Abstract: The invention involves a parallel spread spectrum (“PSS”) technique of spreading orthogonal encoded data. In a preferred embodiment, a method and system for communicating data comprises encoding and spreading a data stream using a scheme employing orthogonal Walsh functions, and thereby segmenting the data stream into multiple bit data packets representing one of a number of true or inverted Walsh codes. The data stream is then differentially encoded for either BPSK or QPSK modulation, and spread using a PN-sequence. The parallel spread data stream is modulated for transmission to a receiver. At the receiver, the data stream is recovered by computing a cross correlation between the digitized data stream and a programmed sequence. One of the benefits of the PSS techniques over conventional communication systems is that additional processing gain plus data forward error correction can be simultaneously achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides a secure online payment method and system. In an embodiment of the invention, a transaction system facilitates online purchase of merchant items by customers and to have those purchased items billed, i.e., debited, to a telephone account. Particularly, the system comprises a number of customer web access devices, a TCP/IP communications network, a number of merchant computers, a centralized payment server, and a number of telecommunication company (TELCO) networks. Communications are bridged between the TCP/IP network and the number of TELCO networks implementing, for example a common channel signaling (CCS) based protocol, such as signaling system 7 (SS7).

Abstract: Systems and methods for single-point to fixed-multipoint communication. The invention dynamically allocates bandwidth based on traffic demands, thus providing efficient bandwidth utilization, particularly with bursty or time sensitive data traffic. A system includes a Base Station and a plurality of Remote Stations. The Base Station transmits information to the Remote Stations via a Forward Channel and the Remote Stations transmit information via a Reverse Channel. Before transmitting on the Reverse Channel, each of the Remote Stations listens (monitors) the Reverse Channel to ascertain whether any other Remote Station is transmitting. Remote Stations transmit data only when a Remote Station determines that the channel is clear. The Remote Stations listen in sequential order, eliminating the probability of collisions caused by simultaneous transmissions from Remote Stations. The data traffic is accordingly aggregated, thus providing efficient bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: A system and method is provide for multipoint to multipoint data communication. In an embodiment of the invention, a system comprises a communications medium interconnecting at least one central server and a plurality of communication nodes. The central server transmits information to the nodes via a Forward Channel and the nodes transmit information via a Reverse Channel. Before transmitting, each of the nodes listens (monitors) during an assigned slot of a Clear Channel Assessment interval of the communications cycle to ascertain whether any other node is transmitting. A given node transmits data only when that node determines that the network is clear. The nodes listen in sequential order, eliminating the probability of collisions caused by simultaneous transmissions from nodes. A query channel interval is provided for nodes not assigned a slot within clear channel assessment interval to request a slot. Assigned slots not used by nodes are allocated to other nodes.