Data networking through inherent RF connections in a communication system

摘要

An RF distribution system distributes a radio frequency (RF) signal to a plurality of receivers. Ports provide RF connectivity from the antennas to the receivers while also providing data connectivity between the receivers. Sensors detect which receivers are connected to the distribution system so that the distribution system can route data from the first detected receiver to the other detected receivers and back to the first detected receiver. The distribution system can dynamically alter the routing if the receiver configuration changes. Consequently, a receiver can send data to other receivers through A-ports and B-ports of a radio distribution system. The A-ports provide RF connectivity to a first antenna while the B-ports provide RF connectivity to a second antenna. Different commands for locking, unlocking, scanning RF spectrum, and configuring can be sent between the receivers via the A-ports and B-ports through the RF distribution system.

主权项

1. An apparatus for distributing a radio frequency (RF) signal to a plurality of receivers, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of ports, each port uniquely associated with a corresponding receiver and providing radio frequency (RF) connectivity to one of a plurality of antennas to the corresponding receiver when the corresponding receiver is connected, the plurality of antennas including a first antenna and a second antenna; a plurality of sensors detecting, from signals obtained on the plurality of ports, which receivers are connected to the apparatus; a logic module determining a network pathway for the detected receivers and generating a logic signal; and a router, based on the logic signal, routing data from a first detected receiver through all other detected receivers and back to the first detected receiver via corresponding ports of the plurality of ports.