Wireless method, system and device for communicaton

Abstract

A method and system for wirelessly communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data modem/router in a housing via an Ethernet connection on a first radio transceiver communicating with a second radio transceiver at a customer's premises, wherein the housing connects to a supporting strand that supports a coaxial cable carrying a RF spectrum signal and AC power signal.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a commercial modem/router and a wireless system of data communications. The method and system generally uses two radio transceivers for an inexpensive data and communication device usable without the need for construction or hardwiring.

BACKGROUND

Hybrid fiber coaxial networks (HFC networks) are typically used for delivery of television signals to subscribers. Each subscriber represents either an individual or a business and is connected to the cable TV HFC network through a trunk and branch configuration to individual subscribers.

The HFC network can also carry a connection to the Internet, voice, fax and data. To date, customers in business have had great challenges in connecting to the HFC network. The present invention was designed to meet that need.

A need has long existed to expand the serviceable market to provide Internet, voice, fax, and data connectivity. The present invention addresses the need to a less expensive and faster technique to permit customers to access these services over cable in commercial facilities.

Another need in the business was to have a system that can be used through a window so that no roof rights are required by a client for connecting to the HFC network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements, as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the equipment usable with the method and system.

FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of the strand with accompanying coaxial cable used in the method and system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the steps used in the method.

FIG. 4 depicts a view of the customer's site showing the equipment used in the method and system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the equipment used in an embodiment of the method and system.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the pertinent art to make and use the inventions, when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology. Various terms as used herein are defined below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents.

FIG. 1 relates to a method and system of wirelessly communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data cable modem/router via a wireless Ethernet connection, which can be a radio transceiver and cable combination to a customer's location.

Wirelessly communicating is preferably radio based communication, but can include infrared, laser based or light based communication. In addition, other electromagnetic frequency communication (microwave) frequency can be used within the scope of this invention.

The method uses a system that is illustrated as a single particular communications channel in FIG. 1. Multiple links and channels of those links, such as communications links of wired and wireless channels, can be used in embodiments of the invention described herein.

The method and system generally includes wirelessly communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data modem/router in a housing via an Ethernet connection on a first radio transceiver communicating with a second radio transceiver at a customer's premises, wherein the housing connects to a supporting strand which supports a coaxial cable carrying a RF spectrum signal and AC power.

In an embodiment, wherein the housing can contain a bidirectional high speed data modem operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a first radio processor card, and a switching power supply, wherein the housing is operably connected to a supporting strand and wherein the supporting strand simultaneously supports a coaxial cable carrying an RF spectrum signal and an AC power signal.

The method and system generally includes splitting the signal with an RF/power splitter from the coaxial cable into the RF spectrum signal and the AC power.

The method and system further includes transmitting the RF spectrum signal from the splitter into the bidirectional high speed data modem/router and generating a digital Ethernet signal from the modem/router to the first radio transceiver.

The method and system can further includes at least one heating and cooling device adapted to heat and cool contents of the housing.

In addition, the method and system can include converting the AC power to a DC power supply using a converter and stepping down the voltage with a switching power supply.

In addition, the method and system can include the first radio processor card that is adapted to send a signal from the first radio transceiver and then to the first antennae and beam the signal from the first antennae to a second antennae.

The method and system also includes communicating the signal from the second antennae to a second radio transceiver and then to a second radio processor card to a client device.

Further, the method and system includes using the power from the switching power supply (to run the modern/router and the radio transceiver, as well as a plurality of heating and cooling devices, wherein the plurality of heating and cooling devices are adapted to heat or cool the contents of the housing.

The method and system also includes communicating the signal from the first radio transceiver to a first antenna, beaming the signal from the first antenna to a second antenna and communicating the signal from the second antenna to a second radio transceiver to a client device.

The method and system also includes communicating the signal from the first radio transceiver to a first antenna, beaming the signal from the first antenna to a second antenna and communicating the signal from the second antenna to a plurality of electronic devices comprising radio transceivers.

A wireless communication device for communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data cable modem via an Ethernet connection using a first radio transceiver at a first location and communicating with a second radio transceiver at a customer's premises can be used with the present method and system.

The wireless communication device can comprise a housing containing a bidirectional high speed data modem operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a first radio processor card, and a switching power supply. The device can further have a splitter adapted to engage the coaxial cable and split the RF spectrum signal from the AC power. The device can also have at least one heating and cooling device adapted to heat and cool contents of the housing.

Returning to FIG. 1, a cable modern/router (12), such as a DOCSIS cable modern/router, is disposed in a housing (13). The cable modern/router and housing are connected to a supporting strand (18), such as with a first mounting bracket (10) and a second mounting bracket (11). The supporting strand supports a fiber/coaxial cable (19). The housing is preferably water or weather resistant housing, such as one made from molded plastic, metal, a composite, a weatherproof water tight coated laminate or combinations thereof. The housing is large enough to hold the cable modem/router, at least one heating and/or cooling device, one or more radio transceivers, a power supply converter, thermostat (107), and associated cables. The housing can also include a lightning protector.

The supporting strand (18) described in the invention is shown in detail in FIG. 2, wherein the strand supports the fiber/coaxial cable (19) which contains an RF spectrum signal (20), which is preferably a CATV signal, but can also be other types of signals. The RF spectrum signal can have digital content, such as digital music, and also return information, such as compressed video libraries. The coaxial cable (19) also provides a source of AC power (22) which is typically between approximately 50 volts up to and slightly exceeding 100 volts. In one embodiment, the supporting strand (18) and the fiber/coaxial cable (19) are sealed inside a material, such as rubber.

Returning now to FIG. 1, which shows a splitter (24), which can receive the input from the fiber/coaxial cable (19) and splits the input into an RF spectrum signal (20) and the AC power (22). Preferably the splitters accept a combined AC/RF signal fed into a single input, such as an F connector, and separates the combined AC/RF into two separate outputs, one being RF and the other being the AC power, each with their own connectors.

The RF spectrum signal is communicated to a bidirectional high speed data cable modem/router (12) which is can be a DOCSIS cable modem/router, such as a model PCX 100 manufactured by Toshiba of Tokyo Japan, or can be a similar data over cable system interface specification (DOCSIS) modem/router, such as those available from Cisco of Sunnyvale Calif. or Motorola of Arizona.

The cable modem/router (12) communicates with a first processor PCB (105) which can accommodate either one or two radio transceivers (15) over a cable (100) in an embodiment. The radio transceiver can be any wireless device or 802.11x wireless device, such as an Orinoco Wireless networks radio transceiver or a Dell model 1150 True Mobile 11 Mbps Wireless LAN adapter or another compatible 802.11x receiver as known to one skilled in the art.

The first processor PCB (105), power supply (30), radio transceiver (15) and the cable modem/router (12) can be temperature regulated using first heating, and/or cooling device (34) and optionally a second heating and/or cooling device (36). The first radio transceiver, cable modem/router, and heating and cooling devices in the housing (13) can all be powered from an AC to DC power supply (30) that can provide a plurality of DC power supplies (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, and 29e) to each of these units.

The power results from the AC power being split from the coaxial cable then can be transmitted to a switching power supply such as a switching power supply from Integrated Power Design, which can convert and regulate the AC to DC power. The outputs are between about 0.1 volts to about 48 volts of DC current. One or more outputs of the switching power supply can have this voltage. In the embodiments, the outputs are between about 9 volts to about 12 volts each. The first processor card (105) can communicate with a radio transceiver (15).

The first radio transceiver (15) can further communicate with a first antenna (101) via an RF cable (102). Antennas manufactured by Arc Wireless of Denver, Colo. can be used in the invention, but additional antennas can also be used.

The first antenna (101) can wirelessly communicates with a second antenna (103) at a client's premise (17). The second antenna can communicate with a second radio transceiver (16) that can further communicate to a second processor card (106) that can further communicate to a client device (305) via an Ethernet cable (104).

In an embodiment, the first antenna can be fastened to a pole mounting bracket (82) that in turn can be further fastened to a utility pole for stability. The second antenna either can be roof mounted or mounted behind a non-metallic wall or window for communicating with the first antenna.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the method.

The method (300) can generally includes wirelessly communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data cable modem/router in a housing via an Ethernet connection on a first radio transceiver communicating with a second radio transceiver at a customer's premises, wherein the housing connects to a supporting strand that supports a coaxial cable carrying a RF spectrum signal and AC power.

The method can generally includes splitting (302) the signal with an RF/power splitter from the coaxial cable into the RF spectrum signal and the AC power.

The method can further include transmitting (304) the RF spectrum signal from the splitter into the bidirectional high speed data cable modem/router and generating a digital Ethernet signal (306) from the modem/router to the first processor card and the first radio transceiver.

In addition, the method can include converting (308) the AC power to DC power using a converter and stepping down the voltage with a switching power supply. The switching power can then be used to supply power to the modem/router, processor and the radio transceiver, as well as a plurality of heating and cooling devices (310). The heating and cooling devices can be adapted to heat or cool the contents of the housing.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the processor signals are communicated from the processor PCB to the first radio transceiver (312). The method continues by communicating the signal (314) from the first radio transceiver to a first antenna, transmitting (316) the signal from the first antenna to a second antenna and communicating the signal (318) from the second antenna to a second radio transceiver then to a client device.

In an embodiment, the cable modem/router can perform half duplex communications. However, full duplex communications can also be appropriate depending upon a specific application.

FIG. 4 shows the customer's premises using the equipment usable in the method and system of the invention. FIG. 4 shows that a signal from the first antenna (101) can be transmitted into a customer's premises (17). The signal can be received by the second antenna (103), which connects to the second radio transceiver (16). The second transceiver (16) connects to a second radio processor card (106). The card (106) then transmits an Ethernet signal carried by a cable (104), which can be a Ethernet cable that communicates via a cable (204), to the customer's LAN or computer or other Ethernet device.

Power to operate the radio processor card (106) and the antenna (103) can be provided by a power over Ethernet system that includes an AC switching power supply (201) connected to a power cord (202), which is connected to an Ethernet power inserter (203), which delivers power across the Ethernet cable (104) to the processor card affiliated with the antenna (103). An antenna communicates with the second processor card and carries the bidirectional signal to the client's device (205) that can attach to a hub, switch, router or other Ethernet connection.

In one embodiment, the cable modem/router (12) communicates with a Wide Area network (“WAN”) connection (20). In another embodiment, the processor card (16) communicates with a client device (205) such as a PC or Local Area network (“LAN”) connection.

In one embodiment, the bidirectional high speed data modem/router is a data over cable system interface specification (DOCSIS) modem/router. The DOCSIS modem/router can have a functionality consisting of automatic registration, encryption, and automatic assignment of IP addresses.

In one embodiment, the client device can be a computer, a local area network (LAN), a network hub, a remote terminal unit for monitoring remote equipment, a digital camera, a fax, a phone, an Ethernet switch, a router, and combinations thereof

The computer can be any micro processing device that includes processing and memory functions, such as a personal digital assistant, a notebook computer, a processor-equipped cellular phone or any other similar device.

The computer can further include a co-processor module, which includes a digital signal processor (DSP) to enhance processing capabilities and capacity of the computer. The DSP of the co-processor module can serve a variety of functions and operations, such as, supplying added encryption/decryption, communications, protocol handling and location capabilities, e.g., global positioning system calculations, for example. The co-processor module is particularly suited for enabling and enhancing operations of the computer according to the protocols and ASP services systems and methods described herein.

In one embodiment, the method and system can further include a housing to encase the splitter, first radio transceiver, converter, switching power supply and communication links. The housing can be formed of a material such as molded plastic, a metal, a composite material, weatherproof sealed coated laminate or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the method and system can further include a second transceiver disposed in the housing in parallel communication with the bidirectional high speed data modem/router. For example, the modem/router can be connected to the strand independent of connection to a utility pole.

In one embodiment, the housing can further include a detector for detecting a first location of the client device. For example, the detector is a computer. The invention is capable of the bi-directional transmission of such information that may be one or more signals such as data, phone, fax, video, audio, USB, Internet, multimedia or any combination thereof.

FIG. 5 depicts the embodiment of the a method and system of wirelessly communicating information from a bidirectional high speed data cable modem via an Ethernet connection that uses a first radio transceiver at a first location and communicates to a plurality of electronic devices. Each electronic device can include radio transceivers. The method and system can entail beaming the signal from the first antenna to at least one of a plurality of electronic devices (501a, 501b, 501c, 501d, and 501e).

Examples of electronic devices (501a, 501b, 501c, 501d, and 501e) can be laptops, PC's computers, personal digital assistants (PDA), personal electronic devices communicating with satellites, cell phones, GPS location devices, or other mobile electronic devices that can interface to networks. The radio transceiver card installed in the electronic devices can be card rated IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g card or a similar type card.

The method and system creates a public access area known as a “hot spot” from the housing. The housing can contain modems and other equipment to connect to the electronic devices for public high speed internet access. The method and system can additionally include authentication techniques to enable access by a user using a defined protocol, such as a set of e-mail addresses.

The method and system can also be adapted to comprise a technique, such as management techniques, billing techniques, accounting techniques, reporting techniques, and combinations thereof. These techniques can enable additional reports on at least one of the electronic devices.

The method and system can also include the unique features including

• • a. capable of incorporating any cable modem/router into the device that meets the enclosures size and power requirements;
  • b. capable of providing point-to-point and or point-to-multipoint transmission of secure non 802.IIx signal using inexpensive 802.IIx hardware;
  • c. usable as a standard 802.11x access point allowing users to access high speed internet and/or local area networks wirelessly;
  • d. usable as a 802.11x “Hot Spot” device with the ability to communicate with a AAA appliances or any other 802.11x wireless device and allow clients high speed interne access through various means of authentication such as, but not limited to a user's email address or credit card information;
  • e. ability to change operation of the device to any of the above claims 2, 3, or 4 through changes in software switches; and
  • f. usable as a unique pole mounting bracket that allows for a stable mounting of the antenna that in most cities does not require a permit because no contact with the utility pole itself is made.

The method and system can use a wireless communication system. The system communicates the information using a first radio transceiver at a first location and sends the information to a second radio transceiver at a customer's premises.

The system can include a housing containing a bidirectional high speed data modem/router operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a first radio processor card, and a switching power supply. The housing can be operably connected to a supporting cable strand. The supporting cable strand can simultaneously support a coaxial cable carrying an RF spectrum signal and an AC power signal. The system can have at least one heating and cooling device to heat and cool contents of the housing.

The system can also include a splitter adapted to engage the coaxial cable and split the RF spectrun signal from the AC power.

The first radio processor card can be adapted to send a signal from the first radio transceiver, send the same signal to the first antenna, and then beam the signal from the first antenna to a second antenna.

The system can also adapted to communicate the signal from the second antenna to a second radio transceiver and then to a second radio processor card and then to a client device.

The method can use of a device that can include a housing with a bidirectional high speed data modem/router operably connected to a first radio transceiver, a first radio processor card, and a switching power supply. The splitter can be adapted to engage the coaxial cable and split the RF spectrum signal from the AC power. The device can include at least one heating and cooling device adapted to heat and cool contents of the housing.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, these embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. Wireless communication apparatus comprising: a weather-resistant housing containing (i) a DOCSIS cable modem, (ii) a radio transceiver, (iii) a radio processor, and (iv) a power supply, the housing further comprising mounting structure configured to couple the housing to a substantially horizontally-disposed outdoor aerial cable strand, such that a top of the housing is disposed vertically below a location at with the cable strand supports a shielded two-conductor coaxial cable which carries an RF signal and AC power;a connector coupled to the housing and configured to couple to the shielded two-conductor coaxial cable;a splitter connected to the connector and configured to split the RF signal from the AC power, the RF signal being provided to the DOCSIS cable modem, and the AC power being provided to the power supply, the power supply converting the AC power to DC power, the DC power being provided to the DOCSIS cable modem, to the radio transceiver, and to the radio processor; andan antenna coupled to both the housing and to the radio transceiver.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling structure configured to cool the housing.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to send a wireless signal from the radio transceiver to another antenna on a mobile user device.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed of a material comprising at least one of molded plastic, a metal, a composite material, and weatherproof sealed coated laminate.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver is disposed in parallel communication with a further transceiver disposed in the housing.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modem, the radio transceiver, the processor, and the power supply, are all mounted on a single device.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a location detecting device.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is weatherproof.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mounting structure is configured to couple the housing to more than one location on the cable strand.

10. Wireless communication apparatus comprising: a housing containing a DOCSIS cable modem, a radio transceiver, a radio processor, and a power supply, wherein the housing includes mounting structure configured to be coupled to an outdoor cable strand which supports a shielded two-conductor coaxial cable carrying an RF signal and AC power, the mounting structure being dimensioned so as to cause a top of the housing to be disposed below a portion of the coaxial cable where it is supported by the cable strand;a splitter coupled to the housing and configured to be connected to the coaxial cable, the splitter splitting the RF signal from the AC power;an antenna coupled to the radio transceiver;cooling structure configured to cool contents of the housing; andwherein the radio processor is configured to provide a signal to the radio transceiver, which provides a corresponding signal to the antenna, which is configured to beam the signal to a second antenna coupled to a device outside of the wireless communication apparatus.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the mounting structure is configured to hang the housing from more than one location on the cable strand.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mounting structure comprises plural mounting brackets.

13. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cooling structure comprises a cooling device.

14. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the power supply receives the AC power from the splitter and provides DC power to the modem, the radio transceiver, and the processor.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the modem, the radio transceiver, the processor, and the power supply, are all mounted on a single device.

16. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the housing includes plural radio transceivers.

17. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the housing is weatherproof.

18. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the splitter is disposed inside the housing.

19. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the mounting structure is configured to couple the housing to an aerial outdoor substantially-horizontally-disposed cable strand.

20. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the antenna is configured to beam the signal to the second antenna, which is coupled to at least one of a computer, a local area network, a network hub, a remote terminal unit for monitoring remote equipment, a fax, a phone, an Ethernet switch, and a router, outside of the wireless communication apparatus.

21. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the antenna is configured to beam the signal to the second antenna, which is coupled to at least one of a laptop, a personal digital assistant, a personal electronic device communicating with a satellite, a cell phone, a GPS location device, and a digital camera, outside of the wireless communication apparatus.

22. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the antenna is configured to beam the signal to the second antenna, which is incorporated in a mobile electronic device with a radio transceiver card installed therein.

23. Wireless communication apparatus comprising: a weather-resistant housing containing a modem, a radio transceiver, a radio processor, and a power supply, wherein the housing has at least one mounting bracket configured to be coupled to outdoor aerial cable strand which supports a shielded two-conductor coaxial cable carrying an RF signal and AC power, the at least one mounting bracket being dimensioned to cause a top of the housing to hang down below a bottom portion of the coaxial cable where it is supported by the cable strand;a splitter disposed inside the housing and configured to be connected to the coaxial cable, the splitter splitting the RF signal from the AC power, the RF signal being provided to the cable modem, the AC power being provided to the power supply;the power supply providing DC power to the cable modem, the radio transceiver, and the radio processor;the cable modem receiving the RF signal from the splitter and providing a digital signal, corresponding to the received RF signal, to the radio processor;the radio processor receiving the digital signal from the modem and providing a processed signal, corresponding to the received digital signal, to the radio transceiver; andthe radio transceiver receiving the processed signal from the radio processor and providing a transmit signal, corresponding to the received processed signal, to an antenna coupled to the radio transceiver;wherein the antenna is configured to beam the transmit signal to a second antenna coupled to a device outside of the wireless communication apparatus.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is configured to hang the housing from more than one location on the cable strand.

25. Apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a cooling structure configured to cool an interior of the housing.

26. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the power supply receives the AC power from the splitter and provides DC power to the modem, the radio transceiver, and the processor.

27. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the housing includes plural radio transceivers.

28. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the splitter is disposed inside the housing.

29. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the antenna is configured to beam the signal to a second antenna, which is incorporated in a mobile electronic device with a radio transceiver card installed therein.