METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A SINGLE UNIT SMALL, LOW-POWER BASE STATION SUPPORTING BOTH METRO CELL OUTDOOR (MCO) AND METRO RADIO OUTDOOR (MRO) OPERATIONS

摘要

A single unit with a backhaul interface and radio card able to support both metro cell outdoor (MCO) and metro radio outdoor (MRO) operations. The single unit includes a switch used to switch between these operational modes. The single unit is versatile from the standpoint that MCO or MRO operations may be selected at the time of installation, and this selection may be changed at any time while operating. The single unit configuration provides a low power MRO mode requiring up to 80% less power than the MCO mode, as the switching function of the single unit can power down all unused internal components and allow radio signals received at a backhaul interface to be exchanged directly with a radio card.

主权项

1. A single unit, comprising:
a backhaul interface; a radio card configured to exchange data communication with the backhaul interface; a first controller configured to convert internet protocol (IP) data to radio signals, the first controller being a base band controller; and a first switch configured to route IP data communication between the backhaul interface and the radio card through the first controller, and route radio signal data communication directly between the backhaul interface and the radio card.