Patent Grant
9806413
A high level overview of various aspects of the invention is provided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed-description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, systems and methods that allow antenna dipole columns on an antenna at a base station to move in order to adjust spacing between each of the antenna dipole columns. Various signaling technologies may be utilized, but typically only one is supported at any one base station. However, utilizing embodiments of the technology described herein, because the columns may be moved to a different position, spacing between the columns can be adjusted, thus enabling more than one signaling technology to be utilized at a single base station. The antenna dipole columns may be moved by way of a motor that drives a gear, for example. Further, the antenna dipole columns may be movably secured to a railing mechanism. There are many ways that the columns may be moved relative to one another, thus enabling the distance between the columns to be adjusted. Further, in one embodiment, the distance between each of the antenna dipole columns is equivalent given a particular signaling technology that is being employed at the base station. Allowing the spacing between antenna dipole columns to be selectively modified enables the base station to more effectively serve the mobile devices, which improves the network subscriber's experience.
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein:
The subject matter of select embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to define what we regard as our invention, which is what the claims do. The claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.
Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations are used to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notations are intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The following is a list of these acronyms:
Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these terms can be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 27th Edition (2012).
Embodiments of our technology may be embodied as, among other things, a method, system, or computer-program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. In one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media.
Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are means of communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise computer-storage media and communications media.
Computer-storage media, or machine-readable media, include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer-storage media include, but are not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These memory components can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.
Communications media typically store computer-useable instructions—including data structures and program modules—in a modulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. Communications media include any information-delivery media. By way of example but not limitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards adjustment of spacing between antenna dipole columns to allow for a base station to support multiple signaling technologies such as, for example, MIMO and beam forming. While typical cell towers allow for only one signaling technology to be utilized at that tower or base station because of stationary or non-moveable antenna dipole columns, embodiments of the present invention allow for these columns to be moved, thus adjusting the spacing between each of the antenna dipole columns. For instance, for a 65 degree beam width antenna, separation of less than 0.65λ, where λ (Lambda) is the wavelength corresponding to the transmission frequency, may be preferred for beam forming capabilities, but a higher separation (λ of 1 or greater) is typically preferred for MIMO so that the signals can be coherent and decorrelated. For both of these signaling technologies to be supported, the columns may be movable such as, for example, by way of a railing system movably secured to the columns. The use of a railing slide or small wheels allows for movement of the columns. A motor, drives, gears, or a combination thereof may be utilized to cause the movement. The base station, such as an eNodeB, in one embodiment, determines which signaling technology is to be used at a particular time. When a switch to a different signaling technology is to be made, the base station may send a signaling message to a processor coupled to the motor, which then causes at least a portion of the antenna dipole columns to move to a new position.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, a system is provided for modifying spacing between a plurality of dipole columns that comprise an antenna associated with a wireless communications network. The system includes two or more antenna dipole columns whose distance between one another can be modified such that the distance between each of the two or more antenna dipole columns is, at least, a first distance or a second distance, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance. The system further includes a movement mechanism that allows for at least one of the two or more antenna dipole columns to move along a longitudinal axis, the movement along the longitudinal axis causing the distance between the each of the two or more antenna dipole columns to increase or decrease to the first distance or the second distance. Additionally, the system includes a signal receiving component that receives a signal from a base station in the wireless communications network instructing the distance between the each of the two or more antenna dipole columns to be modified to the first distance or the second distance.
In a second aspect, a method carried out by at least one server having at least one processor for implementing modification of a spacing between dipole columns on an antenna associated with a wireless communications network is provided. The method includes determining that a base station is currently employing a first signaling technology. Two or more antenna dipole columns of the antenna are spaced at a first distance from one another when the first signaling technology is employed. The method further includes determining that the base station is to begin employing a second signaling technology, the second signaling technology requiring each of the two or more antenna dipole columns of the antenna to be spaced at a second distance from one another, the first distance being different from the second distance. Even further, the method includes communicating a signaling message to a movement mechanism that causes at least one of the two or more antenna dipole columns to move such that the two or more antenna dipole columns are spaced at the second distance from one another.
In a third aspect, one or more computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for modifying spacing between dipole columns on an antenna associated with a wireless communications are provided. The method includes receiving a signaling message indicating that a distance between each of two or more antenna dipole columns on an antenna is to be modified from a first distance to a second distance based on a transition from a first signaling technology to a second signaling technology at a base station associated with the antenna. The two or more antenna dipole columns of the antenna are spaced at the first distance from one another when the first signaling technology is employed, and the two or more antenna dipole columns of the antenna are spaced at the second distance from one another when the second signaling technology is employed, the first distance being different from the second distance. Further, the method includes causing at least one of the two or more antenna dipole columns on the antenna to move according to the signaling message.
Referring to the drawings in general, and initially to
Memory 112 might take the form of memory components previously described. Thus, further elaboration will not be provided here, only to say that memory component 112 can include any type of medium that is capable of storing information (e.g., a database). A database can be any collection of records. In one embodiment, memory 112 includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructions 112A that, when executed, facilitate various aspects disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.
Processor 114 might actually be multiple processors that receive instructions and process them accordingly. Presentation component 116 includes the likes of a display, a speaker, as well as other components that can present information (such as a lamp (LED), or even lighted keyboards).
Numeral 117 represents a radio(s) that facilitates communication with a wireless-telecommunications network. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, WiMax, LTE, and the like. In some embodiments, radio 117 might also facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi communications and GIS communications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio 117 can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multiple radios can be utilized to support a technology or multiple technologies.
Input/output port 118 might take on a variety of forms. Illustrative input/output ports include a USB jack, stereo jack, infrared port, proprietary communications ports, and the like. Input/output components 120 include items such as keyboards, microphones, speakers, touch screens, and any other item usable to directly or indirectly input data into communications device 100. Power supply 122 includes items such as batteries, fuel cells, or any other component that can act as a power source to power communications device 100.
By way of background, a base station, such as an eNodeB in an LTE telecommunications network is composed of, among other components, a broadband unit (BBU) that is connected to one or more remote radio units (RRUs). In turn, each RRU is typically connected directly to one or more antenna ports associated with an antenna located on the base station. In general, the BBU is responsible for, among other things, digital baseband signal processing. For instance, CDMA/EVDO and LTE Internet protocol (IP) packets are received from the core network (not shown) and are digitally combined by the BBU. The blended digital baseband signal is then transmitted to the RRU. Digital baseband signals received from the RRU are demodulated by the BBU and the resulting IP packets are then transmitted by the BBU to the core network.
The RRU transmits and receives wireless RF signals. The RRU converts the blended digital signal received from the BBU into an analog RF output via a digital to analog (AD) converter. The analog signal is then amplified by an amplifier in the RRU and sent out for transmission to a mobile device via the antenna ports. The RF signals received from the mobile device via the antenna ports are amplified by the RRU and converted to digital baseband signals for transmission to the BBU.
Beam forming is a technology that is prominently used in LTE wireless transmission, and can enhance cell coverage. MIMO is another space diversity technology also used in LTE wireless transmission to increase the data throughputs. The main concern of current antenna technology is insufficiency to provide them both with similar hardware. Both of these technologies are supported by LTE standards and are very much required for a competitive network to meet current data usage requirements. The dipole elements inside the antenna have horizontal spacing, known as lambda spacing, between the different columns, also termed ports. The spacing between columns is the main determination as to which of beam forming, MIMO or some other signaling technology is implemented at a base station. For instance, for a 65 degree beam width antenna, separation of less than 0.65λ, where λ (Lambda) is the wavelength corresponding to the transmission frequency, may be preferred for beam forming capabilities, but a higher separation (λ of 1 or greater) is typically preferred for MIMO so that the signals can be coherent and decorrelated.
Embodiments of the present invention allow for separation involving the antenna dipole columns using a motor, such as a digital stepper motor, based on a signal, such as an AISG signal, sent from the RRU. The motor, in one embodiment, is located at the base of the antenna or cell tower, and can work to move the antenna dipole columns horizontally closer or farther from one another based on load requirements and other factors. The RRU is able to acquire information regarding traffic on the sector, and also Quality Class Indicators, bandwidth requirements of mobile devices within the coverage area, etc. Using this input information, an RRU is able to send signals to the motor and later the propagation characteristics of the antenna radiation to ultimately benefit the users. The antenna dipole columns may be on a mechanically installed mechanism for positioning and movement using a railing slide or small wheels. An electro mechanical pulley system may also or alternatively be involved to modify the position of the columns when the output of the motor changes with respect to the RRU remote command. This may cause the antennas to be more active so as to accommodate the current data usage trends and possibly move toward the complete controllable and active antenna in the future. This technology allows for advantages of both beam forming and MIMO capabilities, upgraded throughput speeds, enhanced coverage, automatic remote control with/without user intervention, utilization of an existing AISG protocol, and reduction in dropped and blocked calls, in addition to many other advantages not specifically listed herein.
Turning now to
In the environment 200, a radio tower 212 is installed in environment 200. A radio tower is typically a tall structure designed to support an antenna(s) for telecommunications and/or broadcasting. A radio tower is not intended herein to be limited to any shape and/or structure. For example, a radio tower 212 may be a building or pole on which a transmitting antenna is installed. In other embodiments, a mobile radio tower may be employed.
As illustrated in
The base station 216 can communicate with the RRU 220. In embodiments, RRU 220 is a transceiver or includes a transceiver configured to receive and transmit signals or data. In some embodiments, the RRU 220 is integrated with the base station 216. In other embodiments, as illustrated in
Although the RRU 220 is illustrated at or near the top of the radio tower 212, as can be appreciated, the RRU 220 can be installed in any number of locations and such an installation location is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. For example, the RRU 220 can be installed at or near the bottom of the radio tower 212, in the center of the radio tower 212, integrated with the base station 216, or the like.
The RRU 220 generally communicates with the antenna 224. In this regard, the RRU 220 is used to transmit signals or data to the antenna 224 and receive signals or data from the antenna 224. Communications between the RRU 220 and the antenna 224 can occur using any number of physical paths. A physical path, as used herein, refers to a path used for transmitting signals or data. As such, a physical path may be referred to as a radio frequency (RF) path, a coaxial cable path, cable path, or the like.
As such, RRU 220 includes one or more ports 228 used to connect one or more physical paths 230 to one or more ports 222 on the RRU 220. For instance, a first port can connect a first physical path to a radio, a second port can connect a second physical path to the radio, a third port can connect a third physical path to the radio, and a fourth port can connect a fourth physical path to the radio.
The antenna 224 is used for telecommunications. Generally, an antenna is an electrical device that converts electric power into radio waves and converts radio waves into electric power. The antenna 224 is typically positioned at or near the top of the radio tower 212. Such an installation location, however, is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention.
The antenna 224 includes two or more antenna dipole columns 226. While four antenna dipole columns 226 are illustrated in
Utilizing embodiments of the present invention, a single base station is capable of utilizing at least beam-forming and MIMO technologies. This is accomplished by providing movement capabilities to the antenna dipole columns 226. For instance, a movement mechanism may be provided that allows for the at least a portion of the antenna dipole columns to move along a longitudinal axis, causing the distance between each of the antenna dipole columns 226 to increase or decrease, depending on which signaling technology is to be utilized at that time. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, if the current signaling technology being used at a particular base station is beam forming, but based on an assessment of various factors, it would be more efficient or effective to switch to MIMO, a base station component, such as an eNodeB in the case of LTE technology, may make this determination and send a signaling message to a processor, such as a signal-receiving component that receives a signal from the base station in the wireless communications network instructing the distance between each of the antenna dipole columns to be modified to the first distance or the second distance. This signaling message may cause a motor to run, which in turn causes at least a portion of the antenna dipole columns 226 to move to a different position so that the spacing between each of the antenna dipole columns is increased. In one embodiment, the spacing between each of the antenna dipole columns 226 is equivalent, whether the distance between each is a shorter distance, such as for beam-forming technology, or whether the distance is a greater distance, such as for MIMO technology. A more detailed description of exemplary systems used for moving the antenna dipole columns 226 can be found herein with reference to
Additionally, the antenna dipole columns 312, 314, 316, and 318 are each separated by a distance that is beneficial for the signaling technology currently being used by a base station. For instance, as mentioned above, beam forming typically requires spacing of 0.5-0.65λ, while MIMO technology typically requires spacing of at least 1λ. This is partially due to beam-forming focusing energy within a smaller geographical area, providing higher signal-to-noise ratio to an end user, higher throughput, and farther reach. On the other hand, MIMO technology utilizes independent paths.
Turning now to
Various factors may be taken into consideration by the base station or other network component that makes this determination. For instance, the current mobility of the mobile devices in the sector, whether in-building penetration is needed, current bandwidth requirements of the mobile devices in the sector, whether the majority of users are closer to the tower or farther away, QCI of the mobile devices, traffic, etc. In one embodiment, the determination is made considering all or a majority of the mobile devices/users in the sector, but in another embodiment, the determination is made on a per-user basis. For instance, if a user is at the edge of the coverage area but requires more bandwidth, a determination may be made to switch to beam forming such that the cell edge user can be reached at higher throughputs. Alternatively, MIMO may be used to improve capacity and throughput when the majority of users are relatively near the base station and not at the cell's edge. Additionally, in one embodiment, there are preset blocks of time in a day or other time frame when beam forming is to be used, and other preset blocks of time when MIMO is to be used. For instance, during the night, it may be determined that beam forming is to be used, as mobile devices are not highly mobile during this time. During morning and afternoon/evening commutes, however, MIMO may be selected to account for the highly mobile nature of mobile devices during these times. In another embodiment, however, the determination as to which signaling technology is utilized is made on an as-needed basis, such as in real time.
Returning to
In embodiments, a movement mechanism is utilized that allows the antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424 to move based on the signaling message sent by the base station 410. For instance, in one embodiment, the movement mechanism includes a railing 416. The antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424 may be positioned on a railing 416, such as a single straight line railing such that the antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424 move along the railing along a longitudinal axis. The railing may utilize railing slides, small wheels, etc. One or more of the antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424 may have an associated drive (e.g., gear, motor, or screw drive), illustrated as drives 426, 428, 430, and 432. Additionally, the movement mechanism may include an electro-mechanical pulley system to change the position of the columns when the signaling message is received. Even further, the motor 414 may cause gears to turn, thus adjusting the position of the antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424. As can be appreciated, there are many different ways to cause the antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424 to move from a first position to a second position, correlated to the columns being a first distance from one another to a second distance from one another. Other methods are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the motor may have threads that are threaded one direction for one of the antenna dipole columns 418, 420, 422, and 424, and threaded in the other direction for another column. When the motor spins, the motor causes both columns to pull in or to push out. In embodiments, the motor is located at the bottom of the cell tower. But in other embodiments, more than one motor may be used, both either being at the bottom, at the top, or a combination thereof.
The ability to switch between different signaling modes by adjusting the spacing between the antenna dipole columns facilitates the ability of the base station to more effectively target mobile devices being served by the base station, which, in turn, improves the network subscriber's experience. Additionally, because the base station is able to target a greater number of mobile devices, this improved experience is broadened over a greater number of network subscribers.
At step 512, at least a portion of the antenna dipole columns are caused to move according to the signaling message, which, in one embodiment, is received from a microprocessor at a base station, such as an eNodeB. In one embodiment, the antenna dipole columns are movably coupled to a railing, allowing at least one of the antenna dipole columns to move from a first position to a second position, these positions corresponding to the distance between the antenna dipole columns. While two positions are mentioned herein, there may be more than two positions or two distances to which the antenna dipole columns are capable of moving. The number two is used for exemplary purposes only, and is not intended to limit embodiments of the technology.
Referring now to
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and because of reading it. Alternative means of implementing the aforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.
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