Patent ID: 8577296
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: H04B,H04Q,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method of adjusting a plurality of weighting factors associated with a first access unit located at a first geographic location to collectively produce a collective radiation pattern over a defined geographic coverage area with a plurality of second access units, wherein each second access unit is located at a second geographic location distinct from the first geographic location, the method comprising: receiving, by the first access unit, user input of location coordinates defining the geographic coverage area; identifying, by the first access unit, the plurality of second access units based on the defined geographic coverage area; tracking, by the first access unit, a signal received from each of the second access units using a plurality of phase lock loops, wherein each phase lock loop is associated with an antenna element within the first access unit; determining, by the first access unit, a phase relationship between the first access unit and each second access unit based on the tracked signals; generating, by the first access unit, a plurality of weighting factors that produce a first portion of the collective radiation pattern based on the determined phase relationships, wherein each first weighting factor is associated with one of the plurality of antenna elements; detecting, by the first access unit, that the first portion of the collective radiation pattern conflicts with a second portion of the collective radiation pattern produced by one of the second access units; and adjusting, by the first access unit, the plurality of weighting factors based on the phase relationship, wherein the adjusted weighting factors produce a modified first portion of the collective radiation pattern that does not conflict with the second portion of the collective radiation pattern.