Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing link integrity between two wireless cable devices through automatic link acquisition and tracking. Embodiments of the invention utilize inexpensive motors and control components to automatically enhancing signal strength between a first wireless cable device and a second wireless cable device. Either the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include an omnidirectional wireless antenna. Alternatively, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include a directional antenna. In another embodiment, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide network congestion avoidance implementing a fairness scheme in which a cost function is used are shown. Transmission cost, for use in network congestion avoidance packet dropping decisions, may be determined from an amount of air time needed to transmit a data packet, a transmission data rate, a size of a packet, an amount of spectral energy or transmit power associated with transmission, etc. A packet dropping probability for a particular packet is preferably determined as a function of the current flow cost and average flow cost to provide fair allocation of network communications resources. Embodiments additionally implement buffer based packet dropping probability calculation in order to provide a robust network congestion avoidance technique. Cost based packet dropping probability calculation and buffer based packet dropping probability calculation implemented according to embodiments are adapted to accommodate quality of service applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize antenna pattern or antenna beam scanning techniques to provide communication of payload traffic are shown. A base station radio is provided wireless communication links with a plurality of stations for communication of payload traffic between the base station and stations using a succession of antenna patterns. The antenna patterns are scanned in succession, such as randomly, quasi-randomly, sequentially, or according to a schedule. An antenna pattern scheduler may be used to implement antenna pattern scanning and traffic timing. Cooperative scheduling with respect to a plurality of base stations may be provided. Selection of the plurality of antenna patterns used by a base station is preferably adjusted from time to time, such as based upon environment, usage patterns, etcetera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing link integrity between two wireless cable devices through automatic link acquisition and tracking. Embodiments of the invention utilize inexpensive motors and control components to automatically enhancing signal strength between a first wireless cable device and a second wireless cable device. Either the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include an omnidirectional wireless antenna. Alternatively, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include a directional antenna. In another embodiment, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multi-function wireless node are shown. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments provide link completion infrastructure suited for a plurality of situations and environments, such as for repeaters, bridges, gateways, and APs. Embodiments provide a multi-function wireless node comprising a plurality of radios. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments further comprise a smart antenna system coupled to radios thereof and providing illumination within a service volume. The service volume of embodiments comprises a semi-spherical volume. Embodiments comprise a controller facilitating proper and/or optimal deployment and commissioning of the multi-function wireless node in each of a plurality of different link completion infrastructure forms. Embodiments further comprise a communication interface providing one or more information communication links in addition to those available through wireless links.

Abstract: Systems and methods which control communications in a carrier sense multiple access environment to provide a balance between communication sensitivity and transmission availability are shown. Adaptive interference control techniques of embodiments operate to determine a media error time metric representing the time associated with receiving interfering signals. The media error time metric of embodiments is used to adjust operation of various network systems in order to adjust communication sensitivity and/or transmission availability. Desensitizing thresholds and sensitizing thresholds may be used to define operating boundaries, such that desensitizing thresholds are used to control network desensitize actions which result in decreased error times and sensitizing thresholds are used to control network sensitizing actions which result in increased error times. Error time metrics and corresponding desensitizing and sensitizing thresholds may be utilized with respect to a plurality of radios.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement cooperative techniques at wireless network access points to provide interference mitigation are shown. Embodiments utilize cooperative antenna beam adaptation techniques wherein antenna beam selection, selective antenna beam transmission power, and/or antenna beam null selection is implemented based upon the communication environment created by a plurality of access points. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments utilize cooperative antenna beam isolation techniques wherein narrow channel filters are implemented with respect to antenna beam signals and/or shielding is provided between various antenna beams based upon the communication environment created by a plurality of access points.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a multi-function wireless node are shown. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments provide link completion infrastructure suited for a plurality of situations and environments, such as for repeaters, bridges, gateways, and APs. Embodiments provide a multi-function wireless node comprising a plurality of radios. Multi-function wireless nodes of embodiments further comprise a smart antenna system coupled to radios thereof and providing illumination within a service volume. The service volume of embodiments comprises a semi-spherical volume. Embodiments comprise a controller facilitating proper and/or optimal deployment and commissioning of the multi-function wireless node in each of a plurality of different link completion infrastructure forms. Embodiments further comprise a communication interface providing one or more information communication links in addition to those available through wireless links.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing switched phase shifters and a feed network to provide a low cost multiple beam antenna system for wireless communications. The present systems and methods may also facilitate multi-band communications and employ multi-diversity. The present systems and methods allow communication systems to achieve enhanced performance for communication or other services such as location tracking. The present systems and methods may employ switched phase shifters, multiple diversity antennas and/or a feed network having a multi-layer construction to provide an antenna system with low losses, low external component count and/or which is thin and compact.

Abstract: Systems and methods which control communications in a carrier sense multiple access environment to provide a balance between communication sensitivity and transmission availability are shown. Adaptive interference control techniques of embodiments operate to determine a media error time metric representing the time associated with receiving interfering signals. The media error time metric of embodiments is used to adjust operation of various network systems in order to adjust communication sensitivity and/or transmission availability. Desensitizing thresholds and sensitizing thresholds may be used to define operating boundaries, such that desensitizing thresholds are used to control network desensitize actions which result in decreased error times and sensitizing thresholds are used to control network sensitizing actions which result in increased error times. Error time metrics and corresponding desensitizing and sensitizing thresholds may be utilized with respect to a plurality of radios.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize antenna pattern or antenna beam scanning techniques to provide communication of payload traffic are shown. A base station radio is provided wireless communication links with a plurality of stations for communication of payload traffic between the base station and stations using a succession of antenna patterns. The antenna patterns are scanned in succession, such as randomly, quasi-randomly, sequentially, or according to a schedule. An antenna pattern scheduler may be used to implement antenna pattern scanning and traffic timing. Cooperative scheduling with respect to a plurality of base stations may be provided. Selection of the plurality of antenna patterns used by a base station is preferably adjusted from time to time, such as based upon environment, usage patterns, etcetera.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for management of wireless communications through the development and use of link space information. Such link space information provides link-centric information with respect to wireless links of a network to thereby provide a view of the network which takes into account phenomena affecting the wireless links. Utilizing such link space information, automated management of various aspects of a wireless network may be provided, including automated provisioning, management, and/or optimization of network links. Network operations may include use of link space information in providing network management applications such as automatic fault management, automatic performance management, operation advisories, and/or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for location positioning in wireless networks using techniques which are adapted to provide reliable location determinations even in complex topological environments. Embodiments utilize multiple antenna patterns, such as may be provided using phased array antennas, and implement location positioning techniques which do not require alteration of remote stations in providing location positioning. Various techniques for determining location may be implemented, including a channel model independent approach, a channel model based approach, or combinations thereof. A channel model independent approach used in providing location positioning may compare receive signal strength differences to an antenna gain difference table to determine an angle in the azimuth that a remote station is located.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide communication links optimized with respect to particular subscriber units. Preferred embodiments utilize multiple information components with respect to the arrival of signals associated with target subscriber units in providing optimized communication links. Most preferably, direction information and information with respect to the signal spread experienced in the communication channel is used. Moreover, preferred embodiments utilize subscriber unit speed information in providing optimized communication link determinations.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which proactively determine particular access terminals which are compatible for simultaneous communication at a high data rate and preferred embodiments provide scheduling of simultaneous communications such that data communication is optimized. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a multiple element antenna array, and associated array response vectors associated with narrow antenna beam forming techniques, (adaptive array antennas) to identify compatible access terminals, such as by calculating a correlation between particular access terminals and, preferably utilizing a predetermined correlation threshold, identifying suitably uncorrelated access terminals. Using such information embodiments of the present invention may determine which particular access terminals may be controlled to transmit at a high data rate at a same time. Embodiments of the present invention are operable with respect to the forward and/or reverse links.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing switched phase shifters and a feed network to provide a low cost multiple beam antenna system for wireless communications. The present systems and methods may also facilitate multi-band communications and employ multi-diversity. The present systems and methods allow communication systems to achieve enhanced performance for communication or other services such as location tracking. The present systems and methods may employ switched phase shifters, multiple diversity antennas and/or a feed network having a multi-layer construction to provide an antenna system with low losses, low external component count and/or which is thin and compact.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes adaptive antenna arrays at a base station to increase the forward link capacity of mobile data systems. One or more simultaneous forward link beams are formed and are switched (or hopped) in a time division manner among subscribers. The beam hopping sequence is randomized by varying the time slot and/or carrier frequency of each subscriber. In space-time hopping, the position within a frame of the time slot for each subscriber is varied in a pseudo random sequence. In space-frequency hopping, the carrier frequency for each frame is varied in a pseudo random sequence. The pseudo random beam hopping sequence provides a gain due to interference diversity in addition to the antenna array gain. Forward link beam forming algorithms use space-time or space-frequency hopping to increase the capacity of mobile data systems.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing improved wireless data communication. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize multiple antenna beams in the forward link to provide increased forward link capacity and/or improved forward link signal quality. Multiple orthogonal sub-pilots are transmitted from a plurality of antenna elements for use in determining forward link channel characteristics according to a preferred embodiment. Forward link channel estimates may then be made by the preferred embodiment subscriber units and provided in a reverse link control channel to the corresponding base station. Multiple beams may also be utilized in the reverse link to provide increased reverse link capacity, such as for use in providing feedback of forward link channel estimates.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing analysis of channel characteristics for determining a optimum beam configuration for use therein are shown. Preferably, the direction and angle spread for subscriber units are determined in order to provide a beam for use therewith. According to a preferred embodiment, forward link characteristics are emulated in the reverse link in order to identify an optimum beam configuration. This optimum beam configuration is then preferably adapted for use in the forward link. Preferably, the present invention operates to recognize subscriber units which are spatially separated such that the optimized beams may be utilized in providing simultaneous communications therewith.

Abstract: A diversity reception handset includes a receiver for receiving pilot and plural increments of traffic sent from a base station within a service area of a wireless communications network. The handset includes at least two antennas, a switch for switching a receiver between the two antennas, a time-of-arrival searcher circuit connected to the receiver and responsive to the pilot for determining time of arrival of the received signals and expected time of arrival of each increment, and a controller for controlling the switch based upon determined expected time of arrival of each increment.