Remote radio head unit tester

A remote radio head unit tester and a method for testing a remote radio head unit is shown and described. The remote radio head tester includes a chamber having an interior volume. The chamber encloses electrical components, at least one of the electrical components is a computer which has a testing algorithm installed thereon. A frame secured to the chamber. At least one set of wires operably coupled with the electrical components. The remote radio head unit tester is configured to test a remote radio head unit by booting up the remote radio head unit. The remote radio head unit can only be booted up after the correct power cables and data cables have been connected to the remote radio head unit. Checking the software version of the remote radio head unit and updating the software. Testing the power connections of the remote radio head unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technology is always advancing and has done so at a rapid pace for the last several decades. Technology has become sophisticated, smaller, and accessible across the globe. This has led to technology becoming integral in everyday life. As with any integral element of life, the demand is high. This high demand has led to a rise in the cost of technological devices.

In addition to high demand, the simple replacement of devices can be expensive. If one merely discards older equipment or equipment with minor defects for a brand-new piece the cost can escalate quickly. If, however, technology is upgraded, or repaired this process can be much more cost effective for both the company and consumer.

Wireless technology has become an expected way of retrieving information. This expectation has led to an exponential increase in demand for wireless connectivity and wireless services. One-way wireless service is provided is via “cell towers.” These towers include remote radio heads. These remote radio heads are wonderful pieces of technology which are still evolving. However, they can be expensive to produce. Further, as technology advances remote radio heads may need to be upgraded or replaced.

When upgrades are needed the entire unit may not need to be replaced with a new unit. Further, the old unit need not be discarded. In many instances, it is possible to replace the old unit with a different unit on the tower. Once replaced the old unit can be upgraded with either software or hardware. However, it can be difficult to readily ascertain what work needs to be done to properly refurbish, upgrade, and reuse the remote radio head. In some instances, this process can consume so many resources that this process becomes wasteful.

Many companies have been taking advantage of the repair instead of discard philosophy. Further, many consumers are happy purchasing a lightly used and repaired device instead of a brand new one. However, these processes come with new challenges in order to remain effective. Consequently, there is always a need for an improvement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a remote radio head unit tester wherein the same can be utilized for testing a remote radio head unit. The remote radio head unit tester includes a chamber having an interior volume. The chamber encloses electrical components. At least one of the electrical components is a computer which has a testing algorithm installed thereon. A frame secured to the chamber. At least one set of wires operably coupled with the electrical components.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have at least one screen operably connected to the electrical components.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have the screens configured to show the test results of the remote radio head test.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have the frame comprised of a plurality of legs and a cross structure.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have the cross structure allow for each set of the at least one set of wires to be suspended therefrom.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have at least one wire of the at least one set of wires is connected to a wire retracting tool.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have at least one server rack located within the chamber.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have the electrical components include, in addition to the at least one computer, at least wire connection and at least one server.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have a conveyer. The conveyer is positioned such that it moves at least one remote radio head into a position such that it can be connected to the at least one set of wires.

Another object of the remote radio head unit tester is to have a method for testing a remote radio head unit. The method including testing the power connections of the remote radio head unit. Connecting power cables to the remote radio head unit. Connecting the remote radio head unit to a remote radio head unit tester. Booting up the remote radio head unit. Checking the software version of the remote radio head unit. Testing the optical ports of the remote radio head unit.

Another object of the remote radio head unit testing method is to further include updating the software of the remote radio head.

Another object of the remote radio head unit testing method is to further include sending the remote radio head to repair after a failed test.

Another object of the remote radio head unit testing method is to further include displaying the test results from the remote radio head on a screen of the remote radio head tester.

Another object of the remote radio head unit testing method is to further include configuring the remote radio head tester to be operable with the remote radio head to be tested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the remote radio head unit tester. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIG.1, there is shown a block diagram of a computing system. Computing systems may have many interchangeable parts or multiples of some parts. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the shown computer100is a basic computing system demonstrating a minimal amount of parts to allow for the computer to function. Computer100is exemplary, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computer100may be altered as necessary to render the presently disclosed system operable or to provide a peak performance of the disclosed system.

The parts described are each operably coupled together as necessary, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to connect general computer components, for example by use of a mother board or other computer board. In the shown embodiment the computer100includes a CPU101. In one embodiment the CPU101includes only one processor. In other embodiments the CPU101may be made up of multiple processors. Different processors will allow for different computing power and speed.

The computer100includes at least one storage device102. In different embodiments the at least one storage device102may be a solid-state storage device, a disk storage device, or another suitable storage device. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are several types of computing storage devices each providing well-known benefits and drawbacks. The at least one storage device102will store at least the computer operating system102aand system software102b. System software102bmay include any software necessary, or optionally, used to run any system described herein.

The computer100will have at least one memory device103. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are several types of computing memory devices each providing well known benefits and drawbacks. The at least one memory device103will store at any active software103a. Active software103amay include the operating system102aor parts of the system software102b. The at least one memory device103may store the entire system software102bsize and speed permitting.

The computer100may also include various connection ports and types. The computer100may have a display adaptor104. The display adaptor104will allow the computer100to connect to at least one display105. In other embodiments multiple displays may be connected to the display adaptor104. Similarly, the computer100may include at least one input/output interface106. The input/output interface106will allow the computer100to connect to at least one system, referred to as System X107inFIG.1. The input/output interface106may also allow for connection to only part of System X107or multiple systems. The computer100will also be operably connected to a required power source108.

The computer100may also include a transceiver109. In one embodiment the transceiver109is a wired transceiver. In another embodiment the transceiver109is a wireless transceiver. The transceiver109will allow the computer100to connect to a network110. The network110may be an internet or an intranet connection. The network110will allow for the computer100to potentially connect to multiple other computing devices. In another embodiment the network may allow for the computer100to connect to multiple systems. In one embodiment the computer100will allow for System X107to be connected to the network110.

Referring now toFIG.2, there is shown an example of a remote radio head unit. The shown remote radio head unit200is only an example or a radio head unit. There are many different models of radio heads produced by many different companies and manufacturers. Each one may have slight differences or different features. However, each remote radio head unit200will have at least several similar components in common.

Remote radio head unit200includes a housing201which contains at least some of the electronic components required. For example, but not shown, the remote radio head unit200may include a computer as described inFIG.1. The computer will be connected to at least one radio antenna which may be capable of receiving or transmitting (or both) radio signals. In addition the housing201may include a heat reduction device202secured at least in part to the electronic components. In many remote radio head units200the heat reduction device202is a heatsink using fins. As air passes over the heatsink the device will be cooled. This prevents the use of cooling fans which can break more often, causing the need for additional repairs.

In some embodiments the housing201can include at least one handle203. In one embodiment the handle can be used to lift the device. In another embodiment a special connector is used in order to lift the device. In some embodiments handles may double as connection protection. This will prevent the connections as described below from being damaged.

The remote radio head unit200includes several different electronical connections204. The electrical connections204include power connections. These power connections will allow for the device to receive power. The electrical connections further include information connections, such as fiber optic connections. These information connections allow for mobile data to be sent and received from the remote radio head unit200. Each of these types of connections may include different types of connectors or cables. However, the purposes described herein are required for the functionality of the remote radio head unit200.

In different embodiments different additional connections may be present such as connectors to allow for the connection of a field test device. In some embodiments status lights are included with the remote radio head unit200. These lights can allow for an individual to readily determine status of the unit without the need to connect a device.

Referring now toFIG.3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a remote radio head unit tester. The remote radio head unit tester300includes a chamber301. The chamber301is comprised of supports301a, sidewalls301b, and at least one door301c. The chamber301is configured to have an interior volume. The interior volume will hold various electronic devices as will be described in the description ofFIG.5. In some embodiments the frame301has a plurality of wheels301dlocated on a bottom side. The plurality of wheels301dwill allow for the chamber301to be easily moved.

The chamber301is connected to a frame302. The frame includes a plurality of legs302a. In the present embodiment the frame302includes two legs302aand a cross structure302b. In the shown embodiment the chamber301acts as an additional leg providing support to the frame302. The cross structure302bsecures to each leg302aand the chamber301. In one embodiment each leg302aincludes a foot302c. In one embodiment the foot302chas an adjustable height which allows for the legs to provide support even on uneven ground.

The remote radio head unit tester may include at least one screen303. The at least one screen303is operably coupled to the electronic equipment within the chamber301. In the shown embodiment there are three screens303. Each screen is secured to and supported by the frame302. However, in other embodiments the screen303may have its own stand or other support structure, it does not need to be secured to the frame302. In the shown embodiment two of the screens303are secured to the frame302via supports303a. The supports303ainclude a plurality of adjustment features303bwhich all for the screens303to be adjustable. In the shown embodiment the adjustment features303binclude hinges, and a height adjustment feature. In various embodiments the screens303are configured to display test results from remote radio heads.

The remote radio head unit tester300includes at least one set of wires304. In the shown embodiment the remote radio head unit tester300includes six sets of wires304. Each set of wires is operable coupled to the appropriate electronic equipment located within the chamber301. The set of wires304includes at least one power cable. The at least one power cable is configured to connect to a remote radio head. In different embodiments various power cables are included in the set of wires304having different electrical connections. Further, the set of wires304includes at least one data wire. The at least data wire is configured to connect to a remote radio head. In different embodiments various data wires are included in the set of wires304having different electrical connections.

Referring now toFIG.4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a remote radio head unit tester. From this perspective a wire shroud305is shown. The wire shroud305will aid in keeping wires neat and protected as they enter the chamber301. There are several openings305alocated within the wire shroud305in order to allow for the various sets of wires304to exit the shroud305along the frame302.

In one embodiment various wires of the set of wires304are, at least in part, secured to the frame302via a wire retracting tool304a. This wire retracting tool304awill allow for wires of the set of wires304to be wound up when not in use. This will prevent wires from merely dangling from the frame302. The wire retracting tool304acan also serve as a safety feature in the shown embodiment.

The shown embodiment includes a conveyor306. The conveyor is positioned to allow radio heads to be moved into range of the remote radio head unit tester300. Remote radio heads can be extremely heavy and difficult to easily move. The conveyor306will allow for remote radio heads to be moved into position for testing then to be moved away from the remote radio head unit tester300. In this embodiment the wire retracting tool304a, can prevent wires of the set of wires304from being caught in the conveyor306.

Referring now toFIG.5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the cabinet and contents for the remote radio head unit tester. The chamber301of the remote radio head unit tester includes a plurality of different computers and servers. Due to the nature of the remote radio head unit tester300and the numerous types of remote radios heads, operated by numerous different companies, the types of computers and servers may differ significantly. Therefore, the specific types of equipment will not be detailed here. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to determine which equipment is necessary. Equipment should be selected based on the types of remote radio heads to be tested. Further, in different embodiments specific equipment from the company who the remote radio head belongs can supply specific equipment to communicate with their remote radio heads. In other embodiments general equipment can be used.

In the shown embodiment the chamber301includes two server racks501. In different embodiments different amounts of server racks501can be used without departing from the present invention. In one embodiment the various wire connections502. These connections502will allow the various servers to connect to the sets of wires as described above. In the shown embodiment the wire connections502include specific connectors502ato secure to the sets of wires. In some embodiments additional wires503directly connect to the servers. This removes the need for special connectors for the set of wires.

In the shown embodiment there are shown at least 3 different types of servers503,504, and505. These different servers503,504, and505will allow the remote radio head unit tester300to properly connect to different remote radio heads. For example, server505can be a general computer100. The general computer100can be used to store testing protocols. In this embodiment testing algorithms and computer software can be stored in the storage mediums of the computer100. In many embodiments the computer100is operably connected to at least one display in order to run the remote radio head unit tester300. Server504can then be used to properly talk to a first brand of remote radio head. When the first brand of remote radio head is properly connected to a desired set of wires, a user can tell the system to test that brand of remote radio head which will activate the server504. If a second brand of remote radio head is be tested the same process can be followed, except the second type of service503will be activated to run the test.

Referring now toFIG.6, there is shown a flow chart of an embodiment of the test procedure for the remote radio head unit tester. The method for testing a remote radio head may begin in different places. In one embodiment the method will begin once the remote radio head to be tested is placed in the desired location within the remote radio head unit tester600. In other embodiments an individual may start the method600at another desired location. The method begins by testing the power connections of the remote radio head601. In one embodiment the testing is conducted by checking that the connections have the proper resistance. In other embodiments different electric tests can be conducted. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand there are several methods to determine if electrical connections are functioning properly. Each of these methods will produce the desired answer of is the device properly receiving power. If the device's power connections fail the test the device is sent to repair604. In one embodiment after any repair is conducted the device is sent back to the beginning of the method600to be retested. In another embodiment depending on the needed repair of the unit the unit may exit the test method.

After the electrical connection test is passed the remote radio head unit must be properly connected to the remote radio head unit tester602. This includes connecting the proper power cables and information cables such as data cables and radio frequency cables.

Once the cables are properly connected the remote radio head unit tester may need to be properly configured depending on the type of remote radio head unit to be tested. After the proper configuration is completed the automated testing is started603. In various embodiments throughout this testing process the testing results are show on screens of the device. The first step in the automated testing is to boot up the radio head603a.

Once the radio is booted up the test checks the current software version603b. In one embodiment the software is the most updated version. In this case the next step of the testing method is performed. In another embodiment the software is not up to date. In this case a software update is performed603bb. In this embodiment the testing method may track and communicate to a user that a software update has been performed.

After the software is checked603band updated603bbas needed the test method retrieves the radio head information603c. This information may include any combination of the radio model, the serial number, and the most updated software version. In other embodiments additional information may be collected as determined to be necessary by the testing needs.

The final step in the testing method is to check the optical ports of the radio head603d. This test ensures that the ports of the radio head are functioning properly. In different embodiments this test may be performed using specific equipment as used by the owner of the radio head. This can help ensure that the testing process is as accurate as possible. In other embodiments general equipment may be used.

During the optical ports test603dseveral different test may be completed. In one embodiment the radio heads ability to transmit via a radio transmitter (Tx) is tested. In another embodiment the radio heads ability to receive radio waves via a receiver (Rx) is tested. In many embodiments radio heads have both of these capabilities and therefore both the Tx and Rx abilities of the radio head will be tested during step603d.

After the optical port test603dthe automated testing method ends605. If each of the automated tests are passed, then the testing method is completed 606. If a test is failed, the unit is sent to repair604. After the repair the unit may reenter the testing method.

It is therefore submitted that the methods, systems, and devices have been shown and described in what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments along with specific examples. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope and these present examples are not intended to be limiting. One of ordinary skill the art will be able to discern that obvious modifications can be made without departing from the scope or spirit.