Optimizing radio frequency (RF) coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a wireless distribution system (WDS)

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to optimizing radio frequency (RF) coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a wireless distribution system (WDS). A control circuit is configured to selectively determine at least one selected remote unit group comprising two or more remote units selected from a plurality of remote units in the WDS. A first remote unit in the selected remote unit group is configured to transmit an RF signal. The control circuit is configured to determine a first prediction deviation and a second prediction deviation, respectively. The control circuit determines correction factor(s) for selected correction point(s) based on the first prediction deviation and the second prediction deviation. The control circuit optimizes RF coverage in coverage area(s) based on the determined correction factor(s), thus improving RF performance and capacity of the WDS.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to a wireless distribution system (WDS), and more particularly to optimizing radio frequency (RF) coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a WDS network.

Wireless customers are increasingly demanding digital data services, such as streaming video signals. At the same time, some wireless customers use their wireless communications devices in areas that are poorly serviced by conventional cellular networks, such as inside certain buildings or areas where there is little cellular coverage. One response to the intersection of these two concerns has been the use of WDSs. WDSs include remote units configured to receive and transmit communications signals to client devices within the antenna range of the remote units. WDSs can be particularly useful when deployed inside buildings or other indoor environments where the wireless communications devices may not otherwise be able to effectively receive RF signals from a signal source.

In this regard,FIG. 1illustrates distribution of communication services to remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) of a WDS102provided in the form of a DAS, wherein ‘N’ is the number of remote coverage areas. These communication services can include cellular services, wireless services, such as RF identification (RFID) tracking, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), local area network (LAN), wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless solutions (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Global Positioning System (GPS) signal-based, and others) for location-based services, and combinations thereof, as examples. The remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) may be remotely located. In this regard, the remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) are created by and centered on remote units104(1)-104(N) connected to a head-end equipment (HEE)106(e.g., a head-end controller, a head-end unit, or a central unit). The HEE106may be communicatively coupled to a signal source108, for example, a base transceiver station (BTS) or a baseband unit (BBU). In this regard, the HEE106receives downlink communications signals110D from the signal source108to be distributed to the remote units104(1)-104(N). The remote units104(1)-104(N) are configured to receive the downlink communications signals110D from the HEE106over a communications medium112to be distributed to the respective remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) of the remote units104(1)-104(N). In a non-limiting example, the communications medium112may be a wired communications medium, a wireless communications medium, or an optical fiber-based communications medium. Each of the remote units104(1)-104(N) may include an RF transmitter/receiver and a respective antenna114(1)-114(N) operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver to wirelessly distribute the communication services to client devices116within the respective remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N). The remote units104(1)-104(N) are also configured to receive uplink communications signals110U from the client devices116in the respective remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) to be distributed to the signal source108. The size of each of the remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) is determined by the amount of RF power transmitted by the respective remote units104(1)-104(N), receiver sensitivity, antenna gain, and RF environment, as well as by RF transmitter/receiver sensitivity of the client devices116. The client devices116usually have a fixed maximum RF receiver sensitivity, so that the above-mentioned properties of the remote units104(1)-104(N) mainly determine the size of the respective remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N).

As previously discussed, the remote units104(1)-104(N) are configured to wirelessly distribute the communication services within the remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N). During design or initial deployment of the WDS102, the transmission/reception range of remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) may be estimated based on calculation and/or simulation tools. The estimated transmission/reception range may affect how the WDS102is installed and how the remote units104(1)-104(N) are deployed to provide the desired remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N). However, the remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) may not be estimated with perfect accuracy due to difficulty in accurately predicting RF characteristics in a real world environment. For instance, RF signal attenuation caused by walls, floors, and/or ceilings, RF signal reflection coefficient, and/or actual radiation pattern of the antennas114(1)-114(N) can significantly impact the accuracy of the remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N). In this regard, it may be desirable to optimize RF coverage in the remote coverage areas100(1)-100(N) after the WDS102is deployed.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of any cited documents.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to optimizing radio frequency (RF) coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a wireless distribution system (WDS). Before a WDS is initially deployed, the placement design of remote units in the WDS is based on predicted remote unit coverage areas (i.e., the transmission/reception coverage areas) from calculations and/or simulations. However, the predicted remote unit coverage areas may be different from actual remote unit coverage areas established after deployment, because RF characteristics are difficult to factor into the calculations and/or simulations due to potential signal obstruction elements (e.g., walls, floors, furniture, etc.). Hence, to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas after the WDS is deployed, in certain aspects disclosed herein, a control circuit is provided in the WDS and communicatively coupled to the remote units forming the remote unit coverage areas. The control circuit may be provided in a central unit or located in one or more other components in the WDS as examples. The control circuit is configured to selectively determine at least one selected remote unit group including two or more remote units selected from the remote units in the WDS. A remote unit in the selected remote unit group is configured to transmit at least one RF signal to the other remote units in the selected remote unit group to determine prediction deviations (e.g., power prediction deviations) based on respective received RF signals. The control circuit is configured to determine one or more correction factors for one or more selected correction points located within an area defined by the selected remote unit group based on the prediction deviations to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas serviced by the remote units in the selected remote unit group by correction factors. The correction factors can then be used to adjust one or more of the remote units to change the remote unit coverage areas with improved accuracy, thus improving RF performance and capacity of the WDS. By defining an appropriate number of selected remote unit groups involving different combinations of the remote units in the WDS, it is possible to optimize RF coverage in all of the remote unit coverage areas in the WDS. As a result, overall RF performance and capacity of the WDS may be improved.

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a WDS. The WDS comprises a plurality of remote units. The plurality of remote units is configured to receive a plurality of downlink communications signals from a central unit over a plurality of downlink communications mediums and distribute the plurality of downlink communications signals in a plurality of remote unit coverage areas, respectively. The plurality of remote units is also configured to receive a plurality of uplink communications signals in the plurality of remote unit coverage areas and provide the plurality of uplink communications signals to the central unit over a plurality of uplink communications mediums, respectively. The WDS also comprises a control circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of remote units. For at least one selected remote unit group comprising two or more remote units among the plurality of remote units, the control circuit is configured to instruct a first remote unit in the at least one selected remote unit group to transmit at least one RF signal. The control circuit is also configured to instruct a second remote unit in the at least one selected remote unit group to receive the at least one RF signal. The control circuit is also configured to determine a first prediction deviation at the second remote unit based on a difference between the at least one RF signal received at the second remote unit and the at least one RF signal predicted to be received at the second remote unit. The control circuit is also configured to instruct a third remote unit in the at least one selected remote unit group to receive the at least one RF signal. The control circuit is also configured to determine a second prediction deviation at the third remote unit based on a difference between the at least one RF signal received at the third remote unit and the at least one RF signal predicted to be received at the third remote unit. The control circuit is also configured to determine one or more correction factors for one or more selected correction points located within an area defined by the at least one selected remote unit group based on the first prediction deviation and the second prediction deviation.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method for optimizing RF coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a WDS. For at least one selected remote unit group comprising two or more remote units among a plurality of remote units in the WDS, the method comprises instructing a first remote unit in the at least one selected remote unit group to transmit at least one RF signal. The method also comprises instructing a second remote unit in the at least one selected remote unit group to receive the at least one RF signal. The method also comprises determining a first prediction deviation at the second remote unit based on a difference between the at least one RF signal received at the second remote and the at least one RF signal predicted to be received at the second remote unit. The method also comprises instructing a third remote unit in the at least one selected remote unit group to receive the at least one RF signal. The method also comprises determining a second prediction deviation at the third remote unit based on a difference between the at least one RF signal received at the third remote unit and the at least one RF signal predicted to be received at the third remote unit. The method also comprises determining one or more correction factors for one or more selected correction points located within an area defined by the at least one selected remote unit group based on the first prediction deviation and the second prediction deviation.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to optimizing radio frequency (RF) coverage in remote unit coverage areas in a wireless distribution system (WDS). Before a WDS is initially deployed, the placement design of remote units in the WDS is based on predicted remote unit coverage areas (i.e., the transmission/reception coverage areas) from calculations and/or simulations. However, the predicted remote unit coverage areas may be different from actual remote unit coverage areas established after deployment, because RF characteristics are difficult to factor into the calculations and/or simulations due to potential signal obstruction elements (e.g., walls, floors, furniture, etc.). Hence, to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas after the WDS is deployed, in certain aspects disclosed herein, a control circuit is provided in the WDS and communicatively coupled to the remote units forming the remote unit coverage areas. The control circuit may be provided in a central unit or located in one or more other components in the WDS as examples. The control circuit is configured to selectively determine at least one selected remote unit group including two or more remote units selected from the remote units in the WDS. A remote unit in the selected remote unit group is configured to transmit at least one RF signal to the other remote units in the selected remote unit group to determine prediction deviations (e.g., power prediction deviations) based on respective received RF signals. The control circuit is configured to determine one or more correction factors for one or more selected correction points located within an area defined by the selected remote unit group based on the prediction deviations to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas serviced by the remote units in the selected remote unit group by correction factors. The correction factors can then be used to adjust one or more of the remote units to change the remote unit coverage areas with improved accuracy, thus improving RF performance and capacity of the WDS. By defining an appropriate number of selected remote unit groups involving different combinations of the remote units in the WDS, it is possible to optimize RF coverage in all of the remote unit coverage areas in the WDS. As a result, overall RF performance and capacity of the WDS may be improved.

In this regard,FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of an exemplary WDS200in which a control circuit202is configured to optimize RF coverage in a plurality of remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) in the WDS200based on actual RF signal power levels measured in selected remote unit coverage areas among the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N). The WDS200includes a plurality of remote units206(1)-206(N) and a central unit208. In a non-limiting example, the control circuit202can be provided in the central unit208as a centralized control circuit or one or more of the remote units206(1)-206(N) as a distributed control circuit. The control circuit202may also be hosted in other computing elements in the WDS200. The remote units206(1)-206(N) are configured to receive a plurality of downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) from the central unit208over a plurality of downlink communications mediums212(1)-212(N), and distribute the received downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) to one or more client devices in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N), respectively. The remote units206(1)-206(N) are also configured to receive a plurality of uplink communications signals214(1)-214(N) from the one or more client devices in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N). The remote units206(1)-206(N) are configured to provide the received uplink communications signals214(1)-214(N) to the central unit208over a plurality of uplink communications mediums216(1)-216(N), respectively. In this regard, the remote units206(1)-206(N) are configured to provide downlink and uplink communications services in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N), respectively.

With continuing reference toFIG. 2, the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) may be organized into one or more cell areas218(1)-218(M). In a non-limiting example, the cell areas218(1)-218(M) are defined based on communication services (e.g., long-term evolution (LTE)) and/or physical premises (e.g., buildings or floors within buildings). Each of the cell areas218(1)-218(M) may include one or more of the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N). For example, the cell area218(1) includes the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(3), and the cell area218(M) includes the remote unit coverage areas204(N−3)-204(N).

In a non-limiting example, the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) are determined based on intended coverage areas for a particular deployment layout/design using simulation tools. The remote units206(1)-206(N) are deployed in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) when the WDS200is initially deployed. Accordingly, the remote units206(1)-206(N) are configured to transmit the downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) in respective predicted transmitting power levels to sufficiently cover the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N). In a non-limiting example, the respective predicted transmitting power levels are determined to ensure client devices located at a boundary of the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) can receive the downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) with predicted signal strengths. The remote units206(1)-206(N) are also configured to receive the uplink communications signals214(1)-214(N) in respective predicted receiving power levels to provide adequate signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in the received uplink communications signals214(1)-214(N).

However, it may be difficult for the simulation tools to factor in RF characteristics of various signal obstruction elements (e.g., physical obstructions and/or reflectors such as walls, floors, furniture, etc.) that may have a significant impact on propagations of the downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) and/or the uplink communications signals214(1)-214(N) in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N). For example, propagations of the downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) and or the uplink communications signals214(1)-214(N) can be impacted by the signal obstruction elements and their related RF characteristics (e.g., attenuation and/or reflection factors). In a non-limiting example, the signal obstruction elements can attenuate one or more of the downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N), thus causing one or more of the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) to be reduced compared to predicted remote unit coverage areas determined using simulation tools. As a result, dead spots may be created in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N), thus preventing client devices from receiving the downlink communications signals210(1)-210(N) correctly. In another non-limiting example, the signal obstruction elements can alter propagation path of the uplink communications signal214(1) transmitted by a client device in the remote unit coverage area204(1), thus causing the uplink communications signal214(1) to be received by the remote unit206(2) in the remote unit coverage area204(2) instead. Hence, it may be desirable to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) based on more accurate determination of the RF characteristics of the signal obstruction elements in the WDS200.

In this regard, the control circuit202, which is communicatively coupled to the remote units206(1)-206(N), is configured to determine prediction deviations based on at least one RF signal communicated in at least one selected remote unit group220. The selected remote unit group220includes two or more remote units selected among the remote units206(1)-206(N) in the WDS200. For the convenience of illustration and reference, the selected remote unit group220discussed hereinafter includes three remote units that define a triangular-shaped coverage area. It shall be appreciated that it is also possible to form the selected remote unit group220with two remote units or more than three remote units. For example, the selected remote unit group220can be formed with four remote units, thus defining a quadrangular-shaped coverage area, or with five remote units, thus defining a pentagonal-shaped coverage area, and so on. As will be described in more detail below, the control circuit202is further configured to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) serviced by the three remote units in the selected remote unit group220based on the determined prediction deviations. Specifically, an RF signal transmitted by one of three remote units in the selected remote unit group220can be received at two other remote units in the selected remote unit group220. The RF signal actually received at the two other remote units can be compared to the RF signal predicted to be received at the two other remote units to determine two prediction deviations at the two other remote units. Accordingly, two correction factors may be determined for reception at locations of the two other remote units, respectively. The determined two correction factors can be used subsequently to determine a correction factor for a selected correction point within an area defined by the three remote units. In a non-limiting example, the correction factor for the selected correction point is proportional to linear distances between the selected correction point and the three remote units in the selected remote unit group220. As such, it is possible to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the actual power level of the RF signal based on the determined correction factor for the selected correction point.

By determining the prediction deviations based on the RF signal(s) communicated in the selected remote unit group220, it is possible for the control circuit202to more accurately determine RF characteristics of the signal obstruction elements in an area defined by the three remote units in the selected remote unit group220, thus optimizing RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) serviced by the three remote units in the selected remote unit group220. Accordingly, by defining an appropriate number of selected remote unit groups involving different combinations of the remote units206(1)-206(N), it is possible to determine prediction deviations in these selected remote unit groups, thus optimizing RF coverage in all of the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) in the WDS200. As a result, overall RF performance and capacity of the WDS200may be improved.

For the convenience of illustration and discussion, the selected remote unit group220as shown therein includes the remote unit206(1), the remote unit206(2), and the remote unit206(3). It shall be appreciated that the selected remote unit group220can be defined based on any of the remote units206(1)-206(N) in the WDS200. For example, the selected remote unit group220can be constructed to include the remote unit206(1), the remote unit206(N−3), and the remote unit206(N), or any other remote unit combination as appropriate. In addition, it is possible for any of the remote units206(1)-206(N) to be included in more than one selected remote unit group. It shall be further appreciated that the mechanisms for optimizing RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(3) discussed with reference to the selected remote unit group220can be used to optimize RF coverage in any of the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) in the WDS200.

In this regard,FIG. 3is a schematic diagram providing an exemplary illustration of the selected remote unit group220ofFIG. 2that can be configured to determine prediction deviations among the three remote units206(1)-206(3) in this example based on at least one RF signal300. Common elements betweenFIGS. 2 and 3are shown therein with common element numbers and will not be re-described herein. As discussed above, an RF signal transmitted by one of three remote units in the selected remote unit group220can be received at two other remote units in the selected remote unit group220. The RF signal actually received at the two other remote units can be compared to the RF signal predicted to be received at the two other remote units to determine two prediction deviations at the locations of the two other remote units. Accordingly, two correction factors may be determined for the locations of the two other remote units, respectively. The determined two correction factors can be used subsequently to determine a correction factor for a selected correction point within an area defined by the three remote units. In a non-limiting example, the correction factor for the selected correction point is proportional to linear distances between the selected correction point and the three remote units in the selected remote unit group220. As such, it is possible to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the actual power level of the RF signal based on the determined correction factor for the selected correction point.

In one embodiment, power level of the RF signal transmitted by one of the three remote units in the selected remote unit group220can be measured at the two other remote units in the selected remote unit group220. The two measured actual power levels can be compared to two predicted power levels for the two other remote units to determine two power prediction deviations at the locations of the two other remote units. Accordingly, two power correction factors may be determined for the locations of the two other remote units, respectively. The determined two power correction factors can be used subsequently to determine a power correction factor for a selected correction point within an area defined by the three remote units. In this regard, with reference toFIG. 3, in a non-limiting example, the remote units206(1)-206(3) in the selected remote unit group220are designated as a first remote unit302(also referenced as point A), a second remote unit304(also referenced as point B), and a third remote unit306(also referenced as point C), respectively. The control circuit202is communicatively coupled to the first remote unit302, the second remote unit304, and the third remote unit306. It shall be appreciated that any of the remote units206(1)-206(3) can be designated as the first remote unit302without adversely impacting determination of the prediction deviations in the selected remote unit group220.

The first remote unit302, the second remote unit304, and the third remote unit306define an area308. In a non-limiting example, the area308is a triangular-shaped area defined by point A, point B, and point C. The control circuit202is configured to instruct the first remote unit302in the selected remote unit group220to transmit the RF signal300at a first actual power level P1. In response to receiving instructions from the control circuit202, the first remote unit302is configured to transmit the RF signal300to the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220concurrently. As the RF signal300propagates through the area308, one or more signal obstruction elements may cause the first actual power level P1of the RF signal300to change when the RF signal300arrives at the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306. In this regard, the second remote unit304may receive the RF signal300at a second actual power level P2, and the third remote unit306may receive the RF signal300at a third actual power level P3. In the meantime, the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306may have been previously predicted by the simulation tools prior to deployment to receive the RF signal300at a first predicted receiving power level PP1and a second predicted receiving power level PP2, respectively. As such, RF signal obstruction elements may be causing the second actual power level P2at the second remote unit304to be different from the first predicted receiving power level PP1at the second remote unit304. Likewise, RF signal obstruction elements may be causing the third actual power level P3the third remote unit306to be different from the second predicted receiving power level PP2at the third remote unit306. The control circuit202is aware of the first predicted receiving power level PP1at the second remote unit304and the second predicted receiving power level PP2at the third remote unit306. In a non-limiting example, the control circuit202stores the first predicted receiving power level PP1and the second predicted receiving power level PP2in a storage media.

In this regard, the control circuit202instructs the second remote unit304to receive the RF signal300at the second actual power level P2. In a non-limiting example, the second remote unit304communicates the second actual power level P2to the control circuit202. Subsequently, the control circuit202determines a first power prediction deviation Δ@Bat the second remote unit304by subtracting the first predicted receiving power level PP1from the second actual power level P2. According to previous discussions inFIG. 2, the control circuit202may be provided in the second remote unit304. As such, it shall be appreciated that it is possible for the second remote unit304to determine the first power prediction deviation Δ@Bas well. The control circuit202also instructs the third remote unit306to receive the RF signal300at the third actual power level P3. In a non-limiting example, the third remote unit306communicates the third actual power level P3to the control circuit202. Subsequently, the control circuit202determines a second power prediction deviation Δ@Cat the third remote unit306by subtracting the second predicted receiving power level PP2from the third actual power level P3. According to previous discussions inFIG. 2, the control circuit202may be provided in the third remote unit306. As such, it shall be appreciated that it is possible for the third remote unit306to determine the second power prediction deviation Δ@Cas well.

With continuing reference toFIG. 3, the control circuit202is then further configured to determine one or more correction factors Δ@1-Δ@Lfor one or more selected correction points310(1)-310(L) located in the area308, respectively, based on the power prediction deviations Δ@Band Δ@C. In a non-limiting example, the selected correction point310(1) (also referenced as point M) is located on a first straight line312connecting points B and C. As is further discussed later, the correction factors Δ@1-Δ@Lcan be either power correction factors or path loss correction factors. In the same non-limiting example, the selected correction point310(L) (also referenced as point N) is located on a second straight line314connecting points A and M. The control circuit202is configured to determine the correction factor Δ@1for the selected correction point310(1) based on the equation (Eq. 1) below.
Δ@1=(dBM/dBC)×(Δ@C−Δ@B)+Δ@B(Eq. 1)

With reference to Eq. 1, dBMrefers to a linear distance from point B to point M, and dBCrefers to a linear distance from point B to point C. In this regard, the control circuit202can determine a respective correction factor for any correction point located on the first straight line312based on Eq. 1. The control circuit202is configured to determine the correction factor Δ@Lbased on the equation (Eq. 2) below.
Δ@L=(dAN/dAM)×Δ@1(Eq. 2)

With reference to Eq. 2, dANrefers to a linear distance from point A to point N and dAMrefers to a linear distance from point A to point M. In this regard, the control circuit202can determine correction factors Δ@2-Δ@Lfor the selected correction points310(2)-310(L) located on the second straight line314based on Eq. 2. Thus, the control circuit202can determine a respective correction factor for any correction point located within the area308based on Eq. 1 and Eq. 2. For example, by moving the selected correction point310(1) (point M) to a selected correction point310′(1) (point M′) along the first straight line312, the control circuit202can determine a correction factor Δ′@1for the selected correction point310′(1) based on Eq. 1. Further, the control circuit202can determine correction factors Δ′@2-Δ′@Lfor the selected correction points310′(2)-310′(L) located on a third straight line316connecting the points A and M′ based on Eq. 2.

With reference back toFIG. 2, the control circuit202can be configured to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) according to a process. In this regard,FIG. 4is a flowchart of an exemplary process400of the control circuit202ofFIG. 2for optimizing RF coverage for reception at locations of the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) in the WDS200;

With reference toFIG. 4, the control circuit202determines the selected remote unit group220including the remote units206(1)-206(3) among the remote units206(1)-206(N) in the WDS200(block402). The control circuit202instructs the first remote unit302in the selected remote unit group220to transmit the RF signal300(block404). The control circuit202instructs the second remote unit304in the selected remote unit group220to receive the RF signal300(block406). The control circuit202determines the first power prediction deviation Δ@Bat the second remote unit304based on the difference between the RF signal300received at the second remote unit304and the RF signal300predicted to be received at the second remote unit304(block408). The control circuit202instructs the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220to receive the RF signal300(block410). The control circuit202determines the second power prediction deviation Δ@Cat the third remote unit306based on the difference between the RF signal300received at the third remote unit306and the RF signal300predicted to be received at the third remote unit306(block412). The control circuit202determines the correction factors Δ@1-Δ@Lfor the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) located within the area308defined by the selected remote unit group220based on the first power prediction deviation Δ@Band the second power prediction deviation Δ@C(block414).

With reference back toFIG. 3, in a first non-limiting example, the correction factors Δ@1-Δ@Lmay be one or more power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@Lfor the selected correction points310(1)-310(L). In this regard,FIG. 5Ais a schematic diagram providing an exemplary illustration of the selected remote unit group220ofFIG. 3for determining the power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@Lbased on the first power prediction deviation Δ@Band the second power prediction deviation Δ@C. Common elements betweenFIGS. 2, 3, and 5Aare shown therein with common element numbers and will not be re-described herein.

With reference toFIG. 5A, the control circuit202is configured to determine the power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@Lbased on the first power prediction deviation Δ@Band the second power prediction deviation Δ@C. The control circuit202is configured to determine the power correction factor ΔP@1for the selected correction point310(1) based on the equation (Eq. 3) below.
ΔP@1=(dBM/dBC)×(Δ@C−Δ@B)+Δ@B(Eq. 3)

With reference to Eq. 3, dBMrefers to the linear distance from point B to point M, and dBCrefers to the linear distance from point B to point C. In this regard, the control circuit202can determine the respective power correction factor for any correction point located on the first straight line312based on Eq. 3. The control circuit202is configured to determine the power correction factor ΔP@Lbased on the equation (Eq. 4) below.
ΔP@L=(dAN/dAM)×ΔP@1(Eq. 4)

With reference to Eq. 4, dANrefers to the linear distance from point A to point N, and dAMrefers to the linear distance from point A to point M. In this regard, the control circuit202can determine the power correction factors ΔP@2-ΔP@Lfor the selected correction points310(2)-310(L) located on the second straight line314based on Eq. 4. Thus, the control circuit202can determine the respective power correction factor for any correction point located within the area308based on Eq. 3 and Eq. 4.

Based on the determined power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@L, the control circuit202is able to determine whether actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are higher than, lower than, or equal to predicted power levels PP@1-PP@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L). In a non-limiting example, the control circuit202can determine that the actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are higher than the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@Lwhen the power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@Lare greater than zero (0). Likewise, the control circuit202can determine that the actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are lower than the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@Lwhen the power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@Lare less than 0. Similarly, the control circuit202can determine that the actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are equal to the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@Lwhen the power correction factors ΔP@1-ΔP@Lare equal to 0. Further, the control circuit202may determine that some of the actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are higher than the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@L, some of the actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are lower than the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@L, and some of the actual power levels P@1-P@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are equal to the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@L. Accordingly, the control circuit202can control the first remote unit302to decrease, increase, or maintain the first power level P1of the RF signal300in response to determining that the actual power levels P@1-P@L, at the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are higher than, lower than, or equal to the predicted power levels PP@1-PP@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L).

With reference back toFIG. 3, in a second non-limiting example, the correction factors Δ@1-Δ@Lmay be one or more path loss correction factors ΔPL@1-ΔPL@Lfor the selected correction points310(1)-310(L). In this regard,FIG. 5Bis a schematic diagram providing an exemplary illustration of the selected remote unit group220ofFIG. 3for determining the path loss correction factors ΔPL@1-ΔPL@Lbased on the first power prediction deviation Δ@Band the second power prediction deviation Δ@C. Common elements betweenFIGS. 2, 3, and 5Bare shown therein with common element numbers and will not be re-described herein.

With reference toFIG. 5B, the control circuit202is configured to determine a first actual path loss PL1at the second remote unit304based on the second actual power level P2and the first actual power level P1of the RF signal300. The control circuit202is further configured to determine a first path loss prediction deviation ΔPL@Bbased on a difference between the first actual path loss PL1and a first predicted path loss PLP1at the second remote unit304. Similarly, the control circuit202is configured to determine a second actual path loss PL2at the third remote unit306based on a difference between the third actual power level P3and the first actual power P1of the RF signal300. The control circuit202is further configured to determine a second path loss prediction deviation ΔPL@Cbased on the determined second actual path loss PL2and a second predicted path loss PLP2at the third remote unit306. The control circuit202is configured to determine the path loss correction factor ΔPL@1for the selected correction point310(1) based on the equation (Eq. 5) below.
ΔPL@1=(dBM/dBC)×(ΔPL@C−ΔPL@B)+ΔPL@B(Eq. 5)

With reference to Eq. 5, dBMrefers to the linear distance from point B to point M, and dBCrefers to the linear distance from point B to point C. In this regard, the control circuit202can determine the respective path loss correction factor for any correction point located on the first straight line312based on Eq. 5. The control circuit202is configured to determine the path loss correction factors ΔP@Lbased on the equation (Eq. 6) below.
ΔPL@L=(dAN/dAM)×ΔPL@1(Eq. 6)

With reference to Eq. 6, dANrefers to the linear distance from point A to point N, and dAMrefers to the linear distance from point A to point M. In this regard, the control circuit202can determine the path loss correction factors ΔPL@2-ΔPL@Lfor the selected correction points310(2)-310(L) located on the second straight line314based on Eq. 6. Thus, the control circuit202can determine the respective path loss correction factor for any correction point located within the area308based on Eq. 5 and Eq. 6.

Based on the path loss correction factors ΔPL@1-ΔPL@L, the control circuit202is able to determine whether actual path losses PL@1-PL@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are higher than, lower than, or equal to predicted path losses PLp@1-PLp@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L). In a non-limiting example, the control circuit202can determine that the actual path losses PL@1-PL@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are higher than the predicted path losses PLP@1-PLP@Lwhen the path loss correction factors ΔPL@1-APL@Lare greater than zero (0). Likewise, the control circuit202can determine that the actual path losses PL@1-PL@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are lower than the predicted path losses PLP@1-PLP@Lwhen the path loss correction factors ΔPL@1-ΔPL@Lare less than 0. Similarly, the control circuit202can determine that the actual path losses PL@1-PL@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are equal to the predicted path losses PLP@1-PLP@Lwhen the path loss correction factors ΔPL@1-ΔPL@Lare equal to 0. Accordingly, the control circuit202can control the first remote unit302to increase, decrease, or maintain the first actual power level P1of the RF signal300in response to determining that the actual path losses PL@1-PL@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are respectively higher than, lower than, or equal to the predicted path losses PLp@1-PLp@Lat the selected correction points310(1)-310(L).

With reference back toFIG. 3, in a non-limiting example, the first remote unit302in the selected remote unit group220is configured to transmit the RF signal300that includes at least one non-modulated continuous wave signal. The non-modulated continuous wave signal can help improve receiver sensitivity at the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220. Accordingly, RF receivers at the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306are configured to receive the non-modulated continuous wave signal at a defined RF filter bandwidth, which can be one kilohertz (1 KHz), for example.

With continuing reference toFIG. 3, in a first non-limiting example, the RF signal300transmitted by the first remote unit302is in a downlink frequency range of at least one of the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220. In this regard, the control circuit202instructs the at least one of the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306to receive the RF signal300in a listening mode in the downlink frequency range. In a second non-limiting example, the RF signal300transmitted by the first remote unit302is in an uplink frequency range of at least one of the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220. In this regard, the control circuit202further instructs the at least one of the second remote unit304and the third remote unit306to receive the RF signal300in the listening mode in the uplink frequency range.

In another non-limiting example, the first remote unit302in the selected remote unit group220is configured to transmit the RF signal330that includes a plurality of non-coherent frequencies corresponding to a plurality of assigned weight factors, respectively. The non-coherent frequencies, which provide frequency diversity, can help neutralize selective fading effects that are typically frequency dependent. In this regard, the second remote unit304in the selected remote unit group220is configured to receive the RF signal300in the non-coherent frequencies. The second remote unit304is further configured to determine the first power prediction deviation Δ@Bbased on the assigned weight factors corresponding to the non-coherent frequencies. Likewise, the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220is configured to receive the RF signal300in the non-coherent frequencies. The third remote unit306is further configured to determine the second power prediction deviation Δ@Cbased on the assigned weight factors corresponding to the non-coherent frequencies.

According to Eq. 2, the control circuit202determines the correction factor Δ@Lin the selected remote unit group220based on the correction factor Δ@1, which is further determined based on Eq. 1. In a non-limiting example, it is possible to enhance and/or verify accuracy of the correction factor Δ@Ldetermined based on Eq. 2 by determining multiple versions of the correction factor Δ@L. In this regard,FIG. 6is a schematic diagram of an exemplary second selected remote unit group600including the first remote unit302ofFIG. 3, the second remote unit304ofFIG. 3, the third remote unit306ofFIG. 3, and a fourth remote unit602for determining at least one correction factor Δ@Nwith enhanced accuracy. Common elements betweenFIGS. 3 and 6are shown therein with common element numbers and will not be re-described herein.

With reference toFIG. 6, the control circuit202instructs the first remote unit302to transmit the RF signal300at the first actual power level P1. The control circuit202instructs the second remote unit304to receive the RF signal300at the second actual power level P2. The control circuit202determines the first power prediction deviation Δ@Bat the second remote unit304based on the difference between the received second actual power level P2and the first predicted receiving power level PP1.

The control circuit202instructs the third remote unit306to receive the RF signal300at the third actual power level P3. The control circuit202determines the second power prediction deviation Δ@Cat the third remote unit306based on the difference between the received third actual power level P3and the second predicted receiving power level PP2.

With continuing reference toFIG. 6, the control circuit202instructs the fourth remote unit602(also referenced as point D) to transmit at least one second RF signal604at a fourth actual power level P4. The control circuit202instructs the second remote unit304to receive the second RF signal604at a fifth actual power level P5. The control circuit202determines a third power prediction deviation Δ@BBbased on the difference between the received fifth actual power level P5and the first predicted receiving power level PP1.

The control circuit202instructs the third remote unit306to receive the second RF signal604at a sixth actual power level P6. The control circuit202determines a fourth power prediction deviation Δ@CCbased on the difference between the received sixth actual power level P6and the second predicted receiving power level PP2.

Accordingly, the control circuit202determines the at least one correction factor Δ@Namong the correction factors Δ@1-Δ@LofFIG. 3based on the first power prediction deviation Δ@B, the second power prediction deviation Δ@C, the third power prediction deviation Δ@BB, and the fourth power prediction deviation Δ@CC. Specifically, the control circuit202first determines a first correction factor Δ@M1based on the equation (Eq. 7) below.
Δ@M1=(dBM1/dBC)×(Δ@C−Δ@B)+Δ@B(Eq. 7)

With reference to Eq. 7, dBM1refers to a linear distance from point B to point M1, and dBCrefers to the linear distance from point B to point C. The control circuit202is configured to determine a first reference correction factor Δ@N1based on the equation (Eq. 8) below.
Δ@N1=(dAN/dAM1)×Δ@M1(Eq. 8)

With reference to Eq. 8, dANrefers to the linear distance from point A to point N, and dAM1refers to a linear distance from point A to point M1. Next, the control circuit202determines a second correction factor Δ@M2based on the equation (Eq. 9) below.
Δ@M2=(dCM2/dCB)×(Δ@BB−Δ@CC)+Δ@CC(Eq. 9)

With reference to Eq. 9, dCM2refers to a linear distance from point C to point M2, and dCBrefers to a linear distance from point C to point B. The control circuit202is configured to determine a second reference correction factor Δ@N2based on the equation (Eq. 10) below.
Δ@N2=(dDN/dDM2)×Δ@M2(Eq. 10)

With reference to Eq. 10, dDNrefers to a linear distance from point D to point N and dDM2refers to a linear distance from point D to point M2. As such, the control circuit202can determine the correction factor Δ@Nbased on the first reference correction factor Δ@N1and the second reference correction factor Δ@N2, thus improving accuracy of the correction factor Δ@N. In a non-limiting example, the control circuit202can determine the correction factor Δ@Nby averaging the first and section reference correction factors Δ@N1and Δ@N2.

With reference back toFIG. 3, in a non-limiting example, the first remote unit302, the second remote unit304, and the third remote unit306are mounted on a same ceiling of a building. In this regard, the first remote unit302, the second remote unit304, and the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220are located at a first height from a ground level (e.g., a floor in the building). In this regard, according to the same non-limiting example, the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) are also located approximately at the first height from the ground level.

However, it may be possible that a selected correction point (e.g., a client device) among the selected correction points310(1)-310(L) is located at a second height from the ground level, and the second height is lower than the first height. In this regard,FIG. 7is a schematic diagram of an exemplary selected remote unit group700configured to determine a correction factor Δ@N1for a selected correction point N1located at a lower height than the first remote unit302, the second remote unit304, and the third remote unit306in the selected remote unit group220ofFIG. 3. Common elements betweenFIGS. 3 and 6are shown therein with common element numbers and will not be re-described herein.

With reference toFIG. 7, the first remote unit302, the second remote unit304, and the third remote unit306are located at a first height H1from a ground level702. However, the selected correction point N1is located at a second height H2from the ground level702, and the second height H2is lower than the first height H1. In a non-limiting example, the selected correction point N1is a client device held by a user. The selected correction point N1has a predicted power level PP@N1, which is generated via calculation and/or simulation. To determine a correction factor Δ@N1, the control circuit202is configured to first determine the correction factor Δ@Mbased on Eq. 1 discussed above. Next, the control circuit202is configured to determine a correction factor Δ@Nbased on Eq. 2 discussed above. The control circuit202is further configured to determine the correction factor Δ@N1for the selected correction point N1based on the equation (Eq. 11) below. As such, the correction factor Δ@N1can be used to improve RF performance for client devices located within the area308.
Δ@N1=PP@N1−Δ@N(Eq. 11)

With reference back toFIG. 2, the central unit208is communicatively coupled to one or more signal sources222(1)-222(K). In a non-limiting example, the signal sources222(1)-222(K) are digital baseband units (BBUs) and/or base transceiver stations (BTSs). The signal sources222(1)-222(K) are configured to communicate with the central unit208based on communication protocols, such as common public radio interface (CPRI), open base station architecture initiative (OBSAI) protocol, open radio equipment interface (ORI) protocol, or proprietary communication protocols.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram of an exemplary optical fiber-based WDS800provided in the form of an optical fiber-based DAS that includes the WDS200ofFIG. 2configured to optimize RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N). The WDS800includes an optical fiber for distributing communications services for multiple frequency bands. The WDS800in this example is comprised of three main components. One or more radio interfaces provided in the form of radio interface modules (RIMs)802(1)-802(M) are provided in a central unit804to receive and process downlink electrical communications signals806D(1)-806D(R) prior to optical conversion into downlink optical fiber-based communications signals. The downlink electrical communications signals806D(1)-806D(R) may be received from a base station as an example. The RIMs802(1)-802(M) provide both downlink and uplink interfaces for signal processing. The notations “1−R” and “1−M” indicate that any number of the referenced component, 1−R and 1−M, respectively, may be provided. The central unit804is configured to accept the RIMs802(1)-802(M) as modular components that can easily be installed and removed or replaced in the central unit804. In one example, the central unit804is configured to support up to twelve RIMs802(1)-802(12). Each RIM802(1)-802(M) can be designed to support a particular type of radio source or range of radio sources (i.e., frequencies) to provide flexibility in configuring the central unit804and the WDS800to support the desired radio sources.

For example, one RIM802may be configured to support the PCS radio band. Another RIM802may be configured to support the 800 megahertz (MHz) radio band. In this example, by inclusion of these RIMs802, the central unit804could be configured to support and distribute communications signals on both PCS and LTE700radio bands, as an example. The RIMs802may be provided in the central unit804that support any frequency bands desired, including but not limited to the US Cellular band, PCS band, AWS band, 700 MHz band, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)900, GSM1800, and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UNITS). The RIMs802(1)-802(M) may also be provided in the central unit804that support any wireless technologies desired, including but not limited to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), CDMA200, 1×RTT, Evolution-Data Only (EV-DO), UMTS, High-speed Packet Access (HSPA), GSM, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), LTE, iDEN, and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).

The RIMs802(1)-802(M) may be provided in the central unit804that support any frequencies desired, including but not limited to US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (824-849 MHz on uplink and 869-894 MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1850-1915 MHz on uplink and 1930-1995 MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1710-1755 MHz on uplink and 2110-2155 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (698-716 MHz and 776-787 MHz on uplink and 728-746 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (880-915 MHz on uplink and 925-960 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (1710-1785 MHz on uplink and 1805-1880 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTE frequencies (1920-1980 MHz on uplink and 2110-2170 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (806-824 MHz on uplink and 851-869 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (896-901 MHz on uplink and 929-941 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (793-805 MHz on uplink and 763-775 MHz on downlink), and US FCC frequencies (2495-2690 MHz on uplink and downlink).

With continuing reference toFIG. 8, the downlink electrical communications signals806D(1)-806D(R) are provided to a plurality of optical interfaces provided in the form of optical interface modules (OIMs)808(1)-808(N) in this embodiment to convert the downlink electrical communications signals806D(1)-806D(R) into downlink optical fiber-based communications signals810D(1)-810D(R). The notation “1−N” indicates that any number of the referenced component 1−N may be provided. The OIMs808(1)-808(N) may be configured to provide one or more optical interface components (OICs) that contain optical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) converters, as will be described in more detail below. The OIMs808(1)-808(N) support the radio bands that can be provided by the RIMs802(1)-802(M), including the examples previously described above.

The OIMs808(1)-808(N) each include E/O converters to convert the downlink electrical communications signals806D(1)-806D(R) into the downlink optical fiber-based communications signals810D(1)-810D(R). The downlink optical fiber-based communications signals810D(1)-810D(R) are communicated over a downlink optical fiber-based communications medium812D to a plurality of remote antenna units (RAUs)814(1)-814(S). The notation “1−S” indicates that any number of the referenced component 1−S may be provided. O/E converters provided in the RAUs814(1)-814(S) convert the downlink optical fiber-based communications signals810D(1)-810D(R) back into the downlink electrical communications signals806D(1)-806D(R), which are provided to antennas816(1)-816(S) in the RAUs814(1)-814(S) to client devices in the reception range of the antennas816(1)-816(S).

E/O converters are also provided in the RAUs814(1)-814(S) to convert uplink electrical communications signals818U(1)-818U(S) received from client devices through the antennas816(1)-816(S) into uplink optical fiber-based communications signals810U(1)-810U(S). The RAUs814(1)-814(S) communicate the uplink optical fiber-based communications signals810U(1)-810U(S) over an uplink optical fiber-based communications medium812U to the OIMs808(1)-808(N) in the central unit804. The OIMs808(1)-808(N) include O/E converters that convert the received uplink optical fiber-based communications signals810U(1)-810U(S) into uplink electrical communications signals820U(1)-820U(S), which are processed by the RIMs802(1)-802(M) and provided as uplink electrical communications signals820U(1)-820U(S). The central unit804may provide the uplink electrical communications signals820U(1)-820U(S) to a base station or other communications system.

Note that the downlink optical fiber-based communications medium812D and the uplink optical fiber-based communications medium812U connected to each RAU814(1)-814(S) may be a common optical fiber-based communications medium, wherein for example, wave division multiplexing (WDM) is employed to provide the downlink optical fiber-based communications signals810D(1)-810D(R) and the uplink optical fiber-based communications signals810U(1)-810U(S) on the same optical fiber-based communications medium.

The WDS200ofFIG. 2may be provided in an indoor environment, as illustrated inFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a partial schematic cut-away diagram of an exemplary building infrastructure900in which the WDS200ofFIG. 2can be employed. The building infrastructure900in this embodiment includes a first (ground) floor902(1), a second floor902(2), and a third floor902(3). The floors902(1)-902(3) are serviced by a central unit904to provide antenna coverage areas906in the building infrastructure900. The central unit904is communicatively coupled to a base station908to receive downlink communications signals910D from the base station908. The central unit904is communicatively coupled to a plurality of remote units912to distribute the downlink communications signals910D to the remote units912and to receive uplink communications signals910U from the remote units912, as previously discussed above. The downlink communications signals910D and the uplink communications signals910U communicated between the central unit904, and the remote units912are carried over a riser cable914. The riser cable914may be routed through interconnect units (ICUs)916(1)-916(3) dedicated to each of the floors902(1)-902(3) that route the downlink communications signals910D and the uplink communications signals910U to the remote units912and also provide power to the remote units912via array cables918.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram representation of additional detail illustrating an exemplary computer system1000that could be employed in a control circuit, including the control circuit202ofFIG. 2, for optimizing RF coverage in the remote unit coverage areas204(1)-204(N) in the WDS200ofFIG. 2. In this regard, the computer system1000is adapted to execute instructions from an exemplary computer-readable medium to perform these and/or any of the functions or processing described herein.

In this regard, the computer system1000inFIG. 10may include a set of instructions that may be executed to predict frequency interference to avoid or reduce interference in a multi-frequency DAS. The computer system1000may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. While only a single device is illustrated, the term “device” shall also be taken to include any collection of devices that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. The computer system1000may be a circuit or circuits included in an electronic board card, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a server, a personal computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computing pad, a mobile device, or any other device, and may represent, for example, a server or a user's computer.

The exemplary computer system1000in this embodiment includes a processing device or processor1002, a main memory1004(e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), etc.), and a static memory1006(e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), which may communicate with each other via a data bus1008. Alternatively, the processor1002may be connected to the main memory1004and/or the static memory1006directly or via some other connectivity means. The processor1002may be a controller, and the main memory1004or the static memory1006may be any type of memory.

The processor1002represents one or more general-purpose processing devices, such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor1002may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a processor implementing other instruction sets, or other processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processor1002is configured to execute processing logic in instructions for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

The computer system1000may further include a network interface device1010. The computer system1000also may or may not include an input1012, configured to receive input and selections to be communicated to the computer system1000when executing instructions. The computer system1000also may or may not include an output1014, including but not limited to a display, a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), and/or a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse).

The computer system1000may or may not include a data storage device that includes instructions1016stored in a computer-readable medium1018. The instructions1016may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1004and/or within the processor1002during execution thereof by the computer system1000, the main memory1004and the processor1002also constituting computer-readable medium. The instructions1016may further be transmitted or received over a network1020via the network interface device1010.