Abstract: A system and method for locating Open System Interconnection (OSI) Layer 3 or higher devices at strategic locations throughout the network. The Layer 3 devices may have additional capabilities, such as wireless connections or other functionality that may benefit both the consumer and network provider. Layer 2 traffic is confined to smaller areas, allowing the main backbone of the network to handle more useful data traffic and less overhead traffic.

Abstract: Subscriptions to a network may be limited to certain geographic areas by defining a geographic area for the subscriber, identifying all of the network access points with the geographic area, and enabling the subscriber to access the network through those network access points. The network access points may be outfitted with Global Positioning System receivers or other geophysical location determination mechanisms such that the actual location of the network access point is used in determining a subscriber's permitted access.

Abstract: Applications requiring multiple network devices may use geophysical information about the nodes to route traffic. Each device attached to a network may have both a network address and a geophysical location. When an application requires the use of multiple devices, for example restricting content or services in a certain area or for prioritizing content or services in an area, the devices are identified and used based on their geophysical location rather than network addresses.

Abstract: In a network having multiple wireless transmitters, a mobile device operating with the network may be assigned one or more wireless transmitters as a virtual cell. Transmissions to the mobile device may be broadcast from several cells simultaneously, so that the mobile device will receive the transmissions in any of the areas covered by the cells. When the network determines that the mobile device is moving out of one cell area and into another, the virtual cell may move as well. The virtual cell may consist of one or many areas covered by a wireless network, and may have a shape that is determined by geography, trajectory, wireless coverage, or other factors.

Abstract: A network-connected device may receive specific software configuration settings based on geophysical location information known about the device. The geophysical location information may come from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or any other mechanism for determining a location for the device. The software settings may be stored in a volatile memory so that when the device is disconnected from a power source, it does not contain the specific settings required for the device to operate. In another embodiment, localization settings to meet regulatory requirements or other local configuration may be downloaded to the device based on the geophysical location information.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating on a network having multiple radios by substantially simultaneously transmitting a beacon signal from the radios. A broadcast signal is received substantially simultaneously by all of the radios and used to coordinate subsequent beacon signals. The broadcast signal may be from another of the same radios, or may be a broadcast signal from a television broadcast, global positioning system broadcast, or any other broadcast designed to reach several radios substantially simultaneously. The radios may normally operate by detecting another transmission and refraining from transmitting until the transmission has ceased. However, while transmitting synchronized beacon signals, the radios may broadcast simultaneously.

Abstract: A network-connected device may receive specific software configuration settings based on geophysical location information known about the device. The geophysical location information may come from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or any other mechanism for determining a location for the device. The software settings may be stored in a volatile memory so that when the device is disconnected from a power source, it does not contain the specific settings required for the device to operate. In another embodiment, localization settings to meet regulatory requirements or other local configuration may be downloaded to the device based on the geophysical location information.

Abstract: A network having multiple radios transmits a beacon signal from several radios substantially simultaneously. One embodiment includes a network having a communications backbone that connects several radio transceivers. Another embodiment includes a single station having multiple radio transceivers, which may or may not have directional antennas. Various methods for synchronizing the beacon signals may be used, including transmitting a heartbeat signal along the network so that the beacon signals are broadcast substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: In a network having multiple wireless transmitters, a mobile device operating with the network may be assigned one or more wireless transmitters as a virtual cell. Transmissions to the mobile device may be broadcast from several cells simultaneously, so that the mobile device will receive the transmissions in any of the areas covered by the cells. When the network determines that the mobile device is moving out of one cell area and into another, the virtual cell may move as well. The virtual cell may consist of one or many areas covered by a wireless network, and may have a shape that is determined by geography, trajectory, wireless coverage, or other factors.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting one or more radio antennas in an outdoor enclosure by placing a ground plane underneath the antennas and above any electrical devices. The ground plane may be used to mount the antennas in any configuration and be coupled to earth ground. In some embodiments, an outdoor enclosure may have a weatherproof radome mounted around the antennas.

Abstract: In a network having multiple wireless transmitters, a mobile device operating with the network may be assigned one or more wireless transmitters as a virtual cell. Transmissions to the mobile device may be broadcast from several cells simultaneously, so that the mobile device will receive the transmissions in any of the areas covered by the cells. When the network determines that the mobile device is moving out of one cell area and into another, the virtual cell may move as well. The virtual cell may consist of one or many areas covered by a wireless network, and may have a shape that is determined by geography, trajectory, wireless coverage, or other factors.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting one or more radio antennas in an outdoor enclosure by placing a ground plane underneath the antennas and above any electrical devices. The ground plane may be used to mount the antennas in any configuration and be coupled to earth ground. In some embodiments, an outdoor enclosure may have a weatherproof radome mounted around the antennas.