Methods and systems for aligning and maintaining alignment of point-to-point transceivers in a network
First Claim
1. A method of installing a new point-to-point communications transceiver in a network of existing point-to-point communications transceivers, comprising the steps of:
- positioning a new transceiver in a line of sight to at least one existing transceiver;
at a predetermined time, said new transceiver performing a first sweep over a first predetermined range to detect a signal from said existing transceiver;
at said predetermined time synchronously with said new transceiver, said existing transceiver performing a second sweep over a second predetermined range to detect a signal from said new transceiver;
upon the completion of said first sweep of said new transceiver, said new transceiver returning to a position of maximum detected signal strength;
upon the completion of said second sweep of said existing transceiver, said existing transceiver returning to a position of maximum detected signal strength; and
if no signal is detected by said new transceiver or said existing transceiver, changing orientations of said new and existing transceivers in opposite directions with respect to the line of sight.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A digital data network uses network nodes incorporating infrared transceivers. Each node includes a plurality of infrared transceivers having transmitter and receiver optics designed to facilitate line-of-sight infrared optical communications in a residential or business neighborhood. New nodes are installed with at least one selected transceiver having line-of-sight access to at least one existing transceiver. Automated tracking and acquisition processes are used to align transceivers to enable data communication and to acquire newly installed nodes into the network.
Other automated tracking programs operate on an as-needed or scheduled basis to maintain good alignment and communications between adjoining node transceivers.
Network nodes include weather-proof housings and are of a size and shape to be easily mounted on existing structures so as not to disrupt the visual appeal of a neighborhood.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of installing a new point-to-point communications transceiver in a network of existing point-to-point communications transceivers, comprising the steps of:
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positioning a new transceiver in a line of sight to at least one existing transceiver; at a predetermined time, said new transceiver performing a first sweep over a first predetermined range to detect a signal from said existing transceiver; at said predetermined time synchronously with said new transceiver, said existing transceiver performing a second sweep over a second predetermined range to detect a signal from said new transceiver; upon the completion of said first sweep of said new transceiver, said new transceiver returning to a position of maximum detected signal strength; upon the completion of said second sweep of said existing transceiver, said existing transceiver returning to a position of maximum detected signal strength; and if no signal is detected by said new transceiver or said existing transceiver, changing orientations of said new and existing transceivers in opposite directions with respect to the line of sight. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for installing a new point-to-point communications transceiver in a network of existing point-to-point communications transceivers, the system comprising:
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means for positioning a new transceiver in a line of sight to at least one existing transceiver; means operative at a predetermined time, for initiating said new transceiver to perform a first sweep over a first predetermined range to detect a signal from said existing transceiver; means operative at said predetermined time, for initiating said existing transceiver to perform a second sweep over a second predetermined range to detect a signal from said new transceiver; means operative upon the completion of said first sweep of said new transceiver, for initiating said new transceiver to return to a position of maximum detected signal strength; means operative upon the completion of said second sweep of said existing transceiver, for initiating said existing transceiver to return to a position of maximum detected signal strength; and means for changing orientations of said new and existing transceivers in opposite directions with respect to the line of sight, if no signal is detected by said new transceiver or said existing transceiver. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A system for installing a new point-to-point communications transceiver in a network of existing point-to-point communications transceivers, comprising:
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a processor; a memory connected to said processor; said memory being configured to operate with control instructions stored in said processor to cause said processor to perform; positioning a new transceiver in a line of sight to at least one existing transceiver, said new transceiver performing a first sweep over a first predetermined range at a predetermined time to detect a signal from said existing transceiver; at said predetermined time synchronously with said new transceiver, said existing transceiver performing a second sweep over a second predetermined range to detect a signal from said new transceiver; upon the completion of said first sweep of said new transceiver, said new transceiver returning to a position of maximum detected signal strength; upon the completion of said second sweep of said existing transceiver, said existing transceiver returning to a position of maximum detected signal strength, and if no signal is detected by said new transceiver or said existing transceiver, changing orientations of said new and existing transceivers in opposite directions with respect to the line of sight. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification