Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a feed point of a dielectric antenna, electromagnetic waves from a dielectric core coupled to the feed point without an electrical return path, where at least a portion of the dielectric antenna comprises a conductive surface, directing, by the feed point, the electromagnetic waves to a proximal portion of the dielectric antenna, and radiating, via an aperture of the dielectric antenna, a wireless signal responsive to the electromagnetic waves being received at the aperture. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

A distributed antenna and backhaul system provide network connectivity for a small cell deployment. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications and existing power line infrastructure. Above ground backhaul connections via power lines and line-of-sight millimeter-wave band signals as well as underground backhaul connections via buried electrical conduits can provide connectivity to the distributed base stations. An overhead millimeter-wave system can also be used to provide backhaul connectivity. Modules can be placed onto existing infrastructure, such as streetlights and utility poles, and the modules can contain base stations and antennas to transmit the millimeter-waves to and from other modules.

Backhaul link for distributed antenna system

A distributed antenna system is provided that frequency shifts the output of one or more microcells to a 60 GHz or higher frequency range for transmission to a set of distributed antennas. The cellular band outputs of these microcell base station devices are used to modulate a 60 GHz (or higher) carrier wave, yielding a group of subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier wave. This group will then be transmitted in the air via analog microwave RF unit, after which it can be repeated or radiated to the surrounding area. The repeaters amplify the signal and resend it on the air again toward the next repeater. In places where a microcell is required, the 60 GHz signal is shifted in frequency back to its original frequency (e.g., the 1.9 GHz cellular band) and radiated locally to nearby mobile devices.

Remote distributed antenna system

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that facilitates transmitting electromagnetic waves along a surface of a wire that facilitates delivery of electric energy to devices, and sensing a condition that is adverse to the electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the wire. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for sensing a condition in a transmission medium of electromagnetic waves

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for detecting a fault in a first wire of a power grid that affects a transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves that transport data and that propagate along a surface of the first wire, selecting a backup communication medium from one or more backup communication mediums according to one or more selection criteria, and redirecting the data to the backup communication medium to circumvent the fault. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus that provides fault tolerance in a communication network

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a request to steer wireless signals generated by a plurality of dielectric antennas, and adjusting, by the controller, a plurality of adjustable delays coupled to a transceiver to adjust an orientation of wireless signals received or generated by the plurality of dielectric antennas, each of the plurality of dielectric antennas comprising a feed point coupled to a different one of the plurality of adjustable delays, the transceiver facilitating reception or transmission of electromagnetic waves propagating via a different one of the feed points of the plurality of dielectric antennas along corresponding dielectric feedlines without an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for directing wireless signals

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a guided wave switch that selectively aligns an end of the first dielectric core of a first conductorless guided wave cable with an end of a selected one of a plurality of second dielectric cores of at least one second conductorless guided wave cable to facilitate coupling of the first guided waves from the first dielectric core to a selected one of the plurality of second dielectric cores Other embodiments are disclosed

Communication system, guided wave switch and methods for use therewith

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a network element of a distributed antenna system, a reference signal, an ultra- wideband control channel and a first modulated signal at a first carrier frequency, the first modulated signal including first communications data provided by a base station and directed to a mobile communication device. The instructions in the ultra- wideband control channel direct the network element of the distributed antenna system to convert the first modulated signal at the first carrier frequency to the first modulated signal in a first spectral segment. The reference signal is received at an in-band frequency relative to the control channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for use with a radio distributed antenna system having an ultra-wideband control channel

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an antenna structure that includes a feed point that facilitates coupling to a dielectric core that supplies electromagnetic waves to the feed point, and a dielectric antenna coupled to the feed point for receiving the electromagnetic waves, the dielectric antenna including an antenna lens that operates as an aperture of the dielectric antenna, the antenna lens having a structure that adjusts a propagation of the electromagnetic waves in the dielectric antenna to reduce a cross section of far-field wireless signals generated by the dielectric antenna. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Antenna structure for exchanging wireless signals

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for adjusting an operational parameter of electromagnetic waves supplied to a feed point of a dielectric antenna to modify a beamwidth of far-field wireless signals generated by the dielectric antenna, the electromagnetic waves propagating along the feed point without an electrical return path, detecting that the beamwidth of the far-field wireless signals needs to be adjusted to improve a reception of the far-field wireless signals by a remote system, and adjusting the operational parameter of the electromagnetic waves to adjust the beamwidth of the far-field wireless signals. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Henry Kafka

Papers

Method and apparatus for directing wireless signals

Communication system, guided wave switch and methods for use therewith

Method and apparatus for use with a radio distributed antenna system having an ultra-wideband control channel

Antenna structure for exchanging wireless signals

Method and apparatus for adjusting wireless communications