An automated RF environment for laboratory radio networks

The design of a packet radio integrated system module (PRISM) that provides an automated RF environment for laboratory radio networks is described. The PRISM provides the physical and electrical requirements to house and interconnect eight low-cost packet radios (LPRs) and eight network interface units (NIUs). The PRISM contains an RF switching subsystem that allows the configuration of the LPRs into various connectivities of strings, areas of full connectivity, and grids of radios in a continuum of connectivity and mobile connectivity, as well as console switching to access any single console port of the NIUs and LPRs in the system. The purpose and motivations for designing the PRISM, the unique concepts developed for the PRISM, applicability of the PRISM concepts to other networks, and significant decisions during development of the PRISM are discussed