SELF-CONTAINED MASTHEAD UNITS FOR CELLULAR COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

摘要

An improved modular masthead for use in cellular communications networks is described. The masthead unit includes a power amplifier, a duplexer and a local power supply that supplies the power amplifier. The power amplifier is arranged to amplify outgoing communication signals received from a base station. In a preferred embodiment, the masthead also includes a low noise amplifier for amplifying incoming communication signals and passing the amplified incoming communication signals to an associated base station. With this arrangement, the masthead forms a modular unit is distinct form the base station such that the modular masthead may be replaced independently of the base station. With this arrangement the range of a cell within a cellular network may be changed by simply swapping an existing masthead unit with a second masthead unit having a different power supply thereon and making software changes in the system. Thus, the range of the cell within the cellular network may be changed without changing any hardware in the base station.