Abstract: A beamforming method is disclosed that includes performing sequential beam transmissions in multiple directions and receiving replies to the transmissions (i.e. a sector search). The received transmissions can include information or channel parameters such as direction of arrival, signal to noise ratio, signal strength, etc., for each sector. Utilizing the parameters transmitted or fed back by the receiver, the transmitter can store control vectors that dictate a beam that can be utilized to commence a beam refinement procedure. In addition, the parameters can be utilized to select and implement a custom sequence to refine the communication channel between the device and the controller. The custom sequence can significantly reduce the time required to create a channel with acceptable qualities such that efficient high speed network communications can be conducted. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A beamforming method is disclosed that includes performing sequential beam transmissions in multiple directions and receiving replies to the transmissions (i.e. a sector search). The received transmissions can include information or channel parameters such as direction of arrival, signal to noise ratio, signal strength, etc., for each sector. Utilizing the parameters transmitted or fed back by the receiver, the transmitter can store control vectors that dictate a beam that can be utilized to commence a beam refinement procedure. In addition, the parameters can be utilized to select and implement a custom sequence to refine the communication channel between the device and the controller. The custom sequence can significantly reduce the time required to create a channel with acceptable qualities such that efficient high speed network communications can be conducted. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly, a mechanism to performing beam tracking during an exchange of data packets disclosed. A perturbation on a transmit or receive beamforming vector is added for the transmission or reception of each data packet. The perturbation may be a minimum allowed phase rotation.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a plurality of RF antennas, the plurality of RF antennas have a calibrated radiation pattern. The apparatus may further comprise a directional finding program that receives RF signal information from said plurality of RF antennas and RF antenna calibrated radiation pattern information and then calculates the direction from which said RF signals emanate relative to said apparatus.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a plurality of RF antennas, the plurality of RF antennas have a calibrated radiation pattern. The apparatus may further comprise a directional finding program that receives RF signal information from said plurality of RF antennas and RF antenna calibrated radiation pattern information and then calculates the direction from which said RF signals emanate relative to said apparatus.