Patent ID: 6295461
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: H04B,H04W

Abstract:
A multi-mode radio frequency network, comprising:at least one of a data collection device and a data storage/retrieval device;at least one first type of computing device having a first radio receiver/transmitter adapted for communication over a narrowband frequency range;at least one second type of computing device having a second radio receiver/transmitter adapted for communication over both said narrowband frequency range and a wideband frequency range; anda network access controller including at least one access point, said controller adapted for communication with said at least one first type of computing device and said at least one second type of computing device over respective ones of said narrowband and said wideband frequency ranges, said network access controller providing periodic beacon signals via said access point for coordinating timing of communications over said narrowband and said wideband frequency ranges, said periodic beacon signals including a start period for beginning RF communication, a synchronous communication period and an asynchronous communication period,wherein said at least one second type of computing device communicates with said at least one first type of computing device, said at least one of a data collection device and data storage/retrieval device during said synchronous communication period and said at least one second type of computing device communicates with said access point during said asynchronous communication period.