System and method for a virtual wireless local area network

Abstract

A virtual wireless local area network system and method utilizing impulse radio wherein transmission rates (bit rates) can vary according to the impulse radio transmission quality (signal to noise ratio) and wherein the position of the user can be determined and said user can be directed to an area of greater transmission rates and wherein a plurality of impulse radio portals can be utilized and switched between to maintain high levels of transmission rates while a user is moving within a predetermined area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a virtual wireless local area network system and method. More particularly, the present invention provides a virtual wireless local area network system and method utilizing impulse radio. 2. Background of the Invention and Related Art Mobile computing and communication has dramatically improved in recent years. Computers have become much smaller and battery life has improved enabling truly mobile computing and communications. This has come about because of the demand in place to be able to be mobile and yet have the same computing and communicating power as if one were located in one's office. Further, the ability to share information among people and computers has spawned immense improvements in Local Area and Wide Area Networks. The greatest example of this is the Internet. People from all over the world now have the ability to communicate and share information throughout the worl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a novel virtual wireless local area network that can automatically vary the data rate according to the propagation environment and requirements of the user.

Problems solved by technology

Notwithstanding these improvements, truly mobile computing and communicating is still lacking.

In an office building environment, if one desires to go from room to room it is very inconvenient to bring even the lightest computer with them.

Further, even though docking stations with notebook computers enable users to “take their office with them” to a certain extent, it is still difficult to undock a notebook computer and reboot it up if you just are leaving the office for a short meeting in another office.

Efforts have been made to create wireless local area networks, but with limited success.

Traditional wireless communication means are subject to multipath problems as described below.

Further, if one comes upon an area of very poor RF transmissive properties, it is impossible for them to know which way to move in order to go to an area of greater transmissive properties.

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