Patents Assigned to Netgear Inc.
  • Patent number: 10299150
    Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for enabling LTE® and wireless, e.g., ISM band, applications to coexist on a same device or on separate devices in proximity to one another. Some embodiments implement a remediation and/or channel transition process for the wireless devices following detection of LTE®-related interference. During remediation, the device may, e.g., adjust the wireless power levels, EDCA backoff times, signal thresholds, etc. In some embodiments, if the remediation actions prove ineffective, the wireless peers may be relocated to a channel further from the interfering LTE® band. The determination to remediate or reallocate may be based on various contextual factors, e.g., the character of the peer devices and the applications being run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Peiman Amini
  • Patent number: 10292159
    Abstract: Introduced here are techniques to provide automated mesh point survey and guided installation for assisting the installation and configuration of a wireless mesh network. Additional implementation techniques are also introduced including, for example, link rate estimation, roaming, and dedicated backhaul link implementation in such wireless mesh network, are also discussed. Among other benefits, this disclosure provides an integral solution where multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) mesh point devices are deployed in a relatively large environment with potential dead spots, such as a home or an office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Peiman Amini, Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel
  • Patent number: 10278179
    Abstract: Introduced here are techniques to provide automated mesh point survey and guided installation for assisting the installation and configuration of a wireless mesh network. Additional implementation techniques are also introduced including, for example, link rate estimation, roaming, and dedicated backhaul link implementation in such wireless mesh network, are also discussed. Among other benefits, this disclosure provides an integral solution where multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) mesh point devices are deployed in a relatively large environment with potential dead spots, such as a home or an office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Peiman Amini, Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel
  • Patent number: 10264477
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to a multi-band wireless station, e.g., a wireless access point, that includes more than one wireless radio in the same frequency band. The wireless station operates at multiple frequency bands, e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Further, the wireless station includes multiple radios in the same frequency band. For example, the wireless station can have two radios for the 5 GHz band—one for a low 5 GHz band and another for high 5 GHz band. If the client station is connecting to the 5 GHz band, it can either connect to the first sub-band or the second sub-band of the 5 GHz. The wireless station can decide the sub-band to which a particular client station has to be assigned based on a number of assignment attributes, e.g., client station attributes and the sub-band attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Peiman Amini, Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, ShunLiang Yu
  • Patent number: 10257236
    Abstract: A sensor gateway manages wireless communications to sensors and the exchange of data between the sensors and a connection to the Internet. A sensor gateway processor runs the network and wireless stack, automatically picks the same channel as the home access point (AP), and runs sensor software to provide the sensors with low power, wireless support and deep sleep support. The sensor gateway selects same channel as the home AP by following the strongest beacon or by following the home AP service set identifier (SSID), in case more than one strong beacon is present. If the home AP and sensor gateway are placed close by and are on a different channel in 2.4G, there is destructive interference between the two devices. By using same channel on the sensor gateway as that of the home AP, both devices can coexist in same band without destructive interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Peiman Amini
  • Patent number: 10236585
    Abstract: A dual band end fed dipole provides at least two distinct operating frequencies, e.g. 2.45 GHz and 5.5 GHz. Properties of the antenna include low cost to manufacture, e.g. ease of automation; minimal manual labor to manufacture, e.g. reliability; dual band operation; broad bandwidth; good feed line isolation; omnidirectional beam pattern; minimal vertical beam squint; small diameter; and high efficiency. Embodiments of the invention provide a dual band end fed dipole with a low band trap on the feed side that requires minimal manual labor to manufacture because the antenna is formed from a single flat sheet of metal and soldering is replaced with crimping. Minimal dielectric loading is also achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Nysen, Chia-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 10236578
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved antenna structures, systems, and methods of manufacturing. In an embodiment, low-cost internal 2G/5G antennas have flat metal dipole construction, which can include a stiffener. External embodiments include quad dipole antenna structures, with broadside or corner arrays. Isolated multi-band center or end-fed dipole antennas can include single-sided PCB or metal-only structures, for operation with at least two distinct frequencies, and can provide RF isolation, such as with an RF trap or a Balun system. Embodiments of non-DC path or pass-through dual band antennas feature trap structures, along with discrete or distributed matching, and can provide a DC feed path for LEDs. Low profile and flat vertically polarized omni-directional antennas, such as for operation at 915 MHz, include an open slot driven cavity. Stacked 2G/5G antenna structures provide axial symmetry between quadrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Nysen, Chia-Wei Liu, Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel
  • Patent number: 10237834
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the transmit power and the receive sensitivity of an access point for achieving symmetric link balancing is described. When an access point operates with symmetric link performance, the access point does not inefficiently use available bandwidth for transmitting or re-transmitting to a client station that cannot communicate with the access point. Moreover, the access point does not back off transmissions due to activity of neighboring basic service sets when not needed. The receive sensitivity can be controlled using a hardware attenuator or software commands that adjust a programmable gain in a wireless local area network chipset used by the access point, or it can be controlled using adjustable levels in the software for processing or responding to packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Peiman Amini
  • Patent number: 10231181
    Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments concern efficiency improvements in wireless products. For example, some embodiments specify profiles for regional and custom-specified operational constraints. The profiles may be retrieved from across a network or stored locally upon the device. The profiles may specify various configuration adjustments that optimize the system's performance. For example, when possible, some embodiments may allow the system to operate at a lower power level and to thereby save energy. Various factors and conditions may be assessed in some embodiments prior to adjusting the existing power configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Shun-Liang Yu, Peiman Amini
  • Patent number: 10230895
    Abstract: The invention is directed to battery power management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Skeoch
  • Patent number: 10211867
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein that improve the signal reception and transmission capabilities of an access point by coupling an active antenna assembly to the access point. An active antenna assembly includes an antenna and at least one active component, such as a low-noise amplifier or a power amplifier. The active component can be connected to an antenna circuit board rather than the main circuit board of the access point, which is typically retained within an access point housing. By positioning the active component near the antenna, the active antenna assembly prevents degradation of signals received by the antenna. One or more coaxial cables can be used to connect the active component of the active antenna assembly to the main circuit board of the access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Shun-Liang Yu, Mark G. Merrill, Peiman Amini
  • Patent number: 10205234
    Abstract: A method of operating an antenna system for a wireless device is provided for controlling radiation characteristics of the antenna system. The antenna system includes first and second sets of feed points disposed so that first and second radiation pattern are generated by the antenna system when drive currents are provided at the first and second set of feed points, respectively. The second radiation pattern is different from the first radiation pattern. The first and second drive currents are supplied such that a predetermined overall radiation pattern is generated. The predetermined overall radiation pattern is at least in part a combination of the first radiation pattern and the second radiation pattern. The system and method may be directed toward Specific Absorption of Radiation (SAR) mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Nysen, Todd Van Cleave
  • Patent number: 10200835
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing interference, in a network device, among multiple radio circuits operating in a same or similar frequency band and in close physical proximity. In some embodiments, a network device includes a first and a second wireless network circuit. The network circuits operate in a same radio frequency band and are collocated. The second network circuit is assigned a higher priority than the first network circuit. The device further includes a coexistence controller coupled to the network circuits via a communication bus and configured to selectively suppress transmitting operations of the first network circuit during receiving operations of the second network circuit. Among other benefits, the embodiments can increase wireless network bandwidth and reduce mobile device power consumption by providing coordination among the radio circuits so that the transmitting and receiving operations are performed in a way that they do not interfere with their respective antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Peiman Amini, Arms Yongyuth, Steve Skeoch, Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel
  • Patent number: 10192416
    Abstract: Systems and methods are introduced for indoor positioning and tracking of devices and objects using a multi-band wireless networking system. In an embodiment, multiple wireless networking devices are interconnected via a dedicated wireless backhaul to collectively form a single multi-band wireless network providing broad coverage to a client device. The multiple wireless networking devices of the system are coordinated via the dedicated backhaul, for example to manage time synchronization of signals received from the wireless networking devices that are indicative of a position of a client device or object. By coordinating the wireless networking devices via the dedicated backhaul and applying positioning processes to the received signals, a position of the client device or object is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Peiman Amini
  • Patent number: 10177890
    Abstract: A dual band spectrum allocation system and method for wireless data communications uses discrete bands for upstream and downstream data communications. A preferred embodiment uses unlicensed UNII bands for license-free data transmissions from a subscriber to a hub, and uses relatively interference free licensed bands for data transmissions from a hub to subscribers, thereby allowing use of greater bandwidth, simplifying system licensing and reducing filtering requirements for subscribers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Karr, Jean-Francois Grenon, Frank D. Cole
  • Patent number: 10129759
    Abstract: A dual band LTE small cell base station communicates on both licensed bands and unlicensed bands. The small cell base station modifies the communication protocol utilized by the licensed band to enable communication over an unlicensed band. This modification involves replacing the physical (PHY) layer of the licensed band communication protocol with the PHY layer of a to-be-used protocol in an unlicensed band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Clegg
  • Patent number: 10104660
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a wireless router or residential gateway to distinguish power-sensitive wireless sensors and provide separate treatments thereto for low power consumption connections. In some embodiments, a network device includes a wireless network circuit, and control circuitry coupled to the network circuit and configured to, upon receipt of a request of connection from a client, identify whether the client is power-sensitive. The network device can further cause, if the client is identified as power-sensitive, the power-sensitive client to connect using a low-power connection while maintaining a regular connection to other regular clients. The low-power connection can be operated on a first channel different from but in a same frequency band as a second channel on which the regular connection is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: NETGEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Peiman Amini, Joseph Amalan Arul Emmanuel, Arms Yongyuth
  • Patent number: 10070423
    Abstract: A wireless RF data transmission system has at least one base station transmitting control information on a control channel and high speed data on at least one data channel. At least one subscriber station receives the control information and data channels, adjusting a modulation and/or coding of reception of the data in response to the control information. Preferably, the control information is transmitted using a more robust modulation, such as QPSK, than used to transmit the data, which is preferably transmitted using either 16, 64 or 256 QAM. Additionally, timing or header information for the date may be included on the control channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Reudink, Lee David Dunbar, Bruce C. Rothaar
  • Patent number: 10057941
    Abstract: A system and method for bridging user devices communicating according to a 3rd Generation (3G) communication protocol to a LTE wireless communication network, thereby enabling user devices that do not have sufficient signal strength for directly coupling to the LTE wireless communication network to nevertheless access such wireless communication systems and methods via a bridging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Clegg, Robert MacKinnon
  • Patent number: 10057248
    Abstract: In various aspects, code-based indicia contain secured network access credentials. In some aspects, a computer processor receives user input that specifies secured network access credentials, and the computer processor creates or modifies credentials for establishing a secured network connection. In these aspects, the computer processor generates code-based indicia that contain at least part of the secured network access credentials. In other aspects, a computer processor scans the code-based indicia and extracts the network access credentials. In these aspects, the computer processor employs the network access credentials to establish the secured network connection. In additional aspects, a network router apparatus renders the code-based indicia to an active display. In further aspects, a network router apparatus conditions grant of network access to a device on receipt from the device of an answer to a security question included in the secured network access credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventor: Ye Zhang