Camouflaged small cell networking devices

Abstract

A small cell networking device and installation method includes at least one wireless transceiver module integrated into or mounted on to one or more of a variety of common objects as part of a network. The small cell networking device may be incorporated into a modified component of the common object, or may be mounted to the common object as an independent device. The small cell networking device is electrically and communicatively coupled to one or more utility lines in order to pass power and data to, from, or to and from the small cell networking device. The small cell networking device has a modular design with an aesthetically pleasing appearance such that high density deployment will not unduly burden cities, towns, and municipalities.

1 . A system comprising:
 a permanently affixed object;   a removable component coupled to the permanently affixed object;   a small cell networking device integrated into the removable component; and   a wireless transceiver module within the small cell networking device that is operable to provide wireless communication capability to a wireless network controlled by a mobile network operator.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the permanently affixed object includes one of: a streetlight, a light pole, an LED board, a bracket, a street sign, a highway sign, a bus stop shelter, an ATM, a phone booth, a building, an HVAC unit, a mailbox, a billboard, a light, a parking sign, a stop light, a speed limit sign, a solar cell, a crosswalk sign, a tunnel, a utility box, a water tower, a crane, a radio antenna tower, a store, an awning, a roof, and a parking pay station. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the removable component is a door, the small cell networking device integrated into the door, and wherein the door rotates relative to the permanently affixed object about a hinge. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components including one or more of: an antenna, an identity module, a GPS module, a security module, a memory, a cellular parameter module, a cellular-based gateway, an input module, an output module, a wired transceiver module, and a light sensor module. 
     
     
         5 . A method of concealing a small cell networking device comprising:
 removing an original component of an object;   constructing a modified component to replace the original component of the object, the constructing including mounting the small cell networking device inside the modified component in a location that the small cell networking device is not physically visible to a user, the small cell networking device including at least one wireless transceiver module operable to provide wireless communication capability to a wireless network controlled by a mobile network operator; and   installing the modified component in place of the original component in the object.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein installing the modified component in place of the original component in the object includes the object comprising one of: a streetlight, a light pole, an LED board, a bracket, a street sign, a highway sign, a bus stop shelter, an ATM, a phone booth, a building, an HVAC unit, a mailbox, a billboard, a light, a parking sign, a stop light, a speed limit sign, a solar cell, a crosswalk sign, a tunnel, a utility box, a water tower, a crane, a radio antenna tower, a store, an awning, a roof, and a parking pay station. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein constructing the modified component includes incorporating into the modified component at least one or more of: an antenna, an identity module, a GPS module, a security module, a memory, a cellular parameter module, a cellular-based gateway, an input module, an output module, a wired transceiver module, and a light sensor module. 
     
     
         8 . A device, comprising:
 a housing having a first portion opposite a second portion;   a first heat sink coupled to the housing proximate the first portion;   an interface board positioned within the housing below the heat sink;   a first power amplifier board positioned within the housing adjacent to the interface board;   a main board positioned within the housing below the interface board and the first power amplifier board;   a power board positioned within the housing below the main board; and   a second power amplifier board positioned within the housing adjacent to the power board wherein the device is arranged as a small cell networking device, and wherein said first heat sink is arranged to dissipate heat generated during operations of at least one wireless transceiver module.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  further comprising:
 a second heat sink coupled to the housing proximate the second portion. 
 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the second heat sink is below the power board and the second power amplifier board. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9  further comprising:
 an antenna board below the second heat sink. 
 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising:
 an antenna cover coupled to the housing and enclosing the antenna board.