Showing papers on "Wi-Fi array published in 2008"

Space-Time Block Coding for Wireless Communications

Abstract: II

Identity-based wireless device configuration

Abstract: Techniques are provided for the relating identity information with wireless configuration information for a wireless device or a wireless network A trusted system may be used to generate wireless configuration parameters for a wireless network based on identity information The identity-based wireless configuration information may be stored on the trusted system remote to the wireless network and accessible to the wireless device The wireless configuration may be migrated from the trusted system to the wireless device

Wireless smart card and integrated personal area network, near field communication and contactless payment system

Abstract: A wireless smart card having a personal area network transceiver, such as a Bluetooth transceiver, to couple the wireless smart card with a mobile communication device, and a near field communication (NFC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) transceiver to couple the wireless smart card to a wireless transaction device, and a transponder with a secure element to allow secure communications between the mobile communication device with the wireless smart card and the wireless smart card and the wireless transaction device is described. The wireless smart card allows, for example, contactless payment through a Bluetooth-enabled mobile communication device without modification to the mobile communication device.

Simulating wireless and mobile networks in OMNeT++ the MiXiM vision

Abstract: Wireless communication has attracted considerable interest in the research community, and many wireless networks are evaluated using discrete event simulators like OMNeT++. Although OMNeT++ provides a powerful and clear simulation framework, it lacks of direct support and a concise modeling chain for wireless communication. Both is provided by MiXiM. MiXiM joins and extends several existing simulation frameworks developed for wireless and mobile simulations in OMNeT++. It provides detailed models of the wireless channel (fading, etc.), wireless connectivity, mobility models, models for obstacles and many communication protocols especially at the Medium Access Control (MAC) level. Further, it provides a user-friendly graphical representation of wireless and mobile networks in OMNeT++, supporting debugging and defining even complex wireless scenarios. Though still in development, MiXiM already is a powerful tool for performance analysis of wireless networks. Its extensive functionality and clear concept may motivate researches to contribute to this open-source project [4].

Encoded information reading terminal with wireless path selection capability

Abstract: A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system can comprise a terminal module communicatively coupled to a wireless interface module via a wired interface. The terminal module can include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an encoded information reading (EIR) device. The wireless interface module can include a microcontroller, a memory, and at least one wireless communication interface. The wireless interface module can establish one or more wireless links with one or more peer EIR terminals, to join a wireless network which is collectively formed by the peer EIR terminals. The wireless interface module can receive or transmit beacons containing at least an identifier of a path selection protocol which is used for unicast, multicast and broadcast frame transmission within the wireless network. The wireless interface module, responsive to receiving a MAC frame from the terminal module, can forward the MAC frame, according to the path selection protocol, to a peer EIR terminal or to a portal which is capable of routing MAC frames between the wireless network and one or more OSI layer 2 networks.

Always Best Connected

Abstract: This chapter contains sections titled: Product Definition for Broadband Wireless Systems Technology Drivers Evolving Wireless Broadband Market Segments Open Systems and Intelligence at the Edge Radio Network System Engineering References

Method and apparatus for cooperative wireless communications

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooperation in wireless communications. Cooperation is considered among a number of network elements, including at least one wireless transmit-receive unit, at least one relay station, and at least one base station.

Systems and methods for wireless power

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless power system which includes components which can be recharged by harvesting wireless power, wireless power transmitters for transmitting the power, and devices which are powered from the components. Features such as temperature monitoring, tiered network protocols including both data and power communication, and power management strategies related to both charging and non-charging operations, are used to improve performance of the wireless network. Rechargeable batteries which are configured to be recharged using wireless power have unique components specifically tailored for recharging operations rather than for providing power to a device. A wireless power supply for powering implanted devices benefits from an external patient controller which contains features for adjusting both power transmission and harvesting provided by other components of the wireless power network.

Algorithms and Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Boukerche is well-known and established international researcher in the field of wireless mobile networks and distributed systems. This is one of the firstpublications to focus on wireless ad hoc and sensor networks with a concentration on algorithms and protocols providing you with a comprehensive resource to learn about the continuous advances in wireless and mobile communications.

Intelligent wireless power charging system

Abstract: A system and methodology for intelligent power management of wirelessly networked devices. The system provides for reliable wireless communication via a wireless power charging method and, a method to maintain power capacity of batteries in a wireless device. The batteries are charged via an RF harvesting unit embedded inside the wireless device. An intelligent wireless power charging system further comprises at least two batteries and at least two RF adaptor devices coupled to an AC power line. The first adaptor is set for data communication while the second adaptor is used to transmit the power. In addition, when a first battery is in use during active mode, the second battery is subjected to wireless charging.

Apparatus and methods for enforcement of policies upon a wireless device

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for changing one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device, such as upon the occurrence of a certain event. In one embodiment, the event comprises detecting that the wireless device is within range of one or more other devices. In another variant, the event comprises the wireless device associating with a certain access point. In this manner, various aspects of device functionality may be enabled or restricted (device “policies”). This policy enforcement capability is useful for a variety of reasons, including for example to disable noise and/or light emanating from wireless devices (such as at a movie theater), for preventing wireless devices from communicating with other wireless devices (such as in academic settings), and for forcing certain electronic devices to enter “sleep mode” when entering a sensitive area.

Taxonomy and Challenges of the Integration of RFID and Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Radio frequency identification and wireless sensor networks are two important wireless technologies that have a wide variety of applications in current and future systems. RFID facilitates detection and identification of objects that are not easily detectable or distinguishable by using conventional sensor technologies. However, it does not provide information about the condition of the objects it detects. WSN, on the other hand, not only provides information about the condition of the objects and environment but also enables multihop wireless communications. Hence, the integration of these technologies expands their overall functionality and capacity. This article investigates recent research work and applications that integrate RFID with sensor networks. Four classes of integration are discussed: integrating tags with sensors, integrating tags with WSN nodes and wireless devices, integrating readers with WSN nodes and wireless devices, and a mix of RFID and WSNs. Finally, a discussion of new challenges and future work is presented.

Apparatus and methods for wireless gaming communications

Abstract: A gaming communication apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and a controller operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller may be programmed to establish a bidirectional wireless communication link with a gaming apparatus when in proximity to the gaming apparatus, receive a voice command relating to a first gaming function, transmit first gaming function data to the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver, and receive data relating to a second gaming function from the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver. The gaming apparatus may include a second wireless transceiver and a second controller operatively coupled to the second wireless transceiver. The second controller may be programmed to receive the first gaming function data via the second wireless transceiver, execute a first gaming function based on the first gaming function data, and transmit the second gaming function data to the wireless communication device via the second wireless transceiver.

Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: The confluence of inexpensive wireless communication, computation, and sensing has created a new generation of smart devices. Using tens to thousands of these devices in self-organizing networks has created a new technology referred to as wireless sensor networks. This article gives an overview of the wireless sensor networks.

A Line-Based Data Dissemination Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks with Mobile Sink

Abstract: In wireless sensor networks, data dissemination is generally performed from the sensor nodes towards a static sink. In this paper, we address the particular case where the sink is mobile, according to an unpredictable mobility pattern. First, we study existing approaches. As an alternative, we present the line-based data dissemination (LBDD) protocol. Next, we analytically evaluate the communication cost of this protocol and we compare it to other approaches. Finally, realistic simulations are performed and results show that LBDD outperforms previous approaches and presents the best tradeoff among the evaluated protocols.

Location determination of low power wireless devices over a wide area

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for location determination of low power wireless devices, over a wide area, utilizing a multitude of communication devices operating on a WAN (Wide Area Network) which can detect signals transmitted by said nearby low power wireless devices, and report this detection to a control station over the WAN. Said station can further locate the reporting communication device by present art methods such as “network based” or “handset based”, and consequently locate the nearby wireless device. Due to the short range nature of the wireless device transmissions, and dynamic mobility of these devices, it is crucial to establish a swift ad-hoc connection between a wireless device and a nearby communication device, still, in order to save battery power and avoid inefficient and interfering transmissions, communications between a wireless device and a communication device are not initiated unitl a sensor comprised in the wireless device detects and a communication device. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless device is Bluetooth and the communication device is a Bluetooth enabled mobile/cellular phone and the sensor detects radiation emitted by the mobile device on non Bluetooth bands.

Cross-Layer Design for QoS Support in Multihop Wireless Networks

Abstract: Due to such features as low cost, ease of deployment, increased coverage, and enhanced capacity, multihop wireless networks such as ad hoc networks, mesh networks, and sensor networks that form the network in a self-organized manner without relying on fixed infrastructure is touted as the new frontier of wireless networking. Providing efficient quality of service (QoS) support is essential for such networks, as they need to deliver real-time services like video, audio, and voice over IP besides the traditional data service. Various solutions have been proposed to provide soft QoS over multihop wireless networks from different layers in the network protocol stack. However, the layered concept was primarily created for wired networks, and multihop wireless networks oppose strict layered design because of their dynamic nature, infrastructureless architecture, and time-varying unstable links and topology. The concept of cross-layer design is based on architecture where different layers can exchange information in order to improve the overall network performance. Promising results achieved by cross-layer optimizations initiated significant research activity in this area. This paper aims to review the present study on the cross-layer paradigm for QoS support in multihop wireless networks. Several examples of evolutionary and revolutionary cross-layer approaches are presented in detail. Realizing the new trends for wireless networking, such as cooperative communication and networking, opportunistic transmission, real system performance evaluation, etc., several open issues related to cross-layer design for QoS support over multihop wireless networks are also discussed in the paper.

Automated Modal Parameter Estimation by Parallel Processing within Wireless Monitoring Systems

Abstract: With recent advances in low-cost wireless sensing and data acquisition technology, it has become feasible to instrument a large structure with a dense array of wireless sensors. Furthermore, analog-to-digital conversion and data processing capabilities of current wireless sensor prototypes offer the ability to efficiently distribute data processing tasks across a large network of wireless sensing nodes. For decades, the structural engineering community has been adapting input-output modal identification techniques for use in large-scale civil structures. However, unlike in mechanical or aerospace engineering, it is often difficult to excite a large civil structure in a controlled manner. Thus, additional emphasis has been placed on developing a number of output-only modal identification methods for use in structural engineering applications. In this paper, three of these output-only methods peak picking, random decrement, and frequency domain decomposition are modified for implementation in a distributed array of processors embedded within a network of wireless sensor prototypes. The software architecture proposed emphasizes parallel data processing and minimal communication so as to ensure scalability and power efficiency. Using the balcony of a historic theater in metropolitan Detroit as a testbed, this network of wireless sensors is allowed to collect and process acceleration response data during a set of vibration tests. The embedded algorithms proposed in this study are used to autonomously determine the balcony's modal properties with network-derived results found to be comparable to those derived from traditional offline techniques.

Identifying unique devices through wireless fingerprinting

Abstract: We propose a new fingerprinting technique that differentiates between unique devices over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) simply through the timing analysis of 802.11 probe request frames. Our technique can be applied to spoof detection, network reconnaissance, and implementation of access control against masquerading attacks. Experimental results indicate that our technique is consistent and accurate in differentiating between unique devices. In contrast with existing wireless fingerprinting techniques, our technique is passive, non-invasive and does not require the co-operation of fingerprintee hosts.

Systems and methods for increasing building space comfort using wireless devices

Abstract: A method for providing control to a building zone uses a building automation system and a portable wireless device located within the building zone. The method includes the step of identifying the portable wireless device using wireless communications. The method further includes retrieving information from a memory device specific to the identified portable wireless device. The retrieved information comprises a user preference relating to the building automation system. The method further includes adjusting a parameter of the building automation system based on the retrieved information.

Method and system of routing in a utility smart-grid network

Abstract: A wireless network has a server that includes a server controller that controls the receipt and transmission of packets via a server radio. The server controller selects a route to nodes in the wireless network, and provides communication between the wireless network and at least one other network. A plurality of nodes in the wireless network include a node controller that controls the receipt and transmission of packets via a node radio, and selects a route to the server. A route included in a transmitted packet is selected as a preferred route based upon lowest path cost. The lowest path cost is determined on the basis of ambient noise level information associated with links along a given path in the wireless utility network.

Wireless communications for a breathing assistance system

Abstract: A system for wireless data communication for use with a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. The system includes a wireless notification module, one or more wireless repeaters located remote from ventilation system, and a wireless receiver located remote from the one or more wireless repeaters. The wireless notification module is coupled to a ventilation system and configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the ventilation system. The one or more wireless repeaters are configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the wireless notification module, and wirelessly transmit the received data. The wireless receiver is configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the one or more wireless repeaters, and communicate the received data to a user remote from the ventilation system.

Protocols and architectures for channel assignment in wireless mesh networks

Abstract: The use of multiple channels can substantially improve the performance of wireless mesh networks. Considering that the IEEE PHY specification permits the simultaneous operation of three non-overlapping channels in the 2.4GHz band and 12 non-overlapping channels in the 5GHz band, a major challenge in wireless mesh networks is how to efficiently assign these available channels in order to optimize the network performance. We survey and classify the current techniques proposed to solve this problem in both single-radio and multi-radio wireless mesh networks. This paper also discusses the issues in the design of multi-channel protocols and architectures.

Authentication in Multi-Hop Wireless Mesh Networks

Abstract: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are an emerging technology for last-mile broadband access. In WMNs, similar to ad hoc networks, each user node operates not only as a host but also as a router. User packets are forwarded to and from an Internet-connected gateway in multi-hop fashion. The WMNs can be integrated with other networking technologies i.e. ad hoc networks, to implement a smooth network extension. The meshed topology provides good reliability and scalability, as well as low upfront investments. Despite the recent start-up surge in WMNs, much research remains to be done in standardizing the functional parameters of WMNs to fully exploit their full potential. An edifice of the security concerns of these networks is authentication of a new client joining an integrated ad hoc network and such a scenario will require execution of a multihop authentication technique. Our endeavor in this paper is to introduce a secure authentication technique, with light over-heads that can be conveniently implemented for the ad-hoc nodes forming clients of an integrated WMN, thus facilitating their inter-operability. Keywords—Multi-Hop WMNs, PANA, EAP-TTLS, Authentication, RADIUS.

Micro power management of active 802.11 interfaces

Abstract: Wireless interfaces are major power consumers on mobile systems. Considerable research has improved the energy efficiency of elongated idle periods or created more elongated idle periods in wireless interfaces, often requiring cooperation from applications or the network infrastructure. With increasing wireless mobile data, it has become critical to improve the energy efficiency of active wireless interfaces. In this work, we present micro power management (μPM), a solution inspired by the mismatch between the high performance of state-of-the-art 802.11 interfaces and the modest data rate requirements by many popular network applications. μPM enables an 802.11 interface to enter unreachable power-saving modes even between MAC frames, without noticeable impact on the traffic flow. To control data loss, μPM leverages the retransmission mechanism in 802.11 and controls frame delay to adapt to demanded network throughput with minimal cooperation from the access point. Based on a theoretical framework, we employ simulation to systematically investigate an effective and efficient implementation of μPM. We have built a prototype μPM on an open-access wireless hardware platform. Measurements show that more than 30% power reduction for the wireless transceiver can be achieved with μPM for various applications without perceptible quality degradation.

System and method for activating services on a wireless device

Abstract: A system and method for activating services on a wireless device are provided that improve a user's experience and ease of activation/provisioning of services for the wireless device by providing a new provisioning channel for service activations. A user is simply required to input a short activation code(s) into the wireless device which is combined into an activation message along with other device-related information that is automatically retrieved from the wireless device. The generated activation message is then transmitted over the messaging provisioning channel accessible by inactive and/or unprovisioned wireless devices for delivery to a remote site for use in activating services on the wireless device. The services to be activated may include at least one of the following: out of the box activation, device upgrades, device reactivations, wireless number changes, wireless number porting, and the addition or purchasing of services including airtime, enrollments or content.

System and method for detecting use of a wireless device in a moving vehicle

Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless device activity data is received from a wireless network. User account data is searched using selected parameters from the wireless device activity data to identify one or more subscribers that are or were using a wireless device. One or more subscriber vehicles or vehicle monitoring systems associated with each of the one or more subscribers are identified. Vehicle operation data from one or more vehicle monitoring systems is received. The vehicle operation data is used to determine whether any of the one or more subscriber vehicles were moving during use of an associated wireless device.