Abstract: The present invention is a system for increasing Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in a wireless communication system comprising a plurality of antennas each antenna providing a signal, a device for selecting a subset of signals provided by the plurality of antennas, a maximum ratio combiner for summing the selected subset of signals provided by the plurality of antennas, and a decision device for measuring the selected subset of signals against a predefined threshold. The device for selecting the subset of signals is coupled to the plurality of antennas. The maximum ratio combiner is coupled to the selected subset of signals and the decision device for measuring the selected subset of signals against a predefined threshold. The decision device is coupled to the selecting device such that one selected signal of the selected subset of signals is replaced by an unused signal provided by the plurality of antennas.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with a drawing, physical arrangement, or performance. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user is truly who they purport to be, their interpretation will match the electronic model, thus authenticating the user. If interpretation fails to match the electronic model, authentication may be denied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a terahertz frequency electromagnetic beam are disclosed. For example, the method receives the terahertz frequency electromagnetic beam via a metamaterial having a plurality of addressable magnetic elements, where a resonant frequency of each of the plurality of addressable magnetic elements is capable of being programmably changed via an adjustment, and activates selectively a subset of the plurality of addressable magnetic elements to manipulate the terahertz frequency electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing synchronization between a number of overlapping area access points within a wireless LAN utilizes an Ethernet cable connection to transmit synchronization signals from a centralized hub/switch to each of the access points connected to the cable. The synchronization signal takes the form of a direct sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) signal. At each access point, a filter is used to recover the synchronization signal, allowing for the group of access points to share a common beacon signal and allowing frequency re-use among the access points.

Abstract: A secure, open-air communication system utilizes a plurality of “decoy” data signals to hide one or more true data signals. The true data signal(s) are channel hopped with the plurality of decoy data signals to form a multi-channel “scrambled” output signal that is thereafter transmitted in an open-air communication system. The greater the number of decoy signals, the greater the security provided to the open-air system. Further security may be provided by encrypting both the true and decoy signals prior to scrambling and/or by utilizing a spatially diverse set of transmitters and receivers. Without the knowledge of the channel assignment(s) for the true signal(s), an eavesdropper may be able to intercept (and, with time, perhaps descramble) the open-air transmitted signals, will not be able to distinguish the true data from the decoys without also knowing the channel assignment(s).

Abstract: An access point comprising a first interface for communicating with a plurality of subscriber terminals wirelessly, wherein the access point supports an internet protocol push-to-talk service and supports a protocol for a quality of service enabled wireless local area network and a second interface for communicating with a broadband access network terminal is described.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and apparatus for determining a location of a user endpoint device in a wireless network are disclosed. For example, the method receives from each of a plurality of base stations a plurality of signals and a plurality of times of arrival, wherein each of the plurality of times of arrival is associated with a particular signal of the plurality of signals, and determines the location of the wireless endpoint device from the plurality of signals and the plurality of times of arrival.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for collecting and analyzing data in a distributed sensor network. The distributed sensor network can include a number of distributed sensor systems having data sources such as sensors, communication equipment, and/or other systems and components. The distributed sensor systems also can include lighting systems, if desired. The distributed sensor systems can collect data from the data sources and provide the data to a local or remote entity such as a data analysis engine. The data analysis engine can request data from the distributed sensor systems, receive the data, and analyze the data for various purposes.

Abstract: A broadband access network terminal comprising a hardware integrated circuit is disclosed. The hardware integrated circuit is for communicating with a plurality of access points. The plurality of access points is for communicating with a plurality of subscriber terminals via a wireless local area network. The hardware integrated circuit is further for communicating with a broadband access network. In addition, the broadband access network terminal comprises an internet protocol multicast enabled broadband access network terminal, The broadband access network terminal further supports an internet protocol push-to-talk service for the plurality of subscriber terminals via the wireless local area network and supports media stream mixing and multicasting of information associated with the internet protocol push-to-talk service.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with a drawing, physical arrangement, or performance. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user is truly who they purport to be, their interpretation will match the electronic model, thus authenticating the user. If interpretation fails to match the electronic model, authentication may be denied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing authentication using an adaptive liquid lens are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, the method receives a request for authentication from a mobile endpoint device of a user, wherein the request comprises a first retinal image of the user captured using an adaptive liquid lens of the mobile endpoint device. The method obtains a second retinal image of the user, wherein the second retinal image is a stored retinal image of the user. The method authenticates the first retinal image against the second retinal image. In another embodiment, the method captures a first retinal image of a user via a mobile endpoint device of the user, wherein the mobile endpoint device comprises an adaptive liquid lens. The method then sends a request for authentication from the mobile endpoint device over a network, wherein the request comprises the first retinal image.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with a drawing, physical arrangement, or performance. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user is truly who they purport to be, their interpretation will match the electronic model, thus authenticating the user. If interpretation fails to match the electronic model, authentication may be denied.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products provide interfaces between intrahost networks and interhost networks within biological hosts. Neuroregional translations are performed to route communications to and from the biological hosts. Bioregional translations may also be performed to route communications to and from the biological hosts.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products predict emotional moods. Predicted moods may then be used to configure devices and machinery. A communications device may be configured to a mood of a user. A car may adjust to the mood of an operator. Even assembly lines may be configured, based on the mood of operators. Machinery and equipment may thus adopt performance and safety precautions that account for varying moods.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products monitor a person's regimen for medicinal and dietary restrictions. When the person's regimen requires a liquid medication or supplement, an oral instrument is commanded to dispense a dosage of fluid. The oral instrument stores a reservoir of the fluid. If the oral instrument is a spoon, for example, the spoon may automatically dispense cough syrup or other medicine. A toothbrush, likewise, may automatically dispense mouthwash. A sensor may confirm presence of the oral instrument in the person's mouth, thus ensuring the dosage of fluid is ingested.

Abstract: A method includes processing sensor data received from one or more sensors based on the one or more signatures to produce processed data and determining a mode of motion associated with a movement of a user based on the processed data.

Abstract: A wireless access network is based on a two-tier access point (AP) structure to provide effective and efficient wireless communication into an individual home/office building. A first tier of the network utilizes “neighborhood” APs, relatively low power, and utilized to provide wireless communication with a “nanocell” boundary (e.g., 300-1000 feet). A second tier of the network utilizes a set of “network concatenation devices” (window bridge), with a separate network concatenation device at each permanent facility in the nanocell that houses wireless devices. The network concatenation device is attached to a window, for example, of a home in communication with the neighborhood AP. The network concatenation device functions as a bridge to couple to each of the wireless devices within the home. This communication is then relayed in an efficient manner between the network concatenation device and the neighborhood AP. By using a number of neighborhood APs, rather extensive wireless coverage can be obtained.

Abstract: A transmit switched antenna system utilizes one of several antennas selection protocols combined with feedback from a receiving device to take advantage of time and space transmission for the same information. A transmit device transmits first information over a first subset of a set of antennas and receives and ACK or NAK from the receiver along with a channel quality indicator. If a NAK is received, the transmitter selects a next antenna subset for transmission, based on the antenna selection protocol utilized. One protocol randomly selects the next subset and does not require the channel quality indicator. Another protocol determines the next antenna subset based on channel quality history and a third protocol selects the next antennas subset based on expectation of retransmissions for different subsets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a terahertz link using a multi-element lens array that comprises a plurality of active beam steering device are disclosed. For example, the method receives detected terahertz signals from one or more detectors, where an active beam steering device is deployed with each of the one or more detectors, and determines, for each of the detected signals, if the detected signal is out of focus from a focus point. The method applies a corrective signal to each active beam steering device that corresponds to a detected terahertz signal that is out of focus from the focus point, wherein the corrective signal causes the detected signal to be redirected, and measures a signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signals. The method then establishes the terahertz link via at least one of the detected terahertz signals with a highest signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system overlapped by a dominant Ethernet-like wireless communication system, and including radio access and communication for activation, association, and authentication of a wireless device in the secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system. An automated private service activation (APSA) port is used for accepting access and communication requests of a wireless device seeking activation, association and authentication in the secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system. The APSA port provides an access and communication channel for radiating signals at a level exceeding a signal level of the access and communication channel only within limited spatial constraints. In addition the APSA port provides space for receiving the wireless device for activation and communication in the secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system.