Transparent wireless bridges for optical fiber-wireless networks and related methods and systems

Abstract

A transparent wireless bridge for providing access to an optical fiber network comprises a first transceiver outside a building and configured to transmit/receive communication signals to and from the optical fiber network. A first glass sheet attached to an outer side of a window comprises a first antenna communicatively coupled to the first transceiver and configured to transmit and receive communication signals to and from the first transceiver. A second glass sheet is attached to an inner side of the window and comprises a second antenna configured to wirelessly transmit and receive communication signals to and from the first antenna. The wireless bridge also includes a second transceiver located inside the building that is communicatively coupled to the second antenna and configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data to and from the second antenna. The wireless bridge may also be used in conjunction with a wireless drop system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wireless bridge comprising:
 a first transceiver coupled to a first antenna and a first inductive element on a first side of a window;   a second transceiver coupled to a second antenna and a second inductive element located on a second side of the window;   wherein the second transceiver is configured to transmit and receive communication signals to and from the first transceiver via the first antenna and the second antenna;   wherein the second inductive element is configured to receive power from a power source; and   wherein the first inductive element and the second inductive element are arranged to induce a magnetic coupling between the first inductive element and the second inductive element, such that a magnetic field around the first inductive element generates a power signal which can be provided to the first transceiver and the first antenna.   
     
     
         2 . The wireless bridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first transceiver is coupled to an optical fiber network via fiber. 
     
     
         3 . The wireless bridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first transceiver is configured to transmit and receive communication signals to and from the optical fiber network wirelessly. 
     
     
         4 . The wireless bridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are each a printed antenna. 
     
     
         5 . The wireless bridge of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna is transparent such that a view through the window is not obstructed. 
     
     
         6 . The wireless bridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first antenna is coupled to the first transceiver via a first cable and the first transceiver is configured to provide power to the first antenna through the first cable. 
     
     
         7 . The wireless bridge of  claim 1 , wherein the second antenna is coupled to the second transceiver via a second cable and the second transceiver is configured to provide power to the second antenna through the second cable.