Patent Description:
As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlink signals from the wireless communication access point. The signal booster can amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlink signal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster can act as a relay between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receive a stronger signal from the wireless communication access point. Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephone calls and other data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signal booster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via the antenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

The following prior art documents are hereby acknowledged: <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a device for multi-band, multi-channel, wireless communications that automatically provides signal amplification when and where necessary, and that automatically avoids harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure.

<CIT> discloses a remote control application for remotely a wireless signal booster is located on a remote device, such as a mobile telephone, tablet or computer. This remote control application utilizes a short-range communication interface, such as Bluetooth. This interface allows the user to autonomously register and remotely monitor the performance of the booster and can typically be used to configure, control, enable, shut down, and perform other operations related to the booster, such providing customer support, product registration, and other types of support for the booster operation.

<CIT> discloses a repeater for receiving and re-transmitting radio signals for a cell in a cellular telecommunication system. This repeater raises the levels and is capable of converting the frequencies of the radio signals used in the telecommunication system. Due to the power amplifiers being provided between the channel selecting means and combiner, the power amplifier needs to amplify one frequency band.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is defined by the appended claims. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary signal booster <NUM> in communication with a wireless device <NUM> and a base station <NUM>. The signal booster <NUM> can be referred to as a repeater. A repeater can be an electronic device used to amplify (or boost) signals. The signal booster <NUM> (also referred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can improve the quality of wireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques via a signal amplifier <NUM> to uplink signals communicated from the wireless device <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and/or downlink signals communicated from the base station <NUM> to the wireless device <NUM>. In other words, the signal booster <NUM> can amplify or boost uplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can be at a fixed location, such as in a home or office. Alternatively, the signal booster <NUM> can be attached to a mobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device <NUM>.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can include an integrated device antenna <NUM> (e.g., an inside antenna or a coupling antenna) and an integrated node antenna <NUM> (e.g., an outside antenna). The integrated node antenna <NUM> can receive the downlink signal from the base station <NUM>. The downlink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier <NUM> via a second coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier <NUM> can include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated device antenna <NUM> via a first coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna <NUM> can wirelessly communicate the downlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wireless device <NUM>.

Similarly, the integrated device antenna <NUM> can receive an uplink signal from the wireless device <NUM>. The uplink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier <NUM> via the first coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier <NUM> can include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplink signal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated node antenna <NUM> via the second coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna <NUM> can communicate the uplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station <NUM>.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can filter the uplink and downlink signals using any suitable analog or digital filtering technology including, but not limited to, surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filters, ceramic filters, waveguide filters or low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can send uplink signals to a node and/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node can comprise a wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> used to amplify the uplink and/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheld booster can be implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device <NUM>. The wireless device sleeve can be attached to the wireless device <NUM>, but can be removed as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can automatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device <NUM> approaches a particular base station. In other words, the signal booster <NUM> can determine to stop performing signal amplification when the quality of uplink and/or downlink signals is above a defined threshold based on a location of the wireless device <NUM> in relation to the base station <NUM>.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can include a battery to provide power to various components, such as the signal amplifier <NUM>, the integrated device antenna <NUM> and the integrated node antenna <NUM>. The battery can also power the wireless device <NUM> (e.g., phone or tablet). Alternatively, the signal booster <NUM> can receive power from the wireless device <NUM>.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can be a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As a non-limiting example, the signal booster <NUM> can be compatible with FCC Part <NUM> or <NUM> Code of Federal Regulations (C. ) Part <NUM> (March <NUM>, <NUM>). In addition, the signal booster <NUM> can operate on the frequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services under parts <NUM> (Cellular), <NUM> (Broadband PCS), <NUM> (AWS-<NUM>, <NUM> Lower A-E Blocks, and <NUM> Upper C Block), and <NUM> (Specialized Mobile Radio) of <NUM> C. The signal booster <NUM> can be configured to automatically self-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noise and gain limits. The signal booster <NUM> can either self-correct or shut down automatically if the signal booster's operations violate the regulations defined in FCC Part <NUM>.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can improve the wireless connection between the wireless device <NUM> and the base station <NUM> (e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP). The signal booster <NUM> can boost signals for cellular standards, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> standards or Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) <NUM>. In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can boost signals for 3GPP LTE Release <NUM>. <NUM> (March <NUM>) or other desired releases. The signal booster <NUM> can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification <NUM> (Release <NUM> Jun <NUM>) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example, the signal booster <NUM> can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In addition, the signal booster <NUM> can boost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in which the signal booster is used, including any of bands <NUM>-<NUM> or other bands, as disclosed in ETSI TS136 <NUM> V13. <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>).

The number of LTE frequency bands and the level of signal improvement can vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, or location. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also be included to offer increased functionality. Selected models of the signal booster <NUM> can be configured to operate with selected frequency bands based on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster <NUM> can automatically sense from the wireless device <NUM> or base station <NUM> (or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which can be a benefit for international travelers.

In one example, the integrated device antenna <NUM> and the integrated node antenna <NUM> can be comprised of a single antenna, an antenna array, or have a telescoping form-factor. In another example, the integrated device antenna <NUM> and the integrated node antenna <NUM> can be a microchip antenna. An example of a microchip antenna is AMMAL001. In yet another example, the integrated device antenna <NUM> and the integrated node antenna <NUM> can be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. An example of a PCB antenna is TE <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one example, the integrated device antenna <NUM> can receive uplink (UL) signals from the wireless device <NUM> and transmit DL signals to the wireless device <NUM> using a single antenna. Alternatively, the integrated device antenna <NUM> can receive UL signals from the wireless device <NUM> using a dedicated UL antenna, and the integrated device antenna <NUM> can transmit DL signals to the wireless device <NUM> using a dedicated DL antenna.

In one example, the integrated device antenna <NUM> can communicate with the wireless device <NUM> using near field communication. Alternatively, the integrated device antenna <NUM> can communicate with the wireless device <NUM> using far field communication.

In one example, the integrated node antenna <NUM> can receive downlink (DL) signals from the base station <NUM> and transmit uplink (UL) signals to the base station <NUM> via a single antenna. Alternatively, the integrated node antenna <NUM> can receive DL signals from the base station <NUM> using a dedicated DL antenna, and the integrated node antenna <NUM> can transmit UL signals to the base station <NUM> using a dedicated UL antenna.

In one configuration, multiple signal boosters can be used to amplify UL and DL signals. For example, a first signal booster can be used to amplify UL signals and a second signal booster can be used to amplify DL signals. In addition, different signal boosters can be used to amplify different frequency ranges.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can be configured to identify when the wireless device <NUM> receives a relatively strong downlink signal. An example of a strong downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength greater than approximately -80dBm. The signal booster <NUM> can be configured to automatically turn off selected features, such as amplification, to conserve battery life. When the signal booster <NUM> senses that the wireless device <NUM> is receiving a relatively weak downlink signal, the integrated booster can be configured to provide amplification of the downlink signal. An example of a weak downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength less than -80dBm.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can also include one or more of: a waterproof casing, a shock absorbent casing, a flip-cover, a wallet, or extra memory storage for the wireless device. In one example, extra memory storage can be achieved with a direct connection between the signal booster <NUM> and the wireless device <NUM>. In another example, Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth <NUM>, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) <NUM>. 11a, IEEE <NUM>. 11b, IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>. 11n, IEEE <NUM>. 11ac, or IEEE <NUM>. 11ad can be used to couple the signal booster <NUM> with the wireless device <NUM> to enable data from the wireless device <NUM> to be communicated to and stored in the extra memory storage that is integrated in the signal booster <NUM>. Alternatively, a connector can be used to connect the wireless device <NUM> to the extra memory storage.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can include photovoltaic cells or solar panels as a technique of charging the integrated battery and/or a battery of the wireless device <NUM>. In another example, the signal booster <NUM> can be configured to communicate directly with other wireless devices with signal boosters. In one example, the integrated node antenna <NUM> can communicate over Very High Frequency (VHF) communications directly with integrated node antennas of other signal boosters. The signal booster <NUM> can be configured to communicate with the wireless device <NUM> through a direct connection, Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) <NUM>. 11a, IEEE <NUM>. 11b, IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>. 11n, IEEE <NUM>. 11ac, IEEE <NUM>. 11ad, a TV White Space Band (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. Examples of such ISM bands include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. This configuration can allow data to pass at high rates between multiple wireless devices with signal boosters. This configuration can also allow users to send text messages, initiate phone calls, and engage in video communications between wireless devices with signal boosters. In one example, the integrated node antenna <NUM> can be configured to couple to the wireless device <NUM>. In other words, communications between the integrated node antenna <NUM> and the wireless device <NUM> can bypass the integrated booster.

In another example, a separate VHF node antenna can be configured to communicate over VHF communications directly with separate VHF node antennas of other signal boosters. This configuration can allow the integrated node antenna <NUM> to be used for simultaneous cellular communications. The separate VHF node antenna can be configured to communicate with the wireless device <NUM> through a direct connection, Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Bluetooth v4. <NUM>, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) <NUM>. 11a, IEEE <NUM>. 11b, IEEE <NUM>, IEEE <NUM>. 11n, IEEE <NUM>. 11ac, IEEE <NUM>. 11ad, a TV White Space Band (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can be configured for satellite communication. In one example, the integrated node antenna <NUM> can be configured to act as a satellite communication antenna. In another example, a separate node antenna can be used for satellite communications. The signal booster <NUM> can extend the range of coverage of the wireless device <NUM> configured for satellite communication. The integrated node antenna <NUM> can receive downlink signals from satellite communications for the wireless device <NUM>. The signal booster <NUM> can filter and amplify the downlink signals from the satellite communication. In another example, during satellite communications, the wireless device <NUM> can be configured to couple to the signal booster <NUM> via a direct connection or an ISM radio band. Examples of such ISM bands include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

In one example, Part <NUM> of the Consumer Booster Standard specifies a number of bands in which signals are permitted to be boosted by a signal booster. For example, band <NUM> and band <NUM> are exemplary bands in which signals are permitted to be boosted by a signal booster. In other words, cellular signals that fall under band <NUM> or band <NUM> can be boosted (e.g., amplified) by the signal booster. Band <NUM> operates between <NUM> megahertz (MHz) and <NUM> in uplink (UL), and between <NUM> and <NUM> in downlink (DL). Band <NUM> operates between <NUM> and <NUM> in uplink, and between <NUM> and <NUM> in downlink. In other words, band <NUM> includes an additional <NUM> in the downlink and the uplink as compared to band <NUM>, so band <NUM> is a subset of band <NUM>.

In one example, the additional <NUM> for band <NUM> (i.e., <NUM> to <NUM> in the uplink and <NUM> to <NUM> in the downlink) was originally used for public safety purposes. However, as cellular traffic has increased over the years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reallocated this additional <NUM> for cellular traffic instead of for public safety. In other words, the FCC extended band <NUM> by <NUM> in both downlink and uplink, and this extended range is referred to as band <NUM>. This reallocation of the <NUM> from public safety to cellular traffic for the creation of band <NUM> is referred to as a rebanding of band <NUM>. For public safety users and transmitters that used this <NUM> for public safety, the FCC has provided an alternative frequency range for public safety. The public safety users and transmitters operate across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Based on the rebanding, each region must purchase new equipment or upgrade existing equipment that is compatible with the alternative frequency range for public safety. By the public safety users switching to the alternative frequency range for public safety, the <NUM> can be fully utilized for cellular traffic in band <NUM>.

In one example, the rebanding is an ongoing process, and while the rebanding has been completed in certain areas (e.g., the United States), other areas (e.g., Canada and Mexico) have not yet completed the rebanding. When rebanding has not been completed in a particular region (e.g., Canada and Mexico), band <NUM> cannot be utilized for cellular traffic in that particular region since the public safety users are still using the <NUM> for public safety. On the other hand, when rebanding has been completed in a particular region (e.g., United States), band <NUM> can be used for cellular traffic in that particular region since all of the public safety users have switched over to the alternative frequency range for public safety.

In one example, a signal booster operating in the United States can operate in band <NUM>. In other words, since the rebanding has been completed in the United States, the signal booster is permitted to amplify signals in band <NUM>. However, if the signal booster is located in proximity to the Canadian or Mexican border (i.e., regions in which the rebanding has not yet been completed), the signal booster cannot operate in band <NUM>. In this example, a signal booster that cannot operate in band <NUM> (due to its location), the signal booster can revert back to operating at a default band (e.g., band <NUM>).

As explained in further detail below, the signal booster can determine its location. Based on the location, the signal booster can determine a band in which the signal booster is permitted to amplify signals. Then, the signal booster can amplify signals only in the band permitted for the location.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary cellular signal booster <NUM> operable to boost signals in one or more bands that are permitted to be boosted by the cellular signal booster <NUM> for a current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The cellular signal booster <NUM> can include a signal booster <NUM>, a lookup table <NUM>, a controller <NUM> and a satellite location system receiver <NUM>, such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The signal booster <NUM> can be an industrial signal booster or a consumer signal booster. The signal booster <NUM> can be coupled to an inside antenna <NUM> and an outside antenna <NUM>. The satellite location system receiver <NUM> can be coupled to a satellite location antenna <NUM>, such as a GPS antenna.

In an alternative configuration, as shown in <FIG>, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can include a combined antenna <NUM> (which can replace the outside antenna <NUM> and the satellite location antenna <NUM>). The combined antenna <NUM> can be configured to communicate with a base station <NUM> and one or more satellites <NUM>, such as GPS satellites.

Referring back to <FIG>, in one example, the signal booster <NUM> can receive cellular signals via the outside antenna <NUM> in a downlink from the base station <NUM>. The cellular signals can be provided to a downlink cellular signal path to amplify and filter the cellular signals. Amplified cellular signals can be transmitted from the signal booster <NUM> to a mobile device <NUM> via the inside antenna <NUM>. In another example, the signal booster <NUM> can receive cellular signals via the inside antenna <NUM> in an uplink from the mobile device <NUM>. The cellular signals can be provided to an uplink cellular signal path to amplify and filter the cellular signals. Amplified cellular signals can be transmitted from the signal booster <NUM> to the base station <NUM> via the outside antenna <NUM>.

In one example, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can be purchased and installed at a current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. During an installation process, the satellite location system receiver <NUM> can determine the defined location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. For example, the satellite location system receiver <NUM> can receive satellite location system signals (e.g., GPS signals) from the one or more satellites <NUM> (e.g., GPS satellites) via the satellite location antenna <NUM>. The satellite location system receiver <NUM> can demodulate the satellite location system signals received from the satellites <NUM>. Using the satellite location system signals, the satellite location system receiver <NUM> can determine the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can include a satellite location system receiver configured to determine the defined location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The satellite location system receiver can receive a satellite location system signal, which can enable the satellite location system receiver to determine the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The satellite location system signal can be a GPS signal. Alternatively, the satellite location system signal can be one of: a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signal, a Galileo positioning system signal, a BeiDou Navigation Satellite System signal, a Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) signal or a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) signal. In one example, the satellite location system signal can be a global location satellite system signal or a regional location satellite system signal.

In one example, the controller <NUM> can include one or more processors and memory. The controller <NUM> can identify the current location of the cellular signal booster using the satellite location system receiver <NUM> included in the cellular signal booster <NUM>. In other words, the controller <NUM> can obtain the current location from the satellite location system receiver <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can determine one or more bands in which signals are permitted to be boosted by the cellular signal booster <NUM> based on the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. In one specific example, the controller <NUM> can use the lookup table <NUM> in order to identify the one or more bands in which signals are permitted or not permitted to be boosted by the cellular signal booster <NUM> based on the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

In one example, the lookup table <NUM> can store band information that corresponds to a plurality of regions. The band information can indicate bands in which signals are permitted to be amplified for particular regions, as well as bands in which signals are not permitted to be amplified in particular regions. In other words, the band information can indicate which bands are to be turned off for particular regions. The lookup table can be based on a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) public safety re-banding. The lookup table <NUM> can be generated using an FCC Consumer Booster Standard, which can define which bands are permitted to be boosted for the cellular signal booster.

As an example, for a first region, the lookup table <NUM> can indicate that the cellular signal booster <NUM> is restricted to amplifying signals within a particular band (e.g., band <NUM>). As another example, for a second region, the lookup table <NUM> can indicate that the cellular signal booster <NUM> is restricted to amplifying signals within a particular band (e.g., band <NUM>).

The controller <NUM> can identify the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>, and then the controller <NUM> can correlate the current location to a particular region. The controller <NUM> can look up the band information for that particular region using the lookup table <NUM>. At this point, the controller <NUM> can configure the signal booster <NUM> to only boost signals in the one or more bands that are permitted to be boosted by the cellular signal booster <NUM> for the current location (as indicated by the lookup table <NUM>). In other words, the controller <NUM> can configure the signal booster <NUM> to not boost signals in bands which are not permitted for boosting based on the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

As a non-limiting example, after an installation processor, the controller <NUM> can determine from the lookup table <NUM> that the cellular signal booster <NUM> is permitted to operate in band <NUM> based on the defined location. In other words, for that defined location, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can have access to band <NUM>. As another non-limiting example, the controller <NUM> can determine from the lookup table <NUM> that the cellular signal booster <NUM> is not permitted to operate in band <NUM> based on the defined location, and therefore, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can revert to using a default band, such as band <NUM>. In other words, based on the defined location, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can determine to not operate in band <NUM> and instead operate in band <NUM>. The cellular signal booster <NUM> may not have access to band <NUM>, for example, when the defined location of the cellular signal booster <NUM> is in proximity to a Canadian or Mexican border. Instead, in this example, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can have access to band <NUM>. Therefore, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can switch between operating in certain bands (e.g., band <NUM> or band <NUM>) based on the defined location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

In one example, the lookup table <NUM> can be periodically updated. For example, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can periodically receive updated band information from a server <NUM>, and the updated band information can be stored in the lookup table <NUM>. The band information can be updated when certain regions support new bands. As a non-limiting example, when region X goes from not supporting band <NUM> to supporting band <NUM>, this can be reflected in the updated band information that is sent to the cellular signal booster <NUM> from the server <NUM>.

In one configuration, the controller <NUM> can determine the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM> using the satellite location system receiver <NUM>, and the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM> can be transmitted to the server <NUM>. The server <NUM> can access a locally stored lookup table to determine the bands in which the cellular signal booster <NUM> is permitted to amplify signals. In this configuration, the lookup table can be stored at the server <NUM>, as opposed to being stored locally at the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

In one example, the satellite location system receiver <NUM> can be a GPS receiver, a GLONASS receiver, a Galileo positioning system receiver, a BeiDou Navigation Satellite System receiver, a NAVIC receiver or a QZSS receiver. The satellite location antenna <NUM> can be replaced with a GLONASS antenna, a Galileo positioning system antenna, a BeiDou Navigation Satellite System antenna, a NAVIC antenna or a QZSS antenna. The satellites <NUM> can be GPS satellites, GLONASS satellites, Galileo positioning system satellites, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System satellites, NAVIC satellites or QZSS satellites.

In another alternative configuration, as shown in <FIG>, the cellular signal booster <NUM> may not include the satellite location system receiver. Rather, the mobile device <NUM> can include a satellite location system receiver <NUM>, such as a GPS receiver, a GLONASS receiver, a Galileo positioning system receiver, a BeiDou Navigation Satellite System receiver, a NAVIC receiver or a QZSS receiver. The satellite location system receiver <NUM> can determine the location of the mobile device <NUM> based on signals received from the one or more satellites <NUM>. Alternatively, the mobile device <NUM> can determine its location using triangulation or some other type of land-based location system. As another alternative, the mobile device <NUM> can determine its location based on location information received from a Proximity Services (ProSe) server in a wireless communication system, such as a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communication system. Furthermore, since the mobile device <NUM> is within a defined distance from the cellular signal booster <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> feet to <NUM> feet), the location of the mobile device <NUM> can be inferred as being the location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> can send its location information to the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> can send the location information to the cellular signal booster <NUM> via a Bluetooth connection (or other type of suitable connection) between the mobile device <NUM> and the cellular signal booster <NUM>. For example, the mobile device <NUM> can transmits the location information via a Bluetooth module <NUM> in the mobile device <NUM>, and the cellular signal booster <NUM> can receive the location information via a separate Bluetooth module <NUM> in the cellular signal booster <NUM>. Based on the location information received from the mobile device <NUM>, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can determine its location, and the cellular signal booster <NUM> can determine one or more bands in which signals are permitted to be boosted by the cellular signal booster <NUM> based on the location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a cellular signal booster <NUM> operable to update signal booster parameters based on a current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The cellular signal booster <NUM> can include a satellite location system receiver <NUM>, such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and a controller <NUM>. The satellite location system receiver <NUM> can communicate with one or more satellites <NUM> in order to determine a current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can include one or more processors and memory that function to perform various functions for the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The cellular signal booster <NUM> can be associated with various signal booster parameters <NUM>, such as gain, channels and power levels. For example, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can be configured with a default set of signal booster parameters, but the signal booster parameters <NUM> can be modified over time based on various conditions. In addition, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can include a lookup table <NUM>. As explained in further detail below, the lookup table <NUM> can be utilized to determine optimal signal booster parameters <NUM> for the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

In one configuration, the controller <NUM> identifies the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM> via the satellite location system receiver <NUM>. The controller <NUM> identifies one or more predefined signal booster parameters that correspond to the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> can access the lookup table <NUM> to identify the one or more predefined signal booster parameters that correspond to the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. In other words, the lookup table <NUM> can store predefined signal booster parameters for a plurality of locations. Based on information obtained from the lookup table <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can update one or more existing signal booster parameters <NUM> associated with the cellular signal booster <NUM> to reflect the one or more predefined signal booster parameters that correspond to the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The signal booster parameters <NUM> that are modified based on the cellular signal booster's current location include a gain of the cellular signal booster <NUM>, a channel associated with the cellular signal booster <NUM>, and a power level associated with the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

In one configuration, the cellular signal booster <NUM> can be in communication with a base station <NUM>. The cellular signal booster <NUM> can receive signals from the base station <NUM>. Based on a signal strength associated with the signals received from the base station, a defined distance between the cellular signal booster <NUM> and the base station <NUM> is determined. The cellular signal booster <NUM> selects one or more signal booster parameters <NUM> based on the defined distance between the cellular signal booster <NUM> and the base station <NUM>. The one or more signal booster parameters <NUM> include the gain of the cellular signal booster <NUM>, the channel associated with the cellular signal booster <NUM>, and the power level associated with the cellular signal booster <NUM>. In this configuration, the signal booster parameters <NUM> can be selected based on a proximity or defined distance between the cellular signal booster <NUM> and the base station <NUM> rather than based on the lookup table <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary bi-directional wireless signal booster <NUM> configured to amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using a separate signal path for each UL frequency band and DL frequency band and a controller <NUM>. An outside antenna <NUM>, or an integrated node antenna, can receive a downlink signal. For example, the downlink signal can be received from a base station (not shown). The downlink signal can be provided to a first B1/B2 diplexer <NUM>, wherein B1 represents a first frequency band and B2 represents a second frequency band. The first B 1B2 diplexer <NUM> can create a B1 downlink signal path and a B2 downlink signal path. Therefore, a downlink signal that is associated with B1 can travel along the B1 downlink signal path to a first B1 duplexer <NUM>, or a downlink signal that is associated with B2 can travel along the B2 downlink signal path to a first B2 duplexer <NUM>. After passing the first B1 duplexer <NUM>, the downlink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A10, A11 and A12) and downlink band pass filters (BPF) to a second B1 duplexer <NUM>. Alternatively, after passing the first B2 duplexer <NUM>, the downlink can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A07, A08 and A09) and downlink band pass filters (BFF) to a second B2 duplexer <NUM>. At this point, the downlink signal (B <NUM> or B2) has been amplified and filtered in accordance with the type of amplifiers and BPFs included in the bi-directional wireless signal booster <NUM>. The downlink signals from the second B <NUM> duplexer <NUM> or the second B2 duplexer <NUM>, respectively, can be provided to a second B 1B2 diplexer <NUM>. The second B 1B2 diplexer <NUM> can provide an amplified downlink signal to an inside antenna <NUM>, or an integrated device antenna. The inside antenna <NUM> can communicate the amplified downlink signal to a wireless device (not shown), such as a mobile phone.

In one example, the inside antenna <NUM> can receive an uplink (UL) signal from the wireless device. The uplink signal can be provided to the second B 1B2 diplexer <NUM>. The second B 1B2 diplexer <NUM> can create a B <NUM> uplink signal path and a B2 uplink signal path. Therefore, an uplink signal that is associated with B <NUM> can travel along the B <NUM> uplink signal path to the second B <NUM> duplexer <NUM>, or an uplink signal that is associated with B2 can travel along the B2 uplink signal path to the second B2 duplexer <NUM>. After passing the second B <NUM> duplexer <NUM>, the uplink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A01, A02 and A03) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B1 duplexer <NUM>. Alternatively, after passing the second B2 duplexer <NUM>, the uplink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A04, A05 and A06) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B2 duplexer <NUM>. At this point, the uplink signal (B <NUM> or B2) has been amplified and filtered in accordance with the type of amplifiers and BFFs included in the bi-directional wireless signal booster <NUM>. The uplink signals from the first B <NUM> duplexer <NUM> or the first B2 duplexer <NUM>, respectively, can be provided to the first B 1B2 diplexer <NUM>. The first B 1B2 diplexer <NUM> can provide an amplified uplink signal to the outside antenna <NUM>. The outside antenna can communicate the amplified uplink signal to the base station.

In one example, the bi-directional wireless signal booster <NUM> can be a <NUM>-band booster. In other words, the bi-directional wireless signal booster <NUM> can perform amplification and filtering for downlink and uplink signals having a frequency in bands B1, B2, B3 B4, B5 and/or B6.

In one example, the bi-directional wireless signal booster <NUM> can use the duplexers to separate the uplink and downlink frequency bands, which are then amplified and filtered separately. A multiple-band cellular signal booster can typically have dedicated radio frequency (RF) amplifiers (gain blocks), RF detectors, variable RF attenuators and RF filters for each uplink and downlink band.

<FIG> illustrates functionality <NUM> of a signal booster. The signal booster can identify a current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>. The signal booster can determine one or more bands in which signals are permitted to be boosted by the signal booster based on the current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>. The signal booster can boost signals in the one or more bands that are permitted to be boosted by the signal booster for the current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cellular signal booster <NUM>. The cellular signal booster <NUM> can include a bi-directional cellular signal booster <NUM>, a satellite location system receiver <NUM>, a controller <NUM> and a lookup table <NUM>. The bi-directional cellular signal booster <NUM> can boost cellular signals. The satellite location system receiver <NUM> can detect a current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can comprise one or more processors and memory configured to: access the lookup table <NUM> to identify one or more bands in which cellular signals are permitted to be boosted by the cellular signal booster <NUM> with respect to the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>, and boost cellular signals in the one or more bands that correspond to the current location of the cellular signal booster <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates functionality <NUM> of a signal booster operable to transmit amplified signals. The signal booster can identify a current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>. The signal booster can determine one or more bands in which signals are permitted to be boosted by the signal booster based on the current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates functionality <NUM> of a signal booster. The signal booster can identify a current location of the signal booster using a satellite location system receiver coupled to the signal booster, as in block <NUM>. The signal booster can identify one or more predefined signal booster parameters that correspond to the current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>. The signal booster can update one or more existing signal booster parameters associated with the signal booster to reflect the one or more predefined signal booster parameters that correspond to the current location of the signal booster, as in block <NUM>.

<FIG> provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile communication device, a tablet, a handset, a wireless transceiver coupled to a processor, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device can include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node or transmission station, such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point. The wireless device can communicate using separate antennas for each wireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wireless communication standards. The wireless device can communicate in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

<FIG> also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or more speakers that can be used for audio input and output from the wireless device. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen. The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touch screen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor can be coupled to internal memory to provide processing and display capabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to provide data input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port can also be used to expand the memory capabilities of the wireless device. A keyboard can be with the wireless device or wirelessly connected to the wireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard can also be provided using the touch screen.

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), hard drives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry can include hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computer instructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does not include signal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device can include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One or more programs that can implement or utilize the various techniques described herein can use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

As used herein, the term processor can include general purpose processors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other types of specialized processors, as well as base band processors used in transceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can be used to implement the functional units described in this specification. For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be used to perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or a second processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can be used to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardware circuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code can, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but can comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or many instructions, and can even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and can exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable to perform desired functions.

Claim 1:
A signal booster (<NUM>), comprising one or more processors and memory configured to:
identify a current location of the signal booster using a satellite location system receiver (<NUM>) coupled to the signal booster
identify one or more predefined signal booster parameters (<NUM>) that correspond to the current location of the signal booster; and
the one or more processors and memory are configured to modify over time one or more existing signal booster parameters (<NUM>) associated with the signal booster to reflect the one or more predefined signal booster parameters that correspond to the current location of the signal booster; wherein the one or more signal booster parameters that are modified over time include the gain of the cellular signal booster (<NUM>), a channel associated with the signal booster, and a power level associated with the signal booster based on the cellular signal booster's current location, and characterized in that the one or more processors and memory are further configured to identify the one or more predefined signal booster parameters based on a defined distance between the signal booster and a base station, wherein the defined distance is determined based on a signal strength associated with signals received from the base station.