Abstract: A method of assigning downlink time slots to receive units where the units may generate data using different modulation schemes. The method preferably assigns the downlink time slots as a function of the complexity of modulation schemes employed by the units. Further, the method preferably assigns the time slots from the least complex modulation scheme to the most complex scheme. The method may further assign uplink time slots to transmit units where the transmit units may generate data using different modulation schemes. The method preferably assigns the uplink time slots as a function of the complexity of modulation schemes employed by the uplink units. Further, the method preferably assigns the uplink time slots from the least complex modulation scheme to the most complex scheme. In other embodiments, the downlink time slots are assigned as a function of the bit per symbol rate employed by the receive units, preferably from the lowest bit per symbol rate to the highest bit per symbol rate.

Abstract: A method and system for prioritizing connection data that is associated with different classes of service for transmission in a frame based communication system. These classes of service can include CBR, nrt-VBR, MGR, and UPR traffic. One embodiment of the scheduling method and system uses hierarchical round-robin (HRR) with deficit round-robin (DRR). In this embodiment, the scheduling method and system guarantees minimum rates of nrt-VBR and MGR traffic to the connections. The excess bandwidth is then fairly allocated between the existing connections and their classes of service. For example, the excess is allocated for UBR traffic and for the excess demands of the nrt-VBR and MGR connections. In one embodiment, the scheduling method and system allocates the excess bandwidth in a frame to the existing connections using weighted round robin to differentiate between different classes of service.

Abstract: The system and method optimizes a SNR calculation for a signal received during a downlink burst even in the absence of a node's preferred modulation. This system and method are used in communication systems that include a multi-modulation modem. An adaptation factor is selected whereby its use during portions of the downlink burst, which were not modulated using the preferred modulation, provides the SNR. The selected adaptation factor is used by an equalizer to perform channel inversion to the signal. The system and method can be used in, for example, an FDD or TDD communication system. Such communication systems can be, for example, symmetric, asymmetric, and/or adaptive in their operation.

Abstract: On embodiment of the system and method provides asymmetric adaptive modulation which allows uplink and downlink subframes of data to be transmitted between a base station and a CPE with different modulation schemes, thus increasing the efficiency of downlink transmissions while maintaining the stability of uplink transmissions. In systems with multiple CPEs, each CPE and base station pair can independently select their uplink and downlink modulation techniques. The system and method are also adaptive in that they adjust the modulation schemes based on, for example, signal to noise ratio measurements or bit error rate measurements.