Abstract: An antenna array comprising at least two groups of antennas where each group comprises at least two pairs of antennas. Each of the pairs in a group contains orthogonally polarized antennas and at least one antenna in a pair is similarly polarized to one antenna in at least another pair in the group. The antenna array further comprises circuitry coupled to the antenna groups to select and activate certain antennas in a group to enable the antenna array to operate in either a beam forming/steering mode, a diversity mode or a MIMO mode or any combination thereof. The antennas in the groups are activated based on the characteristics of the signals being transmitted or received by the antenna array.

Abstract: A method of providing an efficient channel structure for a communication system that uses codes to define its communication channels. Available codes form a code space that is equally divided into M tiers based on load conditions; M is an integer equal to 1 or greater. Information is scheduled to be transmitted during a particular time slot and is assigned to a particular tier. The information is transmitted during the scheduled time slot using all of the codes of the assigned tier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively transmitting delay sensitive data (especially streaming data such as voice, video, and multimedia) via a wireless communication connection (including, for example, cellular telephone) in order to improve the quality of service while economizing on system resources by sending (delay insensitive data using IP packet technology in a known manner. The method according to the present invention includes identifying whether transmitted data is delay sensitive or delay insensitive, and using a wireless communication such as cellular telephone to transmit delay sensitive data. A wireless data terminal according to the present invention includes a data analyzer for determining whether data being transmitted is delay sensitive or delay insensitive, a wireless transmission system for transmitting delay sensitive data, and a wireless packet data transmission system for transmitting delay insensitive data.

Abstract: A method for increasing the capacity of a communication network by assigning subscribers of the communication network to individual antennas of an antenna array and allowing the antenna array to convey information to the assigned subscribers under the control of a scheduling algorithm. Antennas—under the control of the scheduling algorithm—in the antenna array are thus able to convey information to different subscribers at different times. The scheduling algorithm determines when to convey information to an assigned subscriber based on channel condition information it receives from the subscribers. The scheduling algorithm also uses the channel condition information to assign certain subscribers to certain antennas.

Abstract: In a widely distributed digital communication network call delays and eventual outcome are anticipated (i.e., expected call outcome) at the initiation of a call at an originating terminal and the call is completed by signal switching to its destination terminal and by decreasing the number of related message transfers between network controllers and hubs required to complete the balance of administrative refinements of the call connection. The routing steps for setting up the call trajectory to the destination hub are completed immediately before the administrative steps, such as authentication, access control, bandwidth availability etc., are performed. Administrative refinements subsequent to the preliminary call set up are performed in a distributive manner. Administrative and capacity items are determined and completed post route determination and computed or accessed in parallel making this information available for a final call set up. If this information is adverse the call is immediately terminated.

Abstract: In accord with the transmission system, encoded signals may be processed in intermediate stations and at receiving stations in an order different from the order of the original encoding process for transmission. In particular, the recovery of CDMA encoded signals does not require application of spreading/despreading codes in the original scheme or sequence of application of spreading codes. In one embodiment, code applications may be permuted without losing the original signal which has been encoded. In such applications, not all of the encoding spreading functions results in an increased spreading rate.

Abstract: Intelligent allocation of wireless resources can help avoid the problems of dropped calls in a mobile communications network. A service for allocating resources is designed to develop profiles of subscribers' mobility. That is, profiles are developed for routes, traveled by subscribers at certain days and times. For example, some subscribers commute to and from work at relatively fixed times. By compiling this information in the profile and tracking the movement of the subscriber, the mobile network can anticipate the subscriber's movement into a next cell. Thus, wireless resources in the next cell can be reserved prior to the anticipated handover of an ongoing call involving the subscriber. Thus, uninterrupted service can be maintained and dropped calls can be avoided.

Abstract: In accord with the transmission system, encoded signals may be processed in intermediate stations and at receiving stations in an order different from the order of the original encoding process for transmission. In particular, the recovery of CDMA encoded signals does not require application of spreading/despreading codes in the original scheme or sequence of application of spreading codes. In one embodiment, code applications may be permuted without losing the original signal which has been encoded. In such applications, not all of the encoding spreading functions results in an increased spreading rate.

Abstract: The approximate position of a mobile station in a cell can be predicted by measuring the signal strength between the mobile station and the base station of the cell in which it is located and the base stations of the neighboring cells. After a series of instantaneous signal strength measurements have been collected, the velocity and direction of the mobile unit can be determined. Based on the velocity and direction of the mobile unit, future locations of the mobile unit can be predicted including the projected signal strength between the mobile station and the base stations of the cell in which it is located and neighboring cells. Analyzing the projected signal strength values, the time when the mobile unit will require handover to a neighboring cell can be determined and if desired, resources in a neighboring cell can be allocated in anticipation of the mobile unit being handed over to that cell.

Abstract: A cellular network includes a control station and a network of base stations installed one per cell with which one or more mobile stations can communicate as they roam through a cell. Redundantly deployed spare base stations are introduced along with the primary base station at a central area of each cell. The redundantly deployed spare base stations handle new calls when the associated primary base station is overloaded, participate in retransmission of data lost due to degraded channel conditions and congestion in the network, and assist in handoffs. Primary and spare satellite stations are deployed in regions marked by hills or valleys to augment the communicative capabilities of the primary and spare base stations.

Abstract: Termination equipment for a WorldNet.TM. wireless network receives packet data from a data terminal of a DirecTV.TM. Settop Box. This data is directed to a recipient through a router and transmitted by wireless or coax LAN to customer premises data equipment. Replies to the network by customer premises equipment are transmitted by wireless or coax LAN to the router to a CDPD radio modem for transmission, via CDPD, to a remote termination connected to the network.

Abstract: In a satellite communication system a CDMA uplink signal including user data is transmitted in a packetized manner, the packets are switched on board the satellite by a packet switch before its downlink delivery. The packet switch routes the packets to the appropriate one of several outgoing downlink beams based on address information included in the packet header. Time Division Multiplexing (i.e., TDM) is used for downlink transmission. This invention constitutes an efficient multi-user satellite based communication system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a caller to leave a message for an unreachable called party. The method and apparatus provides the caller with an option for a pre-paid return call that is billed to the caller. When the intended recipient of the call is unreachable, the call is transferred to a message server that gives the caller the option for a pre-paid return call for the recipient. The recipient is then notified of the available pre-paid return call through periodic callbacks to the intended recipient or by alerting the recipient the next time the recipient makes a call. The receiver of the message has the option of returning the call immediately or at a later time within a time duration set by the caller.

Abstract: A wireless broadband communication system architecture is structured to provide an array of narrowband and broadband services to an end user on demand. The bandwidth of delivery is dynamically adjusted to deliver and satisfy service requirements by utilizing the appropriate bandwidth on demand. Bandwidth-on-demand is provided in accord with the invention by rearranging spectrum allocations so that a particular band spectrum is convertibly used to accomplish different purposes depending on present allocations and active applications of the system. The communications system is designed to utilize wireless communication for end point delivery to both fixed and potable terminals. The system supplies basic telephone service, wireless ISDN service, wireless data service, wireless multimedia service and various other wireless broadband service including types of interactive and broadcast video.

Abstract: A telephone signaling system is operative outside of the traditional calling and data transmission paths to provide originating to termination signaling. Routing of the signaling is in response to a locator system which includes a data base of terminations and a system for keeping up to date information of current termination locations of the intended recipient. In one illustrative embodiment the termination equipment includes locator devices such as GPS locating devices. The information supplied by the GPS locating device is provided to a central data base which routes the signaling system to the intended recipient termination device. The central routing system then selects a voice and data transmission path that optimizes some preselected criteria of transmission. A typical criteria could be cost, or bandwidth or some combination of criteria to be optimized.