Abstract:
A repeater system of a wireless network includes at least one adaptive repeater module and a personality module. The adaptive repeater module includes a hardware signal path for processing an input RF signal to generate a corresponding output RF signal; and a controller unit including a micro-processor for controlling parameters of the hardware signal path in accordance with a software program. The personality module is removably connectable to the adaptive repeater module, and includes a computer readable medium for storing the software program.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is the first application filed for the present invention.  
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present application relates to wireless access networks and, in particular, to an adaptive repeater system.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Repeaters are well known in the art for amplifying and retransmitting an input signal. In some cases, various types of active circuitry may also be used to enhance the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, in addition to simply increasing the power level. A typical application of repeaters is for improving wireless services within defined regions of a wireless network, where signal levels (or Signal-to-noise—S/N ratio) would otherwise be too low for satisfactory quality of service.  
         [0004]     For example, within a building or a built-up urban area, signal attenuation, shadowing by buildings and/or hills, noise and multi-path effects can seriously degrade the quality of desired RF signals. Installation of a repeater covering the affected area can improve access to wireless services, by boosting the power level of the desired RF signals. A wireless network provider may also install a repeater in order to improve service in a region lying at an edge of the coverage area serviced by a base station, thereby effectively extending the reach of the base-station.  
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically illustrating principal components of a conventional repeater. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , a conventional repeater generally comprises a hardware signal path  2  extending between input and output antennas  4  &amp;  6 ; and a control unit  8  for controlling parameters of the hardware signal path  2 . External RF signals Se and feedback signals Sf (from the output antenna  6 ) are received by the input antenna  4  as an input RF signal Si. The input signal Si is processed (i.e. amplified and filtered) through the hardware signal path  2  to produce an output RF signal So, which is retransmitted by the output antenna  6 .  
         [0006]     It will be noted that  FIG. 1  shows a single hardware signal path  2 , which processes RF signals in one direction (e.g. uplink or downlink) only. Typically, a repeater will be designed to process RF signals in both directions simultaneously. As is well known in the art, bi-directional signal processing can easily be accommodated by providing a pair of hardware signal paths (one for each direction). In some cases, each signal path is provided with it own set of input and output antennas. In others, a single pair of antennas is provided, with each antenna being connected to both hardware paths via diplexer (not shown). In either case, it is customary to provide a common control unit, which controls operation of both signal paths. All of these arrangements are well known in the art, and will not be described or illustrated herein. For clarity of illustration only, only one hardware signal path is shown in  FIG. 1 , it being understood that a second signals path to convey RF signal in the opposite direction would normally be provided.  
         [0007]     As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , the hardware signal path  2  generally provides a cascade of fixed and variable gain amplifiers, and filters. The amplifiers provide the system gain which makes the repeater useful. The filters improve the signal-to-noise ratio and limit the center frequency and bandwidth of the hardware signal path  2 . It is frequently desirable to perform the amplification and filtering operations at a frequency that is lower than that of the input RF signal Si. Accordingly, repeaters commonly combine the input RF signal Si with a local oscillator signal (LO 1 ), to downconvert the input RF signal Si to an intermediate frequency (or baseband) signal. At the output end of the hardware signal path  2 , the processed IF (or baseband) signal is combined with a second local oscillator signal (LO 2 ), to produce the output RF signal So. In cases where LO 1  and LO 2  have the same frequency, the output RF signal So will have the same center frequency as the input signal Si, in which case the repeater is commonly referred to as a “same-frequency” or “on-frequency” repeater. In cases where LO 1  and LO 2  have different frequencies, the center frequency of the output RF signal So will be offset from the input signal Si.  
         [0008]     The control unit  8  typically comprises a mix of analog and digital circuitry (not shown) for controlling parameters of the hardware signal path  2 , and thereby the performance and behavior of the repeater. Path parameters that are typically controlled include path gain; pass-band center frequency (via control of the LO 1  frequency); and output signal center frequency (via control of the LO 2  frequency), In addition, methods are known for controlling the pass-band width, and the stability margin.  
         [0009]     Typically, pass-band width is controlled by processing the input signal Si through a cascade of mixers supplied by a respective controllable local oscillator signal and fixed pass-band filters (not shown), and then controlling the respective frequencies of each of the local oscillators. The combined response of the cascade is a pass-band having a bandwidth governed by the frequency offset between the various local oscillator signals.  
         [0010]     Stability margin is normally controlled by detecting the antenna isolation (which can be derived from the strength of the feedback signal Sf in the input RF signal Si), and then setting a maximum permissible path gain to guarantee stability. Typically, this operation is performed by a trained technician during installation of the repeater. However, since the mount of antenna isolation can change over time (sometimes quite dramatically), this upper gain limit must necessarily be based on a conservative estimate of what the “worst case” isolation is likely to be during subsequent operation. It has long been recognized that this may result in the upper gain limit being set at a level significantly below that which would be optimum most of the time.  
         [0011]     In an effort to address this problem, it is known to provide the control unit  8  with an automatic stability management system (not shown), which operates to detect incipient oscillation, and reduce the path gain as needed to ensure stability. Typically, this involves transmitting a pilot or probe signal from the output antenna  6 , and then detecting it in input signal Si. The signal power of the detected probe signal is then compared to one or more threshold values, and the path gain (or, in some systems, the maximum permissible gain) is varied in accordance with the comparison result. In some cases, this operation is conducted by a “hardwired” controller made up of a combination of digital and analog circuitry. In other cases, a microprocessor operates under software control to perform the necessary operations.  
         [0012]     A limitation of conventional repeaters, is that the combination of center frequency and bandwidth will normally be specific to a particular carrier, service and geographical region. For example, each carrier (i.e. wireless service provider) operating within a particular region (e.g. a city or other service area) is assigned a particular portion of the RF spectrum, and a unique channel for control channel signaling. These assignments will be normally unique to reach carrier and type of wireless service (TDMA, GSM, CDMA etc), and may vary from one region to another—even for the same carrier/service combination. In the current North American wireless market, this results in over 400 different carrier/service/region combinations, each of which requires a unique set of repeater control parameters. Compounding this situation is the necessity for adjusting the repeater during installation to accommodate the unique RF environment in which it is installed, for example by setting the maximum gain to prevent instability, as described above.  
         [0013]     In order to provide the necessary degree of flexibility, the control unit  8  is typically provided with a set of Dual In-line Pin (DIP) switches  10  which control the various parameters of the hardware signal path  2 , and thereby the performance and behavior of the repeater. With this arrangement, a technician can determine the appropriate parameter settings (e.g. for bandwidth, center frequency and frequency offset) for a particular carrier/service/region combination, and then select the appropriate DIP switch states to provide those settings. The technician can then measure antenna isolation, and determine the maximum permissible gain to ensure stability and, if applicable, threshold values for controlling an automatic stability management system. These parameters can then be set, again by selecting appropriate states of DIP switches provided for that purpose.  
         [0014]     This arrangement suffers numerous disadvantages. For example, since the RF environment of each repeater is unique, the combination of DIP switch states for every repeater will also be unique. This means that the installation of each repeater must be performed by a highly trained technician, using specialized equipment. This dramatically increases the cost of installation. Furthermore, the use of DIP switches imposes a practical limit on the number of parameters that can be controlled, and the degree of control that may be available. As may be appreciated, increasing the number of parameters and/or degree of control produces a corresponding increase in the number of required DIP switches, which increases the complexity of system set-up and the probability of error.  
         [0015]     A repeater system that avoids at least some of the foregoing deficiencies, at a moderate costs remains highly desirable.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     An object of the present invention is to provide a universal repeater system that can be installed with minimal intervention from a trained technician.  
         [0017]     Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a repeater system of a wireless network. The repeater system comprises at least one adaptive repeater module and a personality module. The adaptive repeater module includes a hardware signal path for processing an input RF signal to generate a corresponding output RF signal; and a controller unit including a micro-processor for controlling parameters of the hardware signal path in accordance with a software program. The personality module is removably connectable to the adaptive repeater module, and includes a computer readable medium for storing the software program. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematically illustrating principal elements and operation of a conventional repeater;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram schematically illustrating principal elements and operation of an adaptive repeater system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram schematically illustrating principal elements and operation of an adaptive repeater system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  schematically illustrate respective embodiments of the present invention in which multiple adaptive coverage modules are connected to a single adaptive donor module using cascaded and parallel connection schemes, respectively;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram schematically illustrating an adaptive repeater module in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram schematically illustrating operation of a repeater system in accordance with the present invention, utilizing donor and coverage area variants of the adaptive repeater module of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a variant of the adaptive repeater module of  FIG. 5 ; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram schematically illustrating an adaptive repeater module in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0027]     It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]     The present invention provides an adaptive repeater system that can be installed in any desired location with minimal intervention by a trained technician. Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to  FIGS. 2-8 .  
         [0029]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , an adaptive repeater system in accordance with the present invention generally comprises an adaptive repeater module  12  and a personality module (PM)  14 . The adaptive repeater module  12  generally comprises a hardware signal path  16  and a controller unit  18 . The hardware signal path  16  operates in a generally conventional manner to process (e.g. amplify and filter) an input RF signal Si to generate a corresponding output RF signal So. The controller unit  18  is preferably an entirely digital system connected to the hardware signal path  18  via analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) converters, and comprises a microprocessor  20  and appropriate volatile and non-volatile memories  22 ,  24 . A display  26 , which may include LED and bar-graph indicators (and/or other types of indicators such as audio enunciators, not shown) can also be provided, and driven by the microprocessor  20 . A PM port  28  provides a bus connection between the controller unit  18  and the personality module  14 . Various standard data ports (interfaces) may be used for this purpose, including, Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) interfaces. The microprocessor  20  operates under software control to govern the performance and behaviour of the hardware signal path  16 , and thus the repeater system as a whole, as will be described in greater detail below.  
         [0030]     As with  FIG. 1 , for the sake of clarity of illustration only,  FIGS. 2-8  show only one hardware signal path  16  conveying Rf signals in one direction (i.e. uplink or downlink). It will be understood, however, that the present invention contemplates that respective hardware signal paths  16  will be provided to process RF signals in both directions simultaneously. It is also contemplated that a common controller unit  18  will be used to control both signal paths  16 . Since both signal paths require closely similar signal processing and control functionality, it is expected that the person of ordinary skill in the art will be readily capable of extending the teaching herein to cover practical repeater systems having two hardware signal paths for simultaneously processing RF signals in both the uplink and downlink directions.  
         [0031]     The personality module  14  generally comprises a non-volatile memory, such as a FLASH-RAM, and is designed to be removably connected to the control unit  18  via the PM port  28 . In general, the personality module  14  is used to store the parameters and software used by the control unit  18  to govern the performance and behaviour of the adaptive repeater system, as will be described in greater detail below. If desired, the personality module  14  may also include an authentication engine, which may also include encryption, for controlling use of the parameters and software stored thereon. For example, the authentication engine could use a system identifier stored in the non-volatile memory  24  of the controller unit  16  to verify that the software and parameters stored on the personality module  14  are appropriate for that specific adaptive repeater system. This may be used, for example, to ensure that the correct parameters and software are loaded into each adaptive repeater system and to prevent unauthorised access to (and use of) the parameters and software stored on the PM. Thus for example, a customer can be prevented from using a single personality monitor  14  with multiple adaptive repeater systems.  
         [0032]     In one aspect of the invention, the software includes a parameter list providing settings for each of the parameters of the hardware signal path  16 . By this means, all of the path parameters can be fixed by the software. Consequently, a respective parameters list can be compiled for each carrier/service/region combination. Since these combinations are known in advance, the parameters lists can be complied and stored, for example in a database. Configuring the repeater to operate within any one carrier/service/region can then be accomplished by loading the appropriate parameters list, which thereby effectively eliminates the need for DIP switches.  
         [0033]     A further advantage of this arrangement is that parameter settings can be dynamically adjusted, during run-time, in accordance with the software. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a virtually unlimited variety of algorithms may be implemented, subject primarily to the computational power of the microprocessor  20  and the amount of available memory. Thus, for example, an algorithm may be executed, on system power-up, to “boot-strap” the repeater by detecting a base-station of the wireless network, and setting an initial value of the path gain and (possibly) other parameters. During subsequent run-time operation, another algorithm can be executed to detect antenna isolation, dynamically optimize path gain and unconditionally guarantee stability. Taken together, these algorithms effectively eliminate the need for a technician to measure antenna isolation and set maximum gain during system installation. It will be appreciated that software control of repeater performance in this manner affords a dramatically greater degree of adaptability of the repeater system than is practicable in conventional (DIP switch controlled) repeaters.  
         [0034]     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the software used to control the repeater system is divided between the controller unit  18  (i.e. the non-volatile memory  24 ) and the personality module  14 . In particular, the software used to control the adaptive repeater system may usefully be divided into “low-level” firmware, and “high-level” software.  
         [0035]     The high-level software is stored on the personality module  14 , and governs all of the functionality needed to operate the adaptive repeater module  12  as an operative repeater system. At a minimum, this includes the parameters list appropriate to the carrier/service/region in which the repeater system will operate, as well as software code implementing adaptive control algorithms for dynamic performance optimization during run-time.  
         [0036]     Low-level firmware is stored in the non-volatile memory  24  of the controller unit  18 , and governs basic functionality, such as, for example: 
        detecting and triggering execution of the high-level software from the PM  14 . For example, the controller  18  can be designed to detect the insertion of a personality module  14  into the PM port  28 . This event triggers execution of firmware code that locates and loads the parameters list to establish the appropriate performance parameters of the hardware signal path  16 . The firmware code can then locate and trigger execution of the high-level software, either directly from the personality module  14 , or after loading the high-level software into the control unit&#39;s volatile memory  22 .     Illuminating the LED indicator and bar-graph of the display  26  in response to the high-level software provided by the personality module  14 . For example, software code implementing adaptive control algorithms operate to detect both antenna isolation and the power level of the input signal Si. Digital samples indicative of the detected quantities can then be supplied to the firmware, which drives the LED indicator to show antenna isolation, and the bar-graph display to show received signal power. 
 
 These and other low-level functions of the firmware will be described in greater detail below. 
       
 
         [0039]     As may be appreciated, dividing the control software in the above manner provides a number of advantages. For example: 
        The adaptive repeater module is rendered “universal”, in that the same module  12  can be installed in every carrier/service/region. The “customization” required for the module  12  to operate successfully for that context, and in the particular RF environment in which it is installed, is provided by the parameters list and software stored on the personality module  14 . This enables economies of scale to be achieved in the manufacture of the repeater module  12 , thereby lowering unit costs.     The adaptive repeater module  12  can be manufactured, tested and shipped to local distributors independently of the personality module  14 , because the low-level firmware enables the repeater system to “self-boot” and locate the PM  14  at the time of actual installation of the repeater system.     installation of the adaptive repeater module  12  can be accomplished without specialized training and equipment, because the high-level software stored on the PM  14  detects received signal power and antenna isolation. As a result, aiming the donor antenna (to optimize the link to the network base station, and then placement and orientation of the coverage antenna (to provide satisfactory coverage and antenna isolation) can be accomplished by reference to the display  26  provided on the adaptive repeater module  12 . All customization and parameter settings required for successful run-time operation of the repeater system are provided by -the personality module  14 .     Provisioning all of the high-level repeater functionality on the personality module  14  creates the possibility of entirely new business models. For example, if a subscriber wishes to change carriers and/or services, then this change can be accommodated by simply providing the subscriber with a new personality module  14 . No further adjustment of the repeater system is required. In another example, a personality module  14  may be configured to provide service (that is, repeater functionality) for a predetermined period of time, after which, the subscriber is required to purchase a new personality module  14  to continue to use the repeater. This replaces the traditional one-time purchase relationship between the customer and the supplier of the repeater, enabling the provisioning of the repeater as a “service” to which the customer subscribes. In a still further example, a subscriber can be provided with software updates, and thus enhancements in the functionality of their repeater system, by the simple expedient of providing new personality modules  14  to the subscriber, as required.        
 
         [0044]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the adaptive repeater system is provided as a single adaptive repeater module  12  coupled between a pair of antennas.  FIGS. 3-8  illustrate embodiments in which multiple adaptive repeater modules  12  are coupled together by a passive link, and operate cooperatively to provide the repeater functionality.  
         [0045]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a pair of adaptive repeater modules  12  are coupled together by a passive link  30 , such as for example a length of co-axial cable. Each adaptive repeater module  12  is substantially identical, except that one, which is referred to herein as an adaptive donor module (ADM)  32 , is connected to a donor antenna  34  which faces a base station of the wireless network. The other module, which is referred to herein as an adaptive coverage module (ACM)  36 , is connected to a coverage antenna  38  which radiates RF signals into a coverage area of the repeater system.  
         [0046]     In order to enable cooperative operation between the ADM  32  and ACM  36 , a dedicated control channel is provided between the two modules. Various signalling protocols may be used for this purpose, such as, for example, the standard IEEE 802.15.4, which can readily be routed through the passive link  30 . Ideally, the control channel operates at a frequency that does not overlap the pass band of the hardware signal path  16 . Otherwise interference between the control channel signalling and the RF signals traversing the repeater system can be readily avoided using techniques well known in the art such as collision sensing or detection.  
         [0047]     As may be seen in  FIG. 3 , a common personality module  14  can be used to supply performance lists and high-level software for both modules  32 ,  36 . In this case, it is useful to tag each performance list and high-level software component with an identifier which indicates whether the respective list/component will be used by the ADM  32 , the ACM  36 , or both. This enables the firmware of the module that has detected insertion of the PM  14  to locate, load and execute only those performance list(s) and software components appropriate to it. Additionally, the firmware can also operate to transmit the performance list(s) and high-level software stored on the PM  14 , through the control channel to the other module. When that module receives the performance list(s) and high-level software through the control channel, firmware executing in the controller unit  18  can use the identifiers to select, load, and trigger execution of the appropriate performance list(s) and software components. With this arrangement, the appropriate performance list(s) and high-level software can be loaded into both ADM  32  and ACM  36  modules, by plugging the personality module  14  into either one of the modules.  
         [0048]     If desired, the personality module  14  may also be provided with a version identifier, which can be conveyed through the control channel along with the performance list(s) and high-level software. By this means, when a “new” personality module is plugged into either the ADM  32  or the ACM  36 , the firmware of that module  14  can compare the version identifier of the personality module against the respective version identifier of any performance list(s) and high-level software that is/are already loaded and running. Based on the comparison result, the firmware can decide whether or not to load the performance list(s) and software from the “new” personality module  14 . By this means, the performance list(s) and high-level software controlling the repeater system can be updated, without requiring a shut-down and re-start, merely by plugging a new personality module  14  into the PM  28  port of either one of the ADM  32  or ACM  36  modules. In addition, if the other repeater module also has a personality module  16  plugged into it, then the system will automatically load and execute the most up-to-date version of the performance list(s) and high-level software.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show respective embodiments in which the adaptive repeater system is made up of multiple ACMs  36  coupled to a single ADM  32 . In the arrangement of  FIG. 4   a , two ACMs  36  are cascaded in series. As shown in  FIG. 4   b , ACMs  36  can also be connected to the ADM  32  in parallel, to form a “star” or “wheel-and-spoke” network pattern, By repeating the control channel messages at each module, any number of ACMs can, in principal, be connected to the ADM  32 , subject primarily to the addressing limitations of the control channel signalling protocol, and the power capacity of the ADM. As will be appreciated, connection of multiple ACMs  36  to a single ADM  32  in this manner provides a convenient means of extending the coverage area of the adaptive repeater system as a whole.  
         [0050]     Automatic detection, distribution and loading of parameter list(s) and high-level software operates in the same manner as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , so that system boot-up and software updates can be accomplished using a single PM  14  plugged into the ADM  32  or any of the ACMs  36  of the repeater system. Because each ACM  36  runs its own copy of the high-level software, it is effectively semi-autonomous; optimizing its performance for the particular RF environment in which it is located. However, through the use of control channel signalling, ACMs  36  can communicate, and thus can coordinate their behaviour to actively manage the RF environment within the coverage area. This may, for example, include coordinating settings to maximize the overall coverage area.  
         [0051]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of an ACM, which includes a control channel transceiver  40 , which may be coupled to the control channel bus  42  (as shown) or to the control unit  18 . In either case, the control channel transceiver  40  is designed to facilitate over-the-air control channel signalling between the adaptive repeater system and a remote device. Known transceivers which may be used for this purpose include Infra-Red (IR) or RF (e.g. unlicensed 2.5 GHz) data transceivers, both of which offer low-cost solutions for over-the-air data transmission. In cases where the control channel transceiver uses an RF band for over-the-air signalling, the transceiver  40  may be connected to either a dedicated antenna  44 , or to the coverage antenna  38  (as indicated by the dotted line  46  if  FIG. 5 ) so as to facilitate control channel signalling with a remote device located anywhere within the coverage area of the ACM  36 .  
         [0052]     The control channel transceiver  40  (and/or the controller unit  18 ) may also be provided with an authentication system, to prevent unauthorized access (i.e. hacking) to the control channel. Various authentication methods known in the art may be used for this purpose.  
         [0053]     As may be seen in  FIG. 6 , the remote device may, for example, be a wireless (or IR) enabled computer  48  located within range (e.g. within the same room) of the control channel transceiver  40 . Suitable system management software executing in the computer  48  can be used by a service technician to perform any desired system administrations functions including, for example: fault diagnosis and resolution; evaluate system status; install updates of low-level firmware, high-level software and/or parameter lists etc.  
         [0054]     Alternatively, the remote device may, for example, be a network interface module (NM)  50  comprising a transceiver  52  for over-the-air control channel signalling with the ACM, and a modem  54  coupled to the transceiver  52  and a data network  56  (such as a Local Area Network or the internet). With this arrangement, the NM  50  can mediate control channel signalling between the adaptive repeater system and a site on the data network. Such a site may include a centralized management server  58  operated by a network (and/or repeater) service provider, either alone or in combination with a back-end server  60  which may, for example, be used to store software, firmware and parameter list updates. With this arrangement, repeater system administration functions can be provided through the data network  56 , thereby greatly reducing the need for a service technician to visit a customer&#39;s premise in order to provide system administration services.  
         [0055]     In the foregoing discussion, the control channel transceiver  40  is located within the (or each) ACM  36  of the adaptive repeater system. However, it will be appreciated that the control channel transceiver  40  may equally be located within the ADM  32 . In this case, it may be convenient to use an RF transceiver which is connected to the donor antenna  34 , so that control channel signalling can be radiated back to the base station  62  of the wireless network  64 . This arrangement provides an alternative method of remote system management, by enabling the control unit  18  of the ADM  32  to negotiate a connection with the centralized management server  58 , via the wireless and data networks  64  and  56 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates a further alternative embodiment, in which the control channel transceiver is replaced by a (wire-line) modem  66  coupled to the data network  50 . In this case, a connection with the centralized system management server  58  via the data network  56 , can be set up without requiring an over-the-air link to a Network Interface  50 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, in which an ACM  36  is integrated with a wireless Local Area Network (Wi-LAN) access point  18 . In this case, a Wi-LAN transceiver  70  facilitates wireless data communication within the coverage area of the repeater using any of a variety on known protocols, such as for example IEEE 802.11.x. Such transceivers  70  are well known in the art. A Media Access controller (MAC)  72 , MCU/protocol converter  74 , and EVDO modem  76  (all of which are known in the art) coupled to the passive link  30  then enables Wi-Fi data communications back to the data network  56  (i.e. the Internet in this case) via the ADM  32  and the wireless network  64 . This arrangement effectively establishes a “Wi-Fi Hot-spot” within the coverage area of the adaptive repeater system, which operates in parallel with (more traditional) cellular communications signalling. Integration of the Wi-LAN access point  68  into the ACM  36  leverages the gain control, noise management and RF signal processing functionality of the adaptive repeater system to deliver high quality RF signals to the EVDO modem  76 , which enables the EVDO modem  76  to operate at or near maximum data rates necessary to backhaul with traffic.  
         [0058]     The embodiment(s) of the invention described above is(are) intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.