MMDS Channel-Sharing Patent Awarded

Broadband wireless equipment maker Hybrid Networks scored the exclusive rights to its "method of sharing communication channels using contention and polling schemes."

by internetnews.com Staff [August 27, 2001]

San Jose, Calif.-based Hybrid Networks, which works with high-capacity MMDS fixed broadband wireless Internet-access systems, Thursday said it received a U.S. patent for its channel-sharing algorithm

U.S. Patent No. 6,275,497 covers the company's "method of sharing communication channels using contention and polling schemes."

Hybrid's algorithm is used in its Media Access Control (MAC) layer by efficiently managing user transmissions.

This protocol was first integrated in the company's fixed broadband wireless system in 1997, enabling it to achieve faster data transfer while allocating bandwidth to a large number of users. This technology enables Hybrid's customers to benefit from increased system capacity and scalability.

"This protocol is an essential piece of what makes Hybrid's system outperform others in the field," said Hybrid Networks president and CEO Michael Greenbaum.

Currently, Hybrid has systems in use in 75 markets across six continents with customers such as Sprint, Thomcast Communications, and Andrew Corp.

Hybrid completed interoperability tests with Agere ORiNOCO equipment in June of 2001.

In a separate statement this week, the company reported that it will work with local carriers to deliver fixed broadband wireless service to small and mid-sized businesses in Altoona, Pa.

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