Application modules (AMs) with multi-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems

Application modules (AMs) with multi-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems (WDCSs), including but not limited to distributed antenna systems (DASs). Related systems and methods are also disclosed. The MSIMs comprise circuitry configured to implement multiple SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. In one embodiment, AMs may be associated with components of a WDCS. By associating the AMs into components of a WDCS, live signals in the WDCS can be monitored and measured for monitoring the performance of components within the WDCS. The AMs may include one or more application level applications configured to receive and monitor signals in the WDCS, and to provide application-level information about such monitored signals to other components or systems, or technicians.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US15/32397, filed on May 26, 2015, entitled “Multiple Application Modules (MAMs) For Monitoring Signals In Components In Wireless Distribution Systems, Including Distributed Antenna Systems (DASs), And Related Systems And Methods,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The technology of the present disclosure relates generally to application modules for monitoring of signals in components of wireless distributed communications systems (WDCSs), including distributed antenna systems (DASs).

Wireless communication is rapidly growing, with ever-increasing demands for high-speed mobile data communication. As an example, local area wireless services (e.g., so-called “wireless fidelity” or “WiFi” systems) and wide area wireless services are being deployed in many different types of areas (e.g., coffee shops, airports, libraries, etc.). WDCSs communicate with wireless devices called “clients,” “client devices,” or “wireless client devices,” which reside within the wireless range or “cell coverage area” in order to communicate with an access point device. One example of a WDCS is a DAS. DASs are particularly useful to be deployed inside buildings or other indoor environments where client devices may not otherwise be able to effectively receive radio frequency (RF) signals from a source, such as a base station for example. Example applications where distributed antenna systems can be used to provide or enhance coverage for wireless services include public safety, cellular telephony, wireless local access networks (LANs), location tracking, and medical telemetry inside buildings and over campuses.

One approach to deploying a DAS involves the use of RF antenna coverage areas, also referred to as “antenna coverage areas.” Antenna coverage areas can be formed by remotely distributed remote antenna units (RAUs), which may also be referred to as remote units (RUs). The remote units each contain or are configured to couple to one or more antennas configured to support the desired frequency(ies) or polarization(s) to provide the antenna coverage areas. Antenna coverage areas can have a radius in the range from a few meters up to twenty meters as an example. Combining a number of remote units creates an array of antenna coverage areas. Because the antenna coverage areas each cover small areas, there typically may be only a few users (clients) per antenna coverage area. This arrangement generates a uniform high quality signal enabling high throughput supporting the required capacity for the wireless system users.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of distribution of communications services in a WDCS.FIG. 1illustrates distribution of communications services to coverage areas10(1)-10(N) of a DAS12, wherein ‘N’ is the number of coverage areas. These communications services can include cellular services, wireless services such as RFID tracking, WiFi, LAN, WLAN, and combinations thereof, as examples. The coverage areas10(1)-10(N) may be remotely located. In this regard, the remote coverage areas10(1)-10(N) are created by and centered on remote antenna units14(1)-14(N) connected to a central unit16(e.g., a head-end controller (HEC) or head-end unit (HEU)). The central unit16may be communicatively coupled to a base station18. In this regard, the central unit16receives downlink communications signals20D from the base station18to be distributed to the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). The remote antenna units14(1)-14(N) are configured to receive downlink communications signals20D from the central unit16over a communications medium22to be distributed to the respective coverage areas10(1)-10(N) of the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). Each remote antenna unit14(1)-14(N) may include an RF transmitter/receiver (not shown) and a respective antenna24(1)-24(N) operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver to wirelessly distribute the communications services to client devices26within their respective coverage areas10(1)-10(N). The remote antenna units14(1)-14(N) are also configured to receive uplink communications signals20U from the client devices26in their respective coverage areas10(1)-10(N) to be distributed to the base station18. The size of a given coverage area10(1)-10(N) is determined by the amount of RF power transmitted by the respective remote antenna unit14(1)-14(N), the receiver sensitivity, antenna gain and the RF environment, as well as by the RF transmitter/receiver sensitivity of the client device26. Client devices26usually have a fixed RF receiver sensitivity, so that the above-mentioned properties of the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N) mainly determine the size of their respective remote coverage areas10(1)-10(N).

In the DAS12inFIG. 1, after installation and commissioning, a site walk is typically performed to analyze the data quality for optimization of the coverage areas10(1)-10(N) created by the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). The site walk may involve activating the DAS12for the central unit16to receive the downlink communications signals20D from the base station18for distribution to the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). Then, a service technician walks around the different coverage areas10(1)-10(N) with a wireless communication device, such as a mobile phone or laptop computer, which may be referred to generally as a user equipment (UE), to receive the distributed downlink communications signals20D from the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). The received downlink communications signals20D can be reviewed and analyzed by personnel conducting the site walk to determine the quality of the coverage areas10(1)-10(N), such as signal strength as an example. The DAS12may also be configured to generate alarms indicative of signal quality. Any quality issues in the DAS12can be identified and resolved. However, the context of the received downlink communications signals20D is not known. For example, it is not known which received downlink communications signals20D and/or how many communications bands are being distributed in the DAS12.

An additional difficulty faced during a site walk is that the DAS12may operate to distribute signals for more than one carrier simultaneously. The conventional way of calibrating/diagnosing cellular signals in this scenario is to perform site walks with multiple UEs, where each UE is connected to a different carrier, and over-the-air scanners; after the site walk there is no on-site diagnostic equipment left on site for continuous monitoring of the on-going service signal changes. In order for the service technician's client device26to operate in a diagnostic mode, in which the client device26registers with the carrier network in order to get more detailed information, such as higher open systems interconnect (OSI) layer information, about the network signals, that client device26must have a carrier-specific subscriber identity module (SIM) card. A SIM card is not required by the client device26to operate in a scanning mode, during which the client device26does not register with a carrier but instead camps temporarily and can collect signal identification parameters and signal levels. However, having a SIM card allows the service technician's client device26to collect valuable information not available in scanning mode. As a result, a service technician performing a site walk in a DAS12that supports multiple carriers must possess multiple client devices26, one client device26for every carrier being supported within the DAS12. Some cellular providers/OEM vendors now offer stand-alone equipment that consists of multiple UEs to monitor different signal types. Such equipment is located at known location such as different zones in a stadium to continuously monitor the quality of service (QoS) or quality of experience (QoE) of the cellular signals. However, such equipment merely contains multiple, separate UEs to monitor different service providers, each UE containing a carrier-specific SIM. Installation, maintenance, and operation of these units are cost prohibitive in nature due to the cumbersome hardware and maintenance of the multiple SIMs.

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 disclosed herein include application modules (AMs) with multi-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems (WDCSs), including but not limited to distributed antenna systems (DASs). Related systems and methods are also disclosed. The MSIMs comprise circuity configured to implement multiple SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. In one embodiment, AMs may be associated with components of a WDCS. These AMs include wireless telecommunication circuitry associated with wireless distribution components in a WDCS, such as communications and power components as examples. By associating the AMs with one or more components of a WDCS, live signals in the WDCS can be monitored and measured for monitoring the performance of components within the WDCS. The AMs include a multiple application software platform architecture that includes one or more application layer applications configured to receive and monitor signals in the WDCS, and to provide application-level information about such monitored signals to other components or systems, or technicians. The application-level information can be used by a technician or other system to diagnose or calibrate the WDCS and/or the communications components provided therein. Each AM can be configured to engage in diagnostic mode monitoring of signals associated with each of one or more carriers.

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to an AM for multi-carrier, diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within a WDCS. The AM comprises a multi-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM) comprising circuity configured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. The AM further comprises at least one communications interface configured to receive communications signals from a plurality of sectors in a WDCS, the communications signals comprising at least one of a downlink communications signal and an uplink communications signal. The AM further comprises at least one processor configured to execute at least one application layer application to analyze the at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal. The AM is configured to communicate application-level information regarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal to another system.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a WDCS. The WDCS comprises a central unit configured to receive a downlink communications signal from a communications system, distribute the downlink communications signal over at least one downlink communications medium to a plurality of remote units, receive an uplink communications signal from the plurality of remote units over at least one uplink communications medium, and distribute the uplink communications signal to the communications system. Each remote unit among the plurality of remote units is configured to receive the downlink communications signal from the central unit over the at least one downlink communications medium, distribute the downlink communications signal to a client device, receive the uplink communications signal from the client device, and distribute the uplink communications signal to the central unit over the at least one uplink communications medium. The WDCS also includes at least one AM associated with at least one of the central unit and at least one of the remote units among the plurality of remote units. The at least one AM comprises at least one communications interface configured to receive communications signals from a plurality of sectors in the WDCS, the communications signals comprising at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal. The at least one AM further comprises at least one processor configured to execute at least one application layer application to analyze the at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal. The at least one AM further comprises an MSIM configured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. The at least one AM is configured to receive at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal, and communicate application-level information regarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal to another system.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method for an AM for multi-carrier, diagnostic mode monitoring of signals in a WDCS. The method comprises receiving a downlink communications signal from a communications system in a central unit, distributing the downlink communications signal over at least one downlink communications medium to a plurality of remote units, and distributing the received downlink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remote units to a client device. The method further comprises receiving an uplink communications signal from the plurality of remote units over at least one uplink communications medium in the central unit, receiving the uplink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remote units from the client device, and distributing the received uplink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remote units to the central unit. The method further comprises executing at least one application layer application in at least one processor in at least one AM associated with at least one of the central unit and at least one of the remote units among the plurality of remote units to analyze the at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal, the AM comprising an MSIM configured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. The method further comprises communicating application-level information regarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal to another system.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions to cause a processor-based AM associated with a communications component in a WDCS to receive a downlink communications signal from a communications system in a central unit, distribute the downlink communications signal over at least one downlink communications medium to a plurality of remote units, and distribute the received downlink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remote units to a client device. The computer executable instructions further cause the AM to receive an uplink communications signal from the plurality of remote units over at least one uplink communications medium in the central unit, receive the uplink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remote units from the client device, and distribute the received uplink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remote units to the central unit. The computer executable instructions further cause the AM to execute at least one application layer application in at least one processor in at least one AM associated with at least one of the central unit and at least one of the remote units among the plurality of remote units to analyze the at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal, the AM comprising an MSIM configured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. The computer executable instructions further cause the AM to communicate application-level information regarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal to another system.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding 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 the principles and operation of the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be further clarified by the following examples.

Embodiments disclosed herein include application modules (AMs) with multi-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems (WDCSs), including but not limited to distributed antenna systems (DASs). Related systems and methods are also disclosed. The MSIMs comprise circuity configured to implement multiple SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. In one embodiment, AMs may be associated with components of a WDCS. These AMs include wireless telecommunication circuitry associated with wireless distribution components in a WDCS, such as communications and power components as examples. By associating the AMs with one or more components of a WDCS, live signals in the WDCS can be monitored and measured for monitoring the performance of components within the WDCS. The AMs include a multiple application software platform architecture that includes one or more application layer applications configured to receive and monitor signals in the WDCS, and to provide application-level information about such monitored signals to other components or systems, or technicians. The application-level information can be used by a technician or other system to diagnose or calibrate the WDCS and/or the communications components provided therein. Each AM can be configured to engage in diagnostic mode monitoring of signals associated with each of one or more carriers.

The subject matter described herein relates to enabling enhanced spectrum/service signal diagnostics in WDCSs. In particular, it is related to providing multiple subscriber identity module (SIM) instances within a single, specially adapted user equipment (UE) to eliminate the need of multiple UEs to scan and diagnose cellular service signals from different service providers. Such a method when implemented in a WDCS will reduce the redundant hardware needed to diagnose the provisioned cellular service signals while providing intelligence to the system and its environment.

In this regard,FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of an exemplary AM30for multi-carrier, diagnostic mode monitoring of signals. As will be discussed in more detail below, the AM30can be associated with one or more components of a WDCS as a client device to monitor live signals (e.g., component power, radio frequency (RF) power or communications signals) in the WDCS and create application-level information (e.g., application level data) about the monitored signals. The AM30is configured with one or more application layer applications32, such as provided in an application layer34of an OSI model, as a non-limiting example. In this example, the application layer application32is configured to retrieve information about monitored signals in a WDCS from lower layers36in the AM30to generate application-level information38about the monitored signals. Context information can be included in the application-level information38about the monitored signals for additional information that requires application level processing, as opposed to lower layer signal monitoring that may not include context information.

For example, the AM30may include one or more sensors40(1)-40(P) that can be employed to sense information about monitored signals in a WDCS that is provided to software application layer application32(also referred to herein as “application layer application32”) in the application layer34of the AM30to generate the application-level information38about the monitored signals. For example, one of the sensors40(1)-40(P) may be a power level detector configured to determine a power level (e.g., an RF power level) of a monitored signal, wherein the application-level information38relates to power level of the monitored signals. As an example, the application-level information38may include a history of power level information for the monitored signal, as opposed to just a physical level power level, for additional context information. Thus, the power level information in the application-level information38may be more useful in calibrating gain levels in the WDCS than just one power level about the monitored signal. The application layer application32in the AM30can then communicate this application-level information38through a communications interface to other systems for use in diagnosing and/or calibrating a WDCS. Further, because the application layer applications32in the AM30may be open architecture applications, customers or technicians may be able to load their own application layer applications32in the AM30, including customized applications, for monitoring signals in their WDCS and providing application-level information38, and/or forming an application network.

In this regard, with continuing reference toFIG. 2, the AM30in this embodiment includes a number of communications interfaces42(1)-42(N) that can communicate the application-level information38to other systems. For example, the communications interfaces42(1)-42(N) can include a cellular modem42(1), WiFi interface42(2), and Bluetooth module42(3), as shown inFIG. 2. As will be described in more detail below, the AM30will be incorporated into a WDCS component as a client device that is capable of receiving communications distributed through the DAS, such as cellular communications signals through the cellular modem42(1) and WiFi signals through the WiFi interface42(2). Because the AM30appears as a client device in the WDCS, the AM30can also transmit communications signals through a communications interface42within a WDCS like client devices, or outside the WDCS, to other recipients, including technician or service personnel communications devices to provide the application-level information38about monitored signals. The Bluetooth module42(3) in this example allows for local communications to the AM30to retrieve application-level information38outside of the WDCS, if desired. Also, because the AM30has the functionality of a client device in the WDCS, the AM30may also be configured to receive calls or other communications from another system through the WDCS to retrieve the application-level information38from the AM30. In this regard, the application layer applications32in the AM30may facilitate the AM30to initiate providing application-level information38to other systems without being requested, such as due to alarm conditions or other criteria or thresholds being exceeded.

The AM30may also have other components that are useful in monitoring signals in a WDCS. For example, the AM30may include a global positioning module (GPS)44that can allow the AM30to determine its location and communicate this location in conjunction with application-level information38. The AM30may also include an audio component46, such as to allow the AM30to respond to voice commands or provide application-level information38about monitored signals audially, as examples.

Because the AM30provides the application layer applications32for providing the application-level information38about monitored signals, less cost and faster development times may be realized since changes to the application layer applications32can be made in software rather than through hardware updates. The AM30allows uploads for new application layer applications32to be provided in the application layer34or updates to existing application layer applications32in the application layer34. Also, by allowing for application layer applications32in the AM30, outsider developers, including individual developers, can develop third party software applications for the AM30for further availability to WDCS application layer applications for cost effective development.

With continuing reference toFIG. 2, the AM30in this embodiment includes a multi-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM)48that includes circuitry for storing carrier-specific data for each of one or more carriers, thus allowing the AM30to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from one or more of the one or more carriers. The MSIM48allows the AM30to leverage different aspects of SIMs to operate a cellular radio in scanning and diagnostic modes. In one embodiment, the MSIM48stores separate sets of carrier-specific data, one set for each of the one or more carriers supported. Examples of carrier-specific data include, but are not limited to, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number, security authentication and ciphering information, temporary information related to the local network, a list of the services the user has access to, and passwords (e.g., a personal identification number (PIN) for ordinary use, and a personal unblocking code (PUK) for PIN unlocking). In one embodiment, each set of carrier-specific data has its own unique serial number, such as an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, the MSIM48is shown as a component within the cellular modem42(1), but in alternative embodiments, the MSIM48may be a component within another module within the AM30, the MSIM48may be a separate module within the AM30, or the MSIM48may be considered a component outside of the AM30but coupled to the AM30via a communications interface.

In one embodiment, the MSIM48may contain one or more instances of conventional SIM circuitry. In these embodiments, the MSIM48may be viewed as containing multiple SIM cards, or their circuit equivalents, which are referred to herein as “hardware SIM instances,” that are electrically connected to the AM via circuitry that selects or enables a subset (e.g., one or more) of the number of SIM cards at a time.

In another embodiment, the MSIM48may contain one or more instances of virtualized SIM cards (vSIMs), which are referred to herein as “virtual SIM instances.” Examples of vSIMs include softSIMs, which are fully virtual (i.e., they are software based and do not have hardware), and eSIMs, which reside within non-removable hardware on board a device but which can be provisioned over a network to operate like a SIM card for one particular carrier. In such embodiments, the MSIM48may be viewed as containing multiple virtual SIM instances that are under the control of a scheduler or controller that activates a subset (e.g., one or more) of the number of virtualized SIMs at a time.

In yet another embodiment, the MSIM48may contain a mix of hardware SIM instances and virtual SIM instances. In such embodiments, the MSIM48may enable or activate one of SIM instances (hardware or virtual) at a time.

Thus, whereas conventional SIMs store carrier-specific data for a single carrier, the MSIM48is configurable to store multiple sets of carrier-specific data. In one embodiment, the MSIM48includes logic or circuitry for selecting or activating one of the sets, so that the AM30has access to the specific carrier associated with that set. In one embodiment, the carrier associated with one of the sets is different from the carrier associated with another of the sets. In one embodiment, the carrier associated with one of the sets may be the same as the carrier associated with another of the sets, but the sets differ from each other in other aspects, such as IMSI number, list of services the user has access to, etc.

In some embodiments, an AM30may include distinct transceiver hardware for different transmission types (e.g., OFDM versus CDMA), in which case the MSIM48may enable multiple SIMs instances simultaneously, one for each distinct transceiver. In embodiments where the AM30uses the same transceiver hardware for different transmission types, the MSIM48may enable one of the SIM instances at a time. In such embodiments, the MSIM48may multiplex among the multiple SIM instances as rapidly as needed to allow the AM30to collect information from multiple carriers in what is essentially parallel operation.

FIG. 3Ais a schematic diagram of another exemplary optical fiber-based distributed antenna system (DAS)50as an example of a WDCS that may include AMs30for monitoring of signals. In this embodiment, the optical fiber-based DAS50includes optical fibers for distributing RF communication services. The optical fiber-based DAS50in this embodiment is comprised of three (3) main components. One or more radio interfaces provided in the form of radio interface modules (RIMs)52(1)-52(M) in this embodiment are provided in head end equipment (HEE)54to receive and process downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R) from one or more base stations57(1)-57(T) (shown inFIG. 3B) prior to optical conversion into downlink optical RF communications signals. The RIMs52(1)-52(M) provide both downlink and uplink interfaces. The notations “1-R,” “1-M,” “1-T,” and the like, indicate that any number of the referenced component, e.g., 1-R, 1-M, etc., may be provided. AMs30can be included in the RIMs52(1)-52(M) or provided in the same location, housing, or packaging as the RIMs52(1)-52(M), to monitor the downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R) prior to optical conversion into downlink optical RF communications signals. As will be described in more detail below, the HEE54is configured to accept a plurality of RIMs52(1)-52(M) as modular components that can easily be installed and removed or replaced in the HEE54. In one embodiment, the HEE54is configured to support up to eight (8) RIMs52(1)-52(8).

Each RIM52(1)-52(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 HEE54and the optical fiber-based DAS50to support the desired radio sources. For example, one RIM52may be configured to support the Personal Communication Services (PCS) radio band. Another RIM52may be configured to support the 700 MHz radio band. In this example, by inclusion of these RIMs52, the HEE54would be configured to support and distribute RF communications signals on both PCS and LTE 700 radio bands. RIMs52may be provided in the HEE54that support any frequency bands desired, including but not limited to the US Cellular band, Personal Communication Services (PCS) band, Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band, 700 MHz band, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) 900, GSM 1800, and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). RIMs52may be provided in the HEE54that 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), Long Term Evolution (LTE), iDEN, and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).

RIMs52may be provided in the HEE54that 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).

The downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R) are provided to a plurality of optical interfaces provided in the form of optical interface modules (OIMs)58(1)-58(N) in this embodiment to convert the downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(N) into downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R). An OIM58may also be referred to as an optical interface unit (OIU)58. AMs30can also be included in the OIMs58(1)-58(N), or provided in the same location, housing, or packaging as the OIMs58(1)-58(N), to monitor the downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R) prior to optical conversion into downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R). The notation “1-N” indicates that any number of the referenced component 1-N may be provided. The OIMs58may 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 OIMs58support the radio bands that can be provided by the RIMs52, including the examples previously described above. Thus, in this embodiment, the OIMs58may support a radio band range from 400 MHz to 2700 MHz, as an example, so providing different types or models of OIMs58for narrower radio bands to support possibilities for different radio band-supported RIMs52provided in the HEE54is not required. Further, as an example, the OIMs58may be optimized for sub-bands within the 400 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency range, such as 400-700 MHz, 700 MHz-1 GHz, 1 GHz-1.6 GHz, and 1.6 GHz-2.7 GHz, as examples.

The OIMs58(1)-58(N) each include E/O converters to convert the downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R) to downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R). The downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R) are communicated over downlink optical fiber(s)63D to a plurality of remote antenna units (RAUs)62(1)-62(P). The notation “1-P” indicates that any number of the referenced component 1-P may be provided. O/E converters provided in the RAUs62(1)-62(P) convert the downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R) back into downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R), which are provided over downlinks64(1)-64(P) coupled to antennas66(1)-66(P) in the RAUs62(1)-62(P) to client devices26in the reception range of the antennas66(1)-66(P). AMs30can also be included in the RAUs62(1)-62(P), or provided in the same location, housing, or packaging as the RAUs62(1)-62(P), to monitor the downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R).

E/O converters are also provided in the RAUs62(1)-62(P) to convert uplink electrical RF communications signals received from client devices26through the antennas66(1)-66(P) into uplink optical RF communications signals68U(1)-68U(R) to be communicated over uplink optical fibers63U to the OIMs58(1)-58(N). The AMs30associated with the RAUs62(1)-62(P) can also monitor uplink electrical RF communications signals70U(1)-70U(R). The OIMs58(1)-58(N) include O/E converters that convert the uplink optical RF communications signals68U(1)-68U(R) into uplink electrical RF communications signals70U(1)-70U(R) that are processed by the RIMs52(1)-52(M) and provided as uplink electrical RF communications signals72U(1)-72U(R). Downlink electrical digital signals73D(1)-73D(P), such as Ethernet signals, communicated over downlink electrical medium or media (hereinafter “medium”)75D(1)-75D(P) can be provided to the RAUs62(1)-62(P), such as from a digital data services (DDS) controller and/or DDS switch as provided by example inFIG. 3B, separately from the RF communication services, as well as uplink electrical digital signals73U(1)-73U(P) communicated over uplink electrical medium75U(1)-75U(P), as also illustrated inFIG. 3B. AMs30associated with the OIMs58(1)-58(N) and/or the RIMs52(1)-52(M) can also monitor the uplink electrical RF communications signals70U(1)-70U(R). Common elements betweenFIGS. 3A and 3Bare illustrated inFIG. 3Bwith common element numbers. Power may be provided in the downlink and/or uplink electrical medium75D(1)-75D(P) and/or75U(1)-75U(P) to the RAUs62(1)-62(P).

FIG. 3Bis a schematic diagram of providing digital data services and RF communication services to RAUs and/or other remote communications units in the optical fiber-based DAS50ofFIG. 3A. Common components betweenFIGS. 3A and 3Bhave the same element numbers and thus will not be re-described. As illustrated inFIG. 3B, a power supply module (PSM)83may be provided to provide power to the RIMs52(1)-52(M) and radio distribution cards (RDCs)77that distribute the RF communications from the RIMs52(1)-52(M) to the OIMs58(1)-58(N) through RDCs79. In one embodiment, the RDCs77,79can support different sectorization needs. An interface81, which may include web and network management system (NMS) interfaces, may also be provided to allow configuration and communication to the RIMs52(1)-52(M) and other components of the optical fiber-based DAS50. A PSM85may also be provided to provide power the OIMs58(1)-58(N). A microcontroller, microprocessor, or other control circuitry, called a head-end controller (HEC)87may be included in HEE54to provide control operations for the HEE54. The AMs30may also be incorporated into or associated with one or more interconnect units (ICUs)86to monitor power signals as the ICUs86provide power signals to the RAUs62(1)-62(P) or route information about other monitored signals to other components or other AMs30in the DAS50.

FIG. 4is another schematic diagram of exemplary DAS components of the optical fiber-based DAS50in which the AM30inFIG. 2can be associated with to monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-level information about the monitored signals, and communicate the application-level information to other systems. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the DAS50includes an HEU54that communicates with an OIU58, which communicates with number of RAUs62via an ICU86. The ICU86communicates with the RAUs62via downlink optical fiber(s)63D and uplink optical fiber(s)63U. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, each of the components within the DAS50includes an AM30. When an AM30is a component within another node, as is the case the HEU54, the OIU58, the ICU86, and the RAUs62, it may be referred to as a “multi-application module,” or MAM30. When an AM30is a stand-alone entity, it may be referred to as a “multi-application unit,” or MAU30. This is reflected inFIG. 4, which includes six MAMs (one in each of the RAUs62, one in the ICU86, one in the OIU58, and one in the HEU54) and one MAU.

In general, a MAM comprises multi-technology wireless telecommunication circuitry that is embodied into power- and process-optimized mobile UE with multiple sensors and with a multiple-application software platform architecture. A MAM is generally intended to be physically co-located with different components within a WDCS. A MAU may be thought of as a version of a MAM that is in a separate package and that communicates with the WDCS via a wired or wireless connection.

The AM30can communicate application layer data38as client devices in the DAS50to other devices outside the DAS50, or to other AMs30in other components in the DAS50. The AM30may also serve as a network device, such as an access point, to collect monitored signal information, including application-level information, from other AMs30and/or components in the DAS50, which can be passed along to other components or systems.

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary internal components of the AM30inFIG. 2to monitor signals in a component of a WDCS, including but not limited to the DAS50inFIGS. 3A and 3B. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the AM30includes a series of wireless service processors90(1)-90(X) that are configured to receive wireless communications signals over respective antennas92(1)-92(X). The wireless service processors90(1)-90(X) facilitate the AM30communicating application-level information, such as the application-level information38inFIG. 2, received through a communications interface94wirelessly in a WDCS, as another client device. The wireless service processors90(1)-90(X) also facilitate the AM30being able to communicate application-level information wired or wirelessly to other systems outside the WDCS, if desired.

With continuing reference toFIG. 5, the AM30includes a processor-based system96that may include multiple processors or a multi-core processor98, as examples, (hereinafter “processor98”) where application layer applications reside and are executed. As discussed above with reference toFIG. 2, the application layer applications32monitor signals in a WDCS and provide the application-level information38regarding such monitored signals over the communications interface94to other systems, within and/or outside of a WDCS. The application layer applications32are stored in internal memory100. The application-level information38can also be stored by the processor98in the internal memory100. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, the processor-based system96includes a power management module102to manage power consumption in the processor-based system96, such as to achieve the desired performance levels. The AM30also includes one or more physical communications ports104(1)-104(Y) to allow wired communications to be provided to and from the AM30, if desired. For example, a technician may connect a wired communication device to one of the physical communications ports104(1)-104(Y) to retrieve application-level information38or load or update application layer applications32. The AM30may also include one or more external memory interfaces106(1)-106(Z), such as memory card ports, USB ports, etc., for storing data from the internal memory100, including application-level information38. The AM30may also include one or more peripheral interface ports108(1)-108(A) for connecting other peripheral devices to the AM30. In one embodiment, the internal memory100may include an application110in the form of instructions that are configured to be executed by a core processor(s)98. The application110may be configured to analyze downlink communications signals and/or the uplink communications signals and to communicate application-level information regarding the analyzed signals to another system.

FIG. 6Aillustrates an exemplary AM30in a scanning operation mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity of explanation, the embodiment of the AM30shown inFIG. 6Aincludes an MSIM48, a memory100, and an application110, but it will be understood that the AM30may contain other components not shown in this figure. Because a SIM card is not required for an AM to operating in a scanning mode in which the AM collects signal identification parameters and signal levels, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6A, the MSIM48within the AM30has been deactivated or delinked.

FIG. 6Bis a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM30inFIG. 6Ato monitor live signals in a WDCS, such as the DAS50ofFIG. 3A, create application-level information about the monitored signals, and communicate the application-level information to other systems. The process begins when the AM30receives a command from a central unit16, such as is illustrated inFIG. 1(block112). A central unit16may also be called an HEU16or a headend control module (HCM)16; therefore, the command received by the AM30may be referred to as an “HCM command.” Upon receiving the HCM command, the application110on the AM30delinks the MSIM48to make the AM30scan all frequencies. Alternatively, the application110may command the AM30to lock to a particular frequency band or technology (block114). The application110commands the AM30to enter a network camping mode (block116). The application110uses a relevant application programing interface (API) to collect the service signal IDs and other parameters while the AM30is scanning the cellular signals (block118). Examples of service signal IDs include, but are not limited to, a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), and the like. The application110then sends the collected information to the HCM16(block120). The HCM16uses the information to label the RIMs52and RAUs62with the supported services and parameters, the identity of macros versus DAS-provisioned signals, etc. (block122).

FIG. 7Aillustrates an exemplary AM30in a diagnostic operation mode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity of explanation, the embodiment of the AM30shown inFIG. 7Aincludes an MSIM48, a memory100, and an application110, but it will be understood that the AM30may contain other components not shown in this figure.FIG. 7Aillustrates an embodiment in which the MSIM48includes multiple instances of a SIM cards or their circuit equivalents124. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7A, the MSIM48includes three SIM cards124(1)-124(3), but in alternative embodiments, the MSIM48may contain other numbers of SIM cards or their equivalents.

FIG. 7Bis a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM30inFIG. 7Ato monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-level information about the monitored signals, and communicate the application-level information to other systems. The process begins when the AM30receives an HCM command to use subscription information contained within the MSIM48to connect to a carrier service signal (block126). The application110then uses information that was collected by the AM30(or provided by the HCM16) to collect deeper signal key performance indicators (KPIs), such as path A or path B of a 2×2 MIMO signal (block128). The application110uses other emulation tools, such as sending an email, uploading a video, etc., to estimate quality of service (QoS), quality of experience (QoE), or other diagnostic information (block130). The application110then sends the collected data to the HCM16(block132).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7B, the application110then uses the subscription information contained with the MSIM48to collect information, estimate QoS and QoE, and perform other diagnostic analysis on signals from another carrier (block134). To do this, the MSIM48may access information within another SIM card124. In some embodiments, a SIM card124or equivalent circuit may contain multi-carrier subscription information, in which case the same SIM card124may be accessed to get information for more than one carrier. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7B, the HCM16uses the AMs30and a relevant application to understand the provisioned services, to optimize the system, and to alert the customers as per the customer preferences (block136).

FIG. 8Aillustrates an exemplary AM30in a diagnostic operation mode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity of explanation, the embodiment of the AM30shown inFIG. 7Aincludes an MSIM48, a memory100, and an application110, but it will be understood that the AM30may contain other components not shown in this figure.FIG. 8Aillustrates an embodiment in which the MSIM48includes one or more instances of a virtualized SIM138, which may be an eSIM, softSIM, etc. The AM30may be provisioned with the vSIM138from a subscription management server140that communicates with the AM30via cellular signals or otherwise.

FIG. 8Bis a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM30inFIG. 8Ato monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-level information about the monitored signals, and communicate the application-level information to other systems. The process begins when the AM30receives an HCM command to use subscription information contained within the MSIM48to connect to a carrier service signal (block142). The application110then uses information that was collected by the AM30(or provided by the HCM16) to collect deeper signal KPIs, such as path AB of a 2×2 MIMO signal (block144). The application110uses other emulation tools, such as sending an email, uploading a video, etc., to estimate QoS, QoE, or other diagnostic information (block146). The application110then sends the collected data to the HCM16(block148).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7B, the application110then requests different subscription information to be loaded to the vSIM138, and then estimates the QoS, QoE, and other diagnostic information of the newly subscribed signal (block150). The HCM16uses the AMs30and the relevant application to understand the provisioned services, optimize the system, and alert the customer as per the customer preferences (block152).

FIG. 9illustrates an exemplary WDCS154according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. WDCS154includes a head-end unit16that is configured to send downlink communications signals20D to remote antenna units14(1)-14(N), which are configured to receive the downlink communications signals20D and distribute them to the respective coverage areas of the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). Each remote antenna unit14(1)-14(N) may include an RF transmitter/receiver and respective antenna operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver to wirelessly distribute the communications services to client devices within each remote antenna unit's14(1)-14(N) respective coverage areas (not shown). The remote antenna units14(1)-14(N) are also configured to receive uplink communications signals20U from client devices in each remote antenna unit's14(1)-14(N) respective coverage areas to the head-end unit16. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the head-end unit16and at least one of the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N) includes an AM30.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the WDCS154is communicatively coupled to a network156, such as the Internet or World Wide Web, via a communication channel158, which may be one or more wired or wireless connection(s). Through the communication channel158, the head-end unit16, the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N), and any network devices being served by the respective remote antenna units14(1)-14(N), can communicate with one or more service providers160(1)-160(N).

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram of an AM30wirelessly, or through wired communication, communicating application-level information38about monitored signals to other portable devices162(1)-162(3). With reference back toFIG. 2, the AM30can simply execute the application layer application32to process the monitored signals to generate the application-level information38.

FIG. 11is a partially schematic cut-away diagram of a building infrastructure162employing the DAS50described herein, provided in an indoor environment. The building infrastructure162in this embodiment includes a first (ground) floor166(1), a second floor166(2), and a third floor166(3). The floors166(1)-166(3) are serviced by a central unit168to provide the antenna coverage areas170in the building infrastructure164. The central unit168is communicatively coupled to a base station172to receive downlink communications signals174D from the base station172. The central unit168is communicatively coupled to the remote antenna units62to receive uplink communications signals174U from the remote antenna units62, as previously discussed above. The downlink and uplink communications signals174D,174U communicated between the central unit168and the remote antenna units62are carried over a riser cable176. The riser cable176may be routed through interconnect units (ICUs)86(1)-86(3) dedicated to each floor166(1)-166(3) that route the downlink and uplink communications signals174D,174U to the remote antenna units62and also provide power to the remote antenna units62via array cables178.

FIG. 12is a schematic diagram representation of additional detail illustrating a computer system180that could be employed in any AM30disclosed herein. The computer system180is adapted to execute instructions for an application layer application32from an exemplary computer-readable medium to perform these and/or any of the functions or processing described herein. In this regard, the computer system180inFIG. 9may include a set of instructions that may be executed to calculate gain of DAS segment in a DAS. The computer system180may 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 system180may 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 system180in this embodiment includes a processing device or processor182, a main memory184(e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), etc.), and a static memory186(e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), which may communicate with each other via a data bus188. Alternatively, the processor182may be connected to the main memory184and/or static memory186directly or via some other connectivity means. The processor182may be a controller, and the main memory184or static memory186may be any type of memory. Application-level information38may be stored in static memory186.

The processor182represents one or more general-purpose processing devices, such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. The processor182may be the processor98in the AM30inFIG. 5. More particularly, the processor182may 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 processor182is configured to execute processing logic in instructions for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

The computer system180may further include a network interface device190. The computer system180also may or may not include an input192, configured to receive input and selections to be communicated to the computer system180when executing instructions. The computer system180also may or may not include an output194, 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 system180may or may not include a data storage device that includes instructions196stored in a computer-readable medium198. The instructions196may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory184and/or within the processor182during execution thereof by the computer system180, the main memory184and the processor182also constituting computer-readable medium. The instructions196may further be transmitted or received over a network200via the network interface device190.

Unless specifically stated otherwise and as apparent from the previous discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data and memories represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatuses to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description above. In addition, the embodiments described herein are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the embodiments as described herein.

It is also noted that the operational steps described in any of the exemplary embodiments herein are described to provide examples and discussion. The operations described may be performed in numerous different sequences other than the illustrated sequences. Furthermore, operations described in a single operational step may actually be performed in a number of different steps. Additionally, one or more operational steps discussed in the exemplary embodiments may be combined. Those of skill in the art will also understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, that may be references throughout the above description, may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Providing multiple SIM instances within a single, specially adapted UE or UE-like device and operating the diagnostic tool as one of the many possible applications solves multiple problems simultaneously. The devices described herein can operate in both the scanning mode and the diagnostic mode. The information from both of these modes can be used in different applications, such as MIMO cell bonding, capacity routing/clustering, MACRO/in-building network optimization, interference mitigation, and others. These devices enable the multi-carrier subscription necessary for deep diagnostics of the provided service signals. By running the diagnostic tool as one of the many applications, the cost of the single UE can further be shared by other applications such as E911, wireless graphic user interface (GUI) access, self-organizing networks (SONs), etc. For example, for Voice over LTE (VoLTE), voice QoS can be tested by sending an audio file from one AM to an audio receiver on another AM and vice versa. When deployed as a parallel overlay, the subject matter of the present disclosure can be used to determine antenna level. The invention can also give antenna level KPIs, QoS, and QoE of a passive network. The methods and system described herein make it possible to perform calibration with live signals and to perform troubleshooting in a manner that does not impact service.

The subject matter of the present disclosure provides a number of distinct advantages over conventional methods and systems:Provisioning a DAS with a MAM/MAU-based cellular scanning and diagnostic tool brings single antenna/RAU level signal visibility into the coverage environment.A single AM can support not only the scanning and diagnostic capabilities described above, but also other applications, such as direct access to a remote antenna unit via cellular backhaul, allowing carriers to view and control remotes directly, just like they can currently control base stations. This enables a complete end-to-end system optimization. E911 functionality is another application that could also be supported by an AM.AMs as described herein provide multi-carrier signal scanning and analysis without the need for redundant hardware, resulting in lower cost when compared to conventional solutions.Scanning and diagnostic applications can be developed by multiple vendors as per carrier preference, and can be upgraded independent of other applications on the MAM/MAU—thereby improving development time and maintenance cycles of the applications.

While not being limited thereto, some example embodiments of the present disclosure are provided below.

According to one aspect, a WDCS comprises MAMs at a head-end unit as well as at remote units, and a wirelessly connected MAU. In terms of implementation, the WDCS may be analog, digital, or a combination; the cellular services may be provisioned by the head-end unit, with or without integrated capacity source, with the remote units being in analog or digital signal format. In one embodiment, the WDCS is provisioned with MAMs in the head-end unit and the remote antenna units and with MAUs in the respective coverage areas of the remote antenna units. The MAMs and MAUs may be connected to the WDCS via wired and/or wireless connections. In one embodiment, the MAMs and MAUs may use relevant contextual data from other applications as well to improve the application of cellular signal scanning/diagnostics and its related applications. In one embodiment, the MAMs and MAUs may also have centralized orchestration, reporting, and post data processing layers and/or APIs to third party applications.

According to another aspect, a scanning application (and/or derivative application) is provided on an AM. The scanning application disconnects (or emulates disconnecting) the SIM instance to force the AM switch to scanning or network camping mode, during which the AM captures carrier ID, signal type, and available KPIs of the signal upon which the AM is camping. In one embodiment, such data is internally used to label different components of the WDCS dynamically and to capture changes in the KPIs as per the requirements. In one embodiment, the application(s) may be controlled by an external element or internal command from within the AM.

According to another aspect, a cellular diagnostic application on an AM leverages multiple on-board SIMs to access multiple carrier signals simultaneously, sequentially, or in an intermixed fashion. In one embodiment, the AM switches between the carriers automatically and/or periodically to help diagnose all the provisioned signals of the WDCS and their QoE. In one embodiment, the AM runs other emulated scenarios such as email sending/receive, video upload/download, etc., to estimate the QoS of the signals and QoE of the users. In one embodiment, the AM helps other applications such as MIMO cell bonding with the necessary information such as path A or path B of a 2×2 MIMO signal.

According to another aspect, a diagnostic application on an AM transitions the AM to a cellular diagnostic mode, leveraging eSIM technology to subscribe to different carriers of the provisioned cellular signals of a WDCS. In one embodiment, the on-board SIM can be physical hardware or in the software form.

According to another aspect, a system architecture is presented in which a WDCS is connected to the Internet and to the service providers via the Internet. In one embodiment, in addition to providing the service signals, the Internet providers also provide subscriptions as per the application requirements of the AMs. In one embodiment, the internet providers may access the applications within the AMs. In one embodiment, the AMs enable the remote units to connect to the internet directly without needing the head-end unit, and the applications on the AMs can connect directly to different servers using the provisioned signals rather than using the control signals provided by the head-end unit. In this manner, MAMs and MAUs can connect to the Internet either via a wired or wireless connection.