Abstract: A wireless communication system and method for wireless communication are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a wireless communication device. The device includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet via a channel. The device further includes a transmitter configured to send an acknowledgment (ACK) signal via a low-rate channel upon receiving the data packet. The low-rate channel has a directional mode and an omni-directional mode. The acknowledgment signal includes a low-rate physical layer (LRP) preamble and an acknowledgment (ACK) header including a mode index field. The mode index field includes a plurality of bits indicative of whether the ACK signal is transmitted using the directional mode or the omni-directional mode.

Abstract: A diversity processing system for providing interference masking signals in an interference suppression circuit. These interference masking signals are generated by an interference detector which through a coupling element couples in a signature signal into a reception signal. This reception signal is then passed to an amplifier, an optional frequency converter, an IF filter, a frequency demodulator and then on to an interference suppression circuit which provides a masking pulse to mask any distortion or interference associated with the diversity switching of antennas during operation.

Abstract: A communication device including a first transceiver arranged to communicate transmissions based upon a first communications protocol, a second transceiver arranged to communicate transmissions based upon a second communications protocol that is different from the first communication protocol, an antenna connected to the first transceiver and to the second transceiver and arranged to communication transmissions for the first transceiver and the second transceiver, and a controller arranged to prioritize simultaneous communication of a transmission of the first transceiver and a transmission of the second transceiver based upon signal strength of transmissions of the first transceiver into either a higher prioritized transmission or a lower prioritized transmission and arranged to allow communication of the higher prioritized transmission.

Abstract: A serial coexistence interface between two radio devices is involved in arbitrating access to an antenna. The serial interface involves messages that are sent from one radio to the other radio. Serial messages communicated across the same conductor can communicate: 1) timing-precise antenna arbitration and control information, and 2) communication system state information. Examples of antenna arbitration timing-precise information include a request to use the antenna and a corresponding grant or no grant response. Communication system state information, on the other hand, is not involved in the carrying out of the mechanics of the packet-by-packet arbitration for the antenna, but rather is higher level system information usable to make higher level decisions about the arbitration strategy used. Communication system state information may include an indication of a button press, an indication of a user action, or a change in the operational mode of the higher level communication system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for authenticating a user attempting to establish a service which uses SIP. The user registers with the SIP server by providing the digital otoacoustic signature of the user. Thereafter, when the user attempts to initiate a session through the SIP server, the SIP server sends an Authorization Request message to the SIP client of the user. The SIP client reads the user's digital otoacoustic signature, generates a response based on the digital otoacoustic signature, and embeds the response in a second Invite message sent back to the SIP server. Meanwhile, the SIP server determines an expected response, based on the digital otoacoustic signature registered by the user. If the response provided by the SIP client matches the response expected by the SIP server, the SIP server allows establishment of the server.

Abstract: A multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radio communication apparatus and method are provided. The MIMO apparatus includes a plurality of reception antennas each having a plurality of antenna patterns; a channel matrix estimation unit for estimating a channel matrix between a plurality of transmission antennas and the plurality of reception antennas; a channel capacity calculation unit for calculating a channel capacity corresponding to a combination of antenna patterns of the plurality of reception antennas by using the estimated channel matrix; and an antenna pattern control unit for changing the antenna patterns of the plurality of reception antennas to maximize the channel capacity. According to the MIMO radio communication apparatus and method, direction can be controlled adaptively to a propagation environment.

Abstract: A scheduler for scheduling downlink transmissions of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signals using spatially directed beams to a plurality of subscriber stations in a wireless network. The scheduler schedules the downlink transmissions as a function of frequency, time, and space. The scheduler further schedules downlink transmissions to a first subscriber station based on a first null space associated with at least one subscriber station previously scheduled to receive.

Abstract: In a communications network having a plurality of nodes, a method of suppressing re-transmission of a message by a receiving node is disclosed. The receiving node receives a message from each of a plurality of transmitting nodes. Each of the receiving node and the transmitting nodes has a coverage area bounded by a perimeter. For each of the plurality of transmitting nodes, it is determined which portion of the perimeter of the coverage area of the receiving node is within the coverage area of the respective transmitting node. Re-transmission of the message by the receiving node is suppressed when the perimeter of the coverage area of the receiving node is completely within the combined coverage areas of the plurality of transmitting nodes.

Abstract: A wireless intelligent switch engine (WISE) is described. The wireless intelligent switch engine provides for automatic switching between different physical wireless interfaces in mobile devices while roaming to maintain a wireless network connection. WISE functions as a bridge between a mobile device and multiple wireless network interfaces to provide automatic and seamless switching among networks while roaming. The mobile device sees WISE as a LAN interface and communicates with WISE using the TCP/IP protocol stack, thus providing a PPP-less configuration that uses the TCP/IP protocol stack regardless of the wireless interface.

Abstract: A Wireless Access Point (WAP) of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) infrastructure includes a processor, a radio and a directional antenna. The radio supports communications with a plurality of wireless terminals to gather participatory data, and listens to, but does not participate in transmissions of at least some of the plurality of wireless terminals to collect non-participatory WAP data. Based upon the participatory WAP data and non-participatory WAP data, the processor creates WAP operational reports and provides the WAP operational reports to the WLAN. The WLAN creates directions based thereon and directs the WAP to alter the gain pattern of the directional antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronization circuitry that is used to synchronize an asynchronous received RF message with a transmitted RF message. In one embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization circuitry includes at least one counter, which is used to associate timing of the asynchronous received RF message with a receive count value, and associate timing of the transmitted RF message with a transmit count value. A time delay between occurrence of the receive count value and the transmit count value provides accurate timing for the start of the transmitted RF message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method involving a media server, a wireless access network, at least one media client, and a proxy server. The method includes accessing, at the proxy server, at least one message including information indicating impending establishment of a media session between the media server and said at least one media client. The method also includes providing, from the proxy server, information indicating the impending establishment of the media session and a request to receive feedback associated with the media session. The method further includes receiving, at the proxy server, feedback associated with the media session in response to providing the request to receive feedback associated with the media session.

Abstract: A method of detecting and solving a network ID conflict is provided. The method of detecting and solving a network ID conflict includes generating and transmitting a personal area network identifier (PAN ID) report command frame that includes an extended PAN ID, and receiving a PAN ID update command frame in response to the transmitted PAN ID report command frame. According to the method, the PAN ID report command and the PAN ID update command are generated and provided by providing an extended PAN ID (EPID), and thus a network ID conflict can be detected and a new PAN ID is provided to solve the network ID conflict.

Abstract: In a transmitter or transceiver, signals can be precoded by multiplying symbol vectors with various matrices. For example, symbol vectors can be multiplied with a first column subset of unitary matrix which spreads symbols in the symbol vectors across virtual transmit antennas, a second diagonal matrix which changes a phase of the virtual transmit antennas, and a third precoding matrix which distributes the transmission across the transmit antennas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling multiuser terminals in a communication system is provided. A receiver receives feedback information from a plurality of user terminals. A user grouping unit selects terminals having a maximum Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) among terminals having the same beam index and beam subset index, from among the plurality of user terminals, and generates terminal groups using the selected terminals, each terminal group including terminals having the same beam subset index. A group scheduling unit calculates a throughput of each of the terminal groups to determine which terminal group has the maximum throughput. A random precoding unit generates random beam vectors corresponding to terminals included in the terminal group determined to have the maximum throughput, and transmits data for user terminals, included in the terminal group determined to have the maximum throughput, over the generated random beam vectors.

Abstract: An RF module for multimode-multiband communication includes an RF switch, a GPS communication module, a CDMA communication module, a GSM communication module, a WLAN communication module. The GPS communication module, the CDMA communication module, the GSM communication module and the WLAN communication module are connected the RF switch. The RF switch can switch among the GPS communication module, the CDMA communication module, the GSM communication module and the WLAN communication module to transmit/receive signals correspondingly.

Abstract: A distributed control and/or monitoring system and method includes a local application and a remote application separated from the local application. The local application includes a host computer. The remote application includes a plurality of field devices and a communication bus connected to the plurality of field devices. Packet messages are wirelessly communicated between the local application and the remote application such that the host computer and field devices can communicate with each other as if they were directly connected to the same communication bus.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless communication of uncompressed video data are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a wireless communication device. The device includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet, and a transmitter configured to send an acknowledgment (ACK) signal upon receiving a data packet. The ACK signal includes a physical layer preamble, a physical layer header including a plurality of bits indicative of the status of the data packet, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field. The ACK signal optionally includes a payload field containing beam-tracking data.

Abstract: A physical layer (PHY) packet aggregation technique may be used to reduce the percentage of PHY overhead in data transmission in order to achieve better PHY efficiency and higher throughput. Higher layer packets in an upper layer data queue may be fragmented into appropriate small-size sub-packets, which include a body encapsulated by a MAC header and an FCS field. The sub-packets are then concatenated to form the data field of an aggregated PHY packet. Since each of the sub-packets contains its own MAC (Media Access Control) header and FCS (Frame Check Sequence) field, the receiver can identify and flag erroneous sub-packets on an individual basis. The receiver may transmit a block ACK, which includes the acknowledgement status for each of the sub-packets in the aggregated PHY packet, to the transmitter. The transmitter may resend only the erroneous sub-packet(s).

Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is disclosed a technique that enables a wireless device to achieve coexistence with an interfering source. The wireless device determines when interference is present and not present during a service period and reports the duration of interference free interval. At the end of an interference period, the wireless device can send a trigger signal indicating the start of an interference free interval to request data be sent to the wireless station until the expiration of the duration of the interference free interval. In particular embodiments, the signal sent by the wireless device can include an offset, for example a timing synchronization function (TSF) value, to indicate the end of the interference-free interval, perhaps computed so as allow for some clock drift.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for providing quality of service (QoS)-driven channel access within a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless network. At least one available TO is allocated to a selected non-PC station having traffic to transmit. A multipoll frame containing information relating to at least two allocated TOs is then sent from the PC station containing information relating to each allocated TO.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for a wireless communications device has an antenna, a filter circuit, and a connector constructed to engage a wireless communications device. A filter circuit includes a band-pass filter and a first notch filter disposed in serial electrical communication with the band-pass filter, the band-pass filter operable to permit the passage of oscillatory electrical signals in a first frequency range, the first notch filter operable to impede the passage of oscillatory electrical signals in a second frequency range, the second frequency range residing within the first frequency range.

Abstract: A radio terminal receives a directional multibeam from a radio base station and obtains each of correlation between orthogonal code series of the received directional multibeam and its own orthogonal code series to determine an orthogonal code series having the highest autocorrelation and further advertises orthogonal code series identification information identifying this orthogonal code series to the radio base station through an uplink physical channel. In comparison with a previous technique, this can shorten the time to be taken until the radio base station recognizes an orthogonal code series having the highest autocorrelation and a satisfactory reception condition in the radio terminal. Thus, it is possible to increase the speed of the loop control between the radio base station and the radio terminal, thereby improving the throughput of a channel to be used for the transmission of user data.

Abstract: A method and a system for a quality of service (QoS) point coordinator (PC) for a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is disclosed. The PC includes a QoS management entity (QME) and an admission control entity (ACE). The QME receives at least one reservation request message that characterizes one of a QoS session and a QoS application (session/application) that can be of a continuous/periodic flow type that is time sensitive, or can be of a discontinuous/bursty flow type that is time tolerant. The reservation request message contains at least one QoS parameter set and requests a resource of a communication channel in the BSS for the QoS session/application. The communication channel is organized into superframes, such that each superframe includes a contention-free period (CFP) and a contention-period (CP). The reservation request message requests a predetermined bandwidth of each CFP of the communication channel in the BSS.

Abstract: In detecting a signal, angle information is generated based on a complex signal having a periodic portion. An autocorrelation signal is generated based on the angle information and not based on magnitude information associated with the complex signal. The periodic portion is detected based on the autocorrelation signal.

Abstract: A solution is disclosed for minimizing the amount of hardware and hardware accuracy requirements to simultaneously give the feature of both cell and narrow beams transmission, while enabling methods for capacity/coverage increase. The main property utilized by the present invention for maintaining cell-coverage pattern control, when radiating information in two simultaneous beams, is to use orthogonal polarization states for the two beams. The two orthogonal polarization states may for instance constitute linear polarization slanted at +45° and ?45°, respectively. The dedicated broadcast transmission needs to be conveyed defining the total cell coverage area. The total cell coverage area is matched by the coverage of the two fixed narrow-beams. The broadcast signal transmission is divided into two signal streams/paths, one for each of the two fixed narrow-beams (no coherency requirements existing between the two parallel signal streams/paths).

Abstract: A radio-unit controller and plural radio units are connected with each other via a cascade connection in which the radio-unit controller is connected in series to the plural radio units. A set of radio signal data received via an antenna provided for each radio unit is combined into a radio signal data block which is transmitted from the each radio unit to radio-unit controller along the cascade connection. The radio-unit controller combines plural sets of radio signal data each destined for one of the plural radio units into a radio signal data block which is transmitted to each radio unit along the cascade connection. Each radio unit extracts the set of radio signal data destined for the each radio unit from the radio signal data block, and transmits the extracted set of radio signal data via an antenna provided for the each radio unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronization circuitry that is used to synchronize an asynchronous received RF message with a transmitted RF message. In one embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization circuitry includes at least one counter, which is used to associate timing of the asynchronous received RF message with a receive count value, and associate timing of the transmitted RF message with a transmit count value. A time delay between occurrence of the receive count value and the transmit count value provides accurate timing for the start of the transmitted RF message.

Abstract: A Wireless Access Point (WAP) of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) infrastructure includes a processor, a radio and a directional antenna. The radio supports communications with a first plurality of wireless terminals and listens to, but does not participate in transmissions of at least some of a second plurality of wireless terminals to collect non-participatory WAP data. Based upon the non-participatory WAP data, the processor creates WAP operational reports and provides the WAPs operational reports to the WLAN. The WLAN creates directions based thereon and directs the WAP to alter the gain pattern of the directional antenna.

Abstract: A base station communicates a positioning reference signal (PRS) to wireless communication devices over a downlink in a wireless communication system by encoding a PRS into a first set of transmission resources, encoding other information into a second set of transmission resources, multiplexing the two sets of resources into a subframe such that the first set of resources is multiplexed into at least a portion of a first set of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols based on an identifier associated with the base station and the second set of resources is multiplexed into a second set of OFDM symbols, and transmitting the subframe. Upon receiving the subframe, a wireless device determines which set of transmission resources contains the PRS based on the identifier associated with the base station that transmitted the subframe and processes the set of resources containing the PRS to estimate timing (e.g., time of arrival) information.

Abstract: In a 802.15.4 network, each reduced functionality device (RFD) is permitted to communicate with only an assigned full function device (FFD). The present invention allows each of the RFDs to communicate with another RFD upon the RFD determining that the local FFD assigned to the RFD is inoperable or unable to communicate. Under emergency conditions, the RFD is able to communicate with a closely located RFDs such that the closely located RFDs can receive and respond to an emergency situation and/or repeat the message. To satisfy the 802.15.4 standards, communication between the RFDs is allowed only during emergency conditions and when the FFD is inoperative. A comprehensive test procedure is included to insure the integrity of the system is preserved at all times.

Abstract: A wireless data processing system uses a selectively enabled multi-antenna processor to demodulate N separate data signals from M separate antennas simultaneously. The multi-antenna processor is adapted to respond to changing channel conditions between two access points, so that it selectively kicks in if there is noise, interference, frequency fading, a need for an enhanced data rate, a need for an increased operating range, etc.

Abstract: Network connectivity may be managed on a computing device. An identifier of each wireless access point or network that is available at a given location is determined. The identifier determined without the device attempting to connect to any available wireless access point or network at the given location. Each determined identifier is compared to one or more network identifiers that are known to the device. The device connects to an available wireless access point having the identifier that is known and detected.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to partitioning access points into two or more network access layers, such as overlay and underlay network access layers. According to one implementation of the present invention, a wireless network management system partitions a set of wireless access points into an overlay network for low-functionality clients and an underlay network for high-functionality clients. As described in further detail below, each of the overlay and underlay networks provides a class of network service, where each class of network service differs relative to at least one attribute (e.g., type of 802.11 access, data rates, High-Density, Quality-of-Service, encryption, compression, etc.). For didactic purposes, the overlay network is also referred to as the overlay network service layer (NSL) and the underlay network is referred to as the underlay NSL.

Abstract: A multiplexer for a device capable of receiving signals in first and second frequency bands, the multiplexer comprising a first branch for connecting an antenna to a first sub-system configured to process received signals in the first frequency band, a second branch for connecting the antenna to a second sub-system configured to process received signals in the second frequency band, wherein the first branch comprises a filter for attenuating received signals in the second frequency band and the second branch couples the antenna directly to the second sub-system.

Abstract: An aircraft wireless network in an aircraft includes a maintenance server, a cabin server, a radio switch, a network switch, and a cabin access point. The network switch and radio switch are configured to arrange the aircraft wireless network according to at least two distinct configurations. In a first configuration the cabin server is permitted to connect to the at least one cabin access point by the network switch and a first aircraft access point is connected to the external antenna by the radio switch. In a second configuration the maintenance server is permitted to connect to the at least one cabin access point by the network switch and a second aircraft access point is connected to the external antenna by the radio switch. In the first and second configurations the maintenance and cabin servers are prohibited from simultaneously connecting to the at least one cabin access point.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system and a method for maintaining a first history of strength of a first transmission path between a first wireless node and a second wireless node in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system, maintaining a second history of strength of a second transmission path between a third wireless node and the second wireless node in the MIMO communication system, performing a spatiotemporal correlation between the first history and the second history to determine if any changes in the strength of the first transmission path is observed, and predicting future changes to strength of the second transmission path between the third wireless node and the second wireless node based on the performed special correlation between the first history and the second history.

Abstract: An improved network interface device includes at least two wireless network transceivers where the transceivers share at least one antenna. In one embodiment, one of the transceivers is a 2×2 MIMO WiFi N transceiver and the other of the transceivers is a 2×1 MIMO WiMAX transceiver. A priority selector and lockout control circuit is used to control which transceiver has access to the shared antenna. The control circuit of one embodiment is arranged so the WiMAX transceiver is given priority access to the shared antenna.

Abstract: A high-frequency module includes a GaAs switch defining an FET switch for selectively connecting one of four RF input-output terminals to an antenna input-output terminal to be connected to an antenna. A GSM transmission signal input terminal is connected to the RF input-output terminal of the GaAsSW through a low-pass filter, and a DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal is connected to the RF input-output terminal through a low-pass filter. A GSM 850 reception signal output terminal and a PCS reception signal output terminal are connected to the RF input-output terminal through a diplexer, and a GSM 900 reception signal output terminal and a PCS reception signal output terminal are connected to the RF input-output terminal through a diplexer.

Abstract: A base station receives a connection request from a mobile station. A scheduling module determines whether the fully used and/or segmented zones of the base station are oversubscribed. If the fully used zone is oversubscribed while the segmented zone is not, the mobile station having the largest CINR difference between the zones is assigned to the segmented zone. If the segmented zone is oversubscribed while the fully used zone is not, the mobile station having the smallest CINR difference between the zones is assigned to the fully used zone. If neither zone is oversubscribed and the segmented zone allows modulation/coding more spectrally efficient than the fully used zone, the requesting mobile station is assigned to the segmented zone. If neither zone is oversubscribed and the segmented zone does not allow modulation/coding more spectrally efficient than the fully used zone, the requesting mobile station is assigned to the fully used zone.

Abstract: An RF transceiver includes an RF receiver that receives a received signal from an external device, the RF receiver having an AGC module that generates an automatic gain control (AGC) signal based on a strength of the received signal, and a low noise amplifier that amplifies the received signal based on the AGC signal. A processing module generates a transmit power control signal based on the AGC signal. An RF transmitter generates a transmit signal having a selected power level, wherein the selected power level is based on the transmit power control signal.

Abstract: A system supporting data retrieval from a plurality of wireless sensor nodes is defined. The system includes the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a data retrieval device. The plurality of wireless sensor nodes include a transceiver receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal. The second signal includes a sensed datum or an encoded statistic based on the sensed datum identified at the plurality of wireless sensor nodes. The data retrieval device includes a plurality of antennas transmitting the first signal toward the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and receiving the second signal from the plurality of wireless sensor nodes, and a processor coupled to receive the received second signal from the plurality of antennas, the processor defining a virtual receive signal from the received second signal for the plurality of antennas and processing the defined virtual receive signal to determine the identified sensed datum.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-band array antenna system may be used in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system reader and sensory networks. The antenna array may include array elements with an integrated low noise amplifier. The system may employ digital beam forming techniques for transmission and steering of a beam to a specific sensor tag or group of tags in an cell. The receive beam forming network is optimized for detecting signals from each sensor tag. Narrow and wideband interferences may be excised by an interference nulling algorithm. Space division multiplexing may be used by the antenna system to enhance system processing capacity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scheduling time division multiple access (TDMA) communications among a plurality of peer nodes arranged to form a wireless ad hoc mobile network. The peer nodes communicate with each other using directional antennas and a TDMA process. The method includes a scheduling process for scheduling at least one transmit time slot during which a first one of the plurality of peer nodes transmits wireless data to a second one of the plurality of peer nodes.

Abstract: A railway communication system (10) includes a transmitter (12) receiving an input and producing a communication signal (18). The communication signal (18) includes at least two different portions (20,22) for separately encoding respective indications (38,40) of the input. The system also includes a receiver (14) coupled to a controlled device, the receiver (14) extracting at least one of the respective indications (38,40) from the communication signal (18). The receiver controls the device responsive to the at least one extracted indications (38,40).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multiple signals at a common frequency combined into a single radio frequency cable and subsequently recovering the signals without significant losses, distortion, or cross-talk. The method and apparatus includes processing multiple signals at a common frequency fed through a single radio frequency (RF) cable with or without one or more amplifiers and utilized for either forward or reverse link transmissions. The invention enables a single power amplifier to amplify multiple RF signals that occupy a common frequency channel and after amplification splitting these signals into amplified copies of the originals. The amplified signals may be sent to different antenna ports to illuminate different base station sectors if required. The signal splitting function is performed at the antenna masthead such that this method reduces the number of feeder cables running up the antenna tower by a factor of N, where N is the number of common frequency signals (e.g.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information for use in a smart antenna system is provided. The method includes monitoring an interface between a base station controller and a base station transceiver to receive signaling information being communicated via the interface. The method further includes extracting from the signaling information a subset of the signaling information operable to be used as input for selecting one or more of a plurality of beams for wireless communications.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing downlink channel parameters determination for downlink channels associated with a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A spectrally efficient wireless communication system that includes a plurality of base stations communicating indirectly with a plurality of wireless communications devices through a plurality of repeaters. The method can generally comprise communicating indirectly between a first base station and a wireless communication device using a first repeater and a first RF backhaul link. A control processor associated with the first base station can control a first smart antenna system. The system selectively configures the first smart antenna system to spatially isolate communications on the first RF backhaul from communications on a second RF backhaul of a second repeater.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (40). The system comprises transmitter circuitry (42) comprising encoder circuitry (44) for receiving a plurality of symbols (Si). The system further comprises a plurality of antennas (AT1-AT4) coupled to the transmitter circuitry and for transmitting signals from the transmitter circuitry to a receiver (UST), wherein the signals are responsive to the plurality of symbols. Further, the encoder circuitry is for applying open loop diversity and closed loop diversity to the plurality of symbols to form the signals.