Abstract: A method is provided for handling packets at a queuing point in a packet-based communication system that handles the packets, when each of the packets is assigned one of a plurality of service priorities. At least one discard threshold is assigned to each of the service priorities, and when one of the packets is delivered to the queuing point, a count of the total number of packets or bytes stored in a queue at the queuing point is maintained. That count is compared with a selected discard threshold associated with the service priority assigned to the packet delivered to the queuing point, and that packet is selectively discarded if the count reaches the selected discard threshold. Packets having different service priorities may be stored in the queue.

Abstract: A single channel full duplex wireless communication system includes a processor, a transmitter, a receiver, a secondary transmission path, a combining element, a primary transmission feedback path and a secondary transmission feedback path. The transmitter transmits a transmission signal via a transmission path. The receiver receives a received signal via a reception path. The transmitter and the receiver utilize one channel to transmit and receive signals. The transmission signal causes self-interference. The processor estimates a first transfer function and feeds the secondary transmission path with the transmission signal adjusted by the first transfer function to reduce the transmission signal leaked to the reception path. The combining element combines the transmission signal with the adjusted secondary transmission path signal to remove the self-interference. The primary transmission feedback path output is modified by a second transfer function.

Abstract: A smart antenna system is provided for communicating wireless signals between a mobile device and a plurality of different fixed base stations using one or more channels and one or more beams. The smart antenna system includes a control subsystem, a radio transceiver and an antenna subsystem coupled to each other and adapted to perform scanning of one or more combinations of base stations, channels and beams using one or more test links established with one or more of the fixed base stations where the test links use at least some of the channels and the beams. A first combination of base station, channel and beam is selected based on the scanning; and a first operating link is established for transmitting a wireless signal to the selected base station using the selected channel and beam.

Abstract: A smart antenna system is provided for communicating wireless signals between a mobile device and a plurality of different fixed base stations using different channels and different beams, said smart antenna system comprising a control subsystem, a radio transceiver and an antenna subsystem coupled to each other and adapted to perform scanning of different combinations of base stations, channels and beams using one or more test links established with one or more of said different fixed base stations, said one or more test links using at least some of the different channels and the different beams, select a first combination of base station, channel and beam based on the scanning, and establish a first operating link for transmitting a wireless signal to the selected base station using the selected channel and beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interference-triggered frequency hopping in a wireless communication system. A master is provided in the wireless communication system in wireless communication with slave nodes each configured to use different preselected communication frequencies to permit frequency hopping. A current channel is selected from among multiple channels in the wireless communication system in which the master and at least some of the slave nodes send and receive wireless communications. Each of the channels uses different ones of the preselected communication frequencies. In the current channel, interference with communications between the master and a selected one of the slave nodes that use the current channel is detected. A new channel is selected only in response to detecting the interference. The system switches from the current channel to the new channel such that communications between the master and the selected slave node use the new channel.

Abstract: A method for controlling packet flow in a packet transmission network. The method includes determining a parameter representative of packet congestion on the network, and adjusting a flow of packets onto the network in accordance with such parameter. The adjusting is a function of the time history of the parameter and the time average of such parameter relative to predetermined threshold levels. The adjusting selects one of a plurality of states, transitions between the states being a function of the time history of the parameter and the time average of such parameter relative to predetermined threshold levels.

Abstract: A method for measuring degree of packet congestion on a channel of a packet communication network. The method includes: during a training mode, generating an mathematical relationship between the degree of packet congestion on the channel and a plurality of measurable features of the network over a plurality of network conditions; and, during a subsequent normal operating mode, periodically measuring the plurality of measurable features and applying the generated mathematical relationship to such periodically measured plurality of measurable features to determine actual degree of congestion on the channel; and comparing the actual degree of congestion on the channel with a predetermined channel congestion threshold level. The degree of packet congestion on the channel is saturation level. The measurable features include: lime delay between transmission starts and terminations of the previously transmitted packet; the fraction of time the channel is busy; and. average number of packet transmission retries.

Abstract: A method for measuring degree of packet congestion on a channel of a packet communication network. The method includes: during a training mode, generating an mathematical relationship between the degree of packet congestion on the channel and a plurality of measurable features of the network over a plurality of network conditions; and, during a subsequent normal operating mode, periodically measuring the plurality of measurable features and applying the generated mathematical relationship to such periodically measured plurality of measurable features to determine actual degree of congestion on the channel; and comparing the actual degree of congestion on the channel with a predetermined channel congestion threshold level. The degree of packet congestion on the channel is saturation level. The measurable features include: time delay between transmission starts and terminations of the previously transmitted packet; the fraction of time the channel is busy; and, average number of packet transmission retries.

Abstract: A method for controlling packet flow in a packet transmission network. The method includes determining a parameter representative of packet congestion on the network, and adjusting a flow of packets onto the network in accordance with such parameter. The adjusting is a function of the time history of the parameter and the time average of such parameter relative to predetermined threshold levels. The adjusting selects one of a plurality of states, transitions between the states being a function of the time history of the parameter and the time average of such parameter relative to predetermined threshold levels.

Abstract: A method for measuring degree of packet congestion on a channel of a packet communication network. The method includes: during a training mode, generating an mathematical relationship between the degree of packet congestion on the channel and a plurality of measurable features of the network over a plurality of network conditions; and, during a subsequent normal operating mode, periodically measuring the plurality of measurable features and applying the generated mathematical relationship to such periodically measured plurality of measurable features to determine actual degree of congestion on the channel; and comparing the actual degree of congestion on the channel with a predetermined channel congestion threshold level. The degree of packet congestion on the channel is saturation level. The measurable features include: time delay between transmission starts and terminations of the previously transmitted packet; the fraction of time the channel is busy; and, average number of packet transmission retries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that allows M transceivers to transmit/receive using M2N distinct beams using passive beam steering. This provides for the use of arbitrary narrow beams with a number of transceivers that is a fraction of the number of beams but ensures 360° coverage. In other words it permits significant improvements in the link budget with a minimal rise in the cost of the BS. The apparatus includes M distribution switches applied to 2N passive beam forming networks each coupled to M antennas. The method and apparatus are compatible with TDM in the downlink and TDMA in the uplink.