Patent ID: 6594323
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
An apparatus for evaluating signals received over a channel of a network, the channel utilizing a shared bandwidth for communication over the channel, each signal having a magnitude and a polarity, the apparatus comprising:first logic, the first logic being configured to demodulate signals received over the channel, each demodulated signal having a polarity and magnitude; second logic, the second logic receiving a signal demodulated by the first logic, the second logic being configured to determine an absolute value of the received demodulated signal, the absolute value of the demodulated signal corresponding to the magnitude of the demodulated signal; third logic, the third logic receiving the absolute value from the second logic, the third logic being configured to compare the absolute value with a first threshold value to determine whether or not the channel is idle, wherein the third logic outputs a result indicating whether or not the channel is idle; and fourth logic, the fourth logic receiving the polarity and magnitude of the signal demodulated by the first logic and received by the second logic, the fourth logic being configured to perform a bit decision when the third logic has determined that the channel is not idle, the fourth logic evaluating the magnitude and polarity of the demodulated signal to determine whether the signal corresponds to a binary 0 or a binary 1, the fourth logic outputting either a binary 0 or a binary 1 in response to performing the bit decision.