as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (0) Pub. No.: US 2002/0158801 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Oct. 31, 2002
`
`Crilly, JR. et al.
`
`US 20020158801A1
`
`(54) WIRELESS PACKET SWITCHED
`COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND
`NETWORKSUSING ADAPTIVELY STEERED
`ANTENNA ARRAYS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: William J. Crilly JR., Liberty Lake,
`WA (US); Ken Biba, San Francisco,
`CA (US); Ronald J. Conley, Liberty
`Lake, WA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`LEE & HAYES, PLLC
`421 W. RIVERSIDE AVE, STE 500
`SPOKANE, WA 99201 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/976,246
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 12, 2001
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/287,163, filed on Apr.
`27, 2001.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL) Ute C17 ciceccscsscssssssssssensssesnesneenessee GOS 3/16
`
`(52) U.S. Ch.
`
`cecesessssssssstsnsiessetnstvassetstnsssense 342/378
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for use in a
`wireless routing network. One apparatus,
`for example,
`includes an adaptive antennathat is configurable to receive
`a transmission signal from a transmitter and in response
`transmit corresponding outgoing multi-beam electromag-
`netic signals exhibiting a plurality of selectively placed
`transmission peaks and transmission nulls within a far field
`region of a coverage area. The adaptive antenna mayalso be
`configured to selectively receive at
`least one incoming
`electromagnetic signal directed through the coverage area.
`The adaptive antenna includesat least one antenna array and
`logic. The antennaarray has a plurality of antenna elements.
`The logic is operatively coupled to the antenna array and
`configured to selectively control the placementof the trans-
`mission peaks and transmission nulls within the outgoing
`multi-beam electromagnetic signals. The logic may also be
`configured to selectively control the reception of at least one
`incoming electromagnetic signal. The logic is configured to
`be responsive to routing information. Such routing informa-
`tion may be dynamically maintained in one or more routing
`tables.
`
`162
`
`
`
`~~
`;
`/ Noise/WLAN
`Interference
`
` ro NU
`
`
`Search
`Receiver
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Receiver
`Receiver
`Receiver
`114
`114
`
`
`
`
`114
`
`
`ID Info.
`
`ID Info.
`
`ID Info.
`
`AMAZON.COM,INC.,et al.
`
`EXHIBIT 1008
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 1 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`106c
`
`WIRELESS
`ROUTER
`
`104
`
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`WIRELESS
`
`ROUTER
`
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`102
`
`
`ANTENNA ARRAY
`
` 112
`114 ConTROL Locic|114
`
`TRANSMITTER
`ROUTING
`RECEIVER
`INFORMATION
`120
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`INTERFACES
`
`118
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 2 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`
` 150 \ A(8) = Af,imutn (8)
`
`
`
`
`
`Zz
`
`Zz
`
`7 | Azumuth
`Zz Zo25 Angle (8)
`
`
`
`162
`
`160 or <f =
` ~
`
`i
`
`f
`/ Noise/WLAN
`Interference
`
` ID Info.
`
`ID Info.
`
`ID Info.
`
`ID Info.
`
`|
`
` Search
`Receiver
`
`
`
`
`
`ee —__\_ _|
`
`,,,| Receiver
`Receiver|| Receiver|
`114
`114
`114
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 3 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`174 ~\_Peak
`Null
`Z
`
`Angle Off
`Boresight
`
`oy anette
`Angle Off
`178 Boresight
`
`170a
`
`
`
`
`
`y
`
`
`
`Aen rf? ?
`me fe,,,
`
` ee ir?
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 4 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`CTS About To Be Transmitted
`
`200 \
`
`If Many, Than Use
`Omnidirectional, If
`Few, Then Use
`Directed Beams
`
`
`
`
`
`ASCERTAIN
`NEIGHBORS
`
`
`
`202
`
`
`Potential For
`No
`Interference From
`
`Neighbor?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`
`
`
`
`DEVELOP CTS
`BEAMS TO
`NEIGHBORS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`206
`
`
`
`
`DEVELOP NARROW
`BEAM CTS
`
`
`Power
`
`Pattern
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 5 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`Se
`220
`| 221 | 222.
`224
`—-»| OFDM —
`112 ~
`|
`<— OFDM <+{Losi|ADC|Unwanted
`530
`| 509
`Coupling
`
`
`
`
`{
`
`
`
`
`242
`APPLY ALL TONES To
`TRANSMITTER AMPLIFIER
`
`
`MEASURE COUPLING To
`RECEIVER
`
`244
`
`CANCEL TONES
`(E.G., BASED ON A Non-
`LINEAR AMPLIFIER MODEL)
`
`
`
`
` 246
`
`
`iy. 5B
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 6 of 18
`
`US 2002/015880
`
`1Al
`
`
`
`Tx Signal Tata SSeS Se
`
`
`Unwanted
`
`
`Coupling
`
`170f
`
`Clean Rx
`Signal
`
`282
`
`CONDUCT NORMAL
`TRANSMISSIONS
`
` FoR EACH (OFDM) Tone
`
`BASED ON DETECTED
`COUPLING DuRING AT LEAST
`
`
`ONE TEST PHASE
`
`284 286
`
`APPLY THE SCALE FACTORS
`TO TAPPED ADAPTIVE
`ANTENNA SIGNALS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`288
`
`
`COMBINE THE RESULTING
`
`
`SCALED TAPPED ADAPTIVE
`
`
`ANTENNA SIGNALS WITH THE
`
`
`RECEIVED SIGNALS To
`REMOVE UNWANTED
`
`COUPLING
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 7 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
` Non-Flat
`
`Coupling
`
`300
`
`302
`
`Y DETERMINE A SCALE FACTOR
` FOR EACH (OFDM) TONE
`
`
`BASED ON DETECTED
`
`
`COUPLING DURING AT LEAST
`ONE TEST PHASE
`
`
`
` 304
`
`CONDUCT NORMAL
`TRANSMISSIONS
`
`APPLY THE SCALE FACTORS
`To A TAPPED ADAPTIVE
`ANTENNA SIGNAL
`
`308
`
` 306
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FEEDBACK THE RESULTING
`SCALED TAPPED ADAPTIVE
`
`ANTENNA SIGNAL AND
`
`
`
`
`COMBINE IT WITH THE
`SIGNAL TO BE TRANSMITTED
`To REDUCE UNWANTED
`
`
`Fig. 108
`COUPLING ARTIFACTS IN THE
`
`
`RECEIVED SIGNAL
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 8 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`
`
`314 \
`
`317b
`
`318b
`
`317a
`
`318a
`
`316
`
`FQ. UE
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 9 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`320 ~,
`
`
`
`5.25 5.35
`
`5.725
`
`5.825
`
`GHz
`
`ig. (2
`
`340 ~
`
`v- 348
`iM _*
`
`342
`
`360 ~~
`
`348
`aN
`7
`
`
`\
`
`y 344
`
`348
`
`Lf
`|
`Ie|L
`
`348
`
`‘\
`
`346
`
`
`IP
`
`Packets
`
`N-C Freq.
`
`M-N Freq
`
`
`
`
`346b
`
`34281-2 Freq,wo M-N Freq.
`
`M-N Freq.
`
`N-C Freq.
`
`
`
`346c~~346d 346e
`
`346a
`
`Fig. 14
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 10 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`400 y
`
`
`
`AT A FIRST WIRELESS ROUTING Device, MEASURE AN UNWANTED
`SIGNAL FROM A SECOND WIRELESS ROUTING DEVICE
`
`
`
`THE FIRST WIRELESS ROUTING DEVICE PROVIDES INFORMATION
`ASSOCIATED WITH THE MEASURED SIGNAL TO THE SECOND
`
`WIRELESS ROUTING DEVICE
`
`
`
`THE SECOND WIRELESS ROUTING DEVICE, ADAPTIVELY APPLIES A
`
`
`NULL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FIRST WIRELESS ROUTING DEVICE,
`BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED By THE FIRST WIRELESS
`
`ROUTING DEVICE
`
`
`402
`
`404
`
`406
`
`
`
`Azimuth Angle (8)
`
`OG. 64
`
`f 100
`
`222
`DAC
`
`224
`ors
`|->>>4
`
`!
`
`{ |
`
`224
`!
`—+| Losic
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 11 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 A1
`
`428 \
`
`# Elements
`
`# Elementsa,
`
`To DACs
`
`Tx Complex
`Sample
`
`|
`
`Switch At !
`Sample !
`
`) ImpulseResponse
`12hyve4ah Loren
`! LE )SYTheSameBut
`Rate oe )
`Sample Rate
`
`Converts To Parallel
`
`Each Stage !s
`
`Parraled Due
`To The Up
`
`(x # Elements)
`
`t# Elements
`
`Fig, 16C
`
`432
`
`>
`
`Im
`
`Nulls Sy
`
`Passband or
`«~ Main Beam
`
`Re
`
`Z-plane
`
`Fig. 16D
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 12 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 A1
`
`
`
`Input
`Complex
`Samples
`
`CORDIC Stages
`
`Fig. t6E
`
`434' 5
`
`ALA
`
`# Elements
`
`
`
`Samples To DACs
`
`22")21].2"
`
`
`
`CORDIC
`
`A__. ei cos(@
`BB;
`
`t+o0.,)
`BBj
`BB}
`BBj ei sin(o BB; * Opp)
`
`io
`
`A
`
`"388i
`
`°BB;
`
`Fog. I72
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`FIR
`
`444
`
`FIR
`
`444
`
`FIR
`
`444
`
`442
`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 13 of 18
`
`442
`
`z
`
`eee
`
`442
`
`x
`
`see
`
`z
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 14 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 A1
`
`wee eK ee ee eeeeEE ES
`
`|||!II {|||
`
`||]
`
`||{{|{|fI ||
`
`502
`
`Scheduler
`
`504
`
`“120
`
`506
`
`508
`
`\
`
`I|I
`
`I ;
`
`508
`
`TrafficSchedule(s) |
`aeagcaCre
`
`
`Routing Information
`
`
`
`Demands
`Search
`Receiver
`
`
`Uplink
`Contraints
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`+60
`
`6 Mb/s
`
`6 Mb/s
`
`6 Mb/s
`
`Angle
`
`9
`
`6 Mb/s
`
`ae.
`
`
`
`Keep Out
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` [_KeepOut|[KeepOut__|
`Keep Out
`6 Mb/s
`Keep Out
`6 Mb/s
`
`
`
`6 Mb/s
`Keep Out
`
`Time
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 15 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`520 \
`
`522a
`
`522e
`
`Angle
`
`522b
`
`
`
`
`
`apd522c
`
`522d
`
`Wy
`
`Frequency
`
`Scheduler
`
`CORDIC
`
`CORDIC
`
`FFT/DFT||FET/DET
`
`Antenna Array
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 16 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`600 \
`
`Rx RF Processing
`
`602
`
`Estimation
`
`Total Power
`Calculation
`
`
` Spatial FFT
` Channel
`
`
`
`Known
`
`
`Sequence
`Divider/
`Processor
`Cross
`
`Correlator
`
`
` 614
`
`
`
`
`616
`
`
`
`
`Extract
`Extract Non
`
`
`System Signal
`
`
`System Signal
`Parameters
`Parameters
`
` 618
`
`Weight Matrix Tx Spatial
`
`
`Compute & Store
`Rx Spatial
`620 622
`Logic
`
`
`
`612
`
`Logic
`
`Fig. 2
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 31, 2002 Sheet 17 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 A1
`
`700 ~\
`
`702 \
`
`718
` 716
`715
`
`
`
`704
`
`Carrier Modulation
`
`Cyclic Extension
`Windowing
`
`Parallel To Serial
`Conversion
`
`Encoding
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Estimation
`
`
` Symbol Timing/Cyclic
`Extension Removal
`
`
`Serial To Parallel
`
`
`Pilot Removal
`
`SymbolSlicing
`
`128
`
`Conversion
`
`
`
`
`730
`
` 132
`
`Deinterleaving
`
`Viterbi Decoding
`
`714
`
`ti2
`
`710
`
`708
`
`706
`
`Fig, 2S
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 31,2002 Sheet 18 of 18
`
`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`802
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`Oct. 31, 2002
`
`WIRELESS PACKET SWITCHED
`COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS
`USING ADAPTIVELY STEERED ANTENNA
`ARRAYS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is related to and hereby claims
`priority to provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/287,
`163, filed Apr. 27, 2001, and titled “Improved Multipath
`Communication Methods And Arrangements”, and which is
`included herein by reference.
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0002] This invention relates to data communications, and
`moreparticularly to wireless communication systems, appa-
`ratuses and related methods that use adaptively steered
`antenna arrays.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] Computers and other like devices can be intercon-
`nected in a variety of waysto allow data to be communicated
`between them. One of the most common ways to provide
`such data communication is through a wired network. Wired
`networks, such as, e.g., wide area networks (WANs) and
`local area networks (LANs) tend to have a high bandwidth
`and therefore can be configured to carry digital data at high
`data rates. One obvious drawback to wired networksis that
`a user’s movementis constrained since the computer needs
`to be physically connected to the network. Thus,
`for
`example, a user of a portable computer will need to remain
`near to a wired network junction to stay connected to the
`wired network.
`
`[0004] An alternative to wired networks is a wireless
`network that is configured to support similar data commu-
`nications but in a more accommodating manner. Here, the
`user of a portable device will be free to move around a
`region that is supported by the wireless network. A well
`known example of a wireless networkis a cellular telephone
`network. Indeed, in the past, cellular telephone modems
`have proven popular for use with portable laptop computers
`and other like devices, despite their relatively low band-
`width.
`
`In the future it is expected that higher bandwidth
`[0005]
`wireless networks will become more popular, especially in
`creating metropolitan area networks (MANs)in which users,
`1.e., subscribers, have the ability to freely move their por-
`table communicating devices around within a coveragearea.
`Many conventional wireless communication systems and
`networks tend to use omni-directional antennas to transmit
`and receive data packets, for example, from a router to a
`subscriber’s device. Being omni-directional, however, such
`transmissions mayinterfere with or otherwiserestrict the use
`of other communicating devices that operate in the same
`frequency band.
`
`[0006] Consequently, there is a need for improved packet
`switched wireless data communication systems, networks
`and related methodsthat effectively overcomesuch potential
`bottlenecks and other related problems.
`SUMMARY
`
`In accordance with certain aspects of the present
`[0007]
`invention, improved packet switched wireless data commu-
`nication systems, networks, apparatuses, and related meth-
`ods are provided.
`
`[0008] By way of example, the above stated needs and
`other are met by an apparatus that can be used in a wireless
`routing network, in accordance with certain implementa-
`tions of the present invention.
`
`[0009] The apparatus includes an adaptive antennathatis
`configurable to receive a transmission signal from a trans-
`mitter and in response transmit corresponding outgoing
`multi-beam electromagnetic signals exhibiting a plurality of
`selectively placed transmission peaks and transmission nulls
`within a far field region of a coverage area. In certain further
`implementations, the adaptive antennais also configured to
`selectively receive at least one incoming electromagnetic
`signal directed through the coverage area.
`
`[0010] The adaptive antenna in certain implementations
`includes at least one antenna array and logic. The antenna
`array has a plurality of antenna elements. The logic is
`operatively coupled to the antenna array and configured to
`selectively control the placement of the transmission peaks
`and transmission nulls within the outgoing multi-beam elec-
`tromagnetic signals. When applicable,
`the logic is also
`configured to selectively control the reception of the at least
`one incoming electromagnetic signal.
`
`{0011] The above logic can be configured to be responsive
`to routing information in selectively controlling the place-
`mentof the transmission peaks and transmission nulls within
`the outgoing multi-beam electromagnetic signals, and selec-
`tively controlling the reception of the at least one incoming
`electromagnetic signal. In certain implementations,at least
`a portion of the routing information is dynamically deter-
`mined and maintained bythe logic. By way of example, the
`routing information may include transmit powerlevel infor-
`mation,
`transmit data rate information, antenna pointing
`direction information, weighting information, constraints
`information, transmission null location information, trans-
`mission peak location information, Quality of Service (QoS)
`information,priority information, data packet lifetime infor-
`mation, frequency information, timing information, and/or
`keep out area information.
`
`{0012] All or part of this routing information may be
`stored in one or more routing tables. The routing table(s)
`may further include routing information such as, e.g., IP
`address information, MAC address information, protocol
`identifying information, modulation method identifying
`information, Connection ID (CID) information, node direc-
`tional information, node transmit power level information,
`node received signal strength indicator (RSSI) level infor-
`mation, transmit channel information, backup transmit chan-
`nel
`information,
`receive
`channel
`information, backup
`receive channel information, transmission data rate infor-
`mation, receive data rate information, and interference null-
`ing information.
`
`[0013] The logic may also maintain weighting values
`within the routing information. The weighting values are
`associated with a selected weighting pattern that is to be
`applied to selectively control the placement of the transmis-
`sion peaks and transmission nulls within the outgoing multi-
`beam electromagnetic signals, and further configured to
`selectively control the reception of the at least one incoming
`electromagnetic signal. Here, for example, weighting values
`w(z) may be associated with a polynomial expansion w(z)=
`WotW1Z+W2Z-+W32°+W,Z'+ ... +w,z'. In certain implemen-
`tations, the weighting values essentially define one or more
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`Oct. 31, 2002
`
`zeros of the polynomial expansion. These zeros are associ-
`ated with a direction that a transmission null is selectively
`placed.
`
`[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates an antenna array panel having
`different polarized elements,
`in accordance with certain
`exemplary implementations of the present invention.
`
`In still further implementations, the logic further
`[0014]
`includes a search receiver that is configured to determineat
`least one transmission constraint based at least in
`
`part on the received signal. The transmission con-
`[0015]
`straint can be included in the routing information.
`
`[0016] The logic may also include a scheduler that is
`configured to establish at least one traffic schedule based at
`least in part on the routing information. Here, the routing
`information can further include transmission demand infor-
`mation. The scheduler can establish one or more traffic
`
`schedules by determining at least one assignment for an
`outgoing data transmission. In certain implementations, the
`scheduler includes COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer
`(CORDIC)-based transforming resources that are config-
`urable to be applied to a combined angular, frequency and
`time arrangement of outgoing electromagnetic signals in
`establishing the assignment. To help support this and other
`functions performed in the logic, the routing information
`may still further include, for example, Quality of Service
`(QoS) information, subscriber information, queue informa-
`tion, peak data rate information, sustained data rate infor-
`mation,
`latency information, and/or isochronous perfor-
`mance information.
`In still other
`implementations,
`the
`routing table may include one or more primitive routines
`that are configured to support the scheduler.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a wireless
`network in accordance with certain exemplary implementa-
`tions of the present invention.
`
`[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting certain fea-
`tures of a wireless routing device that is suitable for use in
`a wireless network, for example, as in FIG.1.
`
`[0019] FIG. 3 is block diagram depicting a weighting
`multiplier function and associated far field transmission
`pattern amplitude associated therewith, in accordance with
`certain exemplary implementationsof the present invention.
`
`[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram showing the
`reception and weighing of various signals by the wireless
`routing device, for example, as in FIG.2.
`
`[0021] FIG. 5A and FIG.5B illustrate exemplary antenna
`array panels and graphsthat illustrate an approximate uni-
`form distribution pattern associated therewith.
`
`[0022] FIG. 5C is a block diagram depicting an antenna
`array panel, for example as in FIG. 5A,that is coupled to a
`plurality of receivers/transmitters and various input weight-
`ing value pairs.
`
`[0023] FIG. 5D isa block diagram depicting logic, includ-
`ing a search receiver,
`that
`is operatively coupled to a
`plurality of receivers/transmitters, for example, as in FIG.
`5C.
`
`[0026] FIG. 8A is a block diagram depicting a transmis-
`sion path and reception path configured to reduce unwanted
`coupling between antenna elements,
`in accordance with
`certain exemplary implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0027] FIG. 8B is a flow diagram depicting a process
`associated with FIG. 8A.
`
`[0028] FIG. 9A is a block diagram depicting a transmis-
`sion path and reception path configured to reduce unwanted
`coupling between antenna elements,
`in accordance with
`certain further exemplary implementations of the present
`invention.
`
`[0029] FIG. 9B is a flow diagram depicting a process
`associated with FIG. 9A.
`
`[0030] FIG. 10A is a block diagram depicting a transmis-
`sion path and reception path configured to reduce unwanted
`coupling between antenna elements,
`in accordance with
`certain other exemplary implementations of the present
`invention.
`
`[0031] FIG. 10B is a flow diagram depicting a process
`associated with FIG. 10A.
`
`[0032] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B illustrate the use of a
`barrier with an antenna array panel configured to reduce
`unwanted coupling between antenna elements,
`in accor-
`dance with certain exemplary implementations of the
`present invention.
`
`[0033] FIG. 12 is a graph depicting exemplary polarized
`channels within a two-band, multibeam and multi-frequency
`system, in accordance with certain implementations of the
`present invention.
`
`[0034] FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting three nodes
`within a wireless routing network and a plurality of scatter-
`ing objects, in accordance with certain exemplary imple-
`mentations of the present invention.
`
`[0035] FIG. 14 is a block diagram depicting a hierarchical
`structure of various nodes within a wireless routing network,
`in accordance with certain exemplary implementations of
`the present invention.
`
`[0036] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram depicting an exemplary
`reciprocal and feedback process, in accordance with certain
`implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0037] FIG. 16A is a graph depicting an approximation of
`a far field pattern having a desired peakat a first location and
`another beam having a peak at a nulled location of the far
`field pattern, in accordance with certain exemplary imple-
`mentations of the present invention.
`
`[0038] FIG. 16B is a block diagram depicting several
`transmission paths having spatial processing logic that is
`operatively coupled to a corresponding plurality of digital to
`analog converters, in accordance with certain exemplary
`implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0024] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting a process for
`selectively developing CTSis transmission beams,in accor-
`dance with certain exemplary implementations of
`the
`present invention.
`
`[0039] FIG. 16C is a block diagram depicting spatial
`processing logic that
`includes a finite impulse response
`(FIR) filter, in accordance with certain exemplary imple-
`mentations of the present invention.
`
`21
`
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`US 2002/0158801 Al
`
`Oct. 31, 2002
`
`[0040] FIG. 16D is a graphillustratively depicting zeros/
`nulls selectively placed around a unit circle.
`
`[0041] FIG. 16E is a block diagram depicting a cascaded
`set of CORDIC stages in an FIR filter, in accordance with
`certain exemplary implementationsof the present invention.
`
`[0042] FIG. 16F is a block diagram depicting aniterative
`CORDICstage in an FIR filter, in accordance with certain
`further exemplary implementationsof the present invention.
`
`[0043] FIGS. 17A and 17Bare block diagrams depicting
`spatial processing logic, in accordance with certain exem-
`plary implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0044] FIG. 18 is a block diagram depicting scheduling
`logic, in accordance with certain exemplary implementa-
`tions of the present invention.
`
`[0045] FIG. 19 is a graphillustratively depicting a traffic
`schedule associated with scheduling logic, for example, as in
`FIG. 18, in accordance with certain exemplary implemen-
`tations of the present invention.
`
`[0046] FIG. 20 is a graph depicting scheduled transmis-
`sions, with respect to angle, frequency and time, in accor-
`dance with certain exemplary implementations of
`the
`present invention.
`
`FIG.21 is a functional block diagram depicting an
`[0047]
`exemplary process flow for use in scheduling and transmit-
`ting data packets,
`in accordance with certain exemplary
`implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0048] FIG. 22 is a functional flow diagram depicting
`various processing associated with an exemplary search
`receiver process,
`in accordance with certain exemplary
`implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0049] FIG. 23 is a functional flow diagram depicting
`various exemplary functions performed within an OFDM
`receiver path and an OFDMtransmitter path, in accordance
`with certain implementations of the present invention.
`
`[0050] FIG. 24 is block diagram illustratively depicting a
`wireless routing network wherein dual band, dual protocol
`OFDM/OFDMAtechniques may be implemented to over-
`come the presence of obstacles between a wireless routing
`device and a CPE device, in accordance with certain imple-
`mentations of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0051]
`
`Introduction:
`
`In accordance with certain aspects of the present
`[0052]
`invention, a wireless routing network is provided. Typically,
`the wireless routing network would include at least one
`wireless routing device that is configured to communicate
`over a wireless communication link with at least one con-
`sumer premise equipment (CPE) device. It
`is expected,
`however, that most implementations of the wireless routing
`network will include a plurality of wireless routing devices
`and CPE devices. When the wireless network includes a
`
`plurality of wireless routing devices, then at least a portion
`of the wireless routing devices are configured to communi-
`cate with one another over wireless communication links. In
`
`certain implementations, some of the wireless routing
`devices may also be connected together via a wired com-
`munication link.
`
`In this manner, a wireless local area network
`[0053]
`(WLAN), wireless wide area network (WAN), wireless
`metropolitan area network (MAN), or other like network
`arrangement can be provided.
`
`[0054] With this in mind, the following description iden-
`tifies various systems, apparatuses and related methodsthat
`may be included in such wireless networks. It should be
`understood, however, that these are examples only and that
`notall of the techniques taught herein need be implemented
`in a given wireless network. Furthermore, those skilled in
`the art will also recognize that many of the detailed exem-
`plary apparatuses and methods presented herein are also
`applicable/adaptable for use in other communication sys-
`tems.
`
`In accordance with certain preferred implementa-
`[0055]
`tions of the present invention, the wireless routing network
`provides improved performance over conventional wireless
`network arrangements by utilizing multibeam receiving/
`transmitting adaptive antennas, when practical. In certain
`implementations, simultaneous transmission and reception
`may occur at a wireless routing device by applying multi-
`channel techniques. To help accomplish simultaneoustrans-
`mission and reception, techniques are provided for sched-
`uling and conducting operations even in the presence of
`either self-interference and/or external
`interferences. To
`support the operation of the wireless network, novel storage
`and discovery techniques have been developed that allow
`spatial
`information about the network’s nodes, coverage
`areas and/or potential interference signals to be collected.
`Accordingly, the wireless routing network provided herein
`represents a significant
`improvement over conventional
`wireless networks that use switched beam and/or omnidi-
`rectional antennas.
`
`[0056] Terminology:
`
`[0057] As used herein, the terms “adaptive antenna” refer
`to an arrangement that includes an antenna array having a
`plurality of antenna elements, and operatively supporting
`mechanisms(e.g., circuits, logic, etc.) that are part of a
`wireless routing device and configured to produce a trans-
`mission pattern that selectively places transmission nulls
`and/or peaks in certain directions within an applicable
`coverage area. A transmission peak occurs in the transmis-
`sion pattern when a not insignificant amount of energy is
`directed in a particular direction. Transmission peaks are,
`therefore, preferably associated with the path and/or multi-
`paths to a desired receiving node, such as, e.g., another
`wireless routing device or a CPE device. In somecases,
`sidelobes may also be considered to represent transmission
`peaks.
`
`[0058] Conversely, a transmission null occurs in the trans-
`mission pattern when no transmission of energy occurs in a
`particular direction, or a relatively insignificant amount of
`energy is transmitted in a particular direction. Thus, a
`transmission null is preferably associated with the path or
`multipaths
`towards an undesired, possibly interfering,
`device and/or object. Transmission nulls may also be asso-
`ciated with the intent to maximize power in another direc-
`tion (i.e., associated with a transmission peak), increase data
`integrity/security, and/or save power, for example.
`
`[0059] The decision to place a transmission null and/or
`peak in a particular direction is preferably made based on
`
`22
`
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`US 2002/0158801 Al
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`Oct. 31, 2002
`
`are located within a potential coverage area 132. Hence, by
`selectively and adaptively placing transmission peaks and
`nulls within potential coverage area 132, information in the
`form of data packets can be routed through wireless routing
`network 100.
`
`[0067] Routing information 120 may, for example, include
`desirable transmit power level information, transmit data
`rate information, antenna pointing direction information,
`weighting information, constraints information, null/zero
`location information, peak location information, Quality of
`Service information, priority information, lifetime informa-
`tion, frequency information, timing information, user and
`node authentication information, keep out area information,
`etc., that is associated with each sending/receiving node
`within the network, or interferers, and the like. In certain
`implementations, at least some of routing information 120 is
`maintained within one or more routing tables or like data
`structure(s).
`
`[0068] The purpose of the routing table(s) is to have a
`storage mechanism that is capable of providing a highly
`reliable wireless link in the presence of interference and with
`a provision for a minimization of interference generated.
`This is important, because the capacity of the wireless
`network is often limited by the amountor level of interfer-
`ence present. With the adaptability and control techniques
`provided in the present invention, such limitations may be
`reduced and most of the effects associated with such inter-
`ferences ameliorated.
`
`In accordance with certain further aspects of the
`[0069]
`invention,
`the routing table(s) also provides the
`present
`capability for each routing decision to be based on a point-
`to-point wireless system design.
`
`[0070] By way of example, routing table(s) entries may
`include all or part of the following information:
`
`IP address (e.g., IPv6) of a node in the wire-
`[0071]
`less network—e.g., as an index,
`
`48-bit unique
`[0072]
`MACaddress,
`
`address—e.g., TEEE 802.1
`
`[0073] Protocol ID—e.g., TEEE 802.11, 802.16.1,
`etc.,
`
`[0074] Modulation method,
`
`[0075] Connection ID (CID) of a node—e.g., as used
`in an IEEE 802.16.1 MAC,
`
`[0076] Nominal direction to a node—e.g., one or two
`dimension,
`
`collected (or otherwise provided) routing information. As
`described in greater detail in subsequent sections, the rout-
`ing information may include a variety of data associated
`with the operation of a wireless routing device and other
`devices at other locations or nodes within the wireless
`network.
`
`[0060] As used herein,the term “logic”refers to hardware,
`firmware, software, or any combination thereof that may be
`implemented to perform the logical operations associated
`with a given task. Such,
`logic may further include any
`supporting circuitry that may be required to complete a
`given task including supportive non-logical operations. For
`example, “logic” may also include analog circuitry, memory,
`input/output (1/O) circuitry, interface circuitry, power pro-
`viding/regulating circuitry, etc.
`
`[0061] Wireless Routing Information Using Adaptive
`Antennas:
`
`[0062] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary wireless routing net-
`work 100 having two wireless routing devices 102a-b and
`three CPE devices 106a-c. In this example, wireless routing
`device 102a is operatively coupled to an external network
`104. Here, for example, wireless routing device 102a is
`connected to network 104 via a wired communication link.
`External network 104 may be any type of network from
`which information (e.g.,
`in the form of data packets) is
`received and to which similar information can be provided.
`In certain implementations, for example, external network
`104 includes the Internet.
`
`[0063] As shown,wireless routing device 102a is config-
`ured to communicate over wireless links with CPE devices
`
`106a and 106b. Similarly, wireless routing device 1026 is
`configured to communicate over a wireless link to CPE
`device 106c.
`
`[0064] CPE devices 106a-c are representative of any
`device that is suitable for use in receiving and transmitting
`information over the applicable wireless link. Hence,
`in
`certain exemplary implementations, a CPE device may
`include a computeror other like device having the requisite
`communication interfaces.
`
`[0065] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary wireless routing
`device 102 having an adaptive antenna comprising an
`antenna array 110 and control logic 112. Antennaarray 110
`and control logic 112 are both coupled to a receiver 114 and
`a transmitter 116. A communication interface 118 is also
`
`provided and coupled to receiver 114 and transmitter 116.
`Within control logic 112, a block is provided to represent the
`routing information 120. It should be understood, however,
`that although illustratively depicted within logic 112,routing
`information 120 may be maintained in an external memory
`(not shown). Note that there can be more than one receiver
`and more than one transmitter. By way of example, in certain
`implementations a dedicated receiver/transmitter pair is
`associated with each antenna element within the antenna
`array.
`
`[0066] As illustrated by the lobes of the multibeam pattern
`122 emanating from antenna array 110, transmission peaks
`have been selected so as to illuminate buildings 124 and a
`mobile user 126 with transmitted energy, while transmission
`nulls have