Abstract: A distributed network of communication nodes is organized in a hierarchy of clusters. Upon deployment, nodes exchange messages to form an upper layer cluster and multiple lower layer clusters. Each lower layer cluster may be in communication with one upper layer cluster node, which may function to communicate messages to/from the nodes in the lower layer cluster to the upper layer nodes. Cluster formations may be achieved by exchanging messages among member nodes. The communication between nodes during the operation of the distributed network is based on a consensus protocol such as a modified Paxos protocol, as described herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that implement a protocol format capable of handling shared and dedicated resources. A combined dedicated/shared protocol is used to enable dedicated data to be transmitted over shared wireless networks. In particular, the protocol is a combined DLC/MAC protocol. Header information for L2 headers are modified so that a receiving MAC will appropriately route and interpret the data. The data will be routed to the portion of the network supporting dedicated resources (e.g., DLC) if the header information is a predetermined value. Otherwise, the data is routed to the portion of the network supporting shared resources (e.g., RLC/MAC). The protocol of the present invention does not interfere with existing transceivers.

Abstract: The method provides variable granularity to control data flow by using a scalar parameter to modify buffer capacity indicator. The scalar parameter allows for adjustment of the data flow control scheme and may be predetermined or dynamically set as desired or required for the particular system.

Abstract: A method for adjusting antenna radiation in a wireless network involves varying antenna radiation directions of antennas throughout a defined range. A test receiver measures signal parameters from the antennas at measurement locations as the antenna radiation directions are varied. The processing system determines a resultant antenna radiation direction for each of the antennas in the wireless network, or segment thereof, based upon the measured signal parameters.

Abstract: A method for allocating downlink power in a wireless network determines downlink transmit powers to permit a target performance goal to be satisfied for defined radio frequency coverage areas. Base stations transmit electromagnetic transmissions. Received signal parameters of the electromagnetic transmissions are measured at measurement locations within defined radio frequency coverage areas. A data processing system determines propagation factors associated with the electromagnetic transmissions as a function of the measurement locations. The data processing system determines a downlink transmit power for at least one of the base stations based upon at least one target performance goal for the coverage areas and the propagation factors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that implement a protocol format capable of handling shared and dedicated resources. A combined dedicated/shared protocol is used to enable dedicated data to be transmitted over shared wireless networks. In particular, the protocol is a combined DLC/MAC protocol. Header information for L2 headers are modified so that a receiving MAC will appropriately route and interpret the data. The data will be routed to the portion of the network supporting dedicated resources (e.g., DLC) if the header information is a predetermined value. Otherwise, the data is routed to the portion of the network supporting shared resources (e.g., RLC/MAC). The protocol of the present invention does not interfere with existing transceivers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating frequency sequences in a wireless system. The method for generating frequency sequences creates sequences having a deterministic form. That is, the frequency sequences are created in vector form, where the vector columns represent sequences and the vector rows represent channels.

Abstract: Signal markers are placed in critical locations within the wireless network. Critical locations are locations where signals from base stations may be weak due to natural or man-made obstruction and locations where user demand for network resources may be particularly heavy. The signal markers collect data such as the signal strength or amplitude of signals from surrounding base stations, and the amount of user demand for access to the network. The signal markers then communicate this data to the mobile switching center. The mobile switching center analyzes the data and, if the data indicates unsatisfactory performance, determines new parameters for the base stations. The mobile switching center then communications the new parameters to each of the base stations where each of the base stations changes its performance in accordance with the new parameters.