Abstract: A method, a system and a receiver device provide timing and frequency correction in a spatial division multiple access (SDMA) system. A timing and frequency correction (TFC) logic/utility obtains a timing error estimate by using pilot symbols on a slot of six tiles. The TFC logic estimates the timing error based on pilot phase differences between unique pairs of tiles when the frequency separation of the tiles is less than a threshold value. When none of the unique pairs of tiles satisfies the threshold value, the TFC logic estimates timing error based on an exhaustive search for each candidate phase error value. The TFC logic performs timing error correction via a timing error estimate based on pilots from the symbols received on each antenna. The TFC logic performs inexplicit frequency error correction according to phase differences based on relative symbol indices.

Abstract: A communication system performs adaptive scheduling by considering present and past reported CQI values and other indications of channel conditions in scheduling a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) and then executing a ‘dithering’ function in order to effectuate an MCS that is intermediate between adjacent discrete MCSs. In one embodiment, the communication system determines a first MCS based on a channel quality metric received from a mobile station (MS) and then transmits data utilizing the first MCS. The communication system assigns weights to each of the first MCS and a second MCS based on whether the transmitted data is acknowledged and, based on the assigned weights, selects one of the first and second MCSs for a subsequent transmission of data to the MS. The communication system also may assign weights to each of a first and second MCS based on a transition between a MIMO-A and a MIMO-B transmission scheme.

Abstract: This application describes an enhanced passive scanning method for a wireless local area network, including the steps of transmitting at least one of a beacon signal or a gratuitous probe response in a WLAN channel by an access point. The gratuitous probe response is a supplemental beacon signal that is transmitted at intervals between the occurrence of regular beacon signals, but contains only essential information to allow mobile station manage roaming and timing.

Abstract: A method, system and communication network for transmitting information signals via uplink (UL) collaborative SDMA, in a wireless communication system. Base station receiver estimates a channel gain associated with the transmission path(s) of each user and keeps a matrix of normalized covariance, between users. Based on the estimated channel gain and the normalized covariance, ULS utility is able to compute channel capacity. Based on capacity estimates of (1) the multiplexed user signals and (2) the individual user signals, signals are either multiplexed for UL SDMA or are transmitted individually. An optimal selection of multiplexed signals may be based upon: (1) a cross user interface measurement; and (2) a selection mechanism based on eigen-decomposition techniques. The ULS utility enables a UL scheduler to pair information signals with clear spatial distinction and minimal correlation, based on capacity evaluations.

Abstract: The application provides an enhanced passive scanning method for a wireless local area network, including the steps of receiving (405) at least one of a beacon signal (342, 348) or a gratuitous probe response (344), updating (435) a site timing table entry in a site timing table based on the received beacon signal (342, 348) or gratuitous probe response (344), setting (445) a scan start time based on entries in the updated site timing table, and determining (450) a power mode for a wireless communication device based on the scan start time. An enhanced passive scanning system (200, 500, 600) and computer usable medium for enhanced passive scanning is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chalk line is marked by attaching two hooks to a nail, and then extending a string a length from the nail. The hooks are attached to an apparatus that has multiple springs, such that there is a string attached to the rear of the apparatus while the hooks are attached to the front of the apparatus. When the string has been extended the desired length, the user then snaps the line to make a chalk line. Then, the pull on the string is released by the user, causing the two hooks to separate. When the two hooks separate, their connection to the nail is broken. The hooks and the apparatus associated with the hooks then is free to be reeled back to the user. The user does not have to return to the nail to remove the hooks and the associated apparatus.

Abstract: In the present invention, the subscriber unit (200) obtains a set of access point identifiers and measurement opportunity information for each access point identifier. A first measurement is performed on a first access point identified from the set of access point identifiers. A current timer value is determined after completing the step of performing, and a second access point identified from the set of access point identifiers in which to perform a second measurement is selected. Selecting the second access point is based on at least the measurement opportunity information for the second access point in relation to the current timer value.

Abstract: A method of operating a wireless sensing system includes activating a sensor to generate an output. A transmitter is activated, and is in electrical communication with the sensor to receive the sensor output signal. The sensor output signal is transmitted by the transmitter to a receiver. The transmitter is then de-activated after the transmitting step.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first portion, a second portion and a processor. The first portion is configured to generate a count signal in response to a number of oscillations of a clock signal. The first portion is powered by an unswitched power source. The second portion is configured to generate an interrupt signal in response to the count signal and a predetermined stored value. The second portion is powered by a switched power source. The processor is configured to (i) receive the interrupt signal and (ii) generate the switched power.

Abstract: A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-compliant proxy (106) receives a first INVITE message destined for a mobile station (102). The first INVITE message is associated with an initial Internet Protocol (IP) contact address for the mobile station (102). Subsequently, it is determined whether an IP address update for the mobile station (102) may have occurred and a new IP contact address is obtained for the mobile station (102). A second INVITE message is sent to the mobile station (102) at the new contact address so as to continue a session initiation.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating communications amongst a plurality of mobile units in a network establishes a plurality of underlay communication cells (201, 220, 222). At least two of the plurality of mobile units are positioned in at least one of the underlay communication cells, the units being capable of communications via the underlay communication cells (201, 220, 222). An overlay communication cell (212) is established and covers the same area as at least the underlay cells (201, 220, 222) that include the at least two of the plurality of mobile units. An association between underlay cells (201, 220, 222) is established that include the at least two mobile units and the overlay communication cell (212). A group communication call is established between the at least two mobile units using the overlay cell.

Abstract: A selective call radio (106) operating in a communication system (100) including a plurality of radio base stations (104) operating in a corresponding plurality of communication zones (102), wherein the selective call radio is programmed to measure (206) a temperature of the selective call radio receiving radiated signals from a first one of the plurality of communication zones, measure (204) in the selective call radio an in-service signal power based on the radiated signals, determine (208) a modified signal power and an in-service signal power correction factor corresponding to the temperature, and perform a handover (212) from the first communication zone to a second one of the plurality of communication zones if the modified signal power and a handover threshold satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating mobility of the mobile stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN) allows uninterrupted communications as the mobile station moves. The method includes associating (501) a MNIP address (410) with the mobile station; establishing (502) a communications link between the mobile station and a first WLAN AP (109) in a first subnet (117) and associating (503) a first WLAN IP (420) address with the mobile station. Then using (505) the first WLAN IP address for an application that benefits from a persistent connection. Further included is establishing (507) a second communications link between the mobile station and a second WLAN AP 111 in a second subnet (119). When the mobile station is using the application, continuing to use the first WLAN IP address for communicating with the second subnet; and requesting (517) a second WLAN IP address in the second subnet when the persistent connection is no longer needed.

Abstract: A communication method can inform a WLAN-to-WAN handoff process as a function, at least in part, of a determined likely future quality of service (35). In particular, a comparison (36) can be made as between the likely future quality of service being afforded by the WLAN and one or more threshold values that represent acceptable levels of service. In one embodiment projected likely quality of service values as correspond to different future points in time can be used to more completely inform the evaluation process.

Abstract: To address the need for an apparatus and method for CDMA-dispatch soft handoff, the present invention provides soft handoff to mobile stations (MSs) (120–123) in a dispatch call by sharing soft handoff information with all the MSs in the call at a base site (111). When a first MS (e.g., 120) needs to soft handoff, the identity of a soft handoff channel (135) at an adjacent base site (112) is shared with all the MSs. Thus, subsequent MSs (e.g. 122) that need to soft handoff to that adjacent base site may do so without requesting a soft handoff.

Abstract: A method (400, 500, 800), and apparatus (212, 230, 240) provide for mobility in WLAN voice systems. In one embodiment a processor (651) coupled to a memory (652) and a radio resource (653) determines from that client (150) should move, based for example on a signal parameter, to an adjacent MSN (240). Adjacent MSNs are discovered and a modification of a portion of a tunnel switched path to the adjacent MSN is made and a portion released after the modified path is established. Information is transferred to client 150 over the tunnel using a lower layer address such as a MAC address.

Abstract: A home agent (104, 108) and a foreign agent (110, 114) in a wireless communication system (100) establish (202) a special communications channel (140–154) between themselves, the special communications channel dedicated to messages addressed to multiple mobile nodes. The home agent then detects (206) whether a message received by the home agent is addressed to multiple mobile nodes. When the message is addressed to multiple mobile nodes, the home agent sends (208) the message to the foreign agent through the special communications channel.

Abstract: A mobile station establishes a schedule by which data is exchanged with an access point. The schedule allows the mobile station to use a low power mode at times outside of the scheduled service periods. However, the mobile station may occasionally need to retrieve additional data from the access point, or transmit additional data to the access point, and so initiates an unscheduled service period to do so.

Abstract: To address the need for an apparatus and method for CDMA-dispatch soft handoff, the present invention enables base-initiated soft handoff for dispatch calls. A mobile station (120) in a dispatch call establishes an individual inbound link (137) with the serving base site (111). The serving base site and one or more adjacent base sites (e.g., 110 and 112) determine the signal quality of the inbound link transmissions of the mobile station. The adjacent base site with the highest received inbound link signal quality is selected as the target soft handoff site. The serving base site then transmits the handoff information to enable the mobile station to begin a soft handoff with the target site.

Abstract: To address the need for an apparatus and method for quickly establishing a CDMA dispatch call, the present invention provides for paging mobile stations (e.g., 120-123) to inform them of the call and then starting the dispatch call without waiting for page responses from the call participants. The dispatch call is first transmitted by base sites (e.g., 110-112) of all the service coverage areas (e.g., 101-103) that may have call participants, and then discontinued at those base sites where no page responses are received within a period of time. Thus, the dispatch call is established while “call setup” effectively continues.