CN1528063A - Method and apparatus for information delivery and distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for information transfer and distribution to bi-directionally converge or guide a broad spectrum of electromagnetic waves propagating on a potentially diverse propagation medium including free space or wireless, surface waves, and cable or wired transmission lines. The apparatus (10) communicates with information devices (20) in close proximity to the media, where the devices themselves are not part of the apparatus and are electromagnetically accessible to each other. The apparatus (10) includes sufficient signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion for a variety of different signal modulation and coding types that may be used within the apparatus to mitigate propagation medium distortion and impairments, control access, and provide a means for protecting information within the channel and for gaining revenue. Adapters (12, 14) may be used to provide full or half duplex access to information devices utilizing the same.

Description

Method and apparatus for information transmission and distribution

technical field

The present invention generally relates to wide-area information distribution and high-speed data communication, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for information transfer using electromagnetic carrier signals, providing a high-capacity and economical solution to the "last mile problem".

Background technique

The following terms used herein have their respective assigned meanings.

(a) CATV: Common Antenna Television. Cable television and similar broadband content systems;

(b) FDA: full-duplex adapter, that is, an adapter that permits simultaneous bidirectional information flow through a propagation medium;

(c) Full-duplex: a type of operation that allows simultaneous communication in both directions;

(d) Half-duplex: An operation on a medium designed for duplex operation, but due to the influence of the terminal equipment, it can only operate in one direction at a time; the transmission equipment allows full-duplex operation, but the terminal equipment The device does not allow simultaneous two-way communication;

(e) HDA: half-duplex adapter, ie, an adapter that allows alternate bidirectional information flow through a propagation medium;

(f) MBE: multi-band implementation, i.e. utilizing more than one channel of a single spectral bandwidth (usually implemented as a device supporting bi-directional information flow);

(g) PM: Propagation medium. the physical medium over which signals carrying electromagnetic waves propagate;

(h) PMA: Propagation medium adapter, i.e. a device for converting between different propagation mediums;

(i) SBE: a single-band implementation utilizing only one channel of a single spectral bandwidth (often requiring spatial isolation to support bidirectional information flow); and

(j) Simplex: A type of operation that allows signals to be transmitted alternately in either direction.

The growing demand for fast, low-latency, and high-capacity information communication to homes and businesses worldwide makes economical information distribution and delivery increasingly important. As the widespread adoption of the Internet heightens and accelerates this demand, the need for high-speed access among millions of widely distributed end users has rapidly increased. Existing systems and network services originally intended for this purpose have proven inadequate to meet the changing needs of today. So far, although many methods have been proposed and implemented, there is still no complete solution to this problem. This invention explores the nature of the problem, what we call the "last mile problem," and the characteristics and shortcomings of some existing systems that attempt to address it.

According to the Shannon equation of channel information capacity ([C=B*Log ₂ (S/N+1)], where C is the maximum rate when implementing the optimal coding technique in bit/s, and B represents the bandwidth in Hertz, S and N stand for signal power and noise power, respectively.), even if there is enough bandwidth available, the noise prevalent in information systems sets a minimum signal power requirement in the channel. Since a semaphore is the integral of rate with respect to time, this requirement results in a corresponding minimum energy per bit. Thus, the problem of sending any given amount of information over a channel can be viewed as sending enough information-carrying energy, here abbreviated "ICE". Therefore, in order to test existing systems, the concept of ICE "pipes" or "pipes" is very useful.

The distribution of information to a large number of widely spaced end users is similar to the distribution of many other resources. Some familiar examples include: the distribution of blood in numerous cells throughout the body, including veins, arteries, and capillaries; the delivery of water from rivers to crops through irrigation systems; diversion channels and distribution reservoirs, water pipes, and tributaries, Indoor wiring, etc.; the delivery of nutrients through roots, trunks, and branches to leaves; intercontinental highway networks; and intercontinental fiber optics. All of these examples have in common the many relatively small pipes that carry a small number of resources over a short distance to a large number of physically separate terminals. Also common is support for larger capacity pipelines that combine and carry many individual parts over much greater distances. Shorter, smaller capacity pipes that individually serve only one or a small portion of the terminals can achieve a combined length that is much greater than that of larger capacity pipes.

The high-capacity pipes in these systems also tend to have the capacity to efficiently transport resources over long distances. Only a fraction of the transmitted resources are wasted, lost or sent in the wrong direction. Typically, the same situation does not usually occur in lower capacity pipelines. One reason has to do with effects of scale: each pipeline located closer to an endpoint or end user does not have as many users supporting them. And, even though they're smaller, each has a "installation" overhead to get and keep the proper paths for resources flowing. Funding and resources to support smaller pipelines often come directly from the local area. It is very advantageous for the "small government model". That is, the management and resources for these pipelines are provided by local entities and thus can be optimized to get the best solution in the local environment and make the best use of local resources. However, low operating efficiency and relatively high installation costs compared to transmission capacity make these smaller pipes essentially the most expensive and difficult part of the entire distribution system.

These characteristics have emerged in the accumulation of the birth and development of the Internet. The earliest intercomputer communications often relied on direct wire connections between individual computers. These developed into small local area network (LAN) clusters. The TCP/IP protocol suite was born out of the need to link together some of these local area networks, especially those involving public works in the defense sector, industry, and selected research institutes. ARPANET, the computer network established by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, was created for these purposes. In addition to providing a method for multiple computers and users to share connections between common LANs, the TCP/IP protocol provides a standard method for different computers and operating systems to exchange information between networks. The accumulation and support of connections between LANs can be extended to one or even several LANs, and each time a new LAN or subnet is added, the components of the new subnet can access a larger network. At the same time, the new subnet can also be accessed by any one or more networks already connected. It thus develops into a mutually inclusive or "win-win" event. Of course, there are undoubtedly cases where the creation of new connections is more beneficial for some subnetworks than for the subnetworks in which the connection is actually done, but due to the economic assistance, or to make connections.

In general, the savings from scaling allow for the capacity of less expensive pipelines to increase as capacity increases. There is overhead in the creation of each pipeline. This overhead is not repeated with increasing capacity to the extent possible with the technology used. As the size of the Internet continues to grow, with the number of users estimated to double every 18 months, the economies of scale enable ever-increasing information pipelines to provide the longest-distance and highest-capacity "backbone" connections. In recent years, the capacity of fiber optic cables funded by supporting industries has gained so much untapped capacity that the United States now has a large amount of "black fiber," that is, installed fiber that remains unused in excess of current needs. In effect, the fiber capacity has been overbuilt and the question now is how to cost-effectively connect from the main switch to the end users.

While data speeds per user and the overall volume of data are increasing, excess fiber optic backbone capacity remains. Initially, only existing telephone lines and modems used inter-LAN connections capable of data rates of only a few hundred bits per second. Almost all end users now enjoy access at a hundred or more times those rates. But despite such a large increase in user traffic, a high-capacity backbone can suffice; message capacity and rate limiting mostly occur at or near the user. The economies of scale brought about by the base capacity of fiber optic technology ensure sufficient high-capacity pipes, but these are still not enough to meet the needs of home users. The last mile problem is to find a solution to economically serve a large and growing number of end users to meet their information needs.

Before we begin a brief study of the properties of existing last-mile message delivery mechanisms, it is important to investigate further carefully what makes message pipelines efficient. According to Shannon's equation, the combination of bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) determines the information rate of information. The product of the average information rate and time yields the total information transfer. For noise, this corresponds to a certain amount of transferred energy. Thus, savings in information delivery can be observed in terms of savings in ICE delivery.

Some of the factors that are important for efficient ICE delivery come directly from Shannon's equation. Effective last-mile pipes must: (1) deliver signal power S (i.e., they must have sufficient signal power capacity); (2) have low losses (rarely converted to unusable forms of energy); (3) support Large transmission bandwidth; and (4) high signal-to-noise ratio delivery.

In addition, a good solution to the last mile problem must have: (1) sufficient signal power capacity; (2) high availability and reliability; (3) low latency (compared to the required interaction time, latency must be small); (4) high per-user capacity, i.e., a pipe shared by multiple end-users must provide a correspondingly high capacity to fully support each individual user (this must be established); and (5) availability—adequate capacity must be economical.

Existing Last Mile Delivery Systems

Wired system (including insulated rails)

The wired system provides a directional pipeline for ICE. They all have a degree of shielding that limits susceptibility to external noise sources. These transmission lines have losses proportional to length. Without an additional periodic amplification, there will be some maximum length beyond which all of these systems will not be able to deliver sufficient signal-to-noise ratio to support the flow of information.

Local Area Network LAN: Traditional wired LAN systems require copper coaxial cables or twisted pairs to be laid between nodes in the network. Common systems operate at 10Mbps, with newer systems supporting up to 100Mbps. While collision detection and avoidance requirements limit the maximum length, signal loss and reflections in these lines also set a maximum distance. The reduction in information capacity available to a single user is roughly proportional to the number of users sharing the system.

Telephone-Analog: Modems have been improved to perform close to the Shannon limit for existing telephone lines. They usually use existing telephone lines and equipment, but information rate requirements have now exceeded the limit of about 56kbps.

Telephony - ISDN, DSL, and derivative standards: In recent years, improvements have been made to existing copper telephone lines, allowing their capacity to be increased if the maximum line length is controlled. These digital mechanisms support higher bandwidth and improved modulation, increasing capacity by a factor of 20-50 compared to legacy analog systems. Together with CATV, these systems provide broadband Internet connectivity to a large number of end users in the United States.

CATV: Common Access Cable Television System, also referred to simply as "cable", has been extended to provide two-way communication over existing physical cables. However, by their characteristics, they are shared systems, and both the available spectrum and the achievable signal-to-noise ratio of the inverse information flow are limited. As was the case with the original one-way (TV) communications, cable losses are reduced by periodic placement of amplifiers within the system. These factors place an upper limit on the information capacity per user, especially when many users share a common portion of the cable.

Optical Fiber: Optical fiber is an excellent medium due to its information carrying capacity, but it has the disadvantage of being installed mainly at the level of large pipes; to date, optical fiber has not been installed and accepted by most individual end users. Fiber optic cables are usually laid in underground ducts, and most end users cannot afford their relatively expensive installation. If the situation cannot be improved, other media must be used to economically solve the last mile problem.

wireless delivery system

In contrast to wired delivery systems, wireless systems use non-directional waves to deliver ICE. They are all unshielded and have some degree of sensitivity to unwanted signal and noise sources. Since their waves are not oriented, in free space these systems have an attenuation that is inversely proportional to the square of the length. This means that the loss increases more slowly with length compared to wired systems. In a free-space environment, beyond a certain length, losses in wireless systems are less than in wired systems. But in practice, due to the existence of the atmosphere and atmospheric interference, especially the obstruction caused by terrain, buildings, vegetation, etc., the loss can be significantly increased above the free space value. Reflection, refraction, and scattering of these waves also alter their transmission properties, and specific systems are required to accommodate and correct the ensuing distortion.

In last-mile applications, wireless systems have the advantage over wired systems that no physical wires need to be installed. However, their non-directional nature makes them more susceptible to unwanted noise and signals, so they also have disadvantages. The re-use of the spectrum is therefore limited.

Light wave: The wavelength of both visible light and infrared light is much smaller than that of radio frequency waves. It is for this reason that they can be focused or collimated to a higher level with smaller lenses/antennas than radio waves. In free space, the receiving device can recover a larger portion of the transmitted signal. And because of the high frequency, a large amount of information bandwidth can be utilized. But in the actual last mile environment, the obstruction and deflection of these waves, which occurs with the absorption of atmospheric conditions such as fog and rain, especially on longer paths, largely limits their performance in the last mile. Effectiveness in mile wireless communication.

Radio waves: Radio frequency (RF), which belongs to the low frequency in the microwave region, has a wavelength much longer than that of light waves. Although these devices cannot concentrate electrical waves as well as optical instruments can concentrate light waves, this also means that the aperture or "capture area" of even the simplest omnidirectional antenna is much larger than the lens in any achievable optical system. . This feature results in a significant reduction in "path loss". The term path loss is actually not very appropriate, since virtually no energy is lost in a free-space path. The apparent decrease in transmission as frequency increases is actually an artifact of the reduced aperture of a given antenna.

Regarding the last mile issue, these longer wavelengths have advantages over light waves when omnidirectional or sectoral transmissions are considered. A larger aperture of a radio antenna results in a much greater signal level and thus a higher information carrying capacity for a given path length. On the other hand, once the practical limit of the signal-to-noise ratio is reached, the lower carrier frequency cannot support the high information bandwidth required by Shannon's equation.

For the foregoing reasons, radio systems are highly advantageous for broadcast communications of lower information capacity over longer paths, while wireless lightwave systems are very useful for high information capacity point-to-point short-range communications.

One-way (broadcast) radio and television communications: From a traditional point of view, most high information content broadcasting uses lower frequencies, usually not higher than the UHF television range, television itself being an example. Due to the aforementioned problems associated with increased path loss, Continental TV is generally limited to above 50 MHz (where sufficient information bandwidth is available) and below 1000 MHz.

Two-way wireless communication: Two-way communication systems are primarily limited to lower information capacity applications, such as audio, facsimile, or radio transmitters. For the most part, higher capacity systems such as two-way video communications or continental microwave telephony and data trunks are limited to point-to-point paths for UHF or microwave. Recent higher capacity systems such as third generation 3G cellular telephone systems require mutual Large-scale infrastructure of nearby cell sites.

Satellite Communications: Satellite systems, even low-Earth satellites, have relatively long path lengths in order to deliver information to end users. The research and development and implementation costs of satellite systems are very expensive, and each satellite must serve many users. Moreover, many real-time applications are infeasible due to the information latency introduced by the long paths of geosynchronous satellites. Therefore, satellite systems have application limitations as a solution to the last mile problem. For example, must be in the form of a broadcast, and the ICE they transmit must be spread over a relatively large geographic area. This makes the quality of the received signal poor unless very large directional ground antennas are used. The same problem exists in satellite reception as well. In this case, the satellite system must have a large information capacity to accommodate a large number of shared users, and each user must have a large antenna size and accompanying directionality and pointing requirements to obtain a more modest information transmission rate. . These requirements make high information capacity, two-way satellite information systems uneconomical as a solution for the last mile. This is why the Iridium system failed.

Broadcast vs. point-to-point: For both terrestrial and satellite systems, economical, high-capacity, last-mile communications require point-to-point transmission systems (see Elmore, Glenn, PhysicalLayer Considerations in Building an Amateur Radio Network, Proceedings of the American Radio Relay League Computer Networking Conference, 1988, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). Except in very small geographic areas, broadcast systems can only deliver significant signal-to-noise ratios at low frequencies, where the spectrum is insufficient to support large numbers of users. While a complete "pan search" of an area can be achieved, these systems have the fundamental flaw that most broadcast ICEs never reach the user and are thus wasted. As information needs grow, broadcast "wireless mesh" systems (sometimes called cells or microcells) small enough to provide adequate distribution of information to and from a relatively small number of local users require a limited number of broadcast locations or "access points" and a lot of excess capacity to make up for lost energy.

Previous attempts to provide high-speed, high-capacity information services to end users have failed to meet demand. Millions of home and business users around the world expect high-speed Internet access to meet the growing demand for applications. Other applications and services, both digital and analog, also require faster and wider end-user access in order to be more fully developed and utilized. Worldwide provision of audio and video services on demand to homes and offices is hampered by lack of high speed information paths to and from potential customers.

Most early attempts at distributing information were either application specific or attempted to reuse existing infrastructure for new uses. Some newer infrastructures, such as CATV systems, provide a large capacity of information in one direction and require a large and expensive distribution network. Internet access for homes and small businesses was first attempted using the existing telephone network. As the capacity limits of this formerly analog hardware were reached, various Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) solutions emerged, which should still have existing telephone lines. Likewise, CATV networks use cable modems to try to better solve the information distribution problem. Although these systems have greater single-line, per-user capacity than traditional telephone systems (known as POTS), they were not originally designed for high-speed, high-capacity two-way traffic, nor did they provide dedicated, The only channel of information. In this regard, satellite-based systems have similar limitations to CATV systems. They must be shared by many subscribers and users, which greatly limits the information rate and capacity per user when serving large numbers of users.

All early attempts were insufficient to provide end users with large bidirectional information capacity in an economical manner in the form of wide bidirectional bandwidth and high signal-to-noise ratio.

Taken together, there is still no solution to the last mile problem. Existing systems have not been proven to be efficient and economical for ICE delivery using existing wired or wireless technologies that provide sufficient information capacity to meet current user needs.

Contents of the invention

The method and apparatus for information transfer and distribution of the present invention are characterized by information channels. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information channel that includes a system that combines methods for bidirectionally concentrating or directing information on possible multiple propagation media (including free space or wireless, surface wave, and cable or wire transmission line) ) methods and apparatus for the frequency spectrum or bandwidth of electromagnetic waves propagating over ). This information channel includes areas within or in the immediate vicinity of these media in which an information device that is not part of the information channel can achieve electromagnetic access to another information device. The information channel is a linear system that guarantees sufficient signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion for a possible number of different signal modulation and demodulation types that can be supported simultaneously when used to transparently allow communication. As used herein, "transparent" and "transparently" mean that from the perspective of an end user, barriers to communication with another end user have been removed.

Spread spectrum technology can be used in information channels to reduce propagation medium distortion and defects, and to control access and provide means for protecting information in channels and obtaining revenue. A message channel may include adapters that provide full-duplex or half-duplex access to the message devices it uses.

The information channel of the present invention is a concretely implemented and proven approach for increasing layer 1 information capacity to end users. It allows the bi-directional transmission of large portions of the spectrum over any combination of several available propagation media, independent of modulation and protocol, with a large signal-to-noise ratio. The information capacity of this channel is less than that of optical fiber, but much greater than that of existing wireless, cable, or telephone line pathways. Likewise, it also provides an effective solution to the last mile problem.

The Summary and Detailed Description describe devices, systems, and arrangements for creating an "information channel." Such a channel contains either a single propagation medium (PM) (see Figure 1 for an example), or a cascade of two or more such PM sections (where each PM passes through two or more propagation medium adapters ( PMAs) are visited, each PMA couples energy to and/or from the PM). An example of multiple parts is shown in Figure 2. In addition to cascading, multiple parts can be combined at a single junction or node. By propagating electromagnetic energy within one or more contiguous bandwidths (hereinafter referred to as bandwidths) of the electromagnetic spectrum, supporting the actual signal-to-noise ratio in that bandwidth between PMAs, a portion improves transfer of information between. Some channels may only support half-duplex messaging, but the preferred embodiment supports simultaneous multi-way messaging.

As shown in Figure 1, additional equipment (hereinafter referred to as AMP) that provides amplification and/or filtering is placed between adjacent PMAs operating in PMs of the same type or different types to establish bandwidth and maintain it across the channel. adequate signal-to-noise ratio.

A Multi-Bandwidth Implementation (MBE) may include an additional full-duplex adapter device (FDA). MBE enables multiple bandwidths to be used to obtain directional separation and provides simultaneous multidirectional information transfer on the PM. Multiple-bandwidth implementations that do not require simultaneous two-way communication may include additional half-duplex adapter devices (HDAs). Implementations that do not use MBE and utilize only a single bandwidth are called single-band implementations (SBE). There can be additional spread spectrum circuitry in either MBE or SBE to provide spread spectrum (SS) modulation and demodulation to reduce narrow frequency domain propagation imperfections such as multipath, reflections or other artifacts that may exist in PM. SS can also be used to control user access to channels, to provide security, and as a means of earning revenue from channel users.

The information channel is configured to increase the information transfer between the user's wireless equipment (such as radio frequency and microwave communication equipment) by substantially increasing the information capacity of the electromagnetic channel between the wireless equipment, and these devices are located along the channel or physically separate in the channel Location. Wireless devices may include, but are not limited to, wireless network adapters, personal digital assistants, computers, video and audio communication systems, security devices and "smart devices" and systems such as Bluetooth devices. Wireless devices may mix digital and/or analog modulation techniques.

The information channel of the present invention provides some complementary technologies, which can work independently or in cooperation. The information channel of the present invention can provide simultaneous support for a variety of telecommunication services, including Internet 802.11x, GMS, police department radio communications, traffic monitoring, traffic light control, and the like. It adds fiber to the neighborhood with a true "last mile" solution that allows fiber to stop at a coarser level and distribute large amounts of information economically. It is suitable for mobile services, telephony, Internet access and emergency communication services on country roads or villages. It extends existing shorter-range systems to include multi-building and campus-wide environments (eg, Bluetooth, 802.11x, etc.). It improves communication in channels in important areas (solutions are now proprietary and service/protocol specific). Finally, it improves emergency communications where maintaining communication with a central radio tower is problematic in mountainous areas, and for this application it can be configured based on needs.

The information channel of the present invention will affect existing facilities (including power lines, street lamps and utility poles, and cell base stations), providing greater capacity than existing power line communication (PLC) technology, and at the same time it is implemented at a lower cost. It uses currently allocated and licensed national and international frequencies for all information-carrying services, although it implements the capacity to encompass any part of the radio frequency and microwave spectrum. As such, it provides a temporary but potentially permanent, economically advantageous solution to the problem of bringing fiber optic cable to the curb and home.

The information channel of the present invention also provides an economical solution to the problems of bandwidth oversubscription, including xDSL Internet access, oversubscription of orbital satellite communications services, and highly shared over-the-air or forward data paths. Data over Cable Service Interface Standard (DOCSIS).

Furthermore, the data channel of the present invention can have a higher throughput than existing protocol-specific solutions. It requires no storage and forwarding of information content, and there is no storage delay. It does not require demodulation/remodulation of information. It also has no hidden transmission issues. Finally, it can incorporate spread spectrum techniques to reduce channel distortion and provide means for limiting channel usage to a predetermined (eg paying) customer base.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an information channel of the present invention having a PMA at each end of the channel connected to other PMAs, with or without intervening AMP, HAD/FDA or SS circuits;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the information channel of the present invention, including three different PMs and AMP and bidirectional adapter functions;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an information channel with different types of PM, light or "heavy" coupling;

Fig. 4 is a specific schematic diagram of two interconnected free spaces PM;

Figure 5 is a specific schematic diagram of possible AMP and FDA modules;

Figure 6 is a specific schematic diagram of single-line PMA, AMP, dual-band FDA and SS;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an information channel with gateways for different types of services;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of separate information channels combined at the physical layer to form a single larger channel, and some gateway devices;

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an information channel implemented to distribute high volume information services, such as video streaming, audio streaming, Internet access, on-demand "instant replay", telephony, etc., to spectators of an athletic event;

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an information channel, which implements distributed services for mobile users and provides coverage in tunnels or other closed spaces;

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an information channel for distributing information services among urban office environments; and

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of information channels for distributing traditional "last mile" information services to users in rural areas.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 shows a portion 10 of the information channel of the present invention. PMAs 12, 14 are included at each end and each can be connected to other PMAs with or without intervening AMP, HDA/FDA or SS circuits. Also shown is a lightly coupled PMA 16 which allows wireless devices to access the PM 18 at an intermediate point. Because of the light coupling, operation is possible with little or no disruption of "through transport" in the form of significantly increased reflections or other transmission imperfections. The intermediate PMA 16 accessed by the end user wireless device 20 may include intervening AMP, HDA or FDA circuitry 22 as desired. Because the communication is bi-directional, the inbound spectrum 24, 26 and the outbound spectrum 28, 30 are differentiated at each end of the linear system. AMP 32 and FDA, SS circuit 34 can also be placed according to system needs.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a sample information channel 40 comprising three different PM/PMA sections 42, 44 and 46 comprising PM 48, 50, 52 and PMA 54/56, 58/60 at each end of their respective PMs and 62/64. The channel includes AMP and duplex adapters 64, 66 between each channel section. SS functionality can also be included here. The subscriber wireless devices 68, 70, 72 are crossed at different locations, and the two end wireless devices 68, 70 have intervening AMP, HDA or FDA devices 74, 76 as required. An intermediate wireless device 72 accessing the PM 50 through a lightly coupled PMA 78 and AMP, HDA or FDA 80 or a combination thereof may be provided as desired.

3 is a schematic diagram of an information channel that includes several different types of PMs, including cable/fiber PM 90, single-wire PM 92, and free-space PM 94. Also shown are light PMA coupling 96, heavy PMA coupling 98, PMA with FDA circuit 99 between PMA and end user, PMA with HDA circuit 99a between PMA and end user, PMA with FDA and HDA 99b PMAs, PMAs with FDA, HDA and AMP circuits 99c, cable fiber PM bypasses 99d, and terrain 100 and physical elements such as trees 102 which without access would greatly limit information communication and distribution.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing some details of two interconnected free space PMs 110, 112. This view also shows that the PMA includes duplex filter circuitry 111, AMP 114, and FDA and SS circuitry 116 with interconnect 118.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing details of a possible AMP 120 and FDA module 122 located between the end user and the PMA. AMP bandpass filters 124, 126 together with FDA bandpass filters 128, 130 define and establish the frequency band of operation. Amplifiers 132, 134, 136, and 138 maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio in inbound information and build up sufficient outbound information energy to maintain sufficient information capacity within the channel.

The FDA module depicts correlated and synchronized up/down frequency conversion circuit 140 , frequency reference pilot generation and SS generation circuit 142 , frequency reference pilot and SS recovery circuit 144 . Although master and slave subcircuits are shown, only one is actually active at a time in a given FDA.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing details of the single-line PMA 160, AMP, dual-band FDA and SS. Also shown is an operating power supply coupling 162 and a PS circuit 164 . In the figure, the excitation is applied to a single-wire transmission line choke (RF choke assembly) 166 . This choke prevents ICE from flowing to the left of the graph and allows all ICE in both frequency bands to couple to the single line on the right through the excitation. It can be realized with or without metal contacts. Radial slots may be formed throughout the assembly for easy connection to existing power lines.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an information channel 170 with gateways 172, 174 for different types of services.

8 is a schematic diagram of separate information channels 180, 182, 184, 186 temporarily fused together at a physical layer gateway 188 to form a single larger channel, and some exemplary gateway devices 190 are also shown.

Figure 9 shows an information channel 200 implemented at a sports event for providing high volume information services to viewers, such as audio streaming, video streaming, Internet access, on-demand "instant replay", telephony, etc. The channels shown are structured as a ring 202, with the inbound spectrum 204 coming from the user's left and the outbound spectrum 206 continuing to the right. By using multiple duplex adapters 208, 210, 212, and limiting the degree of sharing of any individual adapter to the seat selected by the user, the service can be implemented economically. In this arrangement, it is possible for several users to share an FDA or even an HDA. Sharing a HDA has the effect that whenever a single user sends an outbound message it interrupts all incoming messages from other shared users. Therefore, FDA is the preferred adapter, aside from the economics of the device. Two lightly coupled split or one duplex PMAs can be used here, one coupling the inbound spectrum from the PM to the left and the other coupling the outbound spectrum to the PM to the right.

FIG. 10 shows an information channel 220 for distributing services to mobile users 222 . In addition to allowing high volume information flow to and from users moving on the open road, this arrangement can provide coverage in and throughout tunnels 224 and other enclosed, screened or concealed spaces.

Figure 11 shows an information corridor distributing information services in an urban office environment and including a corridor section along a highway passing by.

The access section can be arranged to provide information exchange between floors of a building and between different buildings or campuses.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an information channel 240 that distributes existing "last mile" information services to rural users 242 by using existing power line 244 and wireless 246 sections to overcome increased attenuation due to terrain and vegetation . Due to the high capacity of such systems, it is possible to provide video-on-demand services including analogue and digital broadcast television, movies and two-way television communications for educational or health and safety purposes.

Implementation flexibility is a key feature of information channels, and a preferred embodiment may not be optimal for all circumstances. In fact, it is this ability of embodiments to adapt to specific local conditions and options that enables the full benefit of the information channel. The choice of PM type and other details for a preferred embodiment will be determined by topography, existing PM, resources, economics or other factors at a given site. The following example serves to illustrate the key components of one such preferred embodiment.

preferred embodiment

Figure 3 shows an example of a preferred MBE of the present invention. Figure 3 shows the cascade of three different types of PM types: free space, surface wave, and wired. PMAs for these different PMs are also shown. Two examples of lightly coupled PMAs are shown, one in a free-space PM and the other in a surface-wave PM. A surface wave PMA can be implemented as described in US Patent No. 4,743,916, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

free space PM

The energy in this type of PM propagates through free space in existing radio waves. The PMA in this type is the antenna that couples the ICE's spectrum to and from the "ether". For best performance, multiple PMs of this type are aligned to a full line of sight (hereinafter abbreviated as LOS) of at least 0.6 Fresnel zone for each PMA location. The AMP circuit is placed between the central antennas, as shown in Figure 4. This restores the path loss between antennas accessing a common PM to approximately the free space loss value. Each antenna is chosen for maximum orientation consistent with adequate illumination of all spatial regions it visits. Figure 4 depicts the interconnected free space PM.

The AMP and FDA for this PM were designed and constructed from existing components using existing technology. Integrated circuits and surface mount technology are used here. Higher circuit integration is better.

On-channel active repeaters (OCARs) that use free space as part of the channel can also be used. For example, an OCAR that used the AMP circuit instead of the FDA circuit as the SBE. For such OCAR without frequency domain isolation, spatial isolation must be provided between the antennas to allow proper AMP circuit operation and avoid oscillations. Typically at least 10dB of isolation over AMP gain is required. Directionality of antennas and proper use of existing physical shielding are useful in reducing the amount of physical distance required to obtain adequate isolation.

Surface wave (single line) PM

The energy in this type of PM propagates via surface wave transmission lines, also called "Goubau lines" or "G-lines", here called "single lines". The PMA in this case is a special excitation of surface wave propagating modes in the PM that can couple an existing balanced, coaxial or waveguided transmission line to a single line. When used in conjunction with HDA or FDA, as shown in Figure 5, the PMA provides dual-band operation as well as simultaneous bi-directional information transfer on a single wire. The preferred embodiment integrates the PMA with AMP, FIL, PMA, SS, FDA and power supply (PS) circuits that allow extraction of operating power from low frequency currents flowing in single wires that are part of the existing power grid. This allows self-contained operation and the entire assembly can "float" at high-voltage line potential. Figure 6 shows an example of a PMA connected to a single wire and associated circuitry.

Wired (including coaxial and fiber optic cables) PM

The energy in this type of PM is propagated via standard RF and microwave transmission lines, or by modulation of RF or microwave energy, onto an optical carrier that operates as a PMA with a fiber optic transmission line. In the case of standard transmission lines, the PMA is the connector or adapter and is used in conjunction with SBE's AMP, FIL and/or MBE's FDA. In the case of a fiber optic PM, the PMA includes the photoelectric converter as well as the AMP, the FIL of the SBE and/or the FDA of the MBE.

Construction: Propagation Medium

Free Space: The construction of a free space PM includes the selection of geographic antenna locations that provide a substantial free space path loss between PMAs (antennas) accessing a common PM. For best performance, place the PM with full LOS with at least .6 Fresnel zone for each access antenna location. A single beam antenna can sometimes access more than one PM at the same time, but multiple beam antennas are preferred for less waste of ICE.

Single-wire: Single-wire PM is best constructed with a single-core or shielded cable to keep the entire line and the area within a few wavelengths of the line completely free of any intervening obstacles or being disturbed by them. Get in the way of the best suspension. Such obstructions are typically trees, shrubs, and parallel or crossing lines or wires. Existing electricity grids are good candidates. Wires can be insulated or uninsulated. Use direct metal contact between the wire and the PMA unless the open stub transmission line shorting method is used. A simple shorted transmission line choke connected to a single wire is shown in Figure 6. By including a radial slot, the PMA can be easily installed on existing wiring.

Wired Propagation Medium: The preferred PM is preferably constructed from existing RF or microwave transmission lines. The lines should have sufficient bandwidth and low enough loss to maintain sufficient information capacity between PMAs. The use of existing transmission lines (such as CATV cables) with unused capacity can be achieved through the use of PMAs (including duplexers or similar frequency selective circuits).

Construction: Propagation Media Adapter

In general, a PMA is an adapter that couples energy propagation in one type of PM to propagation in another type of PM. Below are some common examples.

Free Space: A free space PMA is an antenna that typically adapts existing transmission lines or connector types to and from the free space radio spectrum or "Ethernet". It is also possible to use free space to single line PMA. Preferred embodiments use antennas with high aperture efficiency and as directivity as possible consistent with adequate illumination of the PM or PMs being visited. More directivity and gain is possible when only accessing a single portion of the channel. This is desirable because it increases the information capacity of a given PM or allows the use of longer PMs.

More complex beam arrays are desirable when a single free-space PMA serves passageway sections located at different azimuths and altitudes.

Single-wire: A single-wire PMA (hereafter referred to as LAUNCH) is an adapter that couples existing transmission lines, waveguides, or connector types to and from surface waves flowing on wires. LAUNCH is designed to operate efficiently on the entire frequency band of the SBE or more than one frequency band of the MBE. Figure 6 shows an example of MBE's LAUNCH.

Wired: A Wired PMA is typically a transmission line connector that allows energy to flow in a preferred mode of an existing RF or microwave transmission line or waveguide to flow in a different type of existing transmission line or waveguide. For MBEs, frequency selective circuits such as duplexers should be included.

amplifier

Existing amplifier and filter circuits can be used. The requirements for the circuit include good linearity, reliable low noise characteristics, sufficient output power and high dynamic range. An automatic gain control circuit (AGC) may be provided to maintain operation in the linear range to provide good performance while avoiding unwanted disturbances to other systems, to regulate system variables, and to comply with regulations. It is preferable to use a fast attack, slow decay AGC system with an annular bandwidth that is lower than the lowest signal rate supported by the wired device.

Frequency selective filters should be designed with low amplitude and group delay ripple on the supported desired spectrum. In some cases, notch filters and other special functional components can be added to reduce the near-far problem that may occur when the transmission of one user is significantly stronger than the transmission of other users, otherwise it may cause the AGC circuit to reduce the system gain, but usually This adjustment should be done by the protocol and hardware outside the channel.

full duplex adapter

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a preferred dual-band FDA module. This FDA includes a synchronous frequency conversion circuit 140 to allow bidirectional transfer of selected bandwidth while avoiding any frequency offset errors. It also includes SS modulation and demodulation circuits. FDAs using more than two frequency bands are also possible.

FDA is used for compatibility groups of two or more types. Both types are used when only two frequency bands are used for full duplex. An FDA is considered a "master" because it establishes the frequency reference for frequency translation as well as the reference for the SS modulation being used. Another type is considered a "slave" and synchronizes itself with the master's reference, thereby establishing a fully synchronous operation. In this way, frequency conversion and SS operation are invisible from the perspective of the wireless device.

half duplex adapter

HDA is similar to FDA, except that it does not support simultaneous bidirectional operation. Eliminating this support can reduce complexity and construction cost for many applications.

operation of invention

Users crossing over and using the information channel at the PM instead of using the MBE can use the channel directly. That is, they simply couple their wireless information devices to the channel, usually through one or more wireless device antennas. In some cases, it may be desirable for a directional antenna or special coupling device between the wireless device and the additional antenna to provide sufficient coupling or amplification. The wireless device is then operated normally. Because the wireless device connects to the spectrum in the same way it would without the information channel, all protocols, collision detection and avoidance, error correction, modulation types and formats continue to operate normally. The increased capacity provided by the channel transparently enables devices and their applications to have greater communication range and better quality.

Users crossing and using information channels at PMs requiring HDA or FDA must connect the channels themselves through compatible duplex adapters. In this arrangement, there is an advantage for the operator of the information channel in that access can be controlled and customers can be charged for usage. Users can couple to the FDA through a small coupling device that is included in the HDA or FDA or has the wireless device's own antenna.

system of information channels

To maximize economy and service, the total area within a given information channel is usually chosen such that the channel's total information capacity equals or exceeds the information needs of all the users, devices, and applications it serves. A gateway or bridge device, which is protocol-specific and not part of the channel, is then added between the channel and other information paths (including other channels) and used to restrict information intended only to local destinations within a given channel to prevent The dissemination of this information exceeds the stated limits. These protocol-specific devices include physical-layer protocol features in the form of circuits for the modulation and demodulation of information within the channel's supported spectrum, and may also have higher-layer characteristic mechanisms such as existing TCP/IP switches and routers. An IEEE 802.11 wireless gateway is an example of such a device. Figure 7 shows an example of a channel with gateways for different types of services.

The need for control of channel size and information flowing into and out of the channel is similar to the need for subnetting within a TCP/IP network, and for the same reasons: namely, to maximize performance and economy while minimizing congestion. For this reason, information channels may be "subnetted" so that optimum functionality and economy for local users and applications can be obtained.

Because information needs may vary over time and may occasionally move from one location to another over time, there are situations where two or more separate channels need to be temporarily fused at the physical layer to form a single larger channel. In these cases, a physical layer gateway can be used that connects the entire channel to another channel. Figure 8 shows an example schematically illustrating the layout of a golf course. In such a location, there are many journalists, TV cameras and viewers who require high information capacity through multiple services (television, Internet access, two-way analog TV communication links, etc.). Multiple protocol-specific applications and wireless devices must be supported. Due to the large number of live cameras scattered along the length of a very large golf course, several information channels divided into sub-networks should be arranged. In this way, as the game progresses and the focus of activity moves with the crowd from hole to hole, separate passages can be selectively combined and removed to form larger individual passages to keep up with the aggregate information needs. Two-way communication and information flow for multiple services can then be regulated while maintaining economy of communication infrastructure.

While the invention has been shown in the accompanying drawings, and has been fully described in detail above in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practicable preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that without departing from the Under the premise of the principle and concept of the product, many changes can be made, including but not limited to: changes in size, material, shape, form, function and mode of operation, combination and use.

Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to cover all such modifications and all equivalents of the relationships described in the drawings and specification.

Claims (37)

1. device that the frequency spectrum that is used for the electromagnetic signal of the information of carrying that is directed or assembles carries out two-way transmission, at least comprise that the first inbound and departures frequency spectrum and the second inbound and departures frequency spectrum are used for distribution between the terminal use, the terminal use comprises first and second terminal uses at least, and described device comprises:

At least one propagation medium (" PM "); With

Be coupled to first and second propagation medium adapter (" PMA ") of described propagation medium.

2. device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is linear.

3. device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said PM are that inner PM and described device comprise a PMA who slightly is coupled to described inner PM at least.

4. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the amplifying circuit between described second propagation medium adapter and described first terminal use.

5. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the filter circuit between the described second propagation medium adapter and first terminal use.

6. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the half-duplex adapter between the described second propagation medium adapter and first terminal use.

7. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the full duplex adapter between described second propagation medium adapter and described first terminal use.

8. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises band spectrum modulation and demodulator circuit between described second propagation medium adapter and described first terminal use.

9. device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said propagation medium are to select from the group that is made of coaxial cable, isolate waveguide, conductive wave-guide, surface wave transmission line and free space.

10. device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupling comprise the direct metal contact.

11. device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupling comprises nonmetal contact.

12. device as claimed in claim 1, the wherein said first propagation medium adapter is to select from the group that is made of antenna, surface wave reflector, waveguide connector, coaxial cable connector and optical-electrical converter.

13. device as claimed in claim 1, the wherein said first and second inbound frequency spectrums comprise the electromagnetic radiation of wavelength between 10 meters and 1 decimeter.

14. be used for the method for the transmitted in both directions of frequency spectrum on medium of electromagnetic signal, described method comprises step:

Propagation medium is provided;

The first and second propagation medium adapters are coupled to described propagation medium;

By described propagation medium the first inbound frequency spectrum is delivered to described first propagation medium adapter and the described second propagation medium adapter; And

To be delivered to first terminal use from the first departures frequency spectrum of the described second propagation medium adapter.

15. the method as the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14 also comprises step:

By described propagation medium the second inbound frequency spectrum is delivered to described second propagation medium adapter and the described first propagation medium adapter; And

The second departures frequency spectrum is delivered to second terminal use from the described first propagation medium adapter.

16. the method as the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14 also comprises step:

Between propagation medium adapter and terminal use, place at least one amplifying circuit.

17. the method as the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14 also comprises step:

Between propagation medium adapter and terminal use, place filter circuit.

18. the method as the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14 also comprises step:

Between propagation medium adapter and terminal use, place the half-duplex adapter circuit.

19. the method as the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14 also comprises step:

Between propagation medium adapter and terminal use, place the full duplex adapter circuit.

20. the method as the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14 also comprises step:

Between propagation medium adapter and terminal use, place band spectrum modulation and demodulator circuit.

21. as the method for the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14, wherein said propagation medium is to select from the group that is made of coaxial cable, isolate waveguide, conductive wave-guide, surface wave transmission line and free space.

22. as the method for the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14, wherein said propagation medium adapter is to select from the group that is made of antenna, surface wave reflector, waveguide connector, coaxial cable connector and optical-electrical converter.

23. as the method for the transmitted in both directions of the electromagnetic signal of claim 14, the wherein said first and second inbound frequency spectrums comprise the electromagnetic radiation of wavelength between 10 meters and 1 decimeter.

24. the frequency spectrum of an electromagnetic signal that is used for being assembled or guides between the terminal use transparent, reach the method for two-way transmission simultaneously, comprise step:

Provide at least one to be fit to the propagation medium (PM) of the environment for use of expectation, described PM selects from the group that is made of isolate waveguide, conductive wave-guide, coaxial transmission line, surface wave transmission line and free space;

The first and second propagation medium adapters (PMA) are provided at least, be used between described PM and described terminal use at least one PMA being coupled to described PM, described PMA selects from the group that is made of antenna, surface wave reflector, waveguide connector, coaxial connector and optical-electrical converter;

By described propagation medium the first inbound frequency spectrum is delivered to described first propagation medium adapter and the described second propagation medium adapter;

The first departures frequency spectrum is delivered to first terminal use from the described second propagation medium adapter;

By described propagation medium the second inbound frequency spectrum is delivered to described second propagation medium adapter and the described first propagation medium adapter; And

The second departures frequency spectrum is delivered to second terminal use from the described first propagation medium adapter.

25. method as claim 25, also be included in the step of placing a duplexing adapter circuit between each terminal use and each PMA, described duplex adapters circuit is to select from the group that is made of half-duplex adapter and full duplex adapter, and described duplex adapters circuit comprises at least one circuit of selecting from the group that is made of freq converting circuit, amplifying circuit, filter circuit, spectrum spreading circuit, inbound/departures commutation circuit and synchronous circuit.

26. as the method for claim 26, at least one comprises a spectrum spreading circuit in the wherein said duplex adapters.

27. as the method for claim 26, at least one comprises a synchronous circuit in the wherein said duplex adapters.

28. as the method for claim 26, at least one comprises a filter circuit in the wherein said duplex adapters.

29. as the method for claim 26, at least one comprises an amplifying circuit in the wherein said duplex adapters.

30. as the method for claim 26, at least one is HDA and comprises an inbound/departures commutation circuit at least in the wherein said duplex adapters.

31. the frequency spectrum of an electromagnetic signal that is used for being assembled and/or guides between the terminal use transparent, reach the device of two-way transmission simultaneously, the terminal use comprises first and second terminal uses at least, described device comprises:

The function group of at least one electronic component, if there is other function group, then each described group and at least one other function group electromagnetic communication, each described function group comprises:

(a) at least one propagation medium (PM) of from the group that constitutes by isolate waveguide, conductive wave-guide, coaxial transmission line, surface wave transmission line and free space, selecting; With

(b) be coupled to described PM and the first and second propagation medium adapters (PMA) between described PM and described terminal use, described PMA selects from the group that is made of antenna, surface wave reflector, waveguide connector, coaxial connector and optical-electrical converter;

Transfer to the first inbound frequency spectrum of described first propagation medium adapter and the described second propagation medium adapter by described propagation medium;

The first departures frequency spectrum from the described second propagation medium adapter to second terminal use;

By described propagation medium to the described second propagation medium adapter and to the second inbound frequency spectrum of the described first propagation medium adapter; With

The second departures frequency spectrum from the described first propagation medium adapter to first terminal use.

32. as the device of claim 32, also comprise the duplex adapters circuit between each terminal use and each PM, described duplex adapters circuit is to select from the group that is made of half-duplex adapter and full duplex adapter.

33. as the device of claim 33, wherein each described duplex adapters circuit comprises at least one freq converting circuit, at least one amplifying circuit and at least one filter circuit.

34. as the device of claim 33, wherein each described duplex adapters circuit comprises a spectrum spreading circuit.

35., comprise a plurality of function groups as the device of claim 33.

36. as the device of claim 36, wherein said a plurality of function groups are in a linear structure.

37. as the device of claim 36, wherein said a plurality of function groups are in the abundant linear structure that comprises first and second set of terminal and at least one inner group, and at least one is coupled to an inner group in wherein said a plurality of function group.

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