Das integrated digital off-air repeater

Abstract

Embodiments may allow remote base transceiver stations (BTSs) physically located away from a local source of users to be able to provide local service as if the remote BTSs were at or near the local source of users. Some embodiments may include a plurality of BTSs, each having one or more sectors, and one or more digital access units (DAUs). Embodiments may also include a plurality of repeater digital units (RDUs), where each RDU may be configured to communicate to at least one of the plurality of BTSs and may be operable to route signals optically to the one or more DAUs. Embodiments may also include a plurality of digital remote units (DRUs) located at a location remote to the one or more DAUs, wherein the plurality of remote DRUs may be operable to transport signals to the one or more DAUs.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A distributed antenna system (DAS) comprising:
 a multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) capable repeater including a first port and a second port, the first port operable to communicate wirelessly with at least one remote signal source and the second port operable to communicate with at least one Digital Access Unit (DAU);   a converter operable to convert communications to and from the remote signal source and the DAU between analog signals and digital signals;   an optical port associated with the DAU operable to route digital signals to one or more remote units;   wherein the DAU is operable to route communications between the repeater and at least one of the one or more remote units;   wherein the one or more remote units are located at different locations than the repeater.