Abstract: An access point in a wireless network has a variable output power to reduce wireless network interference.

Abstract: A communication station performs closed-loop transmit power control and adjusts its transmit power level based on an access point sensitivity, a path loss and/or a link margin variation. An average received power level of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed (OFDM) subcarriers of an OFDM channel may be measured at the communication station, and the path loss may be estimated from an access point transmit power level and the measured power level. The communication station may request an access point's transmit power level and link margin from the access point prior to estimating the path loss. The communication station may calculate the access point sensitivity by subtracting the path loss and the access point link margin from the communication station's transmit power level. The link margin variation may be estimated from an access point transmit power variation, an indoor path loss variation, and/or a receiver power measurement error of the communication station.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mobile unit may detect and connect to a wireless local area network, contemplating worldwide multiband networks and multiple regulatory domains, with a shorter searching time.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a device may dynamically select a frequency on which to communicate on a wireless local area network by determining which channels are available and which are unoccupied, for example using a received signal power level measurement. A linear folding algorithm may be used to select an available channel at a midpoint in a larger gap between occupied channels. In the event there are multiple larger gaps of the same size, the larger gap at the higher frequency may be selected.

Abstract: A mobile unit may operate within an ad-hoc network by listening for information broadcast from a device on the network pertaining to regulatory information. If the mobile device receives regulatory information, the transmitter of the mobile unit may be arranged to transmit within regulatory restrictions. If no regulatory information is received after a predetermined period, the transmitter of the mobile unit may be arranged to transmit at a predetermined safe power level on a clear channel in a common frequency band. The predetermined safe power level may be determined to be in compliance with a known regulatory restriction.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus to permit non-authorized wireless mobile devices access to public domain services of a local area network. One embodiment of the invention provides a wireless access point device, with a wireless port and a wired network port, with at least two modes of operation to permit authorized mobile devices access to network services and non-authorized mobile devices access to a particular set of network services. A list of free and/or pay-per-use network services is provided to non-authorized mobile devices to select the desired service(s). For pay-per-use services, a mobile device user can provide a form of payment for validation.

Abstract: Briefly, a method to control data transmission rate and transmission power level of a mobile unit is provided. The method may include varying a data transmission rate value based on a difference between a received signal strength and a receiver sensitivity value and reducing the transmission power level when transmission is at the highest data transmission rate.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a variable-rate data communication channel to determine its signal-to-noise ratio, and adjusting the data transmission rate of the variable rate data communication channel based on its signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A battery for an electronic device includes a device engaging side having structure that operatively secures the battery to the electronic device to provide power to the electronic device, an exterior side opposite from the device engaging side, which faces a supporting surface during charging, and a spacer attached to the exterior side that engages the supporting surface during charging, thereby spacing the exterior side from the supporting surface during charging. By virtue of the structure including a spacer attached to the exterior side of the battery, the exterior side is spaced from the supporting surface during charging, and heat dissipation and air circulation are improved. The spacer may be formed integral with the exterior side and may be formed in any of a plurality of shapes and configurations. Spacing the exterior surface of the battery from the supporting surface provides an efficient and inexpensive method of reducing the probability of battery overheating during charging.

Abstract: A unified battery charge method allows for controlling constant as well as time varying current sources. Unlike the charging method used for a constant current source, the input current of a time varying current source must be checked continuously during the charging process. The amount of current output to charge the battery or to supply the phone power is set to a desired value by selecting duty-percentage based upon the input current measurement. A unified formula for different power sources and various required current improves the preferred output current computation. Thus, the unified formula can be used to control input and output currents regardless of whether a constant current source or a time varying current source is used. In order to obtain smoother current average, the method incorporates an adjustable time period, which is determined based on the difference between an input current and a desired output current.