Abstract:
In order to send electromagnetic signals received on one or more first frequency bands, the method applies a transformation to the signals, by performing the following actions: selecting first frequency subbands, forming a first set of frequency subbands of the first frequency band(s); using organization rules to associate one or more second sets of frequency subbands, forming one or more second frequency bands, with each first frequency subband of the first set; and using optimization rules to determine frequency translations to transpose the signals received in the first frequency subbands into signals sent in the second frequency band(s).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The field of the invention is that of electromagnetic signal transmission. 
         [0002]    More particularly, the invention relates to a method and device for transmitting/receiving electromagnetic signals received/transmitted in one or more first frequency bands. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Electromagnetic signals are used in many areas for communicating many types of information. In the light spectrum, electromagnetic signals are generally conveyed over optical fibers. In the radio wave spectrum, electromagnetic signals are conveyed via coaxial cables or radiated and picked up by antennas. When the signals are transmitted via a hardware medium, such as a cable or optical fiber, multiple media can be used to increase the volume of transmissible signals. In a single medium, space or even an optical fiber, many issues arise, interference problems, problems with available frequency bands, or with operating the spectrum. 
         [0004]    Whenever a frequency band is available, it must not be wasted. Fragmentation of frequency sub-bands within an available frequency band requires greater bandwidth for the same amount of signals to be transmitted. 
         [0005]    Seeking optimal frequency band operation while avoiding fragmentation is a constant concern. 
         [0006]    The international patent application WO2008/067584 discloses a method wherein baseband digital signals are modulated in adjoining frequency sub-bands. However, this document is limited to teaching how to produce non-fragmented frequency bands when controlling the original, e.g. baseband, signal modulation method. 
         [0007]    A problem arises when the signals to be transmitted are not received in baseband, but already modulated in frequency sub-bands using complex coding and protocols. 
         [0008]    A recurrent problem then arises when the frequency sub-bands in which the signals are located are distributed in a fragmented manner over one or even several frequency bands. This is the case namely in mobile or cellular telecommunications for which different often separate frequency bands are assigned to each constantly evolving standard, 2G, 3G, 4G. 
         [0009]    Then again, the same frequency band can be split among several operators. For the same operator, frequency sub-bands can be distributed in a different way, with intentional or unintentional gaps between uplinks and downlinks or from cell to cell. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In order to overcome the problems of the state of the art, an object of the invention is a method for transmitting/receiving electromagnetic signals received/transmitted in one or more first frequency bands. Remarkably, the method comprises the steps of:
       selecting first frequency sub-bands forming a first set of frequency sub-bands of said first frequency band(s);   in accordance with organizational rules, associating with each first frequency sub-band forming said first set one or more second sets of frequency sub-bands forming one or more second frequency bands; and   in accordance with optimization rules, determining frequency translations for transposing signals received in the first frequency sub-bands to signals transmitted in the second frequency band(s).       
 
         [0014]    In particular, the selection is applied only to the frequency sub-bands in which wanted electromagnetic signals are received. 
         [0015]    Also in particular, the organizational rules include rules of associating a second frequency sub-band with a segment covering all or part of a first frequency sub-band. 
         [0016]    Advantageously, the optimization rules include rules for establishing a second set of frequency sub-bands each related to at least one other frequency sub-band of said set. 
         [0017]    More particularly, the method is used in a cellular communication network. 
         [0018]    Even more particularly, signals are transmitted over a wireless connection. 
         [0019]    Another implementation of interest is where signals are transmitted via an optical fiber. 
         [0020]    Also an object of the invention is a device for implementing the above-mentioned method. 
         [0021]    Namely, the device for transmitting electromagnetic signals received in one or more first frequency bands, comprises:
       a bank of filters each having a pass band;   at the input of each filter, a first frequency converter intersecting a first sub-band of a first frequency band with the pass band of the filter associated therewith; and   at the output of each filter, a second frequency converter bringing the pass band of the filter associated therewith to a second sub-band of a second frequency band.       
 
         [0025]    In particular, each first frequency converter is controlled by an input setpoint generator in order to intersect with the pass band of the filter associated therewith a first frequency sub-band in which wanted signals are received. 
         [0026]    Also in particular, each filter is controlled by a pass band adapter so as to superimpose the pass band of the filter on a first frequency sub-band segment. 
         [0027]    Advantageously, each second frequency converter is controlled by an output setpoint generator so as to release the second frequency sub-band obtained at the filter output, next to at least one other frequency sub-band of the second frequency set. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0028]    Other objectives, characteristics, details, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment without limitation of object and scope of the present patent application with appended drawings, where: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a cellular telecommunications network; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a representation of the conversion performed by a method according to the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is another representation of the conversion performed by a method according to the invention; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 4 to 7  show steps of the method according to the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a matrix for implementing the method according to the invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a device according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]      FIG. 1  shows a mobile telephone access network comprising several relay antennas  5 ,  25 ,  35 ,  45 , and a mobile telephone core network  50 . 
         [0036]    Antenna  5  picks up electromagnetic signals on uplinks  15 ,  17 . E.g., uplink  15  come from a mobile terminal  1 . Antenna  5  dually radiates electromagnetic signals on downlinks  16 ,  18 . E.g., downlink  16  is for mobile terminal  1 . Similarly, antennas  25 ,  35 ,  45  pick up electromagnetic signals on uplinks  20 ,  21 ,  30 ,  31 ,  54 ,  40 ,  41 . E.g., uplinks  21 ,  31 ,  41  come from mobile terminals  2 ,  3 ,  4 . Also, antennas  25 ,  35 ,  45  radiate electromagnetic signals on downlinks  29 ,  38 ,  39 ,  48 ,  49 ,  53 ,  55 . E.g., downlinks  29 ,  38 ,  48 , are for mobile terminals  2 ,  3 ,  4 . 
         [0037]    In the access network, radio transmission stations  7 ,  27 ,  37 ,  47 , for instance like a Base Station/BTS (Base Transceiver Station) or Node B, are linked to antennas  5 ,  25 ,  35 ,  45  for transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic signals respectively radiated and picked up by the antennas. In a known manner, control stations  8 ,  28 , for instance like a BSC (Base Station Controller) or RAN (Radio Access Network), each manage a group of transmission stations. In the core network  50 , switching centers  9 , for instance like an MSC (Mobile Switching Center), supervise groups of control stations. 
         [0038]    A so-called WRRH (Wireless Remote Radio Head) system comprises a unit  12  in close proximity to antenna  5  and a unit  13  in close proximity to radio transmission station  7  for setting up one or more wireless uplinks  6  from the antenna to the radio transmission station and one or more wireless downlinks  14  from the radio transmission station to the antenna, a unit  22  in close proximity to antenna  25 , and a unit  23  in close proximity to radio transmission station  27  for setting up one or more wireless uplinks  26  from the antenna to the radio transmission station and one or more wireless downlinks  24  from the radio transmission station to the antenna, a unit  32  in close proximity to the antenna  35 , and a unit  33  in close proximity to radio transmission station  37  for setting up one or more wireless uplinks  36  from the antenna to the radio transmission station and one or more wireless downlinks  34  from the radio transmission station to the antenna, a unit  42  in close proximity to the antenna  45 , and a unit  43  in close proximity to the radio transmission station  47  for setting up one or more wireless uplinks  46  from the antenna to the radio transmission station, and one or more wireless downlinks  44  from the radio transmission station to the antenna. As will be apparent throughout the description, the method and device of the invention are particularly advantageous for enabling the WRRH system to set up links between a base station (or part thereof) and the associated operator antennas, by means of wireless connections the operating frequency or frequencies of which are different from those commonly used by the operator. An independently managed sub-system of the WRRH system can be assigned to each radio transmission station  27 ,  47  or a group of several radio transmission stations  7 ,  37 , for instance in order to enable the radio transmission station to transmit electromagnetic signals to antenna  35  via a link  19  and receive electromagnetic signals from antenna  35  via a link  10 . The sub-system covering radio transmission stations  7  and  37  can also cover all or part of radio transmission stations  27 ,  47 , or even other radio transmission stations not represented, and even cover all of the radio transmission stations of the access network. 
         [0039]    In the WRRH system, the signals picked up by the antenna in the frequency band(s) of the operator, are filtered, frequency translated to other frequency bands and vice versa for signals radiated by the antenna. Such other frequency bands are bands allowing for a link to be created between the base station and the associated antenna. 
         [0040]    Among the services/applications provided by the operator, each operator is assigned the right to use several frequency bands, for instance among those of GSM, UMTS, or others mobile communication standards. This set of frequency bands is designated as {F 1 } throughout the description. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the set {F 1 } comprises a number N of frequency bands assigned by way of example, but not to be restrictive, to an operator A. Each frequency band is frequency sub-band shared, from which only some form a set {F 1,j,k } comprising a number Ns of frequency sub-bands F 1,j,k  allocated to operator A. Each frequency sub-band is called F 1,j,k , with the first index having the value 1 indicating that the sub-band belongs to a frequency band of the set of frequency bands {F 1 }, the second index j varying from 1 to N indicating the frequency band, i.e. the set {F 1,j,k } to which the frequency sub-band F 1,j,k , and index k varying from 1 to Ns, enumerating the frequency sub-bands of the frequency band having the index j. 
         [0042]    The space between sub-bands can be occupied either by another operator B, C, . . . , or by applications not related to operator A. 
         [0043]    Fundamental frequency sub-bands allocated to or used by the operator A in the same frequency band can form a continuous spectrum collecting fundamental sub-bands in a single sub-band or a fragmented spectrum dispersing fundamental sub-bands into several separate sub-bands. 
         [0044]    The WRRH system uses a frequency set designated by {F 2 } throughout the description, for carrying signals belonging to set {F 1 } between the radio transmission station (like a BTS, node B, or the like) and the antenna of the operator and vice versa. The frequency set {F 2 } is limited in terms of bandwidth and can be shared with other applications not related to the applications of operator A. 
         [0045]    One solution of directly translating all of the frequencies or frequency bands of set {F 1 } to frequency set {F 2 } is easy to implement, but does not offer good performance in terms of spectral occupation. 
         [0046]    The method of the invention applies a conversion  59  to the signals at frequencies in the frequency bands of set {F 1 } in order to obtain signals at frequencies in frequency set {F 2 } so as to compress spectral occupation in the frequency set {F 2 }. Conversion  59  is governed by rules for organizing, selecting, and optimizing the signals from band {F 1 } in order to efficiently fill the spectrum of frequency set {F 2 }. 
         [0047]    Frequencies are translated by sub-band, directly from set {F 1 } to frequency set {F 2 }, without any demodulation of the signal, in other words without having to know whether the modulation of the signal is a frequency, amplitude, or phase modulation, and without having to know the coding of the signal on the carrier(s), for instance frequency hopping in CDMA or TD-CDMA. Signals are frequency translated without having to know the content thereof. In other words, frequency translation of each sub-band is independent from the signal as such. Frequency sub-bands of various operators can be translated independently from each other. 
         [0048]    In the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , sub-bands F 1,1,1 , F 1,1,2 , F 1,1,4 , are all extracted from set and are respectively translated to sub-bands F 2,1,1 , F 2,1,2 , F 2,1,4 , adjacent to each other in set {F 2,p,q } within frequency set {F 2 ). Sub-band F 1,j,k , (j≠1̂j≠N) is entirely extracted from set {F 1,j,k } and is translated to sub-band F 2,j,k , adjacent to sub-band F 2,1,4 , in set {F 2,p,q } within frequency set (F 2 ). Sub-band is only partially extracted from set {F 1,N,k } and extracted portion or segment is translated to sub-band F 2,N,1 , in set {F 2,m,n } within frequency set {F 2 }. Sub-band F 1,13 , is entirely extracted from set {F 1,1,k } and is translated to sub-band F 2,1,3 , related to sub-band F 2,N,1  in set within frequency set {F 2,m,n }. Sub-bands F 1,N,k , F 1,N,Ns  are all extracted from set {F 1,N,k } and are respectively translated to sub-bands F 2,N,k , F 2,N,Ns , related to each other in set {F 2,m,n } within frequency set {F 2 }. 
         [0049]    Thus, conversion  59  performs defragmentation from set {F 1 } into set {F 2 }. 
         [0050]    The conversion  59  is also applicable in reverse to signals at frequencies in the frequency bands of set {F 2 } in order to obtain signals at frequencies in frequency set {F 1 } so as to expand spectral occupation in frequency set (F 1 ). Conversion  59  will then alternately perform fragmentation from set {F 2 } into set {F 1 }. 
         [0051]    The above explanations are based on a rearrangement of the signals in other frequency bands depending on frequency criteria, namely depending on the original frequency sub-band of the signal. Other criteria can be applied, for instance depending on polarization of the signal, logical or spatial criteria. In a satellite, a spatial criterion would be used for returning certain frequencies to a first spot and other frequencies to a second spot. 
         [0052]    In the WRRH system illustrated by  FIG. 1 , where frequencies belonging to operator A are to be carried from the antenna to the base station and vice versa, the method of the invention is used twice as will be explained now with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0053]    On uplinks  15 ,  30 ,  31 , the signals of the operator picked up by antennas  5 ,  20   35 , for instance respectively in the frequency sub-bands F 1,N,1 , F 1,1,3 , F 1,1,1 , are organized, filtered, and spectrally optimized by a first conversion  59   a  in order to be carried in links  6 ,  10 ,  36  of the wireless connection respectively in frequency sub-bands F 2,N,1 , F 2,1,3 , F 2,1,1 . A second conversion  59   b  is then applied to the signals carried in links  6 ,  10 ,  36  of the wireless connection respectively in frequency sub-bands F 2,N,1 , F 2,1,3 , F 2,1,1 , in order to restore in radio transmission station  7  the signals in the frequency sub-bands F 3,N,1 , F 3,1,3 , and restore in the radio transmission station  37  the signals in the frequency sub-band F 3,1,1  into a frequency set {F 3 }. Frequency set {F 3 } can also be the same set as the original one, thereby allowing one frequency set to be carried within another smaller one. 
         [0054]    In downlinks  16 ,  38 ,  39 , the signals of the operator to be radiated by antennas  5 ,  35 , are transmitted by radio transmission stations  7 ,  37  for instance respectively in frequency sub-bands F 1,N,k , F 1,N,Ns , F 1,1,2 . The signals transmitted are organized, filtered, and spectrally optimized by the first conversion  59   a  in order to be carried on links  14 ,  19 ,  34  of the wireless connection respectively in frequency sub-bands F 2,N,k , F 2,N,Ns , F 2,1,2 . The second conversion  59   b  is then applied to the signals carried on links  14 ,  19 ,  34  of the wireless connection respectively in frequency sub-bands F 2,N,k , F 2,N,Ns , F 2,1,2 , so as to restore at antenna  5 , the signals in the frequency sub-bands F 3,N,k , and at antenna  35 , the signals in frequency sub-bands F 3,N,NS , F 3,1,2 , in frequency set {F 3 }. Here again, frequency set {F 3 } can be the same set {F 1 } as the original one, thereby allowing one frequency set to be carried within another smaller one. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  shows method steps according to the invention. The frequency bands assigned to operator A are taken into consideration by one execution of an initial step  100  pointing to a first frequency band having an index j set to 1 and by several preferably parallel executions of a step  103  each pointing to a value different from j comprised between 1 and N under the control of step  104 . In each frequency band considered, the frequency sub-bands F 1,j,k , allocated to and/or used by the operator are selected by the execution of the initial step  100  for the first frequency band and by several preferably parallel executions of a step  101  each pointing to a value different from k comprised between 1 and Ns, specific to each frequency band under the control of a step  102  adapting the value of the number Ns to the frequency band where the selection is performed. 
         [0056]    Frequencies f comprised between a lower limit Inf(F 1,j,k ) observed in a step  106  and an upper limit Sup(F 1,j,k ) of each selected frequency sub-band F 1,j,k , observed in a step  109 , are passed by a step  108  so as to take a signal S(f) at the frequency f and translate it to a frequency f+Δf in a step  107 . 
         [0057]    In the implementation presented in  FIG. 4 , the frequency translation value Δf is determined in a step  110  for all of the frequencies of the selected frequency band. 
         [0058]    In the implementation presented in the  FIG. 5 , the frequency translation value Δf is determined in a step  111  differently for different frequencies of the frequency set of the selected frequency band. 
         [0059]    The determination of the frequency translation Δf in step  110 , is illustrated by steps  200  to  205  represented in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0060]    One or several sets of incoming frequency sub-bands {F 2,p,q }, {F 2,m,n } are previously defined for instance by the lower frequency limit Inf({F 2,p,q }), Inf({F 2,m,n }) thereof. In a step  200 , the sets of frequency sub-bands are initialized to empty sets by positioning upper limit values Sup({F 2,p,q }), Sup({F 2,m,n }) equal to the lower limit values Inf({F 2,p,q }), Inf({F 2,m,n }) of the sets. 
         [0061]    For each required frequency translation value Δf from one frequency sub-band F 1,j,k  in an execution of step  201  triggered by step  110 , a step  205  generates a frequency translation value Δf. Between steps  201  and  205 , one or more steps each executes a rule relating the frequency translation value f to the frequency sub-band F 1,j,k  to which it is applicable. 
         [0062]    For instance, a step  202  executes an organizational rule which consists in assigning an incoming set {F 2,m,n } to the frequency sub-band F 1,j,k  unique for the set of selected sub-bands, or different, for instance depending on logical criteria pre-established at the transmitters or receivers of the signals, on the granted data rates, communication protocols, semantics of content, or the like. 
         [0063]    E.g., a step  203  executes an optimization rule which consists in translating the lower limit Inf(F 1,j,k ) of the frequency sub-band so as to map it to the upper limit Sup({F 2,m,n }), apart from a safety margin. 
         [0064]    A step  204  associated with step  203  then updates the upper limit Sup({F 2,m,n }) so as to take into account the addition of sub-band F 1,j,k  translated into set {F 2,m,n }. 
         [0065]    The determination of the frequency translation Δf in step  111  is illustrated by steps  210  to  215  represented in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0066]    One or more sets of incoming frequency sub-bands {F 2,p,q }, {F 2,m,n } are here previously defined for instance by the lower frequency limit Inf({F 2,p,q }), Inf({F 2,m,n }) thereof. In a step  210 , the sets of frequency sub-bands are initialized to empty sets by positioning upper limit values Sup({F 2,p,q }), Sup({F 2,m,n }) equal to the lower limit values Inf({F 2,p,q }), Inf({F 2,m,n }) of the sets. 
         [0067]    For each required frequency translation value Δf from one frequency sub-band F 1,j,k  in an execution of step  211  triggered by step  111 , a step  215  generates a frequency translation value Δf. Between steps  211  and  215 , one or more steps each executes a rule relating the frequency translation value Δf to a segment Seg(F 1,j,k ) of the frequency sub-band F 1,j,k  to which it is applicable. 
         [0068]    E.g., a step  212  executes an organizational rule which consists in assigning an incoming set {F 2,m,n } to segment Seg(F 1,j,k ), unique for all of the segments or even the selected sub-bands, or different, for instance depending on logical criteria pre-established at the transmitters or receivers of the signals, on granted data rates, communication protocols, semantics of content, or the like. 
         [0069]    E.g., a step  213  executes an optimization rule which consists in translating the lower limit Inf(Seg(F 1,j,k )) of the frequency segment Seg(F 1,j,k ) so as to map it to the upper limit Sup({F 2,m,n }), apart from a safety margin. 
         [0070]    A step  214  associated with step  213  then updates the upper limit Sup({F 2,m,n }) so as to take into account the addition of the segment Seg(F 1,j,k ) translated into set {F 2,m,n }. 
         [0071]    The steps which have just been described can be executed in extenso in real time or hidden time. 
         [0072]      FIG. 8  shows a matrix  60  useful for implementing the method of the invention. 
         [0073]    Each row of the matrix  60  is dedicated to an input frequency sub-band F 1,j,k  in set {F 1 }. Each column of matrix  60  is dedicated to an output frequency sub-band F 2,m,n  in set {F 2 }. 
         [0074]    At the intersection of one row and one column, the value 1 means that a segment covering the entire width of the frequency sub-band is translated. A value comprised between 0 and 1 means that only a segment covering part of the width of the frequency sub-band is translated. E.g., a value of 0.2 means that only a segment covering 20% of the width of the frequency sub-bands is translated. 
         [0075]    From  FIG. 8 , it is apparent which segment of frequency set {F 1 } is carried by which segment of frequency set {F 2 }. 
         [0076]    E.g., the segment covering the entire width of frequency sub-band F 1,1,1  is entirely carried on a segment of frequency sub-band F 2,1,1 . 
         [0077]    In a frequency sub-band, only part of the signals can possibly be used at a moment t. In order to optimize as finely as possible the frequency spectrum in the frequency set {F 2 }, only the segment(s) of the wanted sub-band will be treated. By introducing values smaller than 1 into the organizational, selection, and optimization matrix  60 , storage in the output spectrum of the signals actually used can then be optimized. 
         [0078]    E.g., a segment covering 20% of frequency sub-band F 1,N,1  is carried on a segment of frequency sub-band F 2,N,1 . 
         [0079]    The frequency sub-band F 2,N,1  can thus be divided into several segments to be carried on as many segments of frequency set {F 2 }. 
         [0080]    We have just described a method which for transmitting electromagnetic signals received in one or more first frequency bands, applies a conversion  59  to the signals by performing the steps of:
       selecting first frequency sub-bands forming a first set {F 1,1,k } of frequency sub-bands of said first frequency band(s);   in accordance with organizational rules, associating with each first frequency sub-band F 1,1,k , F 1,1,2 , F 1,1,3 , F 1,1,4  forming said first set one or more second sets {F 2,p,q }, {F 2,m,n } of frequency sub-bands F 2,1,k , F 2,1,2 , F 2,1,3 , F 2,1,4  forming one or more second frequency bands; and   in accordance with optimization rules, determining frequency translations so as to transpose signals received in the first frequency sub-bands to signals transmitted in the second frequency band(s).       
 
         [0084]    The method of the invention can be implemented by software by means of firmware which can be executed by digital signal processors (DSP) in the frequency bands compatible with the clock frequency of the processors. 
         [0085]    The method of the invention can also be implemented by means of hardware devices using analog components such as filters, switches, mixers, or the like, for instance for a simple frequency plane. 
         [0086]    For simple or complex frequency planes, digital architectures can be built by combining various electronic components into chains comprising analog/digital converters (ADC) and digital/analog converters (DAC), followed by digital down converters (DDC), numerically controlled oscillators (NCO), then digital filters in turn followed by digital up converters (DUC) and again NCOs. Implementation can be done with dedicated components or with field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), DSPs or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) the functions of which allow for wanted and/or unwanted segments to be filtered and/or translated. 
         [0087]    Analog and digital solutions may be combined. 
         [0088]      FIG. 9  shows a possible diagram of a device according to the invention. 
         [0089]    An interface module  70 ,  80  is tuned to each of the N frequency bands {F 1,j,k } from band {F 1,j,1 } to band {F 1,J,N }. 
         [0090]    In the example illustrated by  FIG. 9 , the device for transmitting electromagnetic signals received on first frequency bands {F 1,j,1 }, {F 1,j,N } comprises a bank of filters  64 ,  66  downstream of the interface module  70 , each filter having a predetermined pass band or a pass band adjustable by a pass band adapter  74 ,  76  so as to superimpose the pass band of the filter to a first frequency sub-band segment, and downstream of the interface module  80  a bank of filters  82  each having a predetermined pass band or a pass band adjustable by a pass band adapter  95  so as to superimpose the pass band of the filter to another first frequency sub-band segment. The variable filters can be embodied by digital filters or analog filter bars with switches. 
         [0091]    The pass band adapters  74 ,  76 ,  95  can be parameterized for instance starting with step  212  of the method executed for instance in a supervisory computer, not represented. 
         [0092]    Arranged between the interface module  70 ,  80  and the input of each filter  64 ,  66 ,  85 , a first frequency converter  61 ,  63 ,  82  is sized to intersect a first sub-band F 1,j,k  of the first frequency band with the pass band of the filter associated therewith. The frequency converter is embodied by an analog mixer or an NCO in order to perform a frequency change so that after conversion, the sub-band F 1,j,k  is mapped to the pass band of the filter. Here again, frequency conversion or translation is predetermined or adjustable by an input setpoint generator  71 ,  73 ,  92  so as to intersect with the pass band of the filter associated therewith the first frequency sub-band in which signals considered wanted are received. 
         [0093]    The input setpoint generators  71 ,  73 ,  92  can for instance be parameterized starting with steps  100  and  101  of the method, executed for instance in the supervisory computer. 
         [0094]    The first converters, controlled or not by the first setpoint generators, combined with the filters controlled or not by the pass band adapters, are thus means for selecting frequency sub-bands. 
         [0095]    At the output of each filter  64 ,  66 ,  85 , a second frequency converter  67 ,  69 ,  88 , is sized for bringing the pass band of the filter associated therewith to a second sub-band of a second frequency band {F 2,p,q }, {F 2,m,n }. 
         [0096]    The frequency converter is embodied by an analog mixer or an NCO for making a frequency change so that after conversion the sub-band F 1,j,k  is mapped to a sub-band of the second frequency set at the filter output. Here again, frequency conversion or translation is predetermined or adjustable by an output setpoint generator  77 ,  79 ,  98  in order to release the second frequency sub-band obtained at the filter output, related to at least one other frequency sub-band of the second frequency set. 
         [0097]    The output setpoint generators  77 ,  79 ,  98  can for instance be parameterized starting with steps  203  or  213  of the method, executed in the supervisory computer. 
         [0098]    The second converters, controlled or not by the second setpoint generators, combined with the filters controlled or not by the pass band adapters, are thus means for associating second frequency sub-bands with the first frequency sub-bands and frequency translating in view of transposing the signals received. 
         [0099]    A summing and routing module  90  then directs the signals at the output of second converters to interface modules  56 ,  57 , e.g., each dedicated to a frequency band of the second set {F 2 }, or even to the medium intended for transmitting the signals. 
         [0100]    E.g., when the device described is installed in unit  42  or unit  43  of the WRRH system, module  56  is dedicated to the wireless link  52  or  51 , and module  57  is dedicated to the wireless link  46  or  44 . 
         [0101]    E.g., when the device described is installed in unit  13  or unit  32  of the WRRH system, module  56  is dedicated to the wireless link  14  or  10 , and module  57  is dedicated to the wireless link  19  or  36 . 
         [0102]    Module  90  of each device installed in units  12 ,  13 ,  32 ,  33  is preferably managed by the supervisory computer. 
         [0103]    As already explained above in the description, the method is reversible, which is equally true for the device. 
         [0104]    The reverse summing and routing module  90 , the signals received from the interface modules  56 ,  57  for instance each dedicated to a frequency band of the second set {F 2 }, intended for module  70 ,  80  dedicated to the pass band of the first set {F 1 }, wherein the signals received are to be retransmitted. 
         [0105]    E.g., when the device described is installed in unit  42  or unit  43  of the WRRH system, module  56  is dedicated to the wireless link  51  or  52 , e.g., for GSM, and module  57  is dedicated to the wireless link  44  or  46 , e.g. for UMTS. In the device installed in unit  42 , the signals received on link  51  by module  56  in frequency band {F 2,p,q } are directed toward module  70  tuned to a radiofrequency band of GSM. The signals received on link  44  by module  57  in frequency band {F 2,m,n ,} are directed toward the module  80  tuned to a UMTS radiofrequency band. 
         [0106]    E.g., when the device described is installed in unit  32  of the WRRH system, module  56  is dedicated to the wireless communication link  19  with unit  13 , and module  57  is dedicated to the wireless communication link  34  with unit  33 . Signals from the signals received on link  19  by module  56  in frequency bands {F 2,p,q } are for instance for the mobile terminal  1  in the handover phase from antenna  5  to antenna  35 , they are then directed toward module  70  tuned to a radiofrequency band comprising a sub-band F 1,1,k  which can be assigned to mobile terminal  1 . Signals from the signals received on link  34  by module  57  in frequency band {F 2,m,n } for instance involve the mobile terminal  3  covered by antenna  35 ; they are directed toward module  80  tuned to a communication radiofrequency band with mobile terminal  3 . 
         [0107]    A person skilled in the art will easily deduce other possible applications, such as for instance macro-diversity management. 
         [0108]    In the example illustrated by  FIG. 9 , the device for transmitting electromagnetic signals received on frequency bands {F 2,p,q }, {F 2,m,n }, comprises downstream of module  90  a filter bank  65 ,  84 ,  86  each having a predetermined pass band or a pass band adjustable by a pass band adapter  75 ,  94 ,  96  so as to superimpose the pass band of the filter to an input frequency sub-band segment. The variable filters can be embodied by digital filters or analog filter bars with switches. 
         [0109]    The pass band adapters  75 ,  94 ,  96  can for instance be parameterized starting with step  212  of the method executed for instance in the supervisory computer, not represented. 
         [0110]    Arranged between module  90  and the input of each filter  65 ,  84 ,  86 , a first frequency converter  68 ,  87 ,  89  is sized for intersecting a first sub-band F 2,m,n  of the first frequency band with the pass band of the filter associated therewith. The frequency converter is embodied by an analog mixer or an NCO for making a frequency change so that after conversion the sub-band F 2,m,n  is mapped to the pass band of the filter. Here again, frequency conversion or translation is predetermined or adjustable by an input setpoint generator  78 ,  87 ,  99  so as to intersect the pass band of the filter associated therewith the first frequency sub-band in which signals considered wanted are received. 
         [0111]    The input setpoint generators  78 ,  87 ,  99  can for instance be parameterized starting with steps  100  and  101  of the method executed in the supervisory computer. 
         [0112]    The first converters, controlled or not by the first setpoint generators, combined with the filters controlled or not by the pass band adapters, are thus means for selecting frequency sub-bands. 
         [0113]    At the output of each filter  65 ,  84 ,  86 , a second frequency converter  62 ,  81 ,  83 , is sized for bringing the pass band of the filter associated therewith to a second sub-band of a second frequency band {F 1,1,k }, {F 1,N,k }. 
         [0114]    The frequency converter is embodied by an analog mixer or an NCO for making a frequency change so that after conversion, sub-band F 2,m,n  is mapped to a sub-band of the second frequency set at the filter output. Here again, frequency conversion or translation is predetermined or adjustable by an output setpoint generator  72 ,  91 ,  93  so as to release the second frequency sub-band obtained at the output of the filter, related to at least one other frequency sub-band of the second frequency set. 
         [0115]    The output setpoint generators  72 ,  91 ,  93  can for instance be parameterized starting with steps  203  or  213  of the method executed in the supervisory computer. 
         [0116]    The second converters, controlled or not by the second setpoint generators, combined with the filters controlled or not by the pass band adapters, are thus means for associating second frequency sub-bands with the first frequency sub-bands and frequency translating in view of transposing the signals received. 
         [0117]    In  FIG. 9 , the dotted lines between converters  62  and  63 ,  68  and  69 , or  81  and  82 ,  87  and  88 , indicate that several uplinks or downlinks are possible. The diagram of  FIG. 2  is simply one of several examples. The device represented may also comprise only down-arrows. 
         [0118]    Spectral configuration can be static, reconfigurable, or dynamic. Dynamic response may depend on different parameters, for instance quality of service (QoS), spectrum usage, interferences, spectrum usage rules, network developments, spectrum modifications, or the like. The system may also incorporate self-detecting methods, for instance of collisions or saturation, allowing for automatic self-reconfiguration. 
         [0119]    A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles and means which have just been explained for a single sector, single operator scenario are easily adaptable to be applicable also to multiple sector and/or multiple operator applications. By way of example and not to be restrictive, selecting receiving frequency sub-bands can be done for instance for a first operator A, then for a second operator B, then for a third operator C, and so on for several operators. 
         [0120]    A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles and means which have just been explained are easily adaptable to other applications provided the RRH (Remote Radio Head) or the ODU module (Outdoor Radio Unit), for instance in the case of radio links, can be used with a wireless link instead of a coaxial link or optical fiber. The principle is also applicable to a set of optical wavelengths (λi) for instance in radio over fiber techniques.