Abstract: A wireless system having an infrastructure node and several leaf nodes in a non-redundant version or having at least two infrastructure nodes and several leaf nodes in a redundant version. Leaf nodes may individually seek out timing information in order to be in synch with an infrastructure node. Upon receipt of synch information from an infrastructure node, the respective leaf node may send data to the infrastructure node. In the case of a redundant system, primary and secondary nodes may be selected from a list of infrastructure nodes. Communications between an infrastructure node and a leaf node may occur on one of a number of channels, and the channel may be changed for communications between the nodes. In the case of a redundant system, a single transmission from the leaf node is received simultaneously by the redundant infrastructure nodes.

Abstract: A network of wireless nodes transmit electromagnetic signals, typically in the radio frequency (RF) mode, or at other frequencies. Multiple infrastructure nodes pick up the signals transmitted by each wireless node. The signals are combined to estimate the actual signal transmitted by the wireless node, such as a leaf node sensor. Many different diversity techniques may be used to combine the signals. In one embodiment, maximal ratio combining, equal gain combining, selection combining or switching combining is used to combine the signals.