US 7676194

US Patent 7,676,194: Broadband Repeater with Security for Ultrawideband Technologies

Title: Broadband repeater with security for ultrawideband technologies

Current Assignee: Massively Broadband LLC

Inventor: Theodore S. Rappaport

Filing Date: August 17, 2004

Issue Date: March 9, 2010

Abstract: An ultrawideband radio transceiver/repeater provides a low cost infrastructure solution that merges wireless and wired network devices while providing connection to the plant, flexible repeater capabilities, network security, traffic monitoring and provisioning, and traffic flow control for wired and wireless connectivity of devices or networks. The ultrawideband radio transceiver/repeater can be implemented in discrete, integrated, distributed or embedded forms.

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Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent focuses on a repeater device designed for Ultrawideband (UWB) wireless networks, emphasizing advanced features beyond simple signal retransmission, particularly in the areas of security, traffic management, and hybrid wired/wireless connectivity.

Independent Claim 1:
This claim describes an ultrawideband radio repeater system that connects to a broadband communication source (referred to as a "plant") and other devices. It includes an ultrawideband radio transceiver, a processing component, and a controller. The key functions are to receive wireless UWB signals, selectively screen this data based on the data itself or preprogrammed instructions, and then repeat (retransmit) the screened data. It also monitors network traffic, collecting statistics like interference levels and device IDs, and reports these statistics to a network controller or the "plant."

Independent Claim 13:
This claim describes a method for operating an ultrawideband radio repeater. The method involves several steps:

1. Acquiring network information or desired performance criteria.
2. Establishing initial operating mode settings for the repeater.
3. Receiving wireless ultrawideband data.
4. Screening the received data based on its content or preprogrammed instructions.
5. Repeatedly retransmitting the screened data.
6. Monitoring network traffic statistics, including interference levels and device IDs.
7. Reporting these statistics to a network controller or the "plant."
   This claim essentially outlines the operational process of the system described in Claim 1.

Independent Claim 25:
This claim describes an ultrawideband radio transceiver/repeater system, similar to Claim 1, but with a strong emphasis on integrating both wireless and wired network capabilities. It includes an ultrawideband radio transceiver, a baseband component, a processing component, and a controller. The system is configured to:

1. Connect to a broadband communication source ("plant").
2. Receive wireless ultrawideband transmissions and wired baseband data.
3. Process both types of received data.
4. Provide "repeater functionality" for the UWB transmissions.
5. Perform "routing functions" for the baseband data.
   Essentially, this claim highlights the repeater's ability to act as a hybrid hub, managing and processing data from both UWB wireless and traditional wired connections.

Independent Claim 30:
This claim describes a method for operating an ultrawideband radio transceiver/repeater that supports both wireless and wired networks. The method involves:

1. Connecting to a broadband communication source ("plant").
2. Receiving both wireless ultrawideband transmissions and wired baseband data.
3. Processing both the received wireless UWB transmissions and wired baseband data.
4. Providing repeater functionality for the UWB transmissions.
5. Providing routing functionality for the baseband data.
   This claim outlines the operational process for the hybrid wired/wireless system described in Claim 25.

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CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not reveal any specific litigation directly referencing US patent 7,676,194.