US 5,983,070 A · Method and system providing increased antenna functionality in a RF distribution system

Abstract

A system and method for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal in a RF bandwidth over a low bandwidth medium, e.g., in-building unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling, which has a transmission bandwidth below the RF bandwidth. The system has a unit for receiving the RF signal and a global reference oscillator for distributing a global reference tone of high stability to the entire system. Local oscillators controlled by this global reference tone deliver RF reference tones of high stability required for mixing the RF signal to obtain an intermediate frequency (IF) signal which is fed through the low bandwidth medium to remote sites. A 10 base T cable network, often pre-existing in many building structures, provides a suitable, cost effective low bandwidth medium for such RF communication. Two of the four twisted pair cables of a UTP cable are sufficient to support bi-directional communication. The remaining twisted pair cables are used to control remote site antenna functions or support other types of communication services such as data LAN, video, wired voice, or other wireless services such as PCS or wireless LAN.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method for transmitting a RF signal contained in a RF bandwidth over a low bandwidth medium having a transmission bandwidth below said RF bandwidth, said low bandwidth medium comprising a main cable, said main cable comprising a plurality of constituent cables, said method comprising the steps of:

a) receiving said RF signal;
b) providing a global reference tone of high stability at a frequency within said transmission bandwidth of said low bandwidth medium;
c) generating a first RF reference tone of high stability by using a first adjustment signal derived from said global reference tone to control the output of a first local oscillator, such that said first local oscillator generates said first RF reference tone;
d) mixing said first RF reference tone with said RF signal to produce an IF signal within said transmission bandwidth;
e) feeding said IF signal through a first constituent cable of said plurality of constituent cables;
f) generating a second RF reference tone of high stability by using a second adjustment signal derived from said global reference tone to control the output of a second local oscillator, such that said second local oscillator generates said second RF reference tone;
and
g) mixing said second RF reference tone with said IF signal fed through said first constituent cable to recover said RF signal;
and
h) re-transmitting said RF signal recovered from mixing said second RF reference tone with said IF signal.

7 more elements

In a system for bi-directional communication, a communication station for transmission of RF signals contained in a RF bandwidth over a low bandwidth medium having a transmission bandwidth below said RF bandwidth, said system comprising a global reference oscillator for providing said system with a global reference tone of high stability at a frequency within said transmission bandwidth of said low bandwidth medium, wherein said communication station comprises:

a) a receiving means for receiving a first RF signal;
b) a local oscillator controlled by an adjustment signal derived from said global reference tone, such that said local oscillator generates a RF reference tone of high stability;
c) a down-conversion means comprising a first mixing means connected to said receiving means and to said local oscillator for mixing said RF reference tone with said first RF signal to produce a first IF signal within said transmission bandwidth, said first mixing means being further connected to said low bandwidth medium for feeding said first IF signal through said low bandwidth medium;
d) an up-conversion means comprising a second mixing means connected to said local oscillator and to said low bandwidth medium for receiving a second IF signal, said second IF signal being produced with a second RF signal and a second down-conversion means at a distant location, said second mixing means further mixing said second IF signal with said RF reference tone to recover said second RF signal;
and
e) a transmitting means for transmitting recovered second RF signal.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and system providing increased antenna functionality in a RF distribution system

Life of this patent

Method and system providing increased antenna functionality in a RF distribution system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27