Abstract: An access point of a communications network is configured to receive a multicast or broadcast packet from a source. The access point converts the multicast or broadcast packet into a unicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point. The access point then transmits the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station. The access point further may determine a minimum data rate by which the access point may transmit the multicast or broadcast packet to the station and determines an effective unicast rate for transmitting the unicast packet to the station. If the effective unicast rate does not exceed the minimum data rate, the access point does not transmit the unicast packet to the station and transmits the multicast or broadcast packet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing voice and date services in a femtocell wireless network. The proposed approach integrates IWLAN architecture into femtocell architecture by introducing a gateway to serve both IWLAN and femtocell users. The proposed approach handles the voice and data in a different way so that it enhances the data handling efficiency while re-using existing MSC investment. The proposed approach carries the data traffic from a femtocell base station to the gateway in native IP packet, instead of encapsulating them in 3G data, thus enhancing the efficiency and performance for the data traffic. The data traffic can then be sent to GGSN or directly to packet data network. The approach tunnels voice traffic to MSC through the gateway as in conventional Iu-CS approach.

Abstract: An apparatus for Internet-Protocol based communications in a wireless network includes a network interface, a controller, and memory. The interface receives a series of multicast data packets. The controller identifies one or more receiving nodes in the wireless network requesting data corresponding to the series of multicast data packets and determines that the effective unicast rate for one or more unicast data packets exceeds a minimum data rate of the series of multicast data packets using an 802.x protocol. The memory stores instructions that may be executable by a processor. Upon execution of the instructions by a processor, the received series of multicast data packets is converted into one or more unicast packets, the execution and conversion occurring in response to instructions received from the controller. A system for Internet-Protocol based communications in a wireless network implements such an apparatus in the context of an access point.

Abstract: A metallic shaping plate located in the interior housing of a wireless device is disclosed. The metallic shaping plate may influence a radiation pattern being generated by a horizontal antenna array. The result may be an increase in the gain of the array.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus comprises selectable antenna elements including a plurality of dipoles and/or a plurality of slot antennas (“slot”). Each dipole and/or each slot provides gain with respect to isotropic. The dipoles may generate vertically polarized radiation and the slots may generate horizontally polarized radiation. Each antenna element may have one or more loading structures configured to decrease the footprint (i.e., the physical dimension) of the antenna element and minimize the size of the antenna apparatus.

Abstract: A wireless device having vertically and horizontally polarized antenna arrays can operate at multiple frequencies concurrently. A horizontally polarized antenna array allows for the efficient distribution of RF energy in dual bands using, for example, selectable antenna elements, reflectors and/or directors that create and influence a particular radiation pattern. A vertically polarized array can provide a high-gain dual band wireless environment using reflectors and directors as well. The polarized horizontal antenna arrays and polarized vertical antenna arrays can operate concurrently to provide dual band operation simultaneously.

Abstract: Initiating a virtual presence at a physical access point in response to a request for a service from a wireless access device is provided. A particular wireless service may be provided to a subscriber on an on-demand basis according to location and/or type of service requested. The service may be terminated when demand for the service comes to an end whereby a common wireless service infrastructure may be shared amongst service providers thus eliminating the need for radio channel coordination and otherwise enhancing service quality for those service providers.

Abstract: A wireless device having vertically and horizontally polarized antenna arrays can operate at multiple frequencies concurrently. A horizontally polarized antenna array allows for the efficient distribution of RF energy in dual bands using, for example, selectable antenna elements, reflectors and/or directors that create and influence a particular radiation pattern. A vertically polarized array can provide a high-gain dual band wireless environment using reflectors and directors as well. The polarized horizontal antenna arrays and polarized vertical antenna arrays can operate concurrently to provide dual band operation simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing transmission parameter control at a transmitting station is described. The exemplary system and method comprises querying a transmission parameter control module for a transmission schedule. The transmission schedule comprises at least one schedule entry defining a set of transmission parameter controls as they pertain to a destination address. At least one packet of data is then transmitted to the destination address according to the transmission parameters controls of at least one schedule entry from the transmission schedule. A system and method for selecting an antenna configuration corresponding to a next transmission of packet data is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for improved data transmission on a wireless link to a remote receiving node includes a communication device for converting packets to RF at a physical data rate, an antenna apparatus having a plurality of antenna configurations for transmitting the RF, and a processor for selecting the antenna configuration and the physical data rate based on whether the remote receiving node indicated reception of the data transmission. The processor may determine a table of success ratios for each antenna configuration and may rank each antenna configuration by the success ratio. The processor may transmit with an unused antenna configuration to probe the unused antenna configuration and update the table of success ratios. Similarly, the processor may maintain a table of effective user data rates, rank each physical data rate by the effective user data rate and probe unused physical data rates to update the table.

Abstract: A metallic shaping plate located in the interior housing of a wireless device is disclosed. The metallic shaping plate may influence a radiation pattern being generated by a horizontal antenna array. The result may be an increase in the gain of the array.

Abstract: A horizontally polarized antenna array allows for the efficient distribution of RF energy into a communications environment through selectable antenna elements and redirectors that create a particular radiation pattern such as a substantially omnidirectional radiation pattern. In conjunction with a vertically polarized array, a particular high-gain wireless environment may be created such that one environment does not interfere with other nearby wireless environments and avoids interference created by those other environments. Lower gain patterns may also be created by using particular configurations of a horizontal and/or vertical antenna array. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna systems disclosed herein are utilized in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) wireless environment.

Abstract: A system and method for improved data transmission on a wireless link to a remote receiving node includes a communication device for converting packets to RF at a physical data rate, an antenna apparatus having a plurality of antenna configurations for transmitting the RF, and a processor for selecting the antenna configuration and the physical data rate based on whether the remote receiving node indicated reception of the data transmission. A plurality of antenna configurations may be mapped, as well as a plurality of physical data rates. A logical antenna and a logical data rate may be selected for transmission of a packet. The logical antenna may be changed based on whether the packet is received by a remote receiving node.

Abstract: A circuit board for wireless communications includes communication circuitry for modulating and/or demodulating a radio frequency (RF) signal and an antenna apparatus for transmitting and receiving the RF signal, the antenna apparatus having selectable antenna elements located near one or more peripheries of the circuit board. A first antenna element produces a first directional radiation pattern; a second antenna element produces a second directional radiation pattern offset from the first radiation pattern. The antenna elements may include one or more reflectors configured to provide gain and broaden the frequency response of the antenna element. A switching network couples one or more of the selectable elements to the communication circuitry and provides impedance matching regardless of which or how many of the antenna elements are selected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authentication using paired dynamic secrets in secured wireless networks are provided. Each authenticated user is assigned a random secret generated so as to be unique to the user. The secret is associated with a wireless interface belonging to the user, so that no other wireless interface may use the same secret to access the network. The secret may be updated either periodically or at the request of a network administrator, and reauthentication of the wireless network may be required.

Abstract: An access point of a communications network is configured to receive a multicast or broadcast packet from a source. The access point converts the multicast or broadcast packet into a unicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point. The access point then transmits the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station. The access point further may determine a minimum data rate by which the access point may transmit the multicast or broadcast packet to the station and determines an effective unicast rate for transmitting the unicast packet to the station. If the effective unicast rate does not exceed the minimum data rate, the access point does not transmit the unicast packet to the station and transmits the multicast or broadcast packet.

Abstract: An antenna array may include an antenna element configured to receive an RF signal. A PIN diode may selectively couple the antenna element to an RF source. Biasing the PIN diode may cancel the received RF signal at a stub coupled to the diode thereby reducing stray capacitance of the PIN diode. A method for switching antenna elements is also disclosed. A PIN diode coupled to an antenna element is biased thereby reflecting the received RF signal out-of-phase within a stub such that the signal is canceling and stray capacitance of the PIN diode is reduced.

Abstract: High gain, multi-pattern multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems are disclosed. These systems provide for multiple-polarization and omnidirectional coverage using multiple radios, which may be tuned to the same frequency. The MIMO antenna systems may include multiple high-gain beams arranged (or capable of being arranged) to provide for omnidirectional coverage. These systems provide for increased data throughput and reduced interference without sacrificing the benefits related to size and manageability of an associated access point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authentication using paired dynamic secrets in secured wireless networks are provided. Each authenticated user is assigned a random secret generated so as to be unique to the user. The secret is associated with a wireless interface belonging to the user, so that no other wireless interface may use the same secret to access the network. The secret may be updated either periodically or at the request of a network administrator, and reauthentication of the wireless network may be required.

Abstract: A system and method for a wireless link to a remote receiver includes a multiband communication device for generating RF and a multiband planar antenna apparatus for transmitting the RF. The multiband planar antenna apparatus includes selectable antenna elements, each of which has gain and a directional radiation pattern. Switching different antenna elements results in a configurable radiation pattern. One or more directors and/or one or more reflectors may be included to constrict the directional radiation pattern. A multiband coupling network selectively couples the multiband communication device and the multiband planar antenna apparatus.