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AssigneeInterwave Communications International, Ltd.
InventorNicholas S. A. Waylett
Estimating the term…
An improved modular masthead for use in cellular communications networks is described. The masthead unit includes a power amplifier, a duplexer and a local power supply that supplies the power amplifier. The power amplifier is arranged to amplify outgoing communication signals received from a base station. In a preferred embodiment, the masthead also includes a low noise amplifier for amplifying incoming communication signals and passing the amplified incoming communication signals to an associated base station. With this arrangement, the masthead forms a modular unit that is distinct from the base station such that the modular masthead may be replaced independently of the base station. With this arrangement the range of a cell within a cellular network may be changed by simply swapping an existing masthead unit with a second masthead unit having a different power supply thereon and making software changes in the system. Thus, the range of the cell within the cellular network may be changed without changing any hardware in the base station.
A modular masthead for use in a cellular communications network including a mobile switching center, a base station controller, a base station and an antenna, wherein the mobile switching center communicates with the base station controller, the base station controller communicates with the base station and the base station transmits communication signals to the antenna for transmission, the modular masthead being a separate unit from the base station that is configured for insertion in a communications path between the base station and the antenna, wherein the modular masthead is arranged to communicate with the antenna via an antenna line and to communicate with the base station via distinct transmission and receiver lines, the modular masthead comprising:
A cellular communications network comprising:
A method of changing the range of a cell within a cellular network having a mobile switching center, a base station controller that communicates with the mobile switching center, a base station that communicates with the base station controller, a first mast head unit that communicates with the base station via distinct transmission and receiver lines, and an antenna that communicates with the first mast head unit via an antenna line, the method comprising:
A method of upgrading a cell within a cellular network having a mobile switching center, a base station controller that communicates with the mobile switching center, a first base station that communicates with the base station controller, a mast head unit that communicates with the first base station via distinct transmission and receiver lines, and an that communicates with the mast head unit via an antenna line, the method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.