Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing link integrity between two wireless cable devices through automatic link acquisition and tracking. Embodiments of the invention utilize inexpensive motors and control components to automatically enhancing signal strength between a first wireless cable device and a second wireless cable device. Either the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include an omnidirectional wireless antenna. Alternatively, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include a directional antenna. In another embodiment, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide network congestion avoidance implementing a fairness scheme in which a cost function is used are shown. Transmission cost, for use in network congestion avoidance packet dropping decisions, may be determined from an amount of air time needed to transmit a data packet, a transmission data rate, a size of a packet, an amount of spectral energy or transmit power associated with transmission, etc. A packet dropping probability for a particular packet is preferably determined as a function of the current flow cost and average flow cost to provide fair allocation of network communications resources. Embodiments additionally implement buffer based packet dropping probability calculation in order to provide a robust network congestion avoidance technique. Cost based packet dropping probability calculation and buffer based packet dropping probability calculation implemented according to embodiments are adapted to accommodate quality of service applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize antenna pattern or antenna beam scanning techniques to provide communication of payload traffic are shown. A base station radio is provided wireless communication links with a plurality of stations for communication of payload traffic between the base station and stations using a succession of antenna patterns. The antenna patterns are scanned in succession, such as randomly, quasi-randomly, sequentially, or according to a schedule. An antenna pattern scheduler may be used to implement antenna pattern scanning and traffic timing. Cooperative scheduling with respect to a plurality of base stations may be provided. Selection of the plurality of antenna patterns used by a base station is preferably adjusted from time to time, such as based upon environment, usage patterns, etcetera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing link integrity between two wireless cable devices through automatic link acquisition and tracking. Embodiments of the invention utilize inexpensive motors and control components to automatically enhancing signal strength between a first wireless cable device and a second wireless cable device. Either the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include an omnidirectional wireless antenna. Alternatively, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include a directional antenna. In another embodiment, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multi-function wireless node are shown. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments provide link completion infrastructure suited for a plurality of situations and environments, such as for repeaters, bridges, gateways, and APs. Embodiments provide a multi-function wireless node comprising a plurality of radios. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments further comprise a smart antenna system coupled to radios thereof and providing illumination within a service volume. The service volume of embodiments comprises a semi-spherical volume. Embodiments comprise a controller facilitating proper and/or optimal deployment and commissioning of the multi-function wireless node in each of a plurality of different link completion infrastructure forms. Embodiments further comprise a communication interface providing one or more information communication links in addition to those available through wireless links.

Abstract: Systems and methods which control communications in a carrier sense multiple access environment to provide a balance between communication sensitivity and transmission availability are shown. Adaptive interference control techniques of embodiments operate to determine a media error time metric representing the time associated with receiving interfering signals. The media error time metric of embodiments is used to adjust operation of various network systems in order to adjust communication sensitivity and/or transmission availability. Desensitizing thresholds and sensitizing thresholds may be used to define operating boundaries, such that desensitizing thresholds are used to control network desensitize actions which result in decreased error times and sensitizing thresholds are used to control network sensitizing actions which result in increased error times. Error time metrics and corresponding desensitizing and sensitizing thresholds may be utilized with respect to a plurality of radios.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement cooperative techniques at wireless network access points to provide interference mitigation are shown. Embodiments utilize cooperative antenna beam adaptation techniques wherein antenna beam selection, selective antenna beam transmission power, and/or antenna beam null selection is implemented based upon the communication environment created by a plurality of access points. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments utilize cooperative antenna beam isolation techniques wherein narrow channel filters are implemented with respect to antenna beam signals and/or shielding is provided between various antenna beams based upon the communication environment created by a plurality of access points.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multi-function wireless node are shown. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments provide link completion infrastructure suited for a plurality of situations and environments, such as for repeaters, bridges, gateways, and APs. Embodiments provide a multi-function wireless node comprising a plurality of radios. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments further comprise a smart antenna system coupled to radios thereof and providing illumination within a service volume. The service volume of embodiments comprises a semi-spherical volume. Embodiments comprise a controller facilitating proper and/or optimal deployment and commissioning of the multi-function wireless node in each of a plurality of different link completion infrastructure forms. Embodiments further comprise a communication interface providing one or more information communication links in addition to those available through wireless links.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide network congestion avoidance implementing a fairness scheme in which a cost function is used are shown. Transmission cost, for use in network congestion avoidance packet dropping decisions, may be determined from an amount of air time needed to transmit a data packet, a transmission data rate, a size of a packet, an amount of spectral energy or transmit power associated with transmission, etc. A packet dropping probability for a particular packet is preferably determined as a function of the current flow cost and average flow cost to provide fair allocation of network communications resources. Embodiments additionally implement buffer based packet dropping probability calculation in order to provide a robust network congestion avoidance technique. Cost based packet dropping probability calculation and buffer based packet dropping probability calculation implemented according to embodiments are adapted to accommodate quality of service applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods which control communications in a carrier sense multiple access environment to provide a balance between communication sensitivity and transmission availability are shown. Adaptive interference control techniques of embodiments operate to determine a media error time metric representing the time associated with receiving interfering signals. The media error time metric of embodiments is used to adjust operation of various network systems in order to adjust communication sensitivity and/or transmission availability. Desensitizing thresholds and sensitizing thresholds may be used to define operating boundaries, such that desensitizing thresholds are used to control network desensitize actions which result in decreased error times and sensitizing thresholds are used to control network sensitizing actions which result in increased error times. Error time metrics and corresponding desensitizing and sensitizing thresholds may be utilized with respect to a plurality of radios.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize antenna pattern or antenna beam scanning techniques to provide communication of payload traffic are shown. A base station radio is provided wireless communication links with a plurality of stations for communication of payload traffic between the base station and stations using a succession of antenna patterns. The antenna patterns are scanned in succession, such as randomly, quasi-randomly, sequentially, or according to a schedule. An antenna pattern scheduler may be used to implement antenna pattern scanning and traffic timing. Cooperative scheduling with respect to a plurality of base stations may be provided. Selection of the plurality of antenna patterns used by a base station is preferably adjusted from time to time, such as based upon environment, usage patterns, etcetera.