Abstract: A wireless network includes leaf nodes (such as wireless sensors or other wireless devices) and infrastructure nodes (such as access points). The leaf nodes communicate data messages to the infrastructure nodes. The infrastructure nodes communicate the data messages to gateway infrastructure nodes, which transmit the data messages over a wired network. The leaf nodes may communicate data messages to multiple infrastructure nodes in various ways. For example, the leaf nodes may transmit multiple messages, one at a time, to multiple infrastructure nodes. The leaf nodes may also broadcast a single message to multiple infrastructure nodes. In addition, the leaf nodes may communicate a single message containing a group identifier (such as a multi-cast group address) associated with multiple infrastructure nodes. In this way, communications from the leaf nodes may be more reliable. This may be particularly useful, for example, in networks such as 802.11-based networks.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining routing tables, and link quality to neighbor nodes for each node in a wireless multi-hop network, iteratively removing a network element and determining alternative routes for each such removed network element, and identifying critical network elements where inadequate alternative routes exist after network elements are removed. The method may be implemented by code stored on a computer readable storage device for execution by a computer in some embodiments.

Abstract: A system and method include determining an amount of network traffic to add to traffic in the network to emulate a desired condition, beginning a test of the network such that network nodes generate test traffic in accordance with the determined amount of network traffic to emulate the desired condition, receiving the test traffic, and calculating network performance measures as a function of the received test traffic.

Abstract: The embodiments are related to deploying wireless devices in a space to maximize a monitored area. In an embodiment, the system includes at least one first wireless device installed into a first position and set in a placed mode, and a second wireless device to be installed into a second position and set in an unplaced mode. The second wireless device is moved away from the at least one first wireless device. An application message is transmitted at a normal operating power. A link quality detection message is transmitted at a reduced power lower than the operating power by a headroom. The link quality between the at least one first wireless device and the second wireless device is estimated based on the link quality detection message to determine the second position to install the second wireless device. Once installed, the second wireless device is switched to the placed mode.

Abstract: A system and method automatically associate wireless devices to point names. An installation plan indicates that wireless devices are installed at designated locations. Each designated location in the installation plan includes an associated point name, each wireless device is configured to transmit a message indicating itself as the source of the message, and each wireless communication device is installed proximate to its designated location. Expected distances are determined between one or more pairs of designated locations on the installation plan. Range estimate data is gathered from the installed wireless devices for one or more pairs of the installed wireless devices. A unique identifier within a signal transmitted by one of the installed wireless devices is associated with a corresponding point name on the installation plan. The association is determined at least in part by the expected distances and the range estimate data.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for integrating multiple communication systems including multiple wireless communication protocols into a single system are discussed. In an illustrative example, a communication system includes a device adapted to communicate via first and second wireless communication protocols. The system may further include local area network or other wired sub-network, with the device adapted for first and second protocols also being adapted to operate using the local area network or other wired sub-network.

Abstract: A system includes a first cluster having multiple first wireless nodes. One first node is configured to act as a first cluster master, and other first nodes are configured to receive time synchronization information provided by the first cluster master. The system also includes a second cluster having one or more second wireless nodes. One second node is configured to act as a second cluster master, and any other second nodes configured to receive time synchronization information provided by the second cluster master. The system further includes a manager configured to merge the clusters into a combined cluster. One of the nodes is configured to act as a single cluster master for the combined cluster, and the other nodes are configured to receive time synchronization information provided by the single cluster master.

Abstract: A process control system or other system includes multiple nodes that communicate using frequency-hopping patterns. Each node may operate using its own frequency-hopping pattern. Each node may also broadcast information identifying its frequency-hopping pattern to other nodes, such as any neighboring nodes. Each node may further receive information identifying the frequency-hopping patterns of any neighboring nodes. The nodes may then operate in a non-synchronized manner and use the frequency-hopping patterns of neighboring nodes to communicate. For example, each node may use the identified frequency-hopping pattern of a neighboring node to synchronize with and communicate data to the neighboring node. In this way, the nodes need not maintain synchronization at all times during operation. Also, different nodes may use different frequency channels at the same time, helping to increase the bandwidth available for wireless communications.

Abstract: A method includes repeatedly transmitting messages from a first wireless node at a transmit power. The method also includes receiving feedback from a second wireless node, where the feedback is based on a quality of reception of at least some of the messages at the second wireless node. The method further includes adjusting the transmit power of the first wireless node based on the feedback to maintain the quality of reception proximate to a setpoint. The feedback could be received from multiple second wireless nodes. The feedback could include quantized values. The quality of reception could include a bit error rate, a packet error rate, and/or a receive signal strength. The quality of reception can be determined for a sliding window associated with a subset of the transmitted messages.

Abstract: The embodiments are related to deploying wireless devices in a space to maximize a monitored area. In an embodiment, the system includes at least one first wireless device installed into a first position and set in a placed mode, and a second wireless device to be installed into a second position and set in an unplaced mode. The second wireless device is moved away from the at least one first wireless device. An application message is transmitted at a normal operating power. A link quality detection message is transmitted at a reduced power lower than the operating power by a headroom. The link quality between the at least one first wireless device and the second wireless device is estimated based on the link quality detection message to determine the second position to install the second wireless device. Once installed, the second wireless device is switched to the placed mode.

Abstract: A system and method automatically associate wireless devices to point names. An installation plan indicates that wireless devices are installed at designated locations. Each designated location in the installation plan includes an associated point name, each wireless device is configured to transmit a message indicating itself as the source of the message, and each wireless communication device is installed proximate to its designated location. Expected distances are determined between one or more pairs of designated locations on the installation plan. Range estimate data is gathered from the installed wireless devices for one or more pairs of the installed wireless devices. A unique identifier within a signal transmitted by one of the installed wireless devices is associated with a corresponding point name on the installation plan. The association is determined at least in part by the expected distances and the range estimate data.

Abstract: A wireless network includes leaf nodes (such as wireless sensors or other wireless devices) and infrastructure nodes (such as access points). The leaf nodes communicate data messages to the infrastructure nodes. The infrastructure nodes communicate the data messages to gateway infrastructure nodes, which transmit the data messages over a wired network. The leaf nodes may communicate data messages to multiple infrastructure nodes in various ways. For example, the leaf nodes may transmit multiple messages, one at a time, to multiple infrastructure nodes. The leaf nodes may also broadcast a single message to multiple infrastructure nodes. In addition, the leaf nodes may communicate a single message containing a group identifier (such as a multi-cast group address) associated with multiple infrastructure nodes. In this way, communications from the leaf nodes may be more reliable. This may be particularly useful, for example, in networks such as 802.11-based networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for estimating the location of a portable device.

Abstract: A system and method that use audio feedback from a region being monitored can provide location information pertaining to fire or individuals in the region. Units of a public address system can each be equipped with a microphone. Audio from the microphones can be processed at a common location, such as an alarm control panel. The audio can provide fire profiles as well as information as to individuals in the region being monitored.

Abstract: The present system having a secure wireless infrastructure with a key server acting as a key distribution center. The key server may be the core of the network, securely admitting new nodes or devices, deploying and updating keys and authorizing secure communications sessions. The system may also share secure keying information with a new device not already a member of a secure wireless network. The keying information may be used for authentication or encryption or both, and may be provided to the new device in a manner or mode which is not susceptible to exposure outside of the secure network. The keying information shared with the new device may be regarded as a birth key. Then the new device may send a birth key encrypted request to join the secure network via an exposed communication mode. The key server may respond with a birth key encrypted key encryption key.

Abstract: A wireless network includes leaf nodes (such as wireless sensors or other wireless devices) and infrastructure nodes (such as access points). The leaf nodes communicate data messages to the infrastructure nodes. The infrastructure nodes communicate the data messages to gateway infrastructure nodes, which transmit the data messages over a wired network. The leaf nodes may communicate data messages to multiple infrastructure nodes in various ways. For example, the leaf nodes may transmit multiple messages, one at a time, to multiple infrastructure nodes. The leaf nodes may also broadcast a single message to multiple infrastructure nodes. In addition, the leaf nodes may communicate a single message containing a group identifier (such as a multi-cast group address) associated with multiple infrastructure nodes. In this way, communications from the leaf nodes may be more reliable. This may be particularly useful, for example, in networks such as 802.11-based networks.

Abstract: A method includes creating Coriolis-based deflection in at least one oscillating flow tube of a flow meter, which is caused by material flowing through the at least one flow tube. The method also includes determining a deflection amplitude and deflection period using interferometric measurements. The method further includes determining a characteristic of the material using the amplitude and period and transmitting the characteristic. A laser interferometer could include a photo-detector. The deflection period could be based on variations in a period of fringes in the photo-detector's output. The deflection amplitude could be based on a number of fringes during the deflection period. A resonant frequency of the at least one flow tube can be determined using the deflection period, and a density of the material can be determined using the resonant frequency. The characteristic of the material could include a mass flow rate or a volumetric flow rate of the material.

Abstract: A wireless network includes a leaf node, which generates a data message. The data message is routed through infrastructure nodes to a gateway infrastructure node, which is coupled to a wired network. A wireless interface module is also coupled to the wired network and communicates with the gateway infrastructure node. Multiple copies of the data message are created in the wireless network due to redundancy mechanisms supported in the wireless network, such as redundant connectivity and redundant message routing. The multiple copies of the data message are received at the gateway infrastructure node or the wireless interface module, which identifies the copies and communicates a single copy of the data message over the wired network to a destination. In this way, the redundancy mechanisms supported in the wireless network are concealed from wired components coupled to the wired network.

Abstract: Methods and devices for operating a wireless network including redundant communication. Methods involving redundantly connected nodes are discussed including addressing methods and/or methods of creating groups for such redundant communication. The use of primary and secondary redundant connections is discussed. Also, devices for implementing such methods.

Abstract: Methods and devices for operating a wireless network including redundant communication. Methods involving redundantly connected nodes are discussed including addressing methods and/or methods of creating groups for such redundant communication. The use of primary and secondary redundant connections is discussed. The inclusion of a redundant network in association with a non-redundant network such as a Zigbee® protocol network is discussed. Also, devices for implementing such methods are described.