Abstract: An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more radio sensor devices positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring. A server is coupled to the radio sensor devices and aggregates the data generated by the sensor devices. The server receives data from each of the plurality of sensor devices and executes functions to process the data. One feature of the system is to correlate data collected from the sensor or from suitably equipped devices that operate (and may move about) in a space with locations where provocation of that data occurs. To this end, radio frequency energy is received at each of a plurality of known positions (e.g., the sensors) in a space.

Abstract: Several techniques are provided for use by wireless devices to avoid interference with signals that are of a periodic or quasi-periodic nature that may operate in the same frequency band and proximity. In some cases, the periodic signals are detected and their timing is determined so as to predict when a next interfering event will occur. Devices that are affected by the periodic signal (such as an affected device with information to be transmitted or devices that have information to be transmitted to the affected device) are controlled to prevent transmissions during the interfering intervals. In addition, a process is provided to dynamically fragment a transmit frame of information to transmit part of the information before the interfering interval and the remainder of the information after the interfering interval, rather than waiting to transmit the entire frame until after the interfering interval.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a source (target device) of a wireless radio signal of an unknown or arbitrary type for which a signal correlator is not known or available. The target device's signal is received at a plurality of known locations to generate receive sample data representative thereof at each known location. Receive signal data samples associated with the target device's signal at one of the plurality of known locations is selected to be used as a reference waveform. For example, information concerning the target device's signal received at each known location is compared to determine the known location that best receives it. The receive signal sample data obtained by the known location that best receives the target device's signal is used as the reference waveform. A measurement experiment is run in which the target device's signal is followed or preceded relatively close in time by a transmission of a reference signal.

Abstract: Techniques to avoid interference with a frequency hopping signal that are of a periodic or quasi-periodic nature that may operate in the same frequency band and proximity with other devices. For example, the frequency hopping signals may be transmitted by Bluetooth devices operating in the same frequency band as IEEE 802.11 WLAN devices. When a frequency hopping interfering signal is detected, sufficient knowledge of the frequency hopping sequence is derived without obtaining state of a frequency hop sequence from information carried in the frequency hopping signal. This knowledge is used to predict or determine when future transmissions of the frequency hopping signal will be present in a particular frequency channel of concern.

Abstract: Systems and methods to enable different types of radio communication devices to communicate using a common language in order to enable the devices to regulate their use of the spectrum. Each device participating in the ad hoc control channel (ACC) protocol transmits information using a common signal format that each of the other participant devices is capable of recognizing, in order to share information about how it uses the radio frequency band. Each device receives the information transmitted by other participant devices and based on that information, controls one or more of its operational parameters that impact usage of the radio frequency band. The ACC protocol enables devices of the same or different type to harmonize (instead of alienate) themselves with each other by allowing them to communicate about their usage of the radio frequency band using a common signaling framework.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying signals occurring in a frequency band. One or more characteristics of one or more signals in the frequency band are detected using any suitable technology, such as a device that can generate characteristics of signal pulses detected in the frequency band. Data pertaining to the signal pulses is accumulated over time. The accumulated signal data is compared against reference data associated with known signals to classify the one or more signals in the frequency band based on the comparison. The accumulated data may include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration, time between pulses and number of different active pulses, and wherein the reference data associated with each of a plurality of known signals comprises one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration and time between pulses.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying signals occurring in a frequency band. One or more characteristics of one or more signals in the frequency band are detected using any suitable technology, such as a device that can generate characteristics of signal pulses detected in the frequency band. Data pertaining to the signal pulses is accumulated over time. The accumulated signal data is compared against reference data associated with known signals to classify the one or more signals in the frequency band based on the comparison. The accumulated data may include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration, time between pulses and number of different active pulses, and wherein the reference data associated with each of a plurality of known signals comprises one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration and time between pulses.

Abstract: Several techniques are provided for use by wireless devices to avoid interference with signals that are of a periodic or quasi-periodic nature that may operate in the same frequency band and proximity. In some cases, the periodic signals are detected and their timing is determined so as to predict when a next interfering event will occur. Devices that are affected by the periodic signal (such as an affected device with information to be transmitted or devices that have information to be transmitted to the affected device) are controlled to prevent transmissions during the interfering intervals. In addition, a process is provided to dynamically fragment a transmit frame of information to transmit part of the information before the interfering interval and the remainder of the information after the interfering interval, rather than waiting to transmit the entire frame until after the interfering interval.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying signals occurring in a frequency band. One or more characteristics of one or more signals in the frequency band are detected using any suitable technology, such as a device that can generate characteristics of signal pulses detected in the frequency band. Data pertaining to the signal pulses is accumulated over time. The accumulated signal data is compared against reference data associated with known signals to classify the one or more signals in the frequency band based on the comparison. The accumulated data may include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration, time between pulses and number of different active pulses, and wherein the reference data associated with each of a plurality of known signals comprises one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration and time between pulses.

Abstract: An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method are provided that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more sensors positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring and a server coupled to the sensors. Each sensor monitors communication traffic, such as IEEE WLAN traffic, as well as classifies non-WLAN signals occurring in the frequency band. The server receives data from each of the plurality of sensors and that executes functions to process the data supplied by the plurality of sensors. In particular, the server aggregates the data generated by the sensors and generates event reports and other configurable information derived from the sensors that is interfaced to a client application, e.g., a network management station.

Abstract: Techniques to avoid interference with a frequency hopping signal that are of a periodic or quasi-periodic nature that may operate in the same frequency band and proximity with other devices. For example, the frequency hopping signals may be transmitted by Bluetooth devices operating in the same frequency band as IEEE 802.11 WLAN devices. When a frequency hopping interfering signal is detected, sufficient knowledge of the frequency hopping sequence is derived without obtaining state of a frequency hop sequence from information carried in the frequency hopping signal. This knowledge is used to predict or determine when future transmissions of the frequency hopping signal will be present in a particular frequency channel of concern.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a source (target device) of a wireless radio signal of an unknown or arbitrary type for which a signal correlator is not known or available. The target device's signal is received at a plurality of known locations to generate receive sample data representative thereof at each known location. Receive signal data samples associated with the target device's signal at one of the plurality of known locations is selected to be used as a reference waveform. For example, information concerning the target device's signal received at each known location is compared to determine the known location that best receives it. The receive signal sample data obtained by the known location that best receives the target device's signal is used as the reference waveform. A measurement experiment is run in which the target device's signal is followed or preceded relatively close in time by a transmission of a reference signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing communication with a plurality of wireless client devices operating in a radio frequency band shared by other types of devices, comprising a step of controlling at least one parameter associated with radio communication with each of the plurality of wireless devices based on the radio frequency environment associated with each corresponding one of the plurality of wireless client devices. Spectrum profile information describing the radio frequency environment (activity in the frequency band) at a wireless client device is sent to the wireless base station device (where the parameter controls are made) from either a wireless client device or another radio device in the proximity of one or more wireless client devices that is capable of generating the spectrum profile information. The spectrum profile information may include information identifying signals that are occurring in the frequency band in the proximity of a wireless client device.

Abstract: A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying signals occurring in a frequency band. One or more characteristics of one or more signals in the frequency band are detected using any suitable technology, such as a device that can generate characteristics of signal pulses detected in the frequency band. Data pertaining to the signal pulses is accumulated over time. The accumulated signal data is compared against reference data associated with known signals to classify the one or more signals in the frequency band based on the comparison. The accumulated data may include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration, time between pulses and number of different active pulses, and wherein the reference data associated with each of a plurality of known signals comprises one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of: pulse center frequency, pulse bandwidth, pulse duration and time between pulses.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the spectrum utilization of a frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by multiple devices. At one or more devices operating in the frequency band, pulses associated with signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or all the frequency band for a time interval. From the detected signal pulses, the signals can be classified. In addition, overall spectrum activity can be measured. Using classification information for signals detected in the frequency band, policies can be executed so that a device may take certain actions in order to avoid interfering with other signals, or to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals. Signal detection occurs at one or more devices operating in a frequency band.

Abstract: Systems and methods to enable different types of radio communication devices to communicate using a common language in order to enable the devices to regulate their use of the spectrum. Each device participating in the ad hoc control channel (ACC) protocol transmits information using a common signal format that each of the other participant devices is capable of recognizing, in order to share information about how it uses the radio frequency band. Each device receives the information transmitted by other participant devices and based on that information, controls one or more of its operational parameters that impact usage of the radio frequency band. The ACC protocol enables devices of the same or different type to harmonize (instead of alienate) themselves with each other by allowing them to communicate about their usage of the radio frequency band using a common signaling framework.