Abstract: A system and method for a media access control (MAC) scheduling algorithm having a distributed, self-coordinating approach to provide use fairness and service differentiation in an ad hoc network by using control RTS/CTS messages carrying node status information. A local scheduling algorithm uses the overheard RTS/CTS information with attributes specifying nodes' status to maximize the awareness of the neighborhood status for a multi-channel system where data and ACK messages are transmitted through different data channels. If the system uses a single channel, the corresponding information may be carried by using DATA or ACK messages. The algorithm measures the offered load, carried load, and backlogged load in the neighborhood to adjust the channel access timer to provide use fairness among different nodes, different links, and different streams.

Abstract: A communications network which is capable of effectively and efficiently handling mobility of wireless user terminals between access point nodes of a packet-switched network with minimal overhead and packet loss, and a method for using the same. The communications network employs a packet-switched core network and a plurality of access points coupled to the core network. Each access point is adapted to provide any user terminal with wireless communications access to the core network when that user terminal becomes affiliated with that access point. The system and method further employ ad-hoc routing techniques during handoff of a wireless user terminal between access point nodes of the core network to enable the network to maintain multiple paths via which data packets are provided to the user terminal during handoff to substantially eliminate packet loss during handoff.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a congestion optimized address resolution protocol (ARP) for a wireless ad-hoc network. The system and method enables a node in the wireless ad-hoc network to issue an ARP request without the need to broadcast the request to all of the nodes in the wireless ad-hoc network, to thus minimize radio traffic on the wireless ad-hoc network for handling the ARP request. The node includes an address resolution protocol module which is adapted to generate an ARP request for a media access control (MAC) address corresponding to an Internet protocol (IP) address, and a transceiver which is adapted to transmit the ARP request for delivery to an access point of a network portion, such as a core LAN of the network, without broadcasting the ARP request to a plurality of other nodes in the wireless ad-hoc network. The transceiver can transmit the ARP request to the access point directly or via other nodes in the wireless ad-hoc network.

Abstract: Graphical display data representing an image for display is packetized for wireless transmission. At least one command for displaying the image from the data is within the packet. The command is used to display the image, as represented by the packetized data, in related configurations to create an animated display or at predetermined times or intervals to make the image appear spontaneously or be removed after a predetermined period of time for later display or are erased. Transmission of the packetized data occurs when the receiving devise is idle. The transmission of the packets may be interrupted by a present need to establish a communications channel with the receiving device, for example for voice communication or for transmission of hyperlinked data. A handshake protocol is used to assure the parts of the packetized data are successfully downloaded.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a congestion optimized address resolution protocol (ARP) for a wireless ad-hoc network. The system and method enables a node in the wireless ad-hoc network to issue an ARP request without the need to broadcast the request to all of the nodes in the wireless ad-hoc network, to thus minimize radio traffic on the wireless ad-hoc network for handling the ARP request. The node includes an address resolution protocol module which is adapted to generate an ARP request for a media access control (MAC) address corresponding to an Internet protocol (IP) address, and a transceiver which is adapted to transmit the ARP request for delivery to a broadcast server without broadcasting the ARP request to a plurality of other nodes in the wireless ad-hoc network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a mechanism for trans-medium address resolution on a network with at least one highly disconnected medium having multiple access points to other media. The system and method provides a “unique” media access control (MAC) address in address resolution protocol (ARP) for mobile nodes in an ad-hoc network, correctly identifying the optimum intelligent access point (IAP) for node communication where the optimum IAP changes more rapidly than traditional address updating may be able to accommodate. Medium layer routing protocols recognize medium frames addressed with this unique MAC address should be routed to the currently associated IAP, whichever IAP that might be at the moment the frame is sent.

Abstract: A communication device (102) has a serving and neighbor list (202) and a bandmap (204, 206). Upon losing communication service (402) the device begins alternately scanning the serving and neighbor list (SNL) and subsections (302, 304, 306, 308) of the bandmap. If an appropriate carrier is found while scanning the SNL, the device reconnects to the serving system. While scanning the subsections of the bandmap, the device creates and maintains a list (312) of suitable carriers. If no carriers are found corresponding to the SNL, a serving cell is selected from the list (312).