U.S. patent application number 14/636471 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for wireless communication subsystem with a digital interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vectrad Networks Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is NETGEAR, Inc.. Invention is credited to Heinz Lycklama A'nyeholt, David Prager, Dave Randall, Bruce C. Rothaar.
Application Number | 20150171988 14/636471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37948060 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150171988 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prager; David ; et
al. |
June 18, 2015 |
Wireless Communication Subsystem with a Digital Interface
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed which provide wireless
communication systems implementing subsystems adapted for flexible
deployment configurations and to resist the introduction of
interference. Preferred embodiments of the present invention
provide a wireless communication system configuration in which an
ODU subsystem is coupled to an IDU subsystem using a fiber optic
link. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
an ODU subsystem is adapted to provide conversion between digital
and analog to thereby facilitate the use of a digital link between
the ODU subsystem and a corresponding IDU subsystem. Embodiments of
the present invention utilize a plurality of ODU subsystems
configured according to the present invention to provide wireless
communication coverage of a service area, such as to provide a
wireless application termination system (WATS) hub for use in
providing wireless communication links with respect to a plurality
of subscriber units.
Inventors: |
Prager; David; (Bothell,
WA) ; Rothaar; Bruce C.; (Woodinville, WA) ;
A'nyeholt; Heinz Lycklama; (Arlington, VA) ; Randall;
Dave; (Kingston, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NETGEAR, Inc. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vectrad Networks
Corporation
Carrollton
TX
Adaptix, Inc.
San Jose
CA
NETGEAR, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37948060 |
Appl. No.: |
14/636471 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13687880 |
Nov 28, 2012 |
9014200 |
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14636471 |
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|
11637366 |
Dec 12, 2006 |
8345698 |
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13687880 |
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10010935 |
Dec 5, 2001 |
7773614 |
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11637366 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
398/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/38 20130101; F24F
11/54 20180101; H04J 14/0227 20130101; H04L 49/351 20130101; F24F
11/30 20180101 |
International
Class: |
H04J 14/02 20060101
H04J014/02 |
Claims
1. A system providing broadband access to one or more subscribers,
the system comprising: an indoor unit comprising a first digital
interface for communicating digital subscriber data between the one
or more subscribers and the indoor unit and a first fiber optic
interface for communicating, via a fiber optic cable, the digital
subscriber data between the indoor unit and an outdoor unit that
comprises a second fiber optic interface for communicating, via the
fiber optic cable, the digital subscriber data between the indoor
unit and the outdoor unit and a wireless interface for
communicating wireless subscriber data between the outdoor unit and
a network, where the indoor unit provides only digital signal
processing of the digital subscriber data and the outdoor unit
provides all analog signal processing of the digital subscriber
data performed by the system.
2. The system of claim 1 where the first digital interface is an
Ethernet interface.
3. The system of claim 1 where the fiber optic interface and the
second fiber optic interface communicate, via the fiber optic
cable, digital synchronous communication data between the indoor
unit and the outdoor unit.
4. The system of claim 3 where timing bits are simultaneously
transmitted with data bits via the fiber optic able between the
indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
5. The system of claim 4 where the timing bit are utilized to
synchronize communication of the digital subscriber data between
the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
6. A system providing broadband access to one or more subscribers,
the system comprising: an outdoor unit comprising a wireless
interface for communicating wireless subscriber data between the
outdoor unit and a network and a first fiber optic interface for
communicating, via a fiber optic cable, digital subscriber data
between the outdoor unit and an indoor unit comprising a second
fiber optic interface for communicating, via the fiber optic cable,
the digital subscriber data between the outdoor unit and the indoor
unit and a first digital interface for communicating digital
subscriber data between the one or more subscribers and the indoor
unit, where the indoor unit provides only digital signal processing
of the digital subscriber data and the outdoor unit provides all
analog signal processing of the digital subscriber data performed
by the system.
7. The system of claim 6 where the first digital interface is an
Ethernet interface.
8. The system of claim 6 where the fiber optic interface and the
second fiber optic interface communicate, via the fiber optic
cable, digital synchronous communication data between the indoor
unit and the outdoor unit.
9. The system of claim 8 where timing bits are simultaneously
transmitted with data bits via the fiber optic able between the
indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
10. The system of claim 9 where the timing bit are utilized to
synchronize communication of the digital subscriber data between
the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
11. A method for providing broadband access to one or more
subscribers, the system comprising: receiving, at an indoor unit
via a first digital interface, digital subscriber data from the one
or more subscribers; performing digital signal processing on the
received digital subscriber data; transmitting, from the indoor
unit via a fiber optic interface, the digitally processed digital
subscriber data from the indoor unit to an outdoor unit that
receives the digitally processed digital subscriber data, performs
analog signal processing on the digitally processed digital
subscriber data, and transmits wireless subscriber data to a
network, where the indoor unit provides only digital signal
processing of the digital subscriber data and the outdoor unit
provides all analog signal processing of the digital subscriber
data performed by the system.
12. The method of claim 11 where the first digital interface is an
Ethernet interface.
13. The method of claim 11 where transmitting, from the indoor unit
via a fiber optic interface, the digitally processed digital
subscriber data comprises transmitting digital synchronous
communication data between the indoor unit and the outdoor
unit.
14. The method of claim 13 where transmitting, from the indoor unit
via a fiber optic interface, the digitally processed digital
subscriber data comprises simultaneously transmitting timing bits
with data bits via the fiber optic able between the indoor unit and
the outdoor unit.
15. The method of claim 14 where the timing bit are utilized to
synchronize communication of the digital subscriber data between
the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
16. A method for providing broadband access to one or more
subscribers, the system comprising: receiving, at an outdoor unit
via a wireless interface, wireless subscriber data; converting the
wireless subscriber data to digital subscriber data; and
transmitting, from the outdoor unit via a first fiber optic
interface, the digital subscriber data to an indoor unit that
receives the digital subscriber data via a second fiber optic
interface, performs digital signal processing on the digital
subscriber data, and transmits, via a first digital interface, the
processed digital subscriber data to the one or more subscribers,
where the indoor unit provides only digital signal processing of
the digital subscriber data and the outdoor unit provides all
analog signal processing of the digital subscriber data performed
by the system.
17. The method of claim 16 where the first digital interface is an
Ethernet interface.
18. The method of claim 16 further comprising: transmitting digital
synchronous communication data between the indoor unit and the
outdoor unit.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: simultaneously
transmitting timing bits with data bits via a fiber optic able
between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
20. The method of claim 19 where the timing bit are utilized to
synchronize communication of the digital subscriber data between
the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/687,880, filed Nov. 28, 2012 and entitled
"WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SUBSYSTEM WITH A DIGITAL INTERFACE," which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/637,366,
entitled "WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SUBSYSTEM WITH A DIGITAL
INTERFACE," filed Dec. 12, 2006 and issued Jan. 1, 2013 as U.S.
Pat. No. 8,345,698, which is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/010,935, entitled "WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SUBSYSTEM
WITH A DIGITAL INTERFACE", filed Dec. 5, 2001, and issued Aug. 10,
2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,773,614, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to wireless communication
systems and, more particularly, to configurations of wireless
communication systems employing a digital interface between an
outdoor unit and an indoor unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Currently there is substantial demand for fixed wireless
communication systems providing relatively high speed and/or high
data capacity from location to location. For example, some Internet
infrastructure providers and competitive local exchange carriers
(CLEC) provide so-called "last mile" and "last foot" wireless
transmission systems using radio frequency (RF) transmissions to
bridge gaps in the available copper or coaxial wire and fiber optic
cable.
[0004] Conventionally these RF transmission systems have operated
in the microwave or millimeter wave frequencies, such as through
the use of point-to-point or point-to-consecutive point systems
operating in the 27-38 GHz bands. Additionally, Multichannel
Multipoint Distribution System (MMDS) frequency bands at 2.1 to 2.7
GHz may be employed for data communications as well as bands known
as the 3.5 GHz bands. More recently, frequencies in the 5 GHz band
have been freed for use in high speed and/or high data capacity
transmissions. Specifically, the United States Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) created a wireless arena called the
Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) setting
forth three sub-bands (5.15 to 5.25 GHz, 5.25 to 5.35 GHz, and
5.725 to 5.825 GHz) available for wireless communication without
acquiring a license. Systems and methods specifically adapted for
use in such unlicensed bands are shown and described in the above
referenced applications entitled "System and Method for Mitigating
Data Flow Control Problems in the Presence of Certain Interference
Parameters," "System and Method for Statistically Directing
Automatic Gain Control," and "System and Method for Adapting RF
Transmissions to Mitigate the Effects of Certain
Interferences."
[0005] Beyond the licensing, availability, and interference issues
associated with the particular spectrum utilized for such wireless
communications, many challenges face those seeking to establish
reliable and economic wireless communication infrastructure. For
example, wireless communication systems often must be configured to
allow the deployment of an antenna or antenna array at a suitable
elevation and/or having a substantially clear line of sight, such
as by positioning an outdoor unit (ODU) on a roof top or on a mast.
Various electrical components coupled thereto may be deployed at
some distance, such as deploying an indoor unit (IDU) within the
confines of a building or associated radio shack. Often the
separation of such components results in degraded communication
quality, reliability, and/or configuration flexibility. For
example, transmission lines coupling prior art ODUs and IDUs are
often prone to the introduction of interference and/or attenuation
of signals conducted therethrough. Additionally, the links employed
according to the prior art, typically coaxial cables, present a
single point of failure, such as may occur due to relatively minor
physical damage, and are often quite bulky and resistant to turning
tight radiuses, requiring large minimum radiuses and other
deployment necessities. Moreover, the distance by which an ODU and
corresponding IDU may be separated has typically been relatively
limited according to the prior art.
[0006] In addition to the aforementioned challenges associated with
deploying a configuration of a prior art ODU and IDU, challenges
with respect to establishing reliable and economic wireless
communication infrastructure often include the ability to provide
suitable communication coverage of a service area. For example,
prior art ODUs are typically relatively large devices, generally
requiring appreciable space and structure for their deployment, and
therefore are less than ideal for configurations in which a number
of such systems are disposed to illuminate a relatively large
service area, such as that associated with a point-to-multipoint
base station or hub.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists in the art for systems and
methods which provide reliable and/or economic wireless
communication infrastructure, such as through the use of systems
configured to facilitate flexibility with respect to deployment and
connecting of subsystems thereof. Moreover, a need exists in the
art for such systems and methods to resist the introduction of
interference and/or provide for fault tolerance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to systems and methods
which provide a wireless communication system implementing
subsystems which are adapted for relatively flexible deployment
configurations and which are adapted to resist the introduction of
interference. Preferably these wireless communications systems
generally employ frequencies in the range of 2 to 11 GHz. Included
in this band are the sub-bands of the U-NII, MMDS, Wireless
Communications Service (WCS) and 3.5 GHz bands. Preferred
embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless
communication system configuration in which an ODU subsystem is
coupled to an IDU subsystem using a fiber optic link. Preferably,
the use of such a fiber optic link according to the present
invention allows flexibility in the configurations in which the ODU
and IDU subsystems may be deployed, both in separation distance and
in the physical attributes of the environment which may be
acceptably accommodated.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an ODU subsystem is adapted to provide conversion
between digital and analog to thereby facilitate the use of a
digital link between the ODU subsystem and a corresponding IDU
subsystem. Such an ODU subsystem configuration provides advantages
in that the RF signals of the wireless communication link, which
are generally susceptible to interference, are relatively quickly
converted to a digital signal for further processing. Moreover, the
multiplexing of such a digital signal with other signals which may
be communicated between the ODU subsystem and IDU subsystem, such
as control and/or timing signals or other overhead information, is
simplified, allowing for an ODU subsystem physically smaller and
simplified, at least with respect to particular aspects, as
compared to typical prior art ODU configurations.
[0010] The preferred embodiment fiber optic link between the ODU
subsystem and the IDU subsystem presents less bulk than that of
conventional RF links, such as the aforementioned coaxial cable,
which is of substantial size when provided in a low loss
configuration. Further, such a link is substantially immune to the
introduction of interference energy and allows for relatively long
distances to be traversed between an ODU subsystem and an IDU
subsystem of the present invention.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention utilize a plurality of
ODU subsystems configured according to the present invention to
provide wireless communication coverage of a service area, such as
to provide a wireless application termination system (WATS) hub for
use in providing wireless communication links with respect to a
plurality of wireless subscriber units. The relatively small ODU
subsystems of a preferred embodiment are particularly well suited
for such deployments. Moreover, the preferred embodiment fiber
optic ODU subsystem/IDU subsystem interface of the present
invention facilitates the use of one, or a relatively few, links
between such subsystems even when deployed in a hub
configuration.
[0012] A single fiber optic link may be relied upon to provide
bandwidth sufficient to carry data associated with the wireless
links of a plurality of ODU subsystems of the present invention.
Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes a single fiber optic link between an IDU subsystem
location and an ODU subsystem location. A plurality of ODU
subsystems may be coupled to this link using signal splitting
and/or switching technology. For example, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ODU subsystems
deployed on a common rooftop are coupled together, e.g., in daisy
chain fashion, to share a single fiber optic link with a
corresponding IDU subsystem or subsystems.
[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide fault
tolerant configurations. For example, an embodiment of the present
invention provides at least two fiber optic links between an IDU
subsystem location and an ODU subsystem location. Accordingly, a
fiber optic ring architecture, such as a resilient ring topology,
may be deployed with respect to the IDU subsystem and ODU subsystem
link of the present invention.
[0014] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art wireless communication
system configuration for use in point-to-point communications;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment wireless communication
system of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment wireless
communication system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Directing attention to FIG. 1, a prior art wireless
communication system employing a substantially conventional indoor
unit (IDU) and outdoor unit (ODU) configuration is shown.
Specifically, wireless communication system 100, such as may be
utilized in providing one end of a broadband wireless communication
link, includes IDU 101 and ODU 102. Subscriber data is provided
to/from IDU 101 through subscriber data interface 150, such as may
be coupled to a network or customer premise equipment.
Correspondingly, subscriber data is provided to/from ODU 102
through RF antenna 130, such as may be in wireless communication
with a similarly configured wireless communication system. IDU 101
and ODU 102 are provided an information communication link by
coaxial cable 140.
[0020] The illustrated embodiment of prior art IDU 101 includes
orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) modem 111 coupled to
subscriber data interface 150 to accept/provide digital subscriber
data communication thereto. OFDM modem 111 includes digital to
analog and analog to digital circuitry, D/A 112 and A/D 113
respectively, to provide conversion of subscriber data between
digital and analog formats, e.g., conversion between digital
Internet protocol (IP) and an analog baseband frequency. OFDM modem
111 is coupled to hexiplexer 114 to provide
multiplexing/demultiplexing of analog signals communicated between
IDU 101 and ODU 102, such as by the use of relatively complicated
frequency division multiplexing. Hexiplexer 114 is coupled to
frequency converter 115 providing frequency conversion between the
analog baseband frequency and an analog intermediate frequency.
Frequency converter 115 is coupled to coaxial cable 140 providing
communication of analog intermediate frequency signals between IDU
101 and ODU 102.
[0021] The illustrated embodiment of prior art ODU 102 includes
frequency converter 125 providing frequency conversion between the
analog intermediate frequency and an analog RF frequency. As with
frequency converter 115 of IDU 101, frequency converter 125 of ODU
102 provides communication of analog intermediate frequency signals
between ODU 102 and IDU 101. Frequency converter 125 is coupled to
hexiplexer 124 to provide multiplexing/demultiplexing of analog
signals communicated between ODU 102 and IDU 101, using frequency
division multiplexing techniques. Hexiplexer 124 is coupled to RF
front end 121. RF front end 121 is coupled to RF antenna 130 to
transmit/receive analog subscriber data associated with wireless
communication.
[0022] The above described substantially conventional wireless
communication system configuration suffers from several
disadvantages. For example, the coaxial cable link between the IDU
and the ODU is relatively limited in the distances that may be
traversed before unacceptable signal quality is experienced.
Moreover, such coaxial cables are typically lossy and/or of
considerable bulk. Such cables, therefore, present difficulties in
their being routed in many situations, such as where relatively
tight radius corners are required or where unobtrusive cable runs
are desired. Additionally, such cables are typically relatively
susceptible to damage resulting in degradation of signal
transmission attributes. For example, due to the bulk of the cable
it may be more prone to damage at various points along a cable run.
Coaxial cable is particularly susceptible to performance
degradation associated with seemingly minor damage to insulating
layers. For example, an outer insulating layer may be punctured
and, although not directly impinging upon the conductors contained
therein, may allow infiltration of moisture changing dielectric
properties of the coaxial cable and/or corroding the conductive
material, resulting in performance degradation. Moreover, coax
connectors used with such coaxial cable are susceptible to moisture
infiltration and corrosion which not only results in signal
degradation, but which may also result in equipment damage.
[0023] The transmission of analog signals, such as the
aforementioned analog intermediate frequency between the IDU and
ODU, is prone to signal degradation, such as associated with noise
and interference energy. For example, the coaxial cable linking the
IDU and ODU may be routed near sources of electromagnetic energy,
such as electric motors or transformers, resulting in degradation
of the signals transmitted therethrough. Similarly, the analog
circuitry of the IDU and ODU may contribute to signal degradation
if not properly shielded or otherwise isolated. Analog multiplexing
circuits are generally subject to drift due to aging, temperature
fluctuations and other environmental factors such as humidity.
Additionally such analog multiplexing circuits function differently
from unit-to-unit due to component manufacturing tolerances.
[0024] A further disadvantage of the substantially conventional
configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 is that the ODU is typically
relatively large and complicated, perhaps even employing a climate
control system. For example, the illustrated hexiplexer circuitry
employing frequency division multiplexing is difficult to implement
and must typically be physically large in order to minimize signal
attenuation and/or the introduction of noise.
[0025] The foregoing notwithstanding, it should be appreciated that
the configuration shown in FIG. 1 provides certain advantages which
have led to conventional implementations to adopt such a
configuration. In the configuration of FIG. 1, hexiplexers 114 and
124 combine/separate DC power (PWR), subscriber data receive and
transmit signals, clock signal, and blanking signal for
communication via coaxial cable 140.
[0026] Directing attention to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment
configuration of a wireless communication system adapted according
to the present invention is shown. Specifically, wireless
communication system 200, such as may be utilized in providing one
end of a broadband wireless communication link, e.g., a base
station hub, includes IDU subsystem 201 and ODU subsystem 202.
Subscriber data is provided to/from IDU subsystem 201 through
subscriber data interface 250, such as may be coupled to any number
of devices, including switches, routers, multiplexers, and/or
customer premise equipment; or networks or other communication
backbones, including the public switched telephone network (PSTN),
the Internet, a local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network
(MAN) or wide area network (WAN). Correspondingly, subscriber data
is provided to/from ODU subsystem 202 through RF antenna 230, which
may be in wireless communication with any number of devices,
including a similarly configured wireless communication system, a
subscriber system, or the like. Notably, in the configuration of
FIG. 2, IDU subsystem 201 and ODU subsystem 202 are provided an
information communication link by fiber optic cable 240.
[0027] According to a preferred embodiment configuration of FIG. 2,
all analog signal processing associated with the wireless link
provided by wireless communication system 200 is isolated within
ODU subsystem 202. Accordingly, IDU subsystem 201 of the preferred
embodiment provides only digital signal processing.
Correspondingly, fiber optic cable 240 of the preferred embodiment
provides a digital signal link between IDU subsystem 201 and ODU
subsystem 202 of communication system 200.
[0028] Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment of IDU subsystem 201
includes OFDM digital modem 211, preferably including substantially
only those circuit components of an OFDM modem utilized with
respect to digital processing of signals. OFDM digital modem 211 is
preferably coupled to subscriber data interface 250 to
accept/provide digital subscriber data communication thereto.
Subscriber data as provided to/from subscriber data interface 250
may be in any of a plurality of data transmission formats,
including but not limited to T1, T3, E1, E3, OC-1, OC-3, OC-12,
ISDN, Ethernet, and SONET. OFDM digital modem 211 is preferably
coupled to digital multiplexer 214 to provide
multiplexing/demultiplexing of digital signals communicated between
IDU subsystem 201 and ODU subsystem 202. Such signals may include
subscriber data forward link (transmit) and/or reverse link
(receive) as well as various control and overhead signals, such as
communication system operation, maintenance, and configuration
signals, transmitter control signals, and/or timing signals.
Digital multiplexer 214 is preferably coupled to fiber interface
216 which provides arbitration between digital signals transmitted
between the different media of the fiber optic cable and electronic
circuitry internal to IDU subsystem 201. Accordingly, fiber
interface 216 is coupled to fiber optic cable 240 providing
communication of digital signals between IDU subsystem 201 and ODU
subsystem 202.
[0029] The illustrated embodiment of ODU subsystem 202 includes
fiber interface 226 providing arbitration between digital signals
transmitted between the different media of the fiber optic cable
and electronic circuitry internal to ODU subsystem 202. As with
fiber interface 216 of IDU subsystem 201, fiber interface 226 of
ODU subsystem 202 provides communication of digital signals between
ODU subsystem 202 and IDU subsystem 201. Fiber interface 226 is
coupled to digital multiplexer 224 to provide
multiplexing/demultiplexing of digital signals communicated between
ODU subsystem 202 and IDU subsystem 201. Digital multiplexer 224 is
preferably coupled to digital to analog and analog to digital
circuitry, D/A 222 and A/D 223 respectively, to provide conversion
of subscriber data between digital and analog formats, e.g.,
conversion between digital Internet protocol (IP) and an analog
baseband or intermediate frequency. D/A 222 and A/D 223 of the
illustrated embodiment are coupled to frequency converter 225
preferably providing frequency conversion between an analog
intermediate frequency and an analog RF frequency. Frequency
converter 225 is preferably coupled to RF front end 221 which, in
turn, is preferably coupled to RF antenna 230 to receive/transmit
analog subscriber data associated with wireless communication.
Amplifiers may be employed to enhance signal strength in the
present system. Preferably such amplifiers are employed in
association with converter 225.
[0030] It should be appreciated that the above described preferred
embodiment isolates processing of analog signals to within the ODU
subsystem. Specifically, RF and IF analog signal processing is
accomplished in the ODU subsystem and, therefore, only digital
signal processing is provided by the IDU subsystem of the preferred
embodiment. This configuration provides several advantages. For
example, analog signals are often subject to degradation, such as
associated with signal attenuation and/or the introduction of noise
or interference energy. However, the preferred embodiment
illustrated above is configured to convert a received analog signal
to digital as quickly as is practicable. Similarly, the preferred
embodiment converts a transmitted digital signal to analog at a
point very close to the actual wireless communication of the signal
to thereby minimize signal degradation associated with analog
transmission. Moreover, the integrity of the information carried in
a digital signal is easier to verify and/or maintain and, thus, the
preferred embodiment provides an architecture in which a high
degree of data reliability is maintained.
[0031] A further synergistic advantage of the preferred embodiment
illustrated above is that consolidation of the analog signal
processing within the ODU subsystem allows for better shielding of
the analog signals. Specifically, the multiplexing of digital
signals may be provided through the use of integrated circuit
components requiring little space and dissipating relatively little
heat.
[0032] Additionally, the digital fiber optic link between the IDU
subsystem and ODU subsystem of the illustrated embodiment allows
for relatively long distances to be traversed therebetween.
Accordingly, an ODU subsystem of this embodiment may be easily
deployed upon the roof of a building, and the operator provided
with the freedom to dispose the IDU subsystem almost anywhere
within the building that is available to him, including the
basement of a high-rise tower. This is in addition to the
advantages associated with the relatively small diameter and
flexibility of the fiber link, which allows its relatively easy
deployment in a number of situations, such as through small spaces
or openings. Moreover, data transmission through fiber optic links
is less susceptible to noise, such as the electromagnetic energy
associated with electric motors and transformers, and therefore
presents an improved signal path as compared to more traditional
copper (e.g., coax) cable solutions. For example, ground loop
effect, wherein differences between grounding potential in a roof
top installation and a basement installation, may result in
significant electromagnetic interferences penetrating coaxial
cables linking such installations. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate, such interference is not well tolerated by analog
circuits. The use of the preferred optical fiber, digitally linking
these installations, negates this interference.
[0033] It should be appreciated that the preferred embodiment
configuration, providing digital communication between an IDU
subsystem and an ODU subsystem, is not itself without challenges.
For example, the above described preferred embodiment
configuration, wherein only digital signal processing is provided
for in the IDU subsystem and all analog signal processing is
preferably provided for in the ODU subsystem, results in the
separation of circuitry requiring a well-controlled timing
relationship transparently therebetween. Therefore, although the
preferred embodiment ODU subsystem is substantially only burdened
with performing RF related duties, control and/or timing challenges
are presented with respect to the ODU to IDU interface.
[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize
synchronous communication between IDU subsystem 201 and ODU
subsystem 202 to synchronize digital communication within fiber
link 240 and operation of ODU subsystem 202. For example, a portion
of the digital data stream provided between IDU subsystem 201 and
ODU subsystem 202 preferably includes control data of the present
invention, such as synchronizing data in the form of timing bits,
training sequences, and/or the like. For example, such timing and
training may be carried out by timing circuitry generally
illustrated by blocks 251 and 252 of FIG. 2.
[0035] The present invention may utilize various forms of
synchronous protocols in communications between IDU subsystem 201
and ODU subsystem 202 specifically tailored for addressing
particular system attributes. For example, in a preferred
embodiment wherein multiple ODU subsystems are provided data
communication via fiber optic cable 240, a multiplexed synchronous
protocol, such as SONET, may be utilized to both address timing
issues as well as to provide communication of data between a number
of subsystems.
[0036] Directing attention to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the present
invention leveraging the relatively high data capacity of the fiber
optic link between an IDU subsystem and an ODU subsystem of the
present invention is shown. Specifically, wireless communication
system 300 is configured to couple a plurality of ODU subsystems,
ODU subsystems 202 and 302, to an IDU subsystem, IDU subsystem 301,
via fiber optic cable 240. Accordingly, wireless communication
system 300 may be utilized to serve a relatively large service area
and/or a larger number of subscribers than the configuration of
FIG. 2 by properly orienting ODU subsystems to illuminate
(communicate with) desired areas/subscribers. It should be
appreciated that the multiple ODU subsystems of the illustrated
embodiment, which may number more than the two represented in FIG.
3, all utilize data communication via fiber optic cable 240,
thereby allowing their deployment with little or no cabling burden
beyond that for deployment of a single ODU subsystem. Moreover, the
aforementioned benefits associated with the use of fiber optic
cable continue to be realized.
[0037] According to one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
plurality of ODU subsystems are interconnected in "daisy chain"
fashion. For example, ODU subsystem 302 is coupled directly to IDU
subsystem 301 via fiber optic cable 240 at fiber interface 326,
while ODU subsystem 202 is coupled to ODU subsystem 302 via fiber
optic cable 341 at fiber interface 226, thereby providing an
indirect connection to IDU subsystem 301 via fiber optic cable 240.
Accordingly, fiber interface 326, and perhaps fiber interface 226,
may be provided with multiport data routing and/or switching
functionality. For example, in an embodiment utilizing the above
mentioned SONET protocol in data communications between an IDU
subsystem and ODU subsystems, fiber interface 326 may be provided
with add/drop multiplexer (ADM) functionality.
[0038] It should be appreciated that in providing the embodiment of
FIG. 3, IDU subsystem 301 and ODU subsystems 202 and 302 may be
configured substantially as described with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 2. For example, ODU subsystems 202 and 302 may
include substantially the same components and function
substantially as described above with respect to ODU subsystem 202,
except that the aforementioned multiport data routing and/or
switching functionality may be added. Of course, ODU subsystem 202
of FIG. 2 may include such multiport data routing and/or switching
functionality, although perhaps not utilized in that particular
configuration, if desired. Accordingly, a single ODU subsystem
configuration may preferably be used which allows for increased
manufacturing and handling efficiencies and provides for expansion
of deployments by adding ODU subsystems and activating multiport
data routing and/or switching functionality. Additionally or
alternatively, ODU subsystems without multiport data routing and/or
switching functionality may be utilized in multipoint hub
configurations similar to that of FIG. 3. This may be carried out
by disposing a router or switch in fiber optic cable 240 for
coupling a plurality of ODU subsystems.
[0039] The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 includes IDU subsystem
301 adapted to include scaling with respect to the circuitry
described above with respect to IDU subsystem 201. Accordingly, IDU
subsystem 301 of the illustrated embodiment includes repetition of
circuitry described above with respect to IDU subsystem 201 with
fiber interface 316 providing combining and separation of the data
for communication via fiber optic cable 240. Such circuitry may be
included to provide parallel processing of the data associated with
multiple subscriber units, to serve multiple isolated networks, to
accommodate multiple network interfaces, etcetera. Of course, other
configurations of an IDU subsystem may be adopted according to the
present invention. For example, the circuitry of IDU subsystem 201
of FIG. 2 may be sufficient to process the data of multiple ODU
subsystems coupled thereto, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0040] Also shown in FIG. 3 is optional fiber optic cable 340
coupling IDU subsystem 301 and ODU subsystem 202. For example,
fiber interfaces 226 and 316 may be adapted to include multiport
data routing and/or switching functionality to provide a resilient
packet ring topology or the like. Such a topology provides
redundancy in the data link suitable for tolerating a single point
of failure at any point in the ring. Additionally or alternatively,
such additional links between the IDU subsystem and ODU subsystems
may be utilized to increase the data capacity therebetween.
[0041] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
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