A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that facilitates receiving a plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves that propagates along a surface of a transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves conveys a plurality of communication signals, obtaining, from the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves, at least one communication signal from the plurality of communication signals, and distributing the at least one communication signal to at least one communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a coupler having a base for coupling to a transmission medium, and a plurality of members extending from the base. A distal end of each member of the plurality of members can be separated from an outer surface of the transmission medium. A transmitter coupled to the base can facilitate transmission of signals via the plurality of members. The transmission of signals can induce electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that facilitates receiving a modulated signal in a spectral segment for communicating with a communication device, wherein the modulated signal conforms to a signaling protocol, generating a plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves, wherein the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves conveys the modulated signal without modifying the signaling protocol, and transmitting the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves via a transmission medium, wherein the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves is directed to another system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that facilitates transmitting a plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves that propagates along a surface of a first transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the first plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves conveys a plurality of communication signals, detecting an attenuation in the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves that affects a propagation of the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves along the first surface of the first transmission medium, and responsive to the detecting, redirecting at least a portion of the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves to an interface of a second transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, an access point that facilitates receiving from a system a modulated signal in a first spectral segment, wherein the system is configured to receive a plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves via a transmission medium and extract the modulated signal in the first spectral segment from a plurality of modulated signals conveyed by the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves, and wherein the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves operates in a second spectral segment that differs from the first spectral segment, and transmitting the modulated signal in the first spectral segment to a communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can be configured for generating an electromagnetic wave and coupling the electromagnetic wave to a transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. The system can also be configured to receive an electromagnetic waves form the transmission medium with a reduced loss of radiation of the electromagnetic wave into free space. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that facilitates receiving a plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves that propagates along a surface of a transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves conveys a plurality of communication signals, obtaining, from the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves, at least one communication signal from the plurality of communication signals, and distributing the at least one communication signal to at least one communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.