Abstract: A packet switching system (100) having a packet switch (140) employs an acknowledgement scheme in order assure the delivery of all fragments (310) comprising a fragmented data packet (300) to improve overall system throughput during the handling of packets (310) that require reassembly. When packet fragments (310) are lost, corrupted or otherwise unintelligible to a receiving device (92, 94), the acknowledgement scheme permits retransmission of the missing data. In addition, a second acknowledgment signal is scheduled by system processing resources (110) in order to verify the successful delivery of all retransmitted data.

Abstract: Transmission of broadcast packets (46) in a radio frequency (RF) communication system between a control module (22) and user modules (20), wherein the control module (22) and the user modules (20) each have a plurality of antennae (A1-A6) includes generating a list (1100) of control module antennae (A1-A6) in radio communication with at least one of said plurality of user modules; and selecting the listed control module antennae for transmission of broadcast packets (46).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preserving the sequential relationship of a plurality of data packets 310 generated by separate source devices 14 and ordered as a data stream 300, despite transmission over radio channels which introduce ordering errors comprises method steps and apparatus structure for identifying at a first terminal, data packets from within the data stream as a function of source, generating data packet sequence information for identified data packets, storing values corresponding to data packet sequence numbers as a function of source and transmitting data packets, source device identity and packet sequence information to a second terminal having first terminal source device and data packet sequence information. Upon receipt of a first terminal transmission, the second terminal retrieves from second terminal memory, first terminal data packet sequence information and compares the stored data packet sequence information with received data packet sequence information.

Abstract: User module (12) access capabilities are provided within a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) having distinct user groups (1-3). In this effort, a password is entered into a UM (12) seeking access within a user group (1-3). In response to the password, the UM (12) selects a key and a polynomial from memory (20). Thereafter, packets received by and transmitted from the UM (12) are encrypted, by encryption circuit (52), with the selected key and polynomial. Communictions is permitted if the UM selected key and polynomial are identical to those used by the user group CMs (10). Alternatively, the key is generated as a function of the password, while a polynomial is selected from memory (20).