Showing papers on "Wireless WAN published in 2001"

Investigating the energy consumption of a wireless network interface in an ad hoc networking environment

Abstract: Energy-aware design and evaluation of network protocols requires knowledge of the energy consumption behavior of actual wireless interfaces. But little practical information is available about the energy consumption behavior of well-known wireless network interfaces and device specifications do not provide information in a form that is helpful to protocol developers. This paper describes a series of experiments which obtained detailed measurements of the energy consumption of an IEEE 802.11 wireless network interface operating in an ad hoc networking environment. The data is presented as a collection of linear equations for calculating the energy consumed in sending, receiving and discarding broadcast and point-to-point data packets of various sizes. Some implications for protocol design and evaluation in ad hoc networks are discussed.

Habitat monitoring: application driver for wireless communications technology

Abstract: As new fabrication and integration technologies reduce the cost and size of micro-sensors and wireless interfaces, it becomes feasible to deploy densely distributed wireless networks of sensors and actuators These systems promise to revolutionize biological, earth, and environmental monitoring applications, providing data at granularities unrealizable by other means In addition to the challenges of miniaturization, new system architectures and new network algorithms must be developed to transform the vast quantity of raw sensor data into a manageable stream of high-level data To address this, we propose a tiered system architecture in which data collected at numerous, inexpensive sensor nodes is filtered by local processing on its way through to larger, more capable and more expensive nodesWe briefly describe Habitat monitoring as our motivating application and introduce initial system building blocks designed to support this application The remainder of the paper presents details of our experimental platform

A Survey of Energy Efficient Network Protocols for Wireless Networks

Abstract: Wireless networking has witnessed an explosion of interest from consumers in recent years for its applications in mobile and personal communications. As wireless networks become an integral component of the modern communication infrastructure, energy efficiency will be an important design consideration due to the limited battery life of mobile terminals. Power conservation techniques are commonly used in the hardware design of such systems. Since the network interface is a significant consumer of power, considerable research has been devoted to low-power design of the entire network protocol stack of wireless networks in an effort to enhance energy efficiency. This paper presents a comprehensive summary of recent work addressing energy efficient and low-power design within all layers of the wireless network protocol stack.

System and method for measuring wireless device and network usage and performance metrics

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring wireless device and wireless network usage and performance metrics are set forth. The system includes at least one wireless device, and data gathering software installed on the wireless device for collecting device parametric data, network parametric data, event data. A control center may receive, store and process said device parametric data, network parametric data, and event data.

Automatic and seamless vertical roaming between wireless local area network (WLAN) and wireless wide area network (WWAN) while maintaining an active voice or streaming data connection: systems, methods and program products

Abstract: A Mobile Station (MS) is able to vertically roam in either direction between two different networks, i.e., WWAN and WLAN. The MS is equipped with a dual mode Radio for WWAN and WLAN transmissions. The WLAN Radio is linked to a WLAN Enterprise Gateway Controller (EGC) via a first air link and the WWAN Radio is linked to a WWAN Base Transceiver Station (BTS) via a second air link. An outgoing VoIP call from the WLAN Radio to a remote party on the WWAN will transition or seamlessly switch over to a WWAN connection when the MS detects packet error rates, frequent scale back or consistent signal degradation.

Mobility extended telephone application programming interface and method of use

Abstract: A system and method of for exchanging information between a wireless network and an external system is disclosed. The wireless network detects trigger events related to communications with wireless subscribers. Certain event triggers cause the wireless system to create a message to send to the external system. In response the external system may send information to the wireless system. The wireless system may create messages upon detection of handoff, origination, status, registration or other activity by the wireless subscriber. The invention may also detect trigger events related one mass media broadcasts. An interface translates between the different protocols of the wireless and the external or wireline networks to allow for automatic call redirection. The application can be utilized between many networks and facilitates the utilization of the architecture of a wirelined network and the home location register of the wireless network for various applications on the wireless network.

Integrating public and private network resources for optimized broadband wireless access and method

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing ubiquitous public network access to wireless, mobile terminals using private networks having private network access points and connections with the public network. The wireless, mobile terminals are permitted to use wireless, radio frequency communication devices comprising private network access points. A network access server (NAS) is associated with each wireless, radio frequency communication device and provides an interface between the wireless, mobile terminals and the private network. The NAS controls registration of wireless, mobile terminals as subscribers, and provides public network access to the mobile terminals through the private network's access point and public network connection. The NAS also restricts access by the mobile terminals to the private network, meters network useage by the mobile terminals, and controls use of bandwidth by the mobile terminals. The NAS also interfaces with integration operator distributed services over the public network. The integration operator services include databases and servers for storing and providing subscriber and network provider information for subscriber registration, network access and useage control, and accounting purposes. The NAS may be provided as a standalone element embodied in a computer, or may be integrated with the wireless radio frequency device and/or a network adaptor device for the private network.

Wireless communication networks for providing remote monitoring of devices

Abstract: Wireless communication networks for monitoring and controlling a plurality of remote devices are provided. Briefly, one embodiment of a wireless communication network may comprise a plurality of wireless transceivers having unique identifiers. Each of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be configured to receive a sensor data signal from one of the plurality of remote devices and transmit an orginal data message using a predefined wireless communication protocol. The original data message may comprise the corresponding unique identifier and sensor data signal. Each of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be configured to receive the original data message transmitted by one of the other wireless transceivers and transmit a repeated data message using the predefined communication protocol. The repeated data message may include the sensor data signal and the corresponding unique identifier. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be further configured to provide the original data messages and the repeated data messages to a site controller connected to a wide area network. The site controller may be configured to manage communications between the wireless communication network and a host computer connected to the wide area network.

Wireless Communications and Networks

Abstract: From the Publisher: This is the first guide to wireless technology with the pedagogical breadth, depth, and discipline needed to help both professionals and students master the entire field. Legendary networking author William Stallings presents thorough, up-to-date introductions to every key aspect of wireless communications and networking: technology, architecture, types of wireless networks, design approaches, applications, standards, and more.Stallings begins with the fundamentals of data transmission: signals, channels, analog and digital data transmission, and multiplexing, circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, and the role of protocols such as TCP/IP. With these basics understood, he moves on to the unique components and technologies of wireless networks. The book includes detailed chapters on antennas and propagation; signal encoding techniques; spread spectrum; coding; and error control. Stallings offers in-depth coverage of satellite-based wireless networks; analog, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G cellular; cordless systems; Wireless Local Loop; Mobile IP; and WAP. The book also contains a full section of wireless LANs, including in-depth coverage of IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth standards. William Stallings' accompanying Web site includes extensive bonus resources, including PDF transparency masters, PowerPoint slides, and book updates.For all students and professionals in the fields of information technology, networking, and data communications — including current and future network designers, implementers, administrators, managers, and customers.

IEEE 802.15.4: a developing standard for low-power low-cost wireless personal area networks

Abstract: A low-rate wireless personal area network, or LR-WPAN, is a network designed for low-cost very-low-power short-range wireless communications. Until now, the main focus in the wireless industry has been on communications. Until now, the main focus in the wireless industry has been on communication with higher data throughput, leaving out a set of applications requiring simple wireless connectivity with relaxed throughput and latency requirements. LR-WPANs will connect devices that previously have not been networked and allow applications that cannot use current wireless specifications, including applications in fields such as industrial, agricultural, vehicular, residential, medical sensors and actuators. TaskGroup 4 of the IEEE 802.14 Wireless personal Area Network working group is currently working to define a wireless communication standard for LR-WPANs. This article discusses the technical considerations and system requirements necessary when implementing a low-cost low-power wireless personal area network and provides an overview of the unique applications such a technology will enable.

Wireless router system and method

Abstract: A wireless router employing a technique to couple a plurality a host services or host systems and a plurality of wireless networks. A method to route data items between a plurality of mobile devices and a plurality of host systems through a common wireless router. A point-to-point communication connection is preferably established between a first host system and a common wireless router, a mobile network message at a mobile device is generated, the mobile network message is transmitted via a wireless network to the common wireless router which in turn routes a data item component of the mobile network message to the appropriate host service.

Broadband network with enterprise wireless communication system for residential and business environment

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a network-centric service distribution architecture that integrates a wireless access system in the residence, SOHO, business or public environment through the use of a local broadband network, such as a Residential-Business Broadband Network (RBN), to the service provider's broadband transport network and to a service provider's broadband packet network. The system includes Media Terminal Adapter is coupled via the RBN to the access port(s) and via the service provider's broadband transport network to the service provider's broadband packet network. The access port is coupled to the Media Terminal Adapter via either a RBN (e.g., a Local Area Network—LAN) or simply via a traditional POTS line interface. The access port receives and sends wireless signals to a plurality of RBN devices, allowing the user to control theses devices remotely from the residence, business, SOHO or public environments. The integration of an RBN to a service provider's broadband packet network allows a subscriber to communicate at home and at the office with one communication device anytime anywhere.

Systems and methods for automatically provisioning wireless services on a wireless device

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically activating wireless services on a wireless device are provided. The systems and methods of the present invention comprise a software and hardware infrastructure that enables a wireless service provider to automatically register a wireless device on a wireless network and a wireless device user to automatically activate wireless services on the wireless device. The wireless services may be part of a wireless service plan provided by the wireless service provider to the wireless device user on a per fee basis.

A bridging apparatus for interconnecting a wireless pan and a wireless lan

Abstract: A Wireless bridge conjoins two previously incompatible technologies within a single device to leverage the strengths of each. The Wireless bridge marries the Personal Area Network (PAN) technology of Bluetooth as described in Bluetooth Specification Version 1.0B with the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology described in the IEEE802.11a specification to provide a wireless system level solution for peripheral devices to provide Internet service interactions. The invention brings together in a single working device implementations of these technologies so they do not interfere or disrupt the operation of each other and instead provide a seamless transition of a Bluetooth connection to Wireless Local Area Network/Internet connection. From the Wireless Local Area Network perspective the inventive wireless bridge extension allows a Bluetooth-enabled device to roam from one Wireless Access Point (bridge) to the next without losing its back end connection. The invention takes into account the minimum separation and shielding required of these potentially conflicting technologies to inter-operate.

Method and apparatus for sharing mobile user event information between wireless networks and fixed IP networks

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for sharing user event information (such as, and without limitation, presence on a network) among mobile (wireless) devices and those connected to fixed IP networks such as the Internet. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the system and method support instant messaging between wireless devices and fixed IP network devices and between wireless devices and other wireless devices. The term wireless device is used broadly to include cell phones, laptop computers with wireless modems, wireless PDAs, and any other remote wireless devices.

Wireless LAN access network architecture for mobile operators

Abstract: The evolution of IP-based office applications has created a strong demand for public wireless broadband access technology offering capacity far beyond current cellular systems. Wireless LAN access technology provides a perfect broadband complement for the operators' existing GSM and GPRS services in an indoor environment. Most commercial public wireless LAN solutions have only modest authentication and roaming capability compared to traditional cellular networks. This article describes a new wireless LAN system architecture that combines the WLAN radio access technology with mobile operators' SIM-based subscriber management functions and roaming infrastructure. In the defined system the WLAN access is authenticated and charged using GSM SIM. This solution supports roaming between cellular and WLAN access networks and is the first step toward an all-IP network architecture. The proto-type has been implemented and publicly verified in a real mobile operator network.

Internet protocol based wireless call processing

Abstract: The invention provides a telecommunication system that allows communication between a circuit-based wireless telephony network and a packet-based Internet telephony network without requiring access to the Public Switched Telephone Network. The system includes a circuit-based wireless telephony network providing wireless access to the system, a packet-based Internet telephony network providing Internet telephony access to the system, and a base station gateway controller for providing an interface between the wireless telephony network and the Internet telephony network. The invention further provides methods for facilitating communication between a first device, the first device being a packet-based Internet telephony network based device, and a second device, the second device being a circuit-based wireless telephony network based device, by facilitating connection of a call from the first device to the second device, without requiring access to the public switched telephone network.

Bitwise monitoring of network performance

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for measuring data quality of service in a wireless network using multiple peripatetic (i.e. mobile) and/or stationary, unattended, position, and performance instruments (PUPPIs) that are remotely controlled by a back end processor. In some embodiments of the invention, the data service whose quality is measured relates to wireless Internet access, e-commerce transactions, wireless messaging, or push technologies. In other embodiments of the invention, the system includes an element that is located within the wireless network infrastructure, for example, at the WAP gateway to monitor the wireless data protocol and to perform benchmarking measurements.

Patient monitoring using personal area networks of wireless intelligent sensors.

Abstract: A wearable device for monitoring multiple physiological signals (polysomnograph) usually includes multiple wires connecting sensors and the monitoring device. In order to integrate information from intelligent sensors, all devices must be connected to a Personal Area Network (PAN). This system organization is unsuitable for longer and continuous monitoring, particularly during the normal activity. For instance, monitoring of athletes and computer assisted rehabilitation commonly involve unwieldy wires to arms and legs that restrain normal activity. We propose a wireless PAN of intelligent sensors as a system architecture of choice, and present a new design of wireless personal area network with physiological sensors for medical applications. Intelligent wireless sensors perform data acquisition and limited processing. Individual sensors monitor specific physiological signals (such as EEG, ECG, GSR, etc.) and communicate with each other and the personal server. Personal server integrates information from different sensors and communicates with the rest of telemedical system as a standard mobile unit. We present our prototype implementation of Wireless Intelligent SEnsor (WISE) based on a very low power consumption microcontroller and a DSP-based personal server. In future we expect all components of WISE integrated in a single chip for use in a variety of new medical applications and sophisticated human computer interfaces. Existing growth of wireless infrastructure will allow a range of new telemedical applications that will significantly improve the quality of health care.

Location based notification of wlan availability via wireless communication network

Abstract: A wireless mobile terminal is alerted to the presence of an available Wireless Local Area Network by a communication network, based on the location of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal alerts a wireless computing device, either via a wired or wireless interface, or by paging the user. Alternatively, the mobile terminal and the wireless computing device may form an integrated unit with interfaces to both the WLAN and the communication network. The wireless computing device initiates a scan for the WLAN, or logs onto the WLAN based on information transmitted to the mobile terminal. When the user is not in the range of a WLAN, the wireless computing device conserves battery power by not scanning for a WLAN. The communication network may additionally be connected to the WLAN for data exchange. The alert criteria may be customized and stored in a subscriber database at the communication network.

Access network system

Abstract: In order to provide an access network system that has durability against transmission quality deterioration and fault and controls the causes of delay in the communication processing for data transmission, the base stations (communication nodes) are arranged in a plurality of cross-points, and the base stations have a function capable of transmitting and receiving the information of an optical wireless communication type and the like, and are mutually linked with each other by wireless and constitute an access network which is accessible cross-wise from each base station by a wireless communication link passage. This access network is wirelessly connected to other outside communication network by an access network terminating set.

Principles of wireless networks

Abstract: Over the past few years, a new understanding of wireless networks is emerging by focussing on signal interactions arising due to the broadcast nature of wireless channels. This allows some approximate characterizations of information flow over wireless networks. Underlying these developments are deterministic modeling techniques that approximately capture these interactions. This doctoral school class develops these ideas and applies them to (practical) methods of communication over wireless networks. It develops many of the underlying principles of communication of wireless networks from this viewpoint, with the goal of introducing these ideas to advanced students in the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. A brief outline of the class is as follows.

System and method for concurrent operation of a wireless device in two disjoint wireless networks

Abstract: A system and method for wireless network communications provides a “dual-mode” wireless device that operates concurrently as a member of two disjoint wireless networks, such as an infrastructure (“IS”) network and an ad hoc (“AH”) network. The dual-mode device has a wireless controller driver inserted in its networking stack (e.g., the stack comprising of the Network and NDIS drivers) that exposes two virtual wireless network adapters, one for the first wireless network and one for the second wireless network. Each virtual wireless network adapter has an associated queue for queuing packets in the flow for the corresponding wireless network mode. The wireless controller driver controls the switching of the network mode. In one embodiment where the two networks include an IS network and an AH network, the mode switching is triggered by poll signals transmitted by an access point of the IS network. When the mode is switched from operating in the first network to operating in the second network, the first virtual network adapter is disabled and the second virtual network adapter is enabled, and the queued packets in the queue for the second virtual network adapter are transmitted over the second wireless network.

Collaborative mechanism of enhanced coexistence of collocated wireless networks

Abstract: A digital device 310 with a plurality of collocated wireless networks encounters inter-network interference if the collocated wireless networks operate in a common operating frequency. A coordinator unit 510 , coupled to the plurality of wireless networks, provides a transmission reservation system wherein a wireless network with a need to transmit can request and receive a reservation for time to transmit. The coordinator unit 510 provides a way to schedule transmissions from the plurality of wireless networks and to reduce the probability of collisions.

Mobile-assisted network based techniques for improving accuracy of wireless location system

Abstract: The accuracy of the location estimate of a Wireless Location System is dependent, in part, upon both the transmitted power of the wireless transmitter and the length in time of the transmission from the wireless transmitter. In general, higher power transmissions and transmissions of greater transmission length can be located with better accuracy by the Wireless Location System than lower power and shorter transmissions. Wireless communications systems generally limit the transmit power and transmission length of wireless transmitters in order to minimize interference within the communications system and to maximize the potential capacity of the system. Several methods meet the conflicting needs of both systems by enabling the wireless communications system to minimize transmit power and length while enabling improved location accuracy for certain types of calls, such as wireless 9-1-1 (emergency) calls. Such methods include mobile-assisted techniques in which the mobile unit includes functionality to assist in improving location accuracy. The WLS locates the transmitter (mobile unit) while the latter is using a modified transmission sequence comprising a message sent from the wireless transmitter using transmission parameters different from the normal transmission parameters broadcast on the forward control channel by the base stations in the associated wireless communications system. A trigger event, such as the user dialing 9-1-1, causes the mobile unit to operate in the mode in which the modified transmission sequence is used.

Wireless Network Evolution: 2G to 3G

Abstract: From the Publisher: 3G networks: architecture, planning, migration, management, and optimization. Network architectures, planning, management, and optimization 3G air interfaces: UTRA/W-CDMA and cdma2000 3G data services: UTRA/W-CDMA, cdma2000, GPRS, and EDGE Evolutionary paths for 2G networks WLL, WAP, and more New 3G systems will trigger an explosion in wireless Internet and data applications by delivering far higher data rates than have ever been possible in wireless systems before. In Wireless Network Evolution: 2G to 3G, renowned wireless expert Vijay K. Garg covers key 3G standard and every technical issue associated with planning, management, and optimization of 3G systems. Garg reviews the fundamental principles underlying existing 2G systems, then offers specific, practical guidance on migration to 3G. Coverage includes: 3G standards activities 3G European and North American systems 3G data services for UTRA/W-CDMA, cdma2000, GPRS, and EDGE networks Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and 3G systems Major 3G enhancements for WLL applications New RF optimization techniques for 3G systems Wireless Network Evolution: 2G to 3G will be an invaluable resource for every practicing telecommunications engineer and technical decision maker involved in 3G planning, deployment, or management.

Use of third party ultra wideband devices to establish geo-positional data

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for determining a location of a wireless device (402) in a wireless communication system (400). In general, an initial request is transmitted to wireless devices having known locations for position information so that a location can be determined for a first wireless device having an undetermined location (102). Those wireless devices with known locations that receive the initial request in turn transmit positioning information to the first wireless device (102). If position information from less than a sufficient number of wireless devices with known location is received by the first mobile wireless device, an additional request is then transmitted for response from these responding other wireless devices (104). After responses to the request from one or more of these responding other wireless devices are received (106), communication then occurs with at least a portion of the responding wireless devices to obtain information relating to the distance between the first wireless device and the responding wireless devices it is communicating with (108). Next, a location of the first wireless device is estimated using the information obtained from these responding wireless devices and the position information received from the wireless devices with known locations (110).

Multi-protocol distributed wireless system architecture

Abstract: An open access signal distribution system in which a variety of wireless voice, data and other services and applications are supported. The open access system makes use of a distributed Radio Frequency (RF) distribution network and associated network entities that enable the system operator to employ a wireless infrastructure network that may be easily shared amoung multiple wireless service providers in a given community. The open access system provides the ability for such operators and service providers to share the infrastructure regardless of the specific RF air interface or other signal formatting and/or managing messaging formats that such operators choose to deploy.

System and method for coordinating bandwidth usage of a communication channel by wireless network nodes

Abstract: A system and method is provided for coordinating wireless bandwidth usage of a common frequency band by wireless nodes in two disjoint networks, such as an infrastructure (“IS”) network and an ad hoc (“AH”) network. When AH nodes move into the transmission range of an access point of the IS network, they register with the access point and listen to the access point to tell them when they are allowed to transmit data over a given transmission channel. The access point coordinates the bandwidth usage by broadcasting ad hoc mode poll signals to indicate that the ad hoc nodes may transmit over the channel, and sending infrastructure mode poll signals to indicate that a wireless node in the IS network can transmit over the given channel. The access point makes a fraction of the bandwidth available for communications by the wireless AH nodes in its transmission range, while guaranteeing the rest of the bandwidth for wireless nodes in the IS network.