Communication system having a coupler for guiding electromagnetic waves through interstitial areas formed by a plurality of stranded uninsulated conductors and method of use

Abstract

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a communication system, includes a first coupler configured to guide a first communication signal conveying first data to an interior of a cable, wherein the first coupler is further configured to generate first guided electromagnetic waves in response to the first communication signal, wherein the first guided electromagnetic waves are guided by a structure within the cable and propagate within the cable without requiring an electrical return path; wherein the cable comprises a plurality of uninsulated conductors that are stranded together, wherein the plurality of uninsulated conductors form a plurality of interstitial areas that are bounded by conductive surfaces of at least three of the plurality of uninsulated conductors, and wherein the structure comprises one of the plurality of interstitial areas.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.