Optimizing power allocation in signal distribution systems using variable and static gains

A power optimization sub-system comprising:

• a receiving module of a unit of a distributed antenna system, the receiving module configured to receive downlink signals from one or more base stations and determine, for each downlink signal, whether applying a variable gain or a static gain to the downlink signal would provide more effective coverage in the distributed antenna system;
• a grouping module communicatively coupled to the receiving module, the grouping module configured to group the downlink signals into a first set of downlink signals to apply a static gain and a second set of downlink signals to apply a variable gain, based on the results of the determinations as to whether applying a variable gain or a static gain would provide more effective coverage;
• and
• a variable gain module configured to (i) determine a gain for at least some signals from the second set of downlink signals that is sufficient to achieve a specified metric indicative of a performance level of the distributed antenna system, (ii) provide the first set of downlink signals to a first signal path that is unaffected by the variable gain module, and (iii) provide the second set of downlink signals to a second signal path that is communicatively coupled to the variable gain module.

A distributed antenna system comprising:

• a unit communicatively coupled to a remote unit, the unit configured to:
• receive downlink signals from one or more base stations,
• determine, for each downlink signal, whether applying a variable gain or a static gain to the downlink signal would provide more effective coverage in the distributed antenna system,
• group the downlink signals into a first set of downlink signals to apply a static gain and a second set of downlink signals to apply a variable gain, based on the results of the determinations as to whether applying a variable gain or a static gain would provide more effective coverage,
• determine a gain for at least some signals from the second set of downlink signals that is sufficient to achieve a specified metric indicative of a performance level of the distributed antenna system, and
• transmit data identifying the determined gain to the remote unit;
• and
• the remote antenna unit configured to:
• apply the static gain to the first set of downlink signals, and
• apply the determined gain to the at least some signals from the second set of downlink signals.