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Jesse Eugene Russell
Born (1948-04-26) April 26, 1948 (age 77)
Education B.S.E.E., Tennessee State University; M.S.E.E., Stanford University
Occupation Inventor
Employer incNETWORKS, Inc.
Known for Electrical Engineering; Digital Cellular Technology
Title Chief Executive Officer
Spouse(s) Amanda O. Russell
Children
  • Tina R. Carr
  • Jesse E. Russell Jr.
  • William E. W. Russell
  • Catalina M. Russell
Parent(s)
  • Charles Albert Russell
  • Mary Louise Russell

Jesse Eugene Russell (born April 26, 1948) is an American inventor. He is an expert in electrical engineering. He studied at Tennessee State University and Stanford University. For over 20 years, he worked in wireless communication.

Jesse Russell holds many patents. He keeps inventing new things for the latest wireless networks, often called 4G. He was honored by the US National Academy of Engineering. This was for his important work in wireless communication. In the 1980s, he helped create digital cellular communication. He received a patent in 1992 for his work on digital cell phone towers. Today, Russell is the Chairman and CEO of incNETWORKS, Inc. This company focuses on 4G wireless communication.

Early Life and Education

Jesse Eugene Russell was born on April 26, 1948. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. He was part of a large African-American family with eight brothers and two sisters. His parents were Charles Albert Russell and Mary Louise Russell.

When he was young, Jesse lived in poorer parts of Nashville. He liked sports more than school at first. He finished Cameron High School in 1967. A big change for Jesse was attending a summer program at Fisk University. This program helped him start focusing on his studies.

He then went to Tennessee State University. There, he studied electrical engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1972. Jesse was a top student. He became the first African American hired directly by AT&T Bell Laboratories from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). In 1980, he was named the first African-American Eta Kappa Nu Outstanding Young Electrical Engineer of the Year. Jesse continued his education at Stanford University. He earned his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1973.

Wireless Innovations and Patents

Jesse Russell's inventions have changed how we use wireless communication. His ideas helped create modern wireless systems. These include how cell phone towers work, how devices connect, and even how we use Wi-Fi inside buildings.

He is famous for inventing the digital cellular base station. This is a key part of cell phone towers. He also helped develop the fiber optic microcell. These inventions allowed new digital services for mobile phone users.

Russell has more than 100 patents. A patent is like a legal document that protects an invention. Here are some of his important patents:

Patent Number What it Does
7,437,158 An advanced device for connecting to different wireless networks.
7,120,139 A system for broadband internet and phone calls over cable.
5,724,665 A design for a wireless communication base station (cell tower).
5,655,003 A wireless device that can automatically pick the best network.
5,608,780 A wireless system where base units share information.
5,257,397 A mobile phone that can send and receive data.
5,084,869 A base station for mobile radio systems.

Professional Achievements

Jesse Russell started his career at Bell Labs. He was one of the first engineers to use a microprocessor in telecommunication equipment. This equipment helped track calling patterns within the Bell System Network.

He held several important roles at Bell Labs and AT&T:

  • Director of the AT&T Cellular Telecommunication Laboratory (Bell Labs)
  • Vice President of Advanced Wireless Technology Laboratory (Bell Labs)
  • Chief Technical Officer for the Network Wireless Systems Business Unit (Bell Labs)
  • Chief Wireless Architect of AT&T
  • Vice President of Advanced Communications Technologies for AT&T Laboratories

When he was the Director of the AT&T Cellular Telecommunication Laboratory, his team invented cellular radio technology. This invention earned them the United States' Medal of Technology.

Russell also created and led an Innovation Center. This center focused on new communication technologies. His work helped AT&T offer new services and enter new markets. He played a key role in choosing and developing new communication technologies. His efforts led to new ways for AT&T to expand its broadband network. This included cable, DSL, and various wireless networks. These developments were important for AT&T to grow its local service business.

Awards and Recognition

Jesse Russell has received many honors for his work:

  • 1999: Elected as a Fellow of the International Engineering Consortium (IEC). This was for his work in broadband communication.
  • 1995: Inducted into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). This was for his leadership in digital cellular communication.
  • 1994: Elected to IEEE Fellow grade. This was for his leadership in developing digital wireless communication.
  • 1992: Named US Black Engineer of the Year. This was for his technical work in digital cellular technology.
  • 1985: Received America's New Leadership Class Award from Esquire Magazine.
  • 1983: Received the Outstanding Service Award from Eta Kappa Nu.
  • 1982: Received the Outstanding Scientist Award from the National Society of Black Engineers.
  • 1980: Named Eta Kappa Nu Outstanding Young Electrical Engineer of the Year.
  • 1980: Received the Scientist of the Year Award from National Technical Associations Inc.
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