Distributed outdoor network apparatus and methods
AssigneeCenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
InventorCharles I. Cook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tools and techniques for providing robust wireless distribution of communications signals from a provider. Certain embodiments comprise one or more modular communications apparatuses. The modular communications apparatuses feature an enclosure which is, at least in part, transparent to radio frequencies. A modular communications apparatus also typically includes one or more communications radios or transmitter/receiver devices within the enclosure. The apparatus also includes at least one and possibly more than one antenna located within the enclosure along with wire or cable-based signal output apparatus.
Claims16
A modular communications apparatus comprising:
- a housing comprising multiple vertically stacked housing modules, wherein at least a first housing module of the vertically stacked housing modules is transparent to radio frequencies;
- a communications radio transceiver located within a second housing module of the multiple vertically stacked housing modules separate from the first housing module;
- a power converter module within one of the multiple vertically stacked housing modules, wherein the power converter module is configured to receive input power from at least one of a local power feed, power from a customer premises and power over a network;
- an antenna, coupled to the communications radio transceiver, located within the first housing module;
- and
- a base supporting the multiple vertically stacked housing modules.
A method of distributing communications signals comprising:
- providing a modular communications apparatus comprising;
- a housing comprising multiple vertically stacked housing modules, wherein at least a first housing module of the vertically stacked housing modules is transparent to radio frequencies;
- a communications radio transceiver located within a second housing module of the multiple vertically stacked housing modules separate from the first housing module;
- an antenna located within the first housing module, the antenna being in electronic communication with the communications radio transceiver;
- and
- a base supporting the multiple vertically stacked housing modules;
- providing power to the communications radio from a power converter module;
- providing input power to the power converter module from at least one of a local power feed, power from a customer premises, and power over a network;
- and
- transmitting a wireless communications signal from the communications radio, through the antenna.
A communications system comprising:
- multiple modular communications apparatuses, with each modular communications apparatus comprising:
- a housing comprising multiple vertically stacked housing modules, wherein at least a first housing module of the vertically stacked housing modules is transparent to radio frequencies;
- a communications radio transceiver located within a second housing module of the multiple vertically stacked housing modules separate from the first housing module;
- a power converter module within one of the multiple vertically stacked housing modules, wherein the power converter module is configured to receive input power from at least one of a local power feed, power from a customer premises and power over a network;
- an antenna, coupled to the communications radio transceiver, located within the first housing module;
- a fiber management module within one of the housing modules configured to receive an optical communications signal input;
- and
- a base supporting the multiple vertically stacked housing modules;
- and
- an optical fiber network providing the optical communications signal to the fiber management module of each modular communications apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.