Spread spectrum transceiver module utilizing multiple mode transmission

Abstract

A data transceiver module for digital data communications in a portable handheld data terminal has multiple data spread spectrum modes which include direct sequence and frequency function modulation algorithms. The transceiver module has multiple user or program configurable data rates, modulation, channelization and process gain in order to maximize the performance of radio data transmissions and to maximize interference immunity. Various module housings, which may be PCMCIA type, are able to be mated with a suitably designed data terminal. Media access control protocols and interfaces of multiple nominal operational frequencies are utilized. Wireless access devices in a cell based network each consider a variety of factors when choosing one of a plurality of modes of wireless operation and associated operating parameters. Such selection defines a communication channel to support wireless data, message and communication exchanges. In further embodiments, the wireless access devices also support a second channel, a busy / control channel, for managing communication on the main communication channel and to overcome roaming and hidden terminal problems. Roaming terminal devices are also configured to support the dual channel design. Such configuration in both circumstances may involve the use of a multimode radio that is timeshared between the two channels or two radios, one dedicated to each channel.

Description

[0001] 1. Technical Field[0002] The present invention relates generally to communication networks utilizing spread spectrum radio transceivers, and, more specifically, to multi-hop RF networks wherein participating devices utilize spread spectrum transceivers that are capable of operating in any of a variety of spread spectrum modes. The spread spectrum modes include, for example, direct sequence transmission across a spreading bandwidth or channelized across the spreading bandwidth, frequency hopping transmission across all or a part of the spreading bandwidth, a hybrid combination of direct sequence transmissions and frequency hopping transmissions, and transmissions on a portion of the spreading bandwidth. The selection of a spread spectrum mode of operation depends upon signal conditions and characteristics of members capable of communication within the RF communication network.[0003] 2. Description of Related Art[0004] Communication devices within a wireless local area network ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to produce a wireless local area network and packet wireless data communication system that is flexible to operate reliably in varied and unpredictable RF propagation and interference environments.

[0029] A further object of the present invention is to provide a wireless RF transceiver module capable of utilizing a variety of operational modes thereby allowing large business operation to purchase a single product meeting a multiple usage needs maximizing operational flexibility and minimizing sparing and service concerns.

[0030] It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular wireless LAN modem capable of supporting multiple modes of operation under a single media access protocol with a standardized interface to a hand-held portable data terminal such that the wireless LAN modem may dynamically change modes of operation transparently to the host device, not requiring that the host device be aware of changes in the modes of operation, or that operation of higher protocol layers be impacted.

[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is to produce a modular wireless LAN modem that may be utilized for both in-premise and worker to vehicle application, and for short range communications to peripheral devices.

Problems solved by technology

Because hard-wiring a local area network within a large, dynamic facility is both expensive and difficult, the wireless local are network provides traditional network functions as well as additional functions germane to the wireless attributes of the network.

However, due to difficult transmission and interference conditions within a factory, establishing and maintaining sufficient wireless communication ties oftentimes proves difficult.

Attenuation of transmitted signals, multi-path fading, ambient noise, and interference by adjacent cells often disrupts communication within the wireless local area network.

Operation in ISM bands is unlicensed and uncoordinated, so equipment operating in these bands must be designed to operate successfully without knowledge of the types of devices that may be used in close proximity.

Wide bandwidth modulation is reasonably resistant to low or moderate levels of interference, but even systems with relatively high process gains experience difficulties when subject to strong interference.

In practice, implementation constraints dictate that this system uses the full 26 MHz band.

Spread spectrum communications may not be appropriate for some applications.

For example, short hop communications such as communications between a portable hand-held terminal and a peripheral device such as a scanner or printer over a short distance is a very cost sensitive application.

Spread spectrum operation requires more circuit complexity and power consumption than is tolerable for this application.

However, after installation, if communication traffic or local noise increases, the communication might fail to function as required.

Likewise, after installation, if RF barriers are installed or if the network is moved to an urban environment with a great deal of noise from neighboring installations, cellular and mobile phones, etc., the network may fail to meet the needs of the customer.

However, a customer's needs continually change, and, if the particular application or environment were to change justifying a different spread spectrum modulation technique, the customer is either forced to change all of their radio transceivers or live with the under-performance they currently receive.

In such networks, a single radio transceiver design can never provide optimal performance in all areas.

Because each wireless local area network may have been designed for a particular set of criteria with particular spread spectrum operational abilities, mobile units may be non-functional within particular wireless local area networks.

However, when the portable transceiver unit 4B for example passes from one cell to another, it cannot communicate with a neighboring wireless access device without changing its operating characteristics.

Such rapid fluctuations can result in the loss of data if the amplitude of the received signal falls below the sensitivity of the receiver.

If a transmission of a data packet can be initiated and completed before the relative movement between the receiver and transmitter exceeds the "small distance" data loss to fading is unlikely to occur.

If the signal strength samples decrease in value, it is likely that fading is present in the network.

Although it may result in improved communication, increasing the frequency or length of the spreading-code requires additional overhead which may not be justifiable unless necessary.

Although such adjustment does not eliminate the effects of fading, it increases the probability that the characteristics of the channel will remain consistent during each hopping frame.

For example, selecting interleaving and coding, through their respective parameters, might result in a more complex combination scheme which combines segmentation and error correction in some alternate fashion.

For localized operation is a fixed location, however, transmitter power output may be limited to two watts, maximum, and limitations may be placed on antenna height as well.

However, the channel bandwidth constraints limit the maximum data "high" data rate that can be utilized for transmitting NRZ coded data.

Because the receiver decision circuitry must distinguish between three instead of two levels, there is a signal to noise (range) penalty for using PR encoding.

In this embodiment, however, the overall delays in the system may still justify upgrading the radio transceiver(s) causing the limitations.

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