Abstract: A Master Antenna Controller is provided comprising a RET Master which may replace several devices, provide full RET control based on the AISG 1.1 and 2.0 standards, provide extensive, screen-guided, intuitive RET diagnostics functionality, and provide an alignment tool free from the problems of magnetic deviation and cumbersome differential GPS antennae. The RET diagnostics functionality may include measurements of voltage, current, and AISG protocol commands. The RET Master may also include multiple different pre-defined tests (e.g. test one actuator, test one RET cable, test AISG signal from TMA) and also some standard electrical tests, e.g. measuring voltage, current etc. Users will be guided on the screen about how to test and what steps to do and the software will guide the user through several steps for an easy and quick trouble-shooting process.

Abstract: A cellular communications antenna including sensors for determining position and/or orientation of the antenna. Position information may be obtained using, for example, a GPS receiver or by triangulation. Orientation information may be obtained using, for example, an electronic compass and/or gyroscope and/or an inclinometer. Position and/or orientation information may be utilised locally to control attributes of the antenna or may be communicated to a central controller which may control attributes of the antenna. Signals may be sent to a central controller to indicate that an attribute of the antenna is outside a desired range.

Abstract: A Master Antenna Controller is provided comprising a RET Master which may replace several devices, provide full RET control based on the AISG 1.1 and 2.0 standards, provide extensive, screen-guided, intuitive RET diagnostics functionality, and provide an alignment tool free from the problems of magnetic deviation and cumbersome differential GPS antennae. The RET diagnostics functionality may include measurements of voltage, current, and AISG protocol commands. The RET Master may also include multiple different pre-defined tests (e.g. test one actuator, test one RET cable, test AISG signal from TMA) and also some standard electrical tests, e.g. measuring voltage, current etc. Users will be guided on the screen about how to test and what steps to do and the software will guide the user through several steps for an easy and quick trouble-shooting process.

Abstract: A cellular telecommunications system and methods of monitoring, control and communication within such a system. In one aspect redundancy is provided by a second mode of communication for control signals should the primary mode be unavailable. In one embodiment a secondary wireless network is provided in case of failure of a backhaul link. This allows the control of ancillary equipment in case of unavailability of the primary mode of communication. In another aspect continuity of telephony signals may be provided in a cellular communications system by utilising one or more wireless link between base stations to convey telephony signals normally conveyed via a backhaul link.

Abstract: A cellular communications antenna including sensors for determining position and/or orientation of the antenna. Position information may be obtained using, for example, a GPS receiver or by triangulation. Orientation information may be obtained using, for example, an electronic compass and/or gyroscope and/or an inclinometer. Position and/or orientation information may be utilised locally to control attributes of the antenna or may be communicated to a central controller which may control attributes of the antenna. Signals may be sent to a central controller to indicate that an attribute of the antenna is outside a desired range.

Abstract: A wireless network management system for controlling a network of antennas including multiple antennas located at multiple sites includes a controller remotely located from the network of antennas for generating an internet protocol address and establishing an internet protocol connection to a data network in communication with the network of antennas. The controller provides control signals for controlling antenna operating parameters for each of the antennas at each of the multiple sites. The system further includes a user interface coupled to the controller for selecting ones of the antennas and establishing selected antenna operating parameters based upon the creation of a group of antennas and a created schedule.