Multiprotocol antenna system for multiple service providers

A system for distributing wireless radio frequency signals, the system comprising:

• a base unit;
• and
• a radio access node located at a location that is remote from the base unit;
• wherein the radio access node is configured to generate first digital data indicative of a digitized version of a first analog radio frequency signal, wherein the first analog radio frequency signal is broadcast from a first mobile unit that is a subscriber of a first wireless service provider;
• wherein the radio access node is configured to generate second digital data indicative of a digitized version of a second analog radio frequency signal, wherein the second analog radio frequency signal is broadcast from a second mobile unit that is a subscriber of a second wireless service provider;
• wherein the first and second digital data are transported from the radio access node to the base unit using a shared transport medium;
• wherein the base unit is configured to produce information derived from the first digital data that is used in performing base station processing for the first mobile unit;
• and
• wherein the base unit is configured to produce information derived from the second digital data that is used in performing base station processing for the second mobile unit.

A radio access node for use in a system for distributing wireless radio frequency signals, the radio access node comprising:

• an antenna interface to couple the radio access node to at least one antenna associated with the radio access node;
• a shared transport medium interface to couple the radio access node to a shared transport medium;
• and
• first and second analog-to-digital converters;
• wherein the radio access node is configured to use the first analog-to-digital converter in generating first digital data indicative of a first analog radio frequency signal, wherein the first analog radio frequency signal is broadcast from a first mobile unit using wireless service provided by a first wireless service provider;
• wherein the radio access node is configured to use the second analog-to-digital converter in generating second digital data indicative of a second analog radio frequency signal, wherein the second analog radio frequency signal is broadcast from a second mobile unit using wireless service provided by a second wireless service provider;
• wherein the radio access node is configured to transmit the first and second digital data to a base unit using the shared transport medium;
• and
• wherein the base unit is located at a location that is remote from the radio access node and is configured to produce information derived from the first digital data that is used in performing base station processing for the first mobile unit;
• and
• wherein the base unit is located at a location that is remote from the radio access node and is configured to produce information derived from the second digital data that is used in performing base station processing for the second mobile unit.