U.S. patent application number 16/170454 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-30 for wireless communications systems supporting selective routing of carrier aggregation (ca) and multiple-input multiple-output (mim.
The applicant listed for this patent is Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd. Invention is credited to Dror Harel.
Application Number | 20200137593 16/170454 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68343528 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-30 |
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200137593/US20200137593A1-20200430-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200137593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harel; Dror |
April 30, 2020 |
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SUPPORTING SELECTIVE ROUTING OF
CARRIER AGGREGATION (CA) AND MULTIPLE-INPUT MULTIPLE-OUTPUT (MIMO)
DATA STREAMS
Abstract
Wireless communications systems supporting selective routing of
carrier aggregation (CA) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)
data streams are disclosed. The wireless communications system
includes a signal router circuit communicatively coupled to one or
more signal sources. The signal router circuit is configured to
receive MIMO and CA communications signals for data transmission
from the signal source(s) and distribute the communications signals
(e.g., data streams) to remote units communicatively coupled to the
signal router circuit. The signal router circuit determines whether
to route each data stream in a MIMO configuration, a CA
configuration, or both to provide an improved wireless
communications environment for mobile communications devices
connected to the remote units. The improved wireless communications
environment may increase throughput, reduce interference and/or
noise, and/or improve the transmission quality of wireless
communications signals.
Inventors: |
Harel; Dror; (Hod Hasharon,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd |
Airport City |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
68343528 |
Appl. No.: |
16/170454 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 5/001 20130101;
H04W 40/02 20130101; H04B 7/0413 20130101; H04L 5/0023 20130101;
H04L 5/0035 20130101; H04W 88/085 20130101; H04W 24/02 20130101;
H04B 7/024 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 24/02 20060101
H04W024/02; H04B 7/024 20060101 H04B007/024; H04B 7/0413 20060101
H04B007/0413 |
Claims
1. A wireless communications system, comprising: a signal router
circuit configured to route multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO)
communications signals and carrier aggregation (CA) communications
signals, comprising: a first signal source input configured to
receive a first data stream; a second signal source input
configured to receive a second data stream; a plurality of signal
outputs each configured to couple to a remote unit among a
plurality of remote units; and a routing control input configured
to receive a routing control signal; and a controller circuit
comprising a routing control output coupled to the routing control
input, the controller circuit configured to: determine a first
routing configuration for a first signal output of the plurality of
signal outputs, comprising: determining to route the first data
stream in at least one of a first MIMO configuration or a first CA
configuration; and determining to route the second data stream in
at least one of a second MIMO configuration or a second CA
configuration; and communicate the routing control signal
indicating the first routing configuration for routing the first
data stream and the second data stream to the first signal
output.
2. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to: receive an indication
of a communication condition associated with at least one of the
plurality of signal outputs; determine to route the first data
stream in at least one of the first MIMO configuration or the first
CA configuration based on the communication condition; and
determine to route the second data stream in at least one of the
second MIMO configuration or the second CA configuration based on
the communication condition.
3. The wireless communications system of claim 2, wherein: the
communication condition comprises a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
associated with the first signal output; and when the SNR
associated with the first signal output exceeds a threshold, the
controller circuit is configured to: determine to route the first
data stream in at least the first MIMO configuration; and determine
to route the second data stream in at least the second MIMO
configuration interleaved with the first data stream.
4. The wireless communications system of claim 2, wherein: the
communication condition comprises a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
associated with the first signal output; when the SNR associated
with the first signal output does not exceed a threshold, the
controller circuit is configured to: determine to route the first
data stream in the first CA configuration; and determine to route
the second data stream in the second CA configuration interleaved
with the first data stream.
5. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to: receive an indication
of a communication condition associated with at least one of the
plurality of signal outputs; determine a second routing
configuration for a second signal output of the plurality of signal
outputs based on the communication condition; and communicate the
routing control signal indicating the first routing configuration
and the second routing configuration.
6. The wireless communications system of claim 5, wherein the
communication condition comprises a distribution of user mobile
communications devices in communication with at least one of a
first remote unit coupled to the first signal output or a second
remote unit coupled to the second signal output.
7. The wireless communications system of claim 6, wherein when the
distribution of the user mobile communications devices indicates a
majority of the user mobile communications devices are located
within an overlapping coverage area of the first remote unit and
the second remote unit: the signal router circuit further
comprises: a third signal source input configured to receive a
third data stream; and a fourth signal source input configured to
receive a fourth data stream; and the controller circuit is further
configured to: determine the first routing configuration,
comprising: determining to route the first data stream in the first
MIMO configuration and the first CA configuration; and determining
to route the second data stream in the second MIMO configuration
and the second CA configuration; determine the second routing
configuration, comprising: determining to route the third data
stream in a third MIMO configuration interleaved with the first
data stream and in a third CA configuration; and determining to
route the fourth data stream in a fourth MIMO configuration
interleaved with the second data stream and in a fourth CA
configuration; and communicate the routing control signal
indicating the first routing configuration for routing the first
data stream and the second data stream to the first signal output
and indicating the second routing configuration for routing the
third data stream and the fourth data stream to the second signal
output.
8. The wireless communications system of claim 6, wherein when the
distribution of the user mobile communications devices indicates a
majority of the user mobile communications devices are located
within a threshold distance of the first remote unit or the second
remote unit, the controller circuit is further configured to:
determine the first routing configuration, comprising: determining
to route the first data stream in the first MIMO configuration; and
determining to route the second data stream in the second MIMO
configuration interleaved with the first data stream; and determine
the second routing configuration, comprising routing the first data
stream and the second data stream to the second signal output.
9. The wireless communications system of claim 8, wherein: the
signal router circuit further comprises: a third signal source
input configured to receive a third data stream; a fourth signal
source input configured to receive a fourth data stream; and the
controller circuit is further configured to: determine the first
routing configuration, comprising: determining to route the third
data stream in a third MIMO configuration and in a third CA
configuration; and determining to route the fourth data stream in a
fourth MIMO configuration interleaved with the third data stream
and in a fourth CA configuration; and determine the second routing
configuration, comprising routing the first data stream, the second
data stream, the third data stream, and the fourth data stream to
the second signal output.
10. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to determine the first
routing configuration based on a predicted throughput associated
with the plurality of signal outputs.
11. The wireless communications system of claim 10, wherein the
predicted throughput is based on a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
measurement associated with at least one of the plurality of signal
outputs.
12. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to determine the first
routing configuration based on a measured throughput associated
with the plurality of signal outputs.
13. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to determine the first
routing configuration based on a measurement of interference
associated with the plurality of signal outputs.
14. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
controller circuit comprises a communications interface configured
to couple to at least one of the plurality of remote units or a
signal source circuit coupled to the first signal source input.
15. The wireless communications system of claim 14, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to: receive an indication
of a communication condition from a first remote unit of the
plurality of remote units through the communications interface, the
communication condition comprising at least one of a MIMO
capability, a CA capability, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
measurement, or a distribution of user mobile communications
devices in communication with the first remote unit; determine the
first routing configuration based on the indication of the
communication condition; and communicate an indication of the first
routing configuration to the first remote unit.
16. The wireless communications system of claim 14, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to: receive a capability
indication from the signal source circuit coupled to the first
signal source input, comprising at least one of a number of data
streams available or a CA or MIMO mode capability; and determine
the first routing configuration based on the capability indication;
communicate a request to the signal source circuit to configure the
first data stream and the second data stream in accordance with the
first routing configuration through the communications
interface.
17. The wireless communications system of claim 14, wherein the
controller circuit is further configured to: receive an indication
of a communication condition from the signal source circuit coupled
to the first signal source input, the communication condition
comprising at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
measurement or a distribution of user mobile communications
devices; and determine the first routing configuration based on the
communication condition.
18. The wireless communications system of claim 1, further
comprising the plurality of remote units each coupled to a
corresponding signal output of the plurality of signal outputs.
19. The wireless communications system of claim 18, wherein: the
first signal source input is configured to receive the first data
stream in baseband; and in response to receiving the first routing
configuration from the controller circuit, the signal router
circuit is configured to route the first data stream in baseband to
a first remote unit of the plurality of remote units over the first
signal output.
20. The wireless communications system of claim 1, further
comprising a signal source circuit coupled to the first signal
source input and the second signal source input; wherein the signal
source circuit is configured to: transmit the first data stream in
baseband to the first signal source input in at least one of the
first MIMO configuration or the first CA configuration according to
the first routing configuration; and transmit the second data
stream in baseband to the second signal source input in at least
one of the second MIMO configuration or the second CA configuration
according to the first routing configuration.
21. The wireless communications system of claim 20, wherein the
signal source circuit couples to the first signal source input and
the second signal source input through a single physical
interface.
22. The wireless communications system of claim 20, wherein the
signal source circuit comprises an Evolved Node B (eNB) base
station of a telecommunications network.
23. The wireless communications system of claim 1, further
comprising the plurality of remote units each coupled to a
corresponding signal output of the plurality of signal outputs by
an optical fiber communications link; wherein: the first signal
output comprises an electrical-to-optical (E-O) converter
configured to transmit a first optical communications signal by the
respective optical fiber communications link for the first data
stream and the second data stream; and a first remote unit of the
plurality of remote units comprises an optical-to-electrical (O-E)
converter configured to convert the first optical communications
signal into a first electrical communications signal to interface
with a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver.
24. The wireless communications system of claim 1, wherein the
first data stream comprises: an uplink configured to transmit data
from a mobile device to a telecommunications network; and a
downlink configured to transmit data from the telecommunications
network to the mobile device.
25. The wireless communications system of claim 24, wherein the
second data stream comprises a downlink configured to transmit data
from the telecommunications network to the mobile device.
26. The wireless communications system of claim 25, wherein the
second data stream further comprises an uplink configured to
transmit data from the mobile device to the telecommunications
network.
27. A method for selectively routing a first data stream and a
second data stream from one or more signal source circuits to a
plurality of remote units in a wireless communications system,
comprising: receiving the first data stream; receiving the second
data stream; receiving an indication of a communication condition
associated with at least one of the plurality of remote units;
determining a first routing configuration, comprising: determining
to route the first data stream in at least one of a first
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration or a first
carrier aggregation (CA) configuration based on the communication
condition; and determining to route the second data stream in at
least one of a second MIMO configuration or a second CA
configuration based on the communication condition; and routing the
first data stream and the second data stream to at least a first
remote unit of the plurality of remote units according to the first
routing configuration.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein: the communication condition
comprises a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the first
remote unit; and when the SNR associated with the first remote unit
exceeds a threshold, determining the first routing configuration
comprises: determining to route the first data stream in at least
the first MIMO configuration; and determining to route the second
data stream in at least the second MIMO configuration interleaved
with the first data stream.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein when the SNR associated with
the first remote unit does not exceed the threshold, determining
the first routing configuration comprises: determining to route the
first data stream in the first CA configuration; and determining to
route the second data stream in the second CA configuration.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein: the first remote unit has a
first coverage area; a second remote unit of the plurality of
remote units has a second coverage area which includes an
overlapping region with the first coverage area; and the
communication condition comprises a distribution of user mobile
communications devices within at least one of the first coverage
area or the second coverage area.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein when a majority of the user
mobile communications devices are located within the overlapping
region: determining the first routing configuration comprises:
determining to route the first data stream in the first MIMO
configuration and the first CA configuration; and determining to
route the second data stream in the second MIMO configuration and
the second CA configuration; and the method further comprises:
receiving a third data stream; receiving a fourth data stream;
determining a second routing configuration, comprising: determining
to route the third data stream in a third MIMO configuration
interleaved with the first data stream and in a third CA
configuration; and determining to route the fourth data stream in a
fourth MIMO configuration interleaved with the second data stream
and in a fourth CA configuration; and routing the third data stream
and the fourth data stream to the second remote unit according to
the second routing configuration.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein when a majority of the user
mobile communications devices are located outside the overlapping
region and within a threshold distance of the first remote unit or
the second remote unit: the method further comprises: receiving a
third data stream; receiving a fourth data stream; and routing the
third data stream and the fourth data stream to the first remote
unit according to the first routing configuration; and determining
the first routing configuration comprises: determining to route the
first data stream in the first MIMO configuration and the first CA
configuration; determining to route the second data stream in the
second MIMO configuration interleaved with the first data stream
and in the second CA configuration; determining to route the third
data stream in a third MIMO configuration and a third CA
configuration; and determining to route the fourth data stream in a
fourth MIMO configuration interleaved with the third data stream
and in a fourth CA configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The disclosure relates to wireless communications equipment,
systems, and related networks, such as Universal Mobile
Telecommunications Systems (UMTSs), its offspring Long Term
Evolution (LTE) and 5th Generation New Radio (5G-NR) described and
being developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),
and more particularly to supporting selective routing of carrier
aggregation (CA) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) data
streams.
[0002] Wireless customers are increasingly demanding wireless
communications services, including in areas that are poorly
serviced by conventional cellular networks, such as inside certain
buildings or indoor and outdoor areas where there is little
cellular coverage. In this regard, wireless communications systems,
such as distributed antenna systems (DASs) or cloud radio access
networks (C-RANs), are being deployed to provide voice and data
services to poorly serviced areas. A wireless communications
system, such as a DAS, generally includes remote antenna units
(RAUs) configured to receive and transmit communications signals to
user equipment (e.g., wireless mobile communications devices)
within the antenna range of the RAUs. A wireless communications
system can be particularly useful when deployed inside a building
or other indoor/outdoor environment where the use equipment may not
otherwise be able to effectively receive radio frequency (RF)
signals from a source.
[0003] In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional DAS 100
that is configured to distribute communications services to remote
coverage areas 102(1)-102(N), where `N` is the number of remote
coverage areas. The DAS 100 can be configured to support cellular
communications services. The remote coverage areas 102(1)-102(N)
are created by and located about RAUs 104(1)-104(N) connected to a
central unit 106. The central unit 106 may be communicatively
coupled to a base transceiver station (BTS) 108. In this regard,
the central unit 106 receives data streams, including downlink
communications signals 110D from the BTS 108 to be distributed to
the RAUs 104(1)-104(N). The downlink communications signals 110D
can include data communications signals and/or communication
signaling signals on multiple frequency communications bands. The
central unit 106 is configured with filtering circuits and/or other
signal processing circuits that are configured to support a
specific number of communications services in a particular
frequency bandwidth (i.e., frequency communications bands). The
downlink communications signals 110D are communicated by the
central unit 106 over a communications link 112 over their
frequency to the RAUs 104(1)-104(N).
[0004] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the RAUs 104(1)-104(N)
are configured to receive the downlink communications signals 110D
from the central unit 106 over the communications link 112. The
downlink communications signals 110D are configured to be
distributed to the respective remote coverage areas 102(1)-102(N)
of the RAUs 104(1)-104(N). The RAUs 104(1)-104(N) are also
configured with filters and other signal processing circuits that
are configured to support the communications services (i.e.,
frequency communications bands) supported by the central unit 106.
Each of the RAUs 104(1)-104(N) includes one or more respective
antennas 114(1)-114(N) in an uplink/downlink path to wirelessly
distribute the communications services to user equipment 116 within
the respective remote coverage areas 102(1)-102(N). The RAUs
104(1)-104(N) are also configured to receive additional data
streams, including uplink communications signals 110U from the user
equipment 116 in the respective remote coverage areas 102(1)-102(N)
to be distributed to the BTS 108.
[0005] The user equipment 116 in any of the remote coverage areas
100(1)-100(N) may be running bandwidth-hungry applications, such as
high-definition (HD) mobile video, virtual reality (VR), and
augmented reality (AR) that drive the demand for high-capacity
wireless access. Moreover, multiple user equipment 116 may be
running such bandwidth-hungry applications concurrently, thus
further increasing the demand for data throughput in each of the
remote coverage areas 102(1)-102(N). As a result, the wireless
communications industry has adopted technologies to increase
wireless capacity and help meet the increasing bandwidth demand by
the user equipment 116.
[0006] The DAS 100 in some cases may deploy MIMO technology, in
which each of the remote units 104(1)-104(N) may employ multiple
antennas 114(1)-114(N) to distribute multiple streams of the
downlink communications signals 110D (and the uplink communications
signals 110U) concurrently. For example, each of the remote units
104(1)-104(N) may employ two antennas 114(1)-114(N) to concurrently
transmit two streams of the downlink communications signals 110D,
thus doubling the data throughput in the remote coverage areas
100(1)-100(N). When the remote units 104(1)-104(N) distribute the
multiple streams of the downlink communications signals 110D
concurrently to multiple user equipment 116, the remote units
104(1)-104(N) are said to be communicating the downlink
communications signals 110D based on multiuser MIMO technology.
MIMO technology can help provide increased data rate/throughput,
enhanced reliability, improved energy efficiency, and/or reduced
interference in the remote coverage areas 102(1)-102(N). As such,
MIMO technology has been incorporated into recent and evolving
wireless communications standards, such as long-term evolution
(LTE) and LTE-Advanced.
[0007] In other cases, the capacity of wireless communications
systems, including distributed wireless communications systems such
as the DAS 100 in FIG. 1, may be improved through CA. CA is a
feature of LTE-advanced and newer telecommunications systems which
provides for more efficient use of capacity across a set of
wireless media, such as multiple wireless spectrum frequency bands.
In CA, a component carrier refers to a communication channel used
for data transmission. Multiple such component carriers may be
combined for data transmission even where the component carriers
may be transmitted on separate frequency bands. According to CA,
for each user equipment 116 there is one component carrier used as
a primary cell that provides control information and functions,
such as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) mobility information, Radio
Resource Control (RRC), and connection maintenance. In the
downlink, the carrier corresponding to the primary cell is the
downlink primary component carrier, while in the uplink it is the
uplink primary component carrier. One or more other component
carriers are referred to as secondary cells and are used for
bandwidth expansion for the particular user equipment 116. The cell
where an initial access is performed by the user equipment 116 is
the cell which is related by the network as the primary cell.
Changing of a primary cell is performed only via a handover
procedure. The network can configure additional component carriers
as secondary cells only for a carrier aggregation-capable device
with an RRC connection on a primary cell. The configuration of
secondary cells is done via dedicated RRC signaling to the user
equipment 116, as well as any addition, reconfiguration or removal
of secondary cells.
[0008] Due to the use of separate frequency bands for the component
carriers, CA allows the DAS 100 to distribute multiple streams
using a same antenna 114(1)-114(N). In this regard, FIG. 2
illustrates a conventional implementation of CA with the DAS 100 of
FIG. 1. According to a conventional CA approach, the central unit
106 would transmit and receive a primary cell component carrier
CC.sub.1 and a secondary cell component carrier CC.sub.2 from the
BTS 108. Each component carrier CC.sub.1, CC.sub.2 is transmitted
and received at a different RF carrier frequency f.sub.1, f.sub.2.
The central unit 106 distributes both the primary cell component
carrier CC.sub.1 and the secondary cell component carrier CC.sub.2
to all RAUs 104(1)-104(N), and the RAUs 104(1)-104(N) can transmit
and receive each component carrier CC.sub.1, CC.sub.2 wirelessly at
a different RF carrier frequency f.sub.1, f.sub.2 over a common
antenna 114(1)-114(N). The secondary cell component carrier
CC.sub.2 is used to provide additional capacity in addition to the
primary cell component carrier CC.sub.1. Because both component
carriers CC.sub.1, CC.sub.2 are distributed to all remote coverage
areas 102(1)-102(N) of the DAS 100, no handover procedure is
required for user equipment 116 which moves between remote coverage
areas 102(1)-102(N).
[0009] Under conventional MIMO and CA approaches, the additional
wireless capacity provided by MIMO or CA data streams (e.g.,
downlink communications signals 110D and/or uplink communications
signals 110U) is uniformly distributed to all remote coverage areas
102(1)-102(N) regardless of conditions of the wireless
communications environment. Thus, the additional capacity is not
localized, and a remote coverage area 102(1) with higher wireless
traffic needs does not receive an allocation of additional capacity
different from the other remote coverage areas 102(2)-102(N). In
addition, the DAS 100 can experience decreased throughput due to
degraded signal conditions in the remote coverage areas
102(1)-102(N) of some or all RAUs 104(1)-104(N).
[0010] No admission is made that any reference cited herein
constitutes prior art. Applicant reserves the right to challenge
the accuracy and pertinence of any cited documents.
SUMMARY
[0011] Embodiments disclosed herein include wireless communications
systems supporting selective routing of carrier aggregation (CA)
and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) data streams. An example
of a wireless communications system that can be configured to
support selective routing of CA and MIMO data streams can include a
wireless communications system, such as a distributed antenna
system (DAS) or a cloud radio access network (C-RAN). In an
exemplary aspect disclosed herein, the wireless communications
system includes a signal router circuit communicatively coupled to
one or more signal sources. The signal router circuit is configured
to receive MIMO and CA communications signals for data transmission
from the signal source(s) and distribute the communications signals
(e.g., data streams) to remote units communicatively coupled to the
signal router circuit. In one example, the data streams received
and distributed by the signal router circuit are in baseband. The
signal router circuit determines whether to route each data stream
in a MIMO configuration, a CA configuration, or both to provide an
improved wireless communications environment for mobile
communications devices connected to the remote units. The improved
wireless communications environment may increase throughput, reduce
interference and/or noise, and/or improve the transmission quality
of wireless communications signals.
[0012] For example, the signal router circuit can route data
streams in a MIMO configuration to conserve wireless spectrum
and/or improve throughput where the wireless signals have a
sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). As another example,
the signal router circuit can route data streams in a CA
configuration to improve throughput and/or SNR through use of
additional wireless carrier channels. In still another example,
data streams can be routed in both CA and MIMO configurations to
use multiple wireless carrier channels and improve the throughput
per channel, but may as a consequence result in a loss of signal
power. A controller circuit coupled to the routing control circuit
dynamically determines whether configuring each data stream as
MIMO, Calif., or both will provide an improved wireless
communications environment and route the data streams
accordingly.
[0013] One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a wireless
communications system. The wireless communications system includes
a signal router circuit configured to route MIMO communications
signals and CA communications signals. The signal router circuit
includes a first signal source input configured to receive a first
data stream and a second signal source input configured to receive
a second data stream. The signal router circuit also includes a
plurality of signal outputs each configured to couple to a remote
unit among a plurality of remote units and a routing control input
configured to receive a routing control signal. The wireless
communications system also includes a controller circuit comprising
a routing control output coupled to the routing control input. The
controller circuit is configured to determine a first routing
configuration for a first signal output of the plurality of signal
outputs. Determining the first routing configuration includes
determining to route the first data stream in at least one of a
first MIMO configuration or a first CA configuration and
determining to route the second data stream in at least one of a
second MIMO configuration or a second CA configuration. The
controller circuit is further configured to communicate the routing
control signal indicating the first routing configuration for
routing the first data stream and the second data stream to the
first signal output.
[0014] An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to a
method for selectively routing a first data stream and a second
data stream from one or more signal source circuits to a plurality
of remote units in a wireless communications system. The method
includes the steps of receiving the first data stream, receiving
the second data stream, and receiving an indication of a
communication condition associated with at least one of the
plurality of remote units. The method further includes determining
a first routing configuration, which includes determining to route
the first data stream in at least one of a first MIMO configuration
or a first CA configuration based on the communication condition,
and determining to route the second data stream in at least one of
a second MIMO configuration or a second CA configuration based on
the communication condition. The method further includes routing
the first data stream and the second data stream to at least a
first remote unit of the plurality of remote units according to the
first routing configuration.
[0015] 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 which follows, the claims, as
well as the appended drawings.
[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are merely
exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to
understanding the nature and character of the claims. The
accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of
this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more
embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain
principles and operation of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional distributed
antenna system (DAS) that is configured to distribute
communications services to remote coverage areas;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the conventional DAS of
FIG. 1 distributing component carriers in a carrier aggregation
(CA) scheme;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless
communications system supporting selective routing of CA and
multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) data streams;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
wireless communications system of FIG. 3 selectively routing one or
more data streams in a MIMO configuration;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
wireless communications system of FIG. 3 selectively routing one or
more data streams in a CA configuration;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
wireless communications system of FIG. 3 selectively routing one or
more data streams in a MIMO and CA configuration;
[0023] FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of the exemplary
wireless communications system of FIGS. 3-6 illustrating
connections between a controller circuit and other components of
the wireless communications system;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the controller circuit of
FIGS. 3-7, illustrating exemplary inputs and outputs of the
controller circuit;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of a
signal router circuit in the wireless communications system in
FIGS. 3-8 for selectively routing a first data stream and a second
data stream from one or more signal source circuits to a plurality
of remote units in the wireless communications system;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a partially schematic cut-away diagram of an
exemplary building infrastructure in which the wireless
communications system of FIGS. 3-8 can be provided; and
[0027] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computer
system that could be employed in any component in the wireless
communications system in FIGS. 3-10, including but not limited to
the controller circuit, for selectively routing CA and MIMO data
streams.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Embodiments disclosed herein include wireless communications
systems supporting selective routing of carrier aggregation (CA)
and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) data streams. An example
of a wireless communications system that can be configured to
support selective routing of CA and MIMO data streams can include a
wireless communications system, such as a distributed antenna
system (DAS) or a cloud radio access network (C-RAN). In an
exemplary aspect disclosed herein, the wireless communications
system includes a signal router circuit communicatively coupled to
one or more signal sources. The signal router circuit is configured
to receive MIMO and CA communications signals for data transmission
from the signal source(s) and distribute the communications signals
(e.g., data streams) to remote units communicatively coupled to the
signal router circuit. In one example, the data streams received
and distributed by the signal router circuit are in baseband. The
signal router circuit determines whether to route each data stream
in a MIMO configuration, a CA configuration, or both to provide an
improved wireless communications environment for mobile
communications devices connected to the remote units. The improved
wireless communications environment may increase throughput, reduce
interference and/or noise, and/or improve the transmission quality
of wireless communications signals.
[0029] For example, the signal router circuit can route data
streams in a MIMO configuration to conserve wireless spectrum
and/or improve throughput where the wireless signals have a
sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). As another example,
the signal router circuit can route data streams in a CA
configuration to improve throughput and/or SNR through use of
additional wireless carrier channels. In still another example,
data streams can be routed in both CA and MIMO configurations to
use multiple wireless carrier channels and improve the throughput
per channel, but may as a consequence result in a loss of signal
power. A controller circuit coupled to the routing control circuit
dynamically determines whether configuring each data stream as
MIMO, Calif., or both will provide an improved wireless
communications environment and route the data streams
accordingly.
[0030] In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary wireless
communications system 300 supporting selective routing of CA and
MIMO data streams. The wireless communications system 300 includes
a signal router circuit 302 communicatively coupled to one or more
signal source circuits 304. The signal router circuit 302 is
configured to receive data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from the
signal source circuit 304 and distribute the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m. The notation "1-m" indicates that any number of
data streams, 1-m, may be provided. The data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m can be CA data streams (e.g., component carriers)
and/or MIMO data streams. The signal router circuit 302 selectively
distributes the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to one or more
remote units 306(1)-306(N), where `N` is the number of remote
units.
[0031] A data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m refers to a communication
channel used for data transmission, which may include uplink and/or
downlink components. Accordingly, while the signal router circuit
302 is described as "receiving" data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m,
which are "distributed" to the remote units 306(1)-306(N), for each
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m an uplink (transmitting information
from a mobile device to a telecommunications network) and/or a
downlink (transmitting information from the telecommunications
network to the mobile device) may be formed between the signal
router circuit 302 and the signal source circuit 304, as well as
between the signal router circuit 302 and a remote unit
306(1)-306(N).
[0032] The signal router circuit 302 is configured to selectively
route each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a MIMO configuration, a
CA configuration, or both to provide an improved wireless
communications environment for user mobile communications devices
connected to the remote units 306(1)-306(N). In this manner, the
data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m do not need to be indiscriminately
distributed to each remote unit 306(1)-306(N), but can instead be
routed in a manner which can increase capacity and/or throughput
where needed, conserve power, conserve wireless spectrum, reduce
interference and/or noise, improve transmission quality of wireless
communications signals, and so on as described further below with
respect to FIGS. 4-8.
[0033] The wireless communications system 300 can be configured to
support cellular communications services. In some embodiments, the
signal source circuit 304 in the wireless communications system 300
may include some or all functions of an Evolved Node B (eNB) base
transceiver station (BTS) implementing carrier aggregation
functionality. For example, the signal source circuit 304 may
transmit and receive communications, such as packetized data, from
a telecommunications network. The signal source circuit 304
includes one or more physical layer (PHY) processing circuits
308(1)-308(M). The notation "1-M" indicates that any number of the
PHY processing circuits, 1-M, may be provided. A PHY processing
circuit 308(1)-308(M) generates baseband modulated signals
representing a downlink baseband signal of a corresponding data
stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m. As an example, a first PHY processing
circuit 308(1) generates a first data stream DS.sub.1, and may be
capable of configuring the first data stream DS.sub.1 for MIMO,
Calif., or both. It should be understood that generation of the
baseband modulated signals by the PHY processing circuits
308(1)-308(M) can be implemented in other components of the
wireless communications system 300, such as in the remote units
306(1)-306(N).
[0034] The PHY processing circuits 308(1)-308(M) may receive data
to be transmitted from higher layer processing circuit(s) 310 of
the signal source circuit 304. The higher layer processing circuits
310 may perform some or all signal processing functions of layers
other than PHY of a transmitting and/or receiving device under the
open systems interconnection (OSI) model or a similar communication
model. In some examples, the higher layer processing circuits 310
include scheduling the data for each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
to be transmitted to the signal router circuit 302 by the
corresponding PHY processing circuit 308(1)-308(M). Each PHY
processing circuit 308(1)-308(M) and/or the higher layer processing
circuits 310 may further process uplink baseband signals received
from the signal router circuit 302. It should be understood that in
some embodiments, some of the functions and/or circuitry of the
signal source circuit 304 may reside at the remote units
306(1)-306(N). For example, the PHY processing circuits
308(1)-308(M) may be split between the signal source circuit 304
and the remote units 306(1)-306(N) where higher level portions of
the PHY processing circuits 308(1)-308(M) reside at the signal
source circuit 304 and lower level portions of the PHY processing
circuits 308(1)-308(M) reside at the remote units 306(1)-306(N). In
other embodiments, the complete PHY processing circuits
308(1)-308(M) may reside at the remote units 306(1)-306(N).
[0035] With continuing reference to FIG. 3, the signal router
circuit 302 routes the data stream(s) DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to the one
or more remote units 306(1)-306(N). The signal router circuit 302
includes a plurality of signal source inputs 312(1)-312(M), each of
which receives a data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from the signal
source circuit 304. The signal source inputs 312(1)-312(M) may be
any appropriate inputs, such as parallel input ports, serially
received inputs, and so on (e.g., the signal source inputs
312(1)-312(M) can be received through one or multiple physical
interfaces with the signal source circuit 304). Generally, each
signal source input 312(1)-312(M) is coupled to a corresponding PHY
processing circuit 308(1)-308(M). It should be understood that
while the PHY processing circuits 308(1)-308(M) and signal source
inputs 312(1)-312(M) are shown as separate links, the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m can be multiplexed over a single physical link
and/or may use separate physical links for uplink and downlink
paths. The data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m are distributed to the
respective coverage areas of the remote units 306(1)-306(N)
according to one or more routing configurations of the signal
router circuit 302. Each routing configuration selectively directs
the routing of data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from the signal
source inputs 312(1)-312(M) of the signal router circuit 302 to a
signal output 314(1)-314(P) of the signal router circuit 302. Each
signal output 314(1)-314(P) is coupled to at least one of the
plurality of remote units 306(1)-306(N).
[0036] A controller circuit 316 communicates a routing control
signal 318 (e.g., to a routing control input 320 of the signal
router circuit 302) to the signal router circuit 302 indicating the
routing configuration(s) for routing the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from the signal source inputs 312(1)-312(M) to
the signal outputs 314(1)-314(P). The controller circuit 316 may be
a processor, such as a microprocessor, digital controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. The controller circuit 316 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 routing
configuration(s) communicated by the controller circuit 316 may be
based on inputs received over a communications interface 322 (e.g.,
inputs received from the signal source circuit 304, inputs received
from the signal router circuit 302, inputs received from the remote
units 306(1)-306(N)) and/or additional inputs 324, as described
further below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. Exemplary routing
configurations are described further below with respect to FIGS.
4-6. Through the routing control signal 318 (which may be sent to
the routing control input 320 from a routing control output 326 in
the controller circuit 316), the controller circuit 316 controls
the signal router circuit 302 for determining how many data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be used, whether each data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be configured as MIMO, Calif., or both, and
which data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be routed to each remote
unit 306(1)-306(N). In some embodiments, the controller circuit 316
may also control at least some functions and/or circuitry of the
signal source circuit 304 and/or the remote units 306(1)-306(N).
For example, the signal source circuit 304 may configure each data
stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m as MIMO, Calif., or both. In some
examples, the controller circuit 316 can determine whether each
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be configured as MIMO, Calif.,
or both, and cause the signal source circuit 304 to configure the
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m accordingly (e.g., through a
configuration control signal 327). In other examples, the data
stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m may be configured by the signal source
circuit 304, and the controller circuit 316 may determine how each
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m should be routed and cause the signal
router circuit 302 to route the data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
accordingly.
[0037] The controller circuit 316 may be implemented with logical
circuitry and may be a standalone device, form part of another
device (e.g., the signal router circuit 302, the signal source
circuit 304, or a building control device), or portions of the
controller circuit 316 functions and/or circuitry may reside within
multiple devices (e.g., in the signal router circuit 302 or the
signal source circuit 304). In some embodiments, the signal source
circuit 304 may be omitted, and the signal router circuit 302 and
controller circuit 316 may interface directly with an eNB or other
BTS, including an analog base station. In some examples, the signal
source circuit 304 may be implemented as an eNB, a base-band unit
(BBU), and/or a BTS. A data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in such
embodiments may be received at baseband or at a radio frequency
(RF) carrier frequency. In this case, the signal router circuit 302
(or another circuit connected to the signal router circuit 302)
will include sampling and digitization circuitry to convert the RF
data stream signal to a baseband signal for routing to the remote
unit(s) 306(1)-306(N).
[0038] With continuing reference to FIG. 3, some embodiments of the
wireless communications system 300 distribute the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m over optical communications media. In an
exemplary embodiment, each signal output 314(1)-314(P) of the
signal router circuit 302 includes an electrical-to-optical (E-O)
converter 328(1)-328(P) configured to convert an electrical
communications signal of the respective data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m into a respective optical communications signal.
The respective optical communications signals are transported to
the remote units 306(1)-306(N) by an optical fiber communications
link coupled between each signal output 314(1)-314(P) of the signal
router circuit 302 and the corresponding remote unit 306(1)-306(N).
Each remote unit 306(1)-306(N) includes an optical-to-electrical
(O-E) converter 330(1)-330(N) configured to convert the respective
optical communications signal for the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m back into the electrical communications signal to
interface with one or more uplink/downlink paths 332(1)-332(N) of
the remote unit 306(1)-306(N). Using the electrical communications
signal, each uplink/downlink path 332(1)-332(N) wirelessly
distributes the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to any mobile device
within the coverage area of the remote unit 306(1)-306(N).
[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, the wireless communications
system 300 has been described to "distribute" data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m. As previously discussed, it should be understood
that each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m may include uplink and/or
downlink components. Accordingly, each E-O converter 328(1)-328(P)
of the signal router circuit 302 may convert a downlink for the
routed data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from electrical to optical
and an uplink for each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from optical
to electrical. Similarly, the O-E converter 330(1)-330(N) of each
remote unit 306(1)-306(N) may convert a downlink for each data
stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from optical to electrical and an uplink
for each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m from electrical to optical.
In addition, each optical fiber communications link may have a
separate uplink and downlink medium, or may be a common optical
fiber communications link. For example, wave division multiplexing
(WDM) may be employed to carry the downlink optical communications
signals and the uplink optical communications signals on the same
optical fiber communications link.
[0040] Turning to FIGS. 4-6, the operation and advantages of
selectively distributing MIMO and CA data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
to the remote units 306(1), 306(2) are illustrated. The wireless
communications system 300 is configured to support MIMO and CA, and
selectively distribute data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 to remote
coverage areas 400(1), 400(2) created by and located about the
remote units 306(1), 306(2). It should be understood that the
wireless communications system 300 in FIGS. 4-6 is depicted with
two remote units 306(1), 306(2) and four data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 for exemplary purposes, and any number of remote
units 306(1), 306(2) and any number of data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 may be deployed according to embodiments of this
disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
wireless communications system 300 of FIG. 3 selectively routing
one or more data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 in a MIMO configuration.
In an exemplary aspect, the signal router circuit 302 is configured
to receive data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 from the signal source
circuit 304 and distribute the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 to
the remote units 306(1), 306(2). The signal router circuit 302 is
configured to route the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 according to
one or more routing configurations received via the routing control
signal 318 from the controller circuit 316. In this regard, the
controller circuit 316 is configured to determine a first routing
configuration for a first remote unit 306(1) (e.g., for a first
signal output 314(1) of FIG. 3) and a second routing configuration
for a second remote unit 306(2) (e.g., for a second signal output
314(2) of FIG. 3).
[0042] In determining each routing configuration, the controller
circuit 316 determines at least one data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4
to route to the respective remote unit 306(1), 306(2), as well as
whether the data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 is to be routed in a MIMO
configuration, in a CA configuration (e.g., as a component
carrier), or both. As described above with respect to FIG. 3, the
signal source circuit 304 may configure each data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m as MIMO, Calif., or both. Thus, in some examples,
the controller circuit 316 can determine whether each data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be configured as MIMO, Calif., or both, and
cause the signal source circuit 304 to configure the data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m accordingly. In other examples, the data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m may be configured by the signal source circuit
304, and the controller circuit 316 may determine how each data
stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m should be routed and cause the signal
router circuit 302 to route the data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
accordingly. The routing configurations may be based on one or more
communication conditions, which may be based on inputs to the
controller circuit 316, as further described below with respect to
FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0043] Each routing configuration can be determined based on
desired factors, such as one or more communication conditions, to
improve a wireless communications environment 402 of user mobile
communications devices 404(1), 404(2) in communication with the one
or more remote units 306(1), 306(2). As an example, communication
conditions on which the routing configurations can be determined
include locations and/or a distribution of the user mobile
communications devices 404(1), 404(2), the quality of signals
received by the user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2)
and/or the remote units 306(1), 306(2), noise or interference
measurements, and estimates or measurements of throughput of the
user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) and/or the remote
units 306(1), 306(2). In addition, routing configurations can be
determined based on capabilities of the signal source circuit 304
and/or capabilities of each remote unit 306(1), 306(2) (e.g., a
number of available downlink paths 406(1)-406(4) and/or uplink
paths). In this manner, the routing configurations can facilitate
an improved wireless communications environment 402 which can
increase capacity and/or throughput where needed, conserve power,
conserve wireless spectrum, reduce interference and/or noise,
improve transmission quality of wireless communications signals,
and so on.
[0044] For example, as depicted in FIG. 4, the controller circuit
316 determines a first routing configuration for the first remote
unit 306(1), and the signal router circuit 302 accordingly routes a
first data stream DS.sub.1 and a second data stream DS.sub.2 to the
first remote unit 306(1). The first data stream DS.sub.1 is
distributed to user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) in
the first remote coverage area 400(1) in a first MIMO
configuration, and the second data stream DS.sub.2 is similarly
distributed in a second MIMO configuration which is interleaved
with the first data stream. In some examples, the controller
circuit 316 can cause the signal source circuit 304 to configure
the first data stream DS.sub.1 in the first MIMO configuration and
the second data stream DS.sub.2 in the second MIMO configuration
through the configuration control signal 327. In other words, the
first data stream DS.sub.1 is transmitted according to a MIMO
scheme over a first wireless channel (e.g., frequency range)
f.sub.1 via a first downlink path 406(1) (which may include
transmit circuitry and an antenna) in the first remote unit 306(1),
and the second data stream DS.sub.2 is transmitted according to the
MIMO scheme over the first wireless channel f.sub.1 via a second
downlink path 406(2) (which may include distinct transmit circuitry
and/or another antenna) in the first remote unit 306(1). Because
the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the second data stream DS.sub.2
are transmitted over separate downlink paths 406(1), 406(2) under
MIMO, the throughput within the first remote coverage area 400(1)
can be increased.
[0045] In this regard, a first user mobile communications device
404(1), which may be near the first remote unit 306(1) (e.g.,
within a threshold distance), can receive the first data stream
DS.sub.1 and the second data stream DS.sub.2 through 2.times.2
MIMO, in which the two data streams DS.sub.1, DS.sub.2 are
transmitted and/or received through two antennas (e.g., separate
downlink paths 406(1), 406(2)). Depending on signal conditions, the
throughput to the first user mobile communications device 404(1)
may be as much as double the throughput of a single, non-MIMO data
stream. In addition, the throughput gains can be achieved using
only one wireless channel f.sub.1. However, MIMO can be affected by
signal attenuation and interference, such that throughput is
generally decreased with distance from the first remote unit 306(1)
or where significant interference is present on the first wireless
channel f.sub.1. For example, the second user mobile communications
device 404(2), which is further from the first remote unit 306(1),
may also receive the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the second data
stream DS.sub.2. However, the throughput of the second user mobile
communications device 404(2) through the first data stream DS.sub.1
and the second data stream DS.sub.2 may be less than the throughput
of the first user mobile communications device 404(1).
[0046] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, the controller circuit
316 also determines a second routing configuration for the second
remote unit 306(2), and the signal router circuit 302 accordingly
routes a third data stream DS.sub.3 and a fourth data stream
DS.sub.4 to the second remote unit 306(2). The third data stream
DS.sub.3 is distributed to user mobile communications device 404(2)
in the second remote coverage area 400(2) in a third MIMO
configuration, and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 is similarly
distributed in a fourth MIMO configuration which is interleaved
with the third data stream. In some examples, the controller
circuit 316 can cause the signal source circuit 304 to configure
the third data stream DS.sub.3 in the third MIMO configuration and
the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 in the fourth MIMO configuration
through the configuration control signal 327. In other words, the
third data stream DS.sub.3 is transmitted according to a MIMO
scheme over the first wireless channel f.sub.1 via a first downlink
path 406(3) in the second remote unit 306(2), and the fourth data
stream DS.sub.4 is transmitted according to the MIMO scheme over
the first wireless channel f.sub.1 via a second downlink path
406(4) in the second remote unit 306(2). Because the third data
stream DS.sub.3 and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 are transmitted
over separate downlink paths 406(3), 406(4) under MIMO, the
throughput within the second remote coverage area 400(2) can be
increased.
[0047] In this regard, throughput can be increased for user mobile
communications devices within the second remote coverage area
400(2). In addition, the second user mobile communications device
404(2) can be within an overlapping coverage area 408 (e.g.,
overlapping region) of the first remote coverage area 400(1) and
the second remote coverage area 400(2). Because of this, the second
remote unit 306(2) can receive the first data stream DS.sub.1, the
second data stream DS.sub.2, the third data stream DS.sub.3, and
the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 through 4.times.4 MIMO, in which
the four data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 are transmitted and/or
received through four antennas. In this regard, all of the first
data stream DS.sub.1, the second data stream DS.sub.2, the third
data stream DS.sub.3, and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 can be
interleaved with each other under MIMO. The throughput of the
second remote unit 306(2), which may be decreased under 2.times.2
MIMO from signal attenuation due to its distance from the first
remote unit 306(1) and the second remote unit 306(2), can be
increased through the availability of additional data streams under
4.times.4 MIMO.
[0048] In this manner, in the example first configuration for the
first remote unit 306(1) and second configuration for the second
remote unit 306(2), throughput to some or all of the user mobile
communications devices 404(1), 404(2) can be increased through
MIMO. In addition, the amount of spectrum (e.g., frequency
channels) occupied can be reduced, allowing for conservation of
spectrum and/or due to environmental constraints. With a separate
downlink path 406(1)-406(4) for each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4,
each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 may be transmitted at full
power, which may limit signal attenuation due to distance and/or
interference. However, if there are higher levels of interference
in the wireless environment 402 and/or user mobile communications
devices 404(1), 404(2) are farther from the remote units 306(1),
306(2), routing the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 in MIMO may have
a smaller increase in throughput.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
wireless communications system 300 of FIG. 3 selectively routing
one or more data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 in a CA configuration.
Similar to the example depicted in FIG. 4, the signal router
circuit 302 is configured to receive data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4
from the signal source circuit 304 and distribute the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 to the remote units 306(1), 306(2). The signal
router circuit 302 is configured to route the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 according to one or more routing configurations
received via the routing control signal 318 from the controller
circuit 316.
[0050] In the example depicted in FIG. 5, the controller circuit
316 determines a first routing configuration for the first remote
unit 306(1), and the signal router circuit 302 accordingly routes a
first data stream DS.sub.1 and a second data stream DS.sub.2 to the
first remote unit 306(1). The first data stream DS.sub.1 is
distributed to user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) in
the first remote coverage area 400(1) in a first CA configuration
(e.g., as a first component carrier), and the second data stream
DS.sub.2 is similarly distributed in a second CA configuration
(e.g., as a second component carrier). In some examples, the
controller circuit 316 can cause the signal source circuit 304 to
configure the first data stream DS.sub.1 in the first CA
configuration and the second data stream DS.sub.2 in the second CA
configuration through the configuration control signal 327. In
other words, the first data stream DS.sub.1 is transmitted
according to a CA scheme over a first wireless channel f.sub.1 via
a first downlink path 406(1) in the first remote unit 306(1), and
the second data stream DS.sub.2 is transmitted according to the CA
scheme over a second wireless channel f.sub.2 via a second downlink
path 406(2) in the first remote unit 306(1). Because the first data
stream DS.sub.1 and the second data stream DS.sub.2 are transmitted
over separate wireless channels f.sub.1, f.sub.2 under CA, the
throughput within the first remote coverage area 400(1) can be
increased.
[0051] In this regard, each of the first user mobile communications
device 404(1) and the second user mobile communications device
404(2) can receive the first data stream DS.sub.1 over the first
wireless channel f.sub.1 and receive the second data stream
DS.sub.2 over the second wireless channel f.sub.2. With the use of
two wireless channels f.sub.1, f.sub.2, the throughput under CA can
be as much as double the throughput of a single, non-CA data stream
transmitted over a single channel. In addition, in comparison with
the MIMO configuration of FIG. 4, transmitting the first data
stream DS.sub.1 and the second data stream DS.sub.2 over different
wireless channels f.sub.1, f.sub.2 is less affected by signal
conditions (e.g., increases in distance from the first remote unit
306(1) or interference). However, the throughput gains are achieved
through use of additional wireless spectrum, which may in some
cases be undesirable or unavailable.
[0052] With continuing reference to FIG. 5, the controller circuit
316 also determines a second routing configuration for the second
remote unit 306(2), and the signal router circuit 302 accordingly
routes a third data stream DS.sub.3 and a fourth data stream
DS.sub.4 to the second remote unit 306(2). The third data stream
DS.sub.3 is distributed to user mobile communications device 404(2)
in the second remote coverage area 400(2) in a third CA
configuration (e.g., as a third component carrier), and the fourth
data stream DS.sub.4 is similarly distributed in a fourth CA
configuration (e.g., as a fourth component carrier). In some
examples, the controller circuit 316 can cause the signal source
circuit 304 to configure the third data stream DS.sub.3 in the
third CA configuration and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 in the
fourth CA configuration through the configuration control signal
327. In other words, the third data stream DS.sub.3 is transmitted
according to a CA scheme over the first wireless channel f.sub.1
via a first downlink path 406(3) in the second remote unit 306(2),
and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 is transmitted according to the
CA scheme over the second wireless channel f.sub.2 via a second
downlink path 406(4) in the second remote unit 306(2). Because the
third data stream DS.sub.3 and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 are
transmitted over separate wireless channels f.sub.1, f.sub.2 under
CA, the throughput within the second remote coverage area 400(2)
can be increased.
[0053] In this regard, throughput can be increased for user mobile
communications device 404(2) within the second remote coverage area
400(2). In addition, the second user mobile communications device
404(2) can be within an overlapping coverage area 408 (e.g.,
overlapping region) of the first remote coverage area 400(1) and
the second remote coverage area 400(2). Because of this, the second
remote unit 306(2) can receive the first data stream DS.sub.1
interleaved in a MIMO configuration with the third data stream
DS.sub.3, and the second data stream DS.sub.2 interleaved in a MIMO
configuration with the fourth data stream DS.sub.4, which may
further increase throughput in the overlapping coverage area 408.
This increased throughput can be achieved with less throughput
reduction due to distance as compared with the MIMO configurations
of FIG. 4.
[0054] In this manner, in the example of the first configuration
for the first remote unit 306(1) and the second configuration for
the second remote unit 306(2), throughput to some or both of the
user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) can be increased
through CA. In addition, the throughput of the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 can be less susceptible to signal attenuation due
to distance and/or interference as compared with the MIMO
configurations in the example of FIG. 4. With a separate downlink
path 406(1)-406(4) for each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4, each
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 may be transmitted at full power,
which may further limit signal attenuation due to distance and/or
interference. However, the amount of spectrum (e.g., frequency
channels) occupied is increased under CA.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the
wireless communications system 300 of FIG. 3 selectively routing
one or more data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 in a MIMO and CA
configuration. Similar to the example depicted in FIG. 4, the
signal router circuit 302 is configured to receive data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 from the signal source circuit 304 and distribute
the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 to the remote units 306(1),
306(2). The signal router circuit 302 is configured to route the
data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 according to one or more routing
configurations received via the routing control signal 318 from the
controller circuit 316.
[0056] In the example depicted in FIG. 6, the controller circuit
316 determines a first routing configuration for the first remote
unit 306(1), and the signal router circuit 302 accordingly routes a
first data stream DS.sub.1, a second data stream DS.sub.2, a third
data stream DS.sub.3, and a fourth data stream DS.sub.4 to the
first remote unit 306(1). The first data stream DS.sub.1 is
distributed to user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) in
the first remote coverage area 400(1) in a first CA configuration
and in a first MIMO configuration. The second data stream DS.sub.2
is similarly distributed in a second CA configuration and in a
second MIMO configuration interleaved with the first data stream
DS.sub.1. The third data stream DS.sub.3 is similarly distributed
in a third CA configuration and in a third MIMO configuration. The
fourth data stream DS.sub.4 is similarly distributed in a fourth CA
configuration and in a fourth MIMO configuration interleaved with
the third data stream DS.sub.3. In some examples, the controller
circuit 316 can cause the signal source circuit 304 to configure
the first data stream DS.sub.1 in the first CA configuration and
the first MIMO configuration, configure the second data stream
DS.sub.2 in the second CA configuration and the second MIMO
configuration, configure the third data stream DS.sub.3 in the
third CA configuration and the third MIMO configuration, and
configure the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 in the fourth CA
configuration and the fourth MIMO configuration through the
configuration control signal 327.
[0057] In other words, the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the third
data stream DS.sub.3 are transmitted via a first downlink path
406(1) in the first remote unit 306(1) according to a CA scheme in
which the first data stream DS' is transmitted over a first
wireless channel f.sub.1, and the third data stream DS.sub.3 is
transmitted over a second wireless channel f.sub.2. The second data
stream DS.sub.2 and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 are transmitted
via a second downlink path 406(2) in the first remote unit 306(1)
according to a CA scheme in which the second data stream DS.sub.2
is transmitted over the first wireless channel f.sub.1, and the
fourth data stream DS.sub.4 is transmitted over the second wireless
channel f.sub.2. Due to the use of both MIMO and CA, the throughput
within the first remote coverage area 400(1) can be increased.
[0058] In this regard, each of a first user mobile communications
device 404(1) and a second user mobile communications device 404(2)
can receive the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the second data
stream DS.sub.2 over the first wireless channel f.sub.1 through
2.times.2 MIMO, in which the two data streams DS.sub.1, DS.sub.2
are transmitted and/or received through two antennas (e.g.,
separate downlink paths 406(1), 406(2)). The first user mobile
communications device 404(1) and the second user mobile
communications device 404(2) can also receive the third data stream
DS.sub.3 and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4 over the second
wireless channel f.sub.2 through 2.times.2 MIMO. The combination of
CA and MIMO provides four data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 to each
user mobile communications device 404(1), 404(2) in the first
remote coverage area 400(1) at a cost of transmit power due to the
aggregation of two data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 over each
downlink path 406(1), 406(2). Depending on signal conditions, with
the use of 2.times.2 MIMO and two wireless channels f.sub.1,
f.sub.2, the throughput under MIMO and CA can be as much as four
times the throughput of a single, non-MIMO and non-CA data stream
transmitted over a single channel. However, MIMO can be affected by
signal attenuation and interference, such that throughput is
generally decreased with distance from the first remote unit 306(1)
or where significant interference is present on the first wireless
channel f.sub.1. This is compounded by a corresponding decrease in
output power for each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 due to CA over
a single downlink path 406(1), 406(2).
[0059] Generally, in CA over a single downlink path 406(1)-406(4),
a respective remote unit 306(1), 306(2) provides each downlink path
406(1)-406(4) an amount of composite power for data transmission.
As an example, fourteen (14) decibels per milliwatt (dBm) of
composite power may be available for each downlink path
406(1)-406(4) supported by the remote unit 306(1), 306(2). The
fourteen (14) dBm per band needs to be shared between all wireless
channels (e.g., RF carrier frequencies). The typical coverage area
per downlink path 406(1)-406(4) heavily depends on power per
channel and frequently becomes a limiting factor when multiple
channels need to be supported. In the case where multiple component
carriers are provided for a given downlink path 406(1)-406(4), the
coverage area of the remote unit 306(1), 306(2) (or of the data
streams supported by the downlink path 406(1)-406(4)) is
significantly decreased. As an example, if eight (8) wireless
channels are used for the given downlink path 406(1)-406(4), the
power per wireless channel is five (5) dBm. As another example, if
twelve channels are used for the given downlink path 406(1)-406(4),
the power per channel is reduced to 3.2 dBm. In this manner,
throughput can be reduced for the second user mobile communications
device 404(2) which is located farther away from the first remote
unit 306(1).
[0060] With continuing reference to FIG. 6, the controller circuit
316 also determines a second routing configuration for the second
remote unit 306(2), and the signal router circuit 302 accordingly
routes the first data stream DS.sub.1, the second data stream
DS.sub.2, the third data stream DS.sub.3, and the fourth data
stream DS.sub.4 to the first remote unit 306(1). The data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 may be routed similar to the first routing
configuration, with the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the third
data stream DS.sub.3 being transmitted via a first downlink path
406(3) in the second remote unit 306(2) according to a CA scheme,
and the second data stream DS.sub.2 and the fourth data stream
DS.sub.4 being transmitted via a second downlink path 406(4) in the
second remote unit 306(2) according to a CA scheme. A user mobile
communications device 404(3) in the second remote coverage area
400(2) can receive the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the second
data stream DS.sub.2 over the first wireless channel f.sub.1
through 2.times.2 MIMO. The user mobile communications devices
404(3) in the second remote coverage area 400(2) can also receive
the third data stream DS.sub.3 and the fourth data stream DS.sub.4
over the second wireless channel f.sub.2 through 2.times.2 MIMO.
Due to the use of both MIMO and CA, the throughput within the
second remote coverage area 400(2) can be increased in a manner
similar to the first remote coverage area 400(1).
[0061] In addition, if a user mobile communications device 404(1),
404(2) in the first remote coverage area 400(1) moves to the second
remote coverage area 400(2) (or vice versa), access to each of the
data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 may be maintained without a need to
establish connection to new data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4. In
other examples, the second routing configuration can route
different data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.4 to the second remote unit
306(2) in a similar or different manner according to communication
conditions.
[0062] In this manner, in the example of the first configuration
for the first remote unit 306(1) and the second configuration for
the second remote unit 306(2), throughput to some or all of the
user mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) can be increased
through the combination of MIMO and CA, potentially above the
examples of FIGS. 4 and 5. However, the size of each remote unit's
306(1), 306(2) coverage area 400(1), 400(2) may be decreased and/or
signal power per data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m received by the user
mobile communications devices 404(1), 404(2) may decrease, such
that this configuration may be best used when user mobile
communications devices 404(1)-404(3) are distributed near the
remote unit(s) 306(1), 306(2) (e.g., within a threshold
distance).
[0063] Turning to FIG. 7, the signal router circuit 302 is
configured to selectively route data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to
the remote units 306(1)-306(N) based on communication conditions.
FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of the exemplary wireless
communications system 300 of FIGS. 3-6 illustrating connections
between the controller circuit 316 and other components of the
wireless communications system 300. The controller circuit 316 is
configured to determine a routing configuration for each of one or
more remote units 306(1)-306(N). In determining each routing
configuration, the controller circuit 316 determines at least one
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to route from the signal source
circuit 304, through the signal router circuit 302, and to the
respective remote unit 306(1)-306(N). In some examples, the
controller circuit 316 also determines whether each data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m is to be routed in a MIMO configuration, in a CA
configuration (e.g., as a component carrier), or both and cause the
signal source circuit 304 to configure the data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m accordingly. In other examples, the controller
circuit 316 determines where to route the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m based on whether the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m are configured in a MIMO configuration, in a CA
configuration (e.g., as a component carrier), or both by the signal
source circuit 304. The routing configurations may be based on one
or more communication conditions, which may be based on inputs to
the controller circuit 316.
[0064] In this regard, the controller circuit 316 communicates one
or more routing configurations from the routing control output 326
through the routing control signal 318 to a routing control input
320 of the signal router circuit 302. The controller circuit 316
can determine the routing configuration(s) based on inputs received
over the communications interface 322. For example, the controller
circuit 316 can exchange communications 700 with the signal source
circuit 304, the signal router circuit 302, and each remote unit
306(1)-306(N) over the communications interface 322. It should be
understood that while FIG. 7 depicts the controller circuit 316
exchanging communications 700 directly with each of the signal
source circuit 304, the signal router circuit 302, and the remote
units 306(1)-306(N) directly, in other examples these
communications 700 can be exchanged indirectly, such as through the
signal router circuit 302. In some examples, the routing control
output 326 and the communications interface 322 can be a shared
interface, such as a parallel interface or a serial interface.
[0065] In an exemplary aspect, the controller circuit 316 can
receive communications 700 over the communications interface 322,
which can include an indication of one or more communication
conditions. The routing configuration(s) can be determined based on
the one or more communication conditions. For example, the
communication conditions may include a location of one or more user
mobile communications devices 404(1)-404(X), and may additionally
include a distribution of multiple user mobile communications
devices 404(1)-404(X) about the remote units 306(1)-306(N). An
indication of the location and/or distribution can be received
through the communication interface 322 from the remote units
306(1)-306(N) (e.g., through a connection to each remote unit
306(1)-306(N) or indirectly through the signal router circuit 302,
a proxy device, or otherwise).
[0066] In this regard, the controller circuit 316 can determine the
routing configurations based on the received location and/or
distribution of user mobile communications devices 404(1)-404(X).
For example, if a majority of user mobile communications devices
404(1)-404(X) are located within an overlapping coverage area
between a first remote unit 306(1) and a second remote unit 306(2),
the controller circuit 316 can determine a first routing
configuration for the first remote unit 306(1) to route one or more
data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a CA configuration. The
controller circuit 316 can also determine a second routing
configuration for the second remote unit 306(2) to route one or
more additional data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a CA
configuration. The second routing configuration can additionally
interleave data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m for the second remote
unit 306(2) with data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m for the first
remote unit 306(1) in a MIMO configuration, in a manner such as
described above with respect to FIG. 5.
[0067] In another example, if a majority of user mobile
communications devices 404(1)-404(X) are located near the remote
units 306(1)-306(N) (e.g., within a threshold distance of each
remote unit 306(1)-306(N)), the controller circuit 316 can
determine a first routing configuration for a first remote unit
306(1) to route one or more data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a
MIMO configuration. The controller circuit 316 can also determine
additional routing configurations of other remote units
306(2)-306(N) to route one or more additional data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a MIMO configuration, such as described above
with respect to FIG. 4. Each routing configuration can additionally
route data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a CA configuration, such as
described above with respect to FIG. 6.
[0068] In another exemplary aspect, the communication conditions
may include a measurement or estimates of signal quality associated
with one or more remote units 306(1)-306(N). Such measurements or
estimations may include SNR measurements or estimations based on
indications received over the communications interface 322. Such
measurements or estimations can include indications of SNR measured
from the user mobile communications devices 404(1)-404(X) and/or
the remote units 306(1)-306(N), noise or interference measurements
from other sensors or devices, and so on.
[0069] In this regard, the controller circuit 316 can determine the
routing configurations based on the received signal quality
measurements and/or estimates. For example, if a measured SNR
associated with a first remote unit 306(1) exceeds a threshold
value, the controller circuit 316 can determine a first routing
configuration for the first remote unit 306(1) to route multiple
data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a MIMO configuration, such as
described above with respect to FIG. 4. Depending on the SNR value
(e.g., if the SNR exceeds an additional, higher threshold), the
controller circuit 316 can further determine to route the data
streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a CA configuration, such as described
above with respect to FIG. 6.
[0070] In another example, if the measured SNR associated with the
first remote unit 306(1) does not exceed a threshold value (e.g.,
the same or a different threshold value), the controller circuit
316 can determine the first routing configuration for the first
remote unit 306(1) to route multiple data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
in a CA configuration, such as described above with respect to FIG.
5. Depending on the SNR value (e.g., if the SNR exceeds an
additional, lower threshold), the controller circuit 316 can
further determine to route the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m in a
MIMO configuration interleaved with data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
of an adjacent, second remote unit 306(2).
[0071] In another exemplary aspect, the communication conditions
may include a measurement or estimate of throughput for different
routing configurations. For example, the controller circuit 316 can
predict throughputs for two or more potential routing
configurations (e.g., MIMO, Calif., or a combination of the two
such as described above with respect to FIGS. 4-6). The controller
circuit 316 can base a throughput estimate on current communication
conditions, such as a distribution of user mobile communications
devices 404(1)-404(X), measured SNR, noise, and/or interference,
historical throughput measurements, and so on. Based on the
estimated throughput, the controller circuit 316 can determine
routing configurations which improve throughput, and may
additionally adjust the routing configurations based on measured
throughput of the remote units 306(1)-306(N) and/or user mobile
communications devices 404(1)-404(X).
[0072] In addition, routing configurations can be determined based
on capabilities of the signal source circuit 304 and/or
capabilities of each remote unit 306(1), 306(2) (e.g., a number of
available downlink paths 406(1)-406(4) and/or uplink paths). For
example, the communications 700 received over the communications
interface 322 can include indications of whether the signal source
circuit 304 is capable of supporting MIMO and/or CA, a number of
supported data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m (e.g., a number of PHY
processing circuits 308(1)-308(M) available), and so on. The
communications 700 received over the communications interface 322
can also include indications of whether each remote unit
306(1)-306(N) is capable of supporting MIMO and/or CA, a number of
downlink paths available, and so on.
[0073] In another exemplary aspect, the controller circuit 316 is
configured to transmit communications 700 over the communications
interface 322, such as to configure the signal source circuit 304
and/or the remote units 306(1)-306(N) according to the determined
routing configurations. In exemplary aspects disclosed herein, the
signal source circuit 304 can configure (e.g., through the PHY
processing circuits 308(1)-308(M) depicted in FIG. 3) each data
stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m as MIMO, Calif., or both (including
coordinating MIMO configurations between data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m). For example, the controller circuit 316 can
determine one or more routing configurations indicating a number of
data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to be routed by the signal router
circuit 302 and whether each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m should
be configured as MIMO, Calif., or both. Based on the routing
configuration(s), the controller circuit 316 can transmit
communications 700 to the signal source circuit 304 to request data
streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m, as well as the configuration of each
data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m.
[0074] Similarly, the controller circuit 316 can transmit
communications 700 over the communications interface 322 to each
remote unit 306(1)-306(N) such that the remote units 306(1)-306(N)
transmit and/or receive the routed data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m
according to the routing configurations. It should be understood
that the controller circuit 316 can be implemented using multiple
hardware types and schemes. For example, the controller circuit 316
can be included in the signal router circuit 302 or another
component of the wireless communications system 300, or as a
logical and/or physical portion of a self-optimized network (SON)
server.
[0075] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the controller circuit 316
of FIGS. 3-7, illustrating exemplary inputs and outputs of the
controller circuit 316. As depicted in FIG. 8, the controller
circuit 316 receives one or more communication conditions 800
and/or capability indications 802 (e.g., through the communications
interface 322 of FIG. 7). Based on the communication conditions 800
and/or capability indications 802, the controller circuit 316
transmits control outputs 804 (e.g., through the communications
interface 322 and/or routing control output 326 of FIG. 7).
[0076] In this regard, the controller circuit 316 is configured to
determine a routing configuration 806 for each of one or more
remote units 306(1)-306(N). In determining each routing
configuration 806, the controller circuit 316 determines at least
one data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to route from the signal source
circuit 304, through the signal router circuit 302, and to the
respective remote unit 306(1)-306(N). The controller circuit 316
also determines whether each data stream DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m is to be
routed in a MIMO configuration, in a CA configuration (e.g., as a
component carrier), or both. The routing configurations 806 may be
based on the one or more received communication conditions 800
and/or capability indications 802.
[0077] In an exemplary aspect, the controller circuit 316 can
receive the communication conditions 800, including locations
and/or distributions 808 of user mobile communications devices
404(1)-404(X) in communication with the remote units 306(1)-306(N).
An indication of the locations and/or distributions 808 can be
received from the remote units 306(1)-306(N). The locations and/or
distributions 808 of user mobile communications devices
404(1)-404(X) can be determined by the remote units 306(1)-306(N)
and/or reported by the user mobile communications devices
404(1)-404(X). In some examples, the indication of the locations
and/or distributions 808 can be received through other circuitry
(e.g., the signal source circuit 304), sensors, or other network
devices. The communication conditions 800 received by the
controller circuit 316 can also include a measurement or estimates
of signal quality 810 associated with one or more remote units
306(1)-306(N). Such measurements or estimations of signal quality
810 may include SNR measurements or estimations from the remote
units 306(1)-306(N) and/or the user mobile communications devices
404(1)-404(X). In some examples, the SNR measurements or
estimations can be received from the signal source circuit 304 or
another network device.
[0078] In addition, the communication conditions 800 can include
noise or interference measurements 812, such as a frequency and
level of interference in the remote coverage area 400 of each
remote unit 306(1)-306(N). The noise or interference measurements
812 can be received from the remote units 306(1)-306(N), the user
mobile communications devices 404(1)-404(X), and/or other sensors
or devices. The communication conditions 800 may include a
measurement or estimate of device throughput 814 for the user
mobile communications devices 404(1)-404(X), which may be received
from the remote units 306(1)-306(N) or received from the signal
source circuit 304. In addition, a measurement or estimate of
throughput 816 (e.g., throughput for the signal source circuit 304,
the remote units 306(1)-306(N), or the user mobile communications
devices 404(1)-404(X)) can be received from the signal source
circuit 304 or a separate source, such as a self-organizing network
(SON) server.
[0079] In another exemplary aspect, the controller circuit 316 can
receive capability indications 802 on which routing configurations
806 may be based. The capability indications 802 can include a
number of PHY processing circuits 308(1)-308(M) available 818 for
each signal source circuit 304. The number of PHY processing
circuits 308(1)-308(M) available 818 can be received from the
signal source circuit(s) 304. The capability indications 802 can
also include an operational mode 820 of the signal source
circuit(s) 304 and/or its PHY processing circuits 308(1)-308(M). In
some examples, a given PHY processing circuit 308(1)-308(M) can
support CA, MIMO, or both. The controller circuit 316 can also
receive a number of available downlink paths 406(1)-406(4) and/or
uplink paths available 822 in each remote unit 306(1)-306(N).
[0080] In another exemplary aspect, the controller circuit 316 is
configured to transmit control outputs 804, including one or more
routing configurations 806. Through the routing configurations 806,
the controller circuit 316 determines at least one data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to route to each respective remote unit
306(1)-306(N). The controller circuit 316 also determines, through
the routing configurations 806, whether each data stream
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m is to be routed in a MIMO configuration, in a CA
configuration (e.g., as a component carrier), or both based on the
communication conditions 800 and/or capability indications 802 as
described above with respect to FIGS. 4-7. Based on the routing
configurations 806, the controller circuit 316 can also transmit a
control output 804 to cause the signal source circuit 304 to
configure data streams 824 (e.g., a number of data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m and whether each is configured as CA, MIMO, or
both). The controller circuit 316 may also transmit a remote unit
configuration 826 to each remote unit 306(1)-306(N) such that the
remote units 306(1)-306(N) transmit and/or receive the routed data
streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m according to the routing configurations
806.
[0081] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 900
of the signal router circuit 302 in the wireless communications
system 300 in FIGS. 3-8 for selectively routing a first data stream
DS.sub.1 and a second data stream DS.sub.2 from the signal source
circuit 304 to the remote units 306(1)-306(N) in the wireless
communications system 300. As shown in the exemplary process 900 in
FIG. 9 referencing the wireless communications system 300 in FIGS.
3-6, the signal router circuit 302 receives a first data stream
DS.sub.1 from the signal source circuit 304 to be distributed to
the remote units 306(1)-306(N) (block 902). The signal router
circuit 302 further receives a second data stream DS.sub.2 from the
signal source circuit 304 (block 904).
[0082] With continuing reference to FIG. 9, the signal router
circuit 302 routes the first data stream DS.sub.1 and the second
data stream DS.sub.2 to the one or more remote units 306(1)-306(N)
according to one or more routing configurations 806 of the signal
router circuit 302. The controller circuit 316 controls the signal
router circuit 302 for determining the routing configurations 806
indicating how many data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be routed
to each remote unit, as well as whether the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m will be configured as MIMO, Calif., or both.
Accordingly, the controller circuit 316 receives an indication of a
communication condition associated with at least one of the remote
units 306(1)-306(N) (block 906). The controller circuit 316
determines a first routing configuration 806 for a first remote
unit 306(1) (block 908), which may include determining to route the
first data stream DS.sub.1 in at least one of a first MIMO
configuration or a first CA configuration based on the
communication condition, and determining to route the second data
stream DS.sub.2 in at least one of a second MIMO configuration or a
second CA configuration based on the communication condition. In
some examples, the controller circuit 316 also determines a second
routing configuration 806 for a second remote unit 306(2) (block
910). The signal router circuit 302 further routes the first data
stream DS.sub.1 and the second data stream DS.sub.2 to at least the
first remote unit 306(1) of the plurality of remote units
306(1)-306(N) according to the first routing configuration 806
(block 912).
[0083] FIG. 10 is a partially schematic cut-away diagram of an
exemplary building infrastructure 1000 in which the wireless
communications system 300 of FIGS. 3-8 can be provided. The
building infrastructure 1000 in this embodiment includes a first
(ground) floor 1002(1), a second floor 1002(2), and a F.sup.th
floor 1002(F), where `F` can represent any number of floors. The
floors 1002(1)-1002(F) are serviced by a signal router circuit 302
to provide antenna coverage areas 1004 in the building
infrastructure 1000. The signal router circuit 302 is
communicatively coupled to a signal source circuit 304, which may
include some or all functions of a base transceiver station
implementing carrier aggregation functionality. For example, the
signal source circuit 304 may transmit and receive packetized data
or other communications from a telecommunications network. The
signal source circuit 304 includes circuitry implementing one or
more PHY processing circuits (e.g., PHY processing circuits
308(1)-308(M) described above with respect to FIG. 3). Each PHY
processing circuit can generate digital signals representing a
downlink baseband signal of a corresponding component carrier. Each
PHY processing circuit may further process uplink baseband signals
received from the signal router circuit 302. Accordingly, a
downlink and/or uplink for a plurality of data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m couple the signal source circuit 304 to the
signal router circuit 302.
[0084] The signal router circuit 302 is communicatively coupled to
the remote units 306(1)-306(N) and routes the data streams
DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to the remote units 306(1)-306(N) according to
one or more routing configurations of the signal router circuit 302
as described above with respect to FIGS. 3-9. In some embodiments,
the signal router circuit 302 is coupled to the signal source
circuit 304 and the remote units 306(1)-306(N) through an optical
communications link (e.g., through optical fiber cables).
[0085] The data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m are distributed between
the signal router circuit 302 and the remote units 306(1)-306(N)
over a riser cable 1006 in this example. The riser cable 1006 may
be routed through interconnect units (ICUs) 1008(1)-1008(F)
dedicated to each floor 1002(1)-1002(F) for routing the data
streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to the remote units 306(1)-306(N). In
addition, array cables 1010(1)-1010(F) may be provided and coupled
between the ICUs 1008(1)-1008(F) that contain optical fibers to
distribute the data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to the remote units
306(1)-306(N).
[0086] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computer
system 1100 that could be employed in any component in the wireless
communications system 300 in FIGS. 3-10, including but not limited
to the signal router circuit 302 and/or the controller circuit 316,
for selectively routing data streams DS.sub.1-DS.sub.m to the
remote units 306(1)-306(N) according to one or more routing
configurations 806. In this regard, the computer system 1100 is
adapted to execute instructions from an exemplary computer-readable
medium to perform these and/or any of the functions or processing
described herein.
[0087] In this regard, the computer system 1100 in FIG. 11 may
include a set of instructions that may be executed to program and
configure programmable digital signal processing circuits in a
wireless communications system for supporting scaling of supported
communications services. The computer system 1100 may be connected
(e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an
extranet, or the Internet. While only a single device is
illustrated, the term "device" shall also be taken to include any
collection of devices that individually or jointly execute a set
(or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein. The computer system 1100 may be
a circuit or circuits included in an electronic board card, such
as, a printed circuit board (PCB), a server, a personal computer, a
desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a computing pad, a mobile device, or any other device, and
may represent, for example, a server or a user's computer.
[0088] The exemplary computer system 1100 in this embodiment
includes a processing device or processor 1102, a main memory 1104
(e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), etc.), and a
static memory 1106 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory
(SRAM), etc.), which may communicate with each other via a data bus
1108. Alternatively, the processor 1102 may be connected to the
main memory 1104 and/or static memory 1106 directly or via some
other connectivity means. The processor 1102 may be a controller
circuit such as the controller circuit 316 of FIGS. 3-6, and the
main memory 1104 or static memory 1106 may be any type of
memory.
[0089] The processor 1102 represents one or more general-purpose
processing devices, such as a microprocessor, central processing
unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor 1102 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 other processors implementing a
combination of instruction sets. The processor 1102 is configured
to execute processing logic in instructions for performing the
operations and steps discussed herein.
[0090] The computer system 1100 may further include a network
interface device 1110. The computer system 1100 also may or may not
include an input 1112, configured to receive input and selections
to be communicated to the computer system 1100 when executing
instructions. The computer system 1100 also may or may not include
an output 1114, 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). Exemplary inputs
1112 can include communication conditions 800 and/or capability
indications 802, and exemplary outputs 1114 can include control
outputs 804 as described further above with respect to FIG. 8.
[0091] The computer system 1100 may or may not include a data
storage device that includes instructions 1116 stored in a
computer-readable medium 1118. The instructions 1116 may also
reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory
1104 and/or within the processor 1102 during execution thereof by
the computer system 1100, the main memory 1104, and the processor
1102 also constituting computer-readable medium. The instructions
1116 may further be transmitted or received over a network 1120 via
the network interface device 1110.
[0092] While the computer-readable medium 1118 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 medium, and magnetic medium.
[0093] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention.
[0094] The embodiments disclosed herein include various steps. The
steps of the embodiments disclosed herein may be formed 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.
[0095] 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., ROM, random access memory ("RAM"), a magnetic disk storage
medium, an optical storage medium, flash memory devices, etc.); and
the like.
[0096] Unless specifically stated otherwise and 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 and memories
represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer
system's registers into other data similarly represented as
physical quantities within the computer system memories or
registers or other such information storage, transmission, or
display devices.
[0097] 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 apparatuses 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.
[0098] Those of skill in the art will 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 wireless communications 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 on 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 embodiments.
[0099] 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, a discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed
to perform the functions described herein. Furthermore, a
controller circuit 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).
[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in hardware
and in instructions that are stored in hardware, and may reside,
for example, in RAM, flash 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.
[0101] 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. Those of skill in the art
will also understand that information and signals may be
represented using any of a variety of technologies and techniques.
For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals,
bits, symbols, and chips, that may be references throughout the
above description, may be represented by voltages, currents,
electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, or particles, optical
fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
[0102] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended
that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its
steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method
claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its
steps, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or
descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order,
it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred.
* * * * *