Method and apparatus for providing broadband wireless access services using the low voltage power line

• US 20050076149A1
• Filed: 12/04/2003
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Macphy Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Macphy Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Lopez, Salvador, McKown, Russell C., Nelson, Robert R.
• Application Number:
  US10/728,101
• Publication Number:
  US 20050076149A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/249
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/14 WLL [Wireless Local Loop]; RLL [Radio Local Loop]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/20 between access points

Abstract

A single subscriber station of a wireless metropolitan area network is shared among multiple households through a local AC power line that serves the households. The WMAN is connected to a power line network through a dual medium bridge modem located, for example, in the general proximity of a power transformer.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

a subscriber station for communicating with a base station of a fixed wireless access network;

a power line station for communicating over a power line network; and

internetworking logic for communicating between the subscriber station and power line station.

2. A wireless metropolitan area network, comprising:

a fixed wireless access network having at least one base station; and

a bridge modem, the bridge modem comprising

a subscriber station for communicating with the base station of the fixed wireless access network;

a power line station for communicating over a power line network; and

means for internetworking the subscriber station and power line station.

3. The wireless metropolitan area network of claim 2, wherein the bridge modem is coupled to a low voltage lines of a distribution power transformer.

4. Method of providing broadband access comprising:

providing a fixed wireless access network having a least one base station;

providing at least one subscriber station,

providing internetworking logic for communicating between the subscriber station and a power line station;

connecting the power line station to low voltage power distribution lines of a distribution power transformer;

setting up a virtual local area network over lower voltage power distribution lines on the low voltage lines to provide broadband communication services to one or more predetermined power line stations connected with the power line network.