Abstract: A network device may transmit a short packet when the length of application data that will be transmitted does not exceed a threshold length. In some embodiments, the network device may transmit the application data in a frame control field of the short packet. The short packet may not include a payload field.

Abstract: A network device may transmit a short packet when the length of application data that will be transmitted does not exceed a threshold length. In some embodiments, the network device may transmit the application data in a frame control field of the short packet. The short packet may not include a payload field. In other embodiments, the network device may support multiple short payload field lengths and may transmit the application data in a short payload field with an appropriate short payload field length. The network device may also support communication techniques to transmit the application data in the short packet.

Abstract: A first client may establish a power charging association with one of a plurality of service agents over a network. The first client transmits a first signal via a first attachment point of a powerline network, the first signal associated with requesting the power charging association. The first client broadcasts a sounding message via the first attachment point after transmitting the first signal, wherein the sounding message is receivable by one or more service agents including at least a first service agent of the powerline network. The first service agent received the sounding message with a lowest attenuation of the one or more service agents that received the sounding message. The power charging association is established between the first client and the first service agent.

Abstract: A first client may establish a power charging association with one of a plurality of service agents over a network. The first client transmits a first signal via a first attachment point of a powerline network, the first signal associated with requesting the power charging association. The first client broadcasts a sounding message via the first attachment point after transmitting the first signal, wherein the sounding message is receivable by one or more service agents including at least a first service agent of the powerline network. The first service agent received the sounding message with a lowest attenuation of the one or more service agents that received the sounding message. The power charging association is established between the first client and the first service agent.

Abstract: A network device may transmit a short packet when the length of application data that will be transmitted does not exceed a threshold length. In some embodiments, the network device may transmit the application data in a frame control field of the short packet. The short packet may not include a payload field. In other embodiments, the network device may support multiple short payload field lengths and may transmit the application data in a short payload field with an appropriate short payload field length. The network device may also support communication techniques to transmit the application data in the short packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving vehicle tracking and remote control. A wireless telecommunications system infrastructure receives a unique vehicle identifier via a shared-communications channel from a vehicle being tracked, as well as location information for that vehicle. The location information is derived from Global Positioning System signals or from the address of the local infrastructure currently in contact with the vehicle, or both. The same shared-communications channel is used to convey control messages to the vehicle, wherein the messages are mapped into control signals that can disable the vehicle's engine or control some other system that is part of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting between the signal paths of an antenna system is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment provides an efficient selection technique wherein the antenna system is the steerable beam type, in which directionally distinct beams are formed. The illustrative embodiment also provides an efficient selection technique wherein the antenna system is the diversity switching type, in which multiple, distinct antennas are used. The technique in the illustrative embodiment reduces the number of directed (i.e., addressed) frames that are lost compared with other techniques and, as a result, improves network performance.

Abstract: A system and method for determining absolute vehicle height and ground speed. As disclosed, a millimeter wave radar system for determining selected boundary distances is implemented based upon a generation of a modulated millimeter wave signal which is envelope detected and thereafter phase detected to determine the selected boundary distance on a continuous real-time basis. To similarly determine absolute vehicle speed on a continuous real-time basis, a method is disclosed for use in cooperation with an on-board microcomputer, the height sensing system described above, and a passive speed sensor aperture which is affixed to the chassis and directed toward the ground at some angle theta. In operation, a portion of the RF signal radiated by the height sensor is backscattered toward the passive speed sensor aperture. The Doppler Shift of this signal caused by vehicle motion is determined.