Abstract: A wireless client device (e.g. a WSD) discovers vacant DTV channels using location information acquired from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. In one aspect of the invention, a wireless client device discovers vacant DTV channels through direct communication with a local DHCP server and a remote primary user database server. In another aspect of the invention, a wireless client device discovers vacant DTV channels from an access device that communicates with a local DHCP server and a remote primary user database server.

Abstract: A method and network device increases the power of the signal transmitted by the device on a wired communications network, such as a powerline communications (PLC) network, without exceeding the maximum allowable common-mode (CM) current specified by regulatory bodies. The device is first tested for regulatory body compliance on a standard network. The output voltage of the device is adjusted until the maximum allowable CM current is detected, and this voltage level and CM current are recorded and stored in non-volatile memory of the device. The device is then connected to the actual network and the output voltage set to the previously recorded value. At this voltage level, the CM current in the actual network is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A wireless client device (e.g. a WSD) discovers vacant DTV channels using location information acquired from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. In one aspect of the invention, a wireless client device discovers vacant DTV channels through direct communication with a local DHCP server and a remote primary user database server. In another aspect of the invention, a wireless client device discovers vacant DTV channels from an access device that communicates with a local DHCP server and a remote primary user database server.

Abstract: A method of beacon rebroadcast for use in a packet-based, centrally-controlled, wireless network includes embedding auxiliary network information in a header portion of a packet transmitted over the network by a central controller; receiving a packet having auxiliary network information therein by a device in the network; rebroadcast, by the device in the network, of the packet having auxiliary network information therein in a predetermined time slot, wherein the predetermined time slot is predetermined by the central controller; and receiving, by a device not already on the network, of the auxiliary network information bearing packet, thereby allowing the device not already on the network to join the network.

Abstract: A method and network device increases the power of the signal transmitted by the device on a wired communications network, such as a powerline communications (PLC) network, without exceeding the maximum allowable common-mode (CM) current specified by regulatory bodies. The device is first tested for regulatory body compliance on a standard network. The output voltage of the device is adjusted until the maximum allowable CM current is detected, and this voltage level and CM current are recorded and stored in non-volatile memory of the device. The device is then connected to the actual network and the output voltage set to the previously recorded value. At this voltage level, the CM current in the actual network is measured and recorded.

Abstract: A system and method have been provided for establishing communications with an existing Bluetooth protocol piconet. The master device of the piconet broadcasts a beacon frequency at a predetermined frequency. The beacon frequency includes the BD_addr of the master device, as well as clock information, so that an inquiring device monitoring the beacon can acquire the system timing and transmission hopping frequency sequence. In a contention period following the beacon frequency, the inquiring device transmits its own BD_addr. In response to receiving the inquiring device BD_addr, the master device provides the inquiring device with an AM_addr.

Abstract: A method of beacon rebroadcast for use in a packet-based, centrally-controlled, wireless network includes embedding auxiliary network information in a header portion of a packet transmitted over the network by a central controller; receiving a packet having auxiliary network information therein by a device in the network; rebraodcast, by the device in the network, of the packet having auxiliary network information therein in a predetermined time slot, wherein the predetermined time slot is predetermined by the central controller; and receiving, by a device not already on the networkk, of the auxiliary network information bearing packet, thereby allowing the device not already on the network to join the network.

Abstract: A dual mode RF radio includes a first transceiver operating under a first transmitter/receiver protocol, and having a first receiver portion and a first transmitter portion therein; and a second transceiver operating under a second transmitter/receiver protocol, and having a second receiver portion and a second receiver portion therein; wherein both transmitter/receiver protocols are spread spectrum protocols; a shared antenna operatively connected to both said first transceiver and said second transceiver; and an isolation mechanism for isolating said first and second receiver portions from a transmitter portion while said transmitter portion is transmitting.

Abstract: A system and method have been provided for establishing communications with an existing Bluetooth protocol piconet. The master device of the piconet broadcasts a beacon frequency at a predetermined frequency. The beacon frequency includes the BD_addr of the master device, as well as clock information, so that an inquiring device monitoring the beacon can acquire the system timing and transmission hopping frequency sequence. In a contention period following the beacon frequency, the inquiring device transmits its own BD_addr. In response to receiving the inquiring device BD_addr, the master device provides the inquiring device with an AM_addr.