Wireless protocol converter

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for interfacing between a broadband wireless communication system and a Local Area Network (LAN) system are disclosed herein. For instance, the method can include converting first data formatted according to a broadband communication protocol, from a transceiver, to a local area network (LAN) protocol to generate LAN formatted data. The method can also include converting second data formatted according to the LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted data. Further, the method can includes transmitting the LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the broadband-formatted data to the transceiver.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 converting first data formatted according to a broadband communication protocol, from a transceiver, to a local area network (LAN) protocol to generate LAN-formatted data;   converting second data formatted according to the LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted data; and   transmitting the LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the broadband-formatted data to the transceiver.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the converting the first data comprises wirelessly receiving the first data from the transceiver over at least one or a wide area network, a cellular telephone communication network, a broadband satellite communication network, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the converting the first data comprises receiving the first data, from the transceiver, via a wired communication link coupled to one or more other computing devices, a wireless communication link coupled to the one or more other computing devices, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the converting the second data comprises receiving the second data, from the computing device, via a wired communication link, a wireless communication link, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitting the broadband-formatted data to the transceiver comprises transmitting the broadband-formatted data to a transceiver tower, a wireless device, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitting the LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted data comprise transmitting the LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted data using a repeater station positioned in a substantially-fixed position. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transmitting the LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted data comprise transmitting the LAN-formatted data and the broadband-formatted data using a repeater station positioned on a mobile platform. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 a protocol conversion module configured to:
 convert first data formatted according to a broadband communication protocol, from a first transceiver, to a local area network (LAN) protocol to generate LAN-formatted data; 
 convert second data formatted according to the LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted data; and 
   a second transceiver configured to transmit the LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the broadband-formatted data to the first transceiver.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to wirelessly receive the first data from the first transceiver over at least one or a wide area network, a cellular telephone communication network, a broadband satellite communication network, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to receive the first data, from the first transceiver, via a wired communication link coupled to one or more other computing devices, a wireless communication link coupled to the one or more other computing devices, or a conibination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to receive the second data, from the computing device, via a wired communication link, a wireless communication link, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to transmit the broadband-formatted data to the first transceiver, and wherein the first transceiver comprises a transceiver tower, a wireless device, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the protocol converter and the second transceiver are positioned in a substantially-fixed position. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the protocol converter and the second transceiver are positioned on a mobile platform. 
     
     
         15 . A system comprising:
 a local area network (LAN); and   a protocol converter comprising:
 a protocol conversion module configured to:
 convert first data formatted according to a broadband communication protocol, from a first transceiver, to a LAN protocol to generate LAN-formatted data; 
 convert second data formatted according to the LAN protocol, from a computing device, to the broadband communication protocol to generate broadband-formatted data; and 
 
 a second transceiver configured to transmit the LAN-formatted data to the computing device and the broadband-formatted data to the first transceiver. 
   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to wirelessly receive the first data from the first transceiver over at least one or a wide area network, a cellular telephone communication network, a broadband satellite communication network, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to receive the first data, from the first transceiver, via a wired communication link coupled to one or more other computing devices, a wireless communication link coupled to the one or more other computing devices, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . Tne system of  claim 15 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to receive the second data, from the computing device, via a wired communication link, a wireless communication link, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the second transceiver is configured to transmit the broadband-formatted data to the first transceiver, and wherein the first transceiver comprises a transceiver tower, a wireless device, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the protocol converter and the second transceivers are positioned in a substantially-fixed position or on a mobile platform.