Patent ID: 7486235
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. An antenna system for use in providing short-range wireless access to a network, comprising: a panel having at least one first antenna element to generate a first antenna beam and an array of second antenna elements to generate a second antenna beam, wherein said second antenna beam is electronically steerable with respect to said first antenna beam using phased array techniques; a mount, coupled to said panel, to mount said antenna system in an elevated position within a network access deployment region so that said first antenna beam and said second antenna beam are directed in a generally downward direction within the network access deployment region; an adjustable beamformer network to adjust excitation phases and amplitudes of the array of second antenna elements to electronically adjust a shape of the second antenna beam and to adjust excitation phases of the array of second antenna elements to electronically adjust a direction of the second antenna beam; and wherein said panel further includes at least one additional array of antenna elements to generate at least one additional antenna beam, wherein said at least one additional antenna beam is electronically steerable with respect to said first and second antenna beams.