Network element, radio frequency mast-top module and methods therefor

摘要

A communication system network element comprises: a baseband module 202 with a microprocessor coupled to at least one data interface 216 which is coupled to at least one radio frequency docking station 204. Also disclosed is a radio frequency module 206 which comprises: a plurality of band-specific radio frequency components; an interface 212 suitable for physically and electrically coupling with at least one radio frequency docking station 204; and a memory storing data which can be accessed to enable the interoperation of the radio frequency module 206 with the at least one radio frequency docking station 204. Further disclosed is a method comprising providing a baseband module 202 with at least one microprocessor coupled to at least one data interface 216; electrically coupling the baseband module 202 to at least one radio frequency module 206 with a memory, via at least one radio frequency docking station 204; interrogating the memory, to determine at least one operational configuration of the at least one radio frequency module 206; and interoperating the baseband module 202 with the at least one radio frequency module 206. The method may involve a computer program product. The communication system may be installed on a mast-top, on buildings or on street furniture.