Abstract: Disclosed is an aerial surveying system for collecting electromagnetic spectrum data. Spectrally tuned antennas are used on an airplane to prefilter the data in accordance with spectral frequency bands. The data is sequentially sampled using an antenna switching device, band pass filtered and downconverted to an intermediate frequency. High speed vector signal analyzers and digitizers create frequency spectral data and I and Q temporal data. The collected data is recorded and compressed using any desirable compression technique, including video compression. Data analyzers analyze the data and display the data on a GIS map.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patch antenna that is formed on the surface of an airplane. The patch antenna has a thickness that is sufficiently small, so that the aerodynamic shape of the airplane is not significantly affected. An insulating layer is disposed on the body of the airplane and antenna elements are then placed on the insulating layer. Various frequencies can be either received or transmitted by using antenna elements of various sizes. The body of the airplane is used as a ground plane for the antenna array. When multiple antenna arrays are utilized, antenna elements at the same frequency can generate a lobe that can be directed in different directions using phase changes. Various techniques can be used for applying the insulating layers to the airplane and forming the antenna elements on the insulating layers.

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: Disclosed are embodiments for determining the length of a connecting cable between a modem and a transceiver by measuring the propagation time of a signal along the connecting cable. A cable length signal is used to adjust the gain of the modem, that ensures that the transceiver circuit operates in the correct power range for both transmitting and receiving signals.

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: Disclosed is an aerial surveying system for collecting electromagnetic spectrum data. Spectrally tuned antennas are used on an airplane to prefilter the data in accordance with spectral frequency bands. The data is sequentially sampled using an antenna switching device, band pass filtered and downconverted to an intermediate frequency. High speed vector signal analyzers and digitizers create frequency spectral data and I and Q temporal data. The collected data is recorded and compressed using any desirable compression technique, including video compression. Data analyzers analyze the data and display the data on a GIS map.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for determining the length of a connecting cable between a modem and a transceiver by measuring the propagation time of a signal along the connecting cable. A cable length signal is used to adjust the gain of the modem, that ensures that the transceiver circuit operates in the correct power range for both transmitting and receiving signals.

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: 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: A system and method for a distribution network is provided wherein cascaded power amplifiers with bypass switching are disposed along the branches of the network. The amplifiers may have an RF modem and a programmable digital computer that enables communication with a headend or a controlling computer as well as a bypass switch control for disabling the amplification function of the amplifiers. The amplifier may have a wireless communication system for communicating with individual subscriber's homes and communicating with a neighboring amplifier system for use in emergency situations or during installation and configuration of the network. The network comprised of the amplifiers may have redundant signal paths, using the wireless communication devices of the amplifiers, which may be used as backup signal paths for certain communications requiring high uptime such as telephony.