Apparatus for calculating weights associated with a first signal and applying the weights to a second signal

• US 8,451,928 B2
• Filed: 02/07/2011
• Issued: 05/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications LLC (Comcast Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Aloft Media, LLC (Oso IP, LLC)
• Inventors: Bromberg, Matthew C., Agee, Brian G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fan, Chieh M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Haider, Syed
• Application Number:
  US13/022,615
• Publication Number:
  US 20110142108A1
• Time in Patent Office: 841 Days
• Field of Search: 375/219, 375/232, 375/259, 375/260, 375/267, 375/299, 375/341, 375/343, 375/345, 375/346, 370/206, 370/208, 370/210, 370/252, 370/329, 370/334, 370/343
• US Class Current: 375/267
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0408 using two or more beams, i.e. beam diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0413 MIMO systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0417 Feedback systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0443 utilizing "waterfilling" technique
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0456 Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices antenna weighting
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0465 taking power constraints at power amplifier or emission constraints, e.g. constant modulus, into account
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/26 Systems using multi-frequency codes H04L27/32 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2602 Signal structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2605 Symbol extensions, e.g. Zero Tail, Unique Word [UW]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2607 Cyclic extensions
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2627 Modulators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2646 using feedback from receiver for adjusting OFDM transmission parameters, e.g. transmission timing or guard interval length
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0007 the frequencies being orthogonal, e.g. OFDM(A), DMT
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0044 allocation of payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/005 of common pilots, i.e. pilots destined for multiple users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/02 Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/06 Optimizing the usage of the radio link, e.g. header compression, information sizing , discarding information system modifying transmission characteristic according to link quality by modifying frame length H04L1/0007; dynamic adaptation of the packet size for flow control or congestion control H04L47/365
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/04 based on wireless node resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/241 : taking into account channel quality metrics, e.g. SIR, SNR, CIR, Eb/lo
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/265 : taking into account the quality of service QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/42 : in systems with time, space, frequency or polarisation diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/00 : Local resource management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/04 : Wireless resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/044 : based on the type of the allocated resource
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0453 : Resources in frequency domain, e.g. a carrier in FDMA
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 : in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/542 : using measured or perceived quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

An apparatus for calculating weights associated with a first signal and applying the weights to a second signal is provided. The apparatus comprises: at least two antennas; a multiple-input and multiple-output capable transceiver in communication with each of the at least two antennas; processing circuitry capable of causing diversity combining, the processing circuitry in communication with the multiple-input and multiple-output capable transceiver, the processing circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to: receive a first signal, calculate weights associated with the first signal, and apply the weights to transmit data. Additionally, the apparatus is configured such that the at least two antennas are capable of transmitting a second signal including the transmit data to a multiple-input capable node.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a spatially diverse antenna array of M antennas, where M is greater than or equal to two;

at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver in communication with the spatially diverse antenna array of M antennas;

encoding circuitry capable of causing first data to be encoded;

decoding circuitry capable of causing second data to be decoded; and

processing circuitry in communication with the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver, the encoding circuitry, and the decoding circuitry, the processing circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to;

link to a plurality of multiple input-capable nodes including a first multiple input-capable node and a second multiple input-capable node, by;

linking to the first multiple input-capable node utilizing a first diversity channel at a particular time and utilizing a particular frequency resource, using a space-division multiple access protocol, and

linking to the second multiple input-capable node utilizing a second diversity channel at the particular time and utilizing the particular frequency resource, simultaneously with the linking to the first multiple input-capable node utilizing the first diversity channel, using the space-division multiple access protocol;

receive information from at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes, the information including weight-related information, the information further including channel-related information that is based on a signal to interference and noise ratio;

determine weights;

apply the weights to transmit data;

add a cyclic prefix to the transmit data; and

multiplex the transmit data with at least one pilot signal;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver is capable of causing transmission of at least one transmit signal including at least a portion of the transmit data and at least a portion of the at least one pilot signal to at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes, such that at least one aspect of the at least one transmit signal is based on at least a portion of the information, and the at least portion of the transmit data is transmitted with a specific frequency resource to the at least one multiple input-capable node utilizing a plurality of different diversity channels;

wherein the apparatus is configured so as to dynamically change a transmit channel to another channel different from a previous channel utilized in connection with the at least one multiple input-capable node;

wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to dynamically route via another route different from a previous route, utilizing another node and a different link;

wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing utilizing the another node includes routing as a function of an interference associated with at least one link associated with the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that M is equal to 2.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that M is equal to 4.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the spatially diverse antenna array of M antennas is circularly symmetric.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the processing circuitry includes digital signal processing circuitry capable of performing digital signal processing to convert analog radio signals into digital signals and digital signals into analog radio signals.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver includes a multitone transmission element.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the processing circuitry includes a transceiver controller.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver includes at least one Fixed-Fourier Transform enabling chip.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver is a vector orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transceiver.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the vector orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transceiver is capable of linearly combining data received over each antenna in the spatially diverse antenna array of M antennas.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the encoding circuitry is capable of incorporating QAM or PSK symbols prior to transmission.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the decoding circuitry is capable of interpreting QAM or PSK symbols.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the encoding circuitry is capable of performing trellis encoding.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform transmit beamforming.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the transmit beamforming includes constructing linear distribution weights.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that linear combiner weights obtained during a receive operation are capable of being used to construct linear distribution weights for a subsequent transmit operation.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that linear combiner weights obtained during a receive operation are capable of being used to construct linear distribution weights for a subsequent transmit operation by setting transmission gains proportional to the distribution weights.

114. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the transmit channel includes a frequency.

115. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the transmit channel includes a frequency channel.

116. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the particular frequency resource includes at least one frequency.

117. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the specific frequency resource includes at least one frequency.

118. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the specific frequency resource includes a single frequency resource.

119. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the specific frequency resource includes the same frequency resource.

120. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the at least one pilot signal is specific to at least one aspect of a particular node.

121. The apparatus of claim 120, wherein the particular node includes the apparatus.

122. The apparatus of claim 120, wherein the particular node includes at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes.

123. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the application of the weights to the transmit data results in weighted transmit data;

the addition of the cyclic prefix to the weighted transmit data results in weighted cyclic prefix transmit data;

the multiplexing of the at least one pilot signal with the weighted cyclic prefix transmit data results in weighted cyclic prefix multiplexed transmit data; and

the at least one transmit signal includes at least a portion of the weighted cyclic prefix multiplexed transmit data.

124. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the application of the weights, the addition of the cyclic prefix, and the multiplexing of the at least one pilot signal are components of transmit data processing that results in processed transmit data, and the at least one transmit signal includes at least a portion of the processed transmit data.

125. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the link to the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes includes further linking to a third multiple input-capable node.

126. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the at least portion of the transmit data is transmitted with the specific frequency resource to a single one of the multiple input-capable nodes utilizing the plurality of different diversity channels.

127. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the at least portion of the transmit data is redundantly transmitted with the specific frequency resource to a single one of the multiple input-capable nodes utilizing the plurality of different diversity channels.

128. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the at least portion of the transmit data is transmitted with the specific frequency resource to a plurality of the multiple input-capable nodes utilizing the plurality of different diversity channels.

129. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the at least portion of the transmit data is simultaneously transmitted with the specific frequency resource to a plurality of the multiple input-capable nodes utilizing the plurality of different diversity channels.

130. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the transmit data is modulated utilizing a coding that is variable.

131. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the transmit data is modulated utilizing the coding by modulating the transmit data that is coded utilizing the coding.

132. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operable such that the coding is variable by a rate of the coding being variable.

133. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the previous route is between the apparatus and the at least one multiple input-capable node, the another route is between the another node and the at least one multiple input-capable node, the at least one link utilizes the previous route, and the different link utilizes the another route.

134. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the previous route utilizes a first spatial or polarization diverse channel of the at least one multiple input-capable node, and the another route utilizes a second spatial or polarization diverse channel of the at least one multiple input-capable node.

135. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes re-routing.

136. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing involves an intermediate node.

137. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes routing around a particular node.

138. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes replacing the previous route with the another route.

139. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes routing at least part of the transmit data utilizing the another route instead of the previous route.

140. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes communicating one or more packets utilizing the another route instead of the previous route.

141. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes transmitting one or more packets associated with the transmit data, utilizing the another route instead of the previous route.

142. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes replacing the previous route with the another route as a function of the interference, for optimizing performance.

143. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamically routing includes replacing the previous route with the another route, when the interference indicates that the at least one link is, at least in part, degraded.

144. The apparatus of claim 143, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the degradation represents failure.

145. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by utilizing a plurality of different interference measurements.

146. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by accommodating network changes over time.

147. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by utilizing a plurality of different routes as a function of a plurality of different interference measurements.

148. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by changing over time.

149. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by automatically changing.

150. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by constantly changing over time.

151. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the routing is dynamic by utilizing a plurality of different connections over time.

152. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus and the another node include base stations, and the at least one multiple input-capable node includes a single mobile cellular device.

18. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver;

encoding circuitry capable of causing first data to be encoded;

decoding circuitry capable of causing second data to be decoded; and

processing circuitry in communication with the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver, the encoding circuitry, and the decoding circuitry, the processing circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to;

link to a plurality of multiple input-capable nodes including a first multiple input-capable node and a second multiple input-capable node, by;

linking to the first multiple input-capable node utilizing a first diversity channel at a particular time and utilizing a particular frequency resource, using a space-division multiple access protocol, and

linking to the second multiple input-capable node utilizing a second diversity channel at the particular time and utilizing the particular frequency resource, simultaneously with the linking to the first multiple input-capable node utilizing the first diversity channel, using the space-division multiple access protocol;

receive information from at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes, the information including weight-related information, the information further including channel-related information that is based on a signal to interference and noise ratio;

determine weights based on at least a portion of the information;

apply the weights to transmit data;

add a cyclic prefix to the transmit data; and

multiplex the transmit data with at least one pilot signal;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver is capable of causing transmission of at least one transmit signal including at least a portion of the transmit data and at least a portion of the at least one pilot signal to at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes, such that the at least portion of the transmit data is transmitted with a specific frequency resource to the at least one multiple input-capable node utilizing a plurality of different diversity channels;

wherein the apparatus is configured so as to dynamically change a transmit frequency to another frequency different from a previous frequency utilized in connection with the at least one multiple input-capable node;

wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to cause dynamic routing utilizing another route different from a previous route;

wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamic routing includes causing routing as a function of an interference associated with at least one link.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform transmit beamforming.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the transmit beamforming includes constructing linear distribution weights.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus is configured for multi-path operation.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is operable such that at least one of the first diversity channel, the at least one transmit signal, or the different diversity channels utilizes polarization diversity.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is operable such that at least one of the first diversity channel, the at least one transmit signal, or the different diversity channels utilizes spatial diversity.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein both a receiver and a transmitter of the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable.

25. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a transmitter of the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable.

26. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one pilot signal includes at least one pseudorandom aspect.

27. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one pilot signal includes at least one pseudorandom aspect which includes a delay.

28. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one pilot signal includes pilot data.

29. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamic routing includes routing as a function of a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) associated with the at least one link.

30. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the interference is associated with a failure.

31. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to operate in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable network including a cellular network.

32. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the at least one multiple input-capable node includes at least one of the first multiple input-capable node, and the second multiple input-capable node.

33. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the linking includes a transmit downlink.

34. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the linking includes a receive uplink, and the transmit channel includes a transmit frequency.

35. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the information includes a measured channel capacity.

36. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the information is received without a control channel.

37. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the weights are based on at least one of the weight-related information or the channel-related information of the information.

38. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that each communication includes communication via at least one other component.

39. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the processing circuitry includes a plurality of components for collectively causing the apparatus to link, determine, apply, add, and multiplex.

40. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the processing circuitry includes digital signal processing circuitry capable of performing digital signal processing to convert analog radio signals into digital signals and digital signals into analog radio signals.

41. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver includes a multitone transmission element.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver including the multitone transmission element is capable of multitone transmitting a first multitone format capable of being used by a first transceiver that is different than a second multitone format capable of being used by a second transceiver.

43. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform transmit beamforming utilizing one or more digital signal processing (DSP) techniques.

44. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver includes a plurality of elements including at least one receiver element and at least one transmitter element.

45. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the transmit data is redundantly and simultaneously transmitted with the specific frequency to the least one multiple input-capable node.

46. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the transmit data is redundantly and simultaneously transmitted with the specific frequency to the least one multiple input-capable node, such that the same data is transported on each of the plurality of different diversity channels.

47. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the transmit data is redundantly and simultaneously transmitted with the specific frequency to the least one multiple input-capable node, such that the same data is transported on each of the plurality of different diversity channels with weighting.

48. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver;

encoding circuitry capable of causing first data to be encoded;

decoding circuitry capable of causing second data to be decoded; and

processing circuitry in communication with the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver, the encoding circuitry, and the decoding circuitry, the processing circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to;

link to a plurality of multiple input-capable nodes including a first multiple input-capable node and a second multiple input-capable node, by;

linking to the first multiple input-capable node utilizing a first diversity channel at a particular time and utilizing a particular frequency resource, using a space-division multiple access protocol, and

linking to the second multiple input-capable node utilizing a second diversity channel at the particular time and utilizing the particular frequency resource, simultaneously with the linking to the first multiple input-capable node utilizing the first diversity channel, using the space-division multiple access protocol;

receive information from at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes, the information including weight-related information, the information further including channel-related information that is based on a signal to interference and noise ratio;

determine weights based on at least a portion of the information;

apply the weights to transmit data;

add a cyclic prefix to the transmit data; and

multiplex the transmit data with at least one pilot signal;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one multiple-input and multiple-output/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable transceiver is capable of causing transmission of at least one transmit signal including at least a portion of the transmit data and at least a portion of the at least one pilot signal to at least one of the plurality of multiple input-capable nodes, such that the at least portion of the transmit data is transmitted with a specific frequency resource to the at least one multiple input-capable node utilizing a plurality of different diversity channels;

wherein the apparatus is configured so as to dynamically change a transmit frequency to another frequency different from a previous frequency utilized in connection with the at least one multiple input-capable node;

wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to allow dynamic routing utilizing another route different from a previous route associated with the at least one transmit signal;

wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the dynamic routing includes allowing routing as a function of an interference associated with at least one link.

49. An apparatus, comprising:

transceiver hardware that is capable of receiving receive data utilizing multiple input channels and includes at least one first wireless element that is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable, and at least one second wireless element; and

circuitry capable of working in association with the transceiver hardware, the circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to;

modulate transmit data;

apply weights to the transmit data;

add a cyclic prefix to the transmit data; and

multiplex the transmit data with at least one particular signal;

wherein the apparatus is configured so as to cause transmission of at least one transmit signal including at least a portion of the transmit data and at least a portion of the at least one particular signal to a node;

wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to allow adaptive routing utilizing another route different from a previous route;

wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the adaptive routing includes allowing routing as a function of a link quality associated with at least one link;

wherein the apparatus includes a cellular base station and the node includes a cellular mobile device, the at least one first wireless element includes a transmitter element, and the transceiver hardware is further multiple-input-multiple-output capable;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

transmitting to the cellular mobile device via a first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel, and

transmitting to the cellular mobile device via a second downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel different from the first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

controlling a first power with which the cellular mobile device transmits over a first uplink channel;

controlling a second power with which another cellular mobile device transmits over a second uplink channel, the second power being different from the first power;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

variably changing a coding rate as a function of a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR).

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for selecting at least one of the weights applied to the transmit data, based on feedback received from the node.

51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to dynamically change a transmit channel to another channel different from a previous channel.

52. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the link quality involves a failure.

53. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the adaptive routing includes routing as a function of a link failure associated with the at least one link.

54. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the link quality involves the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR).

55. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing beamforming in association with the at least one transmit signal.

56. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing coordinated power control of a transmit power.

57. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing coordinated power control of a transmit power for each of a plurality of channels.

58. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing coordinated power control of a transmit power for each of a plurality of links.

59. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing power control by variably changing the coding rate.

60. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing power control by incrementally adjusting a power level.

61. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing power control based on a target signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR).

62. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing power control based on a target signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR) and a power constraint.

63. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing power control based on a target signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR) and a current signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR).

64. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for reducing an amount of power control information that is shared over a network.

65. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for balancing a power use against a capacity for each of a plurality of channels or links.

66. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for utilizing null steering to minimize the signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio (SINR).

67. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for utilizing null- or beam-steering to minimize intra-network interference.

68. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for utilizing a time-division duplex (TDD) communication protocol.

69. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for utilizing a frequency-division duplex (FDD) communication protocol.

70. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for utilizing random access packets, where receive and transmit operations are carried out on the same frequency channels for each of a plurality of links.

71. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for incorporating network control and feedback as part of a signal encoding process.

72. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the adaptive routing includes rerouting data in association with an active link based on an unacceptable link quality experienced on the active link and an existence of an alternative available link.

73. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for dynamically adjusting a plurality of subsets of nodes to attempt to attain at least one network objective.

74. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for dynamically adjusting a plurality of subsets of nodes to better attain at least one network objective utilizing at least one diversity capability.

83. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for redundantly transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device via a plurality of single-user-multiple-input-multiple-output spatially diverse or polarization diverse channels.

85. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing coordinated power control by coordinating a control of each power with which multiple cellular mobile devices transmit.

86. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for performing coordinated power control by coordinating a control of each power with which multiple cellular base stations transmit.

87. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for simultaneously transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing a first spatially diverse channel while further transmitting different transmit data to a different cellular mobile device utilizing a second spatially diverse channel, and further performing coordinated multiple-input-multiple-output-related diversity control to reduce interference between the first spatially diverse channel and the second spatially diverse channel.

88. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for simultaneously transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing a first spatially diverse channel while further transmitting different transmit data to a different cellular mobile device utilizing a second spatially diverse channel, and further performing adaptive coding control to reduce interference between the first spatially diverse channel and the second spatially diverse channel.

89. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for simultaneously transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing a first spatially diverse channel while further transmitting different transmit data to a different cellular mobile device utilizing a second spatially diverse channel, and further performing beamforming to reduce interference between the first spatially diverse channel and the second spatially diverse channel.

90. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for simultaneously transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing a first spatially diverse channel while further transmitting different transmit data to a different cellular mobile device utilizing a second spatially diverse channel, while reducing co-channel interference.

91. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for redundantly transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing different spatially diverse channels, and further performing adaptive coordinated power control to reduce interference in connection with the different spatially diverse channels.

92. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for redundantly transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing different spatially diverse channels in a multiple-input-multiple-out environment, and further performing variable coding control to reduce interference in connection with the different spatially diverse channels.

93. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for redundantly transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing different spatially diverse channels, and further performing coordinated beamforming to reduce interference in connection with the different spatially diverse channels.

94. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for redundantly transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device utilizing different spatially diverse channels, while reducing co-channel interference in a multiple-input-multiple-out environment.

95. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured for transmitting the transmit data to the cellular mobile device via at least one of a plurality of multiple-user-multiple-input-multiple-output spatially diverse or polarization diverse channels.

96. A network including the apparatus of claim 49, wherein the cellular base station is in communication with at least one other cellular base station via a backhaul network.

97. A network including the apparatus of claim 49.

98. The network of claim 97, wherein the network includes at least one intermediate node that is multiple-input-multiple-output capable and further capable of relaying communications between the cellular base station and the cellular mobile device.

99. The network of claim 97, wherein the network includes a plurality of the apparatuses that operate as a mesh network.

100. The network of claim 97, wherein the network is operable to subdivide a set of nodes into two or more subsets of nodes, with a first subset being a transmit uplink/receive downlink subset, and a second subset being a transmit downlink/receive uplink subset.

101. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to allow each node in the set of nodes to simultaneously belong to up to as many transmit uplink or receive uplink subsets as at least one diversity capability thereof allows.

102. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to allow each node in the transmit uplink/receive downlink subset to simultaneously link to up to as many nodes with which each node will hold time and frequency coincident communications.

103. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to allow each node in the transmit downlink/receive uplink subset to simultaneously link to up to as many nodes with which each node will hold time and frequency coincident communications in its field of view.

104. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to allow each node of the transmit uplink/receive downlink subset to engage in simultaneous, time and frequency coincident communications with any other node of the transmit uplink/receive downlink subset only if the other node also belongs to a different subset or the communication is between different subsets.

105. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to allow each node of the transmit downlink/receive uplink subset to engage in simultaneous, time and frequency coincident communications with any other node of the transmit downlink/receive uplink subset if the other node also belongs to a different subset and the communication is between different subsets.

106. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to transmit independent information from each node belonging to the first subset, to one or more receiving nodes belonging to the second subset.

107. The network of claim 100, wherein the network is operable to process independently at each receiving node belonging to the second subset, information transmitted from one or more nodes belonging to the first subset.

108. The network of claim 97, wherein the network includes at least one relay node that includes the features set forth in claim 49.

109. The network of claim 97, wherein the network is capable of a locally enabled global optimization thereof.

110. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the adaptive routing is for achieving increased network reliability.

111. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the at least one first wireless element is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable by supporting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing in connection with multiple nodes that each have at least one of a plurality of channels associated therewith.

112. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel and the second downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel include polarization diverse channels.

113. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel and the second downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel include spatially diverse channels.

75. An apparatus, comprising:

transceiver hardware that is capable of receiving receive data utilizing multiple input channels and includes at least one first wireless element that is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable, and at least one second wireless element; and

circuitry capable of working in association with the transceiver hardware, the circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to;

modulate transmit data;

add a cyclic prefix to the transmit data; and

multiplex the transmit data with at least one particular signal;

wherein the apparatus is configured so as to cause transmission of at least one transmit signal including at least a portion of the transmit data and at least a portion of the at least one particular signal to a node;

wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to allow adaptive routing utilizing another route different from a previous route;

wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the adaptive routing includes allowing routing as a function of a link quality associated with at least one link;

wherein the apparatus includes a cellular mobile device and the node includes a cellular base station that is multiple-input-multiple-output capable, the multiple input channels include polarization diverse or spatial diverse channels, and the at least one first wireless element includes a receiver element;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

receiving from the cellular base station via a first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel, and

receiving from the cellular base station via a second downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel different from the first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

receiving downlink data from the cellular base station, and

determining a power with which the cellular mobile device transmits over an uplink channel, based on the downlink data;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

transmitting uplink data for being utilized to determine at least one weight that is utilized by the cellular base station during communication;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

receiving at least one other signal from the cellular base station,

measuring a quality in association with the at least one other signal, and

adjusting the power with which the apparatus transmits based, at least in part, on the measuring;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

receiving cellular mobile device-specific information, and

processing the cellular mobile device-specific information and other information in connection with a power constraint, where the power with which the apparatus transmits is further based, at least in part, on the processing.

76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the apparatus is further configured for receiving receive data from the cellular base station via at least one of a plurality of multiple-user-multiple-input-multiple-output spatially diverse or polarization diverse channels.

77. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the apparatus is further configured for redundantly receiving receive data from the cellular base station via a plurality of single-user-multiple-input-multiple-output spatially diverse or polarization diverse channels.

78. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the apparatus is further configured for diversity combining.

79. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the apparatus is further configured to:

receive at least two diverse signals, combine at least two of the at least two diverse signals, and generate the at least one transmit signal based on at least one aspect of the at least two diverse signals.

80. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the transceiver hardware is further multiple-input-multiple-output capable.

81. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the transceiver hardware is further multiple-input-multiple-output capable and includes at least a 2X2 antenna array.

82. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the at least one second wireless element is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable.

84. An apparatus, comprising:

transceiver hardware that is capable of receiving receive data utilizing multiple input channels and includes at least one first wireless element that is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-capable, and at least one second wireless element; and

circuitry capable of working in association with the transceiver hardware, the circuitry capable of causing the apparatus to;

modulate transmit data;

apply weights to the transmit data;

add a cyclic prefix to the transmit data; and

multiplex the transmit data with at least one particular signal;

wherein the apparatus is configured so as to cause transmission of at least one transmit signal including at least a portion of the transmit data and at least a portion of the at least one particular signal to a node;

wherein the apparatus is further configured so as to allow adaptive routing utilizing another route different from a previous route;

wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the adaptive routing includes allowing routing as a function of a link quality associated with at least one link;

wherein the apparatus includes a cellular base station and the node includes a cellular mobile device, the at least one first wireless element includes a transmitter element, and the transceiver hardware is further multiple-input-multiple-output capable;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

transmitting to the cellular mobile device via a first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel, and

transmitting to the cellular mobile device via a second downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel different from the first downlink spatially diverse or polarization diverse channel;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for;

controlling a first power with which the cellular mobile device transmits over a first uplink channel;

controlling a second power with which another cellular mobile device transmits over a second uplink channel, the second power being different from the first power;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for supporting open loop power control by multiplexing the at least one particular signal with the transmit data, for processing and use by the cellular mobile device in adjusting the first power with which the cellular mobile device transmits;

wherein the apparatus is further configured for supporting closed loop power control by sending cellular mobile device-specific information to the cellular mobile device, for processing and use by the cellular mobile device in adjusting the first power with which the cellular mobile device transmits, in connection with a power constraint.