Patent Publication Number: US-10763581-B2

Title: Wireless router with automatic switching between internal and external antennas

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/459,348 filed on Mar. 15, 2017, which is a continuation application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/976,194, filed on Dec. 21, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to routers and, more particularly, to a wireless router having the capability to automatically switch between an internal antenna and an external antenna of the router. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a router and also includes the functions of a wireless access point. It is used to provide access to the Internet or a private computer network. It can function in a wired local area network (LAN), in a wireless-only LAN (WLAN), or in a mixed wired/wireless network. In particular, wireless routers offer a convenient way to connect a small number of wired and any number of wireless devices to each other for access to the Internet as well as for file sharing and printing. 
     Existing wireless routers typically allow for connection to both wired and mobile broadband networks. Such routers can access the Internet via an Internet Service Provider or via a mobile broadband connection, such as through a 3G, 4G, LTE or similar cellular network. 
     In connection with the above, existing wireless routers typically include an embedded cellular module that enables access to a mobile broadband network at any location where there is cellular service, which is desirable when a wired or wireless connection to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider is unavailable. The cellular module is typically connected to the printed circuit board (PCB) of the router using connectors. In order to establish an antenna connection, wires are manually connected between the cellular module and the PCB of the router using u.FL connectors, although other means of connection known in the art such as soldering and the like have also been utilized. As will be readily appreciated, however, u.FL connectors are very delicate, making the antenna connection particularly difficult. A router housing encloses the PCB and the cellular module. 
     In order to activate the cellular connection to the mobile broadband network, a user may typically insert a universal integrated circuit card, also referred to more commonly as a SIM card, or other similar format card, containing a user&#39;s identifying information and account information into a slot in the housing. Alternatively, but less common, a user&#39;s identifying and account information may be stored within the cellular module itself. In either case, existing wireless routers do not allow for easy consumer configuration or customization. For example, if a consumer wishes to reconfigure the router to allow for communications over a different broadband network, a different cellular module and SIM card must be installed. This requires a fair amount of skill, in excess of what a typical consumer may possess. In particular, in order to swap the cellular module for a different one, the housing must be opened, the existing cellular module removed and a new cellular module installed. As stated above, this requires a consumer to mount the cellular module to the PCB and manually establish wire connections between the cellular module and the antenna terminal connections on the PCB of the router, a fairly laborious and skill-intensive process. 
     In view of the above, there is a need for a wireless router having a removable cell pack which enables a consumer to easily and quickly configure the router for use with any high-speed mobile broadband network. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless router. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless router that can be easily customized to enable connection to any high-speed mobile broadband network. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless router having a removable cell pack. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless router that provides for the automatic switching between internal and external antennas. 
     These and other objects are achieved by the present invention. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a router is provided. The router includes a housing, a printed circuit board disposed within the housing, at least one antenna terminal formed in the housing for connecting an external antenna to the router, and a switch associated with the at least one antenna terminal, the switch being configured to automatically switch from an internal antenna of the router to the external antenna of the router when the external antenna is connected to the router via the at least one antenna terminal. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a router is provided. The router includes a housing, a printed circuit board disposed within the housing, a cellular module disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the cellular module being configured to enable connection to a mobile broadband network, at least one antenna terminal formed in the housing for connecting an external antenna to the cellular module, and a switch associated with the at least one antenna terminal, the switch being configured to automatically switch from an internal antenna of the router to the external antenna when the external antenna is connected to the router via the at least one antenna terminal. 
     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for connecting a router to a network is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a router with a cellular module configured for connection with an internal antenna and an external antenna, providing the router with at least one antenna terminal for connecting the external antenna to the cellular module, automatically establishing a connection between the cellular module and the external antenna when the external antenna is connected to the at least one antenna terminal, and automatically establishing a connection between the cellular module and the internal antenna when the external antenna is disconnected from the at least one antenna terminal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wireless router according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective, bottom view of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged, perspective, bottom view of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a printed circuit board of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged, perspective, side view of the printed circuit board of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, top view of a removable cell pack used with the wireless router of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective, bottom view of the removable cell pack of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective, bottom view of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 , illustrating insertion of the removable cell pack. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the removable cell pack, illustrating insertion of the cell pack into the wireless router. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective, bottom view of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 , shown with the removable cell pack installed. 
         FIG. 11  side elevational view of the removable cell pack installed in the wireless router. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom, plan view of the wireless router of  FIG. 1 , shown with the removable cell pack installed. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the printed circuit board of the wireless router, showing the removable cell pack installed thereon. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the terminal end of an external antenna cable, configured for use with the wireless router of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a wireless router  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The wireless router  10  may be generally of the type known in the art and is configured to perform the functions of a router and/or a wireless access point, as is known in the art. For example, the router  10  provides both wired and wireless connectivity to a number of local networked devices, such as a computer and laptop computer, for example by Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Furthermore, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smart phone or tablet computer can connect to the router  10 . In order to communicate with network entities external to the local area network, the router  10  can connect with an ISP network using a DSL connection or other connection known in the art. In addition, the router  10  can connect with a mobile broadband network where the ISP network is unavailable, utilizing a cellular module contained within the housing, as discussed in detail below. 
     For example, the wireless router  10  may form a bridge between a commercial or proprietary wide-area network (WAN) and a TCP/IP compatible port or ports or other application specific I/O facilities. Typically, the cellular-wireless router includes a CPU, at least one cellular transceiver, an Ethernet PHY and either an integrated cellular antenna or connection facilities for an external cellular antenna. Connectivity between the router and associated/supported peripheral equipment may be via metallic circuit, optical fiber, optical broadcast or wireless methods. 
     In connection with the above, the router  10  may have a number of ports accessible from the rear of the housing  12  that provide a variety of features and functionality commonly known in the art. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the router  10  may include a power port  14  for connecting a power source to the router  10 , a USB port  16 , a plurality of LAN ports  18 , and a WAN port  20 . In addition, the router  10  may included a pair of terminals  22  for connecting an external cellular antenna, as discussed in detail hereinafter. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4  the housing  12  of the router  10  is formed with a generally rectangular recess or cavity  24  in the bottom thereof. A plurality of spring-loaded or compression RF coaxial connectors  26  of the type known in the art are electrically coupled to the printed circuit board (PCB)  28  within the housing  12  and extend through the bottom floor of the housing  12  into the recess  24 . As shown therein, the connectors  26  are aligned in a row. In addition, a retaining clip  30  is affixed to the PCB  28  and extends through the bottom floor of the housing  12  into the recess  24 . The RF connectors  26  and the retaining clip  30  are configured to facilitate the secure and easy connection of a cellular module to the PCB  28 , as discussed hereinafter.  FIG. 4  illustrates the spring-loaded RF connectors  26  and retaining clip  30  on the PCB  28 , with the housing  12  not shown. In the preferred embodiment, there are three RF connectors  26  (one for a GPS antenna connection and two for cellular antenna connections), although more or fewer RF connectors may be utilized without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the PCB  28  also includes the pair of terminals  22  for connecting an external cellular antenna to the router  10 . The terminals  22  are electrically connected to the RF connectors  26  through traces (not shown) in the PCB  28 . Alternatively, the terminals  22  may be electrically connected to the RF connectors  26  via one or more coaxial cables. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the retaining clip  30  may be fixedly attached the PCB  28  adjacent to the spring-loaded RF connectors  26  through means known in the art such as by soldering or welding, although other means of attachment known in the art such as fasteners or screws may also be utilized. The retaining clip  30  is preferably formed from a relatively thin piece of stamped, bent metal or other resilient material providing some degree of flexibility and includes a generally planar base portion  32  raised a distance above the PCB  28  and oriented substantially parallel to the PCB  28 , a curved second portion  34  extending from the base portion  32  generally away from the spring-loaded RF connectors, an angled third portion  36  extending from the second portion  34  to a point generally above the spring-loaded RF connectors  26 , and a tab  38  extending from the angled third portion  36  generally upwards and away from the RF connectors  26 . The retaining clip may also include a pair of opposed locating projections  39  extending upwards from the PCB  28  on opposing sides of the spring-loaded RF connectors  26 , the purpose of which will be discussed hereinafter. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a removable cell pack  40  configured for use with the router  10  is illustrated. The cell pack  40  includes a generally rectangular housing  42  enclosing a cellular module  44 . The cellular module  44  may be of any type known in the art and is configured to provide access to a mobile broadband network at any location where there is cellular service. The cellular module may be based on any interconnect standard such as, for example, a Mini PCI Express Module (mPCIe). As shown, the cellular module  44  has a plurality of electrical terminals  46  that extend through a slot in the housing  42  and are configured to be received by a corresponding port  48  in the PCB  28 . The port  48  is preferably configured with the same interconnect standard as the cellular module. As best shown in  FIG. 7 , a plurality of apertures  49  are formed in the bottom of the housing  42  opposite the terminals  46 . These apertures  49  are configured to receive the spring-loaded RF connectors  26  of the PCB  28  therethrough in order to establish a connection with the bottom of the cellular module  44 , and thus establish an antenna connection, as discussed hereinafter. For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 7  shows the RF connectors  26  and the retaining clip  30  in relation to the cellular module  40 , even though these components actually form part of the PCB  28 . In an alternative embodiment, the spring-loaded RF connectors  26  may be integrated with the cell pack  40 , rather than the PCB  28 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the housing  42  of the cell pack  40  has an angled surface  47  at the end opposite from where the cellular module terminals  46  extending from the housing  42 . The bottom of the housing  42  is also formed with a pair of opposed locating apertures  45  that are configured to receive the locating projections  39  of the retaining clip  30 , as discussed hereinafter. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the cell pack  40  also includes a pair of slots  50 ,  52  formed in the side thereof for receiving SIM cards  54 ,  56  or other similar devices containing user identifying information and account information, as is known in the art. Alternatively, user and account information may be stored in the cellular module  44  itself. Where SIM cards are utilized, the cards  54 ,  56  are configured to electrically interface with the cellular module  44  to enable the connection to the cellular network of a particular carrier. Although two slots  50 ,  52  are illustrated for receiving a pair of SIM cards, the cell pack  40  may be configured with more or fewer than two slots, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. 
     Importantly, the cell pack  40  integrates the cellular module  44  and the SIM cards  54 ,  56  into a single unit that can be quickly and easily installed and removed from the router  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-13 . Importantly, the SIM cards (more accurately, universal integrated circuit cards) interface directly with the circuit board defining the core of the cellular module  44 . More specifically, the SIMS cards are configured to mate directly with connectors formed on the back of the cellular module  44 . This is in contrast to existing devices where the SIM cards typically interface instead with the PCB  28  of the router  10  (and indirectly with the cellular module through connectors). 
     The router  10  is also configured with an internal or external control feature to allow for the selection of a SIM card (in the case two are utilized) to be activated. In the preferred embodiment, the cell pack  40  itself contains a control module or processor configured to control which SIM card is to be activated (internal control). Alternatively, the control module may be integrated with the PCB of the router  10 , external to the cellular pack  40  (external control). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , to insert the cell pack  40  into the router  10 , the electrical terminals  46  of the cellular module  44  are first inserted into the port  48  that extends from the PCB  28  into the recess  24  in the router housing  12  by dropping the cell pack  40  into the recess  24  at an angle. The forward end of the cell pack  40  is then pushed downward, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As the cell pack  40  is pushed downward, the bottom, forward edge of the cell pack contacts the tab  38  of the retaining clip  30 , biasing the tab  38  outward in the direction of arrow A (illustrated in  FIG. 9 ) until the leading edge of the housing  42  clears the tab  38 . Once the housing  42  clears the tab  38 , the clip  30  snaps back to its original position, shown in  FIG. 11 . In this position, the angled surface  47  of the cell pack  40  lies beneath the angled portion  36  of the retaining clip  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . At the same time, the locating projections  39  of the retaining clip  30  are received in the corresponding locating apertures  45  in the housing  42  of the cell pack  40 . This functions to align the antenna contacts of the cellular module  44  with the spring-loaded RF connectors  26  on the PCB  28 . 
     Importantly, the engagement of the angled portion  36  of the clip  30  with the angled surface  47  of the housing  42  of the cell pack  40 , and the receipt of the locating projections  39  of the clip  30  within the corresponding locating apertures  45  in the housing  42  ensures that the cell pack  40  is held securely and reliably within the recess  24  in the router housing  12 . In addition, these locating and retaining features ensure that the antenna connection between the cellular module  44  and the RF connectors  26  on the PCB  28  is substantially vertical and is reliable and secure, which is critical for optimum performance.  FIGS. 10, 12 and 13  illustrate the cell pack  40  in installed position within the recess  24  in the router housing  12  ( FIG. 13  showing the installed position with the housing  12  omitted). 
     In connection with the above, when a consumer desires to replace the cell pack  40 , so as to connect to a different broadband network not possible with the existing cell pack, or to replace a defective cellular module, the existing cell pack can be easily removed by grasping the tab  38  of the retaining clip  30  and urging it outward, and then lifting the cell pack out of the recess  24 . A new cell pack having a new/different cellular module contained therein can then be quickly and easily installed, in the manner discussed above. As will be readily appreciated, the cell pack of the present invention allows a consumer to easily and quickly install or swap cellular modules within a wireless router without requiring any soldered or other delicate RF antenna connections between the cellular module and the PCB, which are required with existing devices. To the contrary, with the present invention, the required antenna connections are established simply by pushing the cell pack  40  into the recess  24  in the router housing  12 . Where a consumer desires to use the router  10  with a different cellular carrier, the existing cell pack can be removed just as easily, different SIM cards installed in the slots in the housing, and the cell pack again inserted into the recess  24 . As will be readily appreciated, integrating the cellular module and the SIM cards into a single housing that can be quickly and easily removed and installed allows for consumer configuration of the router with various cellular providers. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 14 , the router  10  of the present invention provides for a new type of connection to an external antenna providing a number of distinct advantages over existing devices. As discussed above, the router  10  has a pair of terminals  22  accessible from the back of the router  10  for connecting an external cellular antenna. The terminals  22  are electrically connected to the RF connectors  26 , and thus the cellular module  40 , through traces (not shown) in the PCB  28 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the router  10  also includes a magnetic antenna switch  60  having a magnetic sensor mounted on the PCB  28  that provides for selective electrical connection between the cellular module and either the router&#39;s internal antenna or an external antenna, when connected. The magnetic switch  60  is configured to detect when an external antenna is connected to the router and to automatically switch from the internal antenna to the external antenna when the external antenna is connected. Although a magnetic switch is illustrated herein, other types of switches known in the art may be utilized, such as mechanical switches. 
     In connection with the above, and with particular reference to  FIG. 14 , in an embodiment, an external antenna having a magnetic connector  62  is illustrated. The magnetic connector  62  may include a pair of RF terminals  64  configured to be mate with the terminals  22  on the back of the router  10  and includes an over molded magnet (not shown). When the connector  62  is brought into registration with the external antenna terminals  22  of the router, the magnet within the connector  62  activates the magnetic switch  60 , causing an automatic switch from the internal antenna to the now-connected external antenna without a substantial loss in bandwidth. 
     Importantly, the external antenna connection scheme contained within the router  10  obviates the need for two separate RF coaxial connectors, which has heretofore been standard in the art. As a result, issues with the loss of bandwidth when connecting an external antenna and manually switching to the external antenna may be obviated or minimized. 
     Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.