Patent Publication Number: US-11387612-B2

Title: Cellular base station radio to antenna connection system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/801,744, filed on Feb. 26, 2020, entitled “Cellular Base Station Keyed Cable Connectors,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,081,781, issued on Aug. 3, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When installing a new cellular tower or modifying a cellular tower of a base station, connections need to be made between the base station&#39;s antennas and radios, baseband unit (BBU, also referred to as a centralized unit, CU), distributed unit (DU), and/or cellular site router. The radios are typically located some distance from the antennas, such as in one or more housings located on the ground. The antennas tend to be located in an elevated position, such as atop a cellular tower. If the radios are not connected to the antennas correctly, the base station may not function properly or at all. Similarly correct connections may need to be established between other components, such as connections involving a BBU, DU, and/or cellular site router. Typically, this scenario requires a technician to return to the base station, diagnose, and correct the installation. In addition to the downtime of the cellular tower not functioning properly or at all, requiring a technician to diagnose and correct the installation can be time-consuming, especially if a significant amount of weather protective material needs to be removed and reinstalled or replaced. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments are described related to a cellular tower plate connection system. In some embodiments, a cellular tower plate connection system is described. The system may comprise an antenna plate assembly. The antenna plate assembly may comprise an antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise a plurality of antenna port connectors attached to a first side of the antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise a first plurality of cable connectors attached to a second side of the antenna plate opposite the first side of the antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise a first attachment mechanism that secures the plurality of antenna port connectors to a matching plurality of antenna ports of an antenna system. The plurality of antenna port connectors may be arranged on the first side of the antenna plate such that the plurality of antenna port connectors mate with the plurality of antenna ports of the antenna system in a single possible orientation. The system may comprise a radio plate assembly. The radio plate assembly may comprise a radio plate. The radio plate assembly may comprise a plurality of radio port connectors attached to a first side of the radio plate. The radio plate assembly may comprise a second plurality of cable connectors attached to a second side of the radio plate opposite the first side of the radio plate. The radio plate assembly may comprise a second attachment mechanism that secures the plurality of radio port connectors to a matching plurality of radio ports of a radio system. The first plurality of radio port connectors may be arranged on the first side of the radio plate such that plurality of radio port connectors mate with the plurality of radio ports of the radio system in a single orientation. 
     Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the following features: a first weather seal that may protect the plurality of antenna port connectors and the matching plurality of antenna ports from weather when the first attachment mechanism may be engaged with the port system. The system may further comprise a second weather seal that protects the plurality of radio port connectors and the matching plurality of radio ports from weather when the second attachment mechanism may be engaged with the antenna system. The system may further comprise a plurality of cables that may connect the first plurality of cable connectors to the second plurality of cable connectors. Each cable of the plurality of cables may comprise a first weatherproof connector and a second weatherproof connector. The first weatherproof connector may comprise a first retractable sleeve. The first weatherproof connector can be coupled and decoupled with a cable connector of the first plurality of cable connectors when the first retractable sleeve may be retracted. The second weatherproof connector may comprise a second retractable sleeve. The second weatherproof connector may be coupled and decoupled with a cable connector of the second plurality of cable connectors when the second retractable sleeve may be retracted. The radio plate assembly may permit the second attachment mechanism to secure the plurality of radio port connectors to the matching plurality of radio ports of the radio system after the first plurality of cable connectors have been coupled with the plurality of cables. The antenna plate assembly may permit the first attachment mechanism to secure the plurality of antenna port connectors to the matching plurality of antenna ports of the antenna system after the second plurality of cable connectors have been coupled with the plurality of cables. The system may further comprise the radio system and the antenna system. 
     In some embodiments, a cellular tower connection plate is described. The device may comprise an antenna plate. The device may comprise a plurality of antenna port connectors attached to a first side of the antenna plate. The device may comprise a plurality of cable connectors attached to a second side of the antenna plate opposite the first side of the antenna plate. The device may comprise a first attachment mechanism that secures the plurality of antenna port connectors to a matching plurality of antenna ports of an antenna system. The plurality of antenna port connectors may be arranged on the first side of the antenna plate such that the first attachment mechanism secures the plurality of antenna port connectors to the matching plurality of antenna ports of the antenna system in a particular orientation. 
     Embodiments of such a device may include one or more of the following features: a first weather seal that may protect the plurality of antenna port connectors and the matching plurality of antenna ports from weather when the first attachment mechanism may secure the plurality of antenna port connectors to the matching plurality of antenna port connectors of the antenna system. 
     In some embodiments, a method for using a cellular tower plate connection system is described. The method may comprise connecting a plurality of cables to an antenna plate assembly. The antenna plate assembly may comprise an antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise a plurality of antenna port connectors attached to a first side of the antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise a first plurality of cable connectors attached to a second side of the antenna plate opposite the first side of the antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise a first attachment mechanism that secures the plurality of antenna port connectors to a matching plurality of antenna ports of an antenna system. The method may comprise connecting the plurality of cables to a radio plate assembly. The radio plate assembly may comprise a radio plate. The radio plate assembly may comprise a plurality of radio port connectors attached to a first side of the radio plate. The radio plate assembly may comprise a second plurality of cable connectors attached to a second side of the radio plate opposite the first side of the radio plate. The radio plate assembly may comprise a second attachment mechanism that secures the plurality of radio port connectors to a matching plurality of radio ports of a radio system. The method may comprise, after connecting the plurality of cables to the antenna plate assembly, connecting the plurality of antenna port connectors to the matching plurality of antenna ports of the antenna system. The plurality of antenna port connectors may be arranged on the first side of the antenna plate such that the plurality of antenna port connectors can only be attached with the matching plurality of antenna ports in a particular orientation. 
     Embodiments of such a method may include one or more of the following features: the method may comprise, after connecting the plurality of cables to the radio plate assembly, connecting the plurality of radio port connectors to the matching plurality of radio ports of the radio system. The plurality of radio port connectors may be arranged on the first side of the radio plate such that the plurality of radio port connectors can only be attached with the matching plurality of radio ports in a particular orientation. The plurality of antenna port connectors may be simultaneously connected with the matching plurality of antenna ports. The plurality of radio port connectors may be simultaneously connected with the matching plurality of radio port connectors. The plurality of cables may be connected to the antenna plate assembly prior to a technician ascending a cellular tower on which the antenna system may be located. Connecting the plurality of antenna port connectors to the matching plurality of antenna ports of the antenna system may occur while the technician may be atop the cellular tower on which the antenna system may be located. The method may further comprise securing the plurality of antenna port connectors to the matching plurality of antenna ports of the antenna system using the first attachment mechanism. The method may further comprise securing the plurality of radio port connectors to the matching plurality of radio ports of the radio system using the second attachment mechanism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an embodiment of a cellular tower plate connection system. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an embodiment of the cellular tower plate connection system with connections made between the plate assemblies, the cable assemblies, the radio system, and the antenna system. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of a front of a connection plate. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of a back of a connection plate. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a connection being made between a cable connector of a cable assembly and a cable port of a plate assembly. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a method for using a cellular tower plate connection system. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments detailed herein are focused on cellular tower plate connection systems and methods for using such cellular tower plate connection systems. When a technician connects a radio system of a base station to the antennas of the base station, the technician is likely working in a hostile environment. For instance, when making connections to the antenna system, the technician may be high above the ground near the top of a cellular tower of the base station. Due to the hostile working environment, it may be relatively easy to make installation errors, such as connecting a radio of the radio system to the wrong antenna. Further, weatherproofing may be installed over the connections made to an antenna system. Removal of this weather proofing may be a messy and time-consuming process if the connections need to be corrected. 
     To decrease the likelihood of errors, a cellular tower plate connection system, as detailed herein, may be used. Prior to the technician climbing a cellular tower or opening a radio system, cables can be properly routed between two plate assemblies, referred to as a radio plate assembly and an antenna plate assembly. These connections can be made in a relatively convenient location, such as on the ground or at a company&#39;s facility. On site, at the base station, the technician may connect the antenna plate assembly to the antenna system. Connection of the antenna plate assembly to the antenna system may only be possible in a particular orientation, which may be particularly useful if the technician is atop a cellular tower. Therefore, it may not be possible (or may be difficult or obviously wrong) to connect the antenna plate assembly in such a way that would result in incorrect connections being made between the antenna plate assembly and the antenna system. Similarly, on site, the technician may connect the radio plate assembly to the radio system. Connection of the radio plate to the radio system may only be possible in a particular orientation (or may be obvious if done wrong or difficult to do wrong). Therefore, it may not be possible or may be difficult to connect the radio plate in such a way that would result in incorrect connections being made between the radio plate and the radio system. 
     Additionally or alternatively, keyed connectors may be used to help ensure the proper connections are made. Such keyed connectors may be used for connections involving: antennas, radios, BBUs, DUs, and/or cellular site routers. If an antenna plate assembly and radio plate assembly are used, keyed connectors may be used for the connections with cables running between the antenna plate assembly and the radio plate assembly. Alternatively, if an antenna plate assembly and/or a radio plate assembly are not used, keyed connectors may be used to make connections directly between the radio system and cables and/or between the antenna system and cables. Each cable assembly that is to be connected between a radio system antenna system or between a radio plate assembly and an antenna plate assembly may be keyed differently than some or all of the other cables to be similarly used. Each cable assembly may have a similarly keyed connector on each end. This connector may be keyed to only connect with a particular cable port of each plate assembly (or directly with the system). That way, the cable can be reversed and still be used to make the correct connection. By keying the individual connectors of the cable assemblies differently, it may be impossible or difficult for a technician to inadvertently make an incorrect connection between plate assemblies or directly between the radio system and antenna system. 
     Further detail regarding such embodiments is provided in relation to the figures.  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  illustrate an embodiment of a cellular tower plate connection system  100  (“system  100 ”).  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the same embodiment of system  100 . For clarity, some callouts are indicated on  FIG. 1A  and others are indicated on  FIG. 1B . 
     System  100  is shown with connections between the plate assemblies, the cable assemblies, the radio system, and the antenna system disconnected. System  100  can include: radio system  110 ; radio plate assembly  120 ; cable assemblies  130 ; antenna plate assembly  140 ; and antenna system  150 . Radio system  110  and antenna system  150  may be components of a cellular network base station. Antenna system  150  can include some number of antennas, which are typically located in an elevated location to improve communication with user terminals, such as atop a cellular tower. Radio system  110  may typically be located a short distance from antenna system  150 , such as on the ground in a housing near the cellular tower. Radio system  110  may have multiple input and/or output radio ports  113  that are used for outputting signals and receiving input signals from antenna system  150 . For example, radio ports  113  may be fiber-optic ports, coaxial ports, or some other form of optical or wired communication ports. Similarly, antenna system  150  may have multiple input and/or output ports  153  that are used for outputting signals to and receiving input signals from antenna system  150 . Each of ports  153  may correspond to a particular port of radio ports  113 . For example, ports  153  may be fiber-optic ports, coaxial ports, or some other form of optical or wired communication ports that match radio ports  113 . 
     Radio plate assembly  120  can include: radio plate  121 ; attachment mechanism  122 ; attachment mechanism  123 ; weather seal  124 ; radio port connectors  125 ; and cable ports  126 . Radio plate  121  may be a rigid or semi-rigid plate made out of materials such as plastic or metal onto or through which various connections between radio port connectors  125  and cable ports  126  are present. Radio port connectors  125  may be arranged on radio plate  121  such that radio port connectors  125  each align with a corresponding radio port of radio ports  113 . Due to the position of radio port connectors  125 , it may only be possible to connect radio port connectors  125  to radio ports  113  in one particular orientation. Therefore, it may not be possible for a technician to form connections between radio port connectors  125  and radio ports  113  if radio plate assembly  120  is in an incorrect orientation. 
     When radio plate assembly  120  is pressed onto radio ports  113 , connections between radio ports  113  and radio port connectors  125  may be made simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Further, weather seal  124  may form a barrier around radio ports  113  and radio port connectors  125 . Weather seal  124  may be an O-ring that can be compressed when radio plate assembly  120  is pressed onto radio ports  113 . 
     When connections have been formed between radio ports  113  and radio port connectors  125 , some form of attachment mechanism may be engaged to hold radio plate assembly  120  in place against radio system  110 . In system  100 , attachment mechanism  122  latches onto protrusion  111  and attachment mechanism  123  latches onto protrusion  112 . Attachment mechanisms  122  and  123  can be disengaged by a technician if radio plate assembly  120  needs to be disconnected from radio system  110 . While attachment mechanisms  122  and  123  latch onto protrusions  111  and  112  in the illustrated embodiment, other forms of attachment mechanisms are possible. For example, an attachment mechanism may use one or more screw fasteners, adhesive, one or more clamps, friction-fastening, etc. to removably secure radio system  110  with radio plate assembly  120 . 
     On a side of radio plate  121  opposite the side on which radio port connectors  125  are located, cable ports  126  may be arranged. Each cable connector of cable ports  126  may be wired to a corresponding radio port connector of radio port connectors  125 . In some embodiments, a cable connector of cable ports  126  is located immediately opposite the corresponding radio port connector, which can help minimize the length of wiring through radio plate  121 . Alternatively, cable ports  126  may be arranged in a different pattern or order on radio plate  121  than the corresponding radio port connectors on the opposite side. 
     Antenna plate assembly  140  can function largely similarly to radio plate assembly  120 , however antenna plate assembly connects with antenna system  150 . Therefore, the arrangement of ports on antenna plate assembly  140  matches the arrangement of antenna ports  153 . Antenna plate assembly  140  can include: antenna plate  141 ; attachment mechanism  142 ; attachment mechanism  143 ; weather seal  144 ; antenna port connectors  145 ; and cable ports  146 . Antenna plate  141  may be a rigid or semi-rigid plate made out of materials such as plastic or metal onto or through which various connections between antenna port connectors  145  and cable ports  146  are present. Antenna port connectors  145  may be arranged on antenna plate  141  such that antenna port connectors  145  each align with a corresponding antenna port of antenna ports  153 . Due to the position of antenna port connectors  145 , it may only be possible to connect antenna port connectors  145  to antenna ports  153  in one particular orientation. Therefore, it may not be possible for a technician to form connections between antenna port connectors  145  and antenna ports  153  if antenna plate assembly  140  is in an incorrect orientation. 
     When antenna plate assembly  140  is pressed onto antenna ports  153 , connections between antenna ports  153  and antenna port connectors  145  may be made simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Further, weather seal  144  may form a barrier around antenna ports  153  and antenna port connectors  145 . Weather seal  144  may be an O-ring that can be compressed when antenna plate assembly  140  is pressed onto antenna ports  153 . Other forms of weather seals are possible, such as using a resin or water-repellant material that can be applied by a technician. 
     When connections have been formed between antenna ports  153  and antenna port connectors  145 , some form of attachment mechanism may be engaged to hold antenna plate assembly  140  in place against antenna system  150 . In system  100 , attachment mechanism  142  latches onto protrusion  151  and attachment mechanism  143  latches onto protrusion  152 . Attachment mechanisms  142  and  143  can be disengaged by a technician if antenna plate assembly  140  needs to be disconnected from antenna system  150 . While attachment mechanisms  142  and  143  latch onto protrusions  151  and  152  in the illustrated embodiment, other forms of attachment mechanisms are possible. For example, an attachment mechanism may use one or more screw fasteners, adhesive, one or more clamps, friction-fastening, etc. to removably secure antenna system  150  with antenna plate assembly  140 . 
     On a side of antenna plate  141  opposite the side on which antenna port connectors  145  are located, cable ports  146  may be arranged. Each cable connector of cable ports  146  may be wired (or otherwise connected) to a corresponding antenna port connector of antenna port connectors  145 . In some embodiments, a cable connector of cable ports  146  is located immediately opposite the corresponding antenna port connector, which can help minimize the length of wiring through antenna plate  141 . Alternatively, cable ports  146  may be arranged in a different pattern or order on antenna plate  141  than the corresponding antenna port connectors on the opposite side. 
     Cable assemblies  130  can be used to connect each cable connector of cable ports  126  to a corresponding cable connector of cable ports  146 . In some embodiments, each of cable ports  146  and cable ports  126  may be keyed such that only a cable keyed to that particular style connector can be fully connected to the cable connector. Such an arrangement can help prevent incorrect connections between cable ports  126  and cable ports  146 . Each cable of cable assemblies  130  may include a cable that matches the types of signal (e.g., fiber optic cable for an optical signal, conductive cable for an electrical signal). 
     Cable ports  126  may be connected to cable connectors  131  and cable ports  146  may be connected to cable connectors  133 . Each of cable connectors  131  and  133  may form a weather tight seal with the cable connector with which it is connected. Further detail regarding cable connectors  131  and  133  and cable ports  126  and  146  is presented in relation to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates an embodiment of the cellular tower plate connection system  100 C (“system  100 C”) with connections made between the plate assemblies, the cable assemblies, the radio system, and the antenna system. System  100 C illustrates the same embodiment as system  100 , however, connections between radio system  110 , radio plate assembly  120 , cable assembles  130 , antenna plate assembly  140 , and antenna system  150  have been made. Further, attachment mechanisms  122 ,  123 ,  142 , and  143  have been engaged with the corresponding protrusions of radio system  110  and antenna system  150 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of a front of plate assembly  200 . Plate assembly  200  can represent an embodiment of radio plate assembly  120  or antenna plate assembly  140 . For the purposes of this example, plate assembly  200  is described as a version of radio plate assembly  120 . Each of cable ports  126 , such as cable ports  126 - 1 ,  126 - 2 , and  126 - 3 , may be connected with a particular radio port connector present on the back of plate assembly  200 . In some embodiments, cable ports  126  may be keyed differently from each other such that only a particular type of designated cable may be attached to each cable port of cable ports  126 . Further detail regarding keyed cable ports is described in relation to  FIGS. 5-10 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of a back of plate assembly  200 . As noted in relation to  FIG. 2A , plate assembly  200  can represent radio plate assembly  120  or antenna plate assembly  140 . For the purposes of this example, plate assembly  200  is described as radio plate assembly  120 . The back of plate assembly  200  may have radio port connectors  125 . Each of radio port connectors  125  may be positioned on radio plate  121  to match the location of radio ports  113  on radio system  110 . Plate assembly  200  may be mated with radio system  110  such that each radio port connector of radio port connectors  125  connects or mates with a matching radio port of radio ports  113 . Plate assembly  200  can be pushed against radio system  110  to connect radio port connectors  125  with radio ports  113 . Further, by pushing plate assembly  200  against radio system  110 , a weatherproof seal may be formed around the formed connections, such as by weather seal  124 . Further, attachment mechanisms  122  and/or  123  may snap or otherwise attach with radio system  110  to hold plate assembly  200  connected with the ports of the radio system. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment  300  of a connection being made between a cable connector of a cable assembly and a cable port of a plate assembly. In the illustrated example, a connection is made between a cable and a cable port of a radio plate assembly. Similar cable connections may be made to an antenna plate assembly. Cable connector  131 - 1  may have a retractable sleeve  301 . Retractable sleeve  301  may be pulled in direction  302  to allow a connection to be made or removed between cable connector  131 - 1  and cable port  126 - 1  located on radio plate  121 . When in the unretracted position (to which retractable sleeve  301  may return when force is not applied to retractable sleeve  301  in direction  302 ), retractable sleeve  301  may help form a weathertight seal between cable connector  130 - 1  and cable port  126 - 1 . While retractable sleeve  301  is in the unretracted position, cable connector  130 - 1  may be locked to cable port  126 - 1 . Opposite cable port  126 - 1  on radio plate  121  may be radio port connector  125 - 1 . In other embodiments, radio port connector  125 - 1  may be located in some other location than directly opposite cable port  126 - 1  on radio plate  121 . The design of cable connector  131 - 1  is merely representative; in other embodiments, alternative or additional styles of cable connectors may be used for some or all of cable connectors  131  and cable connectors  133 . 
     Various methods may be performed using the systems and devices detailed in relation to  FIGS. 1A-3 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a method  400  for using a cellular tower plate connection system. Method  400  may be performed using system  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . At block  405 , multiple cables may be connected to the cable connectors of the antenna plate assembly. Such connections may be performed in a relatively technician-friendly environment, such as on the ground or at a facility. In some embodiments, each connection may be keyed such that a particular cable may only be connected with a particular cable connector of the antenna plate assembly. Prior to, during, or after block  405  is performed, block  410  may be performed. At block  410 , the multiple cables may be connected to the cable connectors of the radio plate assembly. Such connections may be performed in a relatively technician-friendly environment, such as on the ground or at a facility. In some embodiments, each connection may be keyed such that a particular cable may only be connected with the correct cable connector of the radio plate assembly. 
     Block  415  may be performed after block  405 . Notably, however, block  415  may be performed before block  410 . At block  415 , after the cables have been connected to the antenna plate assembly, the antenna plate assembly may be connected with the antenna system. Block  415  may be performed in a relatively hostile environment, such as atop a cellular tower where the antenna system is located. Only a single possible orientation may allow the antenna plate assembly to successfully mate with the ports of the antenna system. Alternatively, if multiple orientations are possible, the technician may only need to ensure that the antenna plate assembly is properly oriented to ensure that all connections with the antenna system are correct. When block  415  is performed, multiple connections between ports of the antenna system and port connectors of the antenna plate assembly may be made simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. At block  420 , an attachment mechanism or more than one attachment mechanism may be engaged to secure the antenna connection plate to the antenna system. This can include engaging a clasp, a bracket, a screw-based fastener, or using an adhesive. 
     Block  425  may be performed after block  410 . Notably, however, block  425  may be performed before block  405 . At block  425 , after the cables have been connected to the radio plate assembly, the radio plate assembly may be connected with the radio system. Only a single possible orientation may allow the radio plate assembly to successfully mate with the ports of the radio system. Alternatively, if multiple orientations are possible, the technician may only need to ensure that the radio plate assembly is properly oriented to ensure that all connections with the radio system are correct. When block  425  is performed, multiple connections between ports of the radio system and port connectors of the radio plate assembly may be made simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. At block  430 , an attachment mechanism or more than one attachment mechanism may be engaged to secure the radio connection plate to the radio system. This can include engaging a clasp, a bracket, a screw-based fastener, or using an adhesive. 
     As previously mentioned, certain connections may be keyed to prevent incorrect connections from being inadvertently made. The following keyed cable ports and keyed cable connectors may be used in conjunction with the antenna plate assemblies and radio plate assemblies described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-4 . Alternatively, the keyed cable ports and keyed cable connectors described herein may also be used in embodiments that do not use the antenna plate assemblies and radio plate assemblies described in relation to  FIGS. 1A-4 . In such environments, the keyed cable ports may be installed directly as part of the antenna systems and radio systems and may be used to connect with the keyed cable connectors of various cable assemblies. While the following examples are focused on connections between antennas and radios and antenna plate assemblies and radio plate assemblies, other embodiments of keyed connectors can include connections between antennas, radios, BBUs, DUs, and/or cellular site routers. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a first pair of a keyed cable port and a keyed cable connector that can be connected together.  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port  500 . Keyed cable port  500  can, for example, be used in place of the (non-keyed) cable port  126 - 1  of plate assembly  200 . Again, as previously detailed, plate assembly  200  can be a radio plate assembly or an antenna plate assembly. Alternatively, if plate assemblies are not being used, keyed cable port  500  can be used as a port of radio ports  113  or antenna ports  153 . 
     Keyed cable port  500  can include baseplate  501 ; outer port cover  510 ; signal carrier  520 ; and keyed protrusions  530 . Baseplate  501  may be fastened, such as by using screws, to a plate assembly, such as plate assembly  200  of  FIG. 2A , or directly to a system, such as radio system  110 . Outer port cover  510  may serve to physically connect with an outer covering of a keyed cable connector. Signal carrier  520  may be configured to receive an electrical or optical signal. Signal carrier  520  may, for example, receive a tip of an optical cable or an electrical conductor. 
     Arranged around an inner portion of outer port cover  510  may be some number of keyed protrusions  530 . In the example of keyed cable port  500 , two keyed protrusions are present:  530 - 1  and  530 - 2 . In other embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of keyed protrusions  530  may be present. Keyed protrusions  530  may be arranged in a pattern that is only present in a single cable port of the cable ports on a particular system or plate assembly. For example, only a single cable port of cable ports  126  may be keyed according to the pattern formed by keyed protrusions  530  on keyed cable port  500 . A cable port of cable ports  146  may be keyed according to the same pattern formed by keyed protrusions  530 . Therefore, ports intended to be connected together may be keyed the same. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector  600 . Keyed cable connector  600  is designed to be able to connect with keyed cable port  500  but not connect with other cable ports keyed differently. Keyed cable connector  600  can include: outer connector cover  610 ; signal carrier  620 ; and key interference protrusions  630 . Outer connector cover  610  may be sized in order to removably slide or screw onto outer port cover  510 . Signal carrier  620  may be sized in order to connect with signal carrier  520 . Therefore, for optical cabling, a fiber-optic connection may be formed between signal carrier  520  and signal carrier  620 . For electrical cabling, electrical connection may be formed between signal carrier  520  and signal carrier  620 . 
     Keyed cable connector  600  may be attached to the end of the cable. For example, a cable assembly of cable assemblies  130  may include a first instance of keyed cable connector  600  on a first end of the cable and a second instance of keyed cable connector  600  on the second end of the cable. If the same style keyed cable connector is used on both ends of the cable, the cable may therefore be reversible. 
     Keyed cable connector  600  can include a number of key interference protrusions  630  or, more generally, some form of physical element that allows mating with only a particular style of cable port. For keyed cable connector  600 , key interference protrusions  630 - 1 ,  630 - 2 ,  630 - 3 ,  630 - 4 , and  630 - 5  may be present. A gap  631  may be present. The presence of gap  631  in the arrangement of key interference protrusions  630  may permit keyed cable connector  600  to be fully connected with keyed cable port  500 . Gap  631  in key interference protrusions  630  provides for space for keyed protrusions  530 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a second pair of a keyed cable port and a keyed cable connector that can be connected together.  FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port  700 . Keyed cable port  700  can, for example, be used in place of the (non-keyed) cable port  126 - 2  of plate assembly  200 . Again, as previously detailed, plate assembly  200  can be a radio plate assembly or an antenna plate assembly. Alternatively, if plate assemblies are not being used, keyed cable port  700  can be used as a port of radio ports  113  or antenna ports  153 . 
     Keyed cable port  700  has similar components to keyed cable port  500  of  FIG. 5 . Keyed cable port  700  can include baseplate  701 ; outer port cover  710 ; signal carrier  720 ; and keyed protrusions  730 . Baseplate  701  may be fastened, such as by using screws, to a plate assembly, such as plate assembly  200  of  FIG. 2A , or directly to a system, such as radio system  110 . Outer port cover  710  may serve to physically connect with an outer covering of a keyed cable connector. Signal carrier  720  may be configured to receive an electrical or optical signal. Signal carrier  720  may, for example, receive a tip of an optical cable or an electrical conductor. 
     Arranged around an inner portion of outer port cover  710  may be some number of keyed protrusions  730 . In the example of keyed cable port  700 , two keyed protrusions are present:  730 - 1  and  730 - 2 . In other embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of keyed protrusions  730  may be present. Keyed protrusions  730  may be arranged in a pattern that is only present in a single cable port of the cable ports on a particular system or plate assembly. Notably, keyed protrusions  730  are arranged in a different pattern than keyed protrusions  530 , which results in a differently keyed cable connector being needed to form a connection. 
     Only a single cable port of cable ports  126  may be keyed according to the pattern formed by keyed protrusions  730  on keyed cable port  700 . A cable port of cable ports  146  may be keyed according to the same pattern formed by keyed protrusions  730 . Therefore, ports intended to be connected together may be keyed the same. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector  800 . Keyed cable connector  800  is designed to be able to connect with keyed cable port  700  but not connect with other cable ports keyed differently, such as keyed cable port  500 . Keyed cable connector  800  can include: outer connector cover  810 ; signal carrier  820 ; and key interference protrusions  830 . Outer connector cover  810  may be sized in order to removably slide or screw onto outer port cover  710 . Signal carrier  820  may be sized in order to connect with signal carrier  720 . Therefore, for optical cabling, a fiber-optic connection may be formed between signal carrier  720  and signal carrier  820 . For electrical cabling, electrical connection may be formed between signal carrier  720  and signal carrier  820 . 
     Keyed cable connector  800  may be attached to the end of the cable. For example, a cable assembly of cable assemblies  130  may include a first instance of keyed cable connector  800  on a first end of the cable and a second instance of keyed cable connector  800  on the second end of the cable. If the same style keyed cable connector is used on both ends of the cable, the cable may therefore be reversible. 
     Keyed cable connector  800  can include a number of key interference protrusions  830 . For keyed cable connector  800 , interference protrusions  830 - 1 ,  830 - 2 ,  830 - 3 , and  830 - 4  may be present. Gaps  831  and  832  may be present. The presence of gaps  831  and  832  in the arrangement of key interference protrusions  830  may permit keyed cable connector  800  to be fully connected with keyed cable port  700 . Gap  831  in key interference protrusions  830  provides for space for keyed protrusion  730 - 2 . Gap  832  in key interference protrusions  830  provides for space for keyed protrusion  730 - 1 . Keyed interference protrusion  830 - 1  may fit between keyed protrusions  730 - 1  and  730 - 2 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a third pair of a keyed cable port and a keyed cable connector that can be connected together.  FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port  900 . Keyed cable port  900  can, for example, be used in place of the non-keyed cable port  126 - 3  of plate assembly  200 . Again, as previously detailed, plate assembly  200  can be a radio plate assembly or an antenna plate assembly. Alternatively, if plate assemblies are not being used, keyed cable port  900  can be used as a port of radio ports  113  or antenna ports  153 . 
     Keyed cable port  900  has similar components to keyed cable port  500  of  FIG. 5  and keyed cable port  700  of  FIG. 7 . Keyed cable port  900  can include baseplate  901 ; outer port cover  910 ; signal carrier  920 ; and keyed protrusions  930 . Baseplate  901  may be fastened, such as by using screws, to a plate assembly, such as plate assembly  200  of  FIG. 2A , or directly to a system, such as radio system  110 . Outer port cover  910  may serve to physically connect with an outer covering of a keyed cable connector. Signal carrier  920  may be configured to receive an electrical or optical signal. Signal carrier  920  may, for example, receive a tip of an optical cable or an electrical conductor. 
     Arranged around an inner portion of outer port cover  910  may be some number of keyed protrusions  930 . In the example of keyed cable port  900 , four keyed protrusions are present:  930 - 1 ,  930 - 2 ,  930 - 3 , and  930 - 4 . In other embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of keyed protrusions  930  may be present. Keyed protrusions  930  may be arranged in a pattern that is only present in a single cable port of the cable ports on a particular system or plate assembly. Notably, keyed protrusions  930  are arranged in a different pattern than keyed protrusions  530  and keyed protrusions  730 , which results in a differently keyed cable connector being needed to form a connection. 
     Only a single cable port of cable ports  126  may be keyed according to the pattern formed by keyed protrusions  930  on keyed cable port  900 . A cable port of cable ports  146  may be keyed according to the same pattern formed by keyed protrusions  930 . Therefore, ports intended to be connected together may be keyed the same. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector  1000 . Keyed cable connector  1000  is designed to be able to connect with keyed cable port  900  but not connect with other cable ports keyed differently, such as keyed cable port  500  of  FIG. 5  or keyed cable port  700  of  FIG. 7 . Keyed cable connector  1000  can include: outer connector cover  1010 ; signal carrier  1020 ; and key interference protrusions  1030 . Outer connector cover  1010  may be sized in order to removably slide or screw onto outer port cover  910 . Signal carrier  1020  may be sized in order to connect with signal carrier  920 . Therefore, for optical cabling, a fiber-optic connection may be formed between signal carrier  920  and signal carrier  1020 . For electrical cabling, electrical connection may be formed between signal carrier  920  and signal carrier  1020 . 
     Keyed cable connector  1000  may be attached to the end of the cable. For example, a cable assembly of cable assemblies  130  may include a first instance of keyed cable connector  1000  on a first end of the cable and a second instance of keyed cable connector  1000  on the second of the cable. If the same style keyed cable connector is used on both ends of the cable, the cable may therefore be reversible. 
     Keyed cable connector  1000  can include a number of key interference protrusions  1030 . For keyed cable connector  1000 , key interference protrusions  1030 - 1 ,  1030 - 2 ,  1030 - 3 , and  1030 - 4  may be present. Gaps  1031 ,  1032 ,  1033 , and  1034  may be present. The presence of gaps  1031 - 1034  in the arrangement of key interference protrusions  1030  may permit keyed cable connector  1000  to be fully connected with keyed cable port  900 . Gap  1031  in key interference protrusions  1030  provides for space for keyed protrusion  930 - 2 . Gap  1032  in key interference protrusions  1030  provides for space for keyed protrusion  930 - 3 . Gap  1033  in key interference protrusions  1030  provides for space for keyed protrusion  930 - 4 . Gap  1034  in key interference protrusions  1030  provides for space for keyed protrusion  930 - 1 . 
     The remaining cable connectors of a system or plate assembly may be similarly each keyed differently to prevent incorrect connections. It should be understood that the specific keying patterns, locations of connectors, locations of ports, numbers of connectors, and numbers of ports are merely examples. The specific designs of the ports and connectors can vary by embodiment. Further, in some embodiments, a design similar to the keyed cable connectors may instead be attached to the plate assemblies and a design similar to the keyed cable ports may be used as part of a cable assembly. 
     The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. 
     Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementations). However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 
     Also, configurations may be described as a process which is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure. 
     Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered.