Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing leaked downlink interference signals in a remote unit uplink path(s) in a distributed antenna system (DAS) are provided. In a remote antenna unit (RAU) disclosed herein, a downlink interference signal may be leaked from a downlink path to an uplink path in the RAU. In this regard, an adjustment circuit is provided in the downlink path of the RAU to suppress the downlink interference signal. A control system is provided in the DAS to monitor the leaked downlink interference signal and control the adjustment circuit in the RAU to minimize the leaked downlink interference signal in the uplink path. By providing the adjustment circuit in the RAU and the control system in the DAS to minimize the leaked downlink interference signal in the uplink path, it is possible to reduce interferences between downlink and uplink communications signals without increasing costs of the RAU.

Abstract: Radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuit (RFIC) chip(s) allow for the integration of multiple electronic circuits on a chip to provide distributed antenna system functionalities. RFIC chips are employed in central unit and remote unit components, reducing component cost and size, increasing performance and reliability, while reducing power consumption. The components are also easier to manufacture. The RFIC chip(s) can be employed in distributed antenna systems and components that support RF communications services and/or digital data services.

Abstract: Power management in a distributed communications system, such as a distributed antenna system (DAS), that includes determining user activity at remote units of the DAS. When user activity in one or more remote units falls below or above a specified threshold, power usage by the one or more remote units is reduced or increased accordingly. The power usage may reduced and/or increased by turning select remote units on or off, by increasing or reducing an operating voltage of one or more power amplifiers, and/or by turning select multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) front ends on or off. Power may be reduced such that wireless coverage within a specified area is maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for automating a deployment site served by a distributed antenna system (DAS) is disclosed. The deployment site is configured with a plurality of remote antenna units (RAU). At least one of the plurality of remote antenna units includes a first transceiver for uplinking and downlinking a signal of a cellular service and at least one second transceiver for uplinking a signal of at least one electrical element. Data from the at least one second transceiver received from an electrical element is collected and routed to an electrical element data collector configured to aggregate the collected data. Adjustments to and optimization of a device within the deployment site are based on the collected data.

Abstract: Flexible head-end chassis supporting automatic identification and interconnection of radio interface modules (RIMs) and optical interface modules (OIMs) in an optical fiber-based distributed antenna system (DAS) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the flexible head-end chassis includes a plurality of module slots each configured to receive either a RIM or an OIM. A chassis control system identifies an inserted RIM or OIM to determine the type of module inserted. Based on the identification of the inserted RIM or OIM, the chassis control system interconnects the inserted RIM or OIM to related combiners and splitters in head-end equipment for the RIM or OIM to receive downlink communication signals and uplink communications signals for processing and distribution in the optical fiber-based DAS. In this manner, the optical fiber-based DAS can easily be configured or reconfigured with different combinations of RIMs and OIMs to support the desired communications services and/or number of remote units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to determining location of client devices in a distributed antenna system (DAS) based on detecting uplink received power. In this regard, a client device location system is provided in the DAS to configure each remote unit in the DAS to generate a power-regulated UL communications signal based on an assigned power pattern. If a respective power pattern of a reference signal(s) uniquely identifying a client device corresponds to the assigned power pattern of the remote unit that generates the power-regulated UL communications signal, the client device location system reports the location of the remote unit as the location of the client device in the DAS. Hence, it is possible to locate the client device based on the location of the remote unit, thus providing the location of the client device with higher degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Selective non-distribution of received unlicensed spectrum communications by a remote unit(s) into a distributed communications system (DCS) is provided. In one aspect, the DCS is configured to receive communications signals in unlicensed spectrum from a source transceiver(s) for communications services. The DCS is configured to distribute the received communications signals in unlicensed spectrum to one or more remote units forming respective remote communications coverage areas. To reduce or avoid signal interference when communication signals in unlicensed spectrum are transmitted into the DCS that is also being used for transmissions by a remote transceiver to a remote unit at the same time, received communications signals by the remote units are monitored for unlicensed spectrum. The remote unit is configured to disable or disconnect the reception and/or transmission of the communications signals in the unlicensed spectrum based on the communication signal activity in the unlicensed spectrum.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to reducing power consumption in a remote unit of a wireless distribution system (WDS) for intermodulation product suppression. Intermodulation products generated by a power amplifier circuit can leak from a downlink signal path into an uplink signal path to degrade sensitivity of the uplink signal path in a remote unit. In this regard, the remote unit is configured to measure a power of the leaked intermodulation products and enables a selected number of power amplifiers in the power amplifier circuit for reducing the measured power of the leaked intermodulation products to a predetermined threshold. By enabling only the selected number of power amplifiers based on the measured power of the leaked intermodulation products, it is possible to avoid enabling an excessive number of power amplifiers in the power amplifier circuit, thus helping to reduce power consumption for intermodulation product suppression.

Abstract: A computer system for providing software over a network includes: a computer system for providing software over a network is provided. The system includes: a control unit configured to reside at a site, the control unit including a control unit identification (ID) that uniquely identifies the control unit to the network; a copy of the software, the software including sets of features; a license generator configured to create a features activation file containing the control unit ID and identifying at least one set of features to be activated by the control unit; a computer configured to download the features activation file to the control unit; and, the control unit configured for activating one of the sets of features according to the features activation file. A method and a computer program product are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to determining actual loop gain in a distributed antenna system (DAS). In this regard, a test signal(s) having a first power level is injected into a DAS from a first contact point. The test signal(s) is configured to propagate from the first contact point to a second contact point over a downlink path and an uplink path, thus creating a signal loop(s). A second power level of the test signal(s) is measured at the second contact point, and an actual loop gain of the DAS is determined by subtracting the first power level from the second power level. By determining the actual loop gain of the DAS, it is possible to further determine a gain margin of the DAS. Based on the gain margin, it is possible to determine optimization possibilities for the DAS to maximize capacity and performance of the DAS.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to activating an interference signal rejection filter path based on detection of an interference signal in a wireless distribution system (WDS). In this regard, in one aspect, a filter path selection circuit is configured to activate an interference rejection filter path configured to suppress a predefined interference signal when the predefined interference signal is detected in a received radio frequency (RF) signal. In another aspect, the filter path selection circuit is configured to detect the predefined interference signal by comparing a measured power level of the predefined interference signal against a predefined power threshold. By activating the interference rejection filter path to suppress the predefined interference signal based on detection of the predefined interference signal, it is possible to dynamically respond to the predefined interference signal that may randomly appear in the WDS, thus providing an enhanced overall RF performance in the WDS.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for determining asymmetric downlink and uplink propagation delays in a wireless distribution system (WDS) for more accurately determining propagation delay. In this regard, a WDS is configured to determine both the separate downlink and uplink propagation delays between a central unit and a plurality of remote units. It is not presumed that the downlink propagation delay and the uplink propagation delay in the WDS are symmetric to provide a more accurate determination of propagation delay. Therefore, it is possible to determine the downlink and uplink propagation delays with improved accuracy, thus enabling more precise location identification in the WDS.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to optimizing radio frequency (RF) coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a wireless distribution system (WDS). A control circuit is configured to selectively determine at least one selected remote unit group comprising two or more remote units selected from a plurality of remote units in the WDS. A first remote unit in the selected remote unit group is configured to transmit an RF signal. The control circuit is configured to determine a first prediction deviation and a second prediction deviation, respectively. The control circuit determines correction factor(s) for selected correction point(s) based on the first prediction deviation and the second prediction deviation. The control circuit optimizes RF coverage in coverage area(s) based on the determined correction factor(s), thus improving RF performance and capacity of the WDS.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include combining power from isolated power paths for powering remote units in distributed antenna systems (DASs). In one example, a remote unit(s) is configured to include multiple input power ports for receiving power from multiple power paths. The received power from each input power port is combined to provide a combined output power for powering the remote unit. Thus, a remote unit can be powered by the combined output power. To avoid differences in received power on the multiple input power ports causing a power supply to supply higher power than designed or regulated, the input power ports in the remote unit are electrically isolated from each other. Further, the received power on the multiple power inputs ports can be controlled to be proportionally provided to the combined output power according to the maximum power supplying capabilities of the respective power supplies.

Abstract: A high frequency signal is down-converted into an intermediate frequency signal, transmitted over a limited bandwidth medium from a master unit to a remote unit and up-converted back into its original high frequency at the remote unit. The up-conversion is aided by reconstruction of a reference signal embedded at the master unit as a carrier for a management signal which is transmitted to the remote unit through the same limited bandwidth medium together with the intermediate frequency signal. The reference signal is reconstructed using a phase locked loop which includes a charge pump and is kept stable during intervals between bits and messages by a charge pump shutter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simultaneous sampling of serial digital data streams from multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), including in distributed antenna systems, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a controller unit samples a plurality of serial digital data streams simultaneously. To allow the controller unit to sample the multiple serial digital data streams simultaneously from a plurality of ADCs, the controller unit is configured to provide a plurality of data input ports. Each of the ADCs is coupled to a common chip select port and clock signal port on the controller unit. The controller unit communicates a chip select signal on the chip select port to activate all of the ADCs simultaneously to cause each of the ADCs to provide its respective digital data stream to the respective data input port of the controller unit simultaneously for sampling. As a result, fewer or lower-cost components may be used to sample multiple ADCs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to identifying remote units in a wireless distribution system (WDS) based on assigned unique temporal delay patterns. The WDS includes a plurality of remote units configured to communicate communications signals in signal paths. Each of the signal paths is assigned a unique temporal delay pattern. The communications signals are digitally delayed by respective delay elements based on the plurality of unique temporal delay patterns to provide delayed communications signals. A remote unit identification system analyzes a delayed communications signal to determine a respective temporal delay pattern associated within the delayed communication signal. By uniquely identifying a remote unit from which a delayed communication signal is communicated, it is possible to determine the locations client devices in the WDS, thus enabling a variety of location-based services and optimizations in the WDS.

Abstract: Offsetting unwanted downlink interference signals in an uplink path in a distributed antenna system (DAS) is disclosed. In this regard, in one example, an interference signal offset circuit is provided in an RAU to offset interference products leaked from a downlink path to an uplink path. An offset signal generation circuit is configured to generate at least one uplink interference offset signal based on the interference products leaked from the downlink path. A signal summing circuit is configured to combine the at least one uplink interference offset signal with an uplink signal received on the uplink path, thus offsetting the interference products in the uplink signal. By providing the interference signal offset circuit in the RAU to offset the interference products on the uplink path, it is possible to provide more implementation flexibility for the RAU without degrading the uplink signal.

Abstract: Unified optical fiber-based distributed antenna systems (DASs) for supporting small cell communications deployment from multiple small cell service providers are disclosed. The unified optical fiber-based DASs disclosed herein are configured to receive multiple small cell communications from different small cell service providers to be deployed over optical fiber to small cells in the DAS. In this manner, the same DAS architecture can be employed to distribute different small cell communications from different small cell service providers to small cells. Use of optical fiber for delivering small cell communications can reduce the risk of having to deploy new cabling if bandwidth needs for future small cell communication services exceeds conductive wiring capabilities. Optical fiber cabling can also allow for higher distance cable runs to the small cells due to the lower loss of optical fiber, which can provide for enhanced centralization services.

Abstract: Implementing a live distributed antenna system (DAS) configuration from a virtual DAS design using an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specific software system in a real DAS is disclosed herein. In exemplary aspects disclosed herein, the OEM specific software system enables a designer to create, save, import, modify and/or preconfigure a virtual DAS in a virtual DAS configuration file(s) using OEM specific software tools resident in the real DAS. The OEM specific software tools could include functionality such as the ability to incorporate and enforce OEM design constraints of the real DAS. The configuration file(s) can then be subsequently implemented to modify and/or configure live equipment of a real DAS. The OEM specific software tools and local execution of the virtual DAS facilitates, improves, and optimizes DAS design and execution, and ensures that the real DAS substantially matches the DAS design.