Abstract: A bandwidth allocation and management system for cellular communication networks. The system includes at least one master optical switch and processing station, a number of aggregation base stations that are in optical fiber communication with a master optical switching and processing station and a number of auxiliary cellular base stations surrounded by and supported by each aggregation base station. In preferred embodiments a plurality of sets of three neighboring base stations are each adapted to receive and process RF signals transmitted by cellular users within a broadcast and receive range and transmit the RF signals received, by each of the three neighborhood base stations, from each of the cellular users in analog form to the master optical switching and processing station.

Abstract: A communication system and method that combines with direct high data rate links at least one content distribution networks with a number of base stations of at least one cellular communication networks. In preferred embodiments the high data rate direct communication links between the content distribution networks and the base stations include millimeter wave radio links and the cellular communication networks are provided with third or fourth generation communication equipment providing data rates in excess of 40 Mbps. In a preferred embodiment millimeter wave links operating at data rates in the range of about 1.25 Gbps or greater in frequency ranges of within the range of 71 GHz to 86 GHz provide communication channels between base stations and points of presence of the content distribution network.

Abstract: A data center network comprising with an all-optical core network which includes a number of separate all-optical networks to connect clusters of computer network equipment at network nodes. Circuit modules in the data center network each includes a memory bank to provide queues to store information scheduled to be transmitted optically through the all-optical core network. Each circuit module also includes a lambda port module which includes a number of optical mux-demux units and an equal number of lambda ports designed to provide communication between the mux-demux units and the memory bank via a number of optical transceivers. In preferred embodiments all logic communication circuits through the core network are all optical fibers. The present invention creates non-interfering circuits by means of their spectral, spatial and temporal separation from each other.

Abstract: A data center network comprising with an all-optical core network which includes a number of separate all-optical networks to connect clusters of computer network equipment at network nodes. Circuit modules in the data center network each includes a memory bank to provide queues to store information scheduled to be transmitted optically through the all-optical core network. Each circuit module also includes a lambda port module which includes a number of optical mux-demux units and an equal number of lambda ports designed to provide communication between the mux-demux units and the memory bank via a number of optical transceivers. In preferred embodiments all logic communication circuits through the core network are all optical fibers. The present invention creates non-interfering circuits by means of their spectral, spatial and temporal separation from each other.

Abstract: A bandwidth allocation and management system for cellular communication networks. The system includes at least one master optical switch and processing station, a number of aggregation base stations that are in optical fiber communication with a master optical switching and processing station and a number of auxiliary cellular base stations surrounded by and supported by each aggregation base station. In preferred embodiments a plurality of sets of three neighboring base stations are each adapted to receive and process RF signals transmitted by cellular users within a broadcast and receive range and transmit the RF signals received, by each of the three neighborhood base stations, from each of the cellular users in analog form to the master optical switching and processing station.

Abstract: A bandwidth allocation and management system for cellular communication networks. The system includes at least one master optical switch and processing station, a number of aggregation base stations that are in optical fiber, communication with a master optical switching and processing station and a number (for example about 18) of auxiliary cellular base stations surrounded by and supported by each aggregation base station. In preferred embodiments each of a plurality of the aggregation base stations is in communication with one or more auxiliary base stations via a wireless millimeter wave link.

Abstract: A communication system and method that combines with direct high data rate links at least one content distribution networks with a number of base stations of at least one cellular communication networks. In preferred embodiments the high data rate direct communication links between the content distribution networks and the base stations include millimeter wave radio links and the cellular communication networks are provided with third or fourth generation communication equipment providing data rates in excess of 40 Mbps. In a preferred embodiment millimeter wave links operating at data rates in the range of about 1.25 Gbps or greater in frequency ranges of within the range of 71 GHz to 86 GHz provide communication channels between base stations and points of presence of the content distribution network.

Abstract: A communications network is provided with a self-healing topological architecture. Each node in the network detects continuously transmitted beacon packets that are propagated through the network at regular intervals by a root node. Upon failure to detect a new beacon packet after a predetermined time from a parent node, a network node determines a network isolation condition and searches for another node that is still actively connected in the network. Algorithms are provided for registering with and identifying active parent node candidates during a network failure so as to prevent the creation of network loops.

Abstract: A digital data network uses network nodes incorporating infrared transceivers. Each node includes a plurality of infrared transceivers having transmitter and receiver optics designed to facilitate line-of-sight infrared optical communications in a residential or business neighborhood. New nodes are installed with at least one selected transceiver having line-of-sight access to at least one existing transceiver. Automated tracking and acquisition processes are used to align transceivers to enable data communication and to acquire newly installed nodes into the network. Other automated tracking programs operate on an as-needed or scheduled basis to maintain good alignment and communications between adjoining node transceivers. Network nodes include weather-proof housings and are of a size and shape to be easily mounted on existing structures so as not to disrupt the visual appeal of a neighborhood.

Abstract: A digital data network (100) uses network nodes (106) incorporating infrared transceivers (108). Each node (106) includes a plurality of infrared transceivers (108) having transmitter (109) and receiver (111) optics designed to facilitate line-of-sight infrared optical communications in a residential or business neighborhood. New nodes (106) are installed with at least one selected transceiver (108) having line-of-sight access to at least one existing transceiver (108). Automated tracking (370, 400, 500) and acquisition (300) processes are used to align transceivers (108) to enable data communication and to acquire newly installed nodes (108) into the network (100). Other automated tracking programs operate on an as-needed or scheduled basis to maintain good alignment and communications between adjoining node transceivers (108). Network nodes include weather-proof housings (112) and are of a size and shape to be easily mounted on existing structures so as not to disrupt the visual appeal of a neighborhood.

Abstract: A communications network is provided with a self-healing topological architecture. Each node in the network detects continuously transmitted beacon packets that are propagated through the network at regular intervals by a root node. Upon failure to detect a new beacon packet after a predetermined time from a parent node, a network node determines a network isolation condition and searches for another node that is still actively connected in the network. Algorithms are provided for registering with and identifying active parent node candidates during a network failure so as to prevent the creation of network loops.

Abstract: A digital data network uses network nodes incorporating infrared transceivers. Each node includes a plurality of infrared transceivers having transmitter and receiver optics designed to facilitate line-of-sight infrared optical communications in a residential or business neighborhood. New nodes are installed with at least one selected transceiver having line-of-sight access to at least one existing transceiver. Automated tracking and acquisition processes are used to align transceivers to enable data communication and to acquire newly installed nodes into the network.

Abstract: A transceiver for a two-way laser beam link in a communications system handles data blocks and stand-down blocks on both in-coming and out-going laser beams. The transceiver includes a detector unit which monitors the in-coming laser beam, and sends an interrupt signal on its out-going beam whenever the quality of the in-coming beam passes a predetermined threshold. Additionally, the transceiver includes an injector for inserting stand-down blocks onto its out-going beam in response to interrupt signals that are received on its in-coming beam. A router is provided at the transceiver for removing stand-down blocks from its in-coming beam. Appropriate buffers are provided at the transceiver so that laser transmissions with other transceivers can be made at a baud rate which is approximately twice as fast as the data signaling rate used on non-laser connections between each transceiver and other components of the system.