Apparatus and method for facilitating communication between a telecommunications network and a user device within a building

Abstract

An apparatus and method are described for facilitating communication between a telecommunications network and a user device within a building. The apparatus has a first unit for mounting adjacent an external surface of a building, and a second unit for mounting adjacent an internal surface of the building so as to be separated from the first unit via an interface structure of the building, for example a window. The first unit has an antenna system to communicate with the telecommunications network over an external wireless communications link that employs signals in a frequency range that is attenuated by the interface structure to a degree inhibiting reception of the signals by a user device within the building. The apparatus further comprises access circuitry for provision within the building to provide an internal communications link with the user device, and the first unit comprises first transducer circuitry coupled to the antenna system whilst the second unit provides second transducer circuitry coupled to the access circuitry. The first and second transducer circuits are then arranged to cooperate to establish a direct wireless communications link through the interface structure between the first and second transducer circuits, to facilitate communication between the antenna system and the access circuitry. This hence enables a reliable connection to be established between the telecommunications network and a user within the building.