Abstract: A wireless communication system in which retransmission is performed between a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus, whereby the transmitting apparatus includes, a first transmitting unit to transmit first data to the receiving apparatus and retransmission controlling unit to perform transmission of second data, the data part of which is same as that of the first data, without waiting for a feedback signal from receiving apparatus regarding the first data, and to wait for a feedback signal from the receiving apparatus regarding the second data, and the receiving apparatus includes, a second transmitting unit to transmit the feedback signal regarding the second data to the transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting and receiving data over a communication channel between two transceiver stations are disclosed. A first decision is made during an initialization process, wherein the first decision comprises selecting a first subset of communication parameters. A second decision is made during the initialization process wherein the second decision comprises deciding whether one or more of the communication parameters of the first subset are to be changed depending on information collected about the communication channel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a low-power current mode logic (CML)-less transmitter architecture. A transmitter comprises a main multiplexer configured to generate a main data signal by multiplexing parallel main data signals retimed from a retimer for time margin between parallel input data signals and a multiphase clock signals from a clock distributor, a secondary multiplexer configured to generate a post data signal by multiplexing parallel post data signals retimed from the retimer, and a plurality of output drivers configured to generate a serial data signal by summing the main data signal and the post data signal.

Abstract: A technique for equalizing a distributed pilot OFDM signal with decision feedback involves correlating a received OFDM signal against a pilot reference to obtain a coarse channel estimate, where the received OFDM signal includes a distributed pilot signal and an OFDM data signal. The received OFDM signal is equalized based on the coarse channel estimate and the distributed pilot signal is removed to generate a coarse data signal estimate. The coarse data signal estimate is removed from the received OFDM signal using the coarse channel estimate to generate a residual pilot signal. The residual pilot signal can then be correlated against the pilot reference to obtain a fine channel estimate. The received OFDM signal is equalized based on the fine channel estimate, and the distributed pilot signal is removed to produce a fine data signal estimate from which data is recoverable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing resources in a communication system including a plurality of systems not having permission a first frequency band, including: a coexistence manager managing the plurality of systems for coexistence and frequency sharing of the plurality of systems in available frequency bands when the available frequency bands by the plurality of systems are searched in the first frequency band; a coexistence enabler transmitting and receiving information of the plurality of systems and information of the coexistence manager; and a coexistence discovery and information server (CDIS) supporting a control of the coexistence manager for the plurality of systems.

Abstract: A stable Low Power Mode (LPM) for multicarrier transceivers is described that at least provides transmit power savings while enabling receiver designs that can easily operate without the detrimental effects of fluctuating crosstalk. In one exemplary embodiment, the LPM achieves power savings by reducing the number of used subcarriers without actually performing a power cutback on those subcarriers, thereby allowing a receiver to measure the SNR or noise levels and determine the crosstalk noise on the line regardless of a crosstalking modem being in a LPM or not.

Abstract: A device and method for communicating by a mobile communication terminal in communication with a base station. The method according to an embodiment includes exchanging a frame of data with the base station. The frame of data includes a) a plurality of first subframes each having a first number of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols, and b) a plurality of second subframes each having a second number of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols different from the first number. A first and a last subframe each includes one of the plurality of first subframes.

Abstract: A receiver in a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system is configured to perform a method for generating channel quality feedback information. The method includes receiving, from a MIMO transmitter, pilot signals in each MIMO layer. The method also includes estimating the MIMO channel using the received pilot signals and performing a QR decomposition of the estimated MIMO channel. The method further includes predicting a probability of error for each MIMO layer after the QR decomposition of the estimated MIMO channel. The method still further includes determining a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each MIMO layer based on the probability of error for the each MIMO layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a switch system includes a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface block coupled to a plurality of PCIe ports, the plurality of PCIe ports being adapted for coupling to one or more external PCIe devices, wherein the PCIe interface block includes logic adapted for providing direct memory access (DMA) for each PCIe lane thereof, multiple switched Ethernet ports adapted for coupling to one or more external Ethernet devices, switching logic adapted for switching between the multiple switched Ethernet ports and the plurality of PCIe ports, and a local processor coupled to the PCIe interface block. The external host includes a pass-through PCIe adaptor coupled to the switch system via a PCIe port. Other systems, computer program products, and methods are described according to more embodiments.

Abstract: Provided is a method of performing communication by using a plurality of network interfaces mounted on a communication terminal apparatus. The method includes allocating different Internet protocol (IP) addresses corresponding to the plurality of network interfaces to a plurality of applications of the communication terminal apparatus, relaying data transmitted or received between the plurality of applications and the plurality of network interfaces based on the allocated IP addresses, and simultaneously performing communication with an external network by the plurality of network interfaces through the relaying of the data.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus includes a plurality of transmission data generation units that generate a first symbol by attaching one control bit to data of a predetermined bit length or a second symbol including data of a bit length longer than the predetermined bit length by one bit. The data transmission apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits the first symbol or the second symbol generated by each of the transmission data generation units. At least one transmission data generation unit, in each timing at which the plurality of transmission data generation units generate the first symbol or the second symbol, generates the first symbol and the other transmission data generation units generate the second symbol.

Abstract: For providing circuit arrangement and method for transmitting signals from a data source to a data sink, the signals being TMDS encoded, the driver circuit is supplied by a connection interface, connected upstream, assigned to data source, with supply voltage, electrical TMDS encoded signals are electro-optically converted by an LED connected downstream of the driver circuit and coupled into an optical fiber as light supplied with TMDS encoded signals, the direct current portion supplied from TMDS transmitter to connection interface, to data source, is converted by driver circuit to a modulated signal current for controlling LED.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC) based matrix inversion of input digital signal streams from multiple antennas using an bi-directional ring-bus architecture. The bi-directional ring bus includes a first ring bus having signals flow in a clockwise direction, and a second ring bus having signals flow in a counter-clockwise direction. An I/O controller is coupled to the first and the second ring bus, respectively. A plurality of processing elements (PEs), where each of the plurality of PEs is coupled to the first and the second ring bus, respectively, wherein each of the plurality of PEs includes at least one CORDIC core for performing CORDIC iterations on the plurality of input digital stream signals to produce inversed matrix signals.

Abstract: An optical transport system configured to transmit a set of two or more optical variants per bit-word, with the optical variants in the set being different from one another in one or more of the time of transmission, spatial localization, polarization of light, carrier wavelength, and subcarrier frequency. Differences between the optical variants may also be due to different respective constellation mapping. The optical variants of each set are detected and processed at the receiver in a manner that enables coherent summation of the corresponding electrical signals prior to constellation de-mapping. The coherent summation tends to average out the deleterious effects of linear and nonlinear noise/distortions imparted on the individual optical variants in the optical transport link because said noise/distortions are incoherent in nature. A BER reduction enabled by the use of optical variants may be implemented in addition to or instead of that provided by FEC coding.

Abstract: A method and a device for time synchronization are disclosed according to the embodiments of the present invention. The method includes: selecting, by a slave device, a port of a single-fiber bi-directional line as a synchronization port of a 1588 clock protocol; specifying a work mode of the synchronization port; exchanging a 1588 clock synchronization packet with a master device through the synchronization port according to the work mode; acquiring transmission time information and restore a system clock according to the 1588 clock synchronization packet; and adjusting the system clock according to the work mode and the transmission time information. The device includes: a line processing module, a clock recovery module and a clock adjustment module. Through the method and the device, zero-error time synchronization is implemented; and in the case of unfixed path delay, the time synchronization can also be implemented.

Abstract: A device may include a first antenna and a second antenna. The device may further include a frequency domain multiplexer configured for receiving a first input signal. The frequency domain multiplexer may have a first output port connected to the first antenna and configured for supplying a signal in a low band frequency range of the first input signal to the first antenna, and a second output port connected to the second antenna and configured for supplying a signal in a high band frequency range of the first input signal to the second antenna. The device may also include a third antenna configured for receiving a signal in a mid band frequency range of a second input signal. The low band frequency range may be separated from the high band frequency range.

Abstract: A method for allocating downlink transmission power of coordinated transmission devices in coordinated multi-point transmission system includes the coordinated transmission devices receiving feedback of channel state information of sub-channels occupied by a terminal from the terminal. The channel state information includes channel phase information and channel amplitude information. Each of the coordinated transmission devices adjusts phases of their sending signals over its sub-channels respectively so as to make phase difference of the sending signals, which are received by the terminal from the coordinated transmission devices via a same sub-channel, to be minimal. Each of the coordinated transmission devices determines its power allocation proportions for the sub-channels on the basis of feedback of channel amplitude information from the terminal and the adjusted phases of the sending signals.

Abstract: A burst processing modem. Implementations may include a receive side including a channelizer adapted to process a plurality of channels and write a plurality of frames to a receive RAM array. A receive frame state machine may be adapted to generate a timing signal using a burst time plan for the plurality of frames. A demodulator may be coupled with the receive RAM array and adapted to read from the receive RAM array only the one or more bursts from the plurality of frames indicated by the timing signal. A transmit side may include a modulator coupled with a transmit frame state machine, with a transmit RAM array, and a combiner bank. The combiner bank may read the modulated plurality of channels from the transmit RAM array and assemble a plurality of frames using a timing signal generated from a burst time plan by the transmit frame state machine.

Abstract: A method is provided which is suitable for implementation in a switched digital video content-based network, wherein a head end obtains a first group of program streams and sends to a client only a subset of the program streams selected by subscribers in a neighborhood of the client. At least one of imminence and presence of a condition of inadequate bandwidth is determined. Responsive to the determining of the at least one of imminence and presence of the condition of inadequate bandwidth, a bit rate of at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client is dynamically decreased by adjusting encoding thereof, while maintaining adequate quality for the at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client, based on an objective quality measure, in order to address the at least one of imminence and presence of the condition of inadequate bandwidth.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show an apparatus, method, and system for presenting context aware messages. The system includes a mobile wireless communication. The mobile wireless communication instrument is operatively connected to a data processor. The data processor is adapted to receive, store, execute and compose information and data into a global message. At least one context management protocol is stored in the mobile wireless communication instruments. The context management protocol is adapted to accompany a global message and to selectively modify the global message into one or more context aware messages for receipt by any of the plurality of mobile wireless communication instruments.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, a first controller, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and a second controller. The first connector is electrically connected between a first element and the first controller. The second connector is electrically connected between a second element and the second controller. The I2C is electrically connected between the first controller and the second controller. The first connector receives and outputs a number of parallel signals from the first element. The first controller converts the parallel signals into two serial signals. The I2C transmits the two serial signals to the second controller. The second controller converts the two serial signals into a number of parallel signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing message is described. In one embodiment, messages are received over a plurality of channels from a plurality of applications in a virtual machine. An identifier is coupled to each message. The identifier refers to the application originating the corresponding message. A shared transport is formed and associated with the channels. The messages are processed with the shared transport with the identifier.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a coexistence mechanism for multiple channels. A plurality of channels are monitored to determine which channels are available for communications. Upon receiving a request to establish communications on a channel set within the plurality of channels, a response is sent to the request on at least one in the channel set. The response comprises data representative of which channels from the channel set are available for communications. Optionally, the response may include data indicating how long the unavailable channels will be occupied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiplexing signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a first signal having at least a real component, receiving a second signal having at least a real component, generating an in-phase signal based, at least in part, on the first signal, the in-phase signal being real in a first domain, generating a quadrature signal based, at least in part, on the second signal, the quadrature signal being imaginary in the first domain, adding the in-phase signal and the quadrature signal to generate a multiplexed signal, and transmitting the multiplexed signal.

Abstract: Data networks, nodes making up parts of data networks, and information are related to the characterization of paths taken by data travelling between nodes in the networks. Path characterization information is arranged to be conveyed to nodes such that it may be used by nodes subsequently forwarding data. In particular, the invention relates to nodes receiving such path characterization information from upstream nodes, deriving therefrom information indicative of characteristics of a path downstream of said nodes, and using such information to make informed decisions such as routing decisions when forwarding data onward in data networks.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for providing an alternate data service to a mobile communication device. The apparatus includes a logic module operable to identify a wireless network accessible by the mobile communication device, a logic module operable to determine whether a packet data service is available to the mobile communication device via the wireless network and a logic module operable to effectuate an alternate data service when the packet data service is unavailable to the mobile communication device via the wireless network.

Abstract: A method for transferring network event protocol messages includes: attaching message length information to SYSLOG (network event protocol) messages; the receiver of the SYSLOG messages parses the SYSLOG messages from the received transport payload according to the message length information. By means of the method in this invention, SYSLOG messages can be rapidly parsed from the received transport payload by the receiver of the SYSLOG messages.

Abstract: A preprocessing unit includes a data receiver to receive a data packet containing packet information, application data, and application data information, a relevance checker to determine relevance of the data packet in dependence on the packet information, an output module to output preprocessor output data, and a first controller to control output of preprocessor output data in dependence on the relevance of the data packet. In order to discard redundant data, thereby reducing the load of the memory, bus, and CPU of the computer system, the preprocessing unit further comprises a redundancy checker to determine redundancy of the application data preferably and a second controller to control output of preprocessor output data in dependence on the redundancy of the application data.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus is provided including: a radio receiver configured to acquire, from a base station, a first information indicating a fixed number identifying quantity of sub-carrier bands to be selected for channel quality reporting; a reception quality measurer configured to measure channel quality of each of a plurality of sub-carrier bands within a communication band; a subcarrier selector configured to select sub-carrier bands from the plurality of sub-carrier bands based on the measured channel quality, wherein quantity of the selected sub-carrier bands matches the quantity of sub-carrier bands identified by the fixed number; a modulator configured to modulate a second information indicating channel quality of the selected sub-carrier bands and a third information indicating positions of the selected sub-carrier bands according to a modulation scheme; and a radio transmitter configured to report to the base station the second and third modulated information.

Abstract: A system and method are described to provide a next generation cable gateway/modem based on the DOCSIS standard with a scheme to synchronously combine channels in the physical layer to increase overall bit rates for coaxial cable data transmission. The systems and methods synchronize the counters associated with multiple channels, including continuity counters, at the transmitter to zero and then allow the counters on individual channels to increment individually. At the receiver, individual channel delays of individual channels will be thus recognizable based on the information provided by the counters associated with each channel. A buffer at the receiver is informed and used to individually delay one or more of the multiple channels to marry up continuity counter values. In this manner, the buffer acts to essentially equalize delays in individual channels with the continuity counter representing the mechanism for specifying the individual delays for the separate channels.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a high-priority link configured to transmit one or more high-priority packets that have a priority level greater than or equal to a given level; a plurality of low-priority links that are optically coupled to the same transmission destination as the high-priority link and are configured to transmit one or more low-priority packets that have a priority level less than the given level; a first distribution circuit configured to select the one or more high-priority packets from among input packets and distribute the selected one or more high-priority packets to the high-priority link; and a second distribution circuit configured to individually distribute one or more remaining input packets, which are the input packets that have not been distributed to the high-priority link by the first distribution circuit, to the plurality of low-priority links based on distribution information about distributing packets to the plurality of low-priority links.

Abstract: In order to input/output only necessary information in accordance with the form of application, a mobile phone includes: a wireless circuit 22 to connect to a first network in order to communicate with a device connected to the first network; a wireless LAN circuit 23 to connect to a second network different from the first network in order to communicate with a device connected to the second network; and a setting mode switching portion 21 to switch between a first setting mode capable of activating wireless circuit 22 and wireless LAN circuit 23 and a second setting mode capable of activating only wireless circuit 22 among wireless circuit 22 and wireless LAN circuit 23.

Abstract: A method of operation of a communication system includes: utilizing an estimation module estimating a log-likelihood ratio for a transmission; and utilizing a slicing module, coupled to the estimation module, slicing a constellation by: reading the log-likelihood ratio from the estimation module, defining a threshold within the constellation, and adjusting the threshold based on the log-likelihood ratio for determining a symbol.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement (600) in a user equipment (140) for quantizing channel state information in a coordinated multi-point transmission radio communication system (100). A dominant path is between the user equipment (140) and a first network node (110) and a non-dominant path is between the user equipment (140) and a second network node (120, 130). A ratio of the non-dominant path channel response, such as fast fading, to the dominant path channel response is quantized by using a codebook disclosed herein. A method and an arrangement (400) for generating a codebook by applying a log squared error distortion measure in an iterative algorithm. A method and an arrangement (900) in a user equipment (140) for allocating available bits among at least two quantized ratios in a channel state information feedback procedure. The bits are allocated by means of selecting (270) at least one codebook based on statistic properties, such as path gain, of the non-dominant path.

Abstract: A method implemented in a base station used in a wireless communications system is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting an index indicating data stream parameters, and transmitting an indication of the number of transmit antennas at the base station, wherein the data stream parameters for 8 transmit antennas are indicated by the index according to a first table, and wherein the data stream parameters for 4 transmit antennas are indicated by the index according to a second table. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for processing data flows comprises a classifier, a first processor, a first checking unit, a calculator, and a second processor. The classifier is designed for classifying of data channels into a first and a second class of data channels. The first processor is designed for processing of a second sub-class of data channels. The calculator is designed for calculating information for the second class data channels from processing results of the first processor. The second processor is designed for processing the second class data channels using information calculated by the calculator. Each of network equipment for an uplink connection, and of user equipment for a downlink connection or batch processing of format detection comprises such a system for processing data flows.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for processing signals comprising a first component and a second component. A bandwidth of the first component may be centered at a center frequency. A bandwidth of the second component may be offset from the center frequency by an offset frequency such that at least a portion of the bandwidth of the second component overlaps a skirt of the first component. In various embodiments, a transmitter may split a single signal to generate the first and second components, shift the frequency of the second component, recombine and transmit the two components. Also, in various embodiments, a receiver may receive the signal and derive the first and second components by correcting for cross-interference.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are disclosed that provide flexible input/output device communications in a process control system. In one example, a process control system controls a plurality of field devices. The process control system includes a control device and a communications protocol component. The communications protocol component has at least one communications channel that is selectively configurable to use at least a first or second communications protocol and to communicate with at least one of the field devices.

Abstract: A mobile device-to-HTTP protocol gateway (MHG) which translates between Wireless Mobile Originated commands from an SMSC, and an application server on the Internet. A wireless Internet gateway establishes communications with one or more relevant SMSCs using standard format SMPP commands, and the MHG utilizes HTTP protocol POST messages to post short messages originated at the mobile device to a particular URL. Return results are received by the MHG via HTTP protocol messages, translated to SMPP messages, and forwarded back to the SMSC for delivery to the mobile device. The wireless Internet Gateway communicates with the MHG using RMI protocol commands. An MHG in the present invention enables a developer to create mobile applications using standard web development tools. The MHG allows standard format command messages to be used throughout the pathway between a mobile device and an application program on a web IP server at a particular URL.

Abstract: The method may include intercepting a data stream from the mobile device attempting to access the network resource, extracting information from the intercepted data stream relating to at least one of the mobile device or a user of the mobile device, accessing at least one of enterprise service based information and third party information regarding at least one of the mobile device or the user of the mobile device, determining whether the mobile device is authorized to access the network resource, preparing an access decision that specifies whether the mobile device is authorized to access the network resource, and storing the access decision in a database on the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of transmitting and receiving signals and a corresponding apparatus. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of receiving a signal, which includes interleaving in an appropriate manner for a channel bonding system. The interleaving can allow decoding a user requested service at a random tuner window position.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for off-channel device invitation. In some aspects a first frame is transmitted on a first channel of a wireless medium effective to prevent a member device of a peer-to-peer group from attempting to access the wireless medium, a second frame inviting a wireless device to join the peer-to-peer group is transmitted on a second channel of the wireless medium, and the first channel of the wireless medium is returned to thereby enabling a next attempt of the member device to access the wireless medium.

Abstract: A method of generating modulation signals is disclosed including generally three steps. A plurality of modulation signals are generated, each of which is to be transmitted from a different one of a plurality of antennas in an identical frequency band, wherein each modulation signal includes a pilot symbol sequence including a plurality of pilot symbols used for demodulation. Each of the pilot symbol sequences is inserted at the same temporal point in each modulation signal, wherein the pilot symbol sequences are orthogonal to each other with zero mutual correlation among the plurality of modulation signals, each pilot symbol having a non-zero amplitude, the quantity of the plurality of pilot symbols in each sequence being greater than the quantity of the plurality of modulation signals to be transmitted. The plurality of modulation signals each including different transmission data and one of the pilot symbol sequences are output to the antennas.

Abstract: A hybrid expansion unit includes at least one digital communication interface adapted to communicate first and second sets of N-bit words of digitized spectrum with an upstream device. The hybrid expansion unit further includes at least one analog communication interface adapted to communicate first and second sets of bands of analog spectrum with a downstream device. The hybrid expansion unit is adapted to convert between the first set of N-bit words of digitized spectrum and the first set of bands of analog spectrum. The hybrid expansion unit is further adapted to convert between the second set of N-bit words of digitized spectrum and the second set of bands of analog spectrum. The first set of bands of analog spectrum occupy a first frequency range and the second set of bands of analog spectrum occupy a second frequency range. The first frequency range and the second frequency range do not overlap.

Abstract: A mobile communication system includes a base station apparatus and a mobile station apparatus. The base station apparatus is configured to provide, to the mobile station apparatus via paging, a notification of updating of system information corresponding to a first component carrier, and provide, to the mobile station apparatus via radio resource control signaling, updated system information corresponding to a second component carrier. The mobile station apparatus is configured to detect, from the base station apparatus via the paging, the notification of updating of the system information corresponding to the first component carrier, and obtain, from the base station apparatus, the updated system information broadcasted in the first component carrier, and obtain, from the base station apparatus via the radio resource control signaling, the updated system information corresponding to the second component carrier.

Abstract: Implementations include a method, systems, and computer program products for adaptively configuring codecs to transmit encoded data to better utilize available bandwidth of reachable networks. One implementation is a method of transmitting encoded data from a host to a target. The method includes, selecting a communication network reachable by the host, estimating an available bandwidth from the host to the target via the selected communication network, configuring a codec from a plurality of codecs implemented in the host according to the estimated available bandwidth, encoding data using the configured codec, and transmitting the encoded data to the target.

Abstract: A device for performing channel estimation in an OFDM system includes a non-volatile memory, a G matrix selector and a channel estimate generator. The non-volatile memory stores a set of G matrices indexed by signal to noise ratio, the G matrices being precalculated for a plurality of signal to noise ratios using a fixed Doppler frequency and a fixed delay spread. The G matrix selector uses a quantised signal to noise ratio to select a G matrix from the set of G matrices stored in the non-volatile memory. The channel estimate generator multiplies the selected G matrix by LS estimates for the reference signal to obtain a channel estimation.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for remoting user/callee presence information in a home network is provided, the method comprising: subscribing, from a home network presence client, to one or more home network presence servers, for presence information relating to one or more users; receiving, from one of the home network presence servers, a change in presence information relating to one of said one or more users; and notifying a user of a device associated with the home network presence client of the change in presence information.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for using information in a Very High Throughput Signal B (VHT-SIG-B) field in the preamble of a null data packet (NDP). Retaining the VHT-SIG-B field in NDPs offers several advantages, such as maintaining a unified IEEE 802.11ac preamble structure, providing for 4 ?s extra time to process beamforming feedback, and being able to use information in the VHT-SIG-B field to determine a level of interference in the NDP.

Abstract: A control network communication arrangement includes a second protocol embedded into a first protocol in a way that modules supporting the second protocol may be aware of and utilize the first protocol whereas modules supporting only the first protocol may not be aware of the second protocol. Operation of modules using the second protocol does not disturb operation of the modules not configured to use or understand the second protocol. By one approach, the messages sent using the second protocol will be seen as messages sent using the first protocol but not having a message necessary to understand or as needing a particular response. In another approach, modules using the second protocol can be configured to send message during transmission of first protocol messages by other modules, the second protocol messages being trigger off of expected aspects of the message sent under the first protocol.