Abstract: A bridge device (4) for connecting a plurality of communication networks (1-3) around which data is transmitted in frames which include control information defining at least the identity of a destination for data in the frame, each network having at least one end station (8-12). The bridge device comprises a corresponding plurality of data coupling units (13,14) for connection to respective ones of the networks (1-3), each data coupling unit including receive (13) and transmit (14) interfaces for respectively receiving data from and transmitting data onto the connected network. A common store (17) is connected to all the data coupling units for receiving data being transmitted from one network to another.

Abstract: This invention relates to radio communication networks and more particularly, but not exclusively, to radio communication networks using multiple access techniques. A system and method for adaptively changing the characteristics of a signal transmitted across a network is provided. In one embodiment, the communications network comprises at least two stations for transmitting and receiving; wherein at least one of the stations is capable of sending a control signal to the other station after receiving a signal transmitted over the network from the other station after analysis of the transmitted signal, which control signal is transmitted as a data packet independent of the other data and overhead signals.

Abstract: Radio signals in a radio communications system may be modulated in a variety of fashions; there are a finite number of available individual communications channels for separate sets of parties to communicate with each other. The optimisiation of a transmitting antenna requires knowledge of the channel over which the signal is to be transmitted. A system operable over a channel having characteristics such that parameters of a transmission path can be predicted from received signals is disclosed; said system comprising means for analyzing signals received from said channel and a plurality of signal generation means adapted to vary output in response to said signal analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to radio communication networks and more particularly, to up-link power control for fixed wireless access communication networks. In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a radio communications uplink power control system wherein distance information between an outstation and a base station and information relating to channel loss is employed by a power control algorithm whereby the signal power transmitted can be optimally controlled. The present invention provides a power control strategy which adapts not only to the total channel loss, but separately to the components of this loss. The total channel loss is calculated from the difference in the received signal power and the transmitted signal power (which is encoded in the message, or sent in addition to the message and therefore known to the receiving station). A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to radio communication networks and more particularly, but not exclusively, to radio communication networks using multiple access techniques. A system and method for adaptively changing the characteristics of a signal transmitted across the network is provided. In one embodiment, the communications network includes at least two transceivers; wherein at least one of the transceivers is capable of sending a feedback signal to the other transceiver after receiving a signal transmitted over the network from the other transceiver after analysis of the transmitted signal and in the event that the signal characteristics of the system need to be varied.

Abstract: This invention relates to duplex and to half duplex transmission schemes and more particularly to the application of such schemes in TDMA and other multiple access environments. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of multiplexing signals transmitted by a number of terminals onto a communications link; the link having a capacity less than the total capacity of the terminals; the method including the step of varying the rate of encoding of said signals transmitted by said terminals whereby the bandwidth o the transmitted signals corresponds to the portions allocated to the terminals. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for the communication of signals in real time over a channel; said system adapted to vary the bandwidth of at least one signal such that the number of signals multiplexed onto said channel can be dynamically varied.

Abstract: This invention relates to radio communications and in particular relates to a method for allocating channels in a radio communications system having a plurality of bearers in a system which is subject to slow temporal fading. In radio communications, signals are transmitted at a particular frequency, in a frequency band or in a number of frequency bands. Obstacles in a signal path, such as buildings in built-up areas and hills in rural areas, act as signal scatterers and these, together with fading, amongst other factors can cause signalling problems whereby signals may not be communicated on certain channel The present invention provides a system and method for channel allocation method for a multi-bearer communications network, with each bearer supporting a number of channels, wherein after allocation of a channel responsive to an access request from the available bearers which can provide access, the maximum number of available slots are left on each bearer, for a particular level of subscription.

Abstract: A bridge device (4) for connecting a plurality of communication networks (1-3) around which data is transmitted in frames which include control information defining at least the identity of a destination for data in the frame, each network having at least one end station (8-12). The bridge device comprises a corresponding plurality of data coupling units (13,14) for connection to respective ones of the networks (1-3), each data coupling unit including receive (13) and transmit (14) interfaces for respectively receiving data from and transmitting data onto the connected network. A common store (17) is connected to all the data coupling units for receiving data being transmitted from one network to another.