Abstract: A tone map includes physical layer transmission properties for a multi-carrier communications channel. The physical layer transmission properties indicate modulation mode and transmission power to be used on one or more frequencies (i.e. “tones”). The transmission power may be reduced on a first frequency having a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) so that performance will improve for a second frequency having a lower SNR. Transmission power may be reduced on a first frequency having an unusably low SNR so that performance will improve on a second frequency. A tone map message is used to efficiently communicate modulation and transmission power adjustments on a per-carrier basis.

Abstract: A tone map includes physical layer transmission properties for a multi-carrier communications channel. The physical layer transmission properties indicate modulation mode and transmission power to be used on one or more frequencies (i.e. “tones”). The transmission power may be reduced on a first frequency having a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) so that performance will improve for a second frequency having a lower SNR. Transmission power may be reduced on a first frequency having an unusably low SNR so that performance will improve on a second frequency. A tone map message is used to efficiently communicate modulation and transmission power adjustments on a per-carrier basis.

Abstract: Functionality of a powerline communication (PLC) power supply and modem interface can be implemented using a power supply processing unit and a PLC modem unit that can be coupled together using standard, two-wire cabling. The power supply processing unit can generate a DC power signal and a zero cross signal based on an AC powerline signal received via a PLC network. The power supply processing unit can modulate the zero cross signal onto the DC power signal. The power supply processing unit can then generate a composite PLC signal comprising a PLC signal (extracted from the AC powerline signal) and the DC power signal modulated with the zero cross signal. The PLC modem unit can extract the PLC signal, the DC power signal, and the zero cross signal from the composite PLC signal, and then can process the PLC signal based on information associated with the zero cross signal.

Abstract: Powerline communication networks can be subject to burst interference resulting in loss of throughput and data corruption. A transmitting network device and a receiving network device of a powerline communication network can be configured to select a best performing powerline terminal coupling configuration for powerline communications. The transmitting network device can determine performance measurements associated with each of a plurality of powerline communication channels. The transmitting network device can select a best performing powerline communication channel based on the performance measurements, and can provide an indication of the best performing powerline communication channel to the receiving network device. The transmitting and the receiving network devices can each configure their respective terminal connections to switch to the best performing powerline communication channel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first signal interface configured to couple a signal to and from a coaxial cable, a second signal interface configured to couple a signal to and from a power line, and signal coupling circuitry configured to pass a communication signal between the first signal interface and the second signal interface.

Abstract: A method for communicating over a coaxial cable network is described. The method includes identifying at least one port in the coaxial cable network that provides high mutual isolation among nodes of the coaxial cable network when the port is terminated with an impedance that matches a characteristic impedance of coaxial cable in the coaxial cable network. The method also includes terminating the identified port with an impedance that is substantially mismatched with the characteristic impedance of the coaxial cable, and transmitting a signal from a first node in the network to a second node in the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for network radio frequency ("RF") data communications. The apparatus preferably has an extended channel radio transmitter for selectively transmitting data communication radio signals across a plurality of different carrier frequencies which respectively define a plurality of extended data communication channels. The transmitter preferably includes a channel scanner for scanning the extended data communication channels for availability prior to transmitting across a selected one of the plurality of extended data communication channels. An extended channel radio receiver is responsive to the extended channel radio transmitter for receiving the data communication signals from the selected one of the extended data communication channels.

Abstract: A system for tracking and correcting drift and dispersion of carrier frequencies in a transmitted signal which includes one or more carrier frequencies and a pilot frequency. The system includes one or more carrier tuners, each for receiving the transmitted signal and for deriving from the received signal and IF carrier signal representing a respective carrier frequency, a mixer for mixing the IF carrier signal and a local oscillator signal to produce a resultant IF information signal, and a demodulator for demodulating the resultant IF information signal to recover the transmitted information.

Abstract: A satellite locating system for use in a satellite communication system having a transmitting station in which radio signals with signal identification data is transmitted via a satellite to a receiving station.

Abstract: A dual conversion variable bandwidth telemetry receiver employs a phase locked loop which controls the second local oscillator to maintain lock on the carrier frequency; the phase locked loop employing a loop filter with a variable time constant integrator, the time constant of which can be varied as a function of receiver bandwidth and the integrator with its associated capacitor and resistor banks being employed in a sweep, i.e. search, oscillator circuit enabled when the carrier signal is lost. A coherent double-balanced mixer is employed to detect carrier lock and if lock is lost but the carrier is still detected, a rapid response anti-sideband circuit in the phase detector of the phase locked loop is employed to suppress the sidebands and greatly increase the probability of relocking on the carrier. A synchronous AM detector employs quadrature IF and reference signals at the same frequency to produce a dc signal when phase lock occurs; the signal falling rapidly upon loss of lock.