Systems and Methods for Providing LTE-Based Backhaul

摘要

Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a mesh network node to switch from a base station role to a user equipment role relative to a second mesh network node, and vice versa. By switching roles in this manner, the mesh network node may be able to benefit from increased uplink or downlink speed in the new role. This role reversal technique is particularly useful when using wireless protocols such as LTE that are asymmetric and allow differing throughput on uplink and downlink connections. Methods for determining whether to perform role reversal are disclosed, and methods for using role reversal in mesh networks comprising greater than two nodes are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A base station comprising:
a first radio transceiver configured to receive attach requests from a plurality of mobile devices using an asymmetric wireless protocol; a second radio transceiver configured to attach to a second base station as an associated mobile device of the second base station using the asymmetric wireless protocol; a subscriber identity card coupled to the second radio transceiver; and a processor configured to route requests for data from the plurality of mobile devices through the second radio transceiver, wherein the asymmetric wireless protocol provides greater speed for downlink communications from a base station to a mobile device relative to uplink communications from a mobile device to a base station, and wherein the first radio transceiver is further configured to permit the second base station to attach to the said base station, increasing link speed from the base station to the second base station.