Transport of signals over an optical fiber using analog RF multiplexing

摘要

In a wireless communication network, a method for transporting signals between a base station hotel and a remote cell site allows multiple uplink and downlink signals to be communicated using a single optical fiber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an RF transport technique uses frequency translation to shift the common carrier frequencies of diversity and sector signals to distinct intermediate frequencies that are then combined, converted to an optical signal and transmitted over a single fiber. The RF transport technique also uses wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to communicate both uplink and downlink signals over the same fiber. Reference clock signals are distributed to ensure accurate frequency translation at both ends of the link. Reference power signals are also transmitted in both uplink and downlink to help perform signal power equalization.