A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals. The spectrum intelligence may be used to suggest actions to a device user or network administrator, or to automatically invoke actions in a device or network of devices to maintain desirable performance.

System and method for management of a shared frequency band

An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method are provided that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more sensors positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring and a server coupled to the sensors. Each sensor monitors communication traffic, such as IEEE WLAN traffic, as well as classifies non-WLAN signals occurring in the frequency band. The server receives data from each of the plurality of sensors and that executes functions to process the data supplied by the plurality of sensors. In particular, the server aggregates the data generated by the sensors and generates event reports and other configurable information derived from the sensors that is interfaced to a client application, e.g., a network management station.

Server and multiple sensor system for monitoring activity in a shared radio frequency band

A system and method are provided for managing communication with a plurality of wireless client devices operating in a radio frequency band shared by other types of devices, comprising a step of controlling at least one parameter associated with radio communication with each of the plurality of wireless devices based on the radio frequency environment associated with each corresponding one of the plurality of wireless client devices. Spectrum profile information describing the radio frequency environment (activity in the frequency band) at a wireless client device is sent to the wireless base station device (where the parameter controls are made) from either a wireless client device or another radio device in the proximity of one or more wireless client devices that is capable of generating the spectrum profile information. The spectrum profile information may include information identifying signals that are occurring in the frequency band in the proximity of a wireless client device. Examples of parameters that may be controlled at the wireless base station device include packet fragmentation threshold (the length of a data packet), transmission data rate and transmission scheduling (synchronizing a transmission to quiescent intervals of one or more periodic interfering signals).

System and method for management of a shared frequency band using client--specific management techniques

Techniques for adjusting transmit power to mitigate both intra-sector interference to a serving base station and inter-sector interference to neighbor base stations are described. The amount of inter-sector interference that a terminal may cause may be roughly estimated based on the total interference observed by each neighbor base station, channel gains for the serving and neighbor base stations, and the current transmit power level. The transmit power may be decreased if high interference is observed by a neighbor base station and increased otherwise. The transmit power may be adjusted by a larger amount and/or more frequently if the terminal is located closer to the neighbor base station observing high interference and/or if the current transmit power level is higher, and vice versa. The intra-sector interference is maintained within an acceptable level by limiting a received SNR for the terminal to be within a range of allowable SNRs.

Power control for a wireless communication system utilizing orthogonal multiplexing

An intelligent spectrum management (ISM) system and method that includes sophisticated features to detect, classify, and locate sources of RF activity. The system comprises one or more radio sensor devices positioned at various locations in a region where activity in a shared radio frequency band is occurring. A server is coupled to the radio sensor devices and aggregates the data generated by the sensor devices. Data collected and processed by the server from the sensors may be coupled to a console application that displays the data in desirable user interface format. According to one aspect, the server continuously stores spectrum analysis data pertaining to activity in a frequency band over time and/or protocol analysis data pertaining to analysis of packets transmitted in the frequency band according to a communication protocol. A console application includes a time-shift display mode that permits a user to specify an instant of time prior to the current time from which to playback spectrum analysis data and/or protocol analysis data generated by one or more radio sensor devices.

User interface and time-shifted presentation of data in a system that monitors activity in a shared radio frequency band

An unlicensed RF data delivery system uses interference characterization to adapt the RF transmission to accommodate the interferences It uses at least one detection system to determine the type of interference present in an RF band A channel per channel measurement of interference is made, usually in conjunction with a sweep of the total operating spectrum, generating a picture of the interference over the entire frequency spectrum The system characterizes not only interference levels, but bandwidth of the interference A profile is generated, the response to that interference profile is one of several methods, such as frequency change; changing modulation to higher or lower levels; changing the channel width; changing the code rate; changing antenna polarity; and using hub diversity By first characterizing the type of interference, the system response is tailored to maximize the available interference free spectrum

System and method for adapting rf transmissions to mitigate the effects of certain interferences

A system for mitigating the effects of interference in an unlicensed RF band for point to point data transmissions comprises a multibeam antenna locating interference with transmission to and from data transmission subscribers. A scanner determines the frequency, bandwidth and any periodicity of the interference. Separate scanners can be used for each antenna beam. Nulls are generated in the data transmission antenna pattern in the direction of the interference during periods of interference. Communications with subscribers in a direction of the interference is carried out using a different channel or is scheduled around the interference occurrences. Alternatively, such subscribers are directed to establish data transmissions with an alternate hub antenna.

Adaptive beam pattern antennas system and method for interference mitigation in point to multipoint RF data transmissions

The present invention is directed to a system and method which statistically determines when regularly occurring interference events of a predictable duration will occur, for example radar pulses and dynamically adjusts an automatic gain control (AGC) for RF data transmissions accordingly. The repetition rate and width of radar pulses are regular. By averaging and watching for correlations, the present AGC identifies the pulse rate and pulse widths and over a fairly short period of time predicts when the next pulse is coming. When the next pulse occurs, the AGC is adjusted to react accordingly. The AGC can raise or lower gain levels for the duration of the pulse; or ignore the pulse, if it is of a very short duration, so that the AGC level will coast through the event.

System and method for statistically directing automatic gain control

A radar, or other repetitive interference, detection and data flow control system and method for RF data transmissions uses an RF detector and an omni directional antenna to detect radar or similar signals. The information from the RF detector is communicated to a hub data transmission unit which processes the data about the signal provided by the detector. This information is used by the hub to schedule communications between the hub and subscriber units so that none of the communications between the hub and subscriber fall within the time period of the interfering pulses. Although there are no communications during the time periods of the pulses, the efficiency of communications is improved because collisions and retransmission of data are avoided.

Jerry Prismantas

Papers

System and method for adapting rf transmissions to mitigate the effects of certain interferences

Adaptive beam pattern antennas system and method for interference mitigation in point to multipoint RF data transmissions

System and method for statistically directing automatic gain control

System and method for mitigating data flow control problems in the presence of certain interference parameters