System and methods of integrating an overlay wireless data network blanket into a high bandwidth FTTX (fiber-to-the-premises/curb/neighborhood) network

An approach to integrate a wireless data network blanket into the high-capacity fixed FttX (Fiber-to-the-Premises/Curb/Neighborhood) network at intersection points throughout the overlay rather than interconnecting them as two disparate networks in order to provide a plurality of data containing video, audio, voice communications, broadcast radio programming, and data both fixed and mobile. This approach is applicable to PON (Passive Optical Networks) and active networks alike, though the implementations vary slightly. Considerations must still be made for security.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current practice is to design and deploy separate fixed communication and wireless telephone (e.g. cellular with data, 2.5 & 3G or Generation) or data-only (e.g. Wi-Fi) networks and then offer similar services such as telephony, internet access and steaming video over each. These two (2) separate networks are then linked by a private connection or over the Internet. A simpler (i.e. cleaner, less complicated, more reliable) approach is to integrate this wireless connection into the high-capacity fixed network at intersection points through out the overlay rather than interconnecting them as two disparate networks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This method of delivering low and high bandwidth mobile network applications encompassing VAD (Video, Audio including telephony or radio and Data) takes advantage of the co-located fixed network which is already in place or is being installed, as a backbone to deliver these same services wirelessly. One efficient method of providing high bandwidth mobile services (e.g. streaming video, VOD, Video On Demand, and RAD, Radio On Demand) is through the use of relatively low powered microcells such as those used in commercially available IEEE standard 802.11 a/b/g/n (Wi-Fi) or 802.16 (Wi-Max) data networks (which can also be used for determining location without need of GPS, Global Positioning System) connected in an overlapping manner as to form a blanket (contiguous domes or bubbles) of coverage along traffic ways. Exact implementations could change as technologies evolve.

The utility is the underlying multimedia high capacity network available to the users wirelessly and mobile, subject only to the limitations of the wireless technology implemented at a particular node. Use of IPv6 will leverage its inherent QoS (Quality Of Service) and mobility features.

Other patents have described applications using currently implemented technologies, which require service(s) to be delivered to the premises. This system describes co-locating contiguous wireless data Points Of Presence (WAPs) along the route(s) as the conductors are implemented, either aerial or buried, for new high bandwidth communications networks. The services provided can be linked to those delivered to the fixed network users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Interconnection of a wireless data network, which may also carry video and voice, to a metropolitan area network (MAN) is most effectively done in an integrated fashion by merging the two networks.

FIG. 1shows the active implementation of the invention. Information is delivered to a neighborhood network router/switch120from a high-capacity circuit115along a major traffic-way105, possibly connected in a ring configuration. From this point a multi-conductor cable130distributes the data into the neighborhood with breakout points135for clusters of premises150(homes and/or businesses). From this cable hub135single cables are delivered to individual locations150, however those crossing under a traffic-way110may share a single tunnel or conduit140.

At this hub135, a WAP145may be installed as needed for mobile coverage depending on the proximity of the next hub135and the range of the wireless equipment. The conductor attached to the WAP145returns to the location of the router/switch120where it is connected instead to a WMAN Switch125that is in turn linked to the router/switch120. Alternatively the WMAN Switch125may at some time be built into the router/switch120.

The other conductors broken out in the cable hub135connect over single cables to IADs (Integrated Access Device)155within the premises150. Attached to the IAD through “home-run” cables are computers, phones, gaming systems, TV/STBs (Set Top Boxes, which may be built in), etc. The consumer may also attach their own local WAP for wireless connectivity to various devices within the premises, or may rely on the strength of the curbside WAP145and associated security.

At implementation, as the feeder cable is being placed along the major traffic-way105to or from the router/switch120, additional cables are brought with it from the WMAN Switch125to WAPs160spaced along this route105as to provide continuous wireless coverage from neighborhood to neighborhood.

FIG. 2shows the PON implementation where the WMAN Switch has been located at the serving central office. Information from the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) is delivered through a high-capacity circuit215along a major traffic-way205, to PON (Passive Optical Network) Splitters237which distribute the data into the neighborhood at breakout points235for clusters of premises250(homes and/or businesses). From this cable hub235, single wavelengths are separated and delivered to ONU (Optical Network Units)255at individual locations250; however those crossing under a traffic-way210may share a single tunnel or conduit240.

At the hub235/splitter237, a WAP245may be installed as needed for mobile coverage depending on the proximity of the next hub235and the range of the wireless equipment. The wavelength attached to the WAP245returns to the Central Office220where it is connected instead to a WMAN Switch225that is in turn linked to the network. A similar approach is possible with cable modems.

Attached to the premises ONU255through “home-run” cables are computers, phones, gaming systems, TV/STBs (Set Top Boxes, which may be built in), etc. The consumer may also attach their own local WAP for wireless connectivity to various devices within the premises, or may rely on the strength of the curbside WAP245and associated security.

At implementation, as the feeder cable215is being placed along the major traffic-way205to or from the Central Office, additional wavelengths are brought with it from the WMAN Switch225to a PON Splitter239that feeds WAPs260spaced along this route205as to provide continuous wireless coverage from neighborhood to neighborhood.

FIG. 3shows the PON implementation with collocated WMAN Switch. Information from the OLT (Optical Line Terminal) is delivered through a high-capacity circuit315along a major traffic-way305, to PON (Passive Optical Network) Splitters337which distribute the data into the neighborhood at breakout points335for clusters of premises350(homes and/or businesses). From this cable hub335, single wavelengths are separated and delivered to ONU (Optical Network Units)355at individual locations350; however those crossing under a traffic-way310may share a single tunnel or conduit340.

Attached to the premises ONU though “home-run” cables are computers, phones, gaming systems, TV/STBs (Set Top Boxes, which may be built in), etc. The consumer may also attach their own local WAP for wireless connectivity to various devices within the premises, or may rely on the strength of the curbside WAP345and associated security.

At some hub335/splitter337locations, one wavelength is fed to a WMAN Switch325located near one WAP345and from which individual P-t-P (Point-To-Point) circuits340feed additional WAPs345that may be installed as needed for mobile coverage, depending on the proximity of the next hub335and the range of the wireless equipment. These P-t-P circuits340should be installed at the same time the PON distribution conductors are placed.

At implementation, as the feeder cable315is being placed along the major traffic-way305to or from the Central Office, additional conductors are brought with it from a local WMAN Switch325to feed WAPs360spaced along this route305as to provide continuous wireless coverage from neighborhood to neighborhood.

While in range, dual-mode phones and other wireless devices off-load the cellular network onto the WMAN freeing precious and more expensive WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network, cellular) bandwidth. This is especially attractive as the WMAN is a high capacity wireless data network repeated every few hundred feet or so, allowing for a myriad of services. Once out of range of the wireless data network footprint, coverage reverts to the cellular voice and data network.

This wireless blanket is also useful for utility (electric, gas or water, etc) monitoring and control telemetry without costly and complicated cable installations. Other types are envisioned and encouraged.