Sprint Communications Comapny L.p.

Eugene S Mitchell, Jr

Sreekar Marupaduga

Nicholas David Caola Kullman

Andrew Mark Wurtenberger

Maneesh Gauba

Stephen R Bales

Nitesh Manchanda

Chaitanya Chukka

Sharath Somashekar

Martin D Zeller

An apparatus and method are provided for dynamically changing power distribution levels to sectors in a cell site. A device, such as an eNodeB, radio network controller, or base station controller, provides instructions to an RF power splitter to adjust the power output in ratios, which changes the power distribution levels at the sectors. The power splitter contains a transformer and motor that can dynamically change the power output ratios based on the instructions received from the device. The resulting power outputs are distributed to the sectors.

Controllable transformer tap to dynamically adjust power distribution levels in wireless networks

A device, method, and computer-readable medium are provided for adjusting omnidirectional antenna array elements for mitigating cross interference between communication network cells. Radially disposed antenna array elements are configured to collectively function as a single omnidirectional antenna assembly at a cell. Signal data associated with signal strength and/or quality is monitored and received. Based on the signal data received, at least one antenna array element is selected for disconnection from the antenna assembly. The at least one antenna array element is disconnected from the assembly to nullify at least a portion of the omnidirectional signal distributed therefrom, thereby mitigating cross-interference with a neighboring cell.

Radial antenna for small cell with a null feature

Increased energy efficiency of a small cell antenna is provided. Electromagnetic energy radiated outside the desired radiation pattern of a small cell antenna is wasted. An antenna is provided which includes a circular set of antenna elements having a plurality of radio-frequency (RF) reflectors positioned within and around the circumference of the set of antenna elements facing substantially outward. Each RF reflector is configured to reflect the RF signal transmitted from the ring outwardly from a corresponding antenna element at an angle with respect to the plane of the circular set of antenna elements. By adjusting the angles of the reflectors, the signal may be reflected downward toward target areas that are nearer or farther from the small cell.

Increasing energy efficiency of a small cell antenna

A method and system are provided for adjusting power distribution to remote radio heads in a telecommunication network. Multiple buses are implemented in a configuration to individually distribute power to remote radio heads. Each bus is connected to a remote radio heads allowing the remote radio head to receive power on an individual basis and different from other remote radio heads. An eNodeB collects operational measurements from a cell site which are used to provide instructions to adjust the power to each bus and corresponding remote radio head.

Adaptive battery power distribution to remote radio heads in long term evolution (LTE) networks

Methods are provided for implementing a timing synchronization or a backup timing synchronization in a telecommunication network. Timing pulses are received from a celestial body such as a star, pulsar, or quasar. The timing pulses are periodic and repetitive and act as a primary reference source in place of GPS timing or an atomic clock. The telecommunication network is synchronized from the timing pulses.

Precision timing source back-up for loss of GPS satellites

A device, apparatus, and method are provided for mitigation of return loss during signal transmission. The device comprises a radio transmitter and a radio antenna coupled by a signal transmission line, the radio antenna configured to broadcast over air a radio signal transmitted by the radio transmitter, the signal transmission line configured to transmit the radio signal to the radio antenna along a signal path. The device further comprises a positioning stub coupled to the radio transmitter, the radio antenna, and the signal transmission line, the positioning stub configured to move to different locations along the signal path to dynamically change the impedance of the signal path to reduce signal return loss.

Positioning stub for mitigation of return loss during signal transmission

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for modifying signals are provided. Embodiments include staged low noise amplifiers (LNA's) in order to customize signal modification. Signals may be modified at various fixed gains by different LNA's within a device. Additionally, signals may be attenuated or receive no modification at all in order to ensure signals are within a preferred signal range.

Staged signal modification

A method and system for implementing a passive intermodulation (PIM) coaxial protection circuit is provided. An electrical circuit is created between a radio source, coaxial cable, and antenna to prevent passive intermodulation. The radio source or an external power supply provides direct current and voltage in the electrical circuit, causing the current and voltage to pass through any corrosion that might build up in the path, especially at connectors.

Passive intermodulation (PIM) coaxil protection circuit

An apparatus, system, and method for preventing passive intermodulation (PIM) in radio frequency (RF) connectors are provided. RF connectors that function in a telecommunication environment are re-designed and forged to have tags or portions that extend from the body. The tags or portions have holes that can receive screws to secure RF connectors together are secure an RF connector to a device. The screws are placed in the RF connectors and are connected together with safety wire such that a loosening motion of one screw causes a tightening motion on another screw.

Radio frequency connectors for passive intermodulation (PIM) prevention

A method and system are provided for dynamically adjusting gain in a cell site. Network devices, such as an eNodeB, NodeB, base transceiver station, base station server, radio network controller, and base station controller can provide instructions directly or through remote radio heads to an amplification system to change the power distribution levels. The instructions are received over an AISG protocol and cause a mechanical motor in an amplification system to move a magnetic core in a solenoid causing a change in the electromagnetic field resulting in a change in an electrical current. The change in the electrical current causes a change in gain, thus, resulting in a change in the power distribution level in a cell.

Growing community of inventors

Blue Springs, MO, United States of America

Eugene S Mitchell, Jr