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

A dielectric waveguide may be manufactured by forming a set of parallel channels in a planar sheet that has a lower dielectric constant value. The set of channels is then filled with a material having a higher dielectric constant value. The planar sheet is sliced into a plurality of strips that each contain one or more of the channels.

Dielectric Waveguide Manufactured Using Printed Circuit Board Technology

An apparatus is provided. There is a circuit assembly (206-A1) with a package substrate (304-A) and an integrated circuit (IC) (302-A). The package substrate has a microstrip line (208-A1), and the IC is secured to the package substrate and is electrically coupled to the microstrip line. A circuit board (202-A) is also secured to the package substrate. A dielectric waveguide (204- A) is secured to the circuit board. The dielectric waveguide has a dielectric core (310-A) that extends into a transition region (314- A) located between the dielectric waveguide and the microstrip line, and the microstrip line is configured to form a communication link with the dielectric waveguide.

Interchip communication using a dielectric waveguide

A dielectric waveguide (DWG) has a dielectric core member that has a length L and an oblong cross section. The core member has a first dielectric constant value. A dielectric cladding surrounds the dielectric core member; the cladding has a second dielectric constant value that is lower than the first dielectric constant. A conductive shield layer surrounds a portion of the dielectric cladding.

Dielectric Waveguide with Conductive Coating

A rotatable coupler for dielectric wave guides is described. A first dielectric wave guide (DWG) has an interface surface at a one end of the DWG. A second DWG has a matching interface surface at an end of the second DWG. A rotatable coupling mechanism is coupled to the two DWG ends and is configured to hold the interface surface of the first DWG in axial alignment with the interface surface of the second DWG while allowing the interface surface of the first DWG to rotate axially with respect to the interface surface of the second DWG.

Retractable dielectric waveguide

A dielectric wave guide (DWG) has a dielectric core member having that has a first dielectric constant value. A cladding surrounding the dielectric core member has a second dielectric constant value that is lower than the first dielectric constant. A mating end of the DWG is configured in a non-planer shape for mating with a second DWG having a matching non-planar shaped mating end.

Juan Alejandro Herbsommer

Papers

Dielectric Waveguide Manufactured Using Printed Circuit Board Technology

Interchip communication using a dielectric waveguide

Dielectric Waveguide with Conductive Coating

Retractable dielectric waveguide

Dielectric waveguide with non-planar interface surface and mating deformable material