SYNCHRONIZED MULTIPOINT-TO-POINT COMMUNICATION USING ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION

A multipoint-to-point, orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) communication system is provided. The system includes a plurality of remote units and a host unit that includes a demodulator. Each of the remote units transmits an upstream OFDM signal using a multiple access scheme to the host unit demodulator using at least one of a plurality of orthogonal tones within an OFDM waveform. The host unit receives the upstream OFDM signals from a plurality of the remote units. Portions of upstream OFDM signals from at least two of the remote units arrive at the host unit at the same time. The host unit demodulator demodulates the portions and the upstream signals from the plurality of remote units arrive at the host unit synchronized in time and frequency within the OFDM waveform.