Active antenna array and method for relaying radio signals

A method for relaying radio signals in a mobile communications network, the method comprising:

• generating a global timing signal at a fixed timing rate in response to a base station signal received from a base station;
• embedding the global timing signal in at least one payload signal at a selectable payload rate;
• forwarding the at least one payload signal over at least one link;
• extracting at least one local timing signal for at least one transceiver unit from the global timing signal;
• and
• relaying the at least one payload signal;
• according to an individual one of the local timing signals;
• wherein the selectable payload rate is selectable independently from the timing rate.

A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer usable medium having control logic stored therein for causing a computer to manufacture an active antenna array for a mobile communications network, the active antenna array comprising:

• a base band unit coupled to a base station;
• a plurality of transceiver units terminated by at least one antenna element;
• at least one link coupling the individual ones of the plurality of transceiver units to the base band unit;
• wherein the at least one link is a digital link and adapted to relay a payload signal at a selectable payload rate and further adapted to relay a timing signal at a fixed timing rate, the timing signal being embedded in the payload signal at the selectable payload rate.

A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer usable medium having control logic stored therein for causing a computer to relay radio signals in a mobile communications network, the control logic comprising:

• first computer readable program code means for causing the computer to generate a global timing signal at a fixed timing rate in response to a payload signal received from a base station;
• second computer readable program code means for causing the computer to embed the global timing signal in at least one payload signal at a selectable payload rate;
• third computer readable program code means for causing the computer to forward the at least one payload signal over at least one link;
• fourth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to extract at least one local timing signal for at least one transceiver unit from the global timing signal;
• and
• fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to relay the at least one payload signal;
• according to an individual one of the local timing signals;
• wherein the selectable payload rate is selectable independently from the timing rate.