Antenna array sharing in a multi-operator radio node in a communications system

摘要

A multi-operator radio node for a communications system that supports sharing a common antenna array while supporting individual spectrum of multiple service providers. The multi-operator radio node includes signal processing circuits for each supported service provider. Each signal processing circuit is configured to receive communications signals for a supported service provider to be distributed through a common antenna array to wireless client devices. Each signal processing circuit includes a modem that processes the received communications signals for spectrum of its service provider to provide signal streams to be distributed to co-located antenna elements in the antenna array. Summation circuits are provided at the front end of each RF chain circuit to combine signal streams of the spectrum of the service providers directed to the same antenna element in the antenna array to form signal beams in individual spectrum layers of the service providers.