Nodes for high frequency fixed wireless access network

Abstract

A high frequency data network access system leverages commodity WiFi chipsets and specifically multi spatial stream (e.g., 802.11 ac) chipsets in combination with electrically steered patch array antenna systems at the subscriber nodes. In addition, for thermal control, the high frequency components are mounted to a main body that includes a heat sink and a chimney. These components are also separated from components operating at baseband to avoid interference.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A node supporting a communications link to an aggregation node in an access network, the node comprising:
 a modem board for communicating with a router for maintaining a local area network for a premises and decoding intermediate frequency downlink signals encoding communications on a downlink from the aggregation node and encoding communications into intermediate frequency signals for an uplink to the aggregation node;   an extremely high frequency board for up converting the intermediate frequency uplink signals into high frequency uplink signals for transmission to the aggregation node and down converting high frequency downlink signals transmitted from the aggregation node into the intermediate frequency downlink signals;   an electronically steered patch antenna array for receiving the high frequency downlink signals and transmitting the high frequency uplink signals; and   a network processor controlling phase adjustments of the high frequency downlink signals from the high frequency uplink signals to the patch antenna array to establish the link to the aggregation node.   
     
     
         2 . The node as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the electronically steered patch antenna array is a one-dimensionally electronically steered patch antenna array for steering the antenna in azimuth. 
     
     
         3 . The node as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a one-dimensionally adjustable mechanical pointing system for adjusting a boresight of the patch antenna array in elevation. 
     
     
         4 . The node as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising transmit gain and phase adjusters for adjusting a gain and phase of the high frequency uplink signals provided to columns of the patch antenna array. 
     
     
         5 . The node as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising receive gain and phase adjusters for adjusting a gain and phase of the high frequency downlink signals received by each column of the patch antenna array. 
     
     
         6 . The node as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an outer radome, the electronically steered patch antenna array being located in the outer radome.   
     
     
         7 . The node as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a main body, wherein the extremely high frequency board mounted to one side of the main body and the modem board is mounted to another side of the main body.   
     
     
         8 . The node as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 an outer radome, the main body being installed in the radome.   
     
     
         9 . The node as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the outer radome seals against the main body. 
     
     
         10 . The node as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the main body includes a center heat sink. 
     
     
         11 . The node as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the main body includes a chimney extending through the main body. 
     
     
         12 . The node as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising a rear plate, the modem board being held between the main body and the rear plate. 
     
     
         13 . The node as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the rear plate includes a rear heat sink. 
     
     
         14 . The node as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the rear plate seals against the main body. 
     
     
         15 . A node supporting a communications link to an aggregation node in an access network, the node comprising:
 a one-dimensionally electronically steered patch antenna array for steering the antenna in azimuth; and   a one-dimensionally adjustable mechanical pointing system for adjusting a boresight of the patch antenna array in elevation.   
     
     
         16 . A node supporting a communications link to an aggregation node in an access network, the node comprising:
 an outer radome;   an antenna system in the radome;   a main body;   an extremely high frequency board mounted to one side of the main body for down converting high frequency downlink signals received by the antenna system and up converting to generate high frequency uplink signals for transmission by the antenna system; and   a modem board mounted to the main body for communicating with a router for maintaining a local area network for a premises.   
     
     
         17 . A method for calibrating a node supporting a communications link to an aggregation node in an access network, the method comprising:
 transmitting high frequency signals to the node; and   relating a received signal strength indicator value generated by a WiFi chipset of the node to the signal strength of the high frequency signals.   
     
     
         18 . A method for pointing a node supporting a communications link to an aggregation node in an access network, the method comprising:
 receiving high frequency downlink signals at a patch array antenna of the node; and   determining a phase adjustment of at least columns of the patch array antenna to improve the gain of the antenna.