Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: High-speed information packets are routed through a distributed communication system. Each packet destined for a subscriber unit is provided with an address indicating a destination within the communication system. In each distribution point along the path to the destination, a determination is made as to which distribution point each packet will be forwarded based on the address. Each packet is received in an access point servicing the destination, and the packet is forwarded to the destination subscriber unit.

Abstract: Information packets are routed through a distributed routing network by determining a forwarding equivalency class (FEC) for each subscriber unit accessing the network. The FEC to which each subscriber unit belongs is based on the point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network. The forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit is updated if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point. Information packets are routed from a distribution point by determining the next point connected to the distribution point based on the forwarding equivalency class for the destination subscriber unit specified in the packet.

Abstract: Reverse sectorization is implemented by subscriber units with directionality and wireless system access points using substantially uniform transmission coverage. Each access point has at least one omnidirectional antenna forming a substantially uniform coverage area around the access point. Each subscriber unit has at least one directional antenna forming a directional coverage area. Subscriber units communicate with a particular access point through transmissions between the subscriber unit directional antenna and the omnidirectional antenna for the particular access point. The directional antenna may include a plurality of antenna patches with the subscriber unit selecting at least one antenna patch as the directional antenna. The directional antenna may also be positioned to optimize transmissions between the subscriber unit and the particular access point.

Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: Distributed routing provides a robust, scalable communication system free of bottlenecks associated with traditional wireless systems. The system includes subscriber units sending and receiving information packets using wireless communication links. The system also includes access points with each access point forming a coverage area for exchanging information packets with subscriber units within the coverage area. The system further includes distribution points receiving packets from access points. Distribution points form a distributed routing network. Each distribution point receives an information packet for distribution to a specified destination. If the destination is to a subscriber unit within the coverage area of the access point in communication with the distribution point, the information packet is forwarded to the access point. Otherwise, the information packet is forwarded to one of the additional distribution points.

Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: Information packets are routed through a distributed routing network by determining a forwarding equivalency class (FEC) for each subscriber unit accessing the network. The FEC to which each subscriber unit belongs is based on the point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network. The forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit is updated if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point. Information packets are routed from a distribution point by determining the next point connected to the distribution point based on the forwarding equivalency class for the destination subscriber unit specified in the packet.

Abstract: A wireless access point includes at least one access antenna for communicating with wireless subscriber units. An access data terminal formats information packets for transmission by and after reception from each access antenna. At least one backhaul antenna interconnects the access point with the remainder of a wireless communication system. A backhaul data terminal formats information packets for transmission by and after reception from each backhaul antenna. Access data terminals and backhaul data terminals within the access point exchange information through baseband digital packets.

Abstract: Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrical power to wireless communication antenna systems by tapping into the electrical circuit used to power outdoor elevated lighting systems. The connection is made by interrupting the lighting circuit at the electric eye or photocell. A power adapter is inserted between the electric eye and the light circuit. Cabling is used to interconnect the power adapter and an antenna module mounted to the light pole.