Distributed antenna system to transport first cellular RF band concurrently with Ethernet or second cellular RF band

ThisapplicationReissue Application is a reissue of application Ser. No. 14/814,614, filed Jul. 30, 2015, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,164,689, and whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/040,853, filed on Aug. 22, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are used to distribute wireless signal coverage into buildings or other substantially closed environments. For example, a DAS may distribute antennas within a building. The antennas are typically connected to a radio frequency (RF) signal source, such as a service provider. Various methods of transporting the RF signal from the RF signal source to the antenna have been implemented in the art.

Embodiments described herein relate to a host unit for a distributed antenna system. The host unit includes a first radio access network (RAN) interface module to communicate with a RAN node, first signals corresponding to a first cellular radio frequency (RF) band, the first RAN interface module is configured to convert between the first signals and first transport signals, wherein the first transport signals are in a first frequency spectrum. The host unit also includes a distribution module coupled to the first RAN interface module. The distribution module is configured to distribute the first transport signals between one or more downstream RJ45 connectors and the first RAN interface module. The host unit also includes one or more non-permanent connectors to couple the distribution module to a second RAN interface module and a set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks. The second RAN interface module is configured to communicate with a RAN node, second signals corresponding to a second cellular RF band and to convert between the second signals and second transport signals. The one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are configured to pass Ethernet signals therethrough. The distribution module is configured to couple a downlink portion of the first transport signals and either a downlink portion of the second transport signals or a downlink Ethernet signal from one of the upstream RJ45 jacks to a first twisted pair cable connected to one of one or more downstream RJ45 jacks. The distribution module is configured to couple an uplink portion of the first transport signals on the first twisted pair cable to the first RAN interface module and to couple either an uplink portion of the second transport signals or an uplink Ethernet signal from the first twisted pair cable to the one or more non-permanent connectors. The first frequency spectrum of the first transport signals is non-overlapping with a frequency spectrum of the second transport signals and with a frequency spectrum of the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals, wherein an uplink or downlink portion of the first transport signals is communicated concurrently with an uplink or downlink portion of the either the second transport signals or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable. The first transport signals and either the second transport signal or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals are sent between the host unit and a first active antenna unit (AAU) over the first twisted pair cable.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the examples. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

The embodiments described below relate to a distributed antenna system (DAS) and components within the distributed antenna system (DAS). The distributed antenna system is connected to at least one radio access network (RAN) through at least one radio access network (RAN) interface. In exemplary embodiments, the distributed antenna system includes a distributed antenna system host unit that interfaces with the at least one radio access network (RAN) and at least one Ethernet device. The host unit is operable to transport cellular radio frequency (RF) signals to/from the RAN and Ethernet signals to/from the Ethernet device over one or more twisted pair cables to one or more active antenna units (AAUs). In particular, the host unit and the one or more AAUs are configurable into either a cellular RF with Ethernet transport state or a dual cellular RF transport state. In the cellular RF with Ethernet state, a baseband Ethernet signal is transported between the host unit and a given AAU concurrently with an intermediate frequency (IF) version of a cellular RF signal. In the dual cellular RF state, an IF version of a first cellular RF band is transported between the host unit and the given AAU concurrently with an IF version of a second cellular RF band.

1 FIG. 100 100 102 104 104 1 104 104 102 106 106 1 106 106 104 1 102 106 1 104 102 106 106 106 102 104 102 104 is a block diagram of an example distributed antenna system. Distributed antenna systemincludes a host unitand at least one active antenna unit (AAU)(including AAU-and any quantity of optional AAUsthrough optional AAU-A) communicatively coupled to the host unitthrough at least one twisted pair cable(including twisted pair cable-and any quantity of optional twisted pair cablesthrough optional twisted pair cable-A). Specifically, AAU-is communicatively coupled to the host unitacross twisted pair cable-and optional AAU-A is communicatively coupled to the host unitacross twisted pair cable-A. In an example, each twisted pair cableis an “Ethernet cable” that conforms to one of the category 5, category 5e, category 6, category 6a, or category 7 specifications. Future twisted pair cable specifications used for Ethernet signals are also included. In some examples, multiple twisted pair cablescan be coupled in series between the host unitand one or more of the AAUs. In such examples, a passive device such as a patch panel or wall outlet can be coupled between the host unitand an AAUto couple such serially coupled cables together.

102 108 108 1 108 108 102 108 108 The host unitis communicatively coupled to at least one radio access network (RAN) node(including radio access network (RAN) node-and any quantity of optional radio access network (RAN) nodethrough optional radio access network (RAN) node-B). The host unitis configured to bi-directionally communicate signals with the RAN node, wherein the signals correspond to a cellular (wireless) radio frequency (RF) band. As used herein, a downlink signal “corresponds to” a cellular RF band if the downlink signal is an RF signal in the cellular RF band or is used to derive a wireless RF signal in the cellular RF band. Similarly, an uplink signal “corresponds to” a cellular RF band if the uplink signal is an RF signal in the cellular RF band or is derived from a RF signal in the cellular RF band. Examples of signals used to derive or derived from an RF signal in the cellular RF band include frequency shifted versions of the RF signal (e.g., an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal), a base station communication protocol signal (e.g., CPRI, OBSAI) corresponding to the RF signal, internet protocol (IP) data corresponding to the RF signal, a signal containing digital (e.g., I and Q) samples of the RF signal, or a signal containing digital samples of an IF or baseband version of the RF signal. Each RAN nodecan comprising a base station, base transceiver station, IP gateway, or other radio access network device.

102 108 102 106 104 106 104 104 110 112 In the downlink, the host unitreceives a downlink signal corresponding to a cellular RF band from a RAN node, and generates a transport signal based on the downlink signal. The host unitsends the transport signal over the twisted pair cableto the AAUcoupled to the twisted pair cable. The transport signal is an IF version of the cellular RF band signal. The AAUreceives the transport signal, and generates an RF signal in the cellular RF band from the transport signal. The AAUwirelessly transmits the RF signal in the cellular RF band from at least one antennato a wireless device.

104 110 112 104 106 102 102 108 104 102 108 In the uplink, the AAUreceives a wireless RF signal in the cellular RF band at the at least one antennafrom a wireless device. The AAUgenerates a transport signal based on the RF signal received and sends the transport signal over the twisted pair cableto the host unit. The host unitreceives the transport signal and generates an uplink signal formatted for the RAN nodebased on the transport signal. The uplink signal corresponds to the wireless RF signal received at the AAU. The host unitsends the uplink signal to the RAN node.

104 112 112 1 112 112 110 104 1 Each AAUis configured to transmit one or more radio frequency signals in the cellular radio frequency band to at least one wireless device(including wireless device-and any quantity of optional wireless devicesthrough optional wireless device-D) using at least one antenna. In an example, the AAU-is configured to transmit and receive a single band of RF signals at a time.

104 112 110 104 Similarly in the reverse/uplink path, in examples each AAUis configured to receive an uplink radio frequency (RF) signal from at least one wireless deviceusing at least one antenna. Each AAUis further configured to convert the radio frequency signals to a transport signal as described above.

100 108 1 100 102 104 In examples, a master reference clock is distributed between the various components of the distributed antenna systemto keep the various components locked to the same clock. In examples, the master reference clock is generated based on a signal received from the at least one radio access network node-. In examples, the master reference clock is generated within a component of the distributed antenna system, such as the host unitor an AAU.

100 106 100 114 116 104 In addition to signals corresponding to a cellular RF band, DAScan be configured to transport Ethernet signals on the at least one twisted pair cableconcurrently with the transport signals. The Ethernet signals are sent through the DASbetween a first Ethernet devicecoupled to the host unit and a second Ethernet devicecoupled to the AAU.

2 FIG. 106 100 100 106 102 114 114 106 114 illustrates an example of a single twisted pair cablein the DASwherein the DASis set to transport the Ethernet signals along with the transport signals over the twisted pair cable. In an example, to enable such transport the host unitis coupled to at least the first Ethernet deviceand couples Ethernet signals from the first Ethernet deviceto the twisted pair cable. Ethernet signals are signals in compliance with an IEEE 802.3 standard. Such signals are comprised of Ethernet frames. In an example, such Ethernet frames can transport TCP/IP data to and from the first Ethernet device.

102 106 114 106 102 104 104 116 104 114 116 114 116 102 104 The host unitpasses the Ethernet signals between the twisted pair cableand the first Ethernet device. The Ethernet signals on the twisted pair cablepropagate between the host unitand the AAU. These Ethernet signals are passed through the AAUto a second Ethernet devicecoupled to the AAU. Accordingly, the first Ethernet devicecan communicate with the second Ethernet deviceusing a wired Ethernet protocol (i.e., an IEEE 802.3 protocol), wherein the Ethernet signals communicated by the first Ethernet deviceand the second Ethernet deviceare passed through the host unitand the AAU.

102 102 114 102 114 106 104 114 102 102 116 102 114 102 116 102 116 116 114 In another example, the host unitincludes an Ethernet device therein, such as an Ethernet switch. In such an example, instead of passing through the Ethernet signals between the host unitand the first Ethernet device, the host unitsends and receives first Ethernet signals with the first Ethernet deviceand generates second Ethernet signals to communicate on the twisted pair cableto the AAU. Accordingly, a first Ethernet link is formed between the first Ethernet deviceand the host unitand a second Ethernet link is formed between the host unitand the second Ethernet device. In the downlink the host unitreceives the Ethernet signals from the first Ethernet device, unpacks the Ethernet frames, obtains the TCP/IP data therefrom, and generates new Ethernet frames to transport the TCP/IP data from the host unitto the second Ethernet device. Accordingly, new Ethernet signals are communicated between the host unitand the second Ethernet device. In the uplink, Ethernet signals received from the second Ethernet deviceare unpacked to obtain the TCP/IP data therein. This TCP/IP data is repackaged in new Ethernet frames and transmitted to the first Ethernet device.

114 116 114 116 114 116 The first and second Ethernet device,, can be any device configured to send and receive signals conforming to a wired Ethernet protocol. For example, the first Ethernet devicecan be an Ethernet switch, and the second Ethernet devicecan be a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (also referred to herein as a “wireless access point”). In an example, such a WLAN access point complies with an IEEE 802.11 standard for transmitting and receiving wireless LAN signals. In other examples, the first and/or second Ethernet device,can include an Ethernet router, switch, or hub, a personal computing device (e.g., desktop, laptop) having an Ethernet interface, a wireless access point, or other device configured to send and receive Ethernet signals.

102 104 106 106 200 106 102 104 202 204 204 204 202 204 106 3 FIG. The Ethernet signals and the transport signals can be sent between the host unitand the AAUconcurrently on the twisted pair cable. The transport signals on the twisted pair cableare sent as an IF version of the cellular RF band signals, wherein the IF signal is in a frequency spectrum higher than the Ethernet signals.is graph illustrating example frequency spectrumof the twisted pair cablecoupled between the host unitand the AAU. As shown, the Ethernet signal, which conforms to an Ethernet protocol, is a baseband signal occupying the bandwidth from about 125 Mhz down to zero. The transport signalsare sent in a bandwidth that is above 125 Mhz so the transport signalsdo not interfere with the Ethernet signals. In this example, the transport signalsoccupy the bandwidth from about 133 Mhz to 250 Mhz. In this way a bi-directional Ethernet signaland bi-directional transport signalcan be sent on the twisted pair cableat the same time.

106 204 202 100 100 102 104 204 100 Using the same twisted pair cablefor transport signalsand Ethernet signalsis advantageous because it enables the DASto be added on to an existing Ethernet network. For example, a building may have Ethernet cables already run to various locations throughout the building to provide wired or wireless local area network (LAN) service to those locations. In order to install a traditional DAS in the building coaxial or fiber optic cables would likely need to be run throughout the building, resulting in increased cost and time for the DAS installation. The DAS, however, can utilize the existing LAN cables to provide the transport between the host unitand the at least one AAU, reducing or eliminating the expense and time required to run coaxial or fiber optic cables. Moreover, as discussed above, the transport signalsare sent on the twisted pair cables in a frequency band higher than the Ethernet signals. Therefore, the DAScan be added on to the existing LAN network with little effect on the LAN network.

106 104 116 106 102 106 104 116 104 2 FIG. 2 FIG. Although a single twisted pair cableand corresponding AAUand Ethernet deviceare illustrated in, it should be understood that the configuration described with respect tocan be implemented on more than one twisted pair cablethat is connected to a host unit. Each such more than one twisted pair cablewould have a distinct AAUcoupled thereto with a distinct Ethernet devicecoupled to each such AAU.

100 106 102 104 3 FIG. Due to bandwidth limitations of many twisted pair cables, the transport signal corresponds to a single cellular RF band (e.g., the transport signal is an IF version of a single band of cellular RF signals). In some situations, however, it may be desirable to provide service for a second cellular RF band. To accommodate such a situation, the DASis configurable to transport signals corresponding to a second cellular RF band on the twisted pair cablebetween the host unitand the AAUinstead of the Ethernet signals. In such a configuration, a first transport signal corresponding to a first cellular RF band is sent as in a higher frequency spectrum as discussed above with respect to(e.g., in a bandwidth from 133 Mhz to 250 Mhz), and a second transport signal corresponding to a second cellular RF band is sent in a lower frequency spectrum (e.g., in a bandwidth below about 125 MHz).

4 FIG. 106 100 100 106 104 106 104 118 104 102 illustrates an example of a single twisted pair cablein the DASwherein the DASis set to transport such a first transport signal and a second transport signal concurrently over the twisted pair cable. In such a setting, the (first) AAUcoupled to the twisted pair cableis set to communicate a wireless RF signal in the first cellular RF band based on the first transport signal. This first AAUis also set to pass the second transport signal between a second AAUcoupled to the first AAUand the host unit.

1 FIG. 102 108 102 108 108 108 108 102 The transport signal corresponding to the second cellular RF band can be generated in the same manner as the transport signal described with respect to. Thus, the host unitcommunicates signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band with a RAN nodecoupled to the host unit. This RAN nodecan be the same RAN nodethat communicates the signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band or a different RAN nodethan communicates the signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band. In some examples, the same signals communicated between the RAN nodeand the host unitcan correspond to the first cellular RF band and the second cellular RF band.

102 108 102 106 104 106 104 118 118 In any case, in the downlink, the host unitreceives a downlink signal corresponding to the second cellular RF band from a RAN node, and generates a second transport signal based on the downlink signal. The host unitsends the second transport signal over the twisted pair cabletoward the first AAUcoupled to the twisted pair cable. The second transport signal is an IF version of the cellular RF band signal. The first AAUpasses the second transport signal to a second AAU. The second AAU receives the second transport signal, and generates an RF signal in the second cellular RF band from the second transport signal. The second AAUwirelessly transmits the RF signal in the second cellular RF band from at least one antenna to a wireless device.

118 118 104 104 106 102 102 108 118 102 108 In the uplink, the second AAUreceives a wireless RF signal in the second cellular RF band at the at least one antenna from a wireless device. The second AAUgenerates a second transport signal based on the RF signal received and sends the second transport signal toward the first AAU. The first AAUpasses the second transport signal to the twisted pair cabletoward the host unit. The host unitreceives the second transport signal and generates an uplink signal formatted for the RAN nodebased on the second transport signal. The uplink signal corresponds to the wireless RF signal received at the second AAU. The host unitsends the uplink signal to the RAN node.

106 104 118 106 102 106 104 118 104 4 FIG. 4 FIG. Although a single twisted pair cableand corresponding first AAUand second AAUare illustrated in, it should be understood that the configuration described with respect tocan be implemented on more than one twisted pair cablethat is connected to a host unit. Each such more than one twisted pair cablewould have a distinct first AAUcoupled thereto with a distinct second AAUcoupled to each such first AAU.

118 118 108 In any case, each second AAUis configured to transmit a radio frequency signal in the second cellular radio frequency band to at least one wireless device using at least one antenna. In examples, each second AAUis configured to transmit a downlink radio frequency signal to a wireless device using one or a set of antennas and another radio frequency signal to another wireless device using the one or set of antennas. In examples, each second AAUis configured to transmit and receive a single band of RF signals at a time.

118 118 Similarly in the reverse/uplink path, in examples each second AAUis configured to receive an uplink radio frequency (RF) signal from at least one wireless device using at least one antenna. Each second AAUis further configured to convert the radio frequency signals to a second transport signal as described above.

5 FIG. 106 504 502 504 504 504 502 204 502 504 106 illustrates an example graph of the frequency spectrum of the twisted pair cablewhen transporting the first transport signal and the second transport signal concurrently. As shown, the first transport signalsare an IF version of first cellular RF band signals, wherein the IF signal is in a frequency band higher than the second transport signals, which are an IF version of second cellular RF band signals. In an example, the second transport signalsoccupy the bandwidth below about 125 Mhz. The first transport signalsare sent in a bandwidth that is above 125 Mhz so the first transport signalsdo not interfere with the second transport signals. In this example, the first transport signalsoccupy the bandwidth from about 133 Mhz to 250 Mhz. In this way a bi-directional second transport signaland a bi-directional first transport signalcan be sent on the twisted pair cableat the same time.

106 504 502 100 100 102 104 118 Using the same twisted pair cablefor first transport signalsand second transport signalsis advantageous because it enables the DASto be implemented over an existing Ethernet network. For example, a building may have Ethernet cables already run to various locations throughout the building to provide wired or wireless local area network (LAN) service to those locations. In order to install a traditional DAS in the building coaxial or fiber optic cables would likely need to be run throughout the building, resulting in increased cost and time for the DAS installation. The DAS, however, can utilize the existing LAN cables to provide the transport between the host unit, the first AAU, and the second AAU, reducing or eliminating the expense and time required to run coaxial or fiber optic cables.

100 102 104 102 104 100 Accordingly, the DAS, and more generally the host unitand the at least one AAU, can selectively communicate either Ethernet signals with a transport signal or two transport signals corresponding to respective cellular RF bands. To enable such selective communication, the host unitand AAU(s)are configurable into either a first state for communicating Ethernet signals with a transport signal (as described above) or a second state for communicating two transport signals corresponding to respective cellular RF bands (as described above). Such configuration enables the DASto be adaptable to customer desires.

1 2 4 FIGS.,, and 102 106 106 104 106 106 102 As described above with respect to, a single host unitcan, and often does, have multiple twisted pair cablescoupled thereto. Each such twisted pair cablecan have a distinct AAUcoupled to the other end of such a cable. In some examples, the same set of signals (e.g., an Ethernet signal with a transport signal or a first transport signal with a second transport signal) is sent over each such twisted pair cablecoupled to the host unit. In other examples, one or more of the twisted pair cables have an Ethernet signal with a transport signal sent over, while one or more other twisted pair cables have a first transport signal with a second transport signal sent over.

106 102 104 106 106 106 106 106 102 100 106 102 104 Moreover, in examples with multiple twisted pair cablescoupled between a single host unitand respective AAUs, and where Ethernet signals are sent over more than one of the multiple twisted pair cables, an Ethernet signal sent over a first twisted pair cablecan carry the same content or different content than an Ethernet signal sent over a second twisted pair cable. Similarly, a transport signal (first or second) sent over a first twisted pair cablecan carry the same or different content and can correspond to the same or a different cellular RF band than a transport signal sent over a second twisted pair cable. In summary, in some examples, a host unit(and more generally a DAS) can configure each twisted pair cablecoupled between a host unitand a respective AAUindividually to transport the desired signals.

6 FIG. 600 100 1 100 2 106 1 106 2 104 1 104 2 102 1 102 2 100 1 100 2 108 1 108 2 102 1 102 2 108 1 108 2 102 1 102 2 104 102 1 102 2 106 is an example of a networkincluding two DASs-,-utilizing respective twisted pair cables-,-to transport signals to respective AAUs-,-. In this example, the host unit-,-of each DAS-,-is coupled to a respective RAN node-,-. In this example, each host unit-,-communicates a respective signal corresponding to a respective cellular RF band with the respective RAN node-,-. Each host unit-,-also communicates a transport signal for the respective cellular RF band with a respective AAUcoupled to the respective host unit-,-over the respective twisted pair cable.

102 1 102 2 114 114 106 102 1 116 1 114 102 1 106 1 104 1 104 1 104 1 116 1 104 1 In this example, the host units-,-are also communicatively coupled to a first Ethernet device, and pass respective Ethernet signals between the first Ethernet deviceand a respective first twisted pair cable. In particular, the first host unit-is configured to pass Ethernet signals sent and received between a second Ethernet device-and the first Ethernet device. The first host unit-is configured to couple Ethernet signals concurrently with the transport signals on the first twisted pair cable-toward the first AAU-. The first AAU-is configured to communicate a wireless RF signal in a first cellular RF band based on the transport signals. The first AAU-is also configured to pass through the Ethernet signals to the second Ethernet device-that is coupled to the first AAU-.

102 2 116 2 114 102 2 106 2 104 2 104 2 104 2 116 2 104 2 Similarly, the second host unit-is configured to pass Ethernet signals sent and received between a third Ethernet device-and the first Ethernet device. The second host unit-is configured to couple Ethernet signals concurrently with the transport signals on the second twisted pair cable-toward the second AAU-. The second AAU-is configured to communicate a wireless RF signal in a second cellular RF band based on the transport signals. The second AAU-is also configured to pass through the Ethernet signals to the third Ethernet device-that is coupled to the second AAU-.

100 1 100 2 106 1 106 2 106 104 118 102 100 1 100 2 106 100 1 100 2 106 1 2 4 FIGS.,, and Although in this example, the first and second DAS-,-are shown with a respective single twisted pair cable-,-, it should be understood that more than one twisted pair cableand corresponding AAUand Ethernet devicecan be coupled to a respective host unitas described above. Moreover, although in this example, each DAS-,-is configured to transport Ethernet signals along with transport signals over the respective twisted pair cable, it should be understood that either or both DASs-,-can be configured to transport two transport signals corresponding to two different cellular RF bands over a given twisted pair cable. Any of the other options discussed above with respect toare also possible.

118 100 1 100 2 114 100 1 100 2 602 602 114 106 As shown, in addition to being coupled to an Ethernet devicethrough the DASs-,-, the first Ethernet devicecan also be coupled “directly” (i.e., not through a DAS-,-) to one or more other Ethernet devices. Such other Ethernet devicescan be coupled to the first Ethernet devicein any suitable manner (i.e., using respective twisted pair cables).

7 FIG. 700 102 700 702 108 106 700 108 702 700 702 108 106 is a block diagram of an example host unitthat could be used as host unit. The host unitincludes a RAN interface modulethat is configured to convert between signals communicated with a RAN node(e.g., base station) and transport signals sent over a twisted pair cable. Any suitable connector can be used to couple the host unitto a RAN node, including an optical connector such as an SFP connector. In an example, the RAN interface moduleis an electronic component that is physically installed in the host unitvia a non-permanent connection such as a bolt, screw, or other connection. The RAN interface moduleincludes suitable electronics to perform the bi-direction conversion of signals between the RAN nodeand the twisted pair cable. In an example, such suitable electronics include appropriate mixers, local oscillators, filters, and gain blocks.

702 706 704 706 704 702 In the downlink, a downlink transport signal generated by the RAN interface moduleis provided to a distribution modulewhich couples the downlink transport signal to one or more downstream RJ45 jacks. In the uplink, the distribution modulecouples one or more uplink transport signals from the one or more RJ45 jacksto the RAN interface module.

706 706 702 706 702 706 702 706 The distribution moduleincludes a plurality of internal non-permanent connectors for coupling the distribution moduleto one or more RAN interface modules. The RAN interface modulealso includes an internal non-permanent connector for coupling to the distribution module. An internal non-permanent connector is a connector that is intended to be easily connected and disconnected. Examples of such a non-permanent connector include a coaxial cable screw type connector, an RJ45 jack, or other similar connector. In an example, the internal non-permanent connector of the RAN interface moduleis a mating connector to the internal non-permanent connector of the distribution module. In another example, a cable (e.g., a coaxial cable) is connected between the internal non-permanent connector of the RAN interface moduleand the internal non-permanent connector of the distribution module.

706 714 700 706 714 700 702 714 706 706 714 706 Since the distribution moduleincludes a plurality of internal non-permanent connectors, a second RAN interface modulecan be installed in the host unitand coupled to the distribution moduleto provide service for a second cellular RF band as discussed above. Such a second RAN interface moduleis installed in the host unitvia a non-permanent physical connection such as a plurality of screws. Similar to the RAN interface module, the second RAN interface moduleincludes an internal non-permanent connector for coupling to the distribution module. In an example, this internal non-permanent connector is a mating connector to an internal non-permanent connector of the distribution module. In another example, a cable (e.g., a coaxial cable) is connected between the internal non-permanent connector of the second RAN interface moduleand an internal non-permanent connector of the distribution module.

702 714 108 106 108 714 108 702 702 108 106 Similar to the RAN interface module, the second RAN interface moduleis configured to convert between signals communicated with a RAN node(e.g., base station) and transport signals sent over a twisted pair cable. The RAN nodewith which the second RAN interface modulecommunicates can be the same or a different RAN nodethan communicates with the RAN interface module. The RAN interface moduleincludes suitable electronics to perform the bi-direction conversion of signals between the RAN nodeand the twisted pair cable. In an example, such suitable electronics include appropriate mixers, local oscillators, filters, and gain blocks.

714 706 704 706 704 714 In the downlink, a downlink transport signal generated by the second RAN interface moduleis provided to the distribution modulewhich couples the downlink transport signal to one or more downstream RJ45 jacks. In the uplink, the distribution modulecouples one or more uplink transport signals from the one or more RJ45 jacksto the second RAN interface module.

714 700 706 714 700 700 702 108 714 108 3 FIG. Since the second RAN interface moduleis installed in the host unitand coupled to the distribution modulevia non-permanent connections, the second RAN interface moduleis an optional component of the host unitthat is installed in order to configure the host unitinto the dual-cellular RF band transport. In this configuration, the (first) RAN interface moduleconverts between signals corresponding to a first cellular RF band that are communicated with a RAN nodeand a first transport signal, wherein the first transport signal is sent in a higher frequency spectrum as discussed above with respect to(e.g., in a bandwidth from 133 Mhz to 250 Mhz). The second RAN interface moduleconverts between signals corresponding to a second cellular RF band that are communicated with a RAN nodeand a second transport signal, wherein the second transport signal is sent in a lower frequency spectrum (e.g., in a bandwidth below about 125 MHz).

706 106 704 706 106 702 706 706 106 714 706 In such a configuration, the distribution modulecouples both the downlink portion of the first transport signal and the downlink portion of the second transport signal to one or more twisted pair cablesconnected to the one or more downstream RJ45 jacks. In the uplink, the distribution moduleextracts the uplink portion of the first transport signal from the one or more twisted pair cablesand couples it to the first RAN interface module. To extract the uplink portion of the first transport signal, the distribution modulecan include a high pass filter set to allow the higher frequency spectrum of the first transport signal to pass and to block the lower frequency spectrum of the second transport signal. The distribution modulealso extracts the second transport signal from the one or more twisted pair cablesand couples it to the second RAN interface module. To extract the uplink portion of the second transport signal, the distribution modulecan include a low pass filter set to allow the lower frequency spectrum of the second transport signal to pass and to block the higher frequency spectrum of the first transport signal. In other embodiments, the extraction of the appropriate uplink portion occurs in the RAN interface module.

714 700 700 716 716 114 706 702 716 704 106 104 706 106 702 706 706 106 716 706 Instead of having a second RAN interface moduleinstalled in the host unit, the host unitcan be configured to transport Ethernet signals along with the first transport signal as discussed above. In such a configuration, one or more of the internal non-permanent connectors can be coupled to one or more upstream RJ45 jacks. Each of the one or more upstream RJ45 jackscan have a first Ethernet devicecommunicatively coupled thereto via a respective twisted pair cable. In such a configuration, the distribution modulecouples the transport signal from the RAN interface modulealong with one or more Ethernet signals from the one or more upstream RJ45 jacksto the one or more downstream RJ45 jacksfor transport on one or more twisted pair cablesto one or more AAUs. In the uplink, the distribution moduleextracts the uplink portion of the transport signal from the one or more twisted pair cablesand couples it to the RAN interface module. To extract the uplink portion of the transport signal, the distribution modulecan include a high pass filter set to allow the higher frequency spectrum of the transport signal to pass and to block the lower frequency spectrum of the Ethernet signal(s). The distribution modulealso extracts the Ethernet signal(s) form the one or more twisted pair cablesand couples it/them to the one or more upstream RJ45 jacks. To extract the one or more Ethernet signals, the distribution modulecan include a low pass filter set to allow the lower frequency spectrum of the Ethernet signals to pass and to block the higher frequency spectrum of the transport signal.

106 106 118 114 106 104 706 704 In an example, each twisted pair cablehas the same downlink transport signal thereon, however, each twisted pair cablecan have a distinct Ethernet signal thereon. That is, a distinct Ethernet communication channel can be provide between each distinct second Ethernet deviceand the first Ethernet device, wherein each distinct Ethernet communication channel is provided over a respective twisted pair cable. In such an example, the uplink transport signals can be distinct as they are based on distinct received signals from distinct AAUs, however, the cellular RF band portion of the upstream transport can be combined (e.g., passively) in the distribution moduleto generate a composite signal that is provided to the RAN interface module.

102 104 104 102 102 104 104 102 102 104 In some examples, an intermediate or expansion unit (not shown) may be coupled between the host unitand multiple AAUs. Such an intermediate or expansion unit can be configured to combine the cellular RF band portion from multiple uplink signals from multiple AAUsand to send a transport signal including the combined cellular RF band portion to the host unit. Such an intermediate unit can also be configured to copy or split the cellular RF band portion in a downlink signal from the host unitinto multiple downlink signals which are sent to the respective AAUsor sets thereof in the multiple AAUs. The Ethernet portion of the uplink transport signals, however would not be combined if more than one of the uplink transport signals included an Ethernet portion. In such a situation, the intermediate device includes an Ethernet device such as an Ethernet switch or router to individually couple each Ethernet portion of each uplink transport signal to a distinct communication path (e.g., distinct twisted pair cable) to the host unitand/or to another IP device. Similarly, in the downlink, distinct communication paths are maintained for each Ethernet signal from the host unitand/or other IP devices to a given AAU.

702 108 702 702 706 106 706 702 706 In a first example, the RAN interface moduleis configured to communicate CPRI signals (i.e., signals conforming to the CPRI specification) with the RAN node. The CPRI signals correspond to a first cellular RF band. In the downlink of the first example, the CPRI signals are received by the RAN interface module, and the RAN interface moduleconverts the CPRI signals to an IF version of the first cellular RF band corresponding to the CPRI signals. This IF signal is provided to the distribution modulefor coupling to the one or more twisted pair cables. In the uplink of this first example, an IF version of uplink cellular RF band signals is received from the distribution module, and the RAN interface modulegenerates CPRI signals based on the IF signals from the distribution module.

114 700 114 114 704 114 704 116 106 704 708 706 704 706 In an example, instead of passing through Ethernet signals to/from the first Ethernet device, the host unitincludes an Ethernet switch that is configured to communicate Ethernet signals with the first Ethernet device. In the downlink, the Ethernet switch is configured to receive Ethernet signals from the first Ethernet device, determine which at least one downstream RJ45 jackthe Ethernet signals correspond to, and generate and transmit Ethernet signals based on the received Ethernet signals. The downlink Ethernet signals transmitted by the Ethernet switchare sent over one or more of the downstream RJ45 jacksbased on the second Ethernet devicecommunicatively coupled to the respective twisted pair cablethat is connected to that jack. The downlink Ethernet signals generated by the Ethernet switchare provided to the distribution modulewhich passively combines the Ethernet signal to be sent to a given connector with the transport signal to be sent to that downstream RJ45 jack. Since the Ethernet signal is in a distinct frequency band from the transport signal, the distribution modulecan frequency combine the two signals.

700 714 106 714 108 704 When the host unithas a second RAN interface moduleinstalled therein to send a second transport signal corresponding to a second cellular RF band along with a first transport signal corresponding to a first cellular RF band over a twisted pair cable, the second RAN interface modulecan convert between an analog transport signal (IF version of a cellular RF band) and the signals communicated with a RAN nodeas discussed above. In examples where the transport signals are simulcast, both the first and second transport signals can be simulcast to all of the one or more downstream RJ45 jacks.

700 710 700 700 106 106 710 106 104 104 106 106 102 104 The host unitalso includes a microprocessorthat is configured to send and receive management signals (e.g., with a remotely located management system or with a locally connected device such as a technician's laptop) for control of the host unit. In an example, such management signals can be used to set the host unitinto either the first configuration which communicates Ethernet signals with transport signals on a given twisted pair cableor a second configuration which communicates two transport signals on a given twisted pair cable. The microprocessorcan also be configured to send and receive management signals over the twisted pair cablewith an AAU. Such management signals can be in-band (e.g., imbedded in a transport signal) or out-of-band signals. One example of such a management signal includes a signal indicating whether the AAUis to be set into a first state or a second state, where the first state corresponds to an Ethernet signal along with a transport signal on the twisted pair cableand the second state corresponds to two transport signals on the twisted pair cable. In this way, the host unitcan control the state of each at least one AAUcoupled thereto.

700 106 106 104 116 118 106 The host unitalso includes a power supply to provide a power signal on the at least one twisted pair cableas discussed above. The power signal is provided on the at least one twisted pair cableto provide operating power for the AAU, second Ethernet deviceor second AAUcommunicatively coupled to the twisted pair cable. In an example, the power signal complies with a power-over-Ethernet standard.

702 108 702 702 706 106 706 702 706 In a second example, the RAN interface moduleis configured to communicate RF signals with the RAN node. The RF signals correspond to a first cellular RF band. In the downlink of the second example, the RF signals are received by the RAN interface module, and the RAN interface moduleconverts the RF signals to an IF version of the first cellular RF band corresponding to the RF signals. This IF signal is provided to the distribution modulefor coupling to the one or more twisted pair cables. In the uplink of this second example, an IF version of uplink cellular RF band signals is received from the distribution module, and the RAN interface modulegenerates RF signals based on the IF signals from the distribution module.

700 716 716 114 114 716 114 114 716 116 104 700 106 106 116 In an example, a host unitincludes multiple upstream RJ 45 jacksfor connecting with corresponding plugs on respective twisted pair cable. Each such jackcan connect to a respective twisted pair cable that can transport Ethernet signals between the host unit and a respective first Ethernet deviceor a respective port on a given Ethernet device. Since each such jackcan be connected to a different first Ethernet deviceor a different port of a given Ethernet device, distinct TCP/IP data can be communicated through each such jack. Moreover, as discussed above, multiple second Ethernet devicescan be coupled to respective AAUswhich are coupled to the host unitvia respective twisted pair cables. Accordingly, distinct TCP/IP data can be communicated over each twisted pair cableto each distinct second Ethernet device.

114 116 700 716 106 104 700 716 114 704 104 704 To enable such distinct TCP/IP data to be communicated between multiple first Ethernet devices(or ports thereof) and multiple second Ethernet devices, the host unitcan individually couple the Ethernet signals received at respective upstream RJ45 jacksto corresponding twisted pair cablefor transport to a respective AAU. In an example, the host unitmaintains a static relationship between the upstream RJ45 jacksover which signals are sent/received with respective first Ethernet devicesand the multiple downstream RJ45 jacksover which signals are sent/received from the AAUs. In an example, this static relationship is a one-to-one relationship such that each upstream RJ45 jack is coupled to single downstream RJ45 jack.

716 114 700 106 104 716 106 106 716 716 114 700 106 104 716 106 106 716 716 114 106 104 114 106 104 700 For example, a first upstream RJ45 jackthrough which signals are sent/received from a first Ethernet devicecan be coupled by the host unitto a first twisted pair cableover which signals are sent/received with a first AAU, such that TCP/IP data received through the first upstream RJ45 jackis sent over the first twisted pair cableand TCP/IP data received over the first twisted pair cableis sent over the first upstream RJ45 jack. In such an example, a second upstream RJ45 jackthrough which signals are sent/received from a different first Ethernet devicecan be coupled by the host unitto a second twisted pair cableover which signals are sent/received with a second AAU, such that TCP/IP data received through the second upstream RJ45 jackis sent over the second twisted pair cableand TCP/IP data received over the second twisted pair cableis sent over the second RJ45 jack. Such a one-to-one relationship can exist for each upstream RJ45 jackthrough which signals are sent/received with a first Ethernet deviceand a paired twisted pair cableover which signals are sent/received with an AAU. In other examples, the relationship between a jack through which signals are sent/received with a first Ethernet deviceand a paired twisted pair cableover which signals are sent/received with an AAUis other than one-to-one, and the host unitcouples the TCP/IP data accordingly.

8 FIG. 104 104 902 904 104 902 904 104 902 106 902 904 902 716 is a block diagram of an example active antenna unit (AAU). The AAUincludes a filter/combinerconfigured to pass the downlink first transport signals to a transport signal conversion moduleand to pass either an Ethernet signal or a second transport signal to a device coupled downstream of the AAU. The filter/combineralong with the transport signal conversion module(discussed below) makes up the host interface of the AAU. In an example, an RJ45 connector is coupled to the filter/combinerand is configured to connect with a twisted pair cable(e.g., an Ethernet cable). The filter/combinercan comprise a high pass filter that blocks the Ethernet signal or second transport signal and passes the (first) transport signal to the transport signal conversion module. The filter/combinercan also comprise a low pass filter that blocks the (first) transport signal and passes the Ethernet signal or second transport signal to an RJ45 jackfor the downstream device.

104 106 106 106 914 116 118 104 116 118 902 104 Advantageously, a low pass and high pass filter can operate similarly whether the AAUis set for a transport signal with an Ethernet signal on the twisted pair cableor is set for two transport signals on the twisted pair cable. Since the Ethernet signal or second transport signal would both occupy the lower bandwidth of the twisted pair cable, either signal will be passed by the low pass filter to a connector for a downstream device. In an example, the same RJ45 jackis used to couple either the downstream Ethernet deviceor the second AAUto the first AAU. In another example, different connectors are used for an Ethernet deviceand a second AAUand a switch is included to direct the low frequency spectrum output from the filter/combinerto the respective connector depending on which configuration the AAUis set in.

104 104 104 914 104 104 903 118 903 902 903 104 In an example, when the AAUis set to pass an Ethernet signal to the downstream device, the AAUdoes not modify the Ethernet signal and passes the Ethernet signal through the AAUto the RJ45 jackfor the downstream device. In an example, when the AAUis set to pass a second transport signal to the downstream device, the AAUis configured to signal processthe second transport signal for gain adjustment or flatness adjustment, if needed, the signal for further transport to the second AAU. The second transport signal, however, is not demodulated and processed to obtain the information. Other signal processingmay be performed instead of, or in addition to the gain adjustment or flatness adjustment. The low-pass filter/combineralong with any optional signal processingmake up a pass-through interface for the AAU.

902 904 904 106 908 908 In any case, the first downlink transport signal is provided from the filter/combinerto a transport signal conversion module. The transport signal conversion moduleconverts the IF version of a cellular RF band on the twisted pair cableto a cellular RF band signal. The cellular RF band signal is provided to amplifier. The amplifieramplifies the RF signal for transmission and sends the amplified RF signal to an antenna for radiating therefrom.

908 908 904 904 902 902 106 In the uplink, the antenna senses an RF signal and the signal propagates down the antenna to the amplifier. The amplifieramplifies the received RF signal and provides the amplified RF signal to the transport signal conversion module. The transport signal conversion moduledown-converts the RF signal to an IF signal sends the IF signal to the filter/combinerwhich combines the transport signal with an Ethernet signal or second transport signal from a downstream device. This IF signal is in a frequency spectrum higher than the frequency spectrum of the Ethernet signal or second transport signal. The signal from a downstream device can be either an Ethernet signal or a second transport signal. Since either an Ethernet signal or second transport signal in a distinct frequency band from the first transport signal, the filter/combinercan frequency combine the signals for the twisted pair cable.

104 912 106 912 106 102 912 104 104 912 The AAUcan also include a power supplycoupled to the connector for the twisted pair cable. The power supplyis configured to obtain power from the power signal sent on the twisted pair cableby the host unit. The power obtained by the power supplyis provided to components of the AAUto operate the AAU. The power supplycan also be configured to provide a second power signal on a twisted pair cable connected to a connector for a downstream device. In an example, such a second power signal can conform to a power-over-Ethernet standard.

104 118 116 104 104 102 102 104 118 104 106 102 118 104 118 102 104 118 104 106 102 104 116 102 102 Since two AAUs,connected in series may require more power than a downstream Ethernet devicecoupled in series with an AAU, in an example, the AAUand the host unitis can be set into one of two power supply states. The host unitand the AAUare set into the first power supply state when an Ethernet deviceis coupled downstream of the AAU, which is also when an Ethernet signal is sent with a transport signal on the twisted pair cable. In such a first power supply state, the host unitis set to provide a lesser amount of power than if the downstream device were a second AAU. In the first power supply state, the AAUis also set to provide a lesser amount of power than if the downstream device were a second AAU. The host unitand the AAUare set into the second power supply state when a second AAUis coupled downstream of the AAU, which is also when two transport signals are sent on the twisted pair cable. In such a second power supply state, the host unitand the AAUprovide a greater amount of power than if the downstream device were an Ethernet device. The lesser and greater amount of power can be provided by a power signal in any appropriate manner such as by a signal power signal from the host unitwhen lesser amount of power is required and two power signals from the hostwhen a greater amount of power is provided.

104 910 904 908 910 102 106 910 904 908 910 104 106 106 The AAUcan also include a microprocessorcoupled to one or more of the transport signal conversion moduleand amplifier. The microprocessorcan be configured to send and receive management (e.g., control) signals with the host unitor another remote device over the twisted pair cable. The microprocessorcan be configured to adjust one or more of the transport signal conversion moduleand amplifierbased on the management signals. In an example, the microprocessorcan be configured to set the AAUinto either the first state where an Ethernet signal is sent with a transport signal over the twisted pair cableand, optionally, where a lesser amount of power is provided to a downstream device. In the second state, a first transport signal and a second transport signal are sent over a twisted pair cableand, optionally, a greater amount of power is provided to a downstream device.

118 104 118 118 104 118 9 FIG. A second AAUcoupled to the pass-through interface of the first AAUcan include similar components to that shown inexcept such a second AAUwould not include filter/combiner or a pass-through interface as described. Additionally, instead of communicating wireless RF signals corresponding to a passband transport signal, the second AAUcommunicates wireless RF signals corresponding to a baseband transport signal. Accordingly, any filter coupled to a host interface of the second AAU, and the transport signal conversion module of the second AAUare configured to operate on such baseband signals.

In exemplary embodiments, cellular RF signals may utilize various wireless protocols and in various bands of frequency spectrum. For example, the cellular RF signals may include, but are not limited to, licensed RF bands, 800 MHz cellular service, 1.9 GHz Personal Communication Services (PCS), Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) services, Enhanced Special Mobile Radio (ESMR) services at both 800 MHz and 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz Advanced Wireless Services (AWS), 700 MHz uC/ABC services, two way paging services, video services, Public Safety (PS) services at 450 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 2100 MHz Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 3rd Generation Partnership Projects (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or other appropriate communication services. The system described herein are capable of transporting both Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) services at any of the frequencies described above. The systems described herein can support any combination of SISO and MIMO signals across various bands of frequency spectrum. In some example embodiments, the systems described herein may provide MIMO streams for WiMAX, LTE, and HSPA services while only providing SISO streams for other services. Other combinations of MIMO and SISO services are used in other embodiments.

100 102 104 102 106 102 702 714 706 In an alternative example, the DAS, and more generally the host unitand the at least one AAU, can selectively communicate either Ethernet signals with a transport signal or two transport signals corresponding to respective licensed RF bands. To enable such selective communication, the host unitcan include a switch that selectively couples either the Ethernet signals or the second transport signal to/from the one or more twisted pair cables. Such a switch can be coupled between the RAN interface(s) and the distribution component of the host unit, and can be coupled between the one or more upstream RJ45 jacks and the distribution component. Such a RAN interface can function the same as a RAN interface moduleordescribed above, but can be selectively coupled to the distribution component using the switch. Additionally, the distribution component can function the same as the distribution modulediscussed above. In some implementations of such an alternative example, the RAN interface(s), switch, and distribution component can be permanently connected to one another. In some implementations, the switch and the distribution component can be implemented with a single component or set of components.

106 102 102 102 102 102 102 100 104 The state (i.e., which signals are coupled to/from the one or more twisted pair cables) of such a switch can be modified by, for example, firmware or other instructions implemented on the host unit. For example, a command to set the state of a switch can be received at the host unitfrom a remote device communicatively coupled to the host unitover a network. In another example, a local device can interact with the host unitto set the state of the switch. In yet another example, the host unitcan include a human interface (e.g., button, touchscreen, etc.) that is configured to receive an input to set the state of the switch. Such a switch enables the host unitto be field configurable into either a first state for communicating Ethernet signals with a transport signal (as described above) or a second state for communicating two transport signals corresponding to respective licensed RF bands (as described above). Such field configuration enables the DASto be adaptable to customer desires and/or changes over time. The AAU(s)can also be field configurable in a similar and corresponding manner.

In examples, any of the processors described above may include or function with software programs, firmware or other computer readable instructions for carrying out various methods, process tasks, calculations, and control functions, used in the digital processing functionality described herein. These instructions are typically stored on any appropriate computer readable medium used for storage of computer readable instructions or data structures. The computer readable medium can be implemented as any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose processor (GPP) or special purpose computer or processor (such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit), or any programmable logic device. Suitable processor-readable media may include storage or memory media such as magnetic or optical media. For example, storage or memory media may include conventional hard disks, Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), volatile or non-volatile media such as Random Access Memory (RAM) (including, but not limited to, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM, RAMBUS Dynamic RAM (RDRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), etc.), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), and flash memory, etc. Suitable processor-readable media may also include transmission media such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link.

Example 1 includes a distributed antenna system (DAS) comprising: a host unit including: a first radio access network (RAN) interface module to communicate with a RAN node, first signals corresponding to a first cellular radio frequency (RF) band, the first RAN interface module configured to convert between the first signals and first transport signals, wherein the first transport signals are in a first frequency spectrum; a distribution module coupled to the first RAN interface module, the distribution module configured to distribute the first transport signals between one or more downstream RJ45 connectors and the first RAN interface module; and one or more non-permanent connectors to couple the distribution module to a second RAN interface module and a set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks, wherein the second RAN interface module is configured to communicate with a RAN node, second signals corresponding to a second cellular RF band and to convert between the second signals and second transport signals, wherein the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are configured to pass Ethernet signals therethrough; wherein the distribution module is configured to couple a downlink portion of the first transport signals and either a downlink portion of the second transport signals or a downlink Ethernet signal from one of the upstream RJ45 jacks to a first twisted pair cable connected to one of one or more downstream RJ45 jacks, wherein the distribution module is configured to couple an uplink portion of the first transport signals on the first twisted pair cable to the first RAN interface module and to couple either an uplink portion of the second transport signals or an uplink Ethernet signal from the first twisted pair cable to the one or more non-permanent connectors, wherein the first frequency spectrum of the first transport signals is non-overlapping with a frequency spectrum of the second transport signals and with a frequency spectrum of the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals, wherein an uplink or downlink portion of the first transport signals is communicated concurrently with an uplink or downlink portion of the either the second IF signals or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable; and a first active antenna unit (AAU) including: a host unit interface communicatively coupled to the host unit over the first twisted pair cable and to communicate the first transport signals and either the second transport signals or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable, the first AAU configured to communicate first wireless RF signals in the first cellular RF band, the first wireless RF signals corresponding to the first transport signals communicated with the host unit; and a pass-through interface to pass either the second transport signals or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals through the first AAU between the host unit and a downstream device.

Example 2 includes the distributed antenna system of Example 1, wherein only one of the second RAN interface module or the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks is coupled to the distribution module at a time.

Example 3 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the pass-through interface is configured to interface over a second twisted pair cable with the downstream device.

Example 4 includes the distributed antenna system of Example 3, wherein the downstream device is a wireless access point having an Ethernet interface configured to communicate the Ethernet signals through the pass-through interface of the first AAU, wherein the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are coupled to the non-permanent connectors of the distribution module to pass the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals between an upstream Ethernet device coupled to at least one of the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks and the first twisted pair cable such that the upstream Ethernet device and the wireless access point can communicate the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable.

Example 5 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 3-4, wherein the downstream device is a second AAU having an interface configured to communicate the second IF signals with the host unit through the pass-through interface of the first AAU, the second AAU configured to communicate second wireless RF signals in the second cellular RF band, wherein the second wireless RF signals correspond to the second transport signals communicated with host unit, wherein the second RAN interface module is installed in the host unit to communicate the second transport signals with the second AAU.

Example 6 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the Ethernet signals include Ethernet frames of TCP/IP data and are in compliance with an IEEE Example 802.3 standard.

Example 7 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the first twisted pair cable is a cable in compliance with one of the category 5, category 5e, category 6, category 6a, or category 7 specifications.

Example 8 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the host unit is configured to provide a first power signal over the first twisted pair cable to the first AAU, wherein the first AAU is configured to use the first power signal for operating power.

Example 9 includes the distributed antenna system of Example 8, wherein the first AAU is configured to forward power from the first power signal as a second power signal to the downstream device.

Example 10 includes the distributed antenna system of Example 9, wherein the host unit is configured to send a signal to the first AAU indicating whether the downstream device is a wireless access point complying with an IEEE Example 802.11 standard or a second AAU.

Example 11 includes the distributed antenna system of Example 10, wherein if the downstream device is a second AAU, the host unit is configured to send a greater amount of power in the first power signal than if the downstream device were a wireless access point, wherein if the downstream device is a second AAU, the first AAU is configured to send a greater amount of power in the second power signal than if the downstream device were a wireless access point.

Example 12 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the pass-through interface includes a filter configured to filter out a downlink portion of the first transport signals and pass a downlink portion of either the second transport signals or the Ethernet signals from the first twisted pair cable through the pass-through interface to the downstream device.

Example 13 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the first signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band communicated by the first RAN interface module are RF signals in the first cellular RF band.

Example 14 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the second signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band communicated by the second RAN interface module are RF signals in the second cellular RF band.

Example 15 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-14, wherein the first signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band communicated by the first RAN interface module comply with the common public radio interface (CPRI) specification.

Example 16 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-15, wherein the second signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band communicated by the second RAN interface module comply with the common public radio interface (CPRI) specification.

Example 17 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-16, wherein the RAN node is one of a base station, a base transceiver station, or an internet protocol (IP) gateway.

Example 18 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-17, wherein the first transport signals are intermediate frequency (IF) signals.

Example 19 includes the distributed antenna system of any of Examples 1-18, wherein the second transport signal are intermediate frequency (IF) signals.

Example 22 includes a host unit for a distributed antenna system, the host unit comprising: a first radio access network (RAN) interface module to communicate with a RAN node, first signals corresponding to a first cellular radio frequency (RF) band, the first RAN interface module configured to convert between the first signals and first transport signals, wherein the first transport signals are in a first frequency spectrum; a distribution module coupled to the first RAN interface module, the distribution module configured to distribute the first transport signals between one or more downstream RJ45 connectors and the first RAN interface module; and one or more non-permanent connectors to couple the distribution module to a second RAN interface module and a set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks, wherein the second RAN interface module is configured to communicate with a RAN node, second signals corresponding to a second cellular RF band and to convert between the second signals and second transport signals, wherein the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are configured to pass Ethernet signals therethrough; wherein the distribution module is configured to couple a downlink portion of the first transport signals and either a downlink portion of the second transport signals or a downlink Ethernet signal from one of the upstream RJ45 jacks to a first twisted pair cable connected to one of one or more downstream RJ45 jacks, wherein the distribution module is configured to couple an uplink portion of the first transport signals on the first twisted pair cable to the first RAN interface module and to couple either an uplink portion of the second transport signals or an uplink Ethernet signal from the first twisted pair cable to the one or more non-permanent connectors, wherein the first frequency spectrum of the first transport signals is non-overlapping with a frequency spectrum of the second transport signals and with a frequency spectrum of the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals, wherein an uplink or downlink portion of the first transport signals is communicated concurrently with an uplink or downlink portion of the either the second transport signals or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable, wherein the first transport signals and either the second transport signal or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals are sent between the host unit and a first active antenna unit (AAU) over the first twisted pair cable.

Example 23 includes the host unit of Example 22, wherein only one of the second RAN interface module or the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks is coupled to the distribution module at a time.

Example 24 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-23, wherein if a wireless access point is coupled downstream of the first AAU, the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks are coupled to the non-permanent connectors of the distribution module to pass the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals between an upstream Ethernet device coupled to at least one of the set of one or more upstream RJ45 jacks and the first twisted pair cable such that the upstream Ethernet device and the wireless access point can communicate the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable.

Example 25 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-24, wherein if a second AAU is coupled downstream of the first AAU, the second AAU configured to communicate second wireless RF signals in the second cellular RF band, wherein the second wireless RF signals correspond to the second transport signals communicated with host unit, wherein the second RAN interface is installed in the host unit to communicate the second transport signals with the second AAU.

Example 26 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-25, wherein the Ethernet signals includes Ethernet frames of TCP/IP data and are in compliance with an IEEE Example 802.3 standard.

Example 27 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-26, wherein the first twisted pair cable is a cable in compliance with one of the category 5, category 5e, category 6, category 6a, or category 7 specifications.

Example 28 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-27, wherein the host unit is configured to provide a first power signal over the first twisted pair cable to the first AAU.

Example 29 includes the host unit of Example 28, wherein the host unit is configured to send a signal to the first AAU indicating whether a wireless access point complying with an IEEE Example 802.11 standard or a second AAU is coupled downstream of the first AAU.

Example 30 includes the host unit of Example 29, wherein if a second AAU is coupled downstream of the first AAU, the host unit is configured to send a greater amount of power in the first power signal than if the downstream device were a wireless access point.

Example 31 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-30, wherein the first signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band communicated by the first RAN interface are RF signals in the first cellular RF band.

Example 32 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-31, wherein the second signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band communicated by the second RAN interface are RF signals in the second cellular RF band.

Example 33 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-32, wherein the first signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band communicated by the first RAN interface comply with the common public radio interface (CPRI) specification.

Example 34 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-33, wherein the second signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band communicated by the second RAN interface comply with the common public radio interface (CPRI) specification.

Example 35 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-34, wherein the RAN node is one of a base station, a base transceiver station, or an internet protocol (IP) gateway.

Example 36 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-35, wherein the first transport signals are intermediate frequency (IF) signals.

Example 37 includes the host unit of any of Examples 22-36, wherein the second transport signal are intermediate frequency (IF) signals.

Example 40 includes a host unit for a distributed antenna system, the host unit comprising: a plurality of radio access network (RAN) interfaces to communicate with one or more RAN nodes, first signals corresponding to a first cellular radio frequency (RF) band and second signals corresponding to a second cellular RF band, wherein the plurality of RAN interfaces are configured to convert between the first signals and first transport signal and the second signals and second transport signals, wherein the first transport signals are in a first frequency spectrum and the second transport signals are in a second frequency spectrum; a distribution component configured to distribute the first and second transport signals between one or more downstream RJ45 connectors and the plurality of RAN interfaces and configured to distribute Ethernet signals sent over a set of one or more upstream RJ45 between the set of one or more upstream RJ45 connectors and the one or more downstream RJ45 connectors; and a switch coupled between the plurality of RAN interfaces and the distribution component and coupled between the set of one or more upstream RJ45 connectors and the one or more downstream RJ45 connectors, wherein the host unit is configured to couple a downlink portion of the first transport signals to a first twisted pair cable connected to one of the one or more downstream RJ45 jacks and to set the switch in either a first state or a second state, wherein in the first state the switch is set to couple a downlink portion of the second transport from one of the RAN interfaces to the first twisted pair cable and to couple an uplink portion of the second transport signal from the first twisted pair cable to the RAN interface, wherein in the second state the switch is set to couple a downlink Ethernet signal from one of the upstream RJ45 connectors to the first twisted pair cable and to couple an uplink Ethernet signal from the first twisted pair cable to the one of the upstream RJ45 connectors, wherein the first frequency spectrum of the first transport signals is non-overlapping with a frequency spectrum of the second transport signals and with a frequency spectrum of the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals, wherein an uplink or downlink portion of the first transport signals is communicated concurrently with an uplink or downlink portion of either the second transport signals or the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals over the first twisted pair cable, wherein the first transport signals and either the second transport signals or the uplink and the uplink and downlink Ethernet signals are sent between the host unit and a first active antenna unit (AAU) over the first twisted pair cable.

Example 41 includes the host unit of Example 40, wherein if a wireless access point is coupled downstream of the first AAU, the switch is set in the second state.

Example 42 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-41, wherein if a second AAU is coupled downstream of the first AAU, the switch is set in the first state.

Example 43 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-42, wherein the Ethernet signals include Ethernet frames of TCP/IP data and are in compliance with an IEEE Example 802.3 standard.

Example 44 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-43, wherein the first twisted pair cable is a cable in compliance with one of the category 5, category 5e, category 6, category 6a, or category 7 specifications.

Example 45 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-44, wherein the first signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band communicated by the first RAN interface are RF signals in the first cellular RF band, wherein the second signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band communicated by the second RAN interface are RF signals in the second cellular RF band.

Example 46 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-45, wherein the first signals corresponding to the first cellular RF band communicated by the first RAN interface comply with the common public radio interface (CPRI) specification, wherein the second signals corresponding to the second cellular RF band communicated by the second RAN interface comply with the common public radio interface (CPRI) specification.

Example 47 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-46, wherein the RAN node is one of a base station, a base transceiver station, or an internet protocol (IP) gateway.

Example 48 includes the host unit of any of Examples 40-47, wherein the first transport signals are intermediate frequency (IF) signals, wherein the second transport signal are intermediate frequency (IF) signals.