Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless communication compatible with a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system. The method includes transforming input data in accordance with a two-dimensional Orthogonal Time Frequency Space (OTFS) transform in order to generate OTFS transformed data. The method includes generating a data frame that contains the transformed data and is structured for use within the LTE communication system. The method further includes transmitting the data frame using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transmitter.

Abstract: Distributed and software reconfigurable remote CMTS (CMRTS) device, based on MAC and PHY units with FPGA and DSP components, for a HFC CATV network. The various CATV RF modulators, such as QAM modulators, may be located entirely at the fiber nodes if desired. Although a basic set of CATV QAM data waveforms may optionally be transmitted to the nodes using a first fiber, in a preferred embodiment, all data may be transmitted to the nodes using other protocols such as Ethernet protocols. The nodes will extract the data specific to each neighborhood and inject this data into the cable portion of the system as RF waveforms, such as RF QAM channels. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for managing and reconfiguring the FPGA and DSP based CMTRS units, as well as a new type of edge router based all-digital virtual head end (virtual converged cable access platform) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Inconspicuous antenna systems configured to include substantially transparent conducting and dielectric materials or open lattice structures. The antenna systems are capable of distinguishing wireless waveforms over a plurality of different polarization states and directions. Polarized antenna elements are assembled into antenna sets, each set with a different directionality. The different directionality sets in turn form the antenna system. Directionality can be achieved by employing different printed antenna like designs, variable length microstrips, Rotman lenses, active phase adjust, metamaterials, and other methods. The antenna system can be widely used in urban environments and installed as visually inconspicuous retrofits over building windows, street lights, air conditioning units, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for orthogonal time frequency space communication and waveform generation compatible with OFDM. The method includes receiving a plurality of information symbols and encoding an N×M array containing the plurality of information symbols into a two-dimensional array of modulation symbols by spreading each of the plurality of information symbols with respect to both time and frequency. The two-dimensional array of modulation symbols is then transmitted along with one or more OFDM symbols using a plurality of narrowband subcarriers.

Abstract: Fiber, cable, and wireless data channels are typically impaired by reflectors and other imperfections, producing a channel state with echoes and frequency shifts in data waveforms. Here, methods of using OTFS pilot symbol waveform bursts to automatically produce a detailed 2D model of the channel state are presented. This 2D channel state can then be used to optimize data transmission. For wireless data channels, an even more detailed 2D model of channel state can be produced by using polarization and multiple antennas in the process. Once 2D channel states are known, the system turns imperfect data channels from a liability to an advantage by using channel imperfections to boost data transmission rates. The methods can be used to improve legacy data transmission modes in multiple types of media, and are particularly useful for producing new types of robust and high capacity wireless communications using non-legacy OTFS data transmission methods.

Abstract: Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which at least some and often all of the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A CCAP set of IP/on-demand data is transmitted to the nodes using an optical fiber, often using digital protocols such as Ethernet protocols. Optionally a basic set of legacy CATV QAM data, transmitted using RF waveforms transposed to optical frequencies, may also be transmitted to the nodes using either the same or different optical fiber. The nodes extract the data specific to each neighborhood, and inject this data into unused cable QAM channels along with any optional legacy CATV QAM waveforms as desired, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.

Abstract: System and method to extend the data carrying capacity of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network by adding wideband RF signal capability above 1 GHz, and replacing the CATV amplifier devices with an improved type of Coax Domain Amplifier-Repeater (CDAR) device that, in addition to being a smart reconfigurable amplifier and cable signal diagnostic device, also segments the CATV cable portion of the HFC network into a series of smaller domains. The CDAR often alter RF signals from 5-865 MHz, while more freely passing RF signals over 1 GHz. Upstream capability is enhanced because the CDAR intercept 5-42 MHz upstream signals from each domain and convert to 1 GHz+ signals. Downstream capability is also enhanced because the CDAR can take efficiently encoded 1 GHz+ digital data, modulate it, and locally inject into each domain without crosstalk between domains. CDAR can use active cancellation, and active restoration techniques to improve performance.

Abstract: System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed.

Abstract: Fiber, cable, and wireless data channels are typically impaired by reflectors and other imperfections, producing a channel state with echoes and frequency shifts in data waveforms. Here, methods of using OTFS pilot symbol waveform bursts to automatically produce a detailed 2D model of the channel state are presented. This 2D channel state can then be used to optimize data transmission. For wireless data channels, an even more detailed 2D model of channel state can be produced by using polarization and multiple antennas in the process. Once 2D channel states are known, the system turns imperfect data channels from a liability to an advantage by using channel imperfections to boost data transmission rates. The methods can be used to improve legacy data transmission modes in multiple types of media, and are particularly useful for producing new types of robust and high capacity wireless communications using non-legacy OTFS data transmission methods.

Abstract: Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.

Abstract: A system and method to enable vibration mediated communication between electrical devices such as photovoltaic solar panel controllers. The electrical devices may be connected to a mesh network with individual router devices. The individual router devices will send and receive data packets by creating or detecting vibrations in a solid vibration conducting media (such as the solar power wiring) that connects the individual electrical devices. Often at least one centralized control device is used to periodically request sensor data packets from the individual router devices and electrical devices. When the electrical devices are photovoltaic solar arrays, the centralized control device may, for example, be used to compute the proper adjustments for the solar arrays that will optimize the overall power output from the photovoltaic solar array. The control device will then send adjustment data packets back to the individual router devices through the mesh network, thus optimizing overall power output.

Abstract: System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed.

Abstract: Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which at least some and often all of the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A CCAP set of IP/on-demand data is transmitted to the nodes using an optical fiber, often using digital protocols such as Ethernet protocols. Optionally a basic set of legacy CATV QAM data, transmitted using RF waveforms transposed to optical frequencies, may also be transmitted to the nodes using either the same or different optical fiber. The nodes extract the data specific to each neighborhood, and inject this data into unused cable QAM channels along with any optional legacy CATV QAM waveforms as desired, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of converting legacy HFC CATV cable systems, which transmit data over the optical fiber portion of the system using the optical counterpart of analog RF waveforms, such as RF QAM waveforms transduced to corresponding optical QAM waveforms, to improved HFC CATV systems that transmit data over the optical fiber using optical fiber optimized protocols, such as Ethernet frames and other optical fiber optimized digital transport protocols. According to the method, most aspects of the legacy HFC CATV system may be retained, however at the CATV head end, the optical fiber transmitter system is replaced by an improved system that extracts the underlying symbols from legacy waveforms, packages these symbols into optical fiber optimized packets, and transmits downstream. The legacy optical fiber nodes are replaced with improved nodes capable of receiving the packets and remodulating the symbols into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable.

Abstract: Methods to improve the data carrying capacity of CATV DOCSIS systems and other communications systems are disclosed. Communications channels may be more efficiently spaced with reduced or absent guard bands by using receivers with adaptive signal cancellation methods, equalizing circuits, or polyphase filter banks and Fast Fourier Transform signal processing methods to correct for higher levels of cross-talk. QAM type communications channels may also be utilized on a synchronized two-transmitter at a time basis by adjusting the transmitters to predefined signal levels, such as +1, ?1, +½, ?½ to enable the combined signals to be distinguished at the receiver. These two methods may be combined to create a still higher data throughput system.

Abstract: A method of converting legacy HFC CATV cable systems, which transmit data over the optical fiber portion of the system using the optical counterpart of analog RF waveforms, such as RF QAM waveforms transduced to corresponding optical QAM waveforms, to improved HFC CATV systems that transmit data over the optical fiber using optical fiber optimized protocols, such as Ethernet frames and other optical fiber optimized digital transport protocols. According to the method, most aspects of the legacy HFC CATV system may be retained, however at the CATV head end, the optical fiber transmitter system is replaced by an improved system that extracts the underlying symbols from legacy waveforms, packages these symbols into optical fiber optimized packets, and transmits downstream. The legacy optical fiber nodes are replaced with improved nodes capable of receiving the packets and remodulating the symbols into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable.

Abstract: Computerized wireless transmitter/receiver system that automatically uses combinations of various methods, including transmitting data symbols by weighing or modulating a family of time shifted and frequency shifted waveforms bursts, pilot symbol methods, error detection methods, MIMO methods, and other methods, to automatically determine the structure of a data channel, and automatically compensate for signal distortions caused by various structural aspects of the data channel, as well as changes in channel structure. Often the data channel is a two or three dimensional space in which various wireless transmitters, receivers and signal reflectors are moving. The invention's modulation methods detect locations and speeds of various reflectors and other channel impairments. Error detection schemes, variation of modulation methods, and MIMO techniques further detect and compensate for impairments.

Abstract: Fiber, cable, and wireless data channels are typically impaired by reflectors and other imperfections, producing a channel state with echoes and frequency shifts in data waveforms. Here, methods of using OTFS pilot symbol waveform bursts to automatically produce a detailed 2D model of the channel state are presented. This 2D channel state can then be used to optimize data transmission. For wireless data channels, an even more detailed 2D model of channel state can be produced by using polarization and multiple antennas in the process. Once 2D channel states are known, the system turns imperfect data channels from a liability to an advantage by using channel imperfections to boost data transmission rates. The methods can be used to improve legacy data transmission modes in multiple types of media, and are particularly useful for producing new types of robust and high capacity wireless communications using non-legacy OTFS data transmission methods.

Abstract: Methods to improve the data carrying capacity of CATV DOCSIS systems and other communications systems are disclosed. Communications channels may be more efficiently spaced with reduced or absent guard bands by using receivers with adaptive signal cancellation methods, equalizing circuits, or polyphase filter banks and Fast Fourier Transform signal processing methods to correct for higher levels of cross-talk. QAM type communications channels may also be utilized on a synchronized two-transmitter at a time basis by adjusting the transmitters to predefined signal levels, such as +1, ?1, +½, ?½ to enable the combined signals to be distinguished at the receiver. These two methods may be combined to create a still higher data throughput system.