Patent Grant
9525488
1. Field of the Disclosure
The technology of the disclosure relates to providing power to components in optical fiber-based distributed communications systems distributing radio frequency (RF) signals over optical fiber.
2. Technical Background
Wireless communication is rapidly growing, with ever-increasing demands for high-speed mobile data communication. As an example, so-called “wireless fidelity” or “WiFi” systems and wireless local area networks (WLANs) are being deployed in many different types of areas (e.g., coffee shops, airports, libraries, etc.). Distributed communications systems communicate with wireless devices called “clients,” which must reside within the wireless range or “cell coverage area” in order to communicate with an access point device.
One approach to deploying a distributed communications system involves the use of radio frequency (RF) antenna coverage areas, also referred to as “antenna coverage areas.” Antenna coverage areas can have a radius in the range from a few meters up to twenty meters as an example. Combining a number of access point devices creates an array of antenna coverage areas. Because the antenna coverage areas each cover small areas, there are typically only a few users (clients) per antenna coverage area. This allows for minimizing the amount of RF bandwidth shared among the wireless system users. It may be desirable to provide antenna coverage areas in a building or other facility to provide distributed communications system access to clients within the building or facility. However, it may be desirable to employ optical fiber to distribute communication signals. Benefits of optical fiber include increased bandwidth.
One type of distributed communications system for creating antenna coverage areas, called “Radio-over-Fiber” or “RoF,” utilizes RF signals sent over optical fibers. Such systems can include a head-end station optically coupled to a plurality of remote antenna units that each provides antenna coverage areas. The remote antenna units can each include RF transceivers coupled to an antenna to transmit RF signals wirelessly, wherein the remote antenna units are coupled to the head-end station via optical fiber links. The RF transceivers in the remote antenna units are transparent to the RF signals. The remote antenna units convert incoming optical RF signals from an optical fiber downlink to electrical RF signals via optical-to-electrical (O/E) converters, which are then passed to the RF transceiver. The RF transceiver converts the electrical RF signals to electromagnetic signals via antennas coupled to the RF transceiver provided in the remote antenna units. The antennas also receive electromagnetic signals (i.e., electromagnetic radiation) from clients in the antenna coverage area and convert them to electrical RF signals (i.e., electrical RF signals in wire). The remote antenna units then convert the electrical RF signals to optical RF signals via electrical-to-optical (E/O) converters. The optical RF signals are then sent over an optical fiber uplink to the head-end station.
Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description can include power distribution in optical fiber-based distributed communications systems configured to provide digital data services and radio frequency (RF) communications services. Related components and methods are also disclosed. In this regard, embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include units that can be provided in optical fiber-based distributed communications systems that are configured to support RF communication services and digital data services. The units may also be configured to support providing distribution of power. The units may be interconnect units (ICUs). Further, embodiments disclosed in the detailed description also include optical fiber-based distributed communications systems that provide and support both RF communication services and digital data services. The RF communication services and digital data services can be distributed over optical fiber to client devices, such as remote antenna units for example. Digital data services can be distributed over optical fiber separate from optical fiber distributing RF communication services. Alternatively, digital data services can be distributed over a common optical fiber with RF communication services.
The embodiments disclosed herein do not have to include power distribution. Any combination of RF communication services, digital data services, and power distribution can be provide, including in the ICU examples described herein. For example, the ICU could be equipped to distribute RF communication services and digital data services. The ICU could also be equipped to distribute digital data services and power as another example.
In this regard, in one embodiment, a distribution unit for an optical-fiber based distributed communications system is provided. The distribution unit comprises at least one digital data services input configured to receive electrical digital data signals. The distribution unit also comprises at least one digital data services output configured to distribute digital data signals representing the electrical digital data signals over at least one digital data services line to at least one remote antenna unit (RAU). The distribution unit also comprises at least one RF communications services input configured to receive optical RF communications signals. The distribution unit also comprises at least one RF communications services output configured to distribute the optical RF communications signals over at least one RF communications services optical fiber to the at least one RAU.
In another embodiment, an optical-fiber based distributed communications system is provided. The system includes head-end equipment. The head-end equipment is configured to receive downlink electrical RF communications services signals. The head-end equipment is also configured to convert the downlink electrical RF communications services signals into downlink optical RF communications services signals to be communicated over at least one optical RF communications services downlink. The system also includes a controller. The controller is configured to receive downlink digital data services signals containing at least one digital data service. The controller is also configured to provide the downlink digital data services signals over at least one digital data services downlink. The system also comprises a distribution unit. The distribution unit comprises at least one RF communications services input configured to receive the downlink optical RF communications services signals from the at least one optical RF communication services downlink. The distribution unit also comprises at least one RF communications services output configured to distribute the downlink optical RF communications signals over at least one RF communications services optical fiber to at least one RAU. The distribution unit also comprises at least one digital data services input configured to receive the downlink digital data signals from the at least one digital data services downlink. The distribution unit also comprises at least one digital data services output configured to distribute the digital data signals over at least one digital data services line to the at least one RAU.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.
Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description can include power distribution in optical fiber-based distributed communications systems configured to provide digital data services and radio Frequency (RF) communications services. Related components and method are also disclosed. In this regard, embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include units that can be provided in optical fiber-based distributed communication systems that are configured to support RF communication services and digital data services. The units may also be configured to support providing distribution of power. The units may be interconnect units (ICUs). Further, embodiments disclosed in the detailed description also include optical fiber-based distributed communications systems that provide and support both RF communication services and digital data services. The RF communication services and digital data services can be distributed over optical fiber to client devices, such as remote antenna units for example. Digital data services can be distributed over separate optical fiber from optical fiber distributing RF communication services. Alternatively, digital data services can be distributed over common optical fiber with RF communication services.
The embodiments disclosed herein do not have to include power distribution. Any combination of RF communication services, digital data services, and power distribution can be provide, including in the ICU examples described herein. For example, the ICU could be equipped to distribute RF communication services and digital data services. The ICU could also be equipped to distribute digital data services and power as another example.
In this regard,
The optical fiber-based distributed communications system 10 has an antenna coverage area 20 that can be substantially centered about the RAU 14. The antenna coverage area 20 of the RAU 14 forms an RF coverage area 21. The HEU 12 is adapted to perform or to facilitate any one of a number of wireless applications, including but not limited to Radio-over-Fiber (RoF), radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID), wireless local-area network (WLAN) communication, or cellular phone service. Shown within the antenna coverage area 20 is a client device 24 in the form of a mobile device as an example, which may be a cellular telephone as an example. The client device 24 can be any device that is capable of receiving RF communication signals. The client device 24 includes an antenna 26 (e.g., a wireless card) adapted to receive and/or send electromagnetic RF signals.
With continuing reference to
Similarly, the antenna 32 is also configured to receive wireless RF communications from client devices 24 in the antenna coverage area 20. In this regard, the antenna 32 receives wireless RF communications from client devices 24 and communicates electrical RF signals representing the wireless RF communications to an E/O converter 34 in the RAU 14. The E/O converter 34 converts the electrical RF signals into uplink optical RF signals 22U to be communicated over the uplink optical fiber 16U. An O/E converter 36 provided in the HEU 12 converts the uplink optical RF signals 22U into uplink electrical RF signals, which can then be communicated as uplink electrical RF signals 18U back to a network or other source. The HEU 12 in this embodiment is not able to distinguish the location of the client devices 24 in this embodiment. The client device 24 could be in the range of any antenna coverage area 20 formed by an RAU 14.
With continuing reference to
With continuing reference to
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the service unit 37 in the HEU 12 can include an RF signal conditioning unit 40 for conditioning the downlink electrical RF signals 18D and the uplink electrical RF signals 18U, respectively. The service unit 37 can include a digital signal processing unit (“digital signal processor”) 42 for providing to the RF signal conditioning unit 40 an electrical signal that is modulated onto an RF carrier to generate a desired downlink electrical RF signal 18D. The digital signal processor 42 is also configured to process a demodulation signal provided by the demodulation of the uplink electrical RF signal 18U by the RF signal conditioning unit 40. The HEU 12 can also include an optional central processing unit (CPU) 44 for processing data and otherwise performing logic and computing operations, and a memory unit 46 for storing data, such as data to be transmitted over a WLAN or other network for example.
With continuing reference to
With continuing reference to
To provide further exemplary illustration of how an optical fiber-based distributed communications system can be deployed indoors,
With continuing reference to
The main cable 82 enables multiple optical fiber cables 86 to be distributed throughout the building infrastructure 70 (e.g., fixed to the ceilings or other support surfaces of each floor 72, 74, 76) to provide the antenna coverage areas 80 for the first, second and third floors 72, 74 and 76. In an example embodiment, the HEU 12 is located within the building infrastructure 70 (e.g., in a closet or control room), while in another example embodiment the HEU 12 may be located outside of the building infrastructure 70 at a remote location. A base transceiver station (BTS) 88, which may be provided by a second party such as a cellular service provider, is connected to the HEU 12, and can be co-located or located remotely from the HEU 12. A BTS is any station or source that provides an input signal to the HEU 12 and can receive a return signal from the HEU 12. In a typical cellular system, for example, a plurality of BTSs are deployed at a plurality of remote locations to provide wireless telephone coverage. Each BTS serves a corresponding cell and when a mobile client device enters the cell, the BTS communicates with the mobile client device. Each BTS can include at least one radio transceiver for enabling communication with one or more subscriber units operating within the associated cell. As another example, wireless repeaters or bi-directional amplifiers could also be used to serve a corresponding cell in lieu of a BTS. Alternatively, radio input could be provided by a repeater or picocell as other examples.
The optical fiber-based distributed communications system 10 in
The HEU 12 may be configured to support any frequencies desired, including but not limited to US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (824-849 MHz on uplink and 869-894 MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1850-1915 MHz on uplink and 1930-1995 MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1710-1755 MHz on uplink and 2110-2155 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (698-716 MHz and 776-787 MHz on uplink and 728-746 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (880-915 MHz on uplink and 925-960 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (1710-1785 MHz on uplink and 1805-1880 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (1920-1980 MHz on uplink and 2110-2170 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (806-824 MHz on uplink and 851-869 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (896-901 MHz on uplink and 929-941 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (793-805 MHz on uplink and 763-775 MHz on downlink), and US FCC frequencies (2495-2690 MHz on uplink and downlink).
It may be desirable to provide both digital data services and RF communication services for client devices. For example, it may be desirable to provide digital data services and RF communication services in the building infrastructure 70 to client devices located therein. Wired and wireless devices may be located in the building infrastructure 70 that are configured to access digital data services. Examples of digital data services include, but are not limited to WLAN, WiMax, WiFi, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and LTE, etc. For example, Ethernet standards could be supported, including but not limited to 100 Megabits per second (Mbs) (i.e., fast Ethernet) or Gigabit (Gb) Ethernet, or ten Gigabit (10G) Ethernet. Example of digital data devices include, but are not limited to wired and wireless servers, wireless access points (WAPs), gateways, desktop computers, hubs, switches, remote radio heads (RRHs), battery backup units (BBUs), and femtocells. A separate digital data services network can be provided to provide digital data services to digital data devices.
In this regard, embodiments disclosed herein provide optical fiber-based distributed communications systems that support both RF communication services and digital data services. The RF communication services and digital data services can be distributed over optical fiber to client devices, such as remote antenna units for example. Digital data services can be distributed over separate optical fiber from the optical fiber distributing RF communication services. Alternatively, digital data services can be both distributed over common optical fiber with RF communication services in an optical fiber-based distributed communications system. For example, digital data services can be distributed over common optical fiber with RF communication services at different wavelengths through wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) and/or at different frequencies through frequency division multiplexing (FDM).
To provide digital data services in the optical fiber-based distributed communications system 90 in this embodiment, a head-end media converter (HMC) 94 is provided.
With reference to
With reference back to
Examples of ICUs that may be provided in the optical fiber-based distributed communications system 90 to distribute both downlink and uplink optical fibers 16D, 16U for RF communication services and downlink and uplink optical fibers 102D, 102U for digital data services are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/466,514 filed on May 15, 2009 and entitled “Power Distribution Devices, Systems, and Methods For Radio-Over-Fiber (RoF) Distributed Communication,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/330,385 filed on May 2, 2010 and entitled “Power Distribution in Optical Fiber-based Distributed Communication Systems Providing Digital Data and Radio-Frequency (RF) Communication Services, and Related Components and Methods,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
With continuing reference to
Digital data service clients, such as AUs, require power to operate and to receive digital data services. By providing digital data services as part of an optical fiber-based distributed communications system, power distributed to the RAUs in the optical fiber-based distributed communications system can also be used to provide access to power for digital data service clients. This may be a convenient method of providing power to digital data service clients as opposed to providing separate power sources for digital data service clients. For example, power distributed to the RAUs 14 in
The downlink and uplink optical fibers 16D, 16U for RF communications, the downlink and uplink optical fibers 102D, 102U for digital data services, and the electrical power line 58 come into a housing 124 of the RAU 14. The downlink and uplink optical fibers 16D, 16U for RF communications are routed to the O/E converter 30 and E/O converter 34, respectively, and to the antenna 32, as also illustrated in
In this embodiment, the digital data services interface 126 is configured to convert downlink optical digital signals 100D on the downlink optical fiber 102D into downlink electrical digital signals 132D that can be accessed via port 128. The digital data services interface 126 is also configured to convert uplink electrical digital signals 132U received through port 128 into uplink optical digital signals 100U to be provided back to the HMC 94 (see
Because electrical power is provided to the RAU 14 and the digital data services interface 126, this also provides an opportunity to provide power for client devices connected to the AU 118 via port 128. In this regard, a power interface 140 is also provided in the digital data services interface 126, as illustrated in
For example, if the digital data services are Ethernet services, the power interface 140 could be provided as a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) interface. The port 128 could be configured to receive a RJ45 Ethernet connector compatible with PoE as an example. In this manner, an Ethernet connector connected into the port 128 would be able to access both Ethernet digital data services to and from the downlink and uplink optical fibers 102D, 102U to the HMC 94 as well as access power distributed by the ICU 85 over the fiber optic cable 104 provided by the electrical power line 58.
Further, the HEU 12 could include low level control and management of the media converter 134 using RF communication supported by the HEU 12. For example, the media converter 134 could report functionality data (e.g., electrical power on, reception of optical digital data, etc.) to the HEU 12 over the uplink optical fiber 16U that carries RF communication services. The RAU 14 can include a microprocessor that communicates with the media converter 134 to receive this data and communicate this data over the uplink optical fiber 16U to the HEU 12.
Other configurations are possible to provide digital data services in an optical fiber-based distributed communications system. For example.
The downlink and uplink optical fibers 16D, 16U for RF communications, and the downlink and uplink optical fibers 102D, 102U for digital data services, may be provided in a common fiber optic cable or provided in separate fiber optic cables. Further, as illustrated in
Digital data services are described above as being provided in the optical fiber-based distributed communications systems through external media converters. The media converters can be connected at the ICU as an example if desired. If connected at the ICU, the ICU must support receipt of downlink digital data signals via cabling to provide such downlink digital data signals to RAUs. Further, the ICU must support receipt of uplink digital data signals via cabling to provide uplink digital data signals to digital data service switches.
In this regard, embodiments disclosed herein provide power distribution in optical fiber-based distributed communications systems configured to provide digital data services and radio frequency (RF) communications services. Related components and methods are also disclosed. In this regard, embodiments disclosed herein include units that can be provided in optical fiber-based distributed communications systems that are configured to support RF communication services and digital data services. The units may also be configured to support providing distribution of power. The units may be interconnect units (ICUs). Further, embodiments disclosed herein also include optical fiber-based distributed communications systems that provide and support both RF communication services and digital data services. The RF communication services and digital data services can be distributed over optical fiber to client devices, such as remote antenna units for example. Digital data services can be distributed over optical fiber separate from optical fiber distributing RF communication services. Alternatively, digital data services can be distributed over a common optical fiber with RF communication services.
In this regard,
In this regard, the ICU housing 152 is configured to allow the distribution modules 154 to be installed and removed in a modular fashion to provide flexibility in configuring the ICU 151. Only the needed number of distribution modules 154 need be installed to support the number of RAUs 14 supported by the ICU 151. Each distribution module 154 in this embodiment is configured to support one fiber optic cable 104 (see
In this example, each distribution module 154 includes six (6) fiber optic connectors 156, three (3) digital data services outputs of which are downlink fiber optic connectors 156D and three (3) of which are uplink fiber optic connectors 156U. In this embodiment, the fiber optic connectors 156 provide digital data services outputs to support digital data services for up to six (6) RAUs 14 (two (2) fiber optic connectors 156D, 156U support up to two (2) RAUs 14). The optical fibers 102D, 102U are connected to the fiber optic connectors 156D, 156U, respectively, to distribute digital data services to the RAUs 14 via the array cable 104. For example, the fiber optic connectors 156D, 156U may be any type of fiber optic connector, including but not limited to SC, MTP, LC, FC, ST, etc. To interface a digital data services network to the ICU 151 and the fiber optic connectors 156D, 156U, the distribution module 154 also contains three (3) digital data services inputs in the form of digital data services input connectors 158 that receive downlink and provide uplink electrical digital signals. For example, the digital data services input connectors 158 may be RJ-45 connectors. The downlink electrical digital signals are converted into downlink optical digital signals using E/O converters provided in the distribution module 154 to be communicated over the optical fibers 102D, 102U to the RAUs 14. The distribution modules 154 also contain O/E converters to convert uplink optical digital signals from the RAU 14 over the uplink optical fibers 102U to fiber optic connectors 156U to uplink electrical digital signals to be communicated through the digital data services input connectors 158.
Further, the ICU 151 includes an RF communications services input and output in the form of an RF communication services connector 160 that is configured to provide RF communication signals over optical fibers 16D, 16U (see
In this regard, the ICU housing 172 is configured to allow the distribution modules 174 to be installed and removed in a modular fashion to provide flexibility in configuring the ICU 170. Only the needed number of distribution modules 174 need be installed to support the number of RAUs 14 supported by the ICU 170. Three (3) distribution modules 174 in this embodiment are configured to support one (1) array cable 104 (see
In this example, each distribution module 174 includes two (2) fiber optic digital data services outputs in the form of two (2) digital data services output connectors 176, one (1) of which is a downlink fiber optic connector 176D and one (1) of which is an uplink fiber optic connector 176U. In this embodiment, the fiber optic connectors 176 support digital data services for up to two (2) RAUs 14 (two (2) fiber optic connectors 176D, 176U support up to two (2) RAUs 14). The optical fibers 102D, 102U are connected to the fiber optic connectors 176D, 176U, respectively, to distribute digital data services to the RAUs 14 via the array cable 104. For example, the fiber optic connectors 176D, 176U may be any type of fiber optic connector, including but not limited to SC, MTP, LC, FC, ST, etc. To interface a digital data services network to the ICU 170 and the fiber optic connectors 176D, 176U, the distribution module 174 also contains one (1) digital data services input connector 178 that receives downlink and provides uplink electrical digital signals. For example, the digital data services input connectors 178 may be RJ-45 connectors. The downlink electrical digital signals are converted into downlink optical digital signals using E/O converters provided in the distribution module 174 to be communicated over the optical fibers 102D, 102U to the RAUs 14. The distribution modules 174 also contain O/E converters to convert uplink optical digital signals from the RAU 14 over the uplink optical fibers 102U to fiber optic connectors 176U to uplink electrical digital signals to be communicated through the digital data services input connectors 178.
Further, the ICU 170 includes an RF communication services input and output connector 180 that is configured to provide RF communication signals over optical fibers 16D, 16U (see
In this regard, the ICU housing 192 is configured to allow the distribution modules 194 to be installed and removed in a modular fashion to provide flexibility in configuring the ICU 190. Only the needed number of distribution modules 194 need be installed to support the number of RAUs 14 supported by the ICU 190. Three (3) distribution modules 194 in this embodiment are configured to support one (1) array cable 104 (see
In this example, each distribution module 194 includes two (2) fiber optic output connectors 196, one (1) of which is a downlink fiber optic connector 196D and one (1) of which is an uplink fiber optic connector 196U. In this embodiment, the fiber optic connectors 196 support digital data services for up to two (2) RAUs 14 (two (2) fiber optic connectors 196D, 196U support up to two (2) RAUs 14). The optical fibers 102D, 102U are connected to the fiber optic connectors 196D, 196U, respectively, to distribute digital data services to the RAUs 14 via the array cable 104. For example, the fiber optic connectors 196D, 196U may be any type of fiber optic connector, including but not limited to SC, MTP, LC, FC, ST, etc. To interface a digital data services network to the ICU 190 and the fiber optic connectors 196D, 196U, the distribution module 194 also contains one (1) digital data services input connector 198 that receives downlink and provides uplink electrical digital signals. For example, the digital data services input connectors 198 may be RJ-45 connectors. The downlink electrical digital signals are converted into downlink optical digital signals using E/O converters provided in the distribution module 194 to be communicated over the optical fibers 102D, 102U to the RAUs 14. The distribution modules 194 also contain O/E converters to convert uplink optical digital signals from the RAU 14 over the uplink optical fibers 102U to fiber optic connectors 196U to uplink electrical digital signals to be communicated through digital data services input connectors 198.
Further, the ICU 190 includes an RF communication services input and output connector 200 that is configured to provide RF communication signals over optical fibers 16D, 16U (see
Thus, by providing the power supply 204 in the ICU housing 192, the power supply 204 can be shared by all distribution modules 194 to save costs. Providing the power supply 204 in the ICU housing 192 allows the power taps 202 to be provided as part of the ICU 190 instead of the distribution modules 194. The distribution modules 194 contain an electrical connector to connect to the power supply 204 to receive power for media conversion. However, the power supply 204 must be rated to supply power to the maximum number of distribution modules 194 installed in the ICU housing 192, which may increase costs if less distribution modules 194 are installed in the ICU housing 192.
In this regard, the ICU housing 212 is configured to allow the distribution modules 214 to be installed and removed in a modular fashion to provide flexibility in configuring the ICU 210. Only the needed number of distribution modules 214 need be installed to support the number of RAUs 14 supported by the ICU 210. Three (3) distribution modules 214 in this embodiment are configured to support one (1) array cable 104 (see
In this example, each distribution module 214 includes two (2) output fiber optic connectors 216, one (1) of which is a downlink fiber optic connector 216D and one (1) of which is an uplink fiber optic connector 216U. In this embodiment, the fiber optic connectors 216 support digital data services for up to two (2) RAUs 14 (two (2) fiber optic connectors 216D, 216U support up to two (2) RAUs 14). The optical fibers 102D, 102U are connected to the fiber optic connectors 216D, 216U, respectively, to distribute digital data services to the RAUs 14 via the array cable 104. For example, the fiber optic connectors 216D, 216U may be any type of fiber optic connector, including but not limited to SC, MTP, LC, FC, ST, etc. To interface a digital data services network to the ICU 210 and the fiber optic connectors 216D, 216U, the ICU 210 also contains one (1) digital data services input connector 217 that receives downlink and provides uplink electrical digital signals. For example, the digital data services input connector 217 may be a RJ-45 connector. The downlink electrical digital signals are converted into downlink optical digital signals using E/O converters provided in the distribution module 214 to be communicated over the optical fibers 102D, 102U to the RAUs 14. The distribution modules 214 also contain O/E converters to convert uplink optical digital signals from the RAU 14 over the uplink optical fibers 102U to fiber optic connectors 216U to uplink electrical digital signals to be communicated through digital data services input connectors 217.
Further, the ICU 210 includes an RF communication services input and output connector 218 that is configured to provide RF communication signals over optical fibers 16D, 16U (see
In this regard, the ICU housing 232 is configured to allow the distribution modules 234 to be installed and removed in a modular fashion to provide flexibility in configuring the ICU 230. Only the needed number of distribution modules 234 need be installed to support the number of RAUs 14 supported by the ICU 230. Three (3) distribution modules 314 in this embodiment are configured to support one (1) array cable 104 (see
In this example, each distribution module 234 includes four (4) output fiber optic connectors 236, two (2) of which are downlink fiber optic connectors 236D and two (2) of which are uplink fiber optic connectors 236U. In this embodiment, the fiber optic connectors 236 support digital data services for up to four (4) RAUs 14 (four (4) fiber optic connectors 236D, 236U support up to four (4) RAUs 14). The optical fibers 102D, 102U are connected to the fiber optic connectors 236D, 236U, respectively, to distribute digital data services to the RAUs 14 via the array cable 104. For example, the fiber optic connectors 236D, 236U may be any type of fiber optic connector, including but not limited to SC, MTP, LC, FC, ST, etc. To interface a digital data services network to the ICU 230 and the fiber optic connectors 236D, 236U, the ICU 230 also contains two (2) digital data services input connectors 238 that receive downlink and provide uplink electrical digital signals. For example, the digital data services input connectors 238 may be RJ-45 connectors. The downlink electrical digital signals are converted into downlink optical digital signals using E/O converters provided in the distribution module 234 to be communicated over the optical fibers 102D, 102U to the RAUs 14. The distribution modules 234 also contain O/E converters to convert uplink optical digital signals from the RAU 14 over the uplink optical fibers 102U to fiber optic connectors 236U to uplink electrical digital signals to be communicated through digital data services input connectors 238.
Further, the ICU 230 includes an RF communication services input and output connector 240 that is configured to provide RF communication signals over optical fibers 16D, 16U (see
Further, as used herein, it is intended that terms “fiber optic cables” and/or “optical fibers” include all types of single mode and multi-mode light waveguides, including one or more optical fibers that may be upcoated, colored, buffered, ribbonized and/or have other organizing or protective structure in a cable such as one or more tubes, strength members, jackets or the like. The optical fibers disclosed herein can be single mode or multi-mode optical fibers. Likewise, other types of suitable optical fibers include bend-insensitive optical fibers, or any other expedient of a medium for transmitting light signals. An example of a bend-insensitive, or bend resistant, optical fiber is ClearCurve® Multimode fiber commercially available from Corning Incorporated. Suitable fibers of this type are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0166094 and 2009/0169163, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Bend resistant multimode optical fibers may comprise a graded-index core region and a cladding region surrounding and directly adjacent to the core region, the cladding region comprising a depressed-index annular portion comprising a depressed relative refractive index relative to another portion of the cladding. The depressed-index annular portion of the cladding is preferably spaced apart from the core. Preferably, the refractive index profile of the core has a parabolic or substantially curved shape. The depressed-index annular portion may, for example, comprise a) glass comprising a plurality of voids, or b) glass doped with one or more downdopants such as fluorine, boron, individually or mixtures thereof. The depressed-index annular portion may have a refractive index delta less than about −0.2% and a width of at least about 1 micron, said depressed-index annular portion being spaced from said core by at least about 0.5 microns.
In some embodiments that comprise a cladding with voids, the voids in some preferred embodiments are non-periodically located within the depressed-index annular portion. By “non-periodically located” we mean that when one takes a cross section (such as a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of the optical fiber, the non-periodically disposed voids are randomly or non-periodically distributed across a portion of the fiber (e.g. within the depressed-index annular region). Similar cross sections taken at different points along the length of the fiber will reveal different randomly distributed cross-sectional hole patterns, i.e., various cross sections will have different hole patterns, wherein the distributions of voids and sizes of voids do not exactly match for each such cross section. That is, the voids are non-periodic, i.e., they are not periodically disposed within the fiber structure. These voids are stretched (elongated) along the length (i.e. generally parallel to the longitudinal axis) of the optical fiber, but do not extend the entire length of the entire fiber for typical lengths of transmission fiber. It is believed that the voids extend along the length of the fiber a distance less than about 20 meters, more preferably less than about 10 meters, even more preferably less than about 5 meters, and in some embodiments less than 1 meter.
The multimode optical fiber disclosed herein exhibits very low bend induced attenuation, in particular very low macrobending induced attenuation. In some embodiments, high bandwidth is provided by low maximum relative refractive index in the core, and low bend losses are also provided. Consequently, the multimode optical fiber may comprise a graded index glass core; and an inner cladding surrounding and in contact with the core, and a second cladding comprising a depressed-index annular portion surrounding the inner cladding, said depressed-index annular portion having a refractive index delta less than about −0.2% and a width of at least 1 micron, wherein the width of said inner cladding is at least about 0.5 microns and the fiber further exhibits a 1 turn, 10 mm diameter mandrel wrap attenuation increase of less than or equal to about 0.4 dB/turn at 850 nm, a numerical aperture of greater than 0.14, more preferably greater than 0.17, even more preferably greater than 0.18, and most preferably greater than 0.185, and an overfilled bandwidth greater than 1.5 GHz-km at 850 nm.
50 micron diameter core multimode fibers can be made which provide (a) an overfilled (OFL) bandwidth of greater than 1.5 GHz-km, more preferably greater than 2.0 GHz-km, even more preferably greater than 3.0 GHz-km, and most preferably greater than 4.0 GHz-km at an 850 nm wavelength. These high bandwidths can be achieved while still maintaining a 1 turn, 10 mm diameter mandrel wrap attenuation increase at an 850 nm wavelength of less than 0.5 dB, more preferably less than 0.3 dB, even more preferably less than 0.2 dB, and most preferably less than 0.15 dB. These high bandwidths can also be achieved while also maintaining a 1 turn, 20 mm diameter mandrel wrap attenuation increase at an 850 nm wavelength of less than 0.2 dB, more preferably less than 0.1 dB, and most preferably less than 0.05 dB, and a 1 turn, 15 mm diameter mandrel wrap attenuation increase at an 850 nm wavelength, of less than 0.2 dB, preferably less than 0.1 dB, and more preferably less than 0.05 dB. Such fibers are further capable of providing a numerical aperture (NA) greater than 0.17, more preferably greater than 0.18, and most preferably greater than 0.185. Such fibers are further simultaneously capable of exhibiting an OFL bandwidth at 1300 nm which is greater than about 500 MHz-km, more preferably greater than about 600 MHz-km, even more preferably greater than about 700 MHz-km. Such fibers are further simultaneously capable of exhibiting minimum calculated effective modal bandwidth (Min EMBc) bandwidth of greater than about 1.5 MHz-km, more preferably greater than about 1.8 MHz-km and most preferably greater than about 2.0 MHz-km at 850 nm.
Preferably, the multimode optical fiber disclosed herein exhibits a spectral attenuation of less than 3 dB/km at 850 nm, preferably less than 2.5 dB/km at 850 nm, even more preferably less than 2.4 dB/km at 850 nm and still more preferably less than 2.3 dB/km at 850 nm. Preferably, the multimode optical fiber disclosed herein exhibits a spectral attenuation of less than 1.0 dB/km at 1300 nm, preferably less than 0.8 dB/km at 1300 nm, even more preferably less than 0.6 dB/km at 1300 nm.
In some embodiments, the numerical aperture (“NA”) of the optical fiber is preferably less than 0.23 and greater than 0.17, more preferably greater than 0.18, and most preferably less than 0.215 and greater than 0.185.
In some embodiments, the core extends radially outwardly from the centerline to a radius R1, wherein 10≦R1≦40 microns, more preferably 20≦R1≦40 microns. In some embodiments, 22≦R1≦34 microns. In some preferred embodiments, the outer radius of the core is between about 22 to 28 microns. In some other preferred embodiments, the outer radius of the core is between about 28 to 34 microns.
In some embodiments, the core has a maximum relative refractive index, less than or equal to 1.2% and greater than 0.5%, more preferably greater than 0.8%. In other embodiments, the core has a maximum relative refractive index, less than or equal to 1.1% and greater than 0.9%.
In some embodiments, the optical fiber exhibits a 1 turn, 10 mm diameter mandrel attenuation increase of no more than 1.0 dB, preferably no more than 0.6 dB, more preferably no more than 0.4 dB, even more preferably no more than 0.2 dB, and still more preferably no more than 0.1 dB, at all wavelengths between 800 and 1400 nm.
The inner annular portion 406 has a refractive index profile Δ2(r) with a maximum relative refractive index Δ2MAX, and a minimum relative refractive index Δ2MIN, where in some embodiments Δ2MAX=Δ2MIN. The depressed-index annular portion 408 has a refractive index profile Δ3(r) with a minimum relative refractive index Δ3MIN. The outer annular portion 410 has a refractive index profile Δ4(r) with a maximum relative refractive index Δ4MAX, and a minimum relative refractive index Δ4MIN, where in some embodiments Δ4MAX=Δ4MIN. Preferably, Δ1MAX>Δ2MAX>Δ3MIN. In some embodiments, the inner annular portion 406 has a substantially constant refractive index profile, as shown in
Each RIM 422(1)-422(M) can be designed to support a particular type of radio source or range of radio sources (i.e., frequencies) to provide flexibility in configuring the HEU 424 and the optical fiber-based distributed antenna system 420 to support the desired radio sources. For example, one RIM 422 may be configured to support the Personal Communication Services (PCS) radio band. Another RIM 422 may be configured to support the 700 MHz radio band. In this example, by inclusion of these RIMs 422, the HEU 424 would be configured to support and distribute RF communications signals on both PCS and LTE 700 radio bands. RIMs 422 may be provided in the HEU 424 that support any frequency bands desired, including but not limited to the US Cellular band, Personal Communication Services (PCS) band, Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band, 700 MHz band, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) 900, GSM 1800, and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). RIMs 422 may be provided in the HEU 424 that support any wireless technologies desired, including but not limited to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), CDMA200, 1×RTT, Evolution—Data Only (EV-DO), UMTS, High-speed Packet Access (HSPA), GSM, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), iDEN, and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).
RIMs 422 may be provided in the HEU 424 that support any frequencies desired, including but not limited to US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (824-849 MHz on uplink and 869-894 MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1850-1915 MHz on uplink and 1930-1995 MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1710-1755 MHz on uplink and 2110-2155 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (698-716 MHz and 776-787 MHz on uplink and 728-746 MHz on downlink) EU R & TTE frequencies (880-915 MHz on uplink and 925-960 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (1710-1785 MHz on uplink and 1805-1880 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (1920-1980 MHz on uplink and 2110-2170 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (806-824 MHz on uplink and 851-869 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (896-901 MHz on uplink and 929-941 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (793-805 MHz on uplink and 763-775 MHz on downlink), and US FCC frequencies (2495-2690 MHz on uplink and downlink).
The downlink electrical RF communications signals 426(1)-426(R) are provided to a plurality of optical interfaces provided in the form of optical interface modules (OIMs) 428(1)-428(N) in this embodiment to convert the downlink electrical RF communications signals 426(1)-426(N) into downlink optical signals 430(1)-430(R). The notation “1-N” indicates that any number of the referenced component 1-N may be provided. The OIMs 428 may be configured to provide one or more optical interface components (OICs) that contain O/E and E/O converters, as will be described in more detail below. The OIMs 428 support the radio bands that can be provided by the RIMs 422, including the examples previously described above. Thus, in this embodiment, the OIMs 428 may support a radio band range from 400 MHz to 2700 MHz, as an example, so providing different types or models of OIMs 428 for narrower radio bands to support possibilities for different radio band-supported RIMs 422 provided in the HEU 424 is not required. Further, as an example, the OIMs 428s may be optimized for sub-bands within the 400 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency range, such as 400-700 MHz, 700 MHz-1 GHz, 1 GHz-1.6 GHz, and 1.6 GHz-2.7 GHz, as examples.
The OIMs 428(1)-428(N) each include E/O converters to convert the downlink electrical RF communications signals 426(1)-426(R) to downlink optical signals 430(1)-430(R). The downlink optical signals 430(1)-430(R) are communicated over downlink optical fiber(s) 433D to a plurality of RAUs 432(1)-432(P). The notation “1-P” indicates that any number of the referenced component 1-P may be provided. O/E converters provided in the RAUs 432(1)-432(P) convert the downlink optical signals 430(1)-430(R) back into downlink electrical RF communications signals 426(1)-426(R), which are provided over links 434(1)-434(P) coupled to antennas 436(1)-436(P) in the RAUs 232(1)-232(P) to client devices in the reception range of the antennas 436(1)-436(P).
E/O converters are also provided in the RAUs 432(1)-432(P) to convert uplink electrical RF communications signals received from client devices through the antennas 436(1)-436(P) into uplink optical signals 438(1)-438(R) to be communicated over uplink optical fibers 433U to the OIMs 428(1)-428(N). The OIMs 428(1)-428(N) include O/E converters that convert the uplink optical signals 438(1)-438(R) into uplink electrical RF communications signals 440(1)-440(R) that are processed by the RIMs 422(1)-422(M) and provided as uplink electrical RF communications signals 442(1)-442(R).
It may be desirable to provide both digital data services and RF communication services for client devices. For example, it may be desirable to provide digital data services and RF communication services in the building infrastructure 70 (
The exemplary computer system 482 includes a processing device or processor 484, a main memory 486 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), etc.), and a static memory 488 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), which may communicate with each other via a bus 490. Alternatively, the processing device 484 may be connected to the main memory 486 and/or static memory 488 directly or via some other connectivity means. The processing device 484 may be a controller, and the main memory 486 or static memory 488 may be any type of memory, each of which can be included in the HEU 112, HMC 94, digital data services modules 301, 303, RAU 114, and/or AUs 118.
The processing device 484 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device 484 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing device 484 is configured to execute processing logic in instructions 491 for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.
The computer system 482 may further include a network interface device 492. The computer system 482 also may or may not include an input 494 to receive input and selections to be communicated to the computer system 482 when executing instructions. The computer system 482 also may or may not include an output 496, including but not limited to a display, a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), and/or a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse).
The computer system 482 may or may not include a data storage device that includes instructions 498 stored in a computer-readable medium 500 embodying any one or more of the RAU power management methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 498 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 486 and/or within the processing device 484 during execution thereof by the computer system 482, the main memory 486 and the processing device 484 also constituting computer-readable media. The instructions 488 may further be transmitted or received over a network 502 via the network interface device 492.
While the computer-readable medium 500 is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the processing device and that cause the processing device to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the embodiments disclosed herein. The term “computer-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.
The embodiments disclosed herein include various steps. The steps of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, the steps may be performed by a combination of hardware and software.
The embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a machine-readable medium (or computer-readable medium) having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the embodiments disclosed herein. A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., read only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.), a machine-readable transmission medium (electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), etc.
Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the previous discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.
The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description above. In addition, the embodiments described herein are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the embodiments as described herein.
Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, instructions stored in memory or in another computer-readable medium and executed by a processor or other processing device, or combinations of both. The components of the distributed antenna systems described herein may be employed in any circuit, hardware component, integrated circuit (IC), or IC chip, as examples. Memory disclosed herein may be any type and size of memory and may be configured to store any type of information desired. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. How such functionality is implemented depends upon the particular application, design choices, and/or design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A controller may be a processor. A processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in hardware and in instructions that are stored in hardware, and may reside, for example, in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a remote station. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a remote station, base station, or server.
It is also noted that the operational steps described in any of the exemplary embodiments herein are described to provide examples and discussion. The operations described may be performed in numerous different sequences other than the illustrated sequences. Furthermore, operations described in a single operational step may actually be performed in a number of different steps. Additionally, one or more operational steps discussed in the exemplary embodiments may be combined. It is to be understood that the operational steps illustrated in the flow chart diagrams may be subject to numerous different modifications as will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. Those of skill in the art would also understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein do not have to include power distribution. Any combination of RF communication services, digital data services, and power distribution can be provide, including in the ICU examples described herein. For example, the ICU could be equipped to distribute RF communication services and digital data services. The ICU could also be equipped to distribute digital data services and power as another example. Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/330,385 filed on May 2, 2010 and entitled, “Power Distribution in Optical Fiber-Based Distributed Communications Systems Providing Digital Data and Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Services, and Related Components and Methods,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present application is related to the following applications: U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/330,383 filed on May 2, 2010 and entitled, “Optical Fiber-based Distributed Communications Systems, And Related Components and Methods”; U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/330,386 filed on May 2, 2010 and entitled, “Providing Digital Data Services in Optical Fiber-based Distributed Radio Frequency (RF) Communication Services, and Related Components and Methods”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/892,424 filed on Sep. 28, 2010 entitled, “Providing Digital Data Services in Optical Fiber-based Distributed Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Systems, and Related Components and Methods”; U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/393,177 filed on Oct. 14, 2010 entitled, “Providing Digital Data Services in Optical Fiber-based Distributed Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Systems, and Related Components and Methods”; U.S. Prov. App. No. 61/392,660 filed on Oct. 13, 2010 entitled, “Local Power Management For Remote Antenna Units In Distributed Antenna Systems”; U.S. App. No. 61/392,687 filed on Oct. 13, 2010 entitled, “Remote Power Management For Remote Antenna Units In Distributed Antenna Systems.” These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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