Abstract:
A repeater system that is adapted to being mounted on a pole comprises a repeater unit, a first antenna and a second antenna. The repeater unit includes a repeater that is housed within a weatherproof enclosure. The enclosure includes two or more openings and defines an interior chamber or plenum which includes one or more cooling fans and heat sinks. The cooling fans motivate air within the plenum to cool the repeater and reduce the humidity within the plenum. The repeater system is dimensioned to meet the strict guidelines imposed by government regulations and/or pole owners regarding the size, surface area, weight and power requirements of such repeater systems.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention is directed to repeater systems and methods for using repeater systems for telecommunications networks. More specifically, the invention is directed to repeater systems that facilitate communication within a telecommunication network while meeting strict size and weight regulations imposed on pole mounted repeater systems.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Large antennas used in mobile telecommunications networks may leave pockets or gaps that do not receive a sufficient signal. The signal may be deficient because of a complete lack of a signal or the signal is not of the required strength for adequate phone performance. Repeaters coupled with smaller antennas may be used to alleviate these problems by providing or boosting signal strength within the gaps. Repeaters equipped with one or more antennas serve as a receiver/relay transmitter and boost the signal strength by redirecting, filtering and amplifying the available signal.  
           [0003]    It would be desirable to mount the repeaters to poles such as light standards. But because street light standard owners and/or city regulations have imposed restrictions on the mounting of repeater units on light standards, current repeaters cannot be mounted on light standards due to the size, weight and power consumption of current repeaters.  
           [0004]    Restrictions on the repeater units typically include guidelines regarding the weight of the devices mounted to the light standard. For example, one municipality has imposed a weight limit of 20 pounds on equipment mounted to the pole of the light standard. Equipment that is mounted on the arm of the light standard cannot weigh more than 12 pounds. The surface area or wind area of the mounted equipment may also be regulated. For example, the regulations may require that all telecommunications equipment have a maximum surface area of 1 square foot on each side. Current systems typically cannot meet these regulations due to the size and weight of current components and corresponding cooling systems.  
           [0005]    Regulations may also impose restrictions on the source and level of power use of the mounted telecommunications equipment. The regulations may require that the repeater system obtain power directly from the street lighting system. In addition, the equipment may be required to operate at or below a specified current level and/or have a maximum start up current level. Current systems typically do not meet these requirements.  
           [0006]    Accordingly, an improved repeater system that can meet the weight, dimensional and power restrictions would be considered useful.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The repeater system of the present invention is designed to be mounted on a pole such as a light standard and provides an improved design that is dimensioned to meet the strict size, weight and power requirements generally imposed by light standard owners and/or statutory regulations. The small size and low cost of the repeater system makes deployment of the repeater system very cost effective for telecommunications carriers. The repeater system generally comprises a repeater unit, a first antenna, and a second antenna.  
           [0008]    The repeater unit includes an enclosure which houses cooling fans, heat sinks, a power regulator, and a radio amplifier or repeater. The total weight of the repeater unit is preferably less than about 20 pounds, and most preferably less than about 18 pounds. In addition, the surface area of the repeater unit is less than 1 square foot on each side. The enclosure typically comprises first and second enclosure bodies that may be joined together to form a sealed enclosure. The enclosure is typically mounted to the light standard pole by clamps, clips, tension bands or the like.  
           [0009]    The enclosure defines a central channel that is dimensioned to receive the repeater and the power regulator. The enclosure also defines a U-shaped plenum or interior chamber that allows air to circulate within the enclosure. Cooling fans and heat sinks are disposed within the enclosure to further facilitate cooling of the repeater and power regulator and to reduce humidity within the enclosure. The enclosure may include two vented openings or apertures which allow air to enter and exit the enclosure. The cooling fans may be arranged such that one cooling fan motivates external air into the plenum and a second cooling fan motivates air out of the plenum.  
           [0010]    The repeater unit further comprises a power plug receptor. A power cord may be inserted into the repeater unit to connect the repeater unit to a photocell adapter or other power source. The photocell adapter is configured to couple with the existing photocell of the light standard located above the light. The photocell adapter can then draw the power necessary to operate the repeater unit from the photocell.  
           [0011]    The first antenna may be any type of antenna, and in a preferred embodiment is a directional or decibel antenna. The first antenna is in communication with the repeater via a first RF cable. The repeater unit may be configured to be coupled with the first antenna. When coupled, the combined weight of the repeater unit, first antenna, and the mounting brackets is preferably less than 20 pounds. In addition, the surface area of the first antenna and repeater unit when coupled does not exceed 1 square foot on any face.  
           [0012]    The repeater system also includes a second antenna. The second antenna may be of any type, and in a preferred embodiment the second antenna is a yagi antenna. The second antenna may be mounted to the light standard arm by a second antenna bracket. Preferably, the weight of the second antenna is less than 3 pounds. The second antenna may be in communication with the repeater via a second RF cable. Preferably, the second RF cable and the power cord are secured to the light standard and/or light standard arm by a plurality of clamps, clasps, clips or the like.  
           [0013]    In operation, one or more repeater systems are allocated onto a plurality of light standards to provide an increased signal to the surrounding area. The one or more repeater systems can be arranged to eliminate gaps in signal service or to boost signal strength in areas with an insufficient signal.  
           [0014]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. It is also intended that features and aspects of each embodiment can be combined and integrated with those of other embodiments. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a light standard.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the repeater unit of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is a detail side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the repeater unit.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5B is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the repeater unit.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the repeater unit.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the first member of the enclosure of the repeater unit.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8A is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the first antenna of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8B is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the first antenna of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a detail top view of an exemplary embodiment of the first and second brackets which couple the first antenna and repeater unit.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is a detail top view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastener of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 is a schematic of an exemplary method of using the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the monitoring system of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    As depicted in the figures, the repeater system of the present invention may comprise a repeater unit  100 , a first antenna  200  and a second antenna  300  (FIG. 1). The repeater system is dimensioned to meet applicable weight, surface area, and power restrictions that are imposed on mountable repeater systems. The repeater unit  100  of the present invention includes an enclosure  110  which houses the repeater  70 . The enclosure  110  houses a repeater  70  and other electronic equipment within a weatherproof housing. The enclosure  110  is configured to define a plenum  164  (FIG. 3) which allows air motivated by one or more cooling fans to circulate within the enclosure  110  to cool the repeater  70  and other electronic equipment.  
         [0032]    The repeater system is designed to be mounted on a pole such as a street light standard  400 . The light standard  400  comprises a steel or concrete pole  410 , a light standard arm  430  and a light  440 . The light  440  may be a cobrahead luminaire or the like. The height H 1  of the light standard pole  410  may vary, but in general is in a range of about 20 to 40 feet (FIG. 2).  
         [0033]    As shown in FIG. 3, the repeater unit  100  comprises an enclosure  110  which houses a plurality of cooling fans  40 , one or more heat sinks  50 , a power regulator  60  and a radio amplifier or repeater  70 . In a preferred embodiment, the total weight of the repeater unit  110 , including the mounting brackets  80  (FIG. 4), is less than about 20 pounds, and most preferably is less than about 18 pounds.  
         [0034]    The repeater  70  and power regulator  60  may be of any form known in the art. Preferably, the repeater  70  has similar size and weight dimensions of an indoor repeater. As discussed further below, the enclosure  110  of the repeater system of the current invention creates the airflow needed to cool the repeater  70  to allow operation of such a repeater in an enclosure  110  made to withstand the outside environment.  
         [0035]    The repeater  70  may be used for PCS, PCN, DCS-1800, or the like. The repeater  70  may be a single band repeater and/or be band specific. In a preferred embodiment, the repeater  70  preferably does not interfere with other carriers&#39; networks. Preferably, the width W F  of the repeater  70  is between 4 and 10 inches (FIG. 3). The height H F  of the repeater  70  is preferably in the range of 4 and 10 inches. The depth (not shown) of the repeater  70  may vary, and is generally in the range of 1 to 4 inches. The weight of the repeater  70  is preferably less than about 5 pounds.  
         [0036]    The repeater  70  includes a power adaptor (not shown) that is configured to connect the repeater  70  to an internal power cord (not shown). The internal power cord may connect the power adaptor of the repeater  70  with the power cord outlet  90 . The power adaptor of the repeater  70  may be an AC/DC adaptor or a DC/DC adaptor. Preferably, the power adaptor is a 6.7 V/1.5 A AC/DC adaptor.  
         [0037]    The repeater  70  may further include a manual and/or automatic gain and output power control (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the repeater  70  operates at about 30 mW of power and between about 55 to 80 dB of gain. The gain and output power control can be adjusted by a user to reduce or eliminate osolation of the repeater unit. Osolation between repeater systems tends to occur if two repeater systems are mounted too close to each other. In this event, the power output of one or both repeater systems may be adjusted to reduce or eliminate osolation. In addition, the power output level can be adjusted based on the desired coverage area of the repeater system.  
         [0038]    Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the height H A  of the enclosure  110  of the repeater unit  100  is typically less than about 12 inches. Preferably, the height H A  of the enclosure is approximately 9.5 inches. The width W A  of the enclosure  110  is preferably less than 10 inches, and most preferably is approximately 9.2 inches. The depth D A  of the enclosure  110  is preferably in the range of about 2.5 to 4.5 inches.  
         [0039]    The enclosure  110  may be comprised of any substantially rigid material such as plastic, metal, fiberglass or the like. The enclosure  110  may be any color. The enclosure  110  may be colored to match the light standard  400  and/or first antenna  200  or may be white, brown, gray, or beige.  
         [0040]    In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure  110  comprises a first member  120  and a second member  160  (FIG. 6). The first member  120  and the second member  160  are configured to mate or join. The first member  120  and the second member  160  comprise a plurality of apertures, openings or fastener channels  162  that are coextensive when the first member  120  and the second member  160  are joined together (FIG. 5A). A plurality of fasteners (not shown) may be inserted through the apertures  162  in order to secure the first member  120  and the second member  160  together. When joined, the first member  120  and second member  160  create a water tight enclosure  110 .  
         [0041]    The first member  120  comprises a substantially flat back panel  124 , an exterior wall  130 , and a bottom wall  134  (FIGS. 5A, 5B and  7 ). The back panel  124  comprises a plurality of openings or apertures (not shown) that are configured to receive a fastener. As described further below, the apertures of the back panel  124  of the first member  120  are preferably aligned with fastener channels or openings  162  of the second member  160  such that a fastener may be inserted through openings, apertures, or fastener channels located on both the first member  120  and the second member  160 .  
         [0042]    The first member  120  typically comprises a U-shaped exterior wall  130  which is disposed substantially perpendicular to the back panel  124  (FIGS. 6 and 7). The exterior wall  130  is typically disposed inward from the apertures such that the exterior wall  130  is offset from the lateral edges  140  of the back panel  124  thereby defining a first horizontal lip  142 . The exterior wall  130  extends along each side  144  of the first member  120  and the top portion  146  of the first member  120  (FIG. 6). The height H B  of the exterior wall  130  is generally uniform along each of the sides  144  of the first member (FIG. 7). The height H B  of the exterior wall  130  is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 inches. Preferably, the top portion  146  of the exterior wall  130  curves slightly upward near a central region  148  of the top portion  146  (FIG. 6). Therefore, the height of the exterior wall  130  in the central region  148  is typically greater than the height H B  of the exterior wall  130  along the sides  144  of the first member  120 . The height of the exterior wall  130  in the central region  148  is preferably in a range of about 1 to 4 inches.  
         [0043]    The first member  120  further comprises a bottom wall  134  having a substantially flat vertical surface (FIG. 7). The bottom wall  134  may include a curved central portion  136  which increases in height as compared to the sides of the bottom wall  134 . The central portion  136  of the bottom wall  134  may further comprise a curved recess  138  that is configured to receive one or more RF cables  10 ,  20  which connect the antennas  200 ,  300  and the repeater  70  (FIGS. 1 and 7).  
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment, the first member  120  comprises a plurality of slots  150  configured to receive a cooling fan  40  (FIG. 5A). The cooling fan slots  150  generally include a pair of raised grooves  152  that extend along an upper face of the back panel  126  and an inner face of the exterior wall (FIG. 7). The raised grooves  152  thereby define a cooling fan slot  150  (FIG. 5A). The grooves  152  are dimensioned such that distance between the grooves  152  is slightly greater than the depth D B  of the cooling fan  70  (FIG. 3). The cooling fan slots  150  may be dimensioned based on the dimensions of the cooling fan  70  selected. In a preferred embodiment, the first member  120  includes a first cooling fan slot  154  near the opening to an air duct input  60  and a second cooling fan slot  156  near the opening to an air duct output  62  (FIGS. 5A and 5B). In a most preferred embodiment, the first member comprises more than two cooling fan slots  150 .  
         [0045]    The first member  120  may further comprise one or more support walls  158 . The support walls  158  are typically disposed adjacent to the bottom wall  134  and are typically perpendicular to the bottom wall  134 . The height of the support walls  158  may be the same as the height of the edges of the bottom wall  134 . The support walls  158  are disposed adjacent to the first and second cooling fan slots  154 ,  156  and provide lateral support to the cooling fans  40  when cooling fans  40  are disposed within the first and second cooling fan slots  154 ,  156 .  
         [0046]    The second member  160  comprises a front panel  170 , an exterior wall  178  and a pair of parallel ridges  180  (FIGS. 5A and 5B). The front panel  170  of the second member  160  is substantially flat along the lateral regions  172  and contains an upwardly curved central region  174 . The bottom of the exterior wall  178  preferably comprises a second horizontal lip or protrusion  163 .  
         [0047]    A plurality of fastener channels  162  are preferably molded into the exterior wall  178  of the second member  160 . Alternatively, a plurality of openings or apertures  162  may be disposed on the second horizontal lip  163 . The fastener channels  162  are configured to receive the body of a fastener such as a bolt, rivet or clip (not shown). When the second member  160  is inserted into the first member  120 , the apertures of the first member  120  and the fastener channels  162  of the second member  160  preferably are aligned. A fastener may therefore be inserted through the fastener channel  162  and aperture. The fastener may be used to secure the first and second members  120 ,  160  together. For example, a bolt may be inserted through the fastener channel  162  of the second member  160  and through the aperture of the first member  120 . A nut (not shown) may then be attached to the bolt to secure the first and second members  120 ,  160  together.  
         [0048]    The parallel ridges  180  define a central channel  182  (FIG. 5A). The central channel  182  is dimensioned to receive the repeater  70  and the power regulator  60 . Preferably, the width W E  of the central channel  182  is substantially the same as the width W F  of the repeater  70  and/or power regulator  60  such that the repeater  70  and power regulator  60  fit securely within the central channel  182 . The width W E  of the central channel  182  may be between about 3.5 and 6.5 inches. The height of the parallel ridges  180  of the central channel  182  may vary, but preferably the height is between about 0.5 to 3.5 inches. In a most preferred embodiment, the height of the parallel ridges  180  is between about 0.5 inches and 2 inches. In this embodiment, air may circulate more easily around the repeater unit  70  and power regulator  60 . The parallel ridges  180  may extend from the bottom wall  190  towards the top wall  198 . The ends of the parallel ridges  180  preferably are located approximately 1 to 5 inches from the top wall  198 . When the first and second members  120 ,  160  are joined together, the support walls  158  of the first member  120  are preferably disposed laterally in relation to the parallel ridges  180 . That is, the parallel ridges  180  are disposed more centrally than the support walls  158  (FIGS. 5A and 6).  
         [0049]    The central portion of the bottom wall  190  of the second member  160  may include an extended region  184  (FIGS. 5B and 6). The extended region  184  has a substantially vertical wall  186  which extends out from the exterior wall  178 . The back portion  188  of the extended region  184  includes a curved groove  168  which is configured to receive one or more RF cables  10 ,  20 . The extended region  184  juts out from the exterior wall  178  and creates a small gap  166  between the vertical wall  186  and the bottom wall  134  of the first member  120  when the first and second members  120 ,  160  are joined together. This gap  166  is configured to receive a portion of the one or more RF cables  10 ,  20  that connect the antennas  200 ,  300  and the repeater  70 . As described further below, a RF cable  10 ,  20  is inserted through the curved groove  168  of the second member  160  and threaded through the recess  138  of the first member  120 . The RF cable  10 ,  20  can then be coupled with the repeater  70 .  
         [0050]    The sides of the bottom wall  190  each comprise a vented opening  60 ,  62  which is aligned with an interior chamber or plenum  164  of the enclosure (FIGS. 3, 5A and  5 B). In operation, the cooling fans  40  motivate air (direction of airflow shown by arrows in FIG. 3) through the plenum  164  by drawing external air through the first vented opening, or air duct input  60 , and directing the air out through the second vented opening, or air duct output  62 . This creates an air circulation system which cools the electronic equipment and reduces the humidity within the enclosure  110 . Alternatively, the bottom wall  190  may comprise a pair of openings that are not vented. The openings would therefore allow air to freely travel into and out of the plenum  164 .  
         [0051]    Preferably the exterior wall  178  of the second member  160  is located laterally of the exterior wall  130  of the first member when the first member  120  and second member  160  are joined together. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the first and second members  120 ,  160  are joined, the second member  160  covers the first member  120  such that the only portion of the first member  120  which is exposed is the back panel  124 .  
         [0052]    The exterior walls  178  of the enclosure define a U-shaped interior chamber or plenum  164  which extends along the sides  192  and the top portion  194  of the enclosure  110  (FIG. 5A). The plenum  164  is designed to allow air to circulate within the enclosure  110 . This allows for the cooling of the repeater  70  and power regulator  60  and also reduces the humidity within the enclosure  110 . Preferably, the plenum  164  is between about 1 and 5 inches wide at all points. The interior chamber or plenum  164  may further include a plurality of heat sinks  50  which assist in cooling the electronic equipment (FIG. 3).  
         [0053]    The cooling fans  40  are configured to motivate air flow from outside the enclosure through the interior chamber or plenum  164  (FIG. 3). A first cooling fan  40  generally blows or motivates external air into the plenum  164  via the air duct input  60 . A second cooling fan  40  preferably blows air out of the plenum  164  through the air duct output  62 . A third cooling fan  40  generally pulls or motivates air up and over the repeater  70  and power regulator  60 , and tends to blow air towards the second cooling fan  40 . In this embodiment, the third cooling fan  40  may blow air across the heat sinks  50 . In a further embodiment, additional cooling fans  40  may be disposed within the enclosure  110  to increase cooling of the repeater  70  and power regulator  60 .  
         [0054]    A controller  25  may be coupled with the repeater unit  100 . The controller may be coupled with the repeater  70  or another portion of the repeater unit  100 . The controller is adapted to monitor the temperature and the humidity within the enclosure  110 . The controller  25  may be in communication with the cooling fans and configured to adjust the speed of the cooling fans based on the temperature and humidity within the enclosure  110 .  
         [0055]    Turning to FIG. 14, the repeater unit  100  may further include a monitoring system  35 . The monitoring system  35  may comprise one or more sensors  26  which are coupled with the cooling fans  40 , controller  25 , power regulator  60  and/or repeater  70  of the repeater unit  100 . The sensors  26  are configured to detect problems or malfunctions with the operation of the components of the repeater unit  100 . The monitoring system also comprises an alarm  27  that is configured to communicate with a central monitoring station  29 . The alarm  27  may be able to communicate with a central monitoring station via a wide area network (WAN)  28  such as a cellular or satellite based system. In a preferred embodiment, the WAN  28  is a cellular system, and the monitoring system uses the first antenna  200  and/or the second antenna  300  to transmit an alarm signal when a malfunction is detected by the sensors  26 .  
         [0056]    The monitoring system also include one or more alarm indicator lights  23 . When the repeater  70  and/or other components of the repeater unit  100  are functioning properly, one of the alarm indicator lights  23  of a specific color may be on. For example, a green light may be used to indicate that the system is functioning properly. When the sensors  26  detect a malfunction, a red alarm indicator light  23  may be illuminated.  
         [0057]    The repeater unit  100  may also comprise a power outlet  90  which may connect the repeater unit  100  to the photocell adapter  600  as described further below. The side wall  196  or top wall  198  of the enclosure may comprise a power cord aperture (not shown) that is configured to receive a power cord  30  (FIGS. 1 and 3). Alternatively, the power cord  30  may be inserted through the bottom wall  190  of the enclosure  110  in a similar fashion as the RF cables  10 ,  20 .  
         [0058]    The first antenna  200  may comprise a decibel or directional antenna. The first antenna  200  may be in communication with the repeater unit  100  via a first RF coaxial cable  10  (FIG. 1). The weight of the first antenna  200  is preferably less than about 2 pounds and most preferably is substantially 1.8 pounds. Typically the height H G  of the first antenna is substantially 12 inches or less and the width of the first antenna is approximately 6.1 inches (FIGS. 8A and 8B). In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the front wall  202  of the first antenna  200  is approximately 0.5 square feet. In a preferred embodiment, the reflector screen (not shown) of the first antenna  200  is made of a metal such as aluminum. The radiator (not shown) of the first antenna  200  is preferably made of a metal such as brass or aluminum. The radome  210  of the first antenna  200  is preferably comprised of PVC (UV resistant), high impact plastic, or fiberglass. The back wall  250  and radome  210  of the first antenna  200  may be colored to match the light standard  400  and/or repeater unit  100 , or may be white, brown, gray, or beige. The first antenna  200  preferably includes an aperture or opening  270  dimensioned to receive a first RF cable  10  (FIGS. 1 and 8). As discussed further below, the back wall  250  of the first antenna  200  preferably comprises a first bracket  280  that is configured to engage a second bracket  112  mounted on the repeater unit  100 .  
         [0059]    The repeater unit  100  and the first antenna  200  may be coupled and vertically mounted on the light standard  400  (FIG. 1). The repeater unit  100  and the first antenna  200  may be coupled by inserting one or more bolts  114  through adjoining brackets  112 ,  280  of the repeater unit  100  and the first antenna  200  (FIG. 9). In a preferred embodiment the back wall  250  of the first antenna  200  comprises a pair of first brackets  280 . Alternatively, the back wall  250  may comprise a single bracket  280  or three or more brackets  280  that are configured to engage corresponding brackets  112  located on the repeater unit  100 . The vertical wall  220  of each first bracket  280  may comprise one or more apertures  240  that are configured to receive a fastener  114  such as a clip, rivet, or bolt (FIGS. 8 and 9). A fastener  114  may be inserted through a corresponding opening in the back wall  250  of the first antenna  200  and then through the aperture  240  of the first bracket  280 . The fastener  114  may then be tightened which secures the bracket  280  in a fixed position. In an alternative embodiment, the bracket  280  may be fixed to the back wall  250  via an adhesive such as glue. The lateral walls  230  of the first bracket  280  preferably comprise a plurality of apertures  290 . The apertures  290  may be configured to receive the body of a fastener  114  such a clip, rivet, or bolt.  
         [0060]    A second bracket  112  may be bolted or fixed to the enclosure  110  of the repeater unit  100 . The second bracket  112  may comprise a plurality of apertures that are configured to receive a fastener  114  such as a clip, rivet, or bolt. In operation, a bolt may be inserted through the aperture of the second bracket  112  and an aperture  290  of the first bracket  280  and into a corresponding aperture on the second bracket. The bolt may then be secured by screwing a nut into the bolt. Preferably the depth of the first and second brackets  112 ,  280  when coupled together is less than 2 inches.  
         [0061]    When coupled together, the first antenna  200  and repeater unit  100  form a mountable unit  500  (FIG. 1). The mountable unit  500  preferably has a weight that is equal to or less than about 20 pounds. The wind load, or surface area, of the mountable unit  500  is preferably about 1 square foot or less on each side. The height H J  of the mountable unit  500  is about 12 inches or less and the width W J  of the mountable unit  500  is typically about 10 inches or less (FIG. 10). The depth D J  of the mountable unit  500  is preferably in the range of about 4 to 10 inches and most preferably is in the range of about 6 to 9 inches.  
         [0062]    The repeater unit  100  is mounted to the vertical pole  410  of the light standard  400 . Typically, the repeater unit  100  is mounted within the top 5 feet of the light standard  400 . In a preferred embodiment, the repeater unit  100  is mounted at least about 1.5 feet from the top  420  of the light standard pole  410 . The repeater unit  100  may be mounted to the light standard pole  410  by one or more fasteners  510  such as tension bands, clamps, clasps, clips, or the like. The fastener  510  may be a stainless steel clamp. In a preferred embodiment, the top or bottom panel  170 ,  124  of the enclosure  110  comprises a mounting bracket or mounting aperture  116  (FIG. 4). The mounting bracket or aperture  116  may then be coupled with the fastener  510  in order to secure the repeater unit  100  to the light standard pole  410 .  
         [0063]    The repeater system also includes a second antenna  300 . The second antenna  300  is in communication with the repeater unit  100  via a second RF coaxial cable  30 . The second antenna  300  preferably is a stick antenna or a yagi antenna. In a preferred embodiment, the yagi antenna is approximately 10 to 30 inches long, and most preferably is in the range of 14 to 20 inches long. The yagi antenna is preferably between about 2 and 5 inches wide, and most preferably substantially 4 inches wide. The diameter of the yagi antenna may be substantially 1 inch. The weight of the yagi antenna is preferably less than about 3 pounds. However, the dimensions of the yagi antenna may vary depending on the application.  
         [0064]    The second antenna  300  may be mounted to the light standard arm  430  by a second antenna bracket  310  (FIG. 1). The second antenna  300  may be positioned at any point along the light standard arm  430 . In a preferred embodiment, the second antenna  300  is disposed adjacent to and above the light  440 . The second antenna bracket  310  may comprise a vertical support  320  that is mounted to the light standard arm  430  by one or more U-shaped bolts or other fasteners (not shown). The second antenna  300  may then be secured to the vertical support  320  by a fastener such as a screw, rivet, clip or bolt (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the second antenna  300  extends horizontally in relation to the ground (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the second antenna  300  extends approximately 1 to 10 inches above the uppermost point  460  of the light standard arm  430 . Preferably, the second antenna  300  extends 6 inches or less above the uppermost point  460  of the light standard arm  430  (FIG. 1). The second antenna  300  generally extends horizontally or laterally from the light standard arm  430  such that the tip  340  of the second antenna extends approximately 6 to 30 inches past the most lateral portion  470  of the light standard arm  430 . Alternatively, the second antenna  300  may extend vertically upward, vertically downward, or in any other direction.  
         [0065]    The repeater system may be powered by the photocell  450  of the light standard  400  (FIG. 1). Preferably, the system includes a photocell adapter  600  that may be coupled to the photocell  450  of the light standard  400 . Typically, the photocell  450  is located above the light  440  on the light standard arm. The photocell adapter  600  is connected to the power cord  30 . As described above, the power cord  30  may be connected to a power cord outlet  90  disposed within the repeater unit  100  (FIG. 3). The photocell adapter  600  provides the power source for the repeater  70 , power regulator  60  and cooling fans  40  of the repeater unit  100 . Preferably, the voltage supplied is approximately 6.7 Vdc and the current is substantially 1.2 A typ. The voltage and current supplied may vary depending on the electronic equipment within the repeater unit  100 . In a most preferred embodiment, the electronic equipment within the repeater unit  100  does not require more than about 1.5 amps of operational current or about 2 amps of start up current. Alternatively, the repeater system may comprise one or more solar panels (not shown) affixed to the light standard  400 .  
         [0066]    In a preferred embodiment, the power cord  30  and second RF cable  20  are secured to the light standard pole  410  and light standard arm  430  by a plurality of fasteners  700  such as clamps, tension bands, clips, clasps, or the like (FIG. 12). Preferably, the fasteners  700  include two rings, apertures, or extensions  710 ,  720  that are configured to receive either the power cord  30  or the RF cable  20 . The power cord  30  may be inserted into a first ring  710  and the second RF cable  20  may be inserted into the second ring  720 . The fastener  700  may also have an adjustment clip  730  which allows the fastener  700  to be tightened more securely to the light standard pole  400  or light standard arm  410 .  
         [0067]    In use, the repeater system of the present invention may be mounted to several light standards (FIG. 13). Preferably, the repeater systems are positioned such that they provide a continuous signal network between larger antennas and/or base stations. The number of repeater systems that are necessary to provide adequate coverage to an area will depend on several factors such as the presence of hills, slopes, or the like.  
         [0068]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.