Qwest Communications International Inc.

Guy M Wells

Charles Ivan Cook

Angus O Dougherty

Donald L Hohnstein

Thomas Schwengler

Brian L Arend

Patrick L Perini

Craig I Weich

Lee Quintanar

William K Masters

Growth of a distributed communication system is facilitated through dynamic addition of routing elements. A new routing element may be added to a network of routing elements by first establishing a connection between the new routing element and an existing routing element in the network. The connection may be either wireless or wireline. At least one address is assigned to the new routing element. Each assigned address comes from a pool of addresses maintained at the existing routing element. At least one pool of addresses is issued to the new routing element, permitting the new routing element to dynamically add yet another new routing element to the network of routing elements.

System and method for dynamic distributed communication

High-speed information packets are routed through a distributed communication system. Each packet destined for a subscriber unit is provided with an address indicating a destination within the communication system. In each distribution point along the path to the destination, a determination is made as to which distribution point each packet will be forwarded based on the address. Each packet is received in an access point servicing the destination, and the packet is forwarded to the destination subscriber unit.

Distributively routed VDSL and high-speed information packets

Information packets are routed through a distributed routing network by determining a forwarding equivalency class (FEC) for each subscriber unit accessing the network. The FEC to which each subscriber unit belongs is based on the point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network. The forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit is updated if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point. Information packets are routed from a distribution point by determining the next point connected to the distribution point based on the forwarding equivalency class for the destination subscriber unit specified in the packet.

Routing information packets in a distributed network

Reverse sectorization is implemented by subscriber units with directionality and wireless system access points using substantially uniform transmission coverage. Each access point has at least one omnidirectional antenna forming a substantially uniform coverage area around the access point. Each subscriber unit has at least one directional antenna forming a directional coverage area. Subscriber units communicate with a particular access point through transmissions between the subscriber unit directional antenna and the omnidirectional antenna for the particular access point. The directional antenna may include a plurality of antenna patches with the subscriber unit selecting at least one antenna patch as the directional antenna. The directional antenna may also be positioned to optimize transmissions between the subscriber unit and the particular access point.

Reverse sectorization wireless communication

Distributed routing provides a robust, scalable communication system free of bottlenecks associated with traditional wireless systems. The system includes subscriber units sending and receiving information packets using wireless communication links. The system also includes access points with each access point forming a coverage area for exchanging information packets with subscriber units within the coverage area. The system further includes distribution points receiving packets from access points. Distribution points form a distributed routing network. Each distribution point receives an information packet for distribution to a specified destination. If the destination is to a subscriber unit within the coverage area of the access point in communication with the distribution point, the information packet is forwarded to the access point. Otherwise, the information packet is forwarded to one of the additional distribution points.

Cellularized packetized voice and data

A method and system for generating real-time announcements in a digital packet-switched telecommunications network includes an announcement server for sensing a predetermined trigger event and generating a predetermined announcement for insertion into a data stream. A packet-based network then transmits the packetized announcement along with the current data stream for receipt by the destination. The announcement is then processed by the appropriate processing device, such as a Base Station Controller or a wireless handset, immediately upon receipt of the packetized announcement so that it can be generated in real-time.

Method and system for providing real-time announcements

A wireless access point includes at least one access antenna for communicating with wireless subscriber units. An access data terminal formats information packets for transmission by and after reception from each access antenna. At least one backhaul antenna interconnects the access point with the remainder of a wireless communication system. A backhaul data terminal formats information packets for transmission by and after reception from each backhaul antenna. Access data terminals and backhaul data terminals within the access point exchange information through baseband digital packets.

Wireless communication access point

A method and system for routing a call at least partially over a packet switched network is provided. The method comprises receiving the call at a network operations center in communication with a server, and sending a first query from the server to the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper sends the second query over a signaling network to a service control point in response to the first query. A routing message is received at the gatekeeper from the service control point in response to the second query. The routing message is communicated from the gatekeeper to the server, and the call is routed to a call destination in accordance with the communicated routing message. The call is at least partially routed over the packet switched network.

Method and system for managing a packet switched network

The present invention provides electrical power to wireless communication antenna systems by tapping into the electrical circuit used to power outdoor elevated lighting systems. The connection is made by interrupting the lighting circuit at the electric eye or photocell. A power adapter is inserted between the electric eye and the light circuit. Cabling is used to interconnect the power adapter and an antenna module mounted to the light pole.

Growing community of inventors

Louisville, CO, United States of America

Guy M Wells