US010763916B2
( 12 ) United States Patent ( 10 ) Patent No.: US 10,763,916 B2 Henry et al . (45 ) Date of Patent : Sep. 1 , 2020
( 54 ) DUAL MODE ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND ( 58 ) Field of Classification Search METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH CPC ...... HO4B 3/52 ; H01Q 1/246 ; H01P 3/127 ; H04W 88/10 ( 71 ) Applicant: AT & T Intellectual Property I , L.P., See application file for complete search history . Atlanta , GA ( US ) ( 56 ) References Cited ( 72 ) Inventors: Paul Shala Henry , Holmdel , NJ (US ); U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS Giovanni Vannucci, Middletown, NJ ( US ) ; Thomas M. Willis , III , Tinton 2,542,980 A 2/1951 Barrow Falls , NJ ( US ) ; Aldo Adriazola , 2,548,655 A * 4/1951 Cutler HO1P 1/16 Branchburg , NJ ( US ) ; David M. Britz , 333/21 R Rumson , NJ ( US ) ; Farhad Barzegar , ( Continued ) Branchburg , NJ ( US ) ; Robert Bennett , Southold, NJ ( US ) ; Irwin Gerszberg , FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS Kendall Park , NJ (US ); Donald J. CA 2515560 A1 2/2007 Barnickel, Flemington , NJ (US ) EP 2568528 B1 12/2017 (Continued ) ( 73 ) Assignee : AT & T Intellectual Property I , L.P., Atlanta , GA ( US ) OTHER PUBLICATIONS ( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this Yohannan, J. et al . , “ Microwave Ceramic Resonator Antenna for patent is extended or adjusted under 35 Communication Applications, ” Jul . 3-8 , 2005 , IEEE Antennas and U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 0 days. Propagation Society International Symposium , pp . 466-469 . * ( Continued ) ( 21 ) Appl. No .: 15 / 788,319 Primary Examiner David B Lugo ( 74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Guntin & Gust, PLC ; ( 22 ) Filed : Oct. 19 , 2017 Jay H. Anderson ( 57 ) ABSTRACT ( 65 ) Prior Publication Data Aspects of the subject disclosure may include an antenna US 2019/0123783 A1 Apr. 25 , 2019 having a feedline configured to receive a first signal and a second signal. A dielectric antenna body is configured to ( 51 ) Int . Ci . transmit the first signal as a first free space wireless signal H04B 3/52 ( 2006.01 ) and further configured to transmit the second signal as a first HOIP 3/127 ( 2006.01 ) guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to a surface of a ( Continued ) transmission medium , wherein the first guided electromag ( 52 ) U.S. Ci . netic wave propagates along the surface of the transmission CPC H04B 3/52 ( 2013.01 ) ; H01P 3/127 medium without requiring an electrical return path . Other ( 2013.01 ) ; H01Q 1/246 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W embodiments are disclosed . 88/10 ( 2013.01 ) 20 Claims , 71 Drawing Sheets 4610 4610 ' Free space wireless 4601 signal 4606 4601 ' D / M D / M 4607 Xcvr Xcvr 4602 4602 Feedline 1 d Feedline 4603 Guided E / M 4603 wave 4608 4600 US 10,763,916 B2 Page 2
( 51 ) Int . Ci . 9,793,951 B2 10/2017 Henry et al. H04W 88/10 9,793,954 B2 10/2017 Bennett et al. ( 2009.01 ) 9,847,566 B2 12/2017 Henry et al . H01Q 1/24 ( 2006.01 ) 9,853,342 B2 12/2017 Henry et al . 9,860,075 B1 1/2018 Gerszberg et al . ( 56 ) References Cited 9,865,911 B2 1/2018 Henry et al . 9,866,309 B2 1/2018 Bennett et al . U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 9,871,282 B2 1/2018 Henry et al . 9,871,283 B2 1/2018 Henry et al. 2,685,068 A 7/1954 Goubau 9,876,264 B2 1/2018 Barnickel et al . 2,852,753 A 9/1958 Gent et al . 9,876,570 B2 1/2018 Henry et al . 2,867,776 A 1/1959 Wilkinson, Jr. 9,876,605 B1 1/2018 Henry et al . 2,912,695 A 11/1959 Cutler 9,882,257 B2 1/2018 Henry et al . 2,921,277 A 1/1960 Goubau 9,893,795 B1 2/2018 Willis et al . 3,077,569 A 2/1963 Ikrath et al . 9,912,381 B2 3/2018 Bennett et al . 3,201,724 A 8/1965 Hafner 9,917,341 B2 3/2018 Henry et al . 3,389,394 A 6/1968 Lewis et al. 9,991,580 B2 6/2018 Henry et al . 3,566,317 A 2/1971 Hafner 9,997,819 B2 6/2018 Bennett et al . 4,150,382 A 4/1979 King et al . 9,998,172 B1 6/2018 Barzegar et al . 4,783,665 A 11/1988 Lier et al. 9,998,870 B1 6/2018 Bennett et al . 4,825,221 A 4/1989 Suzuki et al. 9,999,038 B2 6/2018 Barzegar et al . 5,642,121 A 6/1997 Martek et al . 10,003,364 B1 6/2018 Willis, III et al. 5,734,303 A * 3/1998 Baca HO1P 1/16 10,009,063 B2 6/2018 Gerszberg et al . 10,009,065 B2 6/2018 Henry et al . 315/5 10,009,067 B2 6/2018 Birk et al . 5,889,449 A 3/1999 Fiedziuszko 10,009,901 B2 6/2018 Gerszberg 5,937,335 A 8/1999 Park et al . 10,027,397 B2 7/2018 Kim 6,239,377 B1 5/2001 Nishikawa et al . 10,027,427 B2 7/2018 Vannucci et al . 7,009,471 B2 3/2006 Elmore 10,033,107 B2 7/2018 Henry et al . 7,043,271 B1 5/2006 Seto et al . 10,033,108 B2 7/2018 Henry et al . 7,280,033 B2 10/2007 Berkman et al . 10,044,409 B2 8/2018 Barzegar et al . 7,301,424 B2 11/2007 Suarez - gartner et al . 10,051,483 B2 8/2018 Barzegar et al . 7,345,623 B2 3/2008 McEwan et al . 10,051,488 B1 8/2018 Vannucci et al . 7,567,154 B2 7/2009 Elmore 10,062,970 B1 8/2018 Vannucci et al . 7,590,404 B1 9/2009 Johnson et al . 10,069,535 B2 9/2018 Vannucci et al . 7,915,980 B2 3/2011 Unger et al . 10,079,661 B2 9/2018 Gerszberg et al . 7,925,235 B2 4/2011 Konya et al . 10,090,606 B2 10/2018 Henry et al . 8,159,385 B2 4/2012 Farneth et al . 10,096,883 B2 10/2018 Henry et al . 8,212,635 B2 7/2012 Miller , II et al. 10,103,777 B1 10/2018 Henry et al . 8,237,617 B1 8/2012 Johnson et al . 10,103,801 B2 10/2018 Bennett et al. 8,253,516 B2 8/2012 Miller , II et al. 10,123,217 B1 11/2018 Barzegar et al . 8,269,583 B2 9/2012 Miller , II et al . 10,129,057 B2 11/2018 Willis , III et al . 8,344,829 B2 1/2013 Miller , II et al. 10,135,145 B2 11/2018 Henry et al . 8,736,502 B1 5/2014 Mehr et al . 10,136,434 B2 11/2018 Gerszberg et al . 8,836,581 B2 * 9/2014 Nysen H01Q9/ 0414 10,142,086 B2 11/2018 Bennett et al. 343/700 MS 10,148,016 B2 12/2018 Johnson et al . 8,850,795 B2 * 10/2014 Ikeda FOIL 3/02 10,154,493 B2 12/2018 Bennett et al . 60/275 10,170,840 B2 1/2019 Henry et al . 8,897,697 B1 11/2014 Bennett et al. 10,171,158 B1 1/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,113,347 B2 8/2015 Henry et al . 10,200,106 B1 2/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,147,942 B2 9/2015 Pintos et al . 10,205,212 B2 2/2019 Henry et al. 9,209,902 B2 12/2015 Willis , III et al . 10,205,231 B1 2/2019 Henry et al . 9,312,919 B1 4/2016 Barzegar et al. 10,205,655 B2 2/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,337,895 B2 5/2016 Turner et al . 10,224,981 B2 3/2019 Henry et al . 9,461,706 B1 10/2016 Bennett et al. 10,230,426 B1 3/2019 Henry et al . 9,490,869 B1 11/2016 Henry 10,230,428 B1 3/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,509,415 B1 11/2016 Henry et al . 10,243,270 B2 3/2019 Henry et al . 9,520,945 B2 12/2016 Gerszberg et al . 10,244,408 B1 3/2019 Vannucci et al . 9,525,524 B2 12/2016 Barzegar et al . 10,264,586 B2 4/2019 Beattie , Jr. et al . 9,544,006 B2 1/2017 Henry et al . 4/2019 Bennett et al . 9,564,947 B2 2/2017 Stuckman et al . 10,276,907 B2 9,577,306 B2 2/2017 Willis, III et al . 10,284,261 B1 5/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,608,692 B2 3/2017 Willis, III et al . 10,291,286 B2 5/2019 Henry et al . 9,608,740 B2 3/2017 Henry et al . 10,305,190 B2 5/2019 Britz et al. 9,615,269 B2 4/2017 Henry et al . 10,305,192 B1 5/2019 Rappaport 9,627,768 B2 4/2017 Henry et al . 10,305,197 B2 5/2019 Henry et al . 9,628,116 B2 4/2017 Willis, III et al . 10,312,567 B2 6/2019 Bennett et al . 9,640,850 B2 5/2017 Henry et al . 10,320,586 B2 6/2019 Henry et al . 9,653,770 B2 5/2017 Henry et al . 10,326,495 B1 6/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,680,670 B2 6/2017 Henry et al . 10,340,573 B2 7/2019 Johnson et al . 9,692,101 B2 6/2017 Henry et al . 10,340,600 B2 7/2019 Henry et al. 9,705,561 B2 7/2017 Henry et al . 10,340,979 B1 7/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,705,571 B2 7/2017 Gerszberg et al. 10,348,391 B2 7/2019 Bennett et al . 9,742,462 B2 8/2017 Bennett et al. 10,355,745 B2 7/2019 Henry et al . 9,748,626 B2 8/2017 Henry et al . 10,361,489 B2 7/2019 Britz et al. 9,749,053 B2 8/2017 Henry et al . 10,371,889 B1 8/2019 Barzegar et al . 9,722,318 B2 9/2017 Adriazola et al . 10,374,277 B2 8/2019 Henry et al. 9,768,833 B2 9/2017 Fuchs et al. 10,374,278 B2 8/2019 Henry et al . 9,769,020 B2 9/2017 Henry et al . 10,374,281 B2 8/2019 Henry et al . 9,780,834 B2 10/2017 Henry et al . 10,374,316 B2 8/2019 Bennett et al . US 10,763,916 B2 Page 3
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US 10,763,916 B2 Page 4
( 56 ) References Cited Goubau , Georg , “ Surface Waves and Their Application to Trans mission Lines ” , Radio Communication Branch , Coles Signal Labo U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS ratory, Mar. 10 , 1950 , 1119-1128 . Goubau , Georg , “ Waves on Interfaces ” , IRE Transactions on 2019/0173190 A1 6/2019 Johnson et al . Antennas and Propagation, Dec. 1959 , 140-146 . 2019/0173542 Al 6/2019 Johnson et al . Ren -Bin , Zhong et al . , " Surface plasmon wave propagation along 2019/0173601 A1 6/2019 Wolniansky et al . single metal wire ” , Chin . Phys. B , vol . 21 , No. 11 , May 2 , 2012 , 9 2019/0174506 A1 6/2019 Willis , III et al . pages . 2019/0181532 A1 6/2019 Vannucci et al . Sommerfeld , A. , “ On the propagation of electrodynamic waves 2019/0181683 A1 6/2019 Vannucci et al . along a wire ”, Annals of Physics and Chemistry New Edition , vol . 2019/0296430 A1 9/2019 Bennett et al. 67 , No. 2 , 1899 , 72 pages . 2019/0305413 Al 10/2019 Henry et al . Wang , Kanglin , “ Dispersion of Surface Plasmon Polaritons on 2019/0305592 A1 10/2019 Vannucci et al . Metal Wires in the Terahertz Frequency Range ” , Physical Review 2019/0305820 A1 10/2019 Barzegar et al . Letters , PRL 96 , 157401 , 2006 , 4 pages. 2019/0306057 Al 10/2019 Barzegar et al . Elmore , Glenn , “ Introduction to the Propagating Wave on a Single Conductor ” , www.corridor.biz , Jul. 27 , 2009 , 30 pages . FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS Erickson , Katherine , “ Conductive cylindrical surface waveguides ” , www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/30914/Erickson_ WO 8605327 A1 9/1986 Katherine.pdf ? sequence = 1 , 2012 , 74 pages . WO 2003065385 8/2003 Fickenscher, T. , “ Theoretical and experimental results of aperture WO 2013008292 Al 1/2013 coupling between image guides ” , IET Microw . Antennas Propag . , WO 2016171914 A1 10/2016 2007 , 1 , ( 5 ) , pp . 1042-1045 . WO 2018106455 A1 6/2018 “ International Search Report and Written Opinion ” , PCT /US2018 / WO 2018106684 Al 6/2018 015634 , dated Jun . 25 , 2018 , 8 pages . WO 2018106915 Al 6/2018 Alam , M. N. et al . , “ Novel Surface Wave Exciters for Power Line WO 2019050752 A1 3/2019 Fault Detection and Communications” , Department of Electrical Engineering , University of South Carolina , Antennas and Propaga OTHER PUBLICATIONS tion ( APSURSI ) , 2011 IEEE International Symposium , IEEE , 2011 , 1-4 . Akalin , Tahsin et al . , “ Single - Wire Transmission Lines at Terahertz Elmore, Glenn et al . , “ A Surface Wave Transmission Line ” , QEX , Frequencies” , IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Tech May /Jun . 2012 , pp . 3-9 . Friedman , M et al. , “ Low - Loss RF Transport Over Long Distances ” , niques, vol . 54 , No. 6 , 2006 , 2762-2767 . IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol . 49 , Barlow , H. M. et al . , “ Surface Waves ” , 621.396.11 : 538.566 , Paper No. 2 , Feb. 2001 , 8 pages . No. 1482 Radio Section , 1953 , pp . 329-341 . Wang, Hao et al . , “ Dielectric Loaded Substrate Integrated Wave Corridor Systems , , “ A New Approach to Outdoor DAS Network guide (SIW ) Plan Horn Antennas ” , IEEE Transactions on Anten Physical Layer Using E - Line Technology ”, Mar. 2011 , 5 pages. nas and Propagation , IEEE Service Center, Piscataway, NJ , US , vol . Goubau , Georg et al . , “ Investigation of a Surface - Wave Line for 56 , No. 3 , Mar. 1 , 2010 , 640-647 . Long Distance Transmission ” , 1952 , 263-267 . International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT US18/ / Goubau , Georg et al . , “ Investigations with a Model Surface Wave 54388 dated Jan. 28 , 2019 . Transmission Line ” , IRE Transactions on Antennas and Propaga Villaran , Michael et al . , " Condition Monitoring of Cables Task 3 tion , 1957 , 222-227 . Report : Condition Monitoring Techniques for Electric Cables ” , Goubau , Georg , " Open Wire Lines ” , IRE Transactions on Micro Brookhaven National Laboratory, Technical Report, Nov. 30 , 2009 , wave Theory and Techniques, 1956 , 197-200 . 89 pages . Goubau , Georg , " Single - Conductor Surface - Wave Transmission Lines ” , Proceedings of the I.R.E. , 1951 , 619-624 . * cited by examiner U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 1 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
signal( s ) 110 signal ( s ) 112
Guided waves 122
100 FIG . 1
IX -XYq7 ** - * - 4499 ***** Communications
controller
Coupler 220
200 FIG . 2 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 2 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
300 FIG . 3
400 FIG . 4 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 3 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
CO an
6 7
500 FIG . 5A
E
550 FIG . 5B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 4 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
602
600 FIG . 6 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 5 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
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700 FIG . 7
800 FIG.8 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 6 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
m no 1
900 FIG . 9A
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950 FIG . 9B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 7 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1000 FIG . 10
r U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 8 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
ing uu 1100 FIG . 11
1205 1217
1206
1200 FIG . 12
signals 110 or 112 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 9 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1308
1300 FIG . 13 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 10 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
15070 RX INTERFACE205 1IORIGE.IIOII&IIIYO 1 O . CCOMMUNICATIONS
1400 FIG.14 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 11 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1550 1560 1542
II
1500 FIG.15
1530 4 A CentralOffice 1501 Internet 1503 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 12 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1614
1620 1618
1612 Transmission device Network 101 or 102 Management Comm . VF 205 System Transceiver 210 1601 Coupler 220 2 Central ooo Sensors 1604 Office 1611 a . Temperature sensor b . Disturbance detection sensor Power C. Loss of energy sensor Line 1610 d . Noise sensor e . Vibration sensor f . Weather sensors g . Image sensor :
Power Mgmt Sys 1605 Waveguide System 1602 1600 FIG . 16A U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 13 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Power Grid 1653
Communication System 1655
Waveguide Power System ( s ) 1602 Line ( s ) 1610 Base Station ( s ) 1614
Network Management Communications Utility Company N Service Provider 1652 System 1601 1654 $
Communications Utility Company Service Provider personnel 1656 personnel 1658
1650 FIG . 16B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 14 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Waveguide system transmits and receives messages embedded in Sensors of waveguide system electromagnetic waves traveling collect data 1704 along a power line 1702 No
Detect Determine from sensing data whether disturbance ? there's a disturbance in the power grid 1708 that can affect communications 1706 Yes
No Affect Yes Report disturbance to network communications ? management system 1712 1710
Network management system notifies Network management system directs utility company and /or communications waveguide system to reroute traffic to service provider of disturbance 1716 circumvent disturbance 1714
Network management system directs NO Disturbance Yes waveguide system to restore routing resolved ? configuration and / or use new routing 1718 configuration in view of resolution strategy 1720
1700 FIG . 17A U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 15 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Network management system receives Network management system maintenance information associated analyses maintenance activities with a maintenance schedule 1752 occurring during schedule 1754
Network management system receives telemetry information from one or more waveguide systems 1755
Maintenance personnel submit Detect No field activity report 1756 disturbance ? 1758
Yes Network management system directs No Disturbance waveguide system to reroute traffic to mitigated ? circumvent disturbance ( and notifies 1762 maintenance personnel ) 1760 Yes Notify maintenance personnel 1768 Fail
Topology No Test previous change ? route ? 1764 1766
Yes Pass
Network management system directs Network management system directs waveguide system to use a new waveguide system to restore routing routing configuration that adapts to configuration and / or use new routing the new topology 1770 configuration in view of resolution strategy 1772
1750 FIG . 17B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 16 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1800 GW - Cable
1802 Core : Dielectric rod ( e.g. , HDPE 2-3 mm diameter ) 1804: " Cladding ": Dielectric foam ( e.g., EPE 1-2 cm diameter) 1806 : Outer jacket : Polyethylene or equiv
Electric field intensity profile 1808 foam 1810 Hollow waveguide Dielectric launcher core 1809 foam
FIG . 18A U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 17 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1840 1836
1806 1838 1838
1839
1806 FIG . 18B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 18 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1855 1836
FIG . 18C U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 19 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Radiated E - fields 1861 1862 1865
North
{ 1863 Cable FIG . 18D + Wrap slotted guide around cable like a collar
1867 1865 1866
1863 1868 Wave Input Wave Direction 1861
Cable
1862 1869 1861
1863 FIG . 18E U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 20 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Signal input 1872 MMIC 1870 1861 1868 Wave Direction
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1862 ya1865 ' 1861 1870 FIG . 18F U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 21 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1880
Wave Input 1879 ? so 0000 DOO Cable
. IS 1865
Start of tapered end FIG . 18G of insulation layer
Signal input 1872 1880
1879 /
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FIG . 18H 1865 Start of tapered end of insulation layer U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 22 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
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Signal input 1850 teO * XOKXîn
FIG . 18J C1852 1865 ' 1868 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 23 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1865 ' 1870
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FIG . 18K U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 24 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Dielectric Horn Antenna
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3 cm U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 25 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
FRONT VIEW Horn 29 devin SIDE VIEW aperture Higher field intensity
61dBV m
Lower field intensity
E - field Intensity Pattern
Antenna Gain Pattern FIG . 19B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 26 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
INTEGRATED DIELECTRIC ANTENNA
doudstotis
ASSEMBLED DIELECTRIC ANTENNA
FIG . 19C U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 27 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
PERSPECTIVE VIEW Ov 1903 ??H 1901 1928 Es EN Ov
1 1930 ??
FIG . 19D U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 28 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Antenna Array Using Pyramidal Horns
Feed points 1902 " that couple to cores 1852 of cables 1850
1901 1902
All components are dielectric
RF out 1903 RF out
FIG . 19E U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 29 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
1972 1973 1974
O 1901
a
1901 C1 C2 N C3 C4 W-Z R1 1976 R2
W + m R3
R4
S
FIG . 19F U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 30 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
-- antenna MV Line 1850 220 vac Line ac power 1850 Microwave Apparatus FIG . 20A
1850B Antenna
MV Line 2052 1850 220 vac Line
ac power 1850A Microwave Apparatus FIG . 20B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 31 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Central Office2030 2026 Fiber 2026 2004 1850" 2024 DSLAM 2040 2022 Phone line Pedestal N D 2014 2020 2014
1850 2000 FIG.20C 1850'
I 1 1 2010 N 2014 Phoneline 2002 2040 2008 CustomerPremises 2006 Modem U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 32 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2 2054 PoleMount
Antennas 2053 FIG20D.
Medium Voltage Power Line InductivePowerSupply MVWire Mount
MVWire U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 33 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
5
20EFIG.
OO M?l dol U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 34 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
NID of a pedestal or central office DSLAM generates downlink electrical converts the downlink electrical signals 2102 signals to downlink guided electromagnetic waves 2104
NID of a customer premises converts the downlink guided Supply downlink guided electromagnetic waves to downlink electromagnetic waves from the electrical signals 2108 utility grid 2106
Supply the downlink electrical 2100 signals to a CPE at the customer premises 2110 FIG . 21A
NID of a customer premises CPE generates uplink electrical signals converts the uplink electrical signals 2122 to uplink guided electromagnetic waves 2124
NID of pedestal or central office converts the uplink guided Supply uplink guided electromagnetic waves to uplink electromagnetic waves from the electrical signals 2128 utility grid 2126
2120 Supply the uplink electrical signals to DSLAM 2129 FIG , 21B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 35 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Hybrid mode (HE11) 2168 Goubau mode (TM00) 2159
2151 FIG.21C
(HE11) HE11)( Hybrid mode Hybrid mode (TM00) mode (TMOO) Goubau mode Goubau Waterfilm 2158 2167 Insulation Insulation Conductor Conductor U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 36 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2 Insulationradius1.5cm Dielectricconstant2.25 SOZ Modeexpansion visible clearly Wireradius1.0cm
6GHZ 2169 FIG.21D
HE11MVWireModePowerDensity SectionCross)(
10GHz U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 37 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2200
2208
polarization
0000000
FIG . 22A
2210
FIG . 22B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 38 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2506 2508 2510
2522A 2504 2524 2523 2528 2504 2502 T ???
2524 2526 2528 2520 2529
2522
FIG . 23A U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 39 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2506 2508 2510
2504 2502 2504 2524 2522A 2523
2524 2526 2528 2528 2522B
2522
FIG . 23B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 40 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2528 E 2512 2522D 2504 2510 W+ 2522C 2528 2508 2504 2522B 2523 2522A FIG.230 2506 2502 2522 25242527 2524 2525 2508 4 2522B 2521 2522C 2510 2522D 2528 2512 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 41 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2528
2523A
Signal 2522
2532 2520
ISTIT Q
2508 FIG . 24 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 42 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2512 2542 E
2522D 2504" 2510
W 25432544 2508 25220 2504 r 2506" 2525 2502 25242522B 2523
2522A 2524" 2506 2522 FIG.25A 2524'2544 2524'
2525 2525" -2524" 2524B' 2522B 2525 2522C 2522D'
"2504 2544 2524A 2543 2542 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 43 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
. ....01 TM01 Art***** tils***** XS Wave Mode metun *****
Fa .... Shield Insulation layer
*** ***** Conductor um zm. Insulation layer FIG . 25B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 44 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
TM11 Wave Mode
Shield Insulation layer 3
Hummit wa Wuns etttt107171 ***** Conductor
Insulation layer FIG . 25C U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 45 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
TM21 Wave Mode
Shield Insulation layer 3
*** ********** Conductor 2222 Insulation layer FIG . 25D U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 46 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Generate a plurality of Receive communication signals electromagnetic waves according to 2562 the communication signals 2564
Notify other waveguide system ( s ) of electromagnetic wave update ( s ) Yes Obstruction 2568 detected ? 2566 No
Update the plurality of Yes electromagnetic waves to reduce Previous update ? propagation losses 2570 2572 No
Receive the plurality of Retrieve a communication signal from electromagnetic waves 2582 each electromagnetic wave 2584
Coordinate update with the Yes Signal update source waveguide system 2588 requested ? 2586 No
2560 FIG . 26 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 47 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
.
FIG.27
1 between minimum *** .6 *** U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 48 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Insulated Conductor Conductor
triinit FIG . 28
Insulation
Uninsulated Conductor
FIG . 29
Conductor Uninsulated Conductor exposed to oxidation
Oxidation FIG . 30 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 49 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Dry Insulated Conductor
TM01 Freq (GHz ) 30 40
Wet Insulated Conductor TM01
Freq ( GHz ) 30 40
Wet Insulated Conductor
WMDM + FDM TM01
Freq ( GHz ) 1 2.1 3.2 30.5
FIG . 31 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 50 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Dry Uninsulated Conductor
TMOO Freq (GHz ) 10 20
Wet Uninsulated Conductor
TMOO Freq ( GHz ) 10 20
Wet Uninsulated Conductor
WMDM TMOO + FDM
Freq ( GHz ) 0.5 2.75 5.5 200
FIG . 32 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 51 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
MMIC NE TMOO
MMIC NW
MMIC SE MMIC N SP1 MMIC S TX 1 MMIC SW SP2 MMIC E Metal sleeve 2523A MMIC W on transmission medium
MMIC N HE11 Vertical
MMIC NE SP1 TX 2 MMIC NW
SP2 MMIC S
MMIC SE MMIC SW
MMICE HE11 Horizontal MMIC NE SP1 TX 3 MMIC SE
SP2 MMIC W
MMIC NW MMIC SW FIG . 33 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 52 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
MMIC NE TMOO
MMIC NW
MMIC SE MMIC N SP1 MMIC S RX 1 MMIC SW SP2 MMIC E Metal sleeve 2523A MMIC W on transmission medium
MMIC N HE11 Vertical
MMIC NE SP1 RX 2 MMIC NW
SP2 MMIC S
MMIC SE MMIC SW
MMICE HE11 Horizontal MMIC NE SP1 RX3 MMIC SE
SP2 MMIC W
MMIC NW MMIC SW FIG . 34 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 53 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
RX1 MMIC NE
MMIC NW RX2
MMIC SE RX3 RX4 + MMIC SW TMOO Signal ? MMIC N RX5 - MMIC S RX6
MMICE RX7
MMIC W RX8 FIG . 35
Metal sleeve Reference 2523A on TM U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 54 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
MMIC N RX1
MMIC NE RX2
MMIC NW RX3 + HE 11 Vert Signal ? MMIC S RX4
MMIC SE RX5 MMIC SW RX6 FIG . 36
MMIC E RX1
MMIC NE RX2
MMIC SE RX3 + HE 11 Hor Signal ? MMIC W RX4
MMIC NW RX5 FIG . 37 MMIC SW RX6 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 55 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Y N Duplexer N
7 BPF N
N PA LNA
N ?????????N BPF X RefRXOSC FIG.38 MMIC8 N LowFreq RXX ? OSCRefTX
MMIC1 N N
Commsignals
+x7? otherMMIC'sorMMIC) RXsignal(s)fromcertain Wavemode Signal U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 56 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
t t * 00000000
FIG . 39 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 57 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
2600 2612
22
3
FIG . 40 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 58 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
23
FIG . 41 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 59 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
FIG . 43A
0
1 FIG . 43B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 60 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
... 4404C **## * # # *# 4404E ?3 4410 4410 4404D 4410 4404B 4410 4400 FIG.44A 4402 4404A MacroCellSite DIAL U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 61 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
4406C
. 0561 O 4404E 2 4411
4410 4406B FIG.44B
. .4 4404D % 1.935GHZ 4411 4410 4406A
? . 4404B "5 € ZH00 4411 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 62 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Downlink ( e.g. , 30-110GHz ) 4425 anhhh1
4422 4426 4426 4426 4426 4424
Uplink ( e.g. , 30-110GHz ) 4425 In innn1 4430 4430 4430 4430 4428
FIG . 44C U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 63 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Spectrum 4462 M ... A M ... A M ... A M ... ) Downstream Downstream Upstream Upstream frequency channel band channel band channel band channel band 4444 4444 4446 4446
4460 FIG . 44D
4474 Channel signal Channel signal 4426 or 4430 ) 4478 4479 4426 or 4430 4478 4476
frequency frequency 4472 4475
4470 FIG . 44E U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 64 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
4515 4555 4510 4525 4550 4527 4565
namun anume namun seben nume noun momen voor verum memur noun nomor more 4542
4530 4532 4575 4540 4540
4520
4560
4500 FIG . 45 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 65 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
4610 4610 ' Free space wireless 4601 signal 4606 4601 " D / M D / M 4607 Xcyr Xcvr 4602 AAA 4602 Feedline Feedline 4603 Guided E / M 4603 wave 4608
4600 FIG . 46A U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 66 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
.o 4609 ?? 4601 4628
Guided E / M wave 4608
4607
4625 FIG . 46B U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 67 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
Ov 4609 OH 4601 4628 Free space wireless signal 4606
. N Ov
4632 OH
4607
4630 FIG . 46C U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 68 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
START
4682 selectively generating, in accordance with a first mode of operation, a first signal
4684 transmitting, via a dual mode antenna , the first signal as a first free space wireless signal
4686 selectively generating , in accordance with a second mode of operation , a second signal
4688 transmitting, via the dual mode antenna , the second signal as a first guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to a surface of a transmission medium , wherein the first guided electromagnetic wave propagates along the surface of the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path
CONTINUE
4680 FIG . 46D U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 69 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
4700 4702 4730 PROCESSING 4704 OPERATING SYSTEM UNIT Seren 4732 4708 4706 APPLICATIONS SYSTEM 4734 MEMORY 4712 MODULES 4736 RAM * DATA 4710 ROM 4724 4714 4714 INTERFACE EXTERNAL INTERNAL HDD 4716 HDD
4726 FDD 4718 INTERFACE DISK 4720 4744 BUS 4728 OPTICAL, MONITOR INTERFACE DRIVE 4722 . 4738 4746 DISK KEYBOARD VIDEO ADAPTOR C 4740 4742( WIRED / WIRELESS ) MOUSE INPUT 4758 4754 4748 DEVICE c INTERFACE MODEM WAN REMOTE 4756 COMPUTER ( S ) . 4752 4750 NETWORK LAN ADAPTOR ( WIRED /WIRELESS ) MEMORY STORAGE
FIG . 47 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 70 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
4800
4810
MOBILE NETWORK PLATFORM CS GATEWAY PS GATEWAY NODE ( S ) NODE ( S ) 4875 4812 4818 RAN SERVER( S) SERVING NODE ( S ) 4814 4816
4840 TELEPHONY NW ( S ) MEMORY WAN 4850 4830 SS7 NETWORK 4860 ENTERPRISE NW ( S ) 4870 SERVICE NW ( S ) 4880
FIG . 48 U.S. Patent Sep. 1 , 2020 Sheet 71 of 71 US 10,763,916 B2
4904 Keypad 4908 Location Receiver 4916 Display 4910
Transceiver Controller 4902 4906 Audio System 4912
1 Orientation Motion Sensor Image sensor 4913 Sensor 4920 4918
Power Supply 4914
4900 FIG . 49 US 10,763,916 B2 1 2 DUAL MODE ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND FIG . 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example, METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH non - limiting embodiment of a dual stub coupler in accor dance with various aspects described herein . FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE FIG . 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example , 5 non - limiting embodiment of a repeater system in accordance The subject disclosure relates to dual mode antenna with various aspects described herein . systems for free space wireless and guided wave commu FIG . 13 illustrates a block diagram illustrating an nications . example , non - limiting embodiment of a bidirectional repeater in accordance with various aspects described BACKGROUND 10 herein . As smart phones and other portable devices increasingly FIG . 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example , become ubiquitous, and data usage increases , macrocell base non - limiting embodiment of a waveguide system in accor station devices and existing wireless infrastructure in turn dance with various aspects described herein . require higher bandwidth capability in order to address the 15 FIG . 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example , increased demand . To provide additional mobile bandwidth , non - limiting embodiment of a guided -wave communica small cell deployment is being pursued , with microcells and tions system in accordance with various aspects described picocells providing coverage for much smaller areas than herein . traditional macrocells . FIGS . 16A and 16B are block diagrams illustrating an In addition , most homes and businesses have grown to 20 example , non - limiting embodiment of a system for manag rely on broadband data access for services such as voice , ing a power grid communication system in accordance with video and Internet browsing, etc. Broadband access net various aspects described herein . works include satellite , 4G or 5G wireless , power line FIG . 17A illustrates a flow diagram of an example, communication , fiber, cable , and telephone networks. non - limiting embodiment of a method for detecting and 25 mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication net BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS work of the system of FIGS . 16A and 16B . FIG . 17B illustrates a flow diagram of an example , Reference will now be made to the accompanying draw non - limiting embodiment of a method for detecting and ings , which are not necessarily drawn to scale , and wherein : mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication net FIG . 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non- 30 work of the system of FIGS . 16A and 16B . limiting embodiment of a guided -wave communications FIG . 18A is a block diagram illustrating an example, system in accordance with various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of a transmission medium for FIG . 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example , non propagating guided electromagnetic waves . limiting embodiment of a transmission device in accordance FIG . 18B is a block diagram illustrating an example , with various aspects described herein . 35 non - limiting embodiment of bundled transmission media in FIG . 3 is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, accordance with various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distri FIG . 18C is a block diagram illustrating an example, bution in accordance with various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of exposed stubs from the bundled FIG . 4 is a graphical diagram illustrating an example , transmission media for use as antennas in accordance with non - limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distri- 40 various aspects described herein . bution in accordance with various aspects described herein . FIGS . 18D , 18E , 18F , 18G , 18H , 181 , 18J and 18K are FIG . 5A is a graphical diagram illustrating an example , block diagrams illustrating example , non - limiting embodi non - limiting embodiment of a frequency response in accor ments of a waveguide device for transmitting or receiving dance with various aspects described herein . electromagnetic waves in accordance with various aspects FIG . 5B is a graphical diagram illustrating example, 45 described herein . non - limiting embodiments of a longitudinal cross - section of FIGS . 19A and 19B are block diagrams illustrating an insulated wire depicting fields of guided electromagnetic example, non - limiting embodiments of a dielectric antenna waves at various operating frequencies in accordance with and corresponding gain and field intensity plots in accor various aspects described herein . dance with various aspects described herein . FIG . 6 is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, 50 FIG . 19C is a block diagram illustrating an example, non - limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic field distri non - limiting embodiments of a dielectric antenna coupled to bution in accordance with various aspects described herein . a lens in accordance with various aspects described herein . FIG . 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non FIG . 19D is a block diagram illustrating an example , limiting embodiment of an arc coupler in accordance with non - limiting embodiment of near - field and far - field signals various aspects described herein . 55 emitted by the dielectric antenna of FIG . 19G in accordance FIG . 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example , non with various aspects described herein . limiting embodiment of an arc coupler in accordance with FIG . 19E is a block diagram of an example, non - limiting various aspects described herein . embodiment of a dielectric antenna in accordance with FIG . 9A is a block diagram illustrating an example , various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of a stub coupler in accordance 60 FIG . 19F is a block diagram of an example, non -limiting with various aspects described herein . embodiment of an array of dielectric antennas configurable FIG . 9B is a diagram illustrating an example, non - limiting for steering wireless signals in accordance with various embodiment of an electromagnetic distribution in accor aspects described herein . dance with various aspects described herein . FIGS . 20A and 20B are block diagrams illustrating FIG . 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example, 65 example, non - limiting embodiments of the transmission non - limiting embodiment of a coupler and transceiver in medium of FIG . 18A used for inducing guided electromag accordance with various aspects described herein . netic waves on power lines supported by utility poles . US 10,763,916 B2 3 4 FIG . 20C is a block diagram of an example, non - limiting modes according to the method of FIG . 25Y in accordance embodiment of a communication network in accordance with various aspects described herein . with various aspects described herein . FIG . 34 is a block diagram illustrating example , non FIG . 20D is a block diagram of an example , non - limiting limiting embodiments for transmitting orthogonal wave embodiment of an antenna mount for use in a communica- 5 modes according to the method of FIG . 25Y in accordance tion network in accordance with various aspects described with various aspects described herein . herein . FIG . 35 is a block diagram illustrating example, non FIG . 20E is a block diagram of an example, non - limiting limiting embodiments for selectively receiving a wave mode embodiment of an antenna mount for use in a communica according to the method of FIG . 25Y in accordance with tion network in accordance with various aspects described 10 various aspects described herein . herein . FIG . 36 is a block diagram illustrating example , non FIG . 21A illustrates a flow diagram of an example, limiting embodiments for selectively receiving a wave mode non - limiting embodiment of a method for transmitting according to the method of FIG . 25Y in accordance with downlink signals. various aspects described herein . FIG . 21B illustrates a flow diagram of an example , 15 FIG . 37 is a block diagram illustrating example , non non - limiting embodiment of a method for transmitting limiting embodiments for selectively receiving a wave mode uplink signals . according to the method of FIG . 25Y in accordance with FIG . 21C is a block diagram illustrating an example , various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of electric field characteristics of 20 FIG . 38 is a block diagram illustrating example , non a hybrid wave versus Goubau wave in accordance with limiting embodiments for selectively receiving a wave mode various aspects described herein . according to the method of FIG . 25Y in accordance with FIG . 21D is a block diagram illustrating an example, various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of mode sizes of hybrid waves at FIG . 39 is a block diagram illustrating example , non various operating frequencies in accordance with various 25 limiting embodiments of a polyrod antenna for transmitting aspects described herein . wireless signals in accordance with various aspects FIGS . 22A and 22B are block diagrams illustrating described herein . example , non - limiting embodiments of a waveguide device FIG . 40 is a block diagram illustrating an example, for launching hybrid waves in accordance with various non - limiting embodiment of electric field characteristics of aspects described herein . 30 transmitted signals from a polyrod antenna in accordance FIGS . 23A , 23B , and 23C are block diagrams illustrating with various aspects described herein . example, non - limiting embodiments of a waveguide device FIGS . 41 and 42 are block diagrams illustrating an in accordance with various aspects described herein . example, non -limiting embodiment of a polyrod antenna nonFIG - limiting . 24 isembodiment a block diagram of a waveguide illustrating device an inexample accor- , 35 array in accordance with various aspects described herein. dance with various aspects described herein . FIGS . 43A and 43B are block diagrams illustrating an FIG . 25A is a block diagram illustrating an example , example , non - limiting embodiment of an antenna, and elec non - limiting embodiment of a waveguide device in accor tric field characteristics of transmitted signals from the dance with various aspects described herein . antenna in accordance with various aspects described herein . FIGS . 25B , 25C and 25D are block diagrams illustrating 40 FIG . 44A is a block diagram illustrating an example, example, non - limiting embodiments of wave modes and non - limiting embodiment of a communication system in electric field plots in accordance with various aspects accordance with various aspects described herein . described herein . FIG . 44B is a block diagram illustrating an example, FIG . 26 illustrates a flow diagram of an example , non non - limiting embodiment of a portion of the communication limiting embodiment of a method for managing electromag- 45 system of FIG . 44A in accordance with various aspects netic waves . described herein . FIG . 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example , FIG . 44C is a graphical diagram illustrating an example, non - limiting embodiment of substantially orthogonal wave non - limiting embodiment of downlink and uplink commu modes in accordance with various aspects described herein . nication techniques for enabling a base station to commu FIG . 28 is a block diagram illustrating an example , 50 nicate with communication nodes in accordance with vari non - limiting embodiment of an insulated conductor in ous aspects described herein . accordance with various aspects described herein . FIG . 44D is a graphical diagram illustrating an example , FIG . 29 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non - limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum in accor non - limiting embodiment of an uninsulated conductor in dance with various aspects described herein . accordance with various aspects described herein . 55 FIG . 44E is a graphical diagram illustrating an example , FIG . 30 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non - limiting embodiment of a frequency spectrum in accor non - limiting embodiment of an oxide layer formed on the dance with various aspects described herein . uninsulated conductor of FIG . 25A in accordance with FIG . 45 is a block diagram illustrating an example, various aspects described herein . non - limiting embodiment of a communication system that FIG . 31 is a block diagram illustrating example, non- 60 utilizes beam steering in accordance with various aspects limiting embodiments of spectral plots in accordance with described herein . various aspects described herein . FIG . 46A is a block diagram illustrating an example , FIG . 32 is a block diagram illustrating example , non non -limiting embodiment of an antenna system in accor limiting embodiments of spectral plots in accordance with dance with various aspects described herein . various aspects described herein . 65 FIG . 46B is a diagram illustrating an example, non FIG . 33 is a block diagram illustrating example , non limiting embodiment of an antenna system in accordance limiting embodiments for transmitting orthogonal wave with various aspects described herein . US 10,763,916 B2 5 6 FIG . 46C is a diagram illustrating an example , non gate along a single line transmission medium that is not a limiting embodiment of an antenna system in accordance wire including a single line transmission medium that is with various aspects described herein . conductorless . FIG . 46D is a flow diagram of an example, non - limiting More generally , " guided electromagnetic waves " or embodiment of a method in accordance with various aspects 5 " guided waves ” as described by the subject disclosure are described herein . affected by the presence of a physical object that is at least FIG . 47 is a block diagram of an example , non - limiting a part of the transmission medium ( e.g. , a bare wire or other embodiment of a computing environment in accordance conductor, a dielectric including a dielectric core without a with various aspects described herein . conductive shield and / or without an inner conductor, an FIG . 48 is a block diagram of an example, non - limiting 10 insulated wire, a conduit or other hollow element whether embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance conductive or not, a bundle of insulated wires that is coated , with various aspects described herein . covered or surrounded by a dielectric or insulator or other FIG . 49 is a block diagram of an example, non - limiting wire bundle, or another form of solid , liquid or otherwise embodiment of a communication device in accordance with non - gaseous transmission medium ) so as to be at least various aspects described herein . 15 partially bound to or guided by the physical object and so as to propagate along a transmission path of the physical DETAILED DESCRIPTION object. Such a physical object can operate as at least a part of a transmission medium that guides , by way of one or more One or more embodiments are now described with refer interfaces of the transmission medium ( e.g. , an outer sur ence to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are 20 face, inner surface, an interior portion between the outer and used to refer to like elements throughout the drawings. In the the inner surfaces or other boundary between elements of the following description , for purposes of explanation, numer transmission medium ). In this fashion , a transmission ous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough medium may support multiple transmission paths over dif understanding of the various embodiments . It is evident, ferent surfaces of the transmission medium . For example , a however, that the various embodiments can be practiced 25 stranded cable or wire bundle may support electromagnetic without these details ( and without applying to any particular waves that are guided by the outer surface of the stranded networked environment or standard ). cable or wire bundle , as well as electromagnetic waves that In an embodiment, a guided wave communication system are guided by inner cable surfaces between two, three or is presented for sending and receiving communication sig more individual strands or wires within the stranded cable or nals such as data or other signaling via guided electromag- 30 wire bundle . For example, electromagnetic waves can be netic waves . The guided electromagnetic waves include , for guided within interstitial areas of a stranded cable , insulated example , surface waves or other electromagnetic waves that twisted pair wires , or a wire bundle. The guided electro are bound or guided by a transmission medium as magnetic waves of the subject disclosure are launched from described herein . It will be appreciated that a variety of a sending ( transmitting) device and propagate along the transmission media can be utilized with guided wave com- 35 transmission medium for reception by at least one receiving munications without departing from example embodiments . device. The propagation of guided electromagnetic waves , Examples of such transmission media can include one or can carry energy , data and / or other signals along the trans more of the following, either alone or in one or more mission path from the sending device to the receiving combinations : wires, whether insulated or not , and whether device . single - stranded or multi -stranded ; conductors of other 40 As used herein the term " conductor " ( based on a defini shapes or configurations including unshielded twisted pair tion of the term " conductor ” from IEEE 100 , the Authori cables including single twisted pairs , Category 5e and other tative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms, 7th Edition , twisted pair cable bundles, other wire bundles , cables , rods , 2000 ) means a substance or body that allows a current of rails , pipes ; non - conductors such as dielectric pipes , rods , electricity to pass continuously along it . The terms “ insula rails , or other dielectric members ; combinations of conduc- 45 tor ” , " conductorless ” or “ nonconductor " ( based on a defi tors and dielectric materials ; or other guided wave transmis nition of the term " insulator ” from IEEE 100 , the Authori sion media . tative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms, 7th Edition , The inducement of guided electromagnetic waves that 2000 ) means a device or material in which electrons or ions propagate along a transmission medium can be independent cannot be moved easily . It is possible for an insulator, or a of any electrical potential, charge or current that is injected 50 conductorless or nonconductive material to be intermixed or otherwise transmitted through the transmission medium intentionally ( e.g. , doped ) or unintentionally into a resulting as part of an electrical circuit. For example, in the case substance with a small amount of another material having where the transmission medium is a wire , it is to be the properties of a conductor. However, the resulting sub appreciated that while a small current in the wire may be stance may remain substantially resistant to a flow of a formed in response to the propagation of the electromagnetic 55 continuous electrical current along the resulting substance . waves guided along the wire , this can be due to the propa Furthermore , a conductorless member such as a dielectric gation of the electromagnetic wave along the wire surface, rod or other conductorless core lacks an inner conductor and and is not formed in response to electrical potential, charge a conductive shield . As used herein , the term “ eddy current” or current that is injected into the wire as part of an electrical ( based on a definition of the term “ conductor ” from IEEE circuit. The electromagnetic waves traveling along the wire 60 100 , the Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standards Terms, therefore do not require an electrical circuit ( i.e. , ground or 7th Edition , 2000 ) means a current that circulates in a another electrical return path ) to propagate along the wire metallic material as a result of electromotive forces induced surface . The wire therefore is a single wire transmission line by a variation of magnetic flux . Although it may be possible that is not part of an electrical circuit . For example, elec for an insulator, conductorless or nonconductive material in tromagnetic waves can propagate along a wire configured as 65 the foregoing embodiments to allow eddy currents that an electrical open circuit . Also , in some embodiments , a wire circulate within the doped or intermixed conductor and / or a is not necessary , and the electromagnetic waves can propa very small continuous flow of an electrical current along the US 10,763,916 B2 7 8 extent of the insulator, conductorless or nonconductive In contrast, consider a guided wave communication sys material, any such continuous flow of electrical current tem such as described in the subject disclosure , which can along such an insulator, conductorless or nonconductive utilize different embodiments of a transmission medium material is de minimis compared to the flow of an electrical ( including among others coaxial cable ) for transmitting current along a conductor. Accordingly, in the subject dis- 5 and receiving guided electromagnetic waves without requir closure an insulator, and a conductorless or nonconductor ing an electrical return path . In one embodiment, for material are not considered to be a conductor. The term example, the guided wave communication system of the “ dielectric ” means an insulator that can be polarized by an subject disclosure can be configured to induce guided elec applied electric field . When a dielectric is placed in an tromagnetic waves that propagate along an outer surface of electric field , electric charges do not continuously flow 10 a coaxial cable . Although the guided electromagnetic waves through the material as they do in a conductor, but only can cause forward currents on the ground shield , the guided slightly shift from their average equilibrium positions caus electromagnetic waves do not require return currents on , for ing dielectric polarization . The terms “ conductorless trans example , the center conductor to enable the guided electro mission medium or non - conductor transmission medium ” magnetic waves to propagate along the outer surface of the can mean a transmission medium consisting of any material 15 coaxial cable . The same can be said of other transmission ( or combination of materials ) that may or may not contain media used by a guided wave communication system for the one or more conductive elements but lacks a continuous transmission and reception of guided electromagnetic conductor between the sending and receiving devices along waves . For example, guided electromagnetic waves induced the conductorless transmission medium or non - conductor by the guided wave communication system on a bare wire, transmission medium - similar or identical to the aforemen- 20 an insulated wire , or a dielectric transmission medium ( e.g. , tioned properties of an insulator, conductorless or noncon a dielectric core with no conductive materials ), can propa ductive material. gate along the bare wire , the insulated bare wire , or the Unlike free space propagation of wireless signals such as dielectric transmission medium without requiring return unguided ( or unbounded ) electromagnetic waves that currents on an electrical return path . decrease in intensity inversely by the square of the distance 25 Consequently, electrical systems that require forward and traveled by the unguided electromagnetic waves , guided return conductors for carrying corresponding forward and electromagnetic waves can propagate along a transmission reverse currents on conductors to enable the propagation of medium with less loss in magnitude per unit distance than electrical signals injected by a sending device are distinct experienced by unguided electromagnetic waves . from guided wave systems that induce guided electromag Unlike electrical signals , guided electromagnetic waves 30 netic waves on an interface of a transmission medium can propagate from a sending device to a receiving device without requiring an electrical return path to enable the without requiring a separate electrical return path between propagation of the guided electromagnetic waves along the the sending device and the receiving device . As a conse interface of the transmission medium . quence, guided electromagnetic waves can propagate from a It is further noted that guided electromagnetic waves as sending device to a receiving device along a conductorless 35 described in the subject disclosure can have an electromag transmission medium including a transmission medium hav netic field structure that lies primarily or substantially on an ing no conductive components ( e.g. , a dielectric strip , rod , or outer surface of a transmission medium so as to be bound to pipe ) , or via a transmission medium having no more than a or guided by the outer surface of the transmission medium single conductor ( e.g. , a single bare wire or insulated wire and so as to propagate non - trivial distances on or along the configured in an open electrical circuit ). Even if a transmis- 40 outer surface of the transmission medium . In other embodi sion medium includes one or more conductive components ments, guided electromagnetic waves can have an electro and the guided electromagnetic waves propagating along the magnetic field structure that lies primarily or substantially transmission medium generate currents that flow in the one below an outer surface of a transmission medium so as to be or more conductive components in a direction of the guided bound to or guided by an inner material of the transmission electromagnetic waves , such guided electromagnetic waves 45 medium ( e.g. , dielectric material) and so as to propagate can propagate along the transmission medium from a send non - trivial distances within the inner material of the trans ing device to a receiving device without requiring a flow of mission medium . In other embodiments , guided electromag opposing currents on an electrical return path between the netic waves can have an electromagnetic field structure that sending device and the receiving device ( i.e. , in an electrical lies within a region that is partially below and partially open circuit configuration ). 50 above an outer surface of a transmission medium so as to be In a non - limiting illustration, consider electrical systems bound to or guided by this region of the transmission that transmit and receive electrical signals between sending medium and so as to propagate non - trivial distances along and receiving devices by way of conductive media . Such this region of the transmission medium . The desired elec systems generally rely on an electrical forward path and an tromagnetic field structure in an embodiment may vary electrical return path . For instance , consider a coaxial cable 55 based upon a variety of factors, including the desired trans having a center conductor and a ground shield that are mission distance, the characteristics of the transmission separated by an insulator. Typically, in an electrical system medium itself, and environmental conditions / characteristics a first terminal of a sending ( or receiving ) device can be outside of the transmission medium ( e.g. , presence of rain , connected to the center conductor, and a second terminal of fog, atmospheric conditions , etc. ). the sending ( or receiving ) device can be connected to the 60 Various embodiments described herein relate to coupling ground shield or other second conductor. If the sending devices, that can be referred to as “ waveguide coupling device injects an electrical signal in the center conductor via devices ” , “ waveguide couplers ” or more simply as “ cou the first terminal, the electrical signal will propagate along plers ” , " coupling devices” or “ launchers ” for launching the center conductor causing forward currents in the center and / or receiving / extracting guided electromagnetic waves to conductor, and return currents in the ground shield or other 65 and from a transmission medium , wherein a wavelength of second conductor. The same conditions apply for a two the guided electromagnetic waves can be small compared to terminal receiving device . one or more dimensions of the coupling device and / or the US 10,763,916 B2 9 10 transmission medium such as the circumference of a wire or with a guided wave can include fundamental guided wave other cross sectional dimension . Such electromagnetic propagation modes such as a guided waves having a circular waves can operate at millimeter wave frequencies ( e.g. , 30 or substantially circular field pattern / distribution , a sym to 300 GHz ) , or lower than microwave frequencies such as metrical electromagnetic field pattern /distribution ( e.g. , 300 MHz to 30 GHz . Electromagnetic waves can be induced 5 electric field or magnetic field ) or other fundamental mode to propagate along a transmission medium by a coupling pattern at least partially around a wire or other transmission device , such as : a strip , arc or other length of dielectric medium . Unlike Zenneck waves that propagate along a material; a millimeter wave integrated circuit ( MMIC ) , a single planar surface of a planar transmission medium , the horn , monopole, rod , slot or other antenna ; an array of guided electromagnetic waves of the subject disclosure that antennas; a magnetic resonant cavity or other resonant 10 are bound to a transmission medium can have a non - planar coupler ; a coil , a strip line, a coaxial waveguide or other surface have electromagnetic field patterns that surround or waveguide and / or other coupling device . In operation , the circumscribe , at least in part, the non - planar surface of the coupling device receives an electromagnetic wave from a transmission medium with electromagnetic energy in all transmitter or transmission medium . The electromagnetic directions , or in all but a finite number of azimuthal null field structure of the electromagnetic wave can be carried 15 directions characterized by field strengths that approach zero below an outer surface of the coupling device, substantially field strength for infinitesimally small azimuthal widths . on the outer surface of the coupling device , or a combination For example, such non - circular field distributions can be thereof. When the coupling device is in close proximity to a unilateral or multi - lateral with one or more axial lobes transmission medium , at least a portion of an electromag characterized by relatively higher field strength and / or one netic wave couples to or is bound to the transmission 20 or more nulls directions of zero field strength or substan medium , and continues to propagate as guided electromag tially zero - field strength or null regions characterized by netic waves along the transmission medium . In a reciprocal relatively low - field strength , zero - field strength and / or sub fashion, a coupling device can receive or extract at least a stantially zero - field strength . Further, the field distribution portion of the guided electromagnetic waves from a trans can otherwise vary as a function of azimuthal orientation mission medium and transfer these electromagnetic waves to 25 around a transmission medium such that one or more a receiver. The guided electromagnetic waves launched angular regions around the transmission medium have an and / or received by the coupling device propagate along the electric or magnetic field strength ( or combination thereof) transmission medium from a sending device to a receiving that is higher than one or more other angular regions of device without requiring an electrical return path between azimuthal orientation , according to an example embodi the sending device and the receiving device . In this circum- 30 ment . It will be appreciated that the relative orientations or stance , the transmission medium acts as a waveguide to positions of the guided wave higher order modes , particu support the propagation of the guided electromagnetic larly asymmetrical modes, can vary as the guided wave waves from the sending device to the receiving device . travels along the wire . According to an example embodiment, a surface wave is In addition , when a guided wave propagates “ about ” a a type of guided wave that is guided by a surface of a 35 wire or other type of transmission medium , it can do so transmission medium , such as an exterior or outer surface or according to a guided wave propagation mode that includes an interior or inner surface including an interstitial surface of not only the fundamental wave propagation modes ( e.g. , the transmission medium such as the interstitial area zero order modes ) , but additionally or alternatively, non between wires in a multistranded cable , insulated twisted fundamental wave propagation modes such as higher -order pair wires , or wire bundle , and / or another surface of the 40 guided wave modes ( e.g., 1st order modes , 2nd order modes , transmission medium that is adjacent to or exposed to etc.) . Higher -order modes include symmetrical modes that another type of medium having different properties ( e.g. , have a circular or substantially circular electric or magnetic dielectric properties ). Indeed , in an example embodiment, a field distribution and /or a symmetrical electric or magnetic surface of the transmission medium that guides a surface field distribution , or asymmetrical modes and /or other wave can represent a transitional surface between two 45 guided ( e.g. , surface ) waves that have non - circular and / or different types of media . For example , in the case of a bare asymmetrical field distributions around the wire or other wire or uninsulated wire, the surface of the wire can be the transmission medium . For example, the guided electromag outer or exterior conductive surface of the bare wire or netic waves of the subject disclosure can propagate along a uninsulated wire that is exposed to air or free space . As transmission medium from the sending device to the receiv another example, in the case of insulated wire , the surface of 50 ing device or along a coupling device via one or more guided the wire can be the conductive portion of the wire that meets wave modes such as a fundamental transverse magnetic an inner surface of the insulator portion of the wire . A ( TM ) TM00 mode ( or Goubau mode ) , a fundamental hybrid surface of the transmission medium can be any one of an mode ( EH or HE ) “ EHOO ” mode or “ HE00 ” mode , a inner surface of an insulator surface of a wire or a conduc transverse electromagnetic “ TEMnm ” mode , a total internal tive surface of the wire that is separated by a gap composed 55 reflection ( TIR ) mode or any other mode such as EHnm , of, for example, air or free space . A surface of a transmission HEnm or TMnm , where n and / or m have integer values medium can otherwise be any material region of the trans greater than or equal to 0 , and other fundamental, hybrid and mission medium . For example, the surface of the transmis non - fundamental wave modes . sion medium can be an inner portion of an insulator disposed As used herein , the term “ guided wave mode ” refers to a on a conductive portion of the wire that meets the insulator 60 guided wave propagation mode of a transmission medium , portion of the wire. The surface that guides an electromag coupling device or other system component of a guided netic wave can depend upon the relative differences in the wave communication system that propagates for non - trivial properties ( e.g. , dielectric properties ) of the insulator, air, distances along the length of the transmission medium , and / or the conductor and further dependent on the frequency coupling device or other system component. and propagation mode or modes of the guided wave . 65 As used herein , the term “ millimeter -wave ” can refer to According to an example embodiment, the term “ about ” electromagnetic waves / signals that fall within the “millime a wire or other transmission medium used in conjunction ter - wave frequency band ” of 30 GHz to 300 GHz . The term US 10,763,916 B2 11 12 " microwave " can refer to electromagnetic waves /signals to a communications network or other communications that fall within a " microwave frequency band ” of 300 MHz device . The guided waves 120 can be modulated to convey to 300 GHz . The term “ radio frequency ” or “RF ” can refer data via a modulation technique such as phase shift keying, to electromagnetic waves / signals that fall within the " radio frequency shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation , frequency band ” of 10 kHz to 1 THz . It is appreciated that 5 amplitude modulation , multi - carrier modulation such as wireless signals , electrical signals, and guided electromag orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and via multiple netic waves as described in the subject disclosure can be access techniques such as frequency division multiplexing, configured to operate at any desirable frequency range, such time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing , mul as , for example, at frequencies within , above or below tiplexing via differing wave propagation modes and via millimeter -wave and / or microwave frequency bands . In par- 10 other modulation and access strategies. ticular, when a coupling device or transmission medium The communication network or networks can include a includes a conductive element, the frequency of the guided wireless communication network such as a mobile data electromagnetic waves that are carried by the coupling network , a cellular voice and data network , a wireless local device and / or propagate along the transmission medium can area network ( e.g. , WiFi or an IEEE 802.xx network ), a be below the mean collision frequency of the electrons in the 15 satellite communications network , a personal area network conductive element. Further, the frequency of the guided or other wireless network . The communication network or electromagnetic waves that are carried by the coupling networks can also include a wired communication network device and / or propagate along the transmission medium can such as a telephone network , an Ethernet network , a local be a non - optical frequency, e.g. , a radio frequency below the area network , a wide area network such as the Internet, a range of optical frequencies that begins at 1 THz . 20 broadband access network , a cable network , a fiber optic It is further appreciated that a transmission medium as network , or other wired network . The communication described in the subject disclosure can be configured to be devices can include a network edge device , bridge device or opaque or otherwise resistant to ( or at least substantially home gateway, a set - top box , broadband modem , telephone reduce ) a propagation of electromagnetic waves operating at adapter, access point, base station , or other fixed communi optical frequencies ( e.g. , greater than 1 THz ) . 25 cation device , a mobile communication device such as an As used herein , the term “ antenna ” can refer to a device automotive gateway or automobile , laptop computer, tablet , that is part of a transmitting or receiving system to transmit/ smartphone, cellular telephone , or other communication radiate or receive free space wireless signals . device . In accordance with one or more embodiments , an antenna In an example embodiment, the guided wave communi system includes a transmitter configured to generate a first 30 cation system 100 can operate in a bi - directional fashion signal and a second signal . A dual mode antenna configured where transmission device 102 receives one or more com to transmit the first signal as a first free Space wireless signal munication signals 112 from a communication network or and further configured to transmit the second signal as a first device that includes other data and generates guided waves guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to a surface of a 122 to convey the other data via the transmission medium transmission medium , wherein the first guided electromag- 35 125 to the transmission device 101. In this mode of opera netic wave propagates along the surface of the transmission tion , the transmission device 101 receives the guided waves medium without requiring an electrical return path . 122 and converts them to communication signals 110 that In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method include the other data for transmission to a communications includes : selectively generating , in accordance with a first network or device . The guided waves 122 can be modulated mode of operation , a first signal; transmitting, via a dual 40 to convey data via a modulation technique such as phase mode antenna , the first signal as a first free space wireless shift keying, frequency shift keying, quadrature amplitude signal; selectively generating , in accordance with a second modulation , amplitude modulation , multi - carrier modula mode of operation , a second signal ; and transmitting, via the tion such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and dual mode antenna , the second signal as a first guided via multiple access techniques such as frequency division electromagnetic wave that is bound to a surface of a trans- 45 multiplexing, time division multiplexing , code division mul mission medium , wherein the first guided electromagnetic tiplexing, multiplexing via differing wave propagation wave propagates along the surface of the transmission modes and via other modulation and access strategies. medium without requiring an electrical return path . The transmission medium 125 can include a cable having In accordance with one or more embodiments , an antenna at least one inner portion surrounded by a dielectric material includes a feedline configured to receive a first signal and a 50 such as an insulator or other dielectric cover , coating or other second signal. A dielectric antenna is configured to transmit dielectric material, the dielectric material having an outer the first signal as a first free space wireless signal and further surface and a corresponding circumference. In an example configured to transmit the second signal as a first guided embodiment, the transmission medium 125 operates as a electromagnetic wave that is bound to a surface of a trans single - wire transmission line to guide the transmission of an mission medium , wherein the first guided electromagnetic 55 electromagnetic wave . When the transmission medium 125 wave propagates along the surface of the transmission is implemented as a single wire transmission system , it can medium without requiring an electrical return path . include a wire . The wire can be insulated or uninsulated , and Referring now to FIG . 1 , a block diagram 100 illustrating single - stranded or multi - stranded ( e.g. , braided ). In other an example, non - limiting embodiment of a guided wave embodiments , the transmission medium 125 can contain communications system is shown . In operation , a transmis- 60 conductors of other shapes or configurations including wire sion device 101 receives one or more communication signals bundles, cables , rods, rails , pipes . In addition , the transmis 110 from a communication network or other communica sion medium 125 can include non - conductors such as dielec tions device that includes data and generates guided waves tric pipes , rods , rails, or other dielectric members; combi 120 to convey the data via the transmission medium 125 to nations of conductors and dielectric materials , conductors the transmission device 102. The transmission device 102 65 without dielectric materials or other guided wave transmis receives the guided waves 120 and converts them to com sion media and / or consist essentially of non - conductors such munication signals 112 that include the data for transmission as dielectric pipes , rods, rails , or other dielectric members US 10,763,916 B2 13 14 that operate without a continuous conductor such as an inner a different protocol or by simple frequency shifting . In the conductor or a conductive shield . It should be noted that the alternative, the transceiver 210 can otherwise translate the transmission medium 125 can otherwise include any of the data received via the communication signal 110 or 112 to a transmission media previously discussed . protocol that is different from the data communication Further, as previously discussed , the guided waves 120 5 protocol or protocols of the communication signal 110 or and 122 can be contrasted with radio transmissions over free 112 . space / air or conventional propagation of electrical power or In an example of operation , the coupler 220 couples the signals through the conductor of a wire via an electrical electromagnetic wave to the transmission medium 125 as a circuit . In addition to the propagation of guided waves 120 guided electromagnetic wave to convey the communications and 122 , the transmission medium 125 may optionally 10 signal or signals 110 or 112. While the prior description has contain one or more wires that propagate electrical power or focused on the operation of the transceiver 210 as a trans other communication signals in a conventional manner as a mitter, the transceiver 210 can also operate to receive part of one or more electrical circuits . electromagnetic waves that convey other data from the Referring now to FIG . 2 , a block diagram 200 illustrating single wire transmission medium via the coupler 220 and to an example , non - limiting embodiment of a transmission 15 generate communications signals 110 or 112 , via commu device is shown . The transmission device 101 or 102 nications interface 205 that includes the other data . Consider includes a communications interface ( I / F ) 205 , a transceiver embodiments where an additional guided electromagnetic 210 and a coupler 220 . wave conveys other data that also propagates along the In an example of operation, the communications interface transmission medium 125. The coupler 220 can also couple 205 receives a communication signal 110 or 112 that 20 this additional electromagnetic wave from the transmission includes data . In various embodiments, the communications medium 125 to the transceiver 210 for reception . interface 205 can include a wireless interface for receiving The transmission device 101 or 102 includes an optional a wireless communication signal in accordance with a training controller 230. In an example embodiment, the wireless standard protocol such as LTE or other cellular training controller 230 is implemented by a standalone voice and data protocol , WiFi or an 802.11 protocol, 25 processor or a processor that is shared with one or more WIMAX protocol, Ultra Wideband protocol, Bluetooth® other components of the transmission device 101 or 102 . protocol , Zigbee® protocol , a direct broadcast satellite The training controller 230 selects the carrier frequencies, ( DBS ) or other satellite communication protocol or other modulation schemes and / or guided wave modes for the wireless protocol. In addition or in the alternative, the guided electromagnetic waves based on testing of the trans communications interface 205 includes a wired interface 30 mission medium 125 , environmental conditions and / or feed that operates in accordance with an Ethernet protocol, uni back data received by the transceiver 210 from at least one versal serial bus ( USB ) protocol , a data over cable service remote transmission device coupled to receive the guided interface specification ( DOCSIS ) protocol, a digital sub electromagnetic wave . scriber line ( DSL ) protocol, a Firewire ( IEEE 1394 ) proto In an example embodiment, a guided electromagnetic col , or other wired protocol. In additional to standards -based 35 wave transmitted by a remote transmission device 101 or protocols, the communications interface 205 can operate in 102 conveys data that also propagates along the transmission conjunction with other wired or wireless protocol. In addi medium 125. The data from the remote transmission device tion , the communications interface 205 can optionally oper 101 or 102 can be generated to include the feedback data . In ate in conjunction with a protocol stack that includes mul operation , the coupler 220 also couples the guided electro tiple protocol layers including a MAC protocol, transport 40 magnetic wave from the transmission medium 125 and the protocol, application protocol , etc. transceiver receives the electromagnetic wave and processes In an example of operation, the transceiver 210 generates the electromagnetic wave to extract the feedback data . an electromagnetic wave based on the communication signal In an example embodiment, the training controller 230 110 or 112 to convey the data . The electromagnetic wave has operates based on the feedback data to evaluate a plurality at least one carrier frequency and at least one corresponding 45 of candidate frequencies, modulation schemes and /or trans wavelength . The carrier frequency can be within a millime mission modes to select a carrier frequency, modulation ter - wave frequency band of 30 GHz - 300 GHz , such as 60 scheme and / or transmission mode to enhance performance, GHz or a carrier frequency in the range of 30-40 GHz or a such as throughput, signal strength , reduce propagation loss , lower frequency band of 300 MHz - 30 GHz in the micro etc. wave frequency range such as 26-30 GHz , 11 GHz , or 3-6 50 Consider the following example : a transmission device GHz , but it will be appreciated that other carrier frequencies 101 begins operation under control of the training controller are possible in other embodiments . In one mode of opera 230 by sending a plurality of guided waves as test signals tion , the transceiver 210 merely upconverts the communi such as pilot waves or other test signals at a corresponding cations signal or signals 110 or 112 for transmission of the plurality of candidate frequencies and / or candidate modes electromagnetic signal in the microwave or millimeter -wave 55 directed to a remote transmission device 102 coupled to the band as a guided electromagnetic wave that is guided by or transmission medium 125. The guided waves can include , in bound to the transmission medium 125. In another mode of addition or in the alternative, test data . The test data can operation , the communications interface 205 either converts indicate the particular candidate frequency and / or guide the communication signal 110 or 112 to a baseband or near wave mode of the signal. In an embodiment, the training baseband signal or extracts the data from the communication 60 controller 230 at the remote transmission device 102 signal 110 or 112 and the transceiver 210 modulates a receives the test signals and / or test data from any of the high - frequency carrier with the data , the baseband or near guided waves that were properly received and determines baseband signal for transmission . It should be appreciated the best candidate frequency and / or guided wave mode , a set that the transceiver 210 can modulate the data received via of acceptable candidate frequencies and / or guided wave the communication signal 110 or 112 to preserve one or 65 modes, or a rank ordering of candidate frequencies more data communication protocols of the communication and / or guided wave modes. This selection of candidate signal 110 or 112 either by encapsulation in the payload of frequencies ) or / and guided - mode ( s ) are generated by the US 10,763,916 B2 15 16 training controller 230 based on one or more optimizing surface of the insulating jacket 302. Electromagnetic waves criteria such as received signal strength , bit error rate , packet are partially embedded in the insulator and partially radiat error rate , signal to noise ratio , propagation loss , etc. The ing on the outer surface of the insulator. In this fashion , training controller 230 generates feedback data that indicates electromagnetic waves are " lightly ” coupled to the insulator the selection of candidate frequencies ) or / and guided wave 5 so as to enable electromagnetic wave propagation at long mode ( s ) and sends the feedback data to the transceiver 210 distances with low propagation loss . for transmission to the transmission device 101. The As shown , the guided wave has a field structure that lies transmission device 101 and 102 can then communicate data primarily or substantially outside of the transmission with one another based on the selection of candidate fre medium 125 that serves to guide the electromagnetic waves . quenc ( ies) or /and guided wave mode ( s ) . 10 The regions inside the conductor 301 have little or no field . In other embodiments, the guided electromagnetic waves Likewise regions inside the insulating jacket 302 have low that contain the test signals and /or test data are reflected field strength . The majority of the electromagnetic field back , repeated back or otherwise looped back by the remote strength is distributed in the lobes 304 at the outer surface of transmissionreception and device analysis 102 by to the the training transmission controller device 230 101 of thefor 15 the insulating jacket 302 and in close proximity thereof. The transmission device 101 that initiated these waves. For presence of a non - circular and non - fundamental guided example , the transmission device 101 can send a signal to wave mode is shown by the high electromagnetic field the remote transmission device 102 to initiate a test mode strengths at the top and bottom of the outer surface of the where a physical reflector is switched on the line , a termi insulating jacket 302 ( in the orientation of the diagramas nation impedance is changed to cause reflections, a loop 20 opposed to very small field strengths on the other sides of the back mode is switched on to couple electromagnetic waves insulating jacket 302 . back to the source transmission device 102 , and / or a repeater The example shown corresponds to a 38 GHz electro mode is enabled to amplify and retransmit the electromag magnetic wave guided by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm netic waves back to the source transmission device 102. The and a dielectric insulation of thickness of 0.36 cm . Because training controller 230 at the source transmission device 102 25 the electromagnetic wave is guided by the transmission receives the test signals and / or test data from any of the medium 125 and the majority of the field strength is con guided waves that were properly received and determines centrated in the air outside of the insulating jacket 302 selection of candidate frequencies ) or / and guided wave within a limited distance of the outer surface , the guided mode ( s ) . wave can propagate longitudinally down the transmission While the procedure above has been described in a 30 medium 125 with very low loss . In the example shown , this start- up or initialization mode of operation , each transmis “ limited distance ” corresponds to a distance from the outer sion device 101 or 102 can send test signals, evaluate surface that is less than half the largest cross sectional candidate frequencies or guided wave modes via non -test dimension of the transmission medium 125. In this case , the conditions such as normal transmissions or otherwise evalu largest cross sectional dimension of the wire corresponds to ate candidate frequencies or guided wave modes at other 35 the overall diameter of 1.82 cm , however, this value can vary times or continuously as well . In an example embodiment, with the size and shape of the transmission medium 125. For the communication protocol between the transmission example, should the transmission medium 125 be of a devices 101 and 102 can include an on -request or periodic rectangular shape with a height of 0.3 cm and a width of 0.4 test mode where either full testing or more limited testing of cm , the largest cross sectional dimension would be the a subset of candidate frequencies and guided wave modes 40 diagonal of 0.5 cm and the corresponding limited distance are tested and evaluated . In other modes of operation , the would be 0.25 cm . The dimensions of the area containing the re - entry into such a test mode can be triggered by a degra majority of the field strength also vary with the frequency, dation of performance due to a disturbance , weather condi and in general, increase as carrier frequencies decrease . tions , etc. In an example embodiment, the receiver band It should also be noted that the components of a guided width of the transceiver 210 is either sufficiently wide or 45 wave communication system , such as couplers and trans swept to receive all candidate frequencies or can be selec mission media can have their own cut -off frequencies for tively adjusted by the training controller 230 to a training each guided wave mode . The cut -off frequency generally mode where the receiver bandwidth of the transceiver 210 is sets forth the lowest frequency that a particular guided wave sufficiently wide or swept to receive all candidate frequen mode is designed to be supported by that particular com cies . 50 ponent. In an example embodiment, the particular non Referring now to FIG . 3 , a graphical diagram 300 illus circular and non - fundamental mode of propagation shown is trating an example , non - limiting embodiment of an electro induced on the transmission medium 125 by an electromag magnetic field distribution is shown . In this embodiment, a netic wave having a frequency that falls within a limited transmission medium 125 in air includes an inner conductor range ( such as Fc to 2Fc ) of the cut - off frequency Fc for this 301 and an insulating jacket 302 of dielectric material, as 55 particular non - fundamental mode . The cut - off frequency Fc shown in cross section . The diagram 300 includes different is particular to the characteristics of transmission medium gray -scales that represent differing electromagnetic field 125. For embodiments as shown that include an inner strengths generated by the propagation of the guided wave conductor 301 surrounded by an insulating jacket 302 , this having a non - circular and non - fundamental guided wave cutoff frequency can vary based on the dimensions and mode . 60 properties of the insulating jacket 302 and potentially the In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution corre dimensions and properties of the inner conductor 301 and sponds to a modal “ sweet spot " that enhances guided can be determined experimentally to have a desired mode electromagnetic wave propagation along an insulated trans pattern . It should be noted however, that similar effects can mission medium and reduces end - to - end transmission loss . be found for a hollow dielectric or insulator without an inner In this particular mode , electromagnetic waves are guided by 65 conductor or conductive shield . In this case , the cutoff the transmission medium 125 to propagate along an outer frequency can vary based on the dimensions and properties surface of the transmission medium — in this case , the outer of the hollow dielectric or insulator. US 10,763,916 B2 17 18 At frequencies lower than the cut -off frequency , the tudinal cross - section of a transmission medium 125 , such as non - circular mode is difficult to induce in the transmission an insulated wire, depicting fields of guided electromagnetic medium 125 and fails to propagate for all but trivial dis waves at various operating frequencies is shown . As shown tances . As the frequency increases above the limited range in diagram 556 , when the guided electromagnetic waves are of frequencies about the cut - off frequency, the non - circular 5 at approximately the cutoff frequency ( f .) corresponding to mode shifts more and more inward of the insulating jacket the modal “ sweet spot” , the guided electromagnetic waves 302. At frequencies much larger than the cut- off frequency , are loosely coupled to the insulated wire so that absorption the field strength is no longer concentrated outside of the is reduced , and the fields of the guided electromagnetic insulating jacket, but primarily inside of the insulating jacket waves are bound sufficiently to reduce the amount radiated 302. While the transmission medium 125 provides strong 10 into the environment ( e.g. , air ). Because absorption and guidance to the electromagnetic wave and propagation is radiation of the fields of the guided electromagnetic waves still possible , ranges are more limited by increased losses is low , propagation losses are consequently low , enabling the due to propagation within the insulating jacket 302 — as guided electromagnetic waves to propagate for longer dis opposed to the surrounding air . tances . Referring now to FIG . 4 , a graphical diagram 400 illus- 15 As shown in diagram 554 , propagation losses increase trating an example, non - limiting embodiment of an electro when an operating frequency of the guide electromagnetic magnetic field distribution is shown . In particular, a cross waves increases above about two - times the cutoff frequency section diagram 400 , similar to FIG . 3 is shown with ( f ) or as referred to , above the range of the " sweet spot” . common reference numerals used to refer to similar ele More of the field strength of the electromagnetic wave is ments. The example shown corresponds to a 60 GHz wave 20 driven inside the insulating layer, increasing propagation guided by a wire with a diameter of 1.1 cm and a dielectric losses . At frequencies much higher than the cutoff frequency insulation of thickness of 0.36 cm . Because the frequency of ( f .) the guided electromagnetic waves are strongly bound to the guided wave is above the limited range of the cut - off the insulated wire as a result of the fields emitted by the frequency of this particular non - fundamental mode , much of guided electromagnetic waves being concentrated in the the field strength has shifted inward of the insulating jacket_25 insulation layer of the wire , as shown in diagram 552. This 302. In particular, the field strength is concentrated primarily in turn raises propagation losses further due to absorption of inside of the insulating jacket 302. While the transmission the guided electromagnetic waves by the insulation layer. medium 125 provides strong guidance to the electromag Similarly, propagation losses increase when the operating netic wave and propagation is still possible , ranges are more frequency of the guided electromagnetic waves is substan limited when compared with the embodiment of FIG . 3 , by 30 tially below the cutoff frequency ( f . ), as shown in diagram increased losses due to propagation within the insulating 558. At frequencies much lower than the cutoff frequency jacket 302 . ( f ) the guided electromagnetic waves are weakly ( or nomi Referring now to FIG . 5A , a graphical diagram illustrat nally ) bound to the insulated wire and thereby tend to radiate ing an example, non - limiting embodiment of a frequency into the environment ( e.g. , air ) , which in turn , raises propa response is shown . In particular, diagram 500 presents a 35 gation losses due to radiation of the guided electromagnetic graph of end - to - end loss ( in dB ) as a function of frequency, waves . overlaid with electromagnetic field distributions 510 , 520 Referring now to FIG . 6 , a graphical diagram 600 illus and 530 at three points for a 200 cm insulated medium trating an example , non - limiting embodiment of an electro voltage wire . The boundary between the insulator and the magnetic field distribution is shown . In this embodiment, a surrounding air is represented by reference numeral 525 in 40 transmission medium 602 is a bare wire , as shown in cross each electromagnetic field distribution . section . The diagram 600 includes different gray - scales that As discussed in conjunction with FIG . 3 , an example of a represent differing electromagnetic field strengths generated desired non - circular mode of propagation shown is induced by the propagation of a guided wave having a symmetrical on the transmission medium 125 by an electromagnetic and fundamental TM00 guided wave mode at a single carrier wave having a frequency that falls within a limited range 45 frequency. ( such as Fc to 2Fc ) of the lower cut - off frequency Fc of the In this particular mode , electromagnetic waves are guided transmission medium for this particular non - circular mode . by the transmission medium 602 to propagate along an outer In particular, the electromagnetic field distribution 520 at 6 surface of the transmission medium — in this case , the outer GHz falls within this modal “ sweet spot ” that enhances surface of the bare wire . Electromagnetic waves are electromagnetic wave propagation along an insulated trans- 50 “ lightly ” coupled to the wire so as to enable electromagnetic mission medium and reduces end - to - end transmission loss . wave propagation at long distances with low propagation In this particular mode , guided waves are partially embed loss . As shown , the guided wave has a field structure that lies ded in the insulator and partially radiating on the outer substantially outside of the transmission medium 602 that surface of the insulator. In this fashion , the electromagnetic serves to guide the electromagnetic waves . The regions waves are “ lightly ” coupled to the insulator so as to enable 55 inside the conductor of the transmission medium 602 have guided electromagnetic wave propagation at long distances little or no field strength . with low propagation loss . Referring now to FIG . 7 , a block diagram 700 illustrating At lower frequencies represented by the electromagnetic an example, non - limiting embodiment of an arc coupler is field distribution 510 at 3 GHz , the non - circular mode shown . In particular a coupling device is presented for use radiates more heavily generating higher propagation losses . 60 in a transmission device , such as transmission device 101 or At higher frequencies represented by the electromagnetic 102 presented in conjunction with FIG . 1. The coupling field distribution 530 at 9 GHz , the non - circular mode shifts device includes an arc coupler 704 coupled to a transmitter more and more inward of the insulating jacket providing too circuit 712 and termination or damper 714. The arc coupler much absorption , again generating higher propagation 704 can be made of a dielectric material, or other low - loss losses . 65 insulator ( e.g. , Teflon , polyethylene, etc. ) , or made of a Referring now to FIG . 5B , a graphical diagram 550 conducting ( e.g. , metallic , non -metallic , etc.) material, or illustrating example, non - limiting embodiments of a longi any combination of the foregoing materials . As shown , the US 10,763,916 B2 19 20 arc coupler 704 operates as a waveguide and has a wave 706 modes of the guided wave 708 propagating along wire 702 . propagating as a guided wave, within and about a waveguide It should be particularly noted however that the guided wave surface of the arc coupler 704. In the embodiment shown, at modes present in the guided wave 706 may be the same or least a portion of the arc coupler 704 can be placed near a different from the guided wave modes of the guided wave wire 702 or other transmission medium , ( such as transmis- 5 708. In this fashion , one or more guided wave modes of the sion medium 125 ) , in order to facilitate coupling between guided wave 706 may not be transferred to the guided wave the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 or other transmission 708 , and further one or more guided wave modes of guided medium , as described herein to launch the guided wave 708 wave 708 may not have been present in guided wave 706. It on the wire . The arc coupler 704 can be placed such that a should also be noted that the cut - off frequency of the arc portion of the curved arc coupler 704 is tangential to , and 10 coupler 704 for a particular guided wave mode may be parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702. The portion different than the cutoff frequency of the wire 702 or other of the arc coupler 704 that is parallel to the wire can be an transmission medium for that same mode . For example , apex of the curve, or any point where a tangent of the curve while the wire 702 or other transmission medium may be is parallel to the wire 702. When the arc coupler 704 is operated slightly above its cutoff frequency for a particular positioned or placed thusly, the wave 706 travelling along 15 guided wave mode, the arc coupler 704 may be operated the arc coupler 704 couples , at least in part, to the wire 702 , well above its cut -off frequency for that same mode for low and propagates as guided wave 708 around or about the wire loss , slightly below its cut - off frequency for that same mode surface of the wire 702 and longitudinally along the wire to , for example , induce greater coupling and power transfer, 702. The guided wave 708 can be characterized as a surface or some other point in relation to the arc coupler's cutoff wave or other electromagnetic wave that is guided by or 20 frequency for that mode . bound to the wire 702 or other transmission medium . In an embodiment, the wave propagation modes on the A portion of the wave 706 that does not couple to the wire wire 702 can be similar to the arc coupler modes since both 702 propagates as a wave 710 along the arc coupler 704. It waves 706 and 708 propagate about the outside of the arc will be appreciated that the arc coupler 704 can be config coupler 704 and wire 702 respectively . In some embodi ured and arranged in a variety of positions in relation to the 25 ments, as the wave 706 couples to the wire 702 , the modes wire 702 to achieve a desired level of coupling or non can change form , or new modes can be created or generated , coupling of the wave 706 to the wire 702. For example, the due to the coupling between the arc coupler 704 and the wire curvature and / or length of the arc coupler 704 that is parallel 702. For example , differences in size , material, and / or or substantially parallel, as well as its separation distance impedances of the arc coupler 704 and wire 702 may create (which can include zero separation distance in an embodi- 30 additional modes not present in the arc coupler modes and /or ment ), to the wire 702 can be varied without departing from suppress some of the arc coupler modes. The wave propa example embodiments . Likewise , the arrangement of arc gation modes can comprise the fundamental transverse coupler 704 in relation to the wire 702 may be varied based magnetic mode ( TM .. ) , where only small magnetic fields upon considerations of the respective intrinsic characteris extend in the direction of propagation , and the electric field tics ( e.g. , thickness, composition , electromagnetic proper- 35 extends radially outwards and then longitudinally while the ties , etc.) of the wire 702 and the arc coupler 704 , as well as guided wave propagates along the wire . This guided wave the characteristics ( e.g. , frequency, energy level , etc. ) of the mode can be donut shaped, where only a portion of the waves 706 and 708 . electromagnetic fields exist within the arc coupler 704 or The guided wave 708 stays parallel or substantially par wire 702 . allel to the wire 702 , even as the wire 702 bends and flexes . 40 While the waves 706 and 708 can comprise a fundamental Bends in the wire 702 can increase transmission losses , TM mode , the waves 706 and 708 , also or in the alternative , which are also dependent on wire diameters, frequency , and can comprise non - fundamental TM modes . While particular materials. If the dimensions of the arc coupler 704 are wave propagation modes are discussed above , other wave chosen for efficient power transfer, most of the power in the propagation modes in or along the coupler and / or along the wave 706 is transferred to the wire 702 , with little power 45 wire are likewise possible such as transverse electric ( TE ) remaining in wave 710. It will be appreciated that the guided and hybrid ( EH or HE ) modes , based on the frequencies wave 708 can still be multi -modal in nature ( discussed employed , the design of the arc coupler 704 , the dimensions herein ), including having modes that are non - circular, non and composition of the wire 702 , as well as its surface fundamental and / or asymmetric , while traveling along a characteristics, its insulation if present, the electromagnetic path that is parallel or substantially parallel to the wire 702 , 50 properties of the surrounding environment, etc. It should be with or without a fundamental transmission mode . In an noted that, depending on the frequency, the electrical and embodiment, non - circular, non - fundamental and / or asym physical characteristics of the wire 702 and the particular metric modes can be utilized to minimize transmission wave propagation modes that are generated, guided wave losses and / or obtain increased propagation distances . 708 can travel along the conductive surface of an oxidized It is noted that the term “ parallel ” is generally a geometric 55 uninsulated wire, an unoxidized uninsulated wire , an insu construct which often is not exactly achievable in real lated wire and / or along the insulating surface of an insulated systems . Accordingly, the term “ parallel ” as utilized in the wire . subject disclosure represents an approximation rather than In an embodiment, a diameter of the arc coupler 704 is an exact configuration when used to describe embodiments smaller than the diameter of the wire 702. For the millime disclosed in the subject disclosure . In an embodiment, 60 ter- band wavelength being used , the arc coupler 704 sup “ substantially parallel ” can include approximations that are ports a single waveguide mode that makes up wave 706 . within 30 degrees of true parallel in all dimensions . This single waveguide mode can change as it couples to the In an embodiment, the wave 706 can exhibit one or more wire 702 as guided wave 708. If the arc coupler 704 were wave propagation modes . The arc coupler modes can be larger, more than one waveguide mode can be supported , but dependent on the shape and / or design of the coupler 704. 65 these additional waveguide modes may not couple to the The one or more arc coupler modes of wave 706 can wire 702 as efficiently, and higher coupling losses can result . generate, influence, or impact one or more wave propagation However, in some alternative embodiments, the diameter of US 10,763,916 B2 21 22 the arc coupler 704 can be equal to or larger than the ing back toward transmitter circuit 712. In an embodiment, diameter of the wire 702 , for example, where higher cou the termination circuit or damper 714 can include termina pling losses are desirable or when used in conjunction with tion resistors , absorbing materials and / or other components other techniques to otherwise reduce coupling losses ( e.g. , that perform impedance matching to attenuate reflection . In impedance matching with tapering , etc. ). 5 some embodiments , if the coupling efficiencies are high In an embodiment, the wavelength of the waves 706 and enough , and / or wave 710 is sufficiently small , it may not be 708 are comparable in size , or smaller than a circumference necessary to use a termination circuit or damper 714. For the of the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702. In an example, if the sake of simplicity, these transmitter 712 and termination wire 702 has a diameter of 0.5 cm , and a corresponding circuits or dampers 714 may not be depicted in the other circumference of around 1.5 cm , the wavelength of the 10 figures, but in those embodiments , transmitter and termina transmission is around 1.5 cm or less , corresponding to a tion circuits or dampers may possibly be used . frequency of 70 GHz or greater. In another embodiment, a Further, while a single arc coupler 704 is presented that suitable frequency of the transmission and the carrier -wave generates a single guided wave 708 , multiple arc couplers signal is in the range of 30-100 GHz , perhaps around 30-60 704 placed at different points along the wire 702 and /or at GHz , and around 38 GHz in one example . In an embodi- 15 different azimuthal orientations about the wire can be ment, when the circumference of the arc coupler 704 and employed to generate and receive multiple guided waves wire 702 is comparable in size to , or greater, than a wave 708 at the same or different frequencies , at the same or length of the transmission , the waves 706 and 708 can different phases , at the same or different wave propagation exhibit multiple wave propagation modes including funda modes. mental and / or non - fundamental ( symmetric and / or asym- 20 FIG . 8 , a block diagram 800 illustrating an example , metric , circular and / or non - circular ) modes that propagate non - limiting embodiment of an arc coupler is shown. In the over sufficient distances to support various communication embodiment shown , at least a portion of the coupler 704 can systems described herein . The waves 706 and 708 can be placed near a wire 702 or other transmission medium , therefore comprise more than one type of electric and ( such as transmission medium 125 ) , in order to facilitate magnetic field configuration . In an embodiment, as the 25 coupling between the arc coupler 704 and the wire 702 or guided wave 708 propagates down the wire 702 , the elec other transmission medium , to extract a portion of the trical and magnetic field configurations will remain the same guided wave 806 as a guided wave 808 as described herein . from end to end of the wire 702. In other embodiments , as The arc coupler 704 can be placed such that a portion of the the guided wave 708 encounters interference ( distortion or curved arc coupler 704 is tangential to , and parallel or obstructions ) or loses energy due to transmission losses or 30 substantially parallel to the wire 702. The portion of the arc scattering, the electric and magnetic field configurations can coupler 704 that is parallel to the wire can be an apex of the change as the guided wave 708 propagates down wire 702 . curve , or any point where a tangent of the curve is parallel In an embodiment, the arc coupler 704 can be composed to the wire 702. When the arc coupler 704 is positioned or of nylon , Teflon , polyethylene, a polyamide , or other plas placed thusly, the wave 806 travelling along the wire 702 tics . In other embodiments, other dielectric materials can be 35 couples , at least in part, to the arc coupler 704 , and propa employed. The wire surface of wire 702 can be metallic with gates as guided wave 808 along the arc coupler 704 to a either a bare metallic surface , or can be insulated using receiving device ( not expressly shown ). A portion of the plastic , dielectric , insulator or other coating, jacket or wave 806 that does not couple to the arc coupler propagates sheathing. In an embodiment, a dielectric or otherwise as wave 810 along the wire 702 or other transmission non - conducting / insulated waveguide can be paired with 40 medium . either a bare /metallic wire or insulated wire . In other In an embodiment, the wave 806 can exhibit one or more embodiments, a metallic and / or conductive waveguide can wave propagation modes . The arc coupler modes can be be paired with a bare /metallic wire or insulated wire . In an dependent on the shape and / or design of the coupler 704 . embodiment, an oxidation layer on the bare metallic surface The one or more modes of guided wave 806 can generate , of the wire 702 ( e.g. , resulting from exposure of the bare 45 influence , or impact one or more guide - wave modes of the metallic surface to oxygen / air ) can also provide insulating or guided wave 808 propagating along the arc coupler 704. It dielectric properties similar to those provided by some should be particularly noted however that the guided wave insulators or sheathings . modes present in the guided wave 806 may be the same or It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 706 , different from the guided wave modes of the guided wave 708 and 710 are presented merely to illustrate the principles 50 808. In this fashion , one or more guided wave modes of the that wave 706 induces or otherwise launches a guided wave guided wave 806 may not be transferred to the guided wave 708 on a wire 702 that operates, for example , as a single wire 808 , and further one or more guided wave modes of guided transmission line . Wave 710 represents the portion of wave wave 808 may not have been present in guided wave 806 . 706 that remains on the arc coupler 704 after the generation Referring now to FIG . 9A , a block diagram 900 illustrat of guided wave 708. The actual electric and magnetic fields 55 ing an example, non - limiting embodiment of a stub coupler generated as a result of such wave propagation may vary is shown . In particular a coupling device that includes stub depending on the frequencies employed , the particular wave coupler 904 is presented for use in a transmission device, propagation mode or modes , the design of the arc coupler such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented in con 704 , the dimensions and composition of the wire 702 , as junction with FIG . 1. The stub coupler 904 can be made of well as its surface characteristics, its optional insulation , the 60 a dielectric material, or other low - loss insulator ( e.g. , Teflon , electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment, polyethylene and etc.) , or made of a conducting ( e.g. , etc. metallic , non -metallic , etc. ) material, or any combination of It is noted that arc coupler 704 can include a termination the foregoing materials. As shown , the stub coupler 904 circuit or damper 714 at the end of the arc coupler 704 that operates as a waveguide and has a wave 906 propagating as can absorb leftover radiation or energy from wave 710. The 65 a guided wave within and about a waveguide surface of the termination circuit or damper 714 can prevent and / or mini stub coupler 904. In the embodiment shown , at least a mize the leftover radiation or energy from wave 710 reflect portion of the stub coupler 904 can be placed near a wire 702 US 10,763,916 B2 23 24 or other transmission medium , ( such as transmission The coupler 952 guides the electromagnetic wave to a medium 125 ) , in order to facilitate coupling between the junction at x , via a symmetrical guided wave mode. While stub coupler 904 and the wire 702 or other transmission some of the energy of the electromagnetic wave that propa medium , as described herein to launch the guided wave 908 gates along the coupler 952 is outside of the coupler 952 , the on the wire. 5 majority of the energy of this electromagnetic wave is In an embodiment, the stub coupler 904 is curved , and an contained within the coupler 952. The junction at x , couples end of the stub coupler 904 can be tied , fastened , or the electromagnetic wave to the wire 702 or other transmis otherwise mechanically coupled to a wire 702. When the end sion medium at an azimuthal angle corresponding to the of the stub coupler 904 is fastened to the wire 702 , the end bottom of the transmission medium . This coupling induces of the stub coupler 904 is parallel or substantially parallel to 10 an electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the wire 702. Alternatively, another portion of the dielectric the outer surface of the wire 702 or other transmission waveguide beyond an end can be fastened or coupled to wire medium via at least one guided wave mode in direction 956 . 702 such that the fastened or coupled portion is parallel or The majority of the energy of the guided electromagnetic substantially parallel to the wire 702. The fastener 910 can 15 wave is outside or, but in close proximity to the outer surface be a nylon cable tie or other type of non - conducting / of the wire 702 or other transmission medium . In the dielectric material that is either separate from the stub example shown , the junction at x , forms an electromagnetic coupler 904 or constructed as an integrated component of wave that propagates via both a fundamental TM00 mode the stub coupler 904. The stub coupler 904 can be adjacent and at least one non - fundamental mode , such as the first to the wire 702 without surrounding the wire 702 . 20 order mode presented in conjunction with FIG . 3 , that skims Like the arc coupler 704 described in conjunction with the surface of the wire 702 or other transmission medium . FIG . 7 , when the stub coupler 904 is placed with the end It is noted that the graphical representations of guided parallel to the wire 702 , the guided wave 906 travelling waves are presented merely to illustrate an example of along the stub coupler 904 couples to the wire 702 , and guided wave coupling and propagation . The actual electric propagates as guided wave 908 about the wire surface of the 25 and magnetic fields generated as a result of such wave wire 702. In an example embodiment, the guided wave 908 propagation may vary depending on the frequencies can be characterized as a surface wave or other electromag employed , the design and /or configuration of the coupler netic wave . 952 , the dimensions and composition of the wire 702 or It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 906 other transmission medium , as well as its surface character and 908 are presented merely to illustrate the principles that 30 istics , its insulation if present, the electromagnetic properties wave 906 induces or otherwise launches a guided wave 908 of the surrounding environment, etc. on a wire 702 that operates, for example, as a single wire Turning now to FIG . 10 , illustrated is a block diagram transmission line . The actual electric and magnetic fields 1000 of an example, non -limiting embodiment of a coupler generated as a result of such wave propagation may vary and transceiver system in accordance with various aspects depending on one or more of the shape and / or design of the 35 described herein . The system is an example of transmission coupler, the relative position of the dielectric waveguide to device 101 or 102. In particular, the communications inter the wire , the frequencies employed , the design of the stub face 1008 is an example of communications interface 205 , coupler 904 , the dimensions and composition of the wire the stub coupler 1002 is an example of coupler 220 , and the 702 , as well as its surface characteristics, its optional insu transmitter / receiver device 1006 , diplexer 1016 , power lation , the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding 40 amplifier 1014 , low noise amplifier 1018 , frequency mixers environment, etc. 1010 and 1020 and local oscillator 1012 collectively form an In an embodiment, an end of stub coupler 904 can taper example of transceiver 210 . towards the wire 702 in order to increase coupling efficien In operation, the transmitter / receiver device 1006 cies . Indeed , the tapering of the end of the stub coupler 904 launches and receives waves ( e.g. , guided wave 1004 onto can provide impedance matching to the wire 702 and reduce 45 stub coupler 1002 ) . The guided waves 1004 can be used to reflections , according to an example embodiment of the transport signals received from and sent to a host device , subject disclosure . For example, an end of the stub coupler base station , mobile devices, a building or other device by 904 can be gradually tapered in order to obtain a desired way of a communications interface 1008. The communica level of coupling between waves 906 and 908 as illustrated tions interface 1008 can be an integral part of system 1000 . in FIG . 9A . 50 Alternatively , the communications interface 1008 can be In an embodiment, the fastener 910 can be placed such tethered to system 1000. The communications interface that there is a short length of the stub coupler 904 between 1008 can comprise a wireless interface for interfacing to the the fastener 910 and an end of the stub coupler 904 . host device , base station , mobile devices , a building or other Maximum coupling efficiencies are realized in this embodi device utilizing any of various present or future wireless ment when the length of the end of the stub coupler 904 that 55 signaling protocols ( e.g. , LTE , WiFi, WiMAX , IEEE 802.xx , is beyond the fastener 910 is at least several wavelengths 5G , etc.) including an infrared protocol such as an infrared long for whatever frequency is being transmitted . data association ( IrDA ) protocol or other line of sight optical Turning now to FIG . 9B , a diagram 950 illustrating an protocol. The communications interface 1008 can also com example , non - limiting embodiment of an electromagnetic prise a wired interface such as a fiber optic line , coaxial distribution in accordance with various aspects described 60 cable , twisted pair, category 5 ( CAT - 5 ) cable or other herein is shown . In particular, an electromagnetic distribu suitable wired or optical mediums for communicating with tion is presented in two dimensions for a transmission device the host device , base station , mobile devices , a building or that includes coupler 952 , shown in an example stub coupler other device via a protocol such as an Ethernet protocol, constructed of a dielectric material . The coupler 952 couples universal serial bus ( USB ) protocol , a data over cable an electromagnetic wave for propagation as a guided wave 65 service interface specification ( DOCSIS ) protocol, a digital along an outer surface of a wire 702 or other transmission subscriber line ( DSL ) protocol, a Firewire ( IEEE 1394 ) medium . protocol, or other wired or optical protocol . For embodi US 10,763,916 B2 25 26 ments where system 1000 functions as a repeater, the guide an antenna , cavity resonator, klystron , magnetron , communications interface 1008 may not be necessary . travelling wave tube , or other radiating element can be The output signals ( e.g. , Tx ) of the communications employed to induce a guided wave on the coupler 1002 , with interface 1008 can be combined with a carrier wave ( e.g. , or without the separate waveguide . millimeter - wave carrier wave ) generated by a local oscilla- 5 In an embodiment, stub coupler 1002 can be wholly tor 1012 at frequency mixer 1010. Frequency mixer 1010 constructed of a dielectric material ( or another suitable can use heterodyning techniques or other frequency shifting insulating material ), without any metallic or otherwise con techniques to frequency shift the output signals from com ducting materials therein . Stub coupler 1002 can be com munications interface 1008. For example, signals sent to and posed of nylon , Teflon , polyethylene, a polyamide, other from the communications interface 1008 can be modulated 10 plastics , or other materials that are non - conducting and signals such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexed suitable for facilitating transmission of electromagnetic ( OFDM ) signals formatted in accordance with a Long - Term waves at least in part on an outer surface of such materials . Evolution ( LTE ) wireless protocol or other wireless 3G , 4G , In another embodiment, stub coupler 1002 can include a 5G or higher voice and data protocol , a Zigbee® , WIMAX , core that is conducting /metallic , and have an exterior dielec UltraWideband or IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol; a wired 15 tric surface . Similarly , a transmission medium that couples protocol such as an Ethernet protocol, universal serial bus to the stub coupler 1002 for propagating electromagnetic ( USB ) protocol , a data over cable service interface specifi waves induced by the stub coupler 1002 or for supplying cation ( DOCSIS ) protocol, a digital subscriber line ( DSL ) electromagnetic waves to the stub coupler 1002 can , in protocol, a Firewire ( IEEE 1394 ) protocol or other wired or addition to being a bare or insulated wire , be wholly wireless protocol. In an example embodiment, this fre- 20 constructed of a dielectric material ( or another suitable quency conversion can be done in the analog domain , and as insulating material ), without any metallic or otherwise con a result, the frequency shifting can be done without regard ducting materials therein . to the type of communications protocol used by a base It is noted that although FIG . 10 shows that the opening station , mobile devices, or in - building devices . As new of transmitter receiver device 1006 is much wider than the communications technologies are developed , the communi- 25 stub coupler 1002 , this is not to scale , and that in other cations interface 1008 can be upgraded ( e.g. , updated with embodiments the width of the stub coupler 1002 is compa software, firmware , and / or hardware ) or replaced and the rable or slightly smaller than the opening of the hollow frequency shifting and transmission apparatus can remain , waveguide. It is also not shown, but in an embodiment, an simplifying upgrades. The carrier wave can then be sent to end of the coupler 1002 that is inserted into the transmitter / a power amplifier ( “ PA ” ) 1014 and can be transmitted via 30 receiver device 1006 tapers down in order to reduce reflec the transmitter receiver device 1006 via the diplexer 1016 . tion and increase coupling efficiencies . The stub coupler Signals received from the transmitter / receiver device 1002 can be representative of the arch coupler 704 of FIGS. 1006 that are directed towards the communications interface 7 and the stub coupler 904 of FIG . 9A , the coupler 952 , 1008 can be separated from other signals via diplexer 1016 . or any other couplers described in the subject disclosure . The received signal can then be sent to low noise amplifier 35 Before coupling to the stub coupler 1002 , the one or more ( “ LNA ” ) 1018 for amplification . A frequency mixer 1020 , waveguide modes of the guided wave generated by the with help from local oscillator 1012 can downshift the transmitter / receiver device 1006 can couple to the stub received signal ( which is in the millimeter -wave band or coupler 1002 to induce one or more wave propagation around 38 GHz in some embodiments ) to the native fre modes of the guided wave 1004. The wave propagation quency . The communications interface 1008 can then 40 modes of the guided wave 1004 can be different than the receive the transmission at an input port (Rx ). hollow metal waveguide modes due to the different charac In an embodiment, transmitter / receiver device 1006 can teristics of the hollow metal waveguide and the dielectric include a cylindrical or non - cylindrical metal ( which , for waveguide . For instance , wave propagation modes of the example , can be hollow in an embodiment, but not neces guided wave 1004 can comprise the fundamental transverse sarily drawn to scale ) or other conducting or non - conducting 45 magnetic mode ( TM .. ) , where only small magnetic fields waveguide and an end of the stub coupler 1002 can be extend in the direction of propagation , HE11 or other modes placed in or in proximity to the waveguide or the transmitter/ supported by the stub coupler 1002 that generate one or receiver device 1006 such that when the transmitter / receiver more desired wave modes on the transmission medium . The device 1006 generates a transmission, the guided wave fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode wave propa couples to stub coupler 1002 and propagates as a guided 50 gation mode may or may not exist inside a waveguide that wave 1004 about the waveguide surface of the stub coupler is hollow . Therefore , the hollow metal waveguide modes 1002. In some embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can that are used by transmitter / receiver device 1006 are wave propagate in part on the outer surface of the stub coupler guide modes , such as TE01 or TE11 , that can propagate 1002 and in part inside the stub coupler 1002. In other inside a circular, rectangular or other hollow metallic wave embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can propagate substan- 55 guide and couple effectively and efficiently to wave propa tially or completely on the outer surface of the stub coupler gation modes of stub coupler 1002 . 1002. In yet other embodiments, the guided wave 1004 can It will be appreciated that other constructs or combina propagate substantially or completely inside the stub coupler tions of the transmitter / receiver device 1006 and stub cou 1002. In this latter embodiment, the guided wave 1004 can pler 1002 are possible . radiate at an end of the stub coupler 1002 ( such as the 60 Referring now to FIG . 11 , a block diagram 1100 illus tapered end shown in FIG . 4 ) for coupling to a transmission trating an example, non - limiting embodiment of a dual stub medium such as a wire 702 of FIG . 7. Similarly, if guided coupler is shown . In particular, a dual coupler design is wave 1004 is incoming ( coupled to the stub coupler 1002 presented for use in a transmission device , such as trans from a wire 702 ) , guided wave 1004 then enters the trans mission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with mitter / receiver device 1006 and couples to the cylindrical 65 FIG . 1. In an embodiment, two or more couplers ( such as the waveguide or conducting waveguide. While transmitter / stub couplers 1104 and 1106 ) can be positioned around a receiver device 1006 is shown to include a separate wave wire 1102 in order to receive guided wave 1108. In an US 10,763,916 B2 27 28 embodiment, one coupler is enough to receive the guided presented for use in a transmission device , such as trans wave 1108. In that case , guided wave 1108 couples to mission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with coupler 1104 and propagates as guided wave 1110. If the FIG . 1. In this system , two couplers 1204 and 1214 can be field structure of the guided wave 1108 oscillates or undu placed near a wire 1202 or other transmission medium such lates around the wire 1102 due to the particular guided wave 5 that guided waves 1205 propagating along the wire 1202 are mode ( s ) or various outside factors, then coupler 1106 can be extracted by coupler 1204 as wave 1206 ( e.g. as a guided placed such that guided wave 1108 couples to coupler 1106 . wave ) , and then are boosted or repeated by repeater device In some embodiments, four or more couplers can be placed 1210 and launched as a wave 1216 ( e.g. as a guided wave) around a portion of the wire 1102 , e.g. , at 90 degrees or onto coupler 1214. The wave 1216 can then be launched on another spacing with respect to each other, in order to 10 the wire 1202 and continue to propagate along the wire 1202 receive guided waves that may oscillate or rotate around the as a guided wave 1217. In an embodiment, the repeater wire 1102 , that have been induced at different azimuthal device 1210 can receive at least a portion of the power orientations or that have non - fundamental or higher order utilized for boosting or repeating through magnetic coupling modes that, for example , have lobes and / or nulls or other with the wire 1202 , for example , when the wire 1202 is a asymmetries that are orientation dependent. However, it will 15 power line or otherwise contains a power - carrying conduc be appreciated that there may be less than or more than four tor . It should be noted that while couplers 1204 and 1214 are couplers placed around a portion of the wire 1102 without illustrated as stub couplers , any other of the coupler designs departing from example embodiments . described herein including arc couplers, antenna or horn It should be noted that while couplers 1106 and 1104 are couplers , magnetic couplers , or the like , could likewise be illustrated as stub couplers, any other of the coupler designs 20 used . described herein including arc couplers , antenna or horn In some embodiments, repeater device 1210 can repeat couplers , magnetic couplers , etc. , could likewise be used . It the transmission associated with wave 1206 , and in other will also be appreciated that while some example embodi embodiments , repeater device 1210 can include a commu ments have presented a plurality of couplers around at least nications interface 205 that extracts data or other signals a portion of a wire 1102 , this plurality of couplers can also 25 from the wave 1206 for supplying such data or signals to be considered as part of a single coupler system having another network and / or one or more other devices as com multiple coupler subcomponents . For example, two or more munication signals 110 or 112 and / or receiving communi couplers can be manufactured as single system that can be cation signals 110 or 112 from another network and / or one installed around a wire in a single installation such that the or more other devices and launch guided wave 1216 having couplers are either pre -positioned or adjustable relative to 30 embedded therein the received communication signals 110 each other ( either manually or automatically with a control or 112. In a repeater configuration , receiver waveguide 1208 lable mechanism such as a motor or other actuator ) in can receive the wave 1206 from the coupler 1204 and accordance with the single system . transmitter waveguide 1212 can launch guided wave 1216 Receivers coupled to couplers 1106 and 1104 can use onto coupler 1214 as guided wave 1217. Between receiver diversity combining to combine signals received from both 35 waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide 1212 , the signal couplers 1106 and 1104 in order to maximize the signal embedded in guided wave 1206 and / or the guided wave quality . In other embodiments, if one or the other of the 1216 itself can be amplified to correct for signal loss and couplers 1104 and 1106 receive a transmission that is above other inefficiencies associated with guided wave communi a predetermined threshold , receivers can use selection diver cations or the signal can be received and processed to extract sity when deciding which signal to use . Further, while 40 the data contained therein and regenerated for transmission . reception by a plurality of couplers 1106 and 1104 is In an embodiment, the receiver waveguide 1208 can be illustrated , transmission by couplers 1106 and 1104 in the configured to extract data from the signal , process the data same configuration can likewise take place . In particular, a to correct for data errors utilizing for example error correct wide range of multi - input multi- output ( MIMO ) transmis ing codes, and regenerate an updated signal with the cor sion and reception techniques can be employed for trans- 45 rected data . The transmitter waveguide 1212 can then trans missions where a transmission device , such as transmission mit guided wave 1216 with the updated signal embedded device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with FIG . 1 therein . In an embodiment, a signal embedded in guided includes multiple transceivers and multiple couplers . For wave 1206 can be extracted from the transmission and example, such MIMO transmission and reception techniques processed for communication with another network and / or include precoding , spatial multiplexing , diversity coding 50 one or more other devices via communications interface 205 and guided wave mode division multiplexing applied to as communication signals 110 or 112. Similarly, communi transmission and reception by multiple couplers / launchers cation signals 110 or 112 received by the communications that operate on a transmission medium with one or more interface 205 can be inserted into a transmission of guided surfaces that support guided wave communications. wave 1216 that is generated and launched onto coupler 1214 It is noted that the graphical representations of waves 55 by transmitter waveguide 1212 . 1108 and 1110 are presented merely to illustrate the prin It is noted that although FIG . 12 shows guided wave ciples that guided wave 1108 induces or otherwise launches transmissions 1206 and 1216 entering from the left and a wave 1110 on a coupler 1104. The actual electric and exiting to the right respectively, this is merely a simplifica magnetic fields generated as a result of such wave propa tion and is not intended to be limiting . In other embodi gation may vary depending on the frequencies employed , 60 ments , receiver waveguide 1208 and transmitter waveguide the design of the coupler 1104 , the dimensions and compo 1212 can also function as transmitters and receivers respec sition of the wire 1102 , as well as its surface characteristics , tively , allowing the repeater device 1210 to be bi - directional . its insulation if any , the electromagnetic properties of the In an embodiment, repeater device 1210 can be placed at surrounding environment, etc. locations where there are discontinuities or obstacles on the Referring now to FIG . 12 , a block diagram 1200 illus- 65 wire 1202 or other transmission medium . In the case where trating an example, non - limiting embodiment of a repeater the wire 1202 is a power line , these obstacles can include system is shown . In particular, a repeater device 1210 is transformers, connections, utility poles , and other such US 10,763,916 B2 29 30 power line devices. The repeater device 1210 can help the around 38 GHz in some embodiments ) to a lower frequency, guided ( e.g. , surface ) waves jump over these obstacles on such as a cellular band ( ~ 1.9 GHz ) for a distributed antenna the line and boost the transmission power at the same time . system , a native frequency, or other frequency for a backhaul In other embodiments, a coupler can be used to jump over system . An extractor ( or demultiplexer ) 1432 can extract the the obstacle without the use of a repeater device. In that 5 signal on a subcarrier and direct the signal to an output embodiment, both ends of the coupler can be tied or fastened component 1422 for optional amplification , buffering or to the wire , thus providing a path for the guided wave to isolation by power amplifier 1424 for coupling to commu travel without being blocked by the obstacle . Turning now to FIG . 13 , illustrated is a block diagram nications interface 205. The communications interface 205 1300 of an example, non - limiting embodiment of a bidirec- 10 can further process the signals received from the power tional repeater in accordance with various aspects described amplifier 1424 or otherwise transmit such signals over a herein . In particular, a bidirectional repeater device 1306 is wireless or wired interface to other devices such as a base presented for use in a transmission device, such as trans station , mobile devices, a building , etc. For the signals that mission device 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with are not being extracted at this location , extractor 1432 can FIG . 1. It should be noted that while the couplers are 15 redirect them to another frequency mixer 1436 , where the illustrated as stub couplers, any other of the coupler designs signals are used to modulate a carrier wave generated by described herein including arc couplers , antenna or horn local oscillator 1414. The carrier wave , with its subcarriers, couplers , magnetic couplers , or the like , could likewise be is directed to a power amplifier ( “ PA ” ) 1416 and is retrans used . The bidirectional repeater 1306 can employ diversity mitted by waveguide coupling device 1404 to another sys paths in the case of when two or more wires or other 20 tem , via diplexer 1420 . transmission media are present. Since guided wave trans An LNA 1426 can be used to amplify , buffer or isolate missions have different transmission efficiencies and cou signals that are received by the communication interface 205 pling efficiencies for transmission medium of different types and then send the signal to a multiplexer 1434 which merges such as insulated wires , un - insulated wires or other types of the signal with signals that have been received from wave transmission media and further, if exposed to the elements, 25 guide coupling device 1404. The signals received from can be affected by weather, and other atmospheric condi coupling device 1404 have been split by diplexer 1420 , and tions, it can be advantageous to selectively transmit on then passed through LNA 1418 , and downshifted in fre different transmission media at certain times . In various quency by frequency mixer 1438. When the signals are embodiments, the various transmission media can be des combined by multiplexer 1434 , they are upshifted in fre ignated as a primary, secondary, tertiary, etc. whether or not 30 quency by frequency mixer 1430 , and then boosted by PA such designation indicates a preference of one transmission 1410 , and transmitted to another system by waveguide medium over another . coupling device 1402. In an embodiment bidirectional In the embodiment shown , the transmission media include repeater system can be merely a repeater without the output uninsulatedan insulated wire or uninsulated 1304 (referred wire to 1302herein and as anwires insulated 1302 and or 35 device 1422. In this embodiment, the multiplexer 1434 1304 , respectively ). The repeater device 1306 uses a would not be utilized and signals from LNA 1418 would be receiver coupler 1308 to receive a guided wave traveling directed to mixer 1430 as previously described . It will be along wire 1302 and repeats the transmission using trans appreciated that in some embodiments, the bidirectional mitter waveguide 1310 as a guided wave along wire 1304 . repeater system could also be implemented using two dis In other embodiments, repeater device 1306 can switch from 40 tinct and separate unidirectional repeaters. In an alternative the wire 1304 to the wire 1302 , or can repeat the transmis embodiment, a bidirectional repeater system could also be a sions along the same paths. Repeater device 1306 can booster or otherwise perform retransmissions without down include sensors , or be in communication with sensors ( or a shifting and upshifting. Indeed in example embodiment, the network management system 1601 depicted in FIG . 16A ) retransmissions can be based upon receiving a signal or that indicate conditions that can affect the transmission . 45 guided wave and performing some signal or guided wave Based on the feedback received from the sensors , the processing or reshaping , filtering , and / or amplification , prior repeater device 1306 can make the determination about to retransmission of the signal or guided wave . whether to keep the transmission along the same wire , or Referring now to FIG . 15 , a block diagram 1500 illus transfer the transmission to the other wire . trating an example, non -limiting embodiment of a guided Turning now to FIG . 14 , illustrated is a block diagram 50 wave communications system is shown . This diagram 1400 illustrating an example , non - limiting embodiment of a depicts an exemplary environment in which a guided wave bidirectional repeater system . In particular, a bidirectional communication system , such as the guided wave commu repeater system is presented for use in a transmission device , nication system presented in conjunction with FIG . 1 , can be such as transmission device 101 or 102 presented in con used . junction with FIG . 1. The bidirectional repeater system 55 To provide network connectivity to additional base station includes waveguide coupling devices 1402 and 1404 that devices, a backhaul network that links the communication receive and transmit transmissions from other coupling cells ( e.g. , microcells and macrocells ) to network devices of devices located in a distributed antenna system or backhaul a core network correspondingly expands . Similarly, to pro system . vide network connectivity to a distributed antenna system , In various embodiments , waveguide coupling device 60 an extended communication system that links base station 1402 can receive a transmission from another waveguide devices and their distributed antennas is desirable . A guided coupling device, wherein the transmission has a plurality of wave communication system 1500 such as shown in FIG . 15 subcarriers . Diplexer 1406 can separate the transmission can be provided to enable alternative, increased or additional from other transmissions, and direct the transmission to network connectivity and a waveguide coupling system can low - noise amplifier ( “ LNA ” ) 1408. A frequency mixer 1428 , 65 be provided to transmit and / or receive guided wave ( e.g. , with help from a local oscillator 1412 , can downshift the surface wave ) communications on a transmission medium transmission ( which is in the millimeter - wave band or such as a wire that operates as a single -wire transmission US 10,763,916 B2 31 32 line ( e.g. , a utility line ) , and that can be used as a waveguide or other wire . The transmission device 1508 can also extract and / or that otherwise operates to guide the transmission of a signal from the microwave band guided wave and shift it an electromagnetic wave . down in frequency or otherwise convert it to its original The guided wave communication system 1500 can com cellular band frequency ( e.g. , 1.9 GHz or other defined prise a first instance of a distribution system 1550 that 5 cellular frequency ) or another cellular ( or non - cellular) band includes one or more base station devices ( e.g. , base station frequency . An antenna 1512 can wireless transmit the down device 1504 ) that are communicably coupled to a central shifted signal to mobile device 1522. The process can be office 1501 and / or a macrocell site 1502. Base station device repeated by transmission device 1510 , antenna 1514 and 1504 can be connected by a wired ( e.g. , fiber and / or cable ) , mobile device 1524 , as necessary or desirable . or by a wireless ( e.g. , microwave wireless) connection to the 10 Transmissions from mobile devices 1522 and 1524 can macrocell site 1502 and the central office 1501. A second also be received by antennas 1512 and 1514 respectively . instance of the distribution system 1560 can be used to The transmission devices 1508 and 1510 can upshift or provide wireless voice and data services to mobile device otherwise convert the cellular band signals to microwave 1522 and to residential and / or commercial establishments band and transmit the signals as guided wave ( e.g. , surface 1542 (herein referred to as establishments 1542) . System 15 wave or other electromagnetic wave) transmissions over the 1500 can have additional instances of the distribution sys power line ( s ) to base station device 1504 . tems 1550 and 1560 for providing voice and / or data services Media content received by the central office 1501 can be to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 1542 as supplied to the second instance of the distribution system shown in FIG . 15 . 1560 via the base station device 1504 for distribution to Macrocells such as macrocell site 1502 can have dedi- 20 mobile devices 1522 and establishments 1542. The trans cated connections to a mobile network and base station mission device 1510 can be tethered to the establishments device 1504 or can share and / or otherwise use another 1542 by one or more wired connections or a wireless connection . Central office 1501 can be used to distribute interface . The one or more wired connections may include media content and /or provide internet service provider ( ISP ) without limitation , a power line , a coaxial cable , a fiber services to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establishments 25 cable , a twisted pair cable, a guided wave transmission 1542. The central office 1501 can receive media content medium or other suitable wired mediums for distribution of from a constellation of satellites 1530 ( one of which is media content and /or for providing internet services . In an shown in FIG . 15 ) or other sources of content, and distribute example embodiment, the wired connections from the trans such content to mobile devices 1522-1524 and establish mission device 1510 can be communicatively coupled to one ments 1542 via the first and second instances of the distri- 30 or more very high bit rate digital subscriber line ( VDSL ) bution system 1550 and 1560. The central office 1501 can modems located at one or more corresponding service area also be communicatively coupled to the Internet 1503 for interfaces (SAIs — not shown ) or pedestals , each SAI or providing internet data services to mobile devices 1522 pedestal providing services to a portion of the establish 1524 and establishments 1542 . ments 1542. The VDSL modems can be used to selectively Base station device 1504 can be mounted on , or attached 35 distribute media content and / or provide internet services to to , utility pole 1516. In other embodiments, base station gateways ( not shown ) located in the establishments 1542 . device 1504 can be near transformers and / or other locations The SAIs or pedestals can also be communicatively coupled situated nearby a power line . Base station device 1504 can to the establishments 1542 over a wired medium such as a facilitate connectivity to a mobile network for mobile power line , a coaxial cable , a fiber cable, a twisted pair devices 1522 and 1524. Antennas 1512 and 1514 , mounted 40 cable , a guided wave transmission medium or other suitable on or near utility poles 1518 and 1520 , respectively , can wired mediums. In other example embodiments, the trans receive signals from base station device 1504 and transmit mission device 1510 can be communicatively coupled those signals to mobile devices 1522 and 1524 over a much directly to establishments 1542 without intermediate inter wider area than if the antennas 1512 and 1514 were located faces such as the SAIs or pedestals . at or near base station device 1504 . 45 In another example embodiment, system 1500 can It is noted that FIG . 15 displays three utility poles , in each employ diversity paths , where two or more utility lines or instance of the distribution systems 1550 and 1560 , with one other wires are strung between the utility poles 1516 , 1518 , base station device , for purposes of simplicity . In other and 1520 ( e.g. , for example, two or more wires between embodiments, utility pole 1516 can have more base station poles 1516 and 1520 ) and redundant transmissions from devices, and more utility poles with distributed antennas 50 base station /macrocell site 1502 are transmitted as guided and / or tethered connections to establishments 1542 . waves down the surface of the utility lines or other wires . A transmission device 1506 , such as transmission device The utility lines or other wires can be either insulated or 101 or 102 presented in conjunction with FIG . 1 , can uninsulated , and depending on the environmental conditions transmit a signal from base station device 1504 to antennas that cause transmission losses , the coupling devices can 1512 and 1514 via utility or power line ( s ) that connect the 55 selectively receive signals from the insulated or uninsulated utility poles 1516 , 1518 , and 1520. To transmit the signal , utility lines or other wires . The selection can be based on radio source and / or transmission device 1506 upconverts the measurements of the signal- to - noise ratio of the wires , or signal ( e.g. , via frequency mixing ) from base station device based on determined weather /environmental conditions 1504 or otherwise converts the signal from the base station ( e.g. , moisture detectors, weather forecasts , etc. ). The use of device 1504 to a microwave band signal and the transmis- 60 diversity paths with system 1500 can enable alternate rout sion device 1506 launches a microwave band wave that ing capabilities, load balancing , increased load handling , propagates as a guided wave traveling along the utility line concurrent bi - directional or synchronous communications , or other wire as described in previous embodiments . At spread spectrum communications, etc. utility pole 1518 , another transmission device 1508 receives It is noted that the use of the transmission devices 1506 , the guided wave ( and optionally can amplify it as needed or 65 1508 , and 1510 in FIG . 15 are by way of example only, and desired or operate as a repeater to receive it and regenerate that in other embodiments, other uses are possible . For it ) and sends it forward as a guided wave on the utility line instance , transmission devices can be used in a backhaul US 10,763,916 B2 33 34 communication system , providing network connectivity to Signals received by the communications interface 205 of base station devices . Transmission devices 1506 , 1508 , and transmission device 101 or 102 for up -conversion can 1510 can be used in many circumstances where it is desir include without limitation signals supplied by a central able to transmit guided wave communications over a wire , office 1611 over a wired or wireless interface of the com whether insulated or not insulated . Transmission devices 5 munications interface 205 , a base station 1614 over a wired 1506 , 1508 , and 1510 are improvements over other coupling or wireless interface of the communications interface 205 , devices due to no contact or limited physical and /or elec wireless signals transmitted by mobile devices 1620 to the trical contact with the wires that may carry high voltages . base station 1614 for delivery over the wired or wireless The transmission device can be located away from the wire interface of the communications interface 205 , signals sup ( e.g. , spaced apart from the wire ) and / or located on the wire 10 plied by in - building communication devices 1618 over the so long as it is not electrically in contact with the wire, as the wired or wireless interface of the communications interface dielectric acts as an insulator, allowing for cheap , easy , 205 , and / or wireless signals supplied to the communications and /or less complex installation . However, as previously interface 205 by mobile devices 1612 roaming in a wireless noted conducting or non - dielectric couplers can be communication range of the communications interface 205 . employed , for example in configurations where the wires 15 In embodiments where the waveguide system 1602 func correspond to a telephone network , cable television network , tions as a repeater, such as shown in FIGS . 12-13 , the broadband data service , fiber optic communications system communications interface 205 may or may not be included or other network employing low voltages or having insu in the waveguide system 1602 . lated transmission lines . The electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface It is further noted , that while base station device 1504 and 20 of the power line 1610 can be modulated and formatted to macrocell site 1502 are illustrated in an embodiment, other include packets or frames of data that include a data payload network configurations are likewise possible . For example , and further include networking information ( such as header devices such as access points or other wireless gatewa can information for identifying one or more destination wave be employed in a similar fashion to extend the reach of other guide systems 1602 ) . The networking information may be networks such as a wireless local area network , a wireless 25 provided by the waveguide system 1602 or an originating personal area network or other wireless network that oper device such as the central office 1611 , the base station 1614 , ates in accordance with a communication protocol such as a mobile devices 1620 , or in - building devices 1618 , or a 802.11 protocol, WIMAX protocol, Ultra Wideband proto combination thereof. Additionally, the modulated electro col , Bluetooth® protocol , Zigbee® protocol or other wire magnetic waves can include error correction data for miti less protocol. 30 gating signal disturbances . The networking information and Referring now to FIGS . 16A & 16B , block diagrams error correction data can be used by a destination waveguide illustrating an example , non - limiting embodiment of a sys system 1602 for detecting transmissions directed to it , and tem for managing a power grid communication system are for down - converting and processing with error correction shown . Considering FIG . 16A , a waveguide system 1602 is data transmissions that include voice and / or data signals presented for use in a guided wave communications system 35 directed to recipient communication devices communica 1600 , such as the system presented in conjunction with FIG . tively coupled to the destination waveguide system 1602 . 15. The waveguide system 1602 can comprise sensors 1604 , Referring now to the sensors 1604 of the waveguide a power management system 1605 , a transmission device system 1602 , the sensors 1604 can comprise one or more of 101 or 102 that includes at least one communication inter a temperature sensor 1604a , a disturbance detection sensor face 205 , transceiver 210 and coupler 220 . 40 1604b , a loss of energy sensor 1604c , a noise sensor 1604d , The waveguide system 1602 can be coupled to a power a vibration sensor 1604e , an environmental ( e.g. , weather) line 1610 for facilitating guided wave communications in sensor 1604f, and / or an image sensor 1604g. The tempera accordance with embodiments described in the subject dis ture sensor 1604a can be used to measure ambient tempera closure . In an example embodiment, the transmission device ture , a temperature of the transmission device 101 or 102 , a 101 or 102 includes coupler 220 for inducing electromag- 45 temperature of the power line 1610 , temperature differen netic waves on a surface of the power line 1610 that tials ( e.g. , compared to a setpoint or baseline , between longitudinally propagate along the surface of the power line transmission device 101 or 102 and 1610 , etc. ) , or any 1610 as described in the subject disclosure . The transmission combination thereof. In one embodiment, temperature met device 101 or 102 can also serve as a repeater for retrans rics can be collected and reported periodically to a network mitting electromagnetic waves on the same power line 1610 50 management system 1601 by way of the base station 1614 . or for routing electromagnetic waves between power lines The disturbance detection sensor 1604b can perform 1610 as shown in FIGS . 12-13 . measurements on the power line 1610 to detect disturbances The transmission device 101 or 102 includes transceiver such as signal reflections , which may indicate a presence of 210 configured to , for example , up - convert a signal operat a downstream disturbance that may impede the propagation ing at an original frequency range to electromagnetic waves 55 of electromagnetic waves on the power line 1610. A signal operating at , exhibiting, or associated with a carrier fre reflection can represent a distortion resulting from , for quency that propagate along a coupler to induce correspond example, an electromagnetic wave transmitted on the power ing guided electromagnetic waves that propagate along a line 1610 by the transmission device 101 or 102 that reflects surface of the power line 1610. A carrier frequency can be in whole or in part back to the transmission device 101 or represented by a center frequency having upper and lower 60 102 from a disturbance in the power line 1610 located cutoff frequencies that define the bandwidth of the electro downstream from the transmission device 101 or 102 . magnetic waves . The power line 1610 can be a wire ( e.g. , Signal reflections can be caused by obstructions on the single stranded or multi- stranded ) having a conducting sur power line 1610. For example, a tree limb may cause face or insulated surface . The transceiver 210 can also electromagnetic wave reflections when the tree limb is lying receive signals from the coupler 220 and down - convert the 65 on the power line 1610 , or is in close proximity to the power electromagnetic waves operating at a carrier frequency to line 1610 which may cause a corona discharge . Other signals at their original frequency. obstructions that can cause electromagnetic wave reflections US 10,763,916 B2 35 36 can include without limitation an object that has been power management system 1605 can also include a backup entangled on the power line 1610 ( e.g. , clothing, a shoe battery and / or a super capacitor or other capacitor circuit for wrapped around a power line 1610 with a shoe string, etc. ) , providing the waveguide system 1602 with temporary a corroded build - up on the power line 1610 or an ice power. The loss of energy sensor 1604c can be used to detect build - up . Power grid components may also impede or 5 when the waveguide system 1602 has a loss of power obstruct with the propagation of electromagnetic waves on condition and /or the occurrence of some other malfunction . the surface of power lines 1610. Illustrations of power grid For example , the loss of energy sensor 1604c can detect components that may cause signal reflections include with when there is a loss of power due to defective solar cells , an out limitation a transformer and a joint for connecting obstruction on the solar cells that causes them to malfunc mayspliced also power cause lines electromagnetic. A sharp angle wave on reflectionsthe power . line 1610 10 tion, loss of power on the power line 1610 , and /or when the The disturbance detection sensor 1604b can comprise a backup power system malfunctions due to expiration of a circuit to compare magnitudes of electromagnetic wave backup battery , or a detectable defect in a super capacitor . reflections to magnitudes of original electromagnetic waves When a malfunction and / or loss of power occurs , the loss of transmitted by the transmission device 101 or 102 to deter- 15 energy sensor 1604c can notify the network management mine how much a downstream disturbance in the power line system 1601 by way of the base station 1614 . 1610 attenuates transmissions . The disturbance detection The noise sensor 1604d can be used to measure noise on sensor 1604b can further comprise a spectral analyzer circuit the power line 1610 that may adversely affect transmission for performing spectral analysis on the reflected waves . The of electromagnetic waves on the power line 1610. The noise spectral data generated by the spectral analyzer circuit can 20 sensor 1604d can sense unexpected electromagnetic inter be compared with spectral profiles via pattern recognition , ference , noise bursts , or other sources of disturbances that an expert system , curve fitting , matched filtering or other may interrupt reception of modulated electromagnetic artificial intelligence , classification or comparison technique waves on a surface of a power line 1610. A noise burst can to identify a type of disturbance based on , for example , the be caused by, for example, a corona discharge, or other spectral profile that most closely matches the spectral data . 25 source of noise . The noise sensor 1604d can compare the The spectral profiles can be stored in a memory of the measured noise to a noise profile obtained by the waveguide disturbance detection sensor 1604b or may be remotely system 1602 from an internal database of noise profiles or accessible by the disturbance detection sensor 1604b . The from a remotely located database that stores noise profiles profiles can comprise spectral data that models different via pattern recognition , an expert system , curve fitting, disturbances that may be encountered on power lines 1610 30 matched filtering or other artificial intelligence, classifica to enable the disturbance detection sensor 1604b to identify tion or comparison technique . From the comparison, the disturbances locally . An identification of the disturbance if noise sensor 1604d may identify a noise source ( e.g. , corona known can be reported to the network management system discharge or otherwise ) based on , for example, the noise 1601 by way of the base station 1614. The disturbance profile that provides the closest match to the measured noise . detection sensor 1604b can also utilize the transmission 35 The noise sensor 1604d can also detect how noise affects device 101 or 102 to transmit electromagnetic waves as test transmissions by measuring transmission metrics such as bit signals to determine a roundtrip time for an electromagnetic error rate , packet loss rate , jitter, packet retransmission wave reflection . The round trip time measured by the requests , etc. The noise sensor 1604d can report to the disturbance detection sensor 1604b can be used to calculate network management system 1601 by way of the base a distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave up to a point 40 station 1614 the identity of noise sources , their time of where the reflection takes place , which enables the distur occurrence , and transmission metrics, among other things . bance detection sensor 1604b to calculate a distance from The vibration sensor 1604e can include accelerometers the transmission device 101 or 102 to the downstream and / or gyroscopes to detect 2D or 3D vibrations on the disturbance on the power line 1610 . power line 1610. The vibrations can be compared to vibra The distance calculated can be reported to the network 45 tion profiles that can be stored locally in the waveguide management system 1601 by way of the base station 1614 . system 1602 , or obtained by the waveguide system 1602 In one embodiment, the location of the waveguide system from a remote database via pattern recognition , an expert 1602 on the power line 1610 may be known to the network system , curve fitting, matched filtering or other artificial management system 1601 , which the network management intelligence , classification or comparison technique. Vibra system 1601 can use to determine a location of the distur- 50 tion profiles can be used , for example, to distinguish fallen bance on the power line 1610 based on a known topology of trees from wind gusts based on , for example, the vibration the power grid . In another embodiment, the waveguide profile that provides the closest match to the measured system 1602 can provide its location to the network man vibrations . The results of this analysis can be reported by the agement system 1601 to assist in the determination of the vibration sensor 1604e to the network management system location of the disturbance on the power line 1610. The 55 1601 by way of the base station 1614 . location of the waveguide system 1602 can be obtained by The environmental sensor 1604f can include a barometer the waveguide system 1602 from a pre - programmed loca for measuring atmospheric pressure , ambient temperature tion of the waveguide system 1602 stored in a memory of the ( which can be provided by the temperature sensor 1604a ) , waveguide system 1602 , or the waveguide system 1602 can wind speed , humidity , wind direction , and rainfall , among determine its location using a GPS receiver ( not shown ) 60 other things. The environmental sensor 1604f can collect included in the waveguide system 1602 . raw information and process this information by comparing The power management system 1605 provides energy to it to environmental profiles that can be obtained from a the aforementioned components of the waveguide system memory of the waveguide system 1602 or a remote database 1602. The power management system 1605 can receive to predict weather conditions before they arise via pattern energy from solar cells , or from a transformer (not shown ) 65 recognition, an expert system , knowledge -based system or coupled to the power line 1610 , or by inductive coupling to other artificial intelligence, classification or other weather the power line 1610 or another nearby power line . The modeling and prediction technique. The environmental sen US 10,763,916 B2 37 38 sor 1604f can report raw data as well as its analysis to the communication devices communicatively coupled to the network management system 1601 . communication system 1655. At step 1704 the sensors 1604 The image sensor 1604g can be a digital camera ( e.g. , a of the waveguide system 1602 can collect sensing data . In an charged coupled device or CCD imager, infrared camera , embodiment, the sensing data can be collected in step 1704 etc.) for capturing images in a vicinity of the waveguide 5 prior to , during , or after the transmission and / or receipt of system 1602. The image sensor 1604g can include an messages in step 1702. At step 1706 the waveguide system electromechanical mechanism to control movement ( e.g. , 1602 ( or the sensors 1604 themselves) can determine from actual position or focal points /zooms ) of the camera for the sensing data an actual or predicted occurrence of a inspecting the power line 1610 from multiple perspectives disturbance in the communication system 1655 that can ( e.g. , top surface , bottom surface , left surface , right surface 10 affect communications originating from ( e.g. , transmitted and so on ) . Alternatively , the image sensor 1604g can be by ) or received by the waveguide system 1602. The wave designed such that no electromechanical mechanism is guide system 1602 ( or the sensors 1604 ) can process tem needed in order to obtain the multiple perspectives. The perature data, signal reflection data , loss of energy data , collection and retrieval of imaging data generated by the noise data , vibration data , environmental data , or any com image sensor 1604g can be controlled by the network 15 bination thereof to make this determination . The waveguide management system 1601 , or can be autonomously collected system 1602 ( or the sensors 1604 ) may also detect, identify , and reported by the image sensor 1604g to the network estimate , or predict the source of the disturbance and / or its management system 1601 . location in the communication system 1655. If a disturbance Other sensors that may be suitable for collecting telemetry is neither detected / identified nor predicted / estimated at step information associated with the waveguide system 1602 20 1708 , the waveguide system 1602 can proceed to step 1702 and / or the power lines 1610 for purposes of detecting, where it continues to transmit and receive messages embed predicting and / or mitigating disturbances that can impede ded in , or forming part of, modulated electromagnetic waves the propagation of electromagnetic wave transmissions on traveling along a surface of the power line 1610 . power lines 1610 ( or any other form of a transmission If at step 1708 a disturbance is detected / identified or medium of electromagnetic waves ) may be utilized by the 25 predicted / estimated to occur, the waveguide system 1602 waveguide system 1602 . proceeds to step 1710 to determine if the disturbance Referring now to FIG . 16B , block diagram 1650 illus adversely affects ( or alternatively, is likely to adversely trates an example , non - limiting embodiment of a system for affect or the extent to which it may adversely affect) trans managing a power grid 1653 and a communication system mission or reception of messages in the communication 1655 embedded therein or associated therewith in accor- 30 system 1655. In one embodiment, a duration threshold and dance with various aspects described herein . The commu a frequency of occurrence threshold can be used at step 1710 nication system 1655 comprises a plurality of waveguide to determine when a disturbance adversely affects commu systems 1602 coupled to power lines 1610 of the power grid nications in the communication system 1655. For illustration 1653. At least a portion of the waveguide systems 1602 used purposes only , assume a duration threshold is set to 500 ms , in the communication system 1655 can be in direct com- 35 while a frequency of occurrence threshold is set to 5 munication with a base station 1614 and /or the network disturbances occurring in an observation period of 10 sec . management system 1601. Waveguide systems 1602 not Thus, a disturbance having a duration greater than 500 ms directly connected to a base station 1614 or the network will trigger the duration threshold . Additionally, any distur management system 1601 can engage in communication bance occurring more than 5 times in a 10 sec time interval sessions with either a base station 1614 or the network 40 will trigger the frequency of occurrence threshold . management system 1601 by way of other downstream In one embodiment, a disturbance may be considered to waveguide systems 1602 connected to a base station 1614 or adversely affect signal integrity in the communication sys the network management system 1601 . tems 1655 when the duration threshold alone is exceeded . In The network management system 1601 can be commu another embodiment, a disturbance may be considered as nicatively coupled to equipment of utility company 1652 45 adversely affecting signal integrity in the communication and equipment of a communications service provider 1654 systems 1655 when both the duration threshold and the for providing each entity , status information associated with frequency of occurrence threshold are exceeded . The latter the power grid 1653 and the communication system 1655 , embodiment is thus more conservative than the former respectively . The network management system 1601 , the embodiment for classifying disturbances that adversely equipment of the utility company 1652 , and the communi- 50 affect signal integrity in the communication system 1655. It cations service provider 1654 can access communication will be appreciated that many other algorithms and associ devices utilized by utility company personnel 1656 and / or ated parameters and thresholds can be utilized for step 1710 communication devices utilized by communications service in accordance with example embodiments. provider personnel 1658 for purposes of providing status Referring back to method 1700 , if at step 1710 the information and / or for directing such personnel in the man- 55 disturbance detected at step 1708 does not meet the condi agement of the power grid 1653 and / or communication tion for adversely affected communications ( e.g. , neither system 1655 . exceeds the duration threshold nor the frequency of occur FIG . 17A illustrates a flow diagram of an example , rence threshold ), the waveguide system 1602 may proceed non - limiting embodiment of a method 1700 for detecting to step 1702 and continue processing messages . For and mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication 60 instance, if the disturbance detected in step 1708 has a network of the systems of FIGS . 16A & 16B . Method 1700 duration of 1 msec with a single occurrence in a 10 sec time can begin with step 1702 where a waveguide system 1602 period, then neither threshold will be exceeded . Conse transmits and receives messages embedded in , or forming quently, such a disturbance may be considered as having a part of, modulated electromagnetic waves or another type of nominal effect on signal integrity in the communication electromagnetic waves traveling along a surface of a power 65 system 1655 and thus would not be flagged as a disturbance line 1610. The messages can be voice messages , streaming requiring mitigation . Although not flagged , the occurrence video , and / or other data / information exchanged between of the disturbance , its time of occurrence , its frequency of US 10,763,916 B2 39 40 occurrence , spectral data, and /or other useful information , disturbance at a determined location of the disturbance . may be reported to the network management system 1601 as Once the disturbance is removed or otherwise mitigated by telemetry data for monitoring purposes . personnel of the utility company and / or personnel of the Referring back to step 1710 , if on the other hand the communications service provider, such personnel can notify disturbance satisfies the condition for adversely affected 5 their respective companies and /or the network management communications ( e.g. , exceeds either or both thresholds ), the system 1601 utilizing field equipment ( e.g. , a laptop com waveguide system 1602 can proceed to step 1712 and report puter, smartphone, etc. ) communicatively coupled to net the incident to the network management system 1601. The work management system 1601 , and / or equipment of the report can include raw sensing data collected by the sensors utility company and /or the communications service pro 1604 , a description of the disturbance if known by the 10 vider. The notification can include a description of how the waveguide system 1602 , a time of occurrence of the distur disturbance was mitigated and any changes to the power bance, a frequency of occurrence of the disturbance , a lines 1610 that may change a topology of the communica location associated with the disturbance, parameters read tion system 1655 . ings such as bit error rate , packet loss rate , retransmission Once the disturbance has been resolved ( as determined in requests, jitter, latency and so on . If the disturbance is based 15 decision 1718 ) , the network management system 1601 can on a prediction by one or more sensors of the waveguide direct the waveguide system 1602 at step 1720 to restore the system 1602 , the report can include a type of disturbance previous routing configuration used by the waveguide sys expected , and if predictable , an expected time occurrence of tem 1602 or route traffic according to a new routing con the disturbance , and an expected frequency of occurrence of figuration if the restoration strategy used to mitigate the the predicted disturbance when the prediction is based on 20 disturbance resulted in a new network topology of the historical sensing data collected by the sensors 1604 of the communication system 1655. In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1602 . waveguide system 1602 can be configured to monitor miti At step 1714 , the network management system 1601 can gation of the disturbance by transmitting test signals on the determine a mitigation , circumvention , or correction tech power line 1610 to determine when the disturbance has been nique , which may include directing the waveguide system 25 removed . Once the waveguide system 1602 detects an 1602 to reroute traffic to circumvent the disturbance if the absence of the disturbance it can autonomously restore its location of the disturbance can be determined . In one routing configuration without assistance by the network embodiment, the waveguide coupling device 1402 detecting management system 1601 if it determines the network the disturbance may direct a repeater such as the one shown topology of the communication system 1655 has not in FIGS . 13-14 to connect the waveguide system 1602 from 30 changed , or it can utilize a new routing configuration that a primary power line affected by the disturbance to a adapts to a detected new network topology . secondary power line to enable the waveguide system 1602 FIG . 17B illustrates a flow diagram of an example , to reroute traffic to a different transmission medium and non -limiting embodiment of a method 1750 for detecting avoid the disturbance . In an embodiment where the wave and mitigating disturbances occurring in a communication guide system 1602 is configured as a repeater the waveguide 35 network of the system of FIGS . 16A and 16B . In one system 1602 can itself perform the rerouting of traffic from embodiment, method 1750 can begin with step 1752 where the primary power line to the secondary power line. It is a network management system 1601 receives from equip further noted that for bidirectional communications ( e.g. , ment of the utility company 1652 or equipment of the full or half -duplex communications ), the repeater can be communications service provider 1654 maintenance infor configured to reroute traffic from the secondary power line 40 mation associated with a maintenance schedule . The net back to the primary power line for processing by the work management system 1601 can at step 1754 identify waveguide system 1602 . from the maintenance information , maintenance activities to In another embodiment, the waveguide system 1602 can be performed during the maintenance schedule . From these redirect traffic by instructing a first repeater situated activities , the network management system 1601 can detect upstream of the disturbance and a second repeater situated 45 a disturbance resulting from the maintenance ( e.g. , sched downstream of the disturbance to redirect traffic from a uled replacement of a power line 1610 , scheduled replace primary power line temporarily to a secondary power line ment of a waveguide system 1602 on the power line 1610 , and back to the primary power line in a manner that avoids scheduled reconfiguration of power lines 1610 in the power the disturbance . It is further noted that for bidirectional grid 1653 , etc. ) . communications ( e.g. , full or half -duplex communications ), 50 In another embodiment, the network management system repeaters can be configured to reroute traffic from the 1601 can receive at step 1755 telemetry information from secondary power line back to the primary power line . one or more waveguide systems 1602. The telemetry infor To avoid interrupting existing communication sessions mation can include among other things an identity of each occurring on a secondary power line, the network manage waveguide system 1602 submitting the telemetry informa ment system 1601 may direct the waveguide system 1602 to 55 tion , measurements taken by sensors 1604 of each wave instruct repeater ( s) to utilize unused time slot ( s ) and / or guide system 1602 , information relating to predicted , esti frequency band ( s ) of the secondary power line for redirect mated , or actual disturbances detected by the sensors 1604 ing data and / or voice traffic away from the primary power of each waveguide system 1602 , location information asso line to circumvent the disturbance . ciated with each waveguide system 1602 , an estimated At step 1716 , while traffic is being rerouted to avoid the 60 location of a detected disturbance , an identification of the disturbance, the network management system 1601 can disturbance, and so on . The network management system notify equipment of the utility company 1652 and / or equip 1601 can determine from the telemetry information a type of ment of the communications service provider 1654 , which in disturbance that may be adverse to operations of the wave turn may notify personnel of the utility company 1656 guide, transmission of the electromagnetic waves along the and /or personnel of the communications service provider 65 wire surface , or both . The network management system 1658 of the detected disturbance and its location if known . 1601 can also use telemetry information from multiple Field personnel from either party can attend to resolving the waveguide systems 1602 to isolate and identify the distur US 10,763,916 B2 41 42 bance . Additionally, the network management system 1601 disturbance . A topology change can include rerouting a can request telemetry information from waveguide systems power line 1610 , reconfiguring a waveguide system 1602 to 1602 in a vicinity of an affected waveguide system 1602 to utilize a different power line 1610 , otherwise utilizing an triangulate a location of the disturbance and / or validate an alternative link to bypass the disturbance and so on . If a identification of the disturbance by receiving similar telem- 5 topology change has taken place , the network management etry information from other waveguide systems 1602 . system 1601 can direct at step 1770 one or more waveguide In yet another embodiment, the network management systems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts system 1601 can receive at step 1756 an unscheduled to the new topology . activity report from maintenance field personnel. Unsched If, however, a topology change has not been reported by uled maintenance may occur as result of field calls that are 10 field personnel, the network management system 1601 can unplanned or as a result of unexpected field issues discov proceed to step 1766 where it can direct one or more ered during field calls or scheduled maintenance activities . waveguide systems 1602 to send test signals to test a routing The activity report can identify changes to a topology configuration that had been used prior to the detected configuration of the power grid 1653 resulting from field disturbance ( s ). Test signals can be sent to affected wave personnel addressing discovered issues in the communica- 15 guide systems 1602 in a vicinity of the disturbance. The test tion system 1655 and / or power grid 1653 , changes to one or signals can be used to determine if signal disturbances ( e.g. , more waveguide systems 1602 ( such as replacement or electromagnetic wave reflections) are detected by any of the repair thereof ), mitigation of disturbances performed if any, waveguide systems 1602. If the test signals confirm that a and so on . prior routing configuration is no longer subject to previously At step 1758 , the network management system 1601 can 20 detected disturbance ( s ), then the network management sys determine from reports received according to steps 1752 tem 1601 can at step 1772 direct the affected waveguide through 1756 if a disturbance will occur based on a main systems 1602 to restore a previous routing configuration . If, tenance schedule, or if a disturbance has occurred or is however, test signals analyzed by one or more waveguide predicted to occur based on telemetry data , or if a distur coupling device 1402 and reported to the network manage bance has occurred due to an unplanned maintenance iden- 25 ment system 1601 indicate that the disturbance ( s) or new tified in a field activity report. From any of these reports, the disturbance ( s ) are present, then the network management network management system 1601 can determine whether a system 1601 will proceed to step 1768 and report this detected or predicted disturbance requires rerouting of traffic information to field personnel to further address field issues . by the affected waveguide systems 1602 or other waveguide The network management system 1601 can in this situation systems 1602 of the communication system 1655 . 30 continue to monitor mitigation of the disturbance ( s ) at step When a disturbance is detected or predicted at step 1758 , 1762 . the network management system 1601 can proceed to step In the aforementioned embodiments , the waveguide sys 1760 where it can direct one or more waveguide systems tems 1602 can be configured to be self - adapting to changes 1602 to reroute traffic to circumvent the disturbance . When in the power grid 1653 and / or to mitigation of disturbances . the disturbance is permanent due to a permanent topology 35 That is , one or more affected waveguide systems 1602 can change of the power grid 1653 , the network management be configured to self monitor- mitigation of disturbances and system 1601 can proceed to step 1770 and skip steps 1762 , reconfigure traffic routes without requiring instructions to be 1764 , 1766 , and 1772. At step 1770 , the network manage sent to them by the network management system 1601. In ment system 1601 can direct one or more waveguide sys this embodiment, the one or more waveguide systems 1602 tems 1602 to use a new routing configuration that adapts to 40 that are self - configurable can inform the network manage the new topology . However , when the disturbance has been ment system 1601 of its routing choices so that the network detected from telemetry information supplied by one or management system 1601 can maintain a macro - level view more waveguide systems 1602 , the network management of the communication topology of the communication sys system 1601 can notify maintenance personnel of the utility tem 1655 . company 1656 or the communications service provider 1658 45 While for purposes of simplicity of explanation , the of a location of the disturbance , a type of disturbance if respective processes are shown and described as a series of known, and related information that may be helpful to such blocks in FIGS . 17A and 17B , respectively , it is to be personnel to mitigate the disturbance. When a disturbance is understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter expected due to maintenance activities , the network man is not limited by the order of the blocks , as some blocks may agement system 1601 can direct one or more waveguide 50 occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other systems 1602 to reconfigure traffic routes at a given schedule blocks from what is depicted and described herein . More ( consistent with the maintenance schedule ) to avoid distur over, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement bances caused by the maintenance activities during the the methods described herein . maintenance schedule . Turning now to FIG . 18A , a block diagram illustrating an Returning back to step 1760 and upon its completion, the 55 example , non - limiting embodiment of a transmission process can continue with step 1762. At step 1762 , the medium 1800 for propagating guided electromagnetic network management system 1601 can monitor when the waves is shown . In particular, a further example of trans disturbance ( s ) have been mitigated by field personnel. Miti mission medium 125 presented in conjunction with FIG . 1 gation of a disturbance can be detected at step 1762 by is presented . In an embodiment, the transmission medium analyzing field reports submitted to the network manage- 60 1800 can comprise a first dielectric material 1802 and a ment system 1601 by field personnel over a communications second dielectric material 1804 disposed thereon . In an network ( e.g. , cellular communication system ) utilizing field embodiment, the first dielectric material 1802 can comprise equipment ( e.g. , a laptop computer or handheld computer / a dielectric core ( referred to herein as dielectric core 1802 ) device ). If field personnel have reported that a disturbance and the second dielectric material 1804 can comprise a has been mitigated , the network management system 1601 65 cladding or shell such as a dielectric foam that surrounds in can proceed to step 1764 to determine from the field report whole or in part the dielectric core ( referred to herein as whether a topology change was required to mitigate the dielectric foam 1804 ) . In an embodiment, the dielectric core US 10,763,916 B2 43 44 1802 and dielectric foam 1804 can be coaxially aligned to with no ( or nearly no ) adverse effect to the guided electro each other ( although not necessary ). In an embodiment, the magnetic waves propagating through the dielectric core combination of the dielectric core 1802 and the dielectric 1802 and the dielectric foam 1804 . foam 1804 can be flexed or bent at least by 45 degrees Other configurations of the transmission medium 1800 are without damaging the materials of the dielectric core 1802 5 possible including, a transmission medium that comprises a and the dielectric foam 1804. In an embodiment, an outer conductive core with or without an insulation layer sur surface of the dielectric foam 1804 can be further sur rounding the conductive core in whole or in part that is , in rounded in whole or in part by a third dielectric material turn , covered in whole or in part by a dielectric foam 1804 1806 , which can serve as an outer jacket ( referred to herein and jacket 1806 , which can be constructed from the mate as jacket 1806 ) . The jacket 1806 can prevent exposure of the 10 rials previously described . dielectric core 1802 and the dielectric foam 1804 to an It should be noted that the hollow launcher 1808 used with environment that can adversely affect the propagation of the transmission medium 1800 can be replaced with other electromagnetic waves ( e.g. , water, soil , etc. ) . launchers, couplers or coupling devices described in the The dielectric core 1802 can comprise , for example, a subject disclosure . Additionally, the propagation mode ( s) of high density polyethylene material, a high density polyure- 15 the electromagnetic waves for any of the foregoing embodi thane material, or other suitable dielectric material ( s ). The ments can be fundamental mode ( s ) , non - fundamental dielectric foam 1804 can comprise , for example, a cellular mode ( s ) , or combinations thereof. plastic material such an expanded polyethylene material, or FIG . 18B is a block diagram illustrating an example, other suitable dielectric material ( s ) . The jacket 1806 can non - limiting embodiment of bundled transmission media comprise , for example, a polyethylene material or equiva- 20 1836 in accordance with various aspects described herein . lent. In an embodiment, the dielectric constant of the dielec The bundled transmission media 1836 can comprise a plu tric foam 1804 can be ( or substantially ) lower than the rality of cables 1838 held in place by a flexible sleeve 1839 . dielectric constant of the dielectric core 1802. For example , The plurality of cables 1838 can comprise multiple instances the dielectric constant of the dielectric core 1802 can be of cable 1800 of FIG . 18A . The sleeve 1839 can comprise approximately 2.3 while the dielectric constant of the dielec- 25 a dielectric material that prevents soil , water or other exter tric foam 1804 can be approximately 1.15 ( slightly higher nal materials from making contact with the plurality of than the dielectric constant of air ). cables 1838. In an embodiment, a plurality of launchers , The dielectric core 1802 can be used for receiving signals each utilizing a transceiver similar to the one depicted in in the form of electromagnetic waves from a launcher or FIG . 10 or other coupling devices described herein , can be other coupling device described herein which can be con- 30 adapted to selectively induce a guided electromagnetic wave figured to launch guided electromagnetic waves on the in each cable , each guided electromagnetic wave conveys transmission medium 1800. In one embodiment, the trans different data ( e.g. , voice , video , messaging, content, etc. ) . mission 1800 can be coupled to a hollow waveguide 1808 In an embodiment, by adjusting operational parameters of structured as , for example, a circular waveguide 1809 , which each launcher or other coupling device , the electric field can receive electromagnetic waves from a radiating device 35 intensity profile of each guided electromagnetic wave can be such as a stub antenna ( not shown ). The hollow waveguide fully or substantially confined within layers of a correspond 1808 can in turn induce guided electromagnetic waves in the ing cable 1838 to reduce cross - talk between cables 1838 . dielectric core 1802. In this configuration , the guided elec In situations where the electric field intensity profile of tromagnetic waves are guided by or bound to the dielectric each guided electromagnetic wave is not fully or substan core 1802 and propagate longitudinally along the dielectric 40 tially confined within a corresponding cable 1838 , cross - talk core 1802. By adjusting electronics of the launcher, an of electromagnetic signals can occur between cables 1838 . operating frequency of the electromagnetic waves can be Several mitigation options can be used to reduce cross - talk chosen such that a field intensity profile 1810 of the guided between the cables 1838 of FIG . 18B . In an embodiment, an electromagnetic waves extends nominally ( or not at all ) absorption material 1840 that can absorb electromagnetic outside of the jacket 1806 . 45 fields, such as carbon , can be applied to the cables 1838 as By maintaining most ( if not all ) of the field strength of the shown in FIG . 18B to polarize each guided electromagnetic guided electromagnetic waves within portions of the dielec wave at various polarization states to reduce cross - talk tric core 1802 , the dielectric foam 1804 and / or the jacket between cables 1838. In another embodiment ( not shown ), 1806 , the transmission medium 1800 can be used in hostile carbon beads can be added to gaps between the cables 1838 environments without adversely affecting the propagation of 50 to reduce cross - talk . the electromagnetic waves propagating therein . For In yet another embodiment ( not shown ), a diameter of example , the transmission medium 1800 can be buried in cable 1838 can be configured differently to vary a speed of soil with no ( or nearly no ) adverse effect to the guided propagation of guided electromagnetic waves between the electromagnetic waves propagating in the transmission cables 1838 in order to reduce cross - talk between cables medium 1800. Similarly, the transmission medium 1800 can 55 1838. In an embodiment (not shown ), a shape of each cable be exposed to water ( e.g. , rain or placed underwater ) with no 1838 can be made asymmetric ( e.g. , elliptical ) to direct the ( or nearly no ) adverse effect to the guided electromagnetic guided electromagnetic fields of each cable 1838 away from waves propagating in the transmission medium 1800. In an each other to reduce cross - talk . In an embodiment ( not embodiment, the propagation loss of guided electromagnetic shown ), a filler material such as dielectric foam can be added waves in the foregoing embodiments can be 1 to 2 dB per 60 between cables 1838 to sufficiently separate the cables 1838 meter or better at an operating frequency of 60 GHz . to reduce cross - talk therebetween . In an embodiment ( not Depending on the operating frequency of the guided elec shown ), longitudinal carbon strips or swirls can be applied tromagnetic waves and / or the materials used for the trans to on an outer surface of the jacket 1806 of each cable 1838 mission medium 1800 other propagation losses may be to reduce radiation of guided electromagnetic waves outside possible . Additionally, depending on the materials used to 65 of the jacket 1806 and thereby reduce cross - talk between construct the transmission medium 1800 , the transmission cables 1838. In yet another embodiment, each launcher can medium 1800 can in some embodiments be flexed laterally be configured to launch a guided electromagnetic wave US 10,763,916 B2 45 46 having a different frequency, modulation , wave propagation front view of a waveguide device 1865 having a plurality of mode , such as an orthogonal frequency, modulation or slots 1863 ( e.g. , openings or apertures ) for emitting electro mode , to reduce cross - talk between the cables 1838 . magnetic waves having radiated electric fields ( e - fields ) In yet another embodiment ( not shown ), pairs of cables 1861. In an embodiment, the radiated e - fields 1861 of pairs 1838 can be twisted in a helix to reduce cross - talk between 5 of symmetrically positioned slots 1863 ( e.g. , north and south the pairs and other cables 1838 in a vicinity of the pairs . In slots of the waveguide 1865 ) can be directed away from each some embodiments, certain cables 1838 can be twisted other ( i.e. , polar opposite radial orientations about the cable while other cables 1838 are not twisted to reduce cross - talk 1862 ) . While the slots 1863 are shown as having a rectan between the cables 1838. Additionally, each twisted pair gular shape , other shapes such as other polygons , sector and cable 1838 can have different pitches ( i.e. , different twist 10 arc shapes , ellipsoid shapes and other shapes are likewise rates, such as twists per meter) to further reduce cross - talk possible . For illustration purposes only, the term north will between the pairs and other cables 1838 in a vicinity of the refer to a relative azimuthal direction / orientation as shown pairs . In another embodiment ( not shown ), launchers or in the figures. All references in the subject disclosure to other coupling devices can be configured to induce guided other directions / orientations ( e.g. , south , east , west , north electromagnetic waves in the cables 1838 having electro- 15 west , and so forth ) will be relative to northern illustration . In magnetic fields that extend beyond the jacket 1806 into gaps an embodiment, to achieve e - fields with opposing orienta between the cables to reduce cross - talk between the cables tions at the north and south slots 1863 , for example , the 1838. It is submitted that any one of the foregoing embodi north and south slots 1863 can be arranged to have a ments for mitigating cross - talk between cables 1838 can be circumferential distance between each other that is approxi combined to further reduce cross - talk therebetween . 20 mately one wavelength of electromagnetic waves signals Turning now to FIG . 18C , a block diagram illustrating an supplied to these slots . The waveguide 1865 can have a example , non - limiting embodiment of exposed tapered stubs cylindrical cavity in a center of the waveguide 1865 to from the bundled transmission media 1836 for use as enable placement of a cable 1862. In one embodiment, the antennas 1855 is shown . Each antenna 1855 can serve as a cable 1862 can comprise an insulated conductor. In another directional antenna for radiating wireless signals directed to 25 embodiment, the cable 1862 can comprise an uninsulated wireless communication devices or for inducing electromag conductor. In yet other embodiments, the cable 1862 can netic wave propagation on a surface of a transmission comprise any of the embodiments of a transmission core medium ( e.g. , a power line ) . In an embodiment, the wireless 1852 of cable 1850 previously described . signals radiated by the antennas 1855 can be beam steered In one embodiment, the cable 1862 can slide into the by adapting the phase and / or other characteristics of the 30 cylindrical cavity of the waveguide 1865. In another wireless signals generated by each antenna 1855. In an embodiment, the waveguide 1865 can utilize an assembly embodiment, the antennas 1855 can individually be placed mechanism (not shown ) . The assembly mechanism ( e.g. , a in a pie - pan antenna assembly for directing wireless signals hinge or other suitable mechanism that provides a way to in various directions . open the waveguide 1865 at one or more locations ) can be It is further noted that the terms “ core ” , “ cladding ” , 35 used to enable placement of the waveguide 1865 on an outer “ shell” , and “ foam ” as utilized in the subject disclosure can surface of the cable 1862 or otherwise to assemble separate comprise any types of materials ( or combinations of mate pieces together to form the waveguide 1865 as shown . rials ) that enable electromagnetic waves to remain bound to According to these and other suitable embodiments, the the core while propagating longitudinally along the core . For waveguide 1865 can be configured to wrap around the cable example , a strip of dielectric foam 1804" described earlier 40 1862 like a collar. can be replaced with a strip of an ordinary dielectric material FIG . 18E illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the ( e.g. , polyethylene ) for wrapping around the dielectric core waveguide 1865. The waveguide 1865 can be adapted to 1802 ( referred to herein for illustration purposes only as a have a hollow rectangular waveguide portion 1867 that " wrap " ). In this configuration an average density of the wrap receives electromagnetic waves 1866 generated by a trans can be small as a result of air space between sections of the 45 mitter circuit as previously described in the subject disclo wrap . Consequently, an effective dielectric constant of the sure ( e.g. , see FIGS . 1 and 10 ) . The electromagnetic waves wrap can be less than the dielectric constant of the dielectric 1866 can be distributed by the hollow rectangular wave core 1802 , thereby enabling guided electromagnetic waves guide portion 1867 into in a hollow collar 1869 of the to remain bound to the core . Accordingly, any of the waveguide 1865. The rectangular waveguide portion 1867 embodiments of the subject disclosure relating to materials 50 and the hollow collar 1869 can be constructed of materials used for core ( s ) and wrappings about the core ( s ) can be suitable for maintaining the electromagnetic waves within structurally adapted and / or modified with other dielectric the hollow chambers of these assemblies ( e.g. , carbon fiber materials that achieve the result of maintaining electromag materials ). It should be noted that while the waveguide netic waves bound to the core ( s ) while they propagate along portion 1867 is shown and described in a hollow rectangular the core ( s ). Additionally , a core in whole or in part as 55 configuration , other shapes and / or other non - hollow con described in any of the embodiments of the subject disclo figurations can be employed. In particular, the waveguide sure can comprise an opaque material ( e.g. , polyethylene) portion 1867 can have a square or other polygonal cross that is resistant to propagation of electromagnetic waves section , an arc or sector cross section that is truncated to having an optical operating frequency . Accordingly, electro conform to the outer surface of the cable 1862 , a circular or magnetic waves guided and bound to the core will have a 60 ellipsoid cross section or cross sectional shape . In addition, non - optical frequency range ( e.g. , less than the lowest the waveguide portion 1867 can be configured as , or other frequency of visible light ). wise include , a solid dielectric material . FIGS . 18D , 18E , 18F , 186 , 18H , and 181 and 18J are As previously described , the hollow collar 1869 can be block diagrams illustrating example, non - limiting embodi configured to emit electromagnetic waves from each slot ments of a waveguide device for transmitting or receiving 65 1863 with opposite e - fields 1861 at pairs of symmetrically electromagnetic waves in accordance with various aspects positioned slots 1863 and 1863 ' . In an embodiment, the described herein . In an embodiment, FIG . 18D illustrates a electromagnetic waves emitted by the combination of slots US 10,763,916 B2 47 48 1863 and 1863 ' can in turn induce electromagnetic waves the uninsulated conductor without an insulation layer. In the 1868 on that are bound to the cable 1862 for propagation illustration of FIGS . 18G and 18H the tapered end begins at according to a fundamental wave mode without other wave an end of the tapered horn 1880. In other embodiments, the modes present such as non - fundamental wave modes . In tapered end of the insulation layer 1879 can begin before or this configuration , the electromagnetic waves 1868 can 5 after the end of the tapered horn 1880. The tapered horn can propagate longitudinally along the cable 1862 to other be metallic or constructed of other conductive material or downstream waveguide systems coupled to the cable 1862 . constructed of a plastic or other non - conductive material that It should be noted that since the hollow rectangular is coated or clad with a dielectric layer or doped with a waveguide portion 1867 of FIG . 18E is closer to slot 1863 conductive material to provide reflective properties similar ( at the northern position of the waveguide 1865 ) , slot 1863 10 to a metallic horn . can emit electromagnetic waves having a stronger magni In an embodiment, cable 1862 can comprise any of the tude than electromagnetic waves emitted by slot 1863 ' ( at embodiments of cable 1850 described earlier. In this the southern position ) . To reduce magnitude differences embodiment, waveguides 1865 and 1865 ' can be coupled to between these slots , slot 1863 ' can be made larger than slot a transmission core 1852 of cable 1850 as depicted in FIGS . 1863. The technique of utilizing different slot sizes to 15 181 and 18J . The waveguides 1865 and 1865 ' can induce , as balance signal magnitudes between slots can be applied to previously described , electromagnetic waves 1868 on the any of the embodiments of the subject disclosure relating to transmission core 1852 for propagation entirely or partially FIGS . 18D , 18E , 18G , and 181 some of which are within inner layers of cable 1850 . described below . It is noted that for the foregoing embodiments of FIGS . In another embodiment, FIG . 18F depicts a waveguide 20 18G , 18H , 181 and 18J , electromagnetic waves 1868 can be 1865 ' that can be configured to utilize circuitry such as bidirectional . For example, electromagnetic waves 1868 of monolithic microwave integrated circuits ( MMICs ) 1870 a different operating frequency can be received by slots 1863 each coupled to a signal input 1872 ( e.g. , coaxial cable that or MMICs 1870 of the waveguides 1865 and 1865 ' , respec provides a communication signal ). The signal input 1872 tively . Once received , the electromagnetic waves can be can be generated by a transmitter circuit as previously 25 converted by a receiver circuit ( e.g. , see reference 101 , 1000 described in the subject disclosure ( e.g. , see reference 101 , of FIGS . 1 and 10 ) for generating a communication signal 1000 of FIGS . 1 and 10 ) adapted to provide electrical signals for processing to the MMICs 1870. Each MMIC 1870 can be configured to Although not shown , it is further noted that the wave receive signal 1872 which the MMIC 1870 can modulate guides 1865 and 1865 ' can be adapted so that the waveguides and transmit with a radiating element ( e.g. , an antenna) to 30 1865 and 1865 ' can direct electromagnetic waves 1868 emit electromagnetic waves having radiated e - fields 1861 . upstream or downstream longitudinally. For example , a first In one embodiment, the MMICs 1870 can be configured to tapered horn 1880 coupled to a first instance of a waveguide receive the same signal 1872 , but transmit electromagnetic 1865 or 1865 ' can be directed westerly on cable while waves having e - fields 1861 of opposing orientation . This can a second tapered horn 1880 coupled to a second instance of be accomplished by configuring one of the MMICs 1870 to 35 a waveguide 1865 or 1865 ' can be directed easterly on cable transmit electromagnetic waves that are 180 degrees out of 1862. The first and second instances of the waveguides 1865 phase with the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the or 1865 ' can be coupled so that in a repeater configuration , other MMIC 1870. In an embodiment, the combination of signals received by the first waveguide 1865 or 1865 ' can be the electromagnetic waves emitted by the MMICs 1870 can provided to the second waveguide 1865 or 1865 ' for retrans together induce electromagnetic waves 1868 that are bound 40 mission in an easterly direction on cable 1862. The repeater to the cable 1862 for propagation according to a fundamen configuration just described can also be applied from an tal wave mode without other wave modes present — such as easterly to westerly direction on cable 1862 . non - fundamental wave modes . In this configuration , the In another embodiment, the waveguide 1865 ' of FIGS . electromagnetic waves 1868 can propagate longitudinally 18G , 18H , 181 and 18J can also be configured to generate along the cable 1862 to other downstream waveguide sys- 45 electromagnetic waves having non - fundamental wave tems coupled to the cable 1862 . modes. This can be accomplished by adding more MMICs A tapered horn 1880 can be added to the embodiments of 1870 as depicted in FIG . 18K . Each MMIC 1870 can be FIGS . 18E and 18F to assist in the inducement of the configured to receive the same signal input 1872. However, electromagnetic waves 1868 on cable 1862 as depicted in MMICs 1870 can selectively be configured to emit electro FIGS . 18G and 1811. In an embodiment where the cable 50 magnetic waves having differing phases using controllable 1862 is an uninsulated conductor, the electromagnetic waves phase - shifting circuitry in each MMIC 1870. For example , induced on the cable 1862 can have a large radial dimension the northerly and southerly MMICs 1870 can be configured ( e.g. , 1 meter ). To enable use of a smaller tapered horn 1880 , to emit electromagnetic waves having a 180 degree phase an insulation layer 1879 can be applied on a portion of the difference , thereby aligning the e - fields either in a northerly cable 1862 at or near the cavity as depicted with hash lines 55 or southerly direction . Any combination of pairs of MMICs in FIGS . 186 and 18H . The insulation layer 1879 can have 1870 ( e.g. , westerly and easterly MMICs 1870 , northwest a tapered end facing away from the waveguide 1865. The erly and southeasterly MMICs 1870 , northeasterly and added insulation enables the electromagnetic waves 1868 southwesterly MMICs 1870 ) can be configured with oppos initially launched by the waveguide 1865 ( or 1865 ' ) to be ing or aligned e - fields . Consequently, waveguide 1865 ' can tightly bound to the insulation, which in turn reduces the 60 be configured to generate electromagnetic waves with one or radial dimension of the electromagnetic fields 1868 ( e.g. , more non - fundamental wave modes such as TMnm , HEnm centimeters ). As the electromagnetic waves 1868 propagate or EHnm modes where n and m are non -negative integers away from the waveguide 1865 ( 1865 ' ) and reach the and either n or m is non - zero , electromagnetic waves with tapered end of the insulation layer 1879 , the radial dimen one or more fundamental wave modes such as TM00 , or any sion of the electromagnetic waves 1868 begin to increase 65 combinations thereof. eventually achieving the radial dimension they would have It is submitted that it is not necessary to select slots 1863 had had the electromagnetic waves 1868 been induced on in pairs to generate electromagnetic waves having a non US 10,763,916 B2 49 50 fundamental wave mode. For example, electromagnetic tion for generating instances of electromagnetic waves for waves having a non - fundamental wave mode can be gener producing resultant electromagnetic waves that have the ated by enabling a single slot from a plurality of slots and desired wave mode . disabling all other slots . In particular, a single MMIC 1870 For example, once a wave mode or modes is selected , the of the MMICs 1870 shown in FIG . 18K can be configured 5 parametric information obtained from the look - up table from to generate electromagnetic waves having a non - fundamen the entry associated with the selected wave mode ( s ) can be tal wave mode while all other MMICs 1870 are not in use used to identify which of one or more MMICs 1870 to or disabled . Likewise , other wave modes and wave mode utilize , and /or their corresponding configurations to achieve combinations can be induced by enabling other non - null electromagnetic waves having the desired wave mode ( s ) . proper subsets of waveguide slots 1863 or the MMICs 1870. 10 The parametric information may identify the selection of the It is further noted that in some embodiments, the wave one or more MMICs 1870 based on the spatial orientations guide systems 1865 and 1865 ' may generate combinations of of the MMICs 1870 , which may be required for producing fundamental and non - fundamental wave modes where one electromagnetic waves with the desired wave mode . The wave mode is dominant over the other. For example, in one parametric information can also provide information to embodiment electromagnetic waves generated by the wave- 15 configure each of the one or more MMICs 1870 with a guide systems 1865 and 1865 ' may have a weak signal particular phase , frequency, magnitude, electric field orien component that has a non - fundamental wave mode , and a tation , and / or magnetic field orientation which may or may substantially strong signal component that has a fundamen not be the same for each of the selected MMICs 1870. A tal wave mode . Accordingly, in this embodiment, the elec look - up table with selectable wave modes and correspond tromagnetic waves have a substantially fundamental wave 20 ing parametric information can be adapted for configuring mode . In another embodiment electromagnetic waves gen the slotted waveguide system 1865 . erated by the waveguide systems 1865 and 1865 ' may have In some embodiments, a guided electromagnetic wave a weak signal component that has a fundamental wave can be considered to have a desired wave mode if the mode , and a substantially strong signal component that has corresponding wave mode propagates non - trivial distances a non - fundamental wave mode. Accordingly, in this embodi- 25 on a transmission medium and has a field strength that is ment, the electromagnetic waves have a substantially non substantially greater in magnitude ( e.g. , 20 dB higher in fundamental wave mode. Further, a non - dominant wave magnitude ) than other wave modes that may or may not be mode may be generated that propagates only trivial dis desirable . Such a desired wave mode or modes can be tances along the length of the transmission medium . referred to as dominant wave mode ( s ) with the other wave It is also noted that the waveguide systems 1865 and 1865 ' 30 modes being referred to as non - dominant wave modes . In a can be configured to generate instances of electromagnetic similar fashion , a guided electromagnetic wave that is said waves that have wave modes that can differ from a resulting to be substantially without the fundamental wave mode has wave mode or modes of the combined electromagnetic either no fundamental wave mode or a non - dominant fun wave . It is further noted that each MMIC 1870 of the damental wave mode. A guided electromagnetic wave that is waveguide system 1865 ' of FIG . 18K can be configured to 35 said to be substantially without a non - fundamental wave generate an instance of electromagnetic waves having wave mode has either no non - fundamental wave mode ( s ) or only characteristics that differ from the wave characteristics of non - dominant non - fundamental wave mode ( s ) . In some another instance of electromagnetic waves generated by embodiments, a guided electromagnetic wave that is said to another MIMIC 1870. One MMIC 1870 , for example , can have only a single wave mode or a selected wave mode may generate an instance of an electromagnetic wave having a 40 have only one corresponding dominant wave mode . spatial orientation and a phase , frequency, magnitude , elec Turning now to FIGS . 19A and 19B , block diagrams tric field orientation , and /or magnetic field orientation that illustrating example, non - limiting embodiments of a dielec differs from the spatial orientation and phase , frequency, tric antenna and corresponding gain and field intensity plots magnitude, electric field orientation , and / or magnetic field in accordance with various aspects described herein are orientation of a different instance of another electromagnetic 45 shown . FIG . 19A depicts a dielectric horn antenna 1901 wave generated by another MIMIC 1870. The waveguide having a conical structure . The dielectric horn antenna 1901 system 1865 ' can thus be configured to generate instances of is coupled to one end 1902 ' of a feedline 1902 having a feed electromagnetic waves having different wave and spatial point 1902 " at an opposite end of the feedline 1902. The characteristics , which when combined achieve resulting dielectric horn antenna 1901 and the feedline 1902 ( as well electromagnetic waves having one or more desirable wave 50 as other embodiments of the dielectric antenna described modes . below in the subject disclosure) can be constructed of From these illustrations, it is submitted that the wave dielectric materials such as a polyethylene material, a poly guide systems 1865 and 1865 ' can be adapted to generate urethane material or other suitable dielectric material ( e.g. , electromagnetic waves with one or more selectable wave a synthetic resin , other plastics , etc. ) . The dielectric horn modes . In one embodiment, for example, the waveguide 55 antenna 1901 and the feedline 1902 ( as well as other systems 1865 and 1865 ' can be adapted to select one or more embodiments of the dielectric antenna described below in wave modes and generate electromagnetic waves having a the subject disclosure ) can be conductorless and / or be sub single wave mode or multiple wave modes selected and stantially or entirely devoid of any conductive materials . produced from a process of combining instances of electro For example , the external surfaces 1907 of the dielectric magnetic waves having one or more configurable wave and 60 horn antenna 1901 and the feedline 1902 can be non spatial characteristics. In an embodiment, for example, para conductive or substantially non - conductive with at least metric information can be stored in a look - up table . Each 95 % of the external surface area being non - conductive and entry in the look - up table can represent a selectable wave the dielectric materials used to construct the dielectric horn mode . A selectable wave mode can represent a single wave antenna 1901 and the feedline 1902 can be such that they mode , or a combination of wave modes . The combination of 65 substantially do not contain impurities that may be conduc wave modes can have one or dominant wave modes . The tive ( e.g. , such as less than 1 part per thousand ) or result in parametric information can provide configuration informa imparting conductive properties. In other embodiments,