDSNsupports packet data communications, providing inter-
`connectivity with packet-data networks, such as the Internet,
`connectivity with packet-data networks, such as the Internet,
`via other packet-data switches and routers.
`via other packet-data switches and routers.
`[0003]
`Inacellular wireless system, the BTS, BSC, MSC,
`[0003]
`In a cellular wireless system, the BTS, BSC, MSC,
`and PDSN, among possibly other components. comprise the
`and PDSN, among possibly other components, comprise the
`wireless access infrastructure, also sometimesreferred to as
`wireless access infrastructure, also sometimes referred to as
`the radio access network (RAN). A RANis usually arranged
`the radio access network (RAN). A RAN is usually arranged
`accordingto a hierarchical architecture, with a distribution of
`according to a hierarchical architecture, with a distribution of
`multiple BI'Ss that provide areas of coverage (e.g., cells)
`multiple BTSs that provide areas of coverage (e.g., cells)
`within a geographic region, under the control of a smaller
`within a geographic region, under the control of a smaller
`numberof BSCs, which in turn are controlled by one or a few
`number ofBSCs, which in turn are controlled by one or a few
`regional (e.g., metropolitan area) MSCs. As a mobile device
`moves about within the wireless system, it may hand off from
`regional (e.g., metropolitan area) MSCs. As a mobile device
`onecell (or other form of coverage area) to another. [landoff
`moves about within the wireless system, it may hand off from
`is usually triggered by the RANasit monitors the operating
`one cell (or other form of coverage area) to another. Handoff
`conditions ofthe mobile device by wayof one or moresignal
`is usually triggered by the RAN as it monitors the operating
`powerlevels reported bythe device to the RAN.
`conditions of the mobile device by way of one or more signal
`[0004] As the demandfor wireless services has grown, and
`power levels reported by the device to the RAN.
`the varicty ofphysical environments in which wireless access
`[0004] As the demand for wireless services has grown, and
`is provided becomes morediverse, the need for new topolo-
`the variety of physical environments in which wireless access
`gies and technologies for coverage has becomeincreasingly
`is provided becomes more diverse, the need for new topolo(cid:173)
`important. At the sametime, alternative methods ofwireless
`gies and technologies for coverage has become increasingly
`access, including Wil'1 and WiMax, are becoming more ubiq-
`important. At the same time, alternative methods of wireless
`uitous, particularly in metropolitan areas. Consequently, tra-
`ditional cellular service providers are looking for ways to
`access, including WiFi and WiMax, are becoming more ubiq(cid:173)
`integrate different types of wireless access infrastructures
`uitous, particularly in metropolitan areas. Consequently, tra(cid:173)
`within their core transport and services networks. In addition,
`ditional cellular service providers are looking for ways to
`as wireless access infrastructures of different service provid-
`integrate different types of wireless access infrastructures
`ers tend to overlap more and more within smaller spaces, the
`within their core transport and services networks. In addition,
`ability to share commoninfrastructure offers cost and opera-
`as wireless access infrastructures of different service provid(cid:173)
`tional benefits to network owners and operators.
`ers tend to overlap more and more within smaller spaces, the
`SUMMARY
`ability to share common infrastructure offers cost and opera(cid:173)
`tional benefits to network owners and operators.
`[0005] A particular architectural challenge facing the wire-
`less access infrastructure is to provide adequate coverage in
`SUMMARY
`locations where RF signals do not reach or penetrate, and on
`a relatively fine geographic scale, using equipment that is
`[0005] A particular architectural challenge facing the wire(cid:173)
`less access infrastructure is to provide adequate coverage in
`locations where RF signals do not reach or penetrate, and on
`a relatively fine geographic scale, using equipment that is
`Page 10
`
`physically unobtrusive. One solution to emerge is a distrib(cid:173)
`uted antenna system (DAS), which subdivides and distributes
`the radio transmitter/receiver functionality of the BTS among
`physically unobtrusive. One solution to emerge is a distrib-
`a number of smaller, lower-power antenna nodes. The nodes
`uted antenna system (DAS), which subdivides anddistributes
`can be deployed so as to provide coverage within underserved
`the radio transmitter/receiver functionality ofthe BTS among
`structures (e.g., in buildings) or over terrain where deploy(cid:173)
`a numberof smaller, lower-power antenna nodes. The nodes
`ment of traditional cell towers is impractical or not permitted.
`can be deployed soas to provide coverage within underserved
`In what is referred to herein as the "standard DAS architec(cid:173)
`structures (e.g., in buildings) or over terrain where deploy-
`mentoftraditional cell towers is impractical or not permitted.
`ture" (or just DAS for short), the radio and antenna subsystem
`In whatis referred to herein as the “standard DASarchitec-
`of a "traditional" BTS is replaced with a DAS "head end" unit
`ture”(orjust DASfor short), the radio and antenna subsystem
`that splits the input RF signal into separate signal portions and
`of a “traditional” BTSis replaced with a DAS “head end”unit
`routes them as digital-optical signals to small, remote antenna
`thatsplits the input RF signal into separate signal portions and
`nodes via fiberoptic transmission links. Each node then trans(cid:173)
`routes themasdigital-optical signals to small, remote antenna
`mits only its RF signal portion. The DAS head end also
`nodesvia fiber optic transmissionlinks. Each nodethen trans-
`receives signal portions from the remote nodes, and combines
`mits only its RF signal portion. The DAS head end also
`them for relay back into the network. The DAS head end
`receives signalportions from the remote nodes, and combines
`receives its input from one or more traditional BTSs. More
`them for relay back into the network. The DAS head end
`receives its input from one or more traditional BTSs. More
`specifically, the traditional BTS includes an RF modulation
`specifically, the traditional BTS includes an RF modulation
`subsystem (RF module) that converts the input baseband
`subsystem (RF module) that converts the input baseband
`signals from the network into passband signals on RF carri(cid:173)
`signals from the network into passband signals on RF carri-
`ers. The output of the RF module is then connected to the
`ers. The output of the RF module is then connected to the
`input of the DAS via a high-power (e.g., 20 W), digital link. In
`input ofthe DASviaa high-power(e.g., 20 W), digital link. In
`the reverse direction, RF signals received via the digital link
`the reverse direction, RF signals received via the digital link
`are down-converted in the BTS to baseband for transmission
`are down-converted in the BIS to baseband for transmission
`into the network. The interface between the RI’ madule and
`into the network. The interface between the RF module and
`the DAShead end is same as that between the RF modulation
`the DAS head end is same as that between the RF modulation
`subsystem and the radio/antenna subsystem of a traditional
`subsystem andthe radio/antenna subsystem ofa traditional
`BTS. As such, multiple BTSs from multiple service providers
`BTS. As such, multiple BTSs from multiple service providers
`can be connectedto single DAS headend,thus allowing them
`can be connected to single DAS head end, thus allowing them
`to share a commonaccessinfrastructure.
`to share a common access infrastructure.
`[0006]
`In an alternative DASarchitecture, encoded base-
`[0006]
`In an alternative DAS architecture, encoded base(cid:173)
`bandsignals are routed from a baseband unit (BBU)to remote
`band signals are routed from a baseband unit (BBU) to remote
`“radio heads” wherethe signals are modulated to appropriate
`"radio heads" where the signals are modulated to appropriate
`RF carriers for radio transmission to mobile devices. The
`baseband links between the BBU and the remote radio heads
`RF carriers for radio transmission to mobile devices. The
`baseband links between the BBU and the remote radio heads
`are low-power(e.g.. a few mW), fiber-optic lines that support
`are low-power (e.g., a few mW), fiber-optic lines that support
`communications according to one or another open interface
`communications according to one or another open interface
`protocols developed for decentralizing BTS operation. Fach
`remote radio head includes a remote digital-to-RF module
`protocols developed for decentralizing BTS operation. Each
`that functions analogouslyto the RF moduleofthe traditional
`remote radio head includes a remote digital-to-RF module
`BTS. For the purposesofthe discussionherein,the alternative
`that functions analogously to the RF module of the traditional
`DASarchitecture shall be referred to as the “remote radio
`BTS. For the purposes of the discussion herein, the alternative
`head” (RRH)architecture.
`DAS architecture shall be referred to as the "remote radio
`[0007] Each form of DASarchitecture has advantages and
`head" (RRH) architecture.
`disadvantages. Consequently, service providers must weigh
`[0007] Each form of DAS architecture has advantages and
`tradeoffs when evaluating decisions to deploy one or the
`disadvantages. Consequently, service providers must weigh
`other. The RRHarchitecture largely eliminates the need for
`tradeoffs when evaluating decisions to deploy one or the
`costly, high-power RF conversion in the traditional BTS by
`other. The RRH architecture largely eliminates the need for
`distributing encoded basebandsignals directly to the remote
`radio heads. Moreover, the network input to the BBUis not
`costly, high-power RF conversion in the traditional BTS by
`restricted only to circuit-cellular data, but admits other forms
`distributing encoded baseband signals directly to the remote
`ofnetworktraffic and protocols, including WiFi, WLAN,and
`radio heads. Moreover, the network input to the BBU is not
`other types of native packet dala transport. However, each
`restricted only to circuit-cellular data, but admits other forms
`basebandlink from the BBUtoa particular remote radio head
`of network traffic and protocols, including WiFi, WLAN, and
`can generally support only one transport technologyat a time
`other types of native packet data transport. However, each
`(e.g., CDMA, GSM, WiFi, etc.), and each node can generally
`baseband link from the BBU to a particular remote radio head
`modulate a given incominglink to just one RF carrier for any
`can generally support only one transport technology at a time
`one configurationof the given link. In addition, each remote
`(e.g., CDMA, GSM, WiFi, etc.), and each node can generally
`radio head incorporates a dedicated remote RI module. Thus,
`modulate a given incoming link to just one RF carrier for any
`even though cach RF module is relatively inexpensive com-
`pared with that of a traditional BTS, the number of RRH RF
`one configuration of the given link. In addition, each remote
`modules in any given deployment scales directly with the
`radio head incorporates a dedicated remote RF module. Thus,
`number of remote nodes. Finally, a single BBU supports one
`even though each RF module is relatively inexpensive com(cid:173)
`pared with that of a traditional BTS, the number of RRH RF
`modules in any given deployment scales directly with the
`number of remote nodes. Finally, a single BBU supports one
`CommScope Ex. 1033
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`

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`US 2010/0296816 Al
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`US 2010/0296816 Al
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`2
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`Nov. 25, 2010
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`Nov. 25, 2010
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`band digital optical signal via a respective second physical
`service provider at a time, since each baseband link can be
`configured for only one carrier frequency and one transport
`interface, modulate the received respective baseband digital
`technology at a time.
`optical signal to a respective RF passband signal, and send the
`band digital optical signal via a respective second physical
`service provider at a time, since cach baseband link can be
`[0008] The DAS architecture has its own tradeoffs. The
`respective RF passband signal to the RF conditioning module
`configured for only one carrier frequency and one transport
`interface, modulate the received respective baseband digital
`head end of the standard DAS architecture includes an RF
`via the communicative connection to the one of the plurality
`technologyal a time.
`optical signal to arespective RF passbandsignal, and send the
`conditioning module that can split and distribute multiple
`of first physical interfaces as one of the respective input
`[0008] The DASarchitecture has its own tradeoffs. The
`respective RF passband signal to the RF conditioning module
`head end of the standard DAS architecture includes an RF
`input RF signals from one or more networks or service pro(cid:173)
`digital RF physical signals.
`via the communicative connection to the oneof the plurality
`viders' traditional BTSs, and then route the separate signals to
`conditioning module that can split and distribute multiple
`of first physical interfaces as one of the respective input
`[0012]
`In another respect, embodiments of the present sys(cid:173)
`the different nodes according to coverage topologies (e.g.,
`input RI signals from one or more networksor service pro-
`digital RF physical signals.
`tem provide an apparatus comprising: a radio frequency (RF)
`viders’ traditional BTSs, and then routethe separate signals to
`cells and/or sectors) specified by the service providers. Thus
`[0012]
`In another respect, embodimentsofthe present sys-
`conditioning module having a plurality of first physical inter(cid:173)
`the different nodes according to coverage topologies (e.g.,
`the DAS head end supports diverse deployment topologies of
`temprovide an apparatus comprising; a radio frequency (RF)
`faces; one or more low-power RF modules each having a
`cells and/or sectors) specified by the service providers. Thus
`remote nodes. In addition, since each RF input is the output of
`conditioning, module havinga pluralityoffirst physical inter-
`communicative connection to one of the plurality of first
`the DAS head end supports diverse deployment topologies of
`the RF module of a source BTS, the DAS head end and remote
`faces; one or more low-power RF modules each having a
`remote nodes. In addition, since each RF inputis the output of
`physical interfaces; a processor; and machine logic execut(cid:173)
`nodes can accommodate multiple carriers and cellular trans(cid:173)
`communicative connection to one ofthe plurality offirst
`the RF module ofa source BTS,the DAShead end and remote
`able by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a
`port technologies in concurrent transmissions, thereby
`physical interfaces; a processor; and machine logic execut-
`nodes can accommodate multiple carriers and cellular trans-
`respective input digital RF physical signal via each of one or
`achieving concurrent sharing of radio resources. The RF con(cid:173)
`able by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a
`port
`technologies in concurrent
`transmissions,
`thereby
`more of the plurality of first physical interfaces of the RF
`respective input digital RF physical signal via each of one or
`ditioning module can also load balance the power delivered
`achieving concurrent sharing of radio resources. The RI’ con-
`conditioning module, at the RF conditioning module, split
`more of the plurality offirst physical interfaces of the RF
`among the remote nodes based on the traffic load at each
`ditioning module canalso load balance the power delivered
`conditioning module, at the RI conditioning module, split
`each received respective input digital RF physical signal into
`node. However, the standard DAS architecture still requires
`among the remote nodes based on the traffic load at each
`each received respective input digital RI physical signal into
`node. However, the standard DAS architecturestill requires
`a respective number of duplicate signals, at the RF condition(cid:173)
`each source BTS to include an expensive RF module, and to
`a respective numberofduplicate signals, at the RI condition-
`each source BTSto include an expensive RF module, and to
`ing module, combine particular duplicate signals selected
`support a high-power digital interface to the DAS head end.
`ing module, combine particular duplicate signals selected
`support a high-powerdigital interface to the DAS head end.
`Further, the physical distance of this interface link is limited,
`from among each of the respective number of duplicate sig(cid:173)
`Further, the physical distance ofthis interface linkis limited,
`from amongeach ofthe respective numberof duplicate sig-
`unless some form of repeater is employed. In addition, the
`nals into one or more superposition RF signals, at the RF
`unless some form of repeater is employed. In addition, the
`nals into one or more superposition RF signals, at the RF
`transport technologies supported are limited to those of tra(cid:173)
`conditioning module, route and transmit the one or more
`transport technologies supported are limited to those of tra-
`conditioning module, route and transmit the one or more
`ditional BTSs, making integration with native packet-based
`superposition RF signals to an array of remote antenna nodes
`ditional BTSs, making integration with native packet-based
`superposition RF signals to an array of remote antenna nodes
`transport more difficult.
`to which the apparatus is configured to be communicatively
`transport more difficult.
`to which the apparatus is configured to be communicatively
`[0009] The distinct approaches offered by the two DAS
`coupled, at a given one of the one or more low-power RF
`[0009] The distinct approaches offered by the two DAS
`coupled, at a given one of the one or more low-power RF
`architectures present service providers and network operators
`architectures present service providers and network operators
`modules, receive a baseband digital optical signal via a
`modules, receive a baseband digital optical signal via a
`with a set of"either-or" of solutions, none of which may fully
`withaset of “either-or” of solutions, none ofwhich mayfully
`respective second physical interface, at the given one of the
`respective second physical interface, at the given one of the
`and simultaneously address challenges such as diversity of
`one or more low-power RF modules, modulate the received
`and simultaneously address challenges such as diversity of
`one or more low-power RF modules, modulate the received
`transport technologies, common access infrastructure, and
`respective basebanddigital optical signal to an RF passband
`transport technologies, common access infrastructure, and
`respective baseband digital optical signal to an RF passband
`versatility of coverage configurations, among others.
`signal, and at the given one of the one or more low-power RF
`versatility of coverage configurations, among others.
`signal, and at the given one of the one or more low-power RF
`[0010] A more versatile DAS architecture is needed to
`modules, send the RF passbandsignal to the RF conditioning,
`modules, send the RF passband signal to the RF conditioning
`[0010] A more versatile DAS architecture is needed to
`module via the communicative connection to the one of the
`address these and other challenges ofconfiguring and deploy-
`module via the communicative connection to the one of the
`address these and other challenges of configuring and deploy(cid:173)
`plurality of first physical interfaces as onc of the respective
`ing wireless access infrastructures. Accordingly, various
`plurality of first physical interfaces as one of the respective
`ing wireless access infrastructures. Accordingly, various
`input digital RF physicalsignals.
`embodimentsofthe presentinvention provide a flexible DAS
`input digital RF physical signals.
`embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible DAS
`that can: support a wide and expandable array of transport
`[0013]
`In yet another respect, embodiments ofthe present
`that can: support a wide and expandable array of transport
`[0013]
`In yet another respect, embodiments of the present
`technologies [rom the network side: or support concurrent
`system provide, in an apparatus comprising (1) a radio fre-
`technologies from the network side; or support concurrent
`processing, transmission, and reception of communications
`system provide, in an apparatus comprising (i) a radio fre(cid:173)
`quency (RF) conditioning module having a plurality offirst
`according to some,or any orall of the relevant technologies;
`processing, transmission, and reception of communications
`physical interfaces and (ii) one or more low-power RF mod-
`quency (RF) conditioning module having a plurality of first
`or support simultaneous RF transmission and reception on
`according to some, or any or all of the relevant technologies;
`ules each having a communicative connection to one of the
`physical interfaces and (ii) one or more low-power RF mod(cid:173)
`different RF carriers; or support versatile and diverse cover-
`plurality offirst physical interfaces, a method comprising: at
`or support simultaneous RF transmission and reception on
`ules each having a communicative connection to one of the
`age topologies among a distribution of antenna nodes; or
`the RF conditioning module, receiving a respective input
`different RF carriers; or support versatile and diverse cover(cid:173)
`plurality of first physical interfaces, a method comprising: at
`incorporate intelligent routing of signals to antenna nodes,
`digital RF physical signal via each of one or more of the
`age topologies among a distribution of antenna nodes; or
`the RF conditioning module, receiving a respective input
`and support load balancing among the antenna nodes; or
`plurality of first physical interfaces; at the RF conditioning
`incorporate intelligent routing of signals to antenna nodes,
`digital RF physical signal via each of one or more of the
`enable different service providers to share a commonwireless
`module, splitting each received respective input digital RF
`and support load balancing among the antenna nodes; or
`plurality of first physical interfaces; at the RF conditioning
`access infrastructure; or some combination of someorall of
`physical signal into a respective numberof duplicate signals;
`enable different service providers to share a common wireless
`module, splitting each received respective input digital RF
`the forgoing.
`at the RF conditioning module, combining particular dupli-
`access infrastructure; or some combination of some or all of
`physical signal into a respective number of duplicate signals;
`[0011] Hence, in one respect, embodiments of the present
`cate signals selected from amongeachof the respective num-
`the forgoing.
`at the RF conditioning module, combining particular dupli(cid:173)
`system provide an apparatus comprising: a radio frequency
`ber of duplicate signals into one or more superposition RF
`[0011] Hence, in one respect, embodiments of the present
`(RE) conditioning module having a plurality of first physical
`signals; at the RF conditioning module, routing and transmit-
`cate signals selected from among each of the respective num(cid:173)
`interfaces and being configuredto: reccive a respective input
`ting the one or more superposition RF signals to an array of
`system provide an apparatus comprising: a radio frequency
`ber of duplicate signals into one or more superposition RF
`digital RF physical signal via each of one or more of the
`remote antenna nodes to which the apparatus is communica-
`(RF) conditioning module having a plu