U.S. patent application number 13/863425 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for wireless protocol converter.
This patent application is currently assigned to ParkerVision, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jeffrey L. PARKER. Invention is credited to Jeffrey L. PARKER.
Application Number | 20130223426 13/863425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35996891 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130223426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARKER; Jeffrey L. |
August 29, 2013 |
WIRELESS PROTOCOL CONVERTER
Abstract
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for interfacing between a
broadband wireless communication system and a Local Area Network
(LAN) system are disclosed herein. For instance, the method can
include converting first data formatted according to a broadband
communication protocol, from a transceiver, to a local area network
(LAN) protocol to generate LAN formatted data. The method can also
include converting second data formatted according to the LAN
protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband communication
protocol to generate broadband-formatted data. Further, the method
can includes transmitting the LAN-formatted data to the computing
device and the broadband-formatted data to the transceiver.
Inventors: |
PARKER; Jeffrey L.;
(Jacksonville, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PARKER; Jeffrey L. |
Jacksonville |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ParkerVision, Inc.
Jacksonville
FL
|
Family ID: |
35996891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/863425 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13602907 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
8437287 |
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13863425 |
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13424504 |
Mar 20, 2012 |
8285277 |
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13602907 |
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13164449 |
Jun 20, 2011 |
8195149 |
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13424504 |
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10936821 |
Sep 9, 2004 |
7966012 |
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13164449 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/338 ;
370/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 80/045 20130101;
H04L 65/1033 20130101; H04L 69/08 20130101; H04W 88/10 20130101;
H04W 16/26 20130101; H04W 92/10 20130101; H04W 92/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/338 ;
370/467 |
International
Class: |
H04W 16/26 20060101
H04W016/26; H04W 80/04 20060101 H04W080/04 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: converting first data formatted according
to a broadband communication protocol, from a transceiver, to a
local area network (LAN) protocol to generate LAN-formatted data;
converting second data formatted according to the LAN protocol,
from a computing device, to the broadband communication protocol to
generate broadband-formatted data; and transmitting the
LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the
broadband-formatted data to the transceiver.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the converting the first data
comprises wirelessly receiving the first data from the transceiver
over at least one or a wide area network, a cellular telephone
communication network, a broadband satellite communication network,
or a combination thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the converting the first data
comprises receiving the first data, from the transceiver, via a
wired communication link coupled to one or more other computing
devices, a wireless communication link coupled to the one or more
other computing devices, or a combination thereof.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the converting the second data
comprises receiving the second data, from the computing device, via
a wired communication link, a wireless communication link, or a
combination thereof.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the
broadband-formatted data to the transceiver comprises transmitting
the broadband-formatted data to a transceiver tower, a wireless
device, or a combination thereof.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the
LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted data comprise
transmitting the LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted
data using a repeater station positioned in a substantially-fixed
position.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the
LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted data comprise
transmitting the LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted
data using a repeater station positioned on a mobile platform.
8. An apparatus comprising: a protocol conversion module configured
to: convert first data formatted according to a broadband
communication protocol, from a first transceiver, to a local area
network (LAN) protocol to generate LAN-formatted data; convert
second data formatted according to the LAN protocol, from a
computing device, to the broadband communication protocol to
generate broadband-formatted data; and a second transceiver
configured to transmit the LAN-formatted data to the computing
device and the broadband-formatted data to the first
transceiver.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to wirelessly receive the first data from the first
transceiver over at least one or a wide area network, a cellular
telephone communication network, a broadband satellite
communication network, or a combination thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to receive the first data, from the first transceiver,
via a wired communication link coupled to one or more other
computing devices, a wireless communication link coupled to the one
or more other computing devices, or a conibination thereof.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to receive the second data, from the computing device,
via a wired communication link, a wireless communication link, or a
combination thereof.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to transmit the broadband-formatted data to the first
transceiver, and wherein the first transceiver comprises a
transceiver tower, a wireless device, or a combination thereof.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the protocol converter and
the second transceiver are positioned in a substantially-fixed
position.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the protocol converter and
the second transceiver are positioned on a mobile platform.
15. A system comprising: a local area network (LAN); and a protocol
converter comprising: a protocol conversion module configured to:
convert first data formatted according to a broadband communication
protocol, from a first transceiver, to a LAN protocol to generate
LAN-formatted data; convert second data formatted according to the
LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband
communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted data; and a
second transceiver configured to transmit the LAN-formatted data to
the computing device and the broadband-formatted data to the first
transceiver.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to wirelessly receive the first data from the first
transceiver over at least one or a wide area network, a cellular
telephone communication network, a broadband satellite
communication network, or a combination thereof.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to receive the first data, from the first transceiver,
via a wired communication link coupled to one or more other
computing devices, a wireless communication link coupled to the one
or more other computing devices, or a combination thereof.
18. Tne system of claim 15, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to receive the second data, from the computing device,
via a wired communication link, a wireless communication link, or a
combination thereof.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second transceiver is
configured to transmit the broadband-formatted data to the first
transceiver, and wherein the first transceiver comprises a
transceiver tower, a wireless device, or a combination thereof.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the protocol converter and the
second transceivers are positioned in a substantially-fixed
position or on a mobile platform.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/602,907, filed on Sep. 4, 2012, now allowed
(Attorney Docket No. 1744.1720003), which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/424,504, filed on Mar. 20, 2012, now
U.S. Pat. No. 8,285,277, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/164,449, filed on Jun. 20, 2011, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,195,149, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/936,821, filed on Sep. 9, 2004, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,966,012, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
wireless data communication and, more particularly, to broadband
wireless data communication.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] There is an increasing demand for broadband wireless
communications, such as wireless internet access, which service
providers are attempting to provide.
[0006] Cellular telephone companies are advertising future
availability of broadband wireless internet access. According to
the advertising, users will be able to connect to the internet at
ever increasing speeds using cellular telephone systems.
[0007] Conventional cellular telephone systems do not provide
uniform indoor or outdoor coverage. For example, a cellular
telephone may work well in one part of a building but not in
another part of the building or in one part of a city, but not the
other.
[0008] Thus, it is expected that broadband wireless technology,
such as cellular broadband wireless technology, will suffer from at
least the same and most likely more of the location limitations as
conventional cellular telephone technology. In fact, for a number
of reasons, it is expected that cellular broadband wireless
technology will suffer even greater location limitations due to
factors such as increased bandwidth and additional users.
[0009] For example, broadband wireless communication will require
transmissions at higher bandwidths to extend the available data
rates. The higher the bandwidth, the more signal to noise ratio
will be required to accurately transmit and receive the
information. Given that all other factors remain the same, the
distance and reliability will be reduced as the bandwidth
increases. In addition, other cell phone frequency bands are being
considered, at even higher frequencies. Cell phone systems
deploying higher frequency technology will have increased distance
and reliability problems due to increased directionally and free
space loss.
[0010] In many locations, the current coverage area is unacceptable
for low speed voice applications. Higher bandwidth and higher
frequency wireless signals will reduce the current coverage area
even more. As a result, in some environments and locations,
reception of broadband wireless communications is expected to be
poor or non-existent. In other words, broadband wireless
communications, such as planned internet access through cellular
telephone systems, will not provide adequate coverage in many
locations and situations.
[0011] What is needed, therefore, is a method and system for
extending the coverage area for broadband wireless communications,
such as, but not limited to, planned internet access through
cellular telephone systems.
SUMMARY
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods
and apparatuses for extending the coverage area for broadband
wireless communications such as planned internet access through
cellular telephone systems. An embodiment of the present invention
includes a method with the following steps: converting first data
formatted according to a broadband communication protocol, from a
transceiver, to a local area network (LAN) protocol to generate
LAN-formatted data; converting second data formatted according to
the LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband
communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted data; and,
transmitting the LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the
broadband-formatted data to the transceiver.
[0013] Another embodiment includes an apparatus. The apparatus
includes a protocol conversion module and a second transceiver. The
protocol conversion module is configured to: convert first data
formatted according to a broadband communication protocol, from a
first transceiver, to a local area network (LAN) protocol to
generate LAN-formatted data; and, convert second data formatted
according to the LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the
broadband communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted
data. The second transceiver is configured to transmit the
LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the
broadband-formatted data to the first transceiver.
[0014] Further, another embodiment of the present invention
includes a system with a local area network (LAN) and a protocol
converter. The protocol converter includes a protocol conversion
module and a second transceiver. The protocol conversion module is
configured to: convert first data formatted according to a
broadband communication protocol, from a first transceiver, to a
LAN protocol to generate LAN-formatted data; and, convert second
data formatted according to the LAN protocol, from a computing
device, to the broadband communication protocol to generate
broadband-formatted data. The second transceiver is configured to
transmit the LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the
broadband-formatted data to the first transceiver.
[0015] These and other features of embodiments of the present
invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the
following specification and drawings or may be learned by practice
of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
summary and the following detailed description are exemplary, and
are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein generally like
reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar
elements. Also generally, the leftmost digit(s) of the reference
numbers identify the drawings in which the associated elements are
first introduced.
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a wireless LAN
communication environment.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of broadband wireless
communication environment.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a process flowchart for converting from a
broadband wireless protocol to a wireless LAN protocol.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a process flowchart for bi-directionally
converting between a broadband wireless protocol and a wireless LAN
protocol.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Introduction
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods
and systems for extending the coverage area of broadband wireless
communications, such as internet access through cellular telephone
systems.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example local area network
("LAN") system 100. The LAN system 100 includes an access point
("AP") 102, such as a wired and/or wireless router. The AP 102 is
connected via physical connection 104 to an internet service
provider ("ISP") 116. The physical connection 104 can be, for
example, a hardwired broadband connection or a wireless broadband
connection. The internet service provider ("ISP") 116 is connected
to the internet 106 through a connection 118.
[0023] The AP 102 interfaces between the ISP 116 and one or more
devices 112. The AP 102 optionally includes a wireless router and
an antenna 108. In this embodiment, the AP 102 transmits and
receives an electromagnetic wave 110 to communicate data with one
or more of the devices 112, such as computers or other data
processing devices with wireless LAN capability. Alternatively, or
additionally, the AP 102 includes a physical connection 114 to one
or more of the devices 112.
[0024] Cellular telephone companies are attempting to design
broadband wireless systems that will communicate wirelessly between
the ISP 116 and devices 112, thus eliminating the need for physical
connection 104 and/or AP 102.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a broadband wireless system
200. The broadband wireless system 200 includes the ISP 116 and
System 100 as described above with reference to FIG. 1.
[0026] In the example of FIG. 2, the ISP 116 is coupled to a
transceiver apparatus or tower 206, such as a conventional cellular
telephone transceiver tower. The cellular telephone transceiver
tower 206 provides a broadband wireless communication link 210 in
addition to wireless voice services and to a variety of wireless
devices.
[0027] For example, the transceiver tower 206 interfaces with a
wireless device 214 (e.g., a laptop computer) via broadband
wireless communications channel 210B. The transceiver tower 206
provides broadband wireless service (e.g., internet access) to the
wireless device 214.
[0028] The wireless communication channel 210B has, for example, a
cellular telephone protocol. Thus, the wireless device 214 need to
contain, or be modified to include a communication device, such as
a PCMCIA card or internal circuit card, plus associated software,
to communicate with the transceiver tower 206 via wireless
communication channel 210B. To be commercially effective, many
wireless devices 214 will need to be equipped with additional
hardware and/or software to be compatible with the cell phone
network
[0029] There are locations where the wireless device 214 does not
effectively communicate with transceiver tower 206. For example,
the electromagnetic wave of broadband wireless communications link
210 may not for whatever reason (obstructions, multi-path,
increased bandwidth, etc.) reach all desired coverage areas. As a
result, in some environments and locations, wireless communications
is poor or non-existent due to poor propagation.
[0030] In the example of FIG. 2, the transceiver tower 206 also
communicates with a cellular telephone 212 via communication
channel 210A. The communication channel 210A includes conventional
cellular telephone service. Alternatively, or additionally, the
communication channel 210A includes broadband wireless service
(e.g., internet access). The communication channel 210A potentially
suffers from the same drawbacks that affect communication channel
210B.
II. Repeater Station
[0031] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the wireless
system 200 includes a repeater station 226. The repeater station
226 is positioned to effectively communicate with the transceiver
tower 206 through a wireless communication channel 210C. The
repeater station 226 interfaces between the transceiver tower 206
and one or more devices 222.
[0032] The repeater station 226 communicates with the one or more
devices 222, or a portion thereof, via wireless communication link
230. Alternatively, or additionally, the repeater station 226
communicates with the one or more devices 222, or a portion
thereof, via a physical link 228, which can be a wire, optic fiber,
infra-red, and/or any other type of physical link.
[0033] As described below with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, the
repeater station 226 is implemented to receive information from the
transceiver tower 206, and/or to transmit the information to the
one or more devices 222.
[0034] Based on the description herein, one skilled in the relevant
art(s) will understand that the repeater station 226 can be
implemented in a variety of ways.
III. Protocol Conversion
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the
repeater station 226 includes a protocol converter 220 that
converts between a first protocol associated with the broadband
wireless communication 210C, and one or more additional protocols
associated with the one or more devices 222, or a portion
thereof.
[0036] For example, and without limitation, the first protocol of
the communication channel 210C includes a cellular telephone
protocol and at least one of the devices 222 operate with a second
protocol, such as a LAN protocol. In this embodiment, the protocol
converter 220 converts between the cellular telephone protocol and
the LAN protocol. Example LAN protocols are described below.
[0037] The protocol converter 220 permits the one or more devices
222 to utilize conventional LAN hardware, software, and/or
firmware. Thus, where a device 222 includes pre-existing LAN
capabilities, no special upgrades are required to the device 222.
The invention is not limited, however, to existing LAN hardware,
software, and/or firmware. Based on the description herein, one
skilled in the relevant art(s) will understand that the protocol
converter can be implemented to interface with conventional and/or
future developed protocols.
[0038] As noted above, aspects of the invention can be implemented
for unidirectional or bi-directional operation. FIG. 3 is an
example process flowchart 300 for converting from a first protocol
to a second protocol, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Flowchart 300 is described below with reference to FIG.
2. The invention is not, however, limited to the example of FIG. 2.
Based on the description herein, one skilled in the relevant art(s)
will understand that the invention can be implemented with other
systems.
[0039] The flowchart 300 is now described for converting from a
protocol associated with broadband wireless communication channel
210C, to a second protocol, such as a LAN protocol, associated with
the one or more devices 222.
[0040] The process begins at step 302, which includes receiving a
broadband wireless communication having a first protocol. In the
example of FIG. 2, the repeater station 226 receives information
over communication channel 210C from the transceiver tower 206. The
information on communication channel 210C is formatted according
to, for example, a cellular telephone protocol.
[0041] Step 304 includes converting the received broadband wireless
communication from the first protocol to a second protocol. In FIG.
2, the protocol converter 220 converts information in communication
channel 210C from the cellular telephone protocol to a LAN
protocol. The LAN protocol can be, for example, a protocol in
accordance with IEEE Standard 802.11 et sequens. IEEE Standard
802.11 is available, for example, at:
<http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/11/>.
[0042] Step 306 includes transmitting the protocol-converted
communication to a device via wireless or wired means. In FIG. 2,
the repeater station 226 transmits protocol-converted communication
230 to the device 222.
[0043] Alternatively, or additionally, steps 302, 304, and 306 are
implemented to communicate from one or more of the devices 222 to
the tower 206.
[0044] FIG. 4 is an example process flowchart 400 for
bi-directional protocol conversion, in accordance with the aspects
of the invention. Flowchart 400 is described below with reference
to FIG. 2. The invention is not, however, limited to the example of
FIG. 2. Based on the description herein, one skilled in the
relevant art(s) will understand that the invention can be
implemented with other systems.
[0045] The process flowchart 400 begins with steps 302, 304, and
306, substantially as described above with respect to FIG. 3.
[0046] The process flowchart 400 further includes step 402, which
includes receiving a broadband communication formatted according to
the second protocol, from a device. In the example of FIG. 2, the
repeater station 226 receives communication 230 from the device
222. Alternatively, or additionally, the repeater station 226
receives a communication via physical link 228. The received
communication is formatted according to a protocol associated with
the device 222 (i.e., the second protocol, e.g., a LAN
protocol).
[0047] Step 404 includes converting the received communication from
the second protocol to the first protocol. In the example of FIG.
2, the protocol converter 226 converts communication 230 from the
LAN protocol to the cellular telephone protocol.
[0048] Step 406 includes transmitting the protocol-converted
communication. In FIG. 2, the repeater station 226 transmits
protocol-converted information in communication channel 210C to the
transceiver tower 206.
[0049] Steps 302, 304, and 306 are optionally independent of steps
402, 404, and 406. Alternatively, steps 302, 304, and 306 are
optionally dependent of steps 402, 404, and 406, and/or vice versa.
For example, steps 302, 304, and 306 are optionally performed in
response to steps 402, 404, and 406. Alternatively, or
additionally, steps 402, 404, and 406 are optionally performed in
response to steps 302, 304, and 306.
IV. Example Implementations
[0050] Aspects of the invention can be implemented in a variety of
applications.
[0051] A. Broadband Wireless Services
[0052] The broadband wireless communication channel 210C (FIG. 2)
can include one or more of a variety of types of wireless
communication. For example, and without limitation, the wireless
communication channel 210C can carry a cellular communication, such
as a cellular telephone communication, and/or cellular wireless
interne service. Alternatively, or additionally, the wireless
communication channel 210C can carry one or more of a wide area
network ("WAN") communication, such as a wireless communication
from an IEEE 802.16 tower or device, and/or a broadband satellite
communication.
[0053] The invention is not, however, limited to the examples
herein. Based on the description herein, one skilled in the
relevant art(s) will understand that the broadband wireless
communication channel 210C can carry one or more of a variety of
other types of broadband wireless communications.
[0054] Similarly, the broadband wireless communication link 230,
and/or a communication on physical link 228, optionally includes
one or more of a variety of types of broadband communications,
including, without limitation, LAN communication. As described
above, the LAN protocol can be, for example, a protocol in
accordance with IEEE Standard 802.11. Additional optional protocols
are described below.
[0055] Tne invention is not, however, limited to the examples
herein. Based on the description herein, one skilled in the
relevant art(s) will understand that the broadband wireless
communication 230 and/or a communication on physical link 228, can
include one or more of a variety of other types of broadband
wireless communication.
[0056] B. Physical Locations [0057] 1. Locations for the Repeater
Station and Protocol Converter
[0058] The repeater station 226 (FIG. 2) is positioned at a
location that receives adequate signal strength with respect to
broadband wireless communication channel 210C. The optional
protocol converter 220 is incorporated within or coupled to the
repeater station 226. The coupling can be physical and/or
wireless.
[0059] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
are optionally positioned in a fixed location. For example, and
without limitation, the repeater station 226 and the protocol
converter 220 are positioned on or within a building, train
station, subway, oil rig, church, prison, lamp post, bus shelter,
school, office building, house, monument, telephone pole, tower,
hotel, crane, warehouse, hanger, terminal, drydock, dam, jetway,
bridge, dock, lock, marina, emergency services facility, police
station, fire station, central office, equipment shelter,
observation tower, power plant, factory, silo, research facility,
shopping center, shopping mall, cellular communication system
tower, traffic signal, fire escape, scaffold, bridge, convention
center, sports arena, stadium, stage, and/or other man-made
structure.
[0060] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
are optionally positioned on a fixed installation on a
naturally-occurring structure or terrain feature. The protocol
converter 220 is optionally designed to be wall-mountable,
rack-mountable, and/or surface-mountable.
[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the repeater station 226
and/or the protocol converter 220 are optionally positioned on a
mobile platform. In this way, the one or more devices 222 are can
be moved around within a range of the mobile platform. For example,
and without limitation, the repeater station 226 and/or the
protocol converter 220 are positioned on or within a bus, taxi,
car, truck, tractor, van, multi-purpose vehicle, sport utility
vehicle, police vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, train car,
locomotive, airplane, helicopter, blimp, hovercraft, boat, ship,
barge, tugboat, construction machinery, naval vessel, motorcycle,
subway car, pullman, trolley, lawnmower, race car, all-terrain
vehicle, golf cart, forklift, segway, scooter, bicycle, pedal car,
rickshaw, sled, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, trailer,
submarine, raft, pushcart, and/or other transportation apparatus.
[0062] 2. Locations for the Devices
[0063] The one or more devices 222 are positioned in a location
that receives adequate signal strength with respect to broadband
wireless communication 224 and/or a communication on physical link
228. The one or more devices 222 are mobile within a range of the
repeater station 226. [0064] C. Device Types
[0065] The one or more devices 222 can include a variety of types
of devices, such as, without limitation, a desk-top computer,
lap-top computer, printer, security system, thermostat, household
appliance, industrial appliance, watercraft, airplane, industrial
machinery, and/or electronic control system, such as an electronic
control system for an automobile. The invention is not limited to
these examples, but includes any data processing device or
communication. [0066] D. Controls, Settings, and Indicators
[0067] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
optionally include one or more controllable settings. The settings
can include settings that are wholly controlled by a manufacturer
and/or settings that are user selectable.
[0068] The settings can include, for example, protocol selection
settings that allow a manufacturer and/or user to select one or
more protocols that are compatible with the protocol of the
broadband wireless transmission 210C. The protocol converter 220 is
also optionally factory set to communicate using a protocol that is
compatible with the desired wireless LAN protocol. Alternatively,
or additionally, the protocol of the broadband wireless
transmission 210 is user-selectable. Alternatively, or
additionally, the wireless LAN protocol is user-selectable.
Alternatively, or additionally, the protocol converter 220
automatically senses and selects the broadband wireless protocol
and/or the wireless LAN protocol.
[0069] Device addresses, subscriber numbers, phone numbers, and
other device identifiers set in hardware and/or software of the
protocol converter 220 are factory pre-set, user-selectable, and/or
automatically sensed and set.
[0070] Software settings are optionally effected remotely by
physical and/or wireless connection. Alternatively, or
additionally, software settings are optionally effected
locally.
[0071] Other optional controllable features include varying the
output power of the repeater station 226 to maintain an optimal
signal between the protocol converter 220 and devices 220 and/or
transceiver tower 206. Power adjustment is effected manually and/or
automatically.
[0072] The protocol converter 220 optionally provides multiple
broadband wireless communications channel 210C to provide, for
example, diverse and/or redundant service.
[0073] The protocol converter 220 optionally provides multiple
wireless LAN connections 230.
[0074] The protocol converter 220 optionally includes one or more
antennas to communicate with the one or more devices 220 and/or the
transceiver tower 206. In an embodiment, the protocol converter 220
includes a single antenna to communicate with the one or more
devices 220 and the transceiver tower 206. Alternatively, or
additionally, the protocol converter 220 includes at least one
antenna to communicate with the one or more devices 220, and at
least one other antenna to communicate with the transceiver tower
206.
[0075] The protocol converter 220 optionally includes at least one
of: an integral antenna; an external antenna; a removable antenna;
and a fixed antenna; to communicate with the one or more devices
220 and/or the transceiver tower 206.
[0076] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
optionally include a data router, which includes one or more
receptacles or ports for wired LAN.
[0077] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
optionally include one or more of a DSL modem, cable modem, ISDN
modem, and/or dial-up modem.
[0078] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
optionally include one or more password protection features.
[0079] The repeater station 226, the protocol converter 220, and or
the device 222 optionally include a hardwired or cordless telephone
system.
[0080] The repeater station 226, the protocol converter 220, and or
the device 222 optionally include one or more audio inputs for
voice activated connections. The repeater station 226, the protocol
converter 220, and or the device 222 optionally include one or more
audio outputs for providing information or requests to a user.
[0081] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
are optionally powered by one or more of a variety of power sources
including AC, DC, and/or battery power sources.
[0082] The repeater station 226, the protocol converter 220, and or
the device 222 optionally include one or more of a variety of
visual and/or audible indicators, such as status indicators. Status
indicators can include, without limitation, link, data rate, RF
transmit power, RF signal strength, supply power, and/or protocol
type.
[0083] The repeater station 226, optionally includes Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) capability. A VoIP enabled device would be
able to communicate with cell tower 206 (FIG. 2), thereby enabling
bi-directional VoIP to cell phone voice communications.
[0084] The repeater station 226, optionally includes Quality of
Service (QoS) capability. The QoS protocol could give higher
priority to voice information, thereby enabling seamless voice and
data communications on a network. [0085] E. Example
Environments
[0086] The repeater station 226 and/or the protocol converter 220
can be implemented in one or more of a variety of environments. For
example, and without limitation, repeater station 226 and/or the
protocol converter 220 can be implemented as part of a system
associated with one or more of the following, alone and/or in
combination with one another:
[0087] local area networks;
[0088] remote monitoring;
[0089] security systems, including home security systems and/or
industrial security systems;
[0090] remote data logging;
[0091] monitoring of utility meters, such as oil or gas meters,
residential and/or commercial;
[0092] Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA);
[0093] Monitoring and/or control of environmental conditions;
[0094] remote telemetry;
[0095] factory automation;
[0096] point-of-sale monitoring;
[0097] wireless inventory control;
[0098] mobile sales;
[0099] field service;
[0100] meter reading;
[0101] warehousing applications;
[0102] portable data terminals;
[0103] audio/visual transmissions;
[0104] radio transmissions;
[0105] television transmissions;
[0106] home automation;
[0107] security monitoring;
[0108] medical monitoring;
[0109] home and/or industrial heating and/or air-conditioning
controls; and/or
[0110] packet data radio.
[0111] Network Standards
[0112] The wireless communications 230, 210A, 210B, 210C, and/or
110;
[0113] and/or communications over physical link 228 and/or 114; are
optionally implemented in accordance with, and/or are in
conformance with, one or more of the following standards:
[0114] IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.16, IEEE
802.16a, IEEE 802.16e, IEEE 802.20, IEEE 802.15, T1, T3, DS1, DS3,
ethernet, HiperMAN, HiperAccess, WirelessMAN, HiperLAN, HiperLAN2,
HiperLink, internet protocol, transmission control protocol, atm,
ppp, ipx, appletalk, windows nt, systems network architecture,
decnet, netware, ipx, spx, netbios, Ethernet, FDDI, PPP,
Token-Ring, IEEE 802.11, Classical IP over ATM, 3GPP2 All, 802.11
MGT, 802.11 Radiotap, AAL1, AAL3.sub.--4, AARP, ACAP, ACSE, AFP,
AFS (RX), AH, AIM, AIM Administration, AIM Advertisements, AIM BOS,
AIM Buddylist, AIM Chat, AIM ChatNav, AIM Directory, AIM Generic,
AIM ICQ, AIM Invitation, AIM Location, AIM Messaging, AIM OFT, AIM
Popup, AIM SSI, AIM Signon, AIM Stats, AIM Translate, AIM User
Lookup, AJP13, ALCAP, ANS, ANSI BSMAP, ANSI DTAP, ANSI IS-637-A
Teleservice, ANSI IS-637-A Transport, ANSI IS-683-A (OTA (Mobile)),
ANSI IS-801 (Location Services (PLD)), ANSI MAP, AODV, ARCNET,
ARP/RARP, ASAP, ASF, ASP, ATM, ATM LANE, ATP, ATSVC, AVS WLANCAP,
Auto-RP, BACapp, BACnet, BEEP, BER, BFD Control, BGP, BICC, BOFL,
BOOTP/DHCP, BOOTPARAMS, BOSSVR, BROWSER, BSSAP, BSSGP, BUDB, BUTC,
BVLC, Boardwalk, CAST, CCSDS, CDP, CDS_CLERK, CFLOW, CGMP, CHDLC,
CLDAP, CLEARCASE, CLNP, CLTP, CONV, COPS, COTP, CPFI, CPHA, CUPS,
CoSine, DCCP, DCERPC, DCE_DFS, DDP, DDTP, DEC_STP, DES, DHCPv6,
DISTCC, DLSw, DNS, DNSSERVER, DRSUAPI, DST, DTSPROVIDER,
DTSSTIME_REQ, DVMRP, Data, Diameter, E.164, EAP, EAPOL, ECHO,
EDONKEY, EFSRPC, EIGRP, ENC, ENIP, EPM, EPM4, ESIS, ESP, ETHERIP,
Ethernet, FC, FC ELS, FC FZS, FC-FCS, FC-SB3, FC-SP, FC-SWILS,
FC-dNS, FCIP, FCP, FC_CT, FDDI, FIX, FLDB, FR, FTAM, FTP, FTP-DATA,
FTSERVER, FW-1, Frame, GIF image, GIOP, GMRP, GNUTELLA, GPRS NS,
GPRS-LLC, GRE, GSM BSSMAP, GSM DTAP, GSM MAP, GSM RP, GSM SMS, GSM
SMS UD, GSS-API, GTP, GVRP, H.261, H.263, H1, H225, H245, H4501,
HCLNFSD, HPEXT, HSRP, HTTP, HyperSCSI, IAPP, IB, ICAP, ICL_RPC,
ICMP, ICMPv6, ICP, ICQ, IGAP, IGMP, IGRP, ILMI, IMAP, INITSHUTDOWN,
IP, IP/IEEE1394, IPComp, IPDC, IPFC, IPML IPP, IPVS, IPX, IPX MSG,
IPX RIP, IPX SAP, IPX WAN, IPv6, IRC, ISAKMP, ISDN, ISIS, ISL,
ISMP, ISUP, IUA, Inter-Asterisk eXchange v2, JFIF (JPEG) image,
Jabber, KADM5, KLM, KRB5, KRB5RPC, Kpasswd, L2TP, LACP, LANMAN,
LAPB, LAPBETHER, LAPD, LDAP, LDP, LLAP, LLC, LMI, LMP, LPD, LSA,
LSA DS, LWAPP, LWAPP-CNTL, LWAPP-L3, Laplink, Line-based text data,
Lucent/Ascend, M2PA, M2TP, M2UA, M3UA, MAN, MDS Header, MGMT, MIME
multipart, MIPv6, MMSE, MOUNT, MPEG1, MPLS, MPLS Echo, MQ, MQ PCF,
MRDISC, MS Proxy, MSDP, MSNIP, MSNMS, MTP2, MTP3, MTP3MG, Media,
Messenger, Mobile IP, Modbus/TCP, MySQL, NBDS, NBIPX, NBNS, NBP,
NBSS, NCP, NDMP, NDPS, NETLOGON, NFS, NFSACL, NFSAUTH, NIS+,
NIS+CB, NLM, NLSP, NMAS, NMPI, NNTP, NSPI, NTLMSSP, NTP, NW SERIAL,
NetBIOS, Null, OAM AAL, OLSR, OSPF, OXID, PCNFSD, PER, PFLOG,
PFLOG-OLD, PGM, PIM, POP, POSTGRESQL, PPP, PPP BACP, PPP BAP, PPP
CBCP, PPP CCP, PPP CDPCP, PPP CHAP, PPP Comp, PPP IPCP, PPP IPV6CP,
PPP LCP, PPP MP, PPP MPLSCP, PPP OSICP, PPP PAP, PPP FPPMux, PPP
PPPMuxCP, PPP VJ, PPPoED, PPPoES, PPTP, PRES, PTP, Portmap, Prism,
Q.2931, Q.931, Q.933, QLLC, QUAKE, QUAKE2, QUAKE3, QUAKEWORLD,
RADIUS, RANAP, REMACT, REP_PROC, RIP, RIPng, RMCP, RMI, RMP, RPC,
RPC BROWSER, RPC_NETLOGON, RPL, RQUOTA, RSH, RSTAT, RSVP, RSYNC,
RS_ACCT, RS_ATTR, RS_BIND, RS_PGO, RS_PLCY, RS REPADM, RS REPLIST,
RS UNIX, RTCP, RTMP, RTP, RTP Event, RTPS, RTSP, RWALL, RX, Raw,
Raw SIP, Rlogin, SADMIND, SAMR, SAP, SCCP, SCCPMG, SCSI, SCTP,
SDLC, SDP, SEBEK, SECIDMAP, SES, SUFI MOUNT, SIP, SIPFRAG, SKINNY,
SLARP, SU. SMB, SMB Mailsiot, SMB Pipe, SMPP. SMTP, SMUX, SNA, SNA
XIII, SNAETH, SNDCP, SNMP, SONMP, SPNEGO-KRB5, SPOOLSS, SPRAY, SPX,
SRVLOC, SRVSVC, SSCOP, SSH, SSL, STAT, STAT-CB, STP, STUN, SUA,
SVCCTL, Serialization, SliMP3, Socks, SoulSeek, Spnego, Symantec,
Syslog, T38, TACACS, TACACS+, TAPI, TCAP, TCP, TDS, TEI_MANAGEMENT,
TELNET, TEREDO, TFTP, TIME, TKN4Int, TNS, TPCP, TPKT, TR MAC,
TRKSVR, TSP, TUXEDO, TZSP, Token-king, UBIKDISK, UBIKVOTE, UCP,
UDP, UDPENCAP, V.120, VLAN, VRRP, VTP, Vines ARP, Vines Echo, Vines
FRP, Vines ICP, Vines IP, Vines IPC, Vines LLC, Vines RTP, Vines
SPP, WAP SIR, WBXML, WCCP, WCP, WHDLC, WHO, WINREG, WKSSVC, WSP,
WTLS, WTP, X.25, X.29, X11, XDMCP, XOT, XYPLEX, YHOO, YMSG, YPBIND,
YPPASSWD, YPSERV, YPXFR, ZEBRA, ZIP, cds_solicit, cprpc_server,
dce_update, dicom, iSCSI, iSNS, 11b, message/http, rdaclif,
roverride, rpriv, rs_attr schema, rs_misc, rs_prop_acct,
rs_prop_acl, rs_prop_attr, rs_prop_pgo, rs_prop_plcy, rs_pwd_mgmt,
rs_repmgr, rseclogin, and/or sFlow.
[0115] The communication channels 210A, 210B, and/or 210C
optionally include, and/or are generated according to, and/or are
in conformance with, without limitation, one or more of: quadrature
amplitude modulation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing,
vector orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, wideband
orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, frequency division
duplex, time division duplex, gaussian minimum shift keying, binary
phase shift keying, differential phase shift keying, quadrature
phase shift keying, binary frequency shift keying, minimum shift
keying, phase shift keying, frequency shift keying, direct sequence
spread spectrum, pulse code modulation, pulse amplitude modulation,
amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, angle modulation,
quadrature multiplexing, single sideband amplitude modulation,
vestigial sideband amplitude modulation, analog modulation, digital
modulation, phase modulation, and/or frequency hopped spread
spectrum.
[0116] The invention is optionally implemented with one or more of:
gsm, cdma, gprs, umts, cdma2000, tdma, cellular, iden, pdc, is-95,
is-136, is-54, is-661, amps, dcs 1800, edge, pcs 1900, gsm 900, gsm
850, namps, sdma, uwc-136, wpcdma, wap, a wide area network
protocol, a satellite radio protocol, and/or wcdma.
[0117] The invention may include any combination of the foregoing,
although the invention is not, however, limited to the examples
herein.
CONCLUSION
[0118] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description, it
will be apparent that various modifications, additions, and other
alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention. Such modifications and
variations are within the scope of the present invention as
determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance
with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
[0119] Embodiments of the present invention have been described
above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the
performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The
boundaries of these functional building blocks have been defined
herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries
can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed. Such alternate boundaries are
within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One skilled
in the art will recognize that these functional building blocks can
be implemented by discrete components, application specific
integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and
the like and combinations thereof.
[0120] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only and not limitation. Ownership
and/or possession of equipment by an entity is presented herein by
way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and
scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *
References