Multicode direct sequence spread spectrum

A transceiver for transmitting a first stream of data symbols and receiving a second stream of data symbols, the transceiver comprising:

• a converter for converting the first stream of data symbols into plural sets of N data symbols each;
• first computing means for operating on the plural sets of N data symbols to produce sets of N modulated data symbols corresponding to an invertible randomized spreading of each set of N data symbols over N code symbols;
• means to combine the modulated data symbols for transmission;
• means for receiving a sequence of modulated data symbols, the modulated data symbols having been generated by an invertible randomized spreading of a second stream of data symbols over N code symbols;
• second computing means for operating on the sequence of modulated data symbols to produce an estimate of the second stream of data symbols;
• and
• means to combine output from the second computing means.

A method of exchanging data streams between a plurality of transceivers, the method comprising the steps of:

• converting a first stream of data symbols into plural sets of N data symbols each;
• operating on the plural sets of N data symbols to produce modulated data symbols corresponding to a spreading of the first stream of data symbols over N code symbols;
• combining the modulated data symbols for transmission;
• and
• transmitting the modulated data symbols from a first transceiver at a time when no other of the plurality of transceivers is transmitting.