초록 ▼

An integrated communication system supporting multiple TDMA or TDD communication protocols whereby both protocols are supported within the same geographic region. Each protocol defines time frames and/or time slots of a different duration, from which is derived a composite time frame having a predef

An integrated communication system supporting multiple TDMA or TDD communication protocols whereby both protocols are supported within the same geographic region. Each protocol defines time frames and/or time slots of a different duration, from which is derived a composite time frame having a predefined timing structure. A first base station unit communicates in a first set of time slots of the composite time frame according to a first TDMA or TDD protocol, and a second base station unit (which may be collocated with the first base station unit) communicates in a second set of time slots of the composite time frame according to a second TDMA or TDD protocol. Coordinatingelectronics (such as a GPS receiver in one or both base station units) are provided so as to prevent collisions between communications occurring between each base station unit and its respective users. In a particular embodiment, a first protocol is a GSM protocol, and a second protocol is a TDD protocol utilizing spread spectrum techniques. The TDD protocol is structured so that each time slot is twice the duration of a GSM time slot, and each time frame is four times the duration of a GSM time frame. The system may comprise a number of "stacked" base stations in a single cell, each operating over a different frequency or using different spreading codes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communication system comprising:a composite time frame comprising a first plurality of time slots having a first time slot duration, and a second plurality of time slots having a second time slot duration different from the first time slot duration;a first protocol for

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communication system comprising:a composite time frame comprising a first plurality of time slots having a first time slot duration, and a second plurality of time slots having a second time slot duration different from the first time slot duration;a first protocol for time division multiple access communication, said first protocol including the first plurality of time slots;a second protocol for time division multiple access communication, said second protocol including the second plurality of time slots; andmeans for selectively communicating according to either said first protocol or said second protocol,wherein communication according to both protocols simultaneously can occur within the same communication cell.