Radio access nodes colocated with air conditioning units

Abstract

A wireless communication system includes an electrically powered window mounted air conditioning unit including a power cord attachable to an electrically powered wall outlet. A small cell wireless communication device is attached to or located within the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning unit. The small cell wireless communication device is configured to be powered through the power cord of the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning unit. The small cell wireless communication device includes at least one antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless information. The small cell wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a nearby wireless data communication router, wherein the wireless data communication router is configured to provide backhaul communication capabilities for the small cell wireless communication device. The small cell wireless communication device is configured to provide wireless communication capabilities for mobile wireless communication devices.

Claims

1. A wireless communication system configured to increase network capacity of a communications network, comprising: an electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device including a power cord attachable to an electrically powered wall outlet; a small cell wireless communication device attached to or located within the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device configured to increase network capacity of a communications network in order to allow communications with multiple other devices; wherein the small cell wireless communication device is configured to be powered through the power cord of the electrically powered window mounter air conditioning device; wherein the small cell wireless communication device includes at least one antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless information; wherein the small cell wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a nearby wireless data communication router, wherein the wireless data communication router is configured to provide backhaul communication capabilities for the small cell wirelesses communication device; and wherein the small cell wireless communication device is configured to either transmit and/or receive wireless information from a plurality of mobile wireless communication devices, the small cell wireless communication device providing wireless communication capabilities for the plurality of mobile wireless communication devices to the wireless communication system.

2. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the small cell wireless communication device is configured to join a mesh network of a plurality of small cell wireless communication devices.

3. The wireless communication system of claim 1, including a global positioning system in communication with the small cell wireless communication device, wherein the global positioning system is configured to provide a global position of the window mounted air conditioning device through the small cell wireless communication device to a central server or database.

4. The wireless communication system of claim 1, including a video or picture camera in communication with the small cell wireless communication device, wherein the camera is configured to provide imagery taken from the wireless communication system and sent through the small cell wireless communication device to a central server or database.

5. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the small cell wireless communication device is removably attached to the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device.

6. The wireless communication system of claim 1, including a solar panel attachable to the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device and configured to provide electrical power to the small cell wireless communication device.

7. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the small cell wireless communication device is configured to plug into a port attached to the window mounted air conditioning device.

8. The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna is adjustable on multiple planes by a servo in the air conditioning device and controlled at a distance through the internet or other connectivity.

9. A wireless communication system configured to increase network capacity of a communications network, comprising: an electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device including a power cord attachable to an electrically powered wall outlet; a small cell wireless communication device attached to or located within the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device; and at least one antenna attached to or within the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device, the at least one antenna in communication with the small cell wireless communication device and configured to either transmit or receive wireless information from a plurality of mobile wireless communication devices; wherein the small cell wireless communication devices is configured to increase network capacity of a communications network in order to allow communications with multiple other devices and communicate with a nearby data communication router, wherein the data communication router is configured to provide backhaul communication capabilities for the small cell wireless communication device.

10. The wireless communication system of claim 9, wherein the small cell wireless communication device is configured to be powered through the power cord of the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning device.

11. The wireless communication system of claim 10, wherein the data communication router uses a hardwire broadband connection to communicate with the small cell wireless communication device, the hardwire broadband connection comprising an Ethernet cable, a DSL modem or media converter, a DOCSIS modem or media converter or an integrated DSL/DOCSIS modem or media converter.

12. The wireless communication system of claim 10, wherein the data communication router uses a wireless connection to communicate with the small cell wireless communication device, the wireless connection comprising WiFi, WiGig, LTE-U/LAA, external RF signals, EVDO, HSPA, WiMAX, LTE or LTE-A or other communication protocols.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a standard air condition unit with a small cell affixed to the exterior of the air condition unit housing;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a standard air condition unit with a small cell radio located inside the air conditioner unit housing and a small cell in a removable cartridge;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the multiple planes of an AC/SC unit and that each plane may act as an antenna operating on a different frequency than the other planes;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an AC/SC unit backhauled by various sources and transmitting to various areas;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a group of AC/SC units where one unit is backhauled independently and then meshes with other AC/SC units;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates the use of GPS and a camera attached to the AC/SC for RF planning, EMR planning or as a video feed;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a AC/SC with a solar panel affixed; and

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates information from the AC/SC collected and updated into a central database AC/SCs for conducting an auction for the use of the AC/SC.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(10) Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details.

(11) As described further herein, small cells may be collocated in, on or around window mounted air conditioning (AC) units in order to facilitate greater network capacity. The AC unit collocated with the small cell (together the AC/SC) receives backhaul from a variety of possible sources and then transmits a signal either inside or outside the residence to either a mobile or fixed device which may include another AC/SC. Similar to small cells not located inside an AC unit, the AC/SC may operate on one or multiple frequency bands, with one or more radios. The six planes of an AC/SC allow the integration of advanced antenna technologies such as: multiple input multiple output (MIMO), planar, beamforming and array antenna or any combination of the technologies. Utilizing the multiple planes and extensive surface area, an AC/SC may receive and transmit on one plane or part thereof while receiving on another or in multiple bands if desirable.

(12) Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a window AC unit 100 with a small cell radio 101 affixed to the top edge of the unit. The small cell radio may be located anywhere on the AC unit 100. Additionally, the small cell radio 101 may be removable, docking at a power attachment socket 102. The power attachment socket 102 is connected inside the AC unit 100 and ultimately draws power from a standard wall socket 103. The external small cell radio 101 may have integrated antenna 104 or may also attach at antenna input socket 105 that connects antenna 104 on the AC unit. The small cell radio 101 may also be located near but not on the AC unit 100 such as on a wall for better propagation but may connect by cord 108 to the power attachment at the input socket 102. The power attachment socket 102 or other structure can integrate a vibration management system, which can actively or passively protect the small cell radio 101 against vibrations when the AC unit 100 is operating in order to prevent resonance or destructive interference. For example, a passive vibration management system can include mounting the small cell radio 101 through vibration damping washers or standoffs that reduce or eliminate external vibrations. Such vibration damping washers or standoffs can be made from rubber or synthetic materials such as Sorbothane?.

(13) Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a window AC unit 200 with a small cell radio 201 located inside the AC unit 200. The small cell radio 201 is connected to a power source 202 inside the AC/SC 200 that is powered by the AC unit 200 and ultimately draws power from a standard socket 203. Alternatively, a small cell radio 201 can be in the form of a removable cartridge 204 which can dock with a receiving port 205 that supplies power and connection to antenna 207. The small cell radio cartridge 204 may be accessible on the exterior of the AC unit 200 or behind the exterior shielding 208 of the AC unit 200 for security. The removable cartridge allows for the upgrade, removal or addition of a small cell radio without disrupting the operation of the AC unit or the cost in replacing the entire AC/SC. This embodiment can also incorporate a vibration management system, which can actively or passively protect the small cell radio 201 against vibrations when the AC unit 200 is operating in order to prevent resonance or destructive interference.

(14) Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is an AC/SC 300 with a photovoltaic solar panel 301 affixed to the top plane 302. The solar panel 301 may be affixed to any plane. The AC/SC maintains a direct power connection with the wall socket, but additional energy may be gleaned from the solar panel 301. The amount of power generated by the solar panel 301 will mitigate, offset or surpass the amount of power consumed by the small cell radio. The small cell radio shares any source of power that the AC unit operates on thereby eliminating the need to find an additional power source for the radio.

(15) Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a window AC unit 400 and the multiple planes acting as antennae. Each plane may be comprised of a single frequency antenna 401, house multiple specific frequency antennae 402, or contain an antenna array 403. Each plane may be transmitting and/or receiving on the same frequency 404 or different planes may transmit and or receive on different frequencies 405, concurrently if elected. Concurrent operation in multiple frequencies may be utilized by multiple network operators or for carrier aggregation by a single network operator. The AC/SC can transmit and receive on frequencies, modulations and standardized technologies that include but are not limited; to 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, AWS, 2.3 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 2.5-2.7 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 60 GHz, 70-80 GH, millimeter wave bands or any other frequencies designated for wireless communication, CDMA, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-U/LAA, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiFi, Near Field Communications WiGig or any other communication protocols as would be understood by a person of skill in the art by the present disclosure. In one example, the bottom plane 406 uses MIMO technology to transmit and receive data on frequency X while the top plane 407 used planar antenna technology to transmit and receive on frequency Y. Any combination of the aforementioned may be utilized. Additionally, one or more planes such as the back plane may be used as an RF or other sensor used to determine EMR, determine spectral demand/use and RF planning any of which may be done looking at reports of historical data or in real time and transferred by the AC/SC over an internet connection.

(16) Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is an AC/SC 500 backhauled by a hardwire broadband connection 501 from inside the residence where the AC/SC 500 is located. The broadband connection may be an Ethernet cable connected to a device including but not limited to: a DSL or DOCSIS modem or media converter. An additional embodiment would integrate the DSL/DOCSIS modem, media converter or broadband over power line modem 502 into the AC/SC 500. The integrated DSL/DOCSIS modem, media converter or broadband over power line modem may be contained in a removable cartridge for efficient upgrades. In another embodiment, the AC/SC unit 500 is backhauled by WiFi, WiGig, LTE-U/LAA or other local wireless network 503 from a near location 505 or a location remote 504 to where the AC/SC is located. Similarly, broadband providers such as FTTH or MSOs, are able to assign a specific SSID, channel or other address on their set top boxes 505 to provide backhaul to an AC/SC unit. In still another embodiment; the AC/SC 500 unit is backhauled 506 by independent, external RF signal such as line-of-site backhaul or non-line-of-site backhaul such as cellular data (ie: EVDO, HSPA, WiMAX, LTE, LTE-A). In all of the aforementioned embodiments describing backhaul, the AC/SC 500 may be configured to transmit 507 into the location where the AC/SC 500 is located or transmit to the area(s) 508 to the outside portion of the AC/SC 500 faces. In all of aforementioned local wireless network embodiments, the person or entity facilitating the backhaul to the AC/SC 500 could receive remuneration for the bandwidth provided by the backhaul.

(17) Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is an AC/SC 600 is independently backhauled by a source, which may include any of those discussed previously or illustrated in FIG. 5 such as hardwire 601, WiFi 602, or independent external wireless 603. Once AC/SC 600 is backhauled, it then meshes to AC/SC 604 and AC/SC 605. Once meshed AC/SC 605 is backhauled from AC/SC 600, the meshed AC/SC 605 may then backhaul additional AC/SCs 606 and 607.

(18) Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is an AC/SC 700 with a GPS unit 701 affixed. The GPS unit 701 can update the position of the AC/SC to a central database 702 when a connection to the internet 703 is established. Additionally, the AC/SC may store GPS coordinates whenever the AC/SC has a power source, including hardline or solar, and then upload time specific positional information when an internet connection is established. This information assists the AC/SC operator/controller in analyzing RF demand/planning, propagation and EMR concern.

(19) A fisheye camera 704 (video or picture) may be added to the AC/SC unit 700. The fisheye camera 704 may include stabilization technology or mounted on a stabilizing buffer in order to prevent vibrating images during the operation of the AC/SC unit 700. The visual information gleaned from the camera allows the operator/controller of the AC/SC determine the height of the AC/SC, whether obstructions exist, general topology and the number of persons the AC/SC may transmit. This information assists the AC/SC operator/controller in analyzing RF demand/planning, propagation and EMR concern. The camera may additionally be used as a video stream for uses such as security video. All embodiments of the AC/SC may incorporate the ability to self-organize the network furthering the planning, configuration, management, optimization and healing of the wireless whether composed solely of AC/SDs or a network where AC/SDs are incorporated into a larger network.

(20) Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is a system whereby information is collected on a central server 800 including but not limited to; lat/long coordinates of the AC/SC 801(s), height of the AC/SC, propagation characteristics of the AC/SC, installed radio bands/antennae, current demand use of the radio bands/antennae(s), the historical demand at the location for a given time/day, real time demand for spectral capacity, and current cost of broadband at different levels of service levels. The central server makes this information available on an interface on a real time basis so network operators may choose to rent radio/antennae capacity on the AC/SC. The network operator may manually, or by automation, secure transmission operations specific amount of time or bandwidth on the radio and antennae through interfacing with the central server 800. Additionally, the central server may keep a compilation of real time prices of bandwidth at different service levels and make this information available and/or to be included in the prices of AC/SC transmission rent. This information may come in real time as broadcast in the actual RF or may be negotiated in wholesale agreements by the operator of the AC/SC. Alternatively, network operators may wish to use rented operational time on AC/SCs as a primary network, switching from an owned network model to a solely or wholly leased one.

(21) Different operators may choose to operate the AC/SC at different times. For instance, a network operator may wish to use their network primarily, but rent access on an AC/SC during peak times of the day or during an anomalous gathering of people such as a street fair. Because the AC/SC is capable of operating in multiple bands simultaneously, multiple network operators may rent space on the AC/SC at the same time.

(22) While the foregoing disclosure discusses illustrative aspects and/or embodiments, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the described aspects and/or embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the described aspects and/or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Additionally, all or a portion of any aspect and/or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and/or embodiment, unless stated otherwise.