Network communication system with nodes transmitting randomly generated information (RGI) and controllers transmitting a copy of the RGI for identification purposes

• US 7,668,511 B2
• Filed: 07/06/2007
• Issued: 02/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GPNE Corp.
• Original Assignee: GPNE Corp.
• Inventors: Tsui, Po S., Wong, Gabriel K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pan; Yuwen
• Application Number:
  US11/774,385
• Publication Number:
  US 20080013491A1
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 455/66.1, 370/347
• US Class Current: 455/66.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/26 Resource reservation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/08 Reselecting an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/08 Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery signalling during connection H04W76/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/00 Synchronisation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/00 User notification, e.g. alerting and paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/02 Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/04 Wireless resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/002 Transmission of channel access control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/04 Scheduled access hybrid access H04W74/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/06 using polling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/02 Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/022 One-way selective calling networks, e.g. wide area paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/025 with acknowledge back capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/022 Selective call receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/185 Selective call encoders for paging networks, e.g. paging centre devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A network communication system is provided for communication between network nodes, including individual nodes and a communication controller. In the network, signals are transmitted from the communication controller to identify a slot of a frame in which individual nodes may transmit a request to transmit data. When a first individual node has data to transmit, the first node transmits a request signal to the controller in its identified slot, the request including randomly generated information (RGI) for identification of the node. In response to the request signal, the controller transmits a grant signal along with the RGI back to the first node to allow the first node to identify the grant.

Claims

1. A method of communicating in a network comprising:

transmitting a random access request signal from the first node in a slot of a frame to request access for the first node to transmit packetized data, said random access request signal including randomly generated information;

receiving a grant signal, said grant signal returning said randomly generated information to the first node to enable identification of the first node as a desired recipient of the grant signal, said grant signal comprising additional information relating to a reserve request slot assignment identifying a reserve request slot of a frame where the first node can transmit an additional reservation request, wherein the reserve request slot assignment is provided independent of the randomly generated information;

transmitting the additional reservation request from the first node in the reserve request slot subsequent to receipt of the reserve request slot assignment by the first node; and

receiving an additional grant signal at the first node subsequent to the first node transmitting the additional reservation request,

transmitting the packetized data from the first node in response to the additional grant signal, wherein the reserve request slot of the frame recurs repeatedly and wherein the packetized data is transmitted in a different location than the reserve request slot of the frame.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the randomly generated information comprises the slot of the frame which is randomly selected slot from a plurality of slots in the frame.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said randomly generated information is generated by the first node.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said randomly generated information comprises time derived identifying information which is at least temporarily associated with the first node.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

transmitting additional node subscriber identification information from the first node subsequent to the first node receiving return of the randomly generated information.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the different location that the packetized data is transmitted relative to the reserve request slot of a frame comprises a different signal frequency.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a clocking signal at the first node, wherein the reserve request and the packetized data are aligned with the clocking signal, wherein the clocking signal, the reserve request and the packetized data are provided on different frequencies.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the packetized data comprises a plurality of data packets, and wherein the first node transmits information related to a count value to enable a receiving node to determine when the packetized data being transmitted are completely received.

9. The method of claim 1,

wherein the packetized data comprises a plurality of data packets;

and

wherein a final data packet from the plurality of data packets comprises information which indicates that the final data packet is a last data packet in the plurality of data packets.

10. A method of communicating in a network comprising:

receiving a random access request signal from the first node at a communication controller in a slot of a frame requesting access to the communication controller for the first node to transmit, said random access request signal including randomly generated information;

transmitting a grant signal from the communication controller subsequent to the communication controller receiving the random access request signal from the first node, said grant signal returning said randomly generated information to the first node to enable identification of the first node as a desired recipient of the grant signal;

transmitting a slot identification signal from the communication controller identifying a slot of a frame where the first node can transmit an additional reservation request, wherein the slot of the frame where the first node can transmit the additional reservation request identifies the first node independent of the randomly generated information;

receiving the additional reservation request from the first node in the slot of the frame where the first node can transmit the additional reservation request;

transmitting an additional grant signal from the communication controller at the first node subsequent to receiving the additional reservation request; and

receiving the packetized data transmitted from the first node at the communication controller subsequent to transmitting the additional grant signal to the first node.

11. The method of claim 10,

wherein the first node transmits additional node identification information to the communication controller subsequent to the communication controller transmitting the grant signal returning the randomly generated information, but prior to transmission of the slot identification signal from the communication controller identifying the slot of the frame where the first node can transmit the additional reservation request, and

wherein subsequent to the communication controller receiving said additional node identification information from the first node, the communication controller verifies the validity of said node identification information from the first node.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the slot of the frame where the first node can transmit the additional reservation request is assigned to the first node for transmitting the additional request separate from a location where the packetized data is transmitted, the slot being one of a series of reservation slots in the frame, the frame being provided repeatedly.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

transmitting information relating to the slot of the frame wherein the first node and a second node may transmit the random access request signal to the communication controller,

wherein the slot of the frame wherein the additional request slot can be transmitted occurs multiple times without being disabled after transmission of the additional request signal in the slot of the frame.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

transmitting from the communication controller additional information relating to a reserve access request slot assigned to a third node wherein said third node may transmit a reserve access request signal to the communication controller.

15. A first node in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a random request signal from the first node in a slot of a frame to request access for the first node to transmit packetized data, said random request signal including randomly generated information;

receive a grant signal subsequent to transmission of the random request signal from the first node, said grant signal returning said randomly generated information to the first node to enable identification of the first node as a desired recipient of the grant signal;

receive a reserve request slot assignment identifying a reserve request slot of a frame where the first node can transmit an additional reservation request, wherein the reserve request slot assignment is provided independent of the randomly generated information;

transmit the additional reservation request from the first node in the reserve request slot subsequent to receipt of the reserve request slot assignment by the first node; and

receive an additional grant signal subsequent to the first node transmitting the additional reservation request,

transmit the packetized data from the first node in response to the additional grant signal, wherein the reserve request slot of the frame recurs repeatedly and wherein the packetized data is transmitted in a different location than the reserve request slot of the frame.

16. The first node of claim 15, wherein the different location that the packetized data is transmitted relative to the reserve request slot of the frame comprises a different signal frequency.

17. The first node of claim 15, wherein the interface is further controlled to:

receive a clocking signal transmitted to the first node, wherein the reserve request slot and the packetized data are aligned with the clocking signal, wherein the clocking signal, the additional reservation request and the packetized data are provided on different frequencies.

18. The first node of claim 15, wherein said randomly generated information is generated by the first node.

19. The first node of claim 15, wherein the interface is further controlled to:

transmit additional node identification information from the first node subsequent to the first node receiving the randomly generated information.

20. The first node of claim 15, wherein the randomly generated information comprises the slot of the frame which is randomly selected slot from a plurality of slots in the frame.

21. A first node in a network, the network a plurality of nodes, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a random access reservation request signal from the first node in a slot of a frame, said random access reservation request signal including randomly generated information;

receive a grant signal, said grant signal returning said randomly generated information to the first node to enable identification of the first node as a desired recipient of the grant signal;

receive a reserve request slot assignment signal identifying a reserve request slot of a frame where the first node can transmit an additional reservation request, wherein the reserve request slot assignment signal is provided independent of the randomly generated information, wherein said reserve request slot of a frame recurs multiple times after transmission of the additional reserve request signal in the reserve request slot until the reserved request slot is disabled;

transmit the additional reservation request from the first node in the reserve request slot subsequent to the first node receiving of the reserve request slot assignment;

receive an additional grant signal subsequent to the transmission of the additional reservation request; and

transmit packetized data from the first node in a manner to identify the first node, wherein the communication message is transmitted subsequent to receiving the additional grant signal.

22. The first node of claim 21, wherein the first node includes a touch sensitive input device.

23. The first node of claim 21, wherein said randomly generated information is generated by the first node.

24. The first node of claim 21,

wherein said packetized data from the first node comprises multiple data packets, and

wherein the first node transmits information related to a count value to enable a receiving node to determine when the packetized data being transmitted are completely received.

25. The first node of claim 21,

wherein the packetized data comprises a plurality of data packets, and

wherein a final data packet from the plurality of data packets comprises information which indicates that the final data packet is a last data packet in the plurality of data packets.

26. The first node of claim 21, wherein the first node includes multiple transceivers.

27. The first node of claim 21, wherein the interface is further controlled to:

transmit at least one additional reservation request in said recurring reserve request slot of a frame subsequent to beginning transmission of said packetized data,

wherein said packetized data comprises multiple data packets.

28. A first node in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes, the first node comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

transmit a random access reservation request from the first node in a slot of a frame, said random access reservation request including randomly generated information;

receive a grant signal, said grant signal returning said randomly generated information to the first node to enable identification of the first node as a desired recipient of the grant signal;

receive a reserve request slot assignment signal identifying a reserve request slot of a frame where the first node can transmit an additional reservation request subsequent to the first node receiving the additional identification signal, wherein the reserve request slot assignment signal is provided independent of the randomly generated information;

transmit an additional reservation request from the first node in the reserve request slot subsequent to the first node receiving of the reserve request slot assignment;

receive an additional grant signal at the first node subsequent to the first node transmitting the additional reservation request; and

transmit packetized data from the first node subsequent to the first node receiving the additional grant signal,

wherein subscriber identification is transmitted from the first node subsequent to the first node receiving return of said randomly generated information.

29. The first node of claim 28, wherein said randomly generated information is generated by the first node.

30. The first node of claim 28, wherein the availability of said reserve request slot of the frame recurs in repeated transmissions after transmission of a reserve request signal in the reserve request slot until disabled.

31. The first node of claim 30,

wherein the interface is further controlled to:

transmit at least one additional reservation request in said recurring reserve request slot of a frame subsequent to beginning transmission of said packetized data,

wherein said packetized data comprises multiple data packets.

32. The first node of claim 30, wherein the first node includes multiple transceivers.

33. The first node of claim 28,

wherein said packetized data from the first node comprises multiple data packets, and wherein the first node transmits information related to a count value to enable a receiving node to determine when the packetized data being transmitted are completely received.

34. The first node of claim 28,

wherein the packetized data comprises a plurality of data packets, and

wherein a final data packet from the plurality of data packets comprises information which indicates that the final data packet is a last data packet in the plurality of data packets.

35. The first node of claim 28, wherein the first node includes a touch sensitive input device.

36. A first communication controller in a network, the network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of communication controllers, the first communication controller comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory providing code to the at least one processor; and

an interface controlled by the at least one processor to;

receive a first random access request signal in a first slot from a first node, the first random access request signal including information that allows the first communication controller to determine that the first node requires an allocation of resources to transmit a reserve access request signal, said random access request signal including randomly generated information;

transmit a first grant signal subsequent to receipt of the first random access request signal, said first grant signal including information relating to an allocation of second slot to the first node for transmitting a reserve access request signal for transmitting packetized message data, and the first grant signal returning the randomly generated information to the first node;

receive the reserve access request signal in the second slot in response to the first grant signal;

transmit a second grant signal subsequent to receipt of the reserve access request signal, said second grant signal including information relating to an allocation of additional resources to the first node for transmitting the packetized message data; and

receiving the packetized message data in response to the second grant signal, and

wherein the availability of said second slot to the first node recurs in repeated transmissions from the first communication controller after transmission of the reserve request signal until the first communication controller disables use of the second-slot by the first node.

37. The first communication controller of claim 36, wherein said first grant signal further comprises information related to a random access request wherein at least one node from the plurality of nodes including a second node may transmit a second random access request signal to the first communication controller.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the interface is further controlled to:

transmit information relating to the first slot wherein the first node and a second node may transmit the random access request signal to the communication controller,

wherein the slot of the frame wherein the reserve access request slot can be transmitted occurs multiple times without being disabled after transmission of the reserve access request signal in the second slot.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the interface is further controlled to:

transmit additional information relating to a third slot assigned to a third node wherein said third node may transmit a reserve access request signal to the communication controller.

40. The first communication controller of claim 36, wherein the first communication controller receives a subsequent reserved access request signal by a second node into a third slot assigned to the second node that can be transmitted during transmission of the first data packets by the first node.

41. The first communication controller of claim 36, wherein the first data packets are transmitted in at least one slot separate from the recurring second slot.

42. The first communication controller of claim 36, wherein the communication controller communicates with the plurality of nodes over multiple frequencies simultaneously.

43. The first communication controller of claim 36, wherein the first communication controller receives information from the first node related to a count value to enable the first communication controller to determine when the first data packets being transmitted are completely received.