Abstract: An inventive Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for powerline networking systems is described. The inventive MAC protocol controls access to and use of a physical medium (power lines) in a powerline networking system. The MAC protocol method and apparatus includes a method of providing “blanking intervals” in which devices using newer versions of the protocol “clear out” earlier version devices. The use of blanking intervals greatly eases backward compatibility of the network when the protocol is upgraded with new versions. The method of using blanking intervals is closely coupled to a technique of using “beacons.” The beacons are used to propagate blanking interval information throughout the network. The beacons also include a mechanism for informing devices of the expiration of blanking information. The MAC also includes a method of establishing and maintaining “virtual circuit” connections between selected devices on the network.

Abstract: An inventive Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for powerline networking systems is described. The inventive MAC protocol controls access to and use of a physical medium (power lines) in a powerline networking system. The MAC protocol method and apparatus includes a method of providing “blanking intervals” in which devices using newer versions of the protocol “clear out” earlier version devices. The use of blanking intervals greatly eases backward compatibility of the network when the protocol is upgraded with new versions. The method of using blanking intervals is closely coupled to a technique of using “beacons.” The beacons are used to propagate blanking interval information throughout the network. The beacons also include a mechanism for informing devices of the expiration of blanking information. The MAC also includes a method of establishing and maintaining “virtual circuit” connections between selected devices on the network.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for modulating in dual operational bands in powerline networking systems is described. A transmitter and a receiver are described wherein the transmitter and receiver are operable in different modulation frequency bands. The present invention can easily switch between operational frequency bands by utilizing a fundamental signal for performing modulations in a first frequency band and by utilizing a first alias signal for performing modulations in a second frequency band. The present inventive method and apparatus can switch operation from a first operational frequency band to a second operational frequency band by modifying two components in existing transmitters and only one component in existing OFDM receivers. Advantageously, therefore, the present invention can be utilized with existing powerline networking technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient use of both power and bandwidth in a cellular communications system in which a Mobile Unit preferably enters Sleep-Mode when no communications have occurred between the Mobile Unit and the Base Station over a predetermined amount of time measured by an "Idle Timer". Upon expiry of a Wake Timer, the Mobile Unit awakes from Sleep-Mode to determine whether a message is pending. Concurrently, the Base Station transmits a "TEI-Notification" message directed to all Mobile Units to notify each Mobile Unit that has data pending. A system parameter determines the intervals at which the Base Station will transmit these notifications. Upon waking to receive a TEI-Notification message, the Mobile Unit determines whether the quality of the transmission is at least sufficient to allow the Mobile Unit to decipher the TEI-Notification message.