Abstract: The present invention provides a method of transmitting data across a communications network having multiple channels, a controller for use with a transceiver in a wireless communications network and a wireless communications device. In one embodiment, the method of transmitting data includes establishing a bandwidth for transmission of the data based on a priority status thereof, selecting a modulation scheme and symbol rate as a function of the establishing the bandwidth, concluding if at least one channel from the multiple channels provides the bandwidth and transmitting the data over the as least one channel based on the concluding.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus of controlling power of a transmitted communication signal, a communication signal is amplified and transmitted. At least one parameter on the transmitted signal is received, and a measure of interference with the transmitted signal is determined based on the received parameter. An average power level of the communication signal is increased by clipping the communication signal prior to amplification by an amount based on the determined measure.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus of controlling power of a transmitted communication signal, a communication signal is amplified and transmitted. At least one parameter on the transmitted signal is received, and a measure of interference with the transmitted signal is determined based on the received parameter. An average power level of the communication signal is increased by clipping the communication signal prior to amplification by an amount based on the determined measure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for use with a transceiver in a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, the controller includes a sensing system that senses, perhaps periodically, at least one characteristic associated with at least two channels of the wireless communications network. The controller further includes a modification system that updates channel information in a channel information table associated with the at least two channels based on the at least one characteristic. The controller still further includes a selection system that selects channels in accordance with the channel information.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus of controlling power of a transmitted communication signal, a communication signal is amplified and transmitted. At least one parameter on the transmitted signal is received, and a measure of interference with the transmitted signal is determined based on the received parameter. An average power level of the communication signal is increased by clipping the communication signal prior to amplification by an amount based on the determined measure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for use with a transceiver in a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, the controller includes a sensing system that senses, perhaps periodically, at least one characteristic associated with at least two channels of the wireless communications network. The controller further includes a modification system that updates channel information in a channel information table associated with the at least two channels based on the at least one characteristic. The controller still further includes a selection system that selects channels in accordance with the channel information.

Abstract: A loop antenna includes a dielectric substrate, and an antenna conductor forming a loop that extends over a surface of the substrate. A matching circuit near the conductor is dimensioned and arranged for electromagnetically coupling a radio frequency circuit with the antenna conductor. In one embodiment, the antenna conductor forms a closed loop on a surface of a first substrate layer, and the matching network includes a strip transmission line on a surface of a second substrate layer overlying the antenna conductor on the first substrate layer. The substrate layers form part of an interface unit that provides a wireless data link with a residential electric utility meter.