HK1123658B

HK1123658B - Wireless network and communication equipment and access point within communication architecture

Info

Publication number: HK1123658B
Application number: HK08113019.2A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 詹姆士．D．贝内特
Original assignee: 美国博通公司
Priority date: 2007-01-05
Filing date: 2008-11-28
Publication date: 2014-03-21

Description

Wireless network, communication equipment and access point in communication architecture

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to a communication monitoring and reporting operation of a wireless communication device in such a communication system.

Background

Wireless communication systems are known that support wireless communication between wireless communication devices connected to the system. Such wireless communication systems range from national and/or international cellular telephone systems to point-to-point domestic wireless networks. Each type of wireless communication system is architected so that it operates in accordance with one or more standards. Such wireless communication standards include, but are not limited to, IEEE 802.11, bluetooth, advanced phone service (AMPS), digital AMPS, global system for mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), wireless application protocols, Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS), multi-channel multipoint distribution systems (MMDS), and/or variations thereof.

IEEE 802.11 is a suitable wireless communication system including a plurality of Client devices (CDs, such as desktop computers, personal digital assistants, etc. connected to a base station), which communicate with one or more Access Points (APs) through a wireless connection. A transmitting device (e.g., a client device or an access point) transmits at a fixed power level regardless of the distance between the transmitting device and a target device (e.g., a base station or access point). Generally, the closer transmission device is the target device, so that there are fewer errors in the reception of the transmission signal. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wireless transmission may include some errors and still provide a correct transmission. Thus, delivering by providing too many wrong power levels is energy consuming. However, too high power transmissions may interfere with other access points and/or client devices in the immediate area.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that many wireless communication systems share the same radio spectrum using a Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) protocol that allows multiple communication devices. Before a wireless communication device transmits, it "listens" to the wireless connection to determine whether the spectrum is being used by another base station, thereby avoiding potential data contention. At lower received power levels, this protocol can lead to terminal (term in the figure) problems when two devices (typically far apart) both attempt to communicate with a third device in the middle. While the intermediate device can "hear" both devices at the periphery, the two devices cannot hear the other of the two, potentially creating a data contention with simultaneous transmissions to the intermediate device.

An additional operational difficulty relates to client devices operating at the edge of the access point coverage area. In some operations, an access point and a client device may be adequately communicating, but in other operations, the same access point and client device may not be adequately communicating, which causes loss of service, multiple retransmissions, other degradation of quality of service for inaccessible client devices and other client devices.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention sets forth a wireless network, an access point, a client device, an integrated circuit, and a method of determining a transmission protocol parameter based on a received characteristic, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless network in a communication architecture comprising a packet switched backbone network, the wireless network comprising:

the access points are in communication connection with the packet switching backbone network and each comprises an access point processing circuit and an access point wireless transceiving circuit;

the first client device comprises a first client processing circuit and a first client wireless transceiving circuit;

the second client equipment comprises a second client processing circuit and a second client wireless transceiving circuit;

the access point processing circuitry managing communications between a first client wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network and communications between a second client wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network using the access point wireless transceiver circuitry and a set of associated communication parameters;

a first client processing circuit that, using the first client device wireless transceiver circuit:

monitoring wireless transmissions between a second client device and the access point;

defining characteristics of transmissions between a second client device and the access point;

transmitting characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point to the access point;

a first time to receive an indication from the access point to begin a wireless transmission relay operation and, in response, to begin relaying wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device;

a second time receives an indication from the access point to terminate wireless transmission relay operation and, in response, ceases to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device.

Preferably, when relaying wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point exceeds an upper duration limit, the wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device are relayed until a restart.

Preferably, the first client device uses the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry to:

receiving a request from the access point to report characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point;

in response to the request, characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point are transmitted to the access point.

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry uses the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry to:

after initiating a low transmission power mode of operation, receiving an indication from the receiving point to begin wireless transmission relay operation;

after initiating the high transmission power mode of operation, receiving an indication from the sink circuitry to terminate wireless transmission relay operation.

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry uses the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry to relay transmissions sent by the second client device to the access point by a wireless transmission relay operation.

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry uses the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry to relay transmissions sent by the access point to the second client device by a wireless transmission relay operation.

Preferably:

a first characteristic of a wireless transmission between a second client device and the access point indicates that the first client processing circuitry received the transmission without error using the first client device wireless transceiver circuitry;

the second characteristic of the wireless transmission between the second client device and the access point indicates that the first client processing circuitry did not receive the transmission without error using the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry.

after a wireless transmission relay operation is started, starting to relay wireless transmission between the access point and a second client device;

after ceasing the termination of the wireless transmission relay operation, ceasing to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device;

the initiating and terminating wireless relay operations are based on different characteristics of wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point at different times.

receiving an indication from the access point at a first time to begin a transmission relay operation;

a second time receives an indication from the access point to terminate transmission relay operation.

Preferably, when relaying wireless transmissions sent between the second client device and the access point exceeds the upper duration limit, the first client circuitry relays wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device using the first client device wireless transceiver circuitry until a reboot.

transmitting characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point to the access point.

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry:

initiating a relay based on a first characteristic of a wireless transmission between a second client device and the access point;

based on a second characteristic of wireless transmissions between a second client device and the access point, termination is initiated.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless network in a communication architecture, comprising a packet switched backbone network, characterized in that the wireless network comprises:

the access point processing circuitry to manage communications between a first client wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network and communications between a second client wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network using the access point wireless transceiver circuitry and a set of associated communication parameters;

intercepting wireless transmissions sent by a second client device to the access point;

receiving a request from the access point to repeat an intercepted wireless transmission sent from a second client device to the access point;

transmitting the intercepted wireless transmission sent from the second client device to the access point in response to the received request.

Preferably, when the transmission frequency of the intercepted wireless transmission exceeds the upper frequency limit, all the intercepted wireless transmissions sent by the second client device to the access point are transmitted.

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry receives a request from the access point using the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry to repeat intercepted wireless transmissions sent from the second client device to the access point after initiating the low transmission power mode of operation.

Preferably:

transmitting the intercepted wireless transmission to the access point when the intercepted wireless transmission is error-free;

when the intercepted wireless transmission is not error-free, the intercepted wireless transmission is not transmitted to the access point.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client device for use in a wireless network of a communication architecture, wherein the wireless network comprises a packet switched backbone network, an access point communicatively connected to the packet switched backbone network, a second client device, the client device comprising:

a client device wireless transceiver circuit;

a client device processing circuit;

the client processing circuitry uses the client device wireless transceiver circuitry to:

monitoring wireless transmissions between another client device and the access point;

Preferably, when relaying wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point exceeds the upper duration limit, relaying wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device will continue until a restart.

Preferably, the client processing circuitry uses the client device wireless transceiving circuitry to:

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry uses the first client device wireless transceiver circuitry to relay transmissions sent by the access point to the second client device through a wireless transmission relay operation.

Preferably:

a first characteristic of a wireless transmission between a second client device and the access point indicates that the first processing circuitry received the transmission without error using the first client device wireless transceiver circuitry;

the second characteristic of the wireless transmission between the second client device and the access point indicates that the first processing circuitry did not receive the transmission without error using the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry.

a client device wireless transceiver circuit;

a client device processing circuit;

after a wireless transmission relay operation starts, starting to relay wireless transmission between the access point and a second client device;

after the wireless transmission relaying operation is terminated, stopping relaying wireless transmission between the access point and a second client device;

the starting and terminating wireless relay operations are based on different characteristics of wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point at different times.

receiving an indication from the access point at a first time to begin a wireless transmission relay operation;

a second time receives an indication from the access point to terminate wireless transmission relay operation.

Preferably, the first client circuitry is configured to use the first client wireless transceiver circuitry to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device until a restart when relaying wireless transmissions sent between the second client device and the access point exceeds an upper duration limit.

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry uses the first client wireless transceiving circuitry to:

Preferably, the first client processing circuitry:

Preferably, the client processing circuitry:

starting a relay based on a first characteristic of a wireless transmission between the second client device and the access point received from the access point;

the termination is initiated based on a second characteristic of the wireless transmission between the second client device and the access point received from the access point.

a client device wireless transceiver circuit;

a client device processing circuit;

transmitting, in response to the received request, the intercepted wireless transmission sent from the second client device to the access point.

Preferably, all intercepted wireless transmissions sent from the second client device to the access point are started to be transmitted when the transmission frequency of said intercepted wireless transmissions exceeds an upper frequency limit.

Preferably, after initiating the low transmission power mode of operation, the first client processing circuitry receives a request from the access point using the first client device wireless transceiving circuitry, and repeats intercepted wireless transmissions sent by the second client device to the access point.

Preferably:

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an access point in a wireless network for serving first and second client devices, the access point comprising:

a network interface connected to a packet-switched backbone network;

an access point wireless transceiver circuit;

the access point processing circuitry coupled to the network interface and the access point transceiver circuitry and configured to:

managing between a first client device and the packet switched backbone network and a second client device

Preparing for communication with the packet switched backbone network;

transmitting a request to the access point to repeat an intercepted wireless transmission sent by a second client device to the access point but not correctly received by the access point;

intercepted wireless transmissions sent by a second client device to the access point but not correctly received by the access point are received from a first access point in response to a transmission request.

a network interface connected to a packet-switched backbone network;

an access point wireless transceiver circuit;

managing communications between a first client device and the packet-switched backbone network and between a second client device and the packet-switched backbone network;

initiating a wireless transmission relay operation by sending a request to a first client device to thereby initiate relaying of a wireless transmission sent from a second client device to the access point and received by the first access point;

when the wireless transmission relay operation is set, receiving a relay wireless transmission sent by the second client device and going to the access point from the first access point;

terminating the wireless transmission relay operation by sending a request to the first client device to thereby terminate relaying wireless transmissions sent from the second client device to the access point and received by the first access point.

a network interface connected to a packet-switched backbone network;

an access point wireless transceiver circuit;

transmitting a request to a first client device to report characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point;

receiving, from a first client device, characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point;

a first time to receive an indication from the access point to begin a transmission relay operation and, in response, to begin relaying wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device;

a second time receives an indication from the access point to terminate transmission relay operations and, in response, ceases to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device.

a network interface connected to a packet-switched backbone network;

an access point wireless transceiver circuit;

managing communications between a first client device and a packet-switched backbone network and a second client device and the packet-switched backbone network;

transmitting a request to the first client device to define characteristics of a wireless transmission sent by the second client device to the access point and received by the first access point;

characteristics of wireless transmissions sent by a second client device to the access point and received by the first access point are received from the first client device.

Drawings

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which:

fig. 1A is a system diagram of a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a system diagram of a wireless network in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 1C is a system diagram of a wireless network in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a timing diagram of transmissions by an access point and a client in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a timing diagram of transmissions by an access point and a client according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a wireless network system including different types of client devices using different connection modes between a serving access point and a packet-switched backbone network in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of general components of an access point for use in conjunction with a wireless network in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the general components of a client device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the general components of a client device including operational GPS circuitry and power source regulation circuitry in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of general components of an access point including an operational AP evaluation application for use in conjunction with a wireless network in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a wireless network system including a management application in at least one of a plurality of terminals, constructed and operative in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a method for a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart of a method for a terminal, an access point and an integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a method for a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart of a method for a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart of a method for a wireless terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of a method for a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A is a schematic system structure diagram of a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless network 10 comprises an access point 110 connected to a packet switched backbone network 101. The access point 110 manages communication flows (communication flows) through the wireless network 10, which are destined for and originate from each client device 121, 123, 125, 127. Through the access point 110, each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 may access the service provider network 105 and the internet 103, surf the web, download audio and/or video programs, send and receive messages (e.g., text messages, voice messages, multimedia messages), access audio-visual or other multimedia content of broadcast, stored, or streaming media, play games, place and receive calls, perform other activities, directly through the access point 110 or indirectly through the packet switched backbone network 101, for example.

Depending on the type of transmission, the characteristics of the particular client device to which the transmission is being transmitted, and the characteristics of the other client devices connected to access point 110, access point 110 may be capable of transmitting high power transmissions 99(high power transmission) and reduced power level transmissions 98(reduced power level transmission) at one or more reduced power levels. The access point 110 includes an administration tool (application)225 and each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 includes a client evaluation tool 404. The management tool 225 and the client evaluation tool of each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 are used to select a sufficient transmission power configuration to conserve battery power and limit unnecessary battery radiation.

In operation, access point 110 is capable of transmitting at selected power levels based on transmission type, reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, and special purpose devices used for transmission. For example, access point 110 may transmit periodic beacons at a high power level that include information relating to access point 110 and packet-switched backbone network 101 (e.g., a Service Set Identifier (SSID) identifying the network, a beacon interval identifying the length of time between periodic beacon transmissions, timestamps indicating transmission times, transmission rates that access point 110 can support, sets of parameters pertaining to particular signaling methods (e.g., number of channels), hopping patterns, frequency hopping dwell times, etc.), performance information relating to the connection requirements of client devices with access point 110 (passwords and other security information), a traffic indication map (traffic indication map) identifying base stations in power save mode, other control information, and data. These beacons are used to support the establishment of new connections with client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 that enter or otherwise become active in the vicinity of access point 110. In particular, these beacon signals are sent with an address field (e.g., a universal address) that conveys the beacon transmission to all client devices. A client device that wants to connect (or reconnect) to wireless network 10 detects the beacon transmission and replies with a connection response transmission (including the SSID) that initiates the connection (reconnection) process that begins between the new client device and access point 110.

The access point 110 may additionally transmit other network control and management information such as connection response, reconnection response, probe response, clear to send signal, acknowledgement, power save poll (poll), contention-free end (contention-free end) signal, and/or other information and data in packets or frames by reducing power levels to limit interference with other neighboring networks and to conserve power. However, one or more other transmissions of access point 110 are sent between beacon transmissions at high power levels, including: 1) support for connection or reconnection; 2) a communication channel busy flag; 3) channel other network information such as pending message information, timing information, channel parameter information, etc. is transmitted. These packets or frames may be transmitted to other client devices, which may be detected by a client device that is scanning for a connection to a new wireless network, such as wireless network 10, for the following limited purposes: determining the timing, protocol, rate of these transmissions; determining a received power level; other information belonging to the network, such as SSID devices, are identified to generate a connection request. In this way, for example: 1) the ability to support new connections at frequencies greater than the periodic beacon transmission frequency; 2) can detect and request pending messages without waiting for the next beacon; 3) hidden terminal problems caused by lower power transmission can be alleviated; 4) channel parameter adjustments can be made more quickly.

The reduced power level is decided based on reception characteristics relating to how well the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 are receiving the beacon transmission, which may be generated and transmitted back to the access point 110 by the evaluation tool 404 of these client devices. The response of the administration tool 225 depends on the reception characteristics received from the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127. For example, the device management application 225 may determine to select a customized power level for the access point to transmit to each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 that may be less than the maximum power output, but that may provide sufficient power to be received by the particular client device. The device management application 225 also selects a high or intermediate power level sufficient for efficient reception by all client devices 121, 123, 125, 127. Certain packets (e.g., all Acknowledgments (ACKs), other ACKs, all packets every nth ACK, etc., interim data packets, etc.) are transmitted by the access point 110 at a high or intermediate power level to be able to reach all client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, while other packets are transmitted at a customized power level specifically set for the particular client device 121, 123, 125, 127 (the device receiving those packets). Device optionally, the management application 225 may select a lower power level for the access point 110 to transmit, except for the client device 125, which will arrive at the client device 121, 123, 127. For transmission to the client device 125, a higher power level will be selected here. There are also periodic or temporary transmissions coming out of the access point that will be sent at higher power levels even though they are not destined for the client device 125, while other periodic or temporary transmissions will be sent at the highest power level to support the connection, and so on. Many other variations are possible, including selecting different power transmission levels for access point 110 that may reach one or more connected client devices, reach all connected client devices, and reach disconnected client devices.

Similarly, the management application 225 likewise determines the client device power level. This is done by obtaining information from each client device about its ability to probe and receive transmissions from the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127. In embodiments of the present invention, the retrieved information typically involves transmissions sent by the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 to the access point 110, since no direct transmission occurs between the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127. In other embodiments, the transmission may be direct in nature. Regardless, the access point 110 transmits power control instructions to each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 from the retrieved information. Such power control instructions may only command all transmissions to occur at a certain single power level. Optionally, the power control instructions indicate that a single client device uses multiple different power levels in communicating with the access point 110. For example, because transmissions from client device 121 can be easily detected by all other client devices 123, 125, 127 and access point 110, access point 110 typically instructs client device 121 to transmit at a low power level that all network participants can detect. Because transmissions from the client device 121 cannot be easily detected by the client device 127, the access point 110 commands the client device 121 to make normal transmissions at a low power level, periodic or temporary transmissions at the highest power level. For example, the highest power level transmission may be made every third data packet and/or every third acknowledgement packet. As previously mentioned, many other variations are possible, including selecting different power transmission levels for the access point 110, which may reach the access point 110 and reach one or more other connected client devices, reach all connected client devices, and reach disconnected client devices.

Reducing the transmission power of the access point for certain transmissions, the client device itself reduces the power consumption of these devices, potentially extending the life of the device and the battery life of the battery-powered device. In addition, the result is a more "friendly" transmission of the wireless network 10 to neighboring networks. Beaconing and other intermediate transmissions at high power facilitate the connection of new client devices to wireless network 10. Transmitting packets destined for a particular client device 121, 123, 125, 127 at a customized power level may improve the power efficiency of the network. Transmitting selected packets at high or intermediate power levels that will reach all client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 connected to the access point 110 helps to reduce hidden terminal problems by letting other client devices know that the device is transmitting ahead of time and supports connection of client devices that can detect high or intermediate power levels but cannot detect lower customized power level transmissions.

For example, under the control of the client evaluation application 404, the client device 121 evaluates transmissions from the access point 110 and the client devices 123, 125, 127. The client device 121 generates a reception characteristic based on the evaluation. The client device 121 also collects local status information, expected bandwidth usage characteristics, movement information and then generates status characteristics, usage characteristics, movement characteristics. The client device 121 communicates the receive characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, and mobility characteristics to the access point 110 for use by the management application 225. The other client devices 123, 125, 127 similarly collect and communicate their local state of state characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, and reception characteristics related to the other client devices and the access point 110, according to their client evaluation application 404.

The access point 110 also generates its own reception characteristics and usage characteristics in accordance with the management application 225. The management application 225 adjusts the transmission power of the access point and controls the transmission power of each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 based on: 1) receive characteristics received from each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 regarding the other client devices and the access point; 2) locally generated reception characteristics and usage characteristics devices for each client device 121, 123, 125, 127; 3) status characteristics received from each client device 121, 123, 125, 127; 4) the movement characteristics obtained from each client device 121, 123, 125, 127; 5) usage characteristics generated by the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127. The access point 110 accomplishes this by transmitting control instructions over the wireless network to each client device 121, 123, 125, 127. Each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 responds to the control instructions by adjusting the transmission power. This overall control takes advantage of certain current circumstances, including current operating state, relative location, attributes of any network node (e.g., access point 110 and client devices 121, 123, 125, 127).

As used herein, "reception characteristics" include any data generated based on received wireless transmissions that can be used or evaluated to assess the quality, accuracy, strength of such received wireless transmissions. For example, the reception characteristics may include any one or more of a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), bit/packet errors, current/historical error rate, multi-channel (multipath) interference indication, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), fading indication, and the like.

Status characteristics include any data relating to the underlying (undersying) device priority, current or pre-preparation (readasss), participation capabilities or performance in the wireless network. For example, the status characteristics include an amount of available power, such as whether Alternating Current (AC) power is available or battery power only, and expected battery life for different transmission power levels and different participating levels, among others. The state characteristics also include whether the device is currently in a "sleep state," inactive state, or low power idle state. Historical information of expected current state durations and expected state characteristic changes is also included. The status characteristics also include status information relating to each underlying communication software application operating on the client device. For example, there may be two communication applications on a single client device, one being inactive and the other actively communicating. State characteristics may identify such activity and inactivity.

The usage characteristics include any parameter indicative of priority, current or expected bandwidth requirements, usage or usage characteristics. Usage characteristics may include expected QoS (quality of service) requirements, upstream/downstream bandwidth usage, bandwidth usage characteristics, idle versus active status characteristics, underlying data/media types (e.g., voice, video, pictures, files, database data/commands, etc.), corresponding requests, etc.

The movement characteristics include an indication as to whether the underlying device is: 1) remain stationary, such as desktop client computers, game consoles, televisions, set-top boxes, servers; 2) mobile, such as a cell phone or VoIP phone (voice over internet protocol), PDA (personal digital assistant), palm top computer, laptop computer, pad computer; 3) current movement, such as one or more of current position and direction, velocity and acceleration information.

By way of example, access point 110 can transmit at ten discrete power levels, in 1dB increments, say from 10 to 1, with 10 corresponding to full power transmission, 9 corresponding to a 1dB reduction in transmission power, 8 corresponding to a 2dB reduction in power, etc. Based on the reception characteristics received from the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, the management application 225 of the access point 110 determines that the following power levels are sufficient for reception by the client devices:

client device	Power stage
		121	5
123	6
		125	8
127	6

The access point 110 transmits a beacon at one of the power levels 10. The access point 110 transmits each additional ACK at 8, 9, 10 power levels sufficient to be received by each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 and to support the connection of the other client devices. Other packets from access point 110 are transmitted at a power level designated to the receiving client device. Packets destined for client device 123 or 127 are transmitted through power stage 6, packets destined for client device 121 are transmitted through power stage 5, and packets destined for client device 125 are transmitted through power stage 8.

Although the above-described reception characteristics are described as being generated in response to an access point beacon, the reception characteristics may also be collected by a given one of the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 in a test mode and in a "listening" manner. In the test mode, in response to a transmission from the access point 110 at one or more transmission power levels, the access point 110 instructs each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 to respond with reception characteristics. Also in the test mode, the access point 110 instructs one of the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 to transmit at one or more selected power levels and instructs all other devices to generate and transmit reception characteristics. The access point 110 may similarly instruct each of the other client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 to send a test transmission and cause the other client devices to respond accordingly by generating a reception characteristic. The test may be performed periodically or when conditions indicate that the transmission power needs to be adjusted. Mobile devices are tested more often than stationary devices. Listening to gather reception characteristics includes the client device listening for ordinary (untested) transmissions to and from the access point. The access point 110 may request reception characteristics based on such listening, or may also transmit temporarily or periodically (e.g., detect a significant change) without a request by each client device. Similarly, if not requested, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics may be reported by the client device to the access point when significant changes occur.

Further, while the selected power level used by the access point 110 to transmit to each client device is determined based on the reception characteristics in the foregoing, the management application 225 may also use the status characteristics, the usage characteristics, the mobility characteristics, and perform periodic updates to determine a customized power level for transmission to each client device 121, 123, 125, 127, as well as a high or intermediate power level to all client devices. For example, client device 123 generates reception characteristics from transmissions between client device 121 and access point 110. The client device 123 communicates the generated reception characteristics to the access point 110. The client device 123 (stationary desktop computer) has access to AC power and runs a full-duplex video streaming application that is operating in an active communication state, which requires a large amount of bandwidth and Qos. The client device 123 communicates such corresponding status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics to the access point 110. Client device 125 is a battery-powered device with a long battery life and little communication traffic in each direction. Client device 125 generates receive characteristics for all communication exchanges. Client devices 121 and 127 are removable communication devices with a small amount of power, both devices having one or more active communication applications that require a small but continuous bandwidth. Also both devices generate reception characteristics for the communication flow in all directions. Such reception characteristics and the underlying state characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics are communicated to the access point 110. The management application 225 of the access point 110 considers all received communications, e.g., when transmitting to the client device 123, may operate with a higher power global transmission level using Qos and priority enabled protocols. When transmitting at high or intermediate power levels, all other client devices should receive the transmission and attempt to avoid simultaneous, mutually interfering transmissions. Further, the management application 225 may increase the power level for transmissions to the client device 125, taking into account the mobility of the device and potential changes that may be experienced in the reception characteristics.

For client device 121, 123, 125, 127 transmissions to the access point 110, the management application 225 may determine the transmission power level based on reception characteristics, including reception by the client device 121, 123, 125, 127 of transmissions from other client devices, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics transmitted to each client device through the access point 110. By way of further example, client devices 121 and 127 each substantially receive transmissions from access point 110.

Analysis of the reception and status characteristics by the access point 110 also reveals that the client device 123 is easily detected by every other device and is operating at low battery power. Accordingly, the access point 110 may choose to reduce the transmission power level for client devices 123 that have extended battery life. Analysis of the reception characteristics and the movement characteristics by the access point 110 suggests that the client device 125 is highly mobile. The access point 110 selects the transmission power level of the client device 125 in consideration of possible movement of the transmission range of the wireless network 10, not just the reception characteristics.

Analysis of the reception characteristics by access point 110 reveals hidden terminal conditions, including potential hidden terminal conditions. For example, the access point 110 may determine that a hidden terminal condition is present when the reception characteristics received from the client device 127 indicate that the client device 127 cannot detect a transmission from the client device 121. The access point 110 may also determine that a potential hidden terminal condition is present when the reception characteristics received from the client device 127 indicate that the client device 127 has just been able to detect a transmission from the client device 121, for example. In these cases, access point 110 may generate and transmit to access point 110 reception characteristics from client device 127 to determine that a potential hidden terminal condition is occurring between client devices 121 and 127 indicating that the RSSI and/or SNR of the client device's transmission is below a threshold corresponding to a trustworthy communication. In addition, other reception characteristics may also be used to determine the presence of a potentially hidden terminal condition, such as a bit/packet error rate above a threshold and/or an acceptable (or unacceptable) indication of an edge of multipath interference or fading.

In addition, the access point 110 may detect potential hidden terminal conditions, where it becomes increasingly more difficult for the client device 121 to detect transmissions from the client device 127. In particular, the client device 127 determines two or more reception characteristics, either routinely, periodically or regularly, or in response to detecting edge reception characteristics from other devices, such as the client device 127, and transmits the reception characteristics to the access point 110 in other or separate transmissions. Accordingly, the access point 110 may determine potential hidden terminal conditions based on bit/packet error rate, multipath interference, degradation in timeout attenuation, or based on RSSI, significant degradation in SNR, etc.

In addition, other received characteristics (e.g., usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, status characteristics) may likewise be used by the access point 110 to determine a potential hidden terminal situation. For example, if the client device 121 transmission is received by the client device 127 at an edge receive level, and the client device 121 is further experiencing a battery power drop or near exhaustion of its expected battery life, a hidden terminal condition may occur between the client devices 121 and 127. Additionally, if the client device 125 transmission is received by the client device 123 at the edge receive stage and the access point 110 determines that the client device 125 is moving away from the client device 123 based on movement characteristics (e.g., GPS data, velocity, etc.), a hidden terminal condition may occur between the client devices 123 and 125.

To avoid such an already existing or potentially hidden terminal situation, the access point 110 may choose to: a) increasing its transmission power; b) increasing the transmission power of one or all connected client devices; c) adjusting bottom layer protocol parameters; d) selecting an alternate protocol; e) other protocols are used; f) instructing one or more devices to enter an inactive or sleep mode; g) handover (HO in the figure) or handover of one or more devices to the service of another access point. For example, if a client device (e.g., client device 127) makes it difficult to detect a transmission from client device 121 because of low or decreasing signal strength, unacceptable or increasing attenuation or interference, access point 110 may increase client device 121 transmission power or modify its protocol parameters (including selecting another protocol with better protocol parameters or adding one protocol for use at least between access point 110 and client device 121) so that the transmission of client device 121 includes more error correction codes and/or requests less data payload or packet length, and the acknowledgement of the transmission by device access point 110 over a power level (sufficient for receipt by client device 127) is acknowledged more frequently. Additionally, the number of back-off times of transmissions by the client device 127 may be increased, or other channel access conditions may be modified, to reduce the likelihood of collisions with the client device 121.

Additionally, if a potential hidden terminal condition is created between one or more other client devices (e.g., client device 123) due to movement of the mobile client device (e.g., client device 125), the transmission power levels of the client device 125 and the access point 110 may be increased, more efficient error correction codes may be employed, the number of backoff times for the client device 123 may be increased, and the size of packets transmitted by the client device 125 may be decreased, thereby reducing the chance of contention. Optionally, the client device 125 may switch to a neighboring access point (not shown) that is receiving the client device 125 with sufficient signal strength to support the connection based on the reception characteristics received by the access point 110.

Furthermore, if a particular client device, such as client device 121, is experiencing a reduction in transmission power due to a drop in battery power or otherwise reaching an upper limit on battery life, access point 110 may command client device 121 to enter a sleep mode, thereby avoiding a potentially hidden terminal situation. After a period of reduced transmission power, the access point 110 can potentially wake up the client device 121, which sufficiently arrives at the access point 110 and is calculated to extend battery life, while setting a long backoff period for the client devices 123, 125, 127 to reduce contention opportunities. In another mode of operation, the access point 110 may alternately turn off (inactive) two client devices, such as client devices 121 and 127 that are susceptible to a hidden terminal condition, e.g., when the client device 121 is awake, the client device 127 is off, when the client device 127 is off, the client device 127 is awake, and so on.

As explained above, the management application 225 may adjust the protocols and inherent power levels used for communication between the access point 110 and the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 to eliminate hidden terminal conditions. In one mode of operation, the management application 225 may selectively adjust one or more protocol parameters, such as packet length, data rate, forward error correction, error detection, coding scheme, data payload length, contention duration, backoff parameter devices, used by the access point 110 in communicating with one or more of the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 based on an analysis of the reception characteristics, state characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics. In this manner, protocol parameters may be adjusted based on network conditions to conserve power, eliminate potential hidden terminal conditions, and minimize unnecessary transmission power usage. For example, the conditions include not only the movement characteristics, usage characteristics, status characteristics, and reception characteristics of a specific device, but also the movement characteristics, usage characteristics, status characteristics, and reception characteristics of a plurality of devices, and how well each client device receives other devices.

In another mode of operation, the access point 110 and the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 may use a plurality of different, potentially complementary, protocols having different protocol parameters. Also, the access point 110 may adjust protocol parameters by selecting a particular one of the plurality of protocols that is appropriate for the particular conditions occurring in the wireless network 10, such as a protocol determined based on the evaluation of the usage characteristics, status characteristics, mobility characteristics, and/or reception characteristics. For example, the access point may be selected from the 802.11(n), 802.11(g), 802.11(b) protocols with different parameters (e.g., protocol parameters, number rates) based on the particular protocol best suited to provide the characteristics of the client device 121, 123, 125, 127. For example, a hidden terminal situation along with other reception parameters may cause the access point to simultaneously: 1) serving a first one or more client devices using a first protocol with a first set of parameters; 2) serving a second one or more client devices using a second protocol with a second set of parameters; 3) serving a third or more client devices using the first protocol with a second set of parameters; 4) a fourth or more client devices are handed off to adjacent or overlapping access points.

It should be noted that the example described in connection with fig. 1A is merely illustrative of the many functions and features that may be present in various embodiments of the invention, which are also more fully set forth in connection with the following description and claims.

Fig. 1B is a system diagram of a wireless network in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The wireless network of fig. 1B is similar in structure to the wireless network 10 of fig. 1A, but supports additional functionality. The access point 110 includes a management application 225 to support the operations shown with reference to fig. 1A and the additional functionality shown with reference to fig. 1B. Further, each client device 121, 123, 125, 127 comprises a client application 404. By way of combination, the processing circuitry, wireless transceiver circuitry, device client applications 404 and 225 of the access point 110 and client devices 121, 123, 125, 127 support the operations shown with reference to fig. 1B. The operation of FIG. 1B is further described with reference to FIGS. 13-15.

According to a first operation of the wireless network 10 of fig. 1B, a first client device, such as client device 125, listens for transmissions between a second client device 121 and the access point 110. In normal operation, the client device 121 and the access point 110 communicate with each other on a regular or semi-regular basis. However, as shown in fig. 1B, in some operations, access point 110 operates with reduced power transmission 98 while at other times access point 110 operates with high power transmission 99. Each of reduced power transmission 98 and high power transmission 99 may occur at different times based on the particular operating conditions of access point 110. Access point 110 may operate with reduced power transmission 98 to conserve battery life (if battery powered). Optionally, the access point 110 operates by reducing power transmission 98 to reduce interference with neighboring access point coverage areas. When access point 110 operates with reduced power transmission 98, client device 121 may not be able to successfully receive the transmission from access point 110.

At some points in time, the client device 121 operates in a full transmission power mode, while at other times, the client device 121 operates in a reduced transmission power mode. For example, when the client device battery power is low, the client device 121 may operate in a reduced transmission power mode. Further, the client device 121 may reduce interference caused in neighboring access point coverage areas by reducing power transmission. When the client device 121 operates in the reduced transmission power mode, the access point 110 may not successfully receive transmissions from the client device 121.

Thus, referring to the operation illustrated in fig. 1B, in accordance with the present invention, the client device 125 listens for transmissions between the second client device 121, the access point 110, the client device 125 using its applications 404, and characterizes the wireless transmissions between the second client device 121 and the access point 110. The client device 125, based on a request from the access point 110 or its own initiative, may communicate to the access point 110 characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between the second client device 121 and the access point 110. The characteristics may include, for example, the reception characteristics described previously with reference to fig. 1A and possibly described later. Based on at least the characteristics received from the first client device 125 (possibly from other client devices 121, 123, 127), the access point 110 may directly instruct the first client device 125 to begin wireless transmission relay (relay) operations. The client device 125 begins to relay wireless transmissions between the access point 110 and the second client device 121. Relaying of communications between the client device 121 and the access point 110 includes simply relaying transmissions from the access point 110 to the client device 121. Optionally, in addition to this type of relaying, relaying includes relaying transmissions by the client device 121 to the access point 110. Thus, the relay operation of the first client device 125 may be unidirectional (either direction) or bidirectional. The relay of transmissions between the second client device 121 and the access point 110 may continue until the access point 110 instructs the client device 125 to terminate the relay operation.

In accordance with another aspect of these relay operations, the access point 110 can selectively request the client device 125 to relay communications between the access point 110 and the client device 121. If the frequency of such request to relay communications exceeds a frequency threshold or a persistence threshold, the first client device 125 may enter a permanent relay mode of operation. In this permanent operation relay mode, the first client device 121 relays communication between the second client device 121 and the access point until a reset occurs. The reset may occur at system restart or, alternatively, based on an indication received from access point 110. Such relaying may be unidirectional or bidirectional.

The transmission characteristics of the first client device 125 (transmitted between the second client device 121 and the access point 110) are performed by a request from the access point 110 and received by the client device 125. In response to this request, the client device 125 executes the characteristics and reports the characteristics to the access point. In an optional operation, the client device 125 may report transmission characteristics to the access point 110 periodically, or based on attributes of certain characteristics.

As shown in fig. 1B, access point 110 may operate with reduced power transmission 98 or high power transmission 99. When the access point 110 enters the reduced power transmission 98 mode of operation, the relay operation indicated by the access point 110 may begin to be performed by the first client device 125. Then, when the access point 110 enters the high power transmission 99 mode of operation, the access point 110 may instruct the first client device 125 to terminate its relay operation.

The transmission characteristics that cause the ingress and egress relay mode of operation may be based on a number of criteria. The first criterion is a receiving device transmission level intercepted by the first client device 125. Another characteristic is whether the first client device 125 received the transmission without error. For example, if the client device 125 is free to receive intercepted transmissions (from either the second client device 121 or the access point 110, or both), then the first client device 125 is adapted to relay communications between the access point 110 and the second client device 121. However, if the first client device 125 cannot receive an error-free transmission from the second client device 121 and/or the access point 110, then the first client device 125 is not sufficient to serve as a relay client device. In this case, the access point 110 may select a different client device for relay operation if such a client device is available.

Upon deciding whether to initiate or terminate wireless transmission relay operations, the access point 110 and/or the first client device 125 summarize the characteristics of the wireless transmissions between the second client device 121 and the access point 110. In this case, the wireless transmission relay operation will start when certain characteristic criteria are met. For example, the first transmission characteristic criterion (when satisfied) will result in the start of a wireless transmission relay operation. Further, the wireless relay operation may terminate when the second transmission characteristic criterion is satisfied. Both of these criteria may relate to the mobility of the client device 121. For example, as client device 125 moves from a location within the coverage area of reduced power transmission 98 to high power transmission coverage area 99, its reception transmission characteristics from access point 110 change. In this case, the access point may instruct the first client device 125 to relay the transmission therebetween. The access point 110 may then instruct the first client device 125 to terminate its wireless relay operation when the location of the second client device 125 moves to a location that reduces the coverage area of the power transmission 98. These decisions for the access point 110 are based on the location reported by the client device 121 using its GPS circuitry 416 (to be described with reference to fig. 7). In this case, the access point 110 will establish a geographic boundary for the start and termination of wireless transmission reception operations. The location information of the second client device 121 may further be applied to a directional antenna scheme, which will be further described with reference to fig. 1C. The boundaries of the coverage area of the access point 110 using directional antennas may be determined and then, based on these geographic areas and the reported locations of the client devices 121, the access point 110 may selectively instruct the first client device 125 to perform a relay operation.

In accordance with still another aspect of the wireless network 10 of fig. 1B, the first client device 125 may selectively repeat intercepted wireless transmissions sent between the client device 121 and the access point 111. In a first example of this operation, the client device 121 may be at the boundary of the access point 110 service coverage area. Further, the client device 121 may be a battery powered device that is in a reduced transmission power mode of operation due to a low battery condition. In this case, the transmission from the client device 121 may not have sufficient strength to reach the access point to be received without error. In this case, the first client device 125 intercepts, during its operation, wireless transmissions from the second client device 121 directed to the access point 110. With the access point 110 failing to receive transmissions from the second client device 121 and learning that the first client device 125 can perform a relay operation, the access point 110 sends a request to the first client device 125 to repeat its intercepted wireless transmissions. Then, in response to receiving the request from the access point 110, the first client device 125 sends an intercepted wireless transmission to the access point 110, the wireless transmission being sent by the second first client device 121 and received by the access point 110.

When such repetition/relaying request frequency from the access point 110 exceeds a frequency threshold, the first client device 125 may automatically perform repetition/relaying of the intercepted transmission (transmitted from the client device 121 and received by the access point 110). This operation may be considered permanent relaying by the first client device 125 and transmission from the second client device 121 to the access point 110. Such permanent relay operation may continue until the access point 110 instructs the first client device 125 to terminate such permanent relay operation. Optionally, the first client device 125 may also terminate its permanent relay operation upon detecting an increase in transmission power of wireless transmissions by the second client device 121 to the access point 110.

In a further variation of these operations, the first client device 125 may determine whether the intercepted transmission of the second client device 121 was received without error. If the intercepted transmission (from the second client device 121 to the access point 110) can be received without error, the first client device 125 relays the wireless transmission to the access point 110. If the first client device 125 cannot receive the second client device 121 without error, the first client device 125 may transmit a message to the access point indicating that such transmission cannot be received without error. In this case, the access point 110 may cease commanding the first client device 125 to selectively relay the intercepted wireless transmission.

According to another aspect of the wireless network 10 of fig. 1B, the access point 110 receives reception characteristics, status characteristics, mobility characteristics from a plurality of client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129 using its management application 225. Based on at least one of these reception characteristics, status characteristics, and mobility characteristics, the access point may select a relay agent for relaying transmissions between the access point 110 and other client devices. In a first example of these operations, the access point 110 requests that each of the plurality of client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129 determine its reception characteristics. These reception characteristics, as previously described, relate to the evaluation by the client device of the transmission intercepted by the wireless device (transmission between another of the plurality of client devices and the access point). For example, the client device 123 that is determining the reception characteristics will listen for communications transmitted by each of the other client devices 121, 125, 127, 129 and the access point. Further, the client device 123 may listen for wireless transmissions between other client devices 121, 125, 127, 129. The client device 123 then sends these reception characteristics to the access point for further use.

Based on the received reception characteristics, the access point 110 selects the first client device 123 to act as a relay agent to relay transmissions between the access point 110 and the second client device 129. Note that the second client device 129 is outside or at the edge of the service coverage area of the high power transmission 99. Because of this remote location of client device 129, both the transmission from the access point (second client device 121 ready to receive) and the transmission from second client device 129, access point 110 may not have sufficient power to receive without error. Thus, in this case, the first client device 123 would indicate as a relay agent to relay wireless transmissions between the access point 110 and the second client device 129. As a relay agent, the first client device 123 may only relay transmissions sent by the second client device 129 to the access point 110. Such operation may occur when client device 129 is battery powered and is operating at reduced transmission power to reduce battery life. However, in another operation, in relaying wireless transmissions between the access point 110 and the second client device 129, the first client device 123 relays transmissions sent by the second client device 129 to the access point as well as transmissions sent by the access point 110 to the second client device 129.

In accordance with another aspect of this operation of the wireless network 10, the plurality of client devices 121 and 129 can collect status characteristics and report the status characteristics to the access point 110. For relaying wireless transmissions between the access point 110 and the second client device 129, the access point 110 may use these status characteristics to select the first client device 123 as a relay agent. Additionally, the status characteristics of the second client device 129 may be used to select the first client device 123 as a relay agent for communications between the second client device 129 and the access point 110. Examples of such status characteristics are remaining battery life or current transmission power of the second client device 129. The status characteristics of the second client device 129 that may be used to select the first client device 123 as a relay agent may take into account whether the first client device 123 is wall-plugged. A device acting as a relay agent must be able to increase the workload of its wireless transmission and reception compared to its own transmission. Thus, since the first client device 123 is battery powered, the first client device 123 of course has sufficient power to relay communications for different other devices.

The plurality of client devices 121 and 129 may further determine their mobility characteristics and report these mobility characteristics to the access point 110. The access point may then select the first client device 123 as a relay agent based on the mobility characteristics in order to relay wireless transmissions between the access point 110 and the second client device. An example of a mobility characteristic is whether the client device 123 is stationary. Since the client devices 123 are stationary, the access point makes its relay agent decision by knowing that the first client device 123 will be stationary and that it can relay communications for nearby client devices. Another consideration for relay agent selection may be based on the mobility characteristics of the second client device 129. For example, if the second client device 129 is moving and in the current location, the relay agent selection may be different. For example, if the second client device 129 is adjacent to the first client device 123, then the first client device 123 may be reasonably selected as a relay agent. However, if the client device 129 is moving away from the first client device 123 toward the client device 127, then the client device 127 is reasonably acting as a relay agent for wireless transmissions between the second client device 129 and the access point 110.

Other characteristics for determining or selecting a relay agent are the usage characteristics of the plurality of client devices 121 and 129. Usage characteristics include, for example, wireless transmission communication load of the plurality of wireless devices, processing load of the plurality of wireless devices, other characteristics affecting the ability of the client device to act as a relay agent. These usage characteristics are collected and reported to the access point 110 by a plurality of wireless devices. The access point may select a client device, such as the first client device 123, to act as a relay agent based on the usage characteristics of the first client device 123. An example of such a determination is whether the first client device 123 has sufficient communication capabilities and processing capabilities to operate as a relay agent between the second client device 129 and the access point 110. If the client device 123 does not have sufficient processing power or wireless communication capability, the access point will not select it as a relay agent. Alternatively, if the first client device 123 has sufficient processing power and sufficient wireless communication capabilities, the access point 110 may select the client device 123 as a proxy for communication between the second client device 129 and the access point 110. Further examples of the operation of the wireless network of fig. 1B will be described with reference to fig. 2-15.

Fig. 1C is a schematic diagram of a wireless network system according to another embodiment of the present invention. As with the embodiment of fig. 1C, the access point 110 has a positioning antenna array that is controllable to change the shape of the coverage area of the access point 110, e.g., the coverage area of the access point 110 may change based on the configuration/control of the antenna array. As shown in fig. 1C, the coverage area may vary between full coverage 95 and beam (beam) forming coverage 93. The access point 110 is configured to operate with full coverage 95 at certain times/configurations and to operate with beamformed coverage 93 at other times depending on operating and system conditions, such as client device requests, interference factors, other operational considerations. Access point 110 may adequately serve all client devices, such as client device 121 and 129, with full coverage. However, under beamforming coverage 93, access point 110 is not sufficient to serve all client devices, such as client device 129. Thus, to overcome any lack of coverage area caused by the antenna type change, the access point 110 may instruct the client device 123 to enter a relay operation to service the client device 129, wherein forming the coverage 93 with the location does not adequately service the client device 129. Of course, if access point 110 changes to a full coverage 95 antenna type, access point 110 may terminate/not request such transmission operations.

Fig. 2 is a timing diagram of transmissions by an access point and a client device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 particularly indicates the exchanges between access point 110 and client device 121, and between the access point and client device 123. Although exchanges between access point 110 and two client devices are indicated, embodiments of the present invention are applicable to the use of a large number of client devices. In this figure, the transmission of data, network management, control information (e.g., packets, acknowledgements, beacons) is generally represented by modules whose relationship to other event timing can describe the mode of operation, and the duration of the modules, not to scale. The relative amplitudes of the modules represent the power level of a particular transmission, e.g., a longer module represents a higher power transmission and a shorter module represents a lower power transmission.

In the example of fig. 2, the access point 110 transmits at a high power level, such as the highest power level, for the periodic beacon 40. Transmissions to client device 121, such as acknowledgements 52 and 56, occur at a first reduced power level that is sufficient for reception by client device 129. The transmission to the client device 123, such as transmission 60, is at a second reduced power level sufficient for reception by the client device 123. The selected acknowledgment (e.g., acknowledgment 54) and the selected transmission (e.g., transmission 64) are at a higher power level, such as for beacon 40, or at a power level that may be received by all client devices in the network. The client device 121 transmission 50 is at a power level selected by the access point 110 for this device based on the client device 121 characteristics. The acknowledgement 62 of the client device 123 is at a power level selected by the access point 110 for the client device 123 based on the characteristics of this client device.

Using these multiple transmission power operations, the access point 110 transmits selected transmissions, such as beacons 40, acknowledgements 54, transmissions 64, at a first power level for reaching the client devices 121, 123 and potentially other devices that are to connect to the wireless network 10. Other wireless transmissions, such as periodic acknowledgements 52 and 56 by the access point 110, are sent at a second power level, wherein the second power level is sufficient to support packet delivery to the client device 121, is available for detection by the client device 123, and the first power level is greater than the second power level. Additionally, wireless transmissions, such as transmission 60, are transmitted at a third power level, wherein the third power level is selected to support packet reception by the client device 123 and the second power level is greater than the second power level.

The selection of a particular intermediate transmission, which may be performed in several different ways, is made by the access point 110 between periodic beacons 40 and transmitted through a high power level to support the client device's connection. For example, the transmission of a particular type of transmission, such as a data packet or frame, an acknowledgement packet or frame, or other type of control or management packet or frame, may be altered by reducing the power level of N transmissions and by higher power level M transmissions, where N and M are integers greater than 0. For example, 1 out of 2, 1 out of 3, one out of 4, one out of 6, 1 data frame or packet out of 16 may be transmitted through a high power level, while other packets are transmitted through a reduced power level. Or for example, 1 out of 2, 1 out of 3, one out of 4, one out of 6, 1 acknowledgement frame or packet out of 16 may be sent with a high power level, while others are sent with a reduced power level. Alternatively, access point 110 may track the sequence between beacons 40 to identify one or more periodic high power transmission windows, such as the midpoint between the beacons or the interval of the beacons. The transmission of data, control, management packets or frames occurring in these high power transmission windows is automatically transmitted through the high power stages.

Fig. 3 is a transmission timing diagram of an access point and a client device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 particularly indicates the exchanges between access point 110 and client device 121, and the exchanges between access point 110 and client device 123. Although exchanges between the access point 110 and two client devices are indicated, the present invention is equally applicable to the use of a large number of client devices. In this figure, transmissions (e.g., packets, acknowledgements, beacons) are represented by modules whose relationship to other event timing can describe the mode of operation, but the durations of these modules are not to scale. The relative amplitudes of these modules represent the power level of a particular transmission, with longer modules representing higher power transmission and shorter modules representing lower power transmission.

Before the timing shown in fig. 3 begins, the client device 121 has generated a first characteristic by evaluating transmissions (e.g., beacons, test transmissions, regularly made transmissions) from the access point 110 and other client devices, as well as by evaluating its own usage, status, movement. The client device 123 has likewise generated the second characteristic by evaluating transmissions from the access point 110 and other client devices, and by evaluating its own usage, status, movement. The client device 121 transmits the transmission 130 to the access point 110 including the first characteristic at a preset power level. The access point responds with a first power level, such as a high or full power level, generating an acknowledgement 132. The client device 123 transmits the transmission 134 to the access point 110 that includes the second characteristic at a preset power level. The access point responds with a high power level and generates an acknowledgement 136.

The management application 225 of the access point 110 receives the first characteristic from the client device 121 and the second characteristic from the client device 123, evaluates the first characteristic and the second characteristic, and selects a second power level of the plurality of power levels for transmissions to the client device 121 through the access point 110 and a third power level of the plurality of power levels for transmissions to the client device 123 through the access point 110 based on the evaluation. Although not indicated, access point 110 may select one of the alternative protocols based on this evaluation and switch from the protocol currently in use to the other alternative protocol.

Management application 225 determines the selected power level for the transmission of client device 121 and determines the selected power level for the transmission of client device 123, as well as other possible protocol parameters, which are sent to client devices 121 and 123 in transmissions 140 and 144, respectively, with transmissions 140 and 144 being acknowledged by acknowledgements 142 and 146, respectively.

After establishing transmission power and protocol parameters for access point 110 and client devices 121, 123, the operational mode begins. In this example, the access point 110 transmits at the highest power level for the periodic beacon 140. Transmissions to client device 121, such as acknowledgement 154, pass through a first reduced power level that is sufficient for reception by client device 121. The transmission, such as transmission 160, to client device 123 changes between the second reduced power level and the first reduced power level, where the second reduced power level is sufficient to be received by client device 123. In addition, periodic acknowledgements, such as acknowledgements 152 and 156, are at a higher power level that is available to client devices in all networks and provides better connection support for other client devices than acknowledgement 154. The transmission 150 through the client device 121 is at a power level selected by the access point 110 for this device based on the client device 121 characteristics. The acknowledgement 162 of the client device 123 is transmitted by the power level selected by the access point 110 for the client device 123 based on the characteristics of this device.

In this manner, the access point 110 transmits selected wireless transmissions (e.g., beacons 140) to the client devices 121, 123 and potentially other devices that are to connect to the wireless network 10 via the first power level. Other wireless transmissions, such as periodic acknowledgements 152 and 156 by access point 110, are sent at a second power level selected to support packet delivery to client device 121 and to facilitate the ability of client device 123 to detect these transmissions and potentially other devices that are intended to connect to wireless network 10, where the first power level is greater than the second power. Additionally, wireless transmissions, such as transmission 160, are transmitted at a third power level, where the second power level is greater than the third power level, and the third power level is to support packet reception by the client device 123.

Alternatively, if the situation permits, the access point 110 may clip all transmissions for the client device 121 except for the highest power beacon, even if the client device 123 cannot hear such transmissions. To combat the hidden terminal situation, the access point 110 commands the client device 121 to transmit at a power level sufficient for detection by the client device 123. By using a protocol that requires the client device 121 to at least periodically acknowledge (e.g., send an acknowledgement), the client device 123 will listen for a periodic acknowledgement transmission (or payload transmission from the client device 121) even though the client device 121 cannot listen to the access point 110, thereby determining that the access point 110 is in an operational state. At the same time, the access point 110 may determine that the client device 121 is able to hear the access point 110 transmissions at a power level that is only sufficient to support the client device 123. Based on this determination, access point 110 may instruct client device 123 to transmit at a power level that is only sufficient to reach access point 110, but not client device 121.

Of course, other different scenarios allow other different transmission power and protocol configurations. For example, if access point 110 determines that transmissions to and from client device 121 may be selected so that they provide sufficient performance without client device 121 listening, then access point 110 may employ such power levels. Because the client device 123 has indicated an idle state, the access point 110 may accept any unexpected interference from the client device 123 when it comes out of the idle state to transmit during the communication exchange of the client device 121 and the client device 123. Access point 110 may then change power levels to accommodate the active client devices 121 and 123. Alternatively, instead of tolerating only such unexpected interference, access point 110 may operate using a different protocol or a completely different protocol to accommodate this situation. An example of this is where the access point 110 instructs the client device 123 to attempt transmission in the idle state only for a fixed period following the beacon, thereby avoiding a communication exchange with the client device 121 during this period. This change may be supported in the current protocol or may require a change from the current protocol to another. Similarly, instead of protocol translation, the access point 110 may choose to operate two different protocols simultaneously by instructing at least one of the two client devices 121 and 123 to switch. Furthermore, if access point 110 detects that client device 123 is plugged in with an AC (alternating current), it may instruct client device 123 to always transmit at a higher or highest power, while instructing client device 121 (which operates on limited battery power) to transmit at the power level necessary to reach access point 110. Many other access point 110 scenarios and modifications may also be supplemented in order to reduce the globally unnecessary transmission power of one or more of the client devices 121 and 123 and the access point 110 itself.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a wireless network having different types of client devices using different connection modes between a serving access point and a packet-switched backbone network in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The packet switched backbone network 101 includes a wired data network 230 such as cable, fiber, other wired, or hybrid network providing access such as narrowband, broadband, enhanced broadband access to access content local to the wired data network 230 or through the internet backbone 217. Examples of the cable data network 230 include a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable television network, a private network that provides traditional legacy telephone services, narrowband data services, broadband data services, voice over Internet Protocol (IP), broadcast cable television services, video on demand services, IP television services, and other services.

The packet switched backbone network 101 further includes a terrestrial wireless data network 232 including a cellular telephone network, Personal Communication Services (PCS), integrated packet radio services (GRPS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN). These networks are capable of accessing wired data network 230 through internet backbone 217 and of providing many of the services discussed in relation to wired data network 230 in accordance with international wireless communication standards (e.g., 2G, 2.5G, 3G).

The packet switched backbone network 101 also includes a satellite data network 234 that provides access to services such as satellite video services, satellite radio services, satellite telephony services, satellite data services. In addition, the packet-switched backbone network 101 includes other wireless data networks 236, such as WiMAX networks, ultra-wideband networks, edge (edge) networks, global system for mobile communications, etc., which provide alternative media for accessing any of the services described above.

The access point 211 and 213 provide access to the packet switched backbone network 101 through a wired connection to the wired data network 230. In addition, the access point 213 is able to provide access to the packet switched backbone network 101 through the wireless data network 236. Set Top Box (STB)214 includes the functionality of access points 211, 212, and/or 213, and optionally access to terrestrial wireless data network 232, satellite data network 234, and wireless data network 236. In particular, STB214 optionally includes additional functionality and features for selection and video content processing, such as satellite, cable, or IP video content. While the terms "access point" and "set-top box" have been used in the context of this discussion, respectively, the term "access point" shall include the functionality and structure of the associated set-top box, and includes, but is not limited to, STB 214.

The illustrated plurality of client devices includes Personal Computers (PCs) 203 and 206, wireless telephones 204 and 207, Television (TV)205, wireless headphones 208. These client devices are merely a wide range of examples of client devices that may send data to and receive data from access point 211 and STB 214. When these client devices as shown have integrated transceiver circuits that access the corresponding access points, the individual wireless interface devices may also be connected to the client module through ports such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)488 parallel port, IEEE1394 (firewire) port, infrared data association (IrDA) port, etc.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, access points 211 and 213 and STB214 include management application 225, while Personal Computers (PCs) 203 and 206, wireless phones 204 and 207, Television (TV)205, wireless headset 208 include client evaluation application 404, which allows these devices to implement power management methods and structures. These wireless networks, access points, client devices, and methods for use therewith, will be discussed further in conjunction with fig. 3-9 and the appended claims.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram depicting general components of an access point that may be used with a wireless network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, access point 300 is described, such as access points 110, 211, 213, STB 214. The access point 300 includes a communication interface circuit 308 that communicates with at least one packet switched backbone network 101. While a single connection is shown in an embodiment of access point 300 (e.g., access point 213 and/or STB214), the communication interface circuitry provides multiple interfaces that are communicatively coupled to packet switched backbone network 101, such as the various networks shown in connection with fig. 4.

The access point 300 further includes access point transceiver circuitry 302 operably connected to communication interface circuitry 308 that manages communications through multiple power level transmissions and receives data to and from multiple client devices (e.g., client device 121 and 127, PCs 203 and 206, wireless phones 204 and 207, TV205, wireless headset 208) over the wireless network 10. The access point 300 also includes memory circuitry 306 and processing circuitry 304, wherein the processing circuitry 304 controls the communication flow between the communication interface circuitry 308 and the access point transceiver circuitry 302, as well as implements the management application 225. The management application 225 includes power logic 227 that selects one of a plurality of power levels for periodic transmissions (e.g., beacons, packet transmissions, transmission acknowledgements) based on a particular objective that the access point 300 intends to reach in a particular transmission. In addition, the management application 229 includes protocol logic 229 that selects particular protocol parameters, or particular protocols used to communicate with one or more of the client devices. These protocols, protocol parameters, client device power levels, transmission power levels of access point 300 are stored in memory circuit 306 and retrieved by processing circuit 304 as needed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, management application 229 further includes relay logic 231, which operates in conjunction with the client application logic of client device 121 and 129 to perform a transport relay operation. These transport relay operations are described previously in reference to fig. 1B and further described in reference to fig. 13-15.

The processing circuitry 304 may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be, for example, one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, and any device that processes signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memory circuit 306 may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory (volatile memory), persistent memory, flash memory, static memory, dynamic memory, optical or magnetic storage, and any device that stores digital information. Note that when processing circuit 304 implements one or more of its power through a state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, and digital circuitry, the memory can store the corresponding operational instructions embedded therein.

In embodiments of the present invention, the wireless network 10 conforms to at least one standard communication protocol, such as 802.11, 802.16, 802.15, Bluetooth, Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Integrated packet radio service (GPRS). Other standard or proprietary protocols may be implemented within the scope of the invention as well.

In operation, the management application 225 receives characteristics of reception, status, movement, usage, from one or more of the plurality of client devices. The reception characteristics include, for example, a point-to-point reception parameter, such as, for example, a strength of a signal received by at least one of the plurality of client devices from the other device over the wireless link. Based on one or more of the reception characteristics, the status characteristics, the mobility characteristics, the usage characteristics, the management application 225 selects a transmission power level for each of itself and the plurality of client devices and transmits corresponding control signals to the plurality of client devices while instructing the transmission power to adjust to the selected power level.

In addition, the protocols or protocol parameters used between the wireless network devices are changed by the management application 225 for the characteristics of the access point and the client device. In one mode of operation, the protocol logic may selectively adjust one or more protocol parameters, such as packet length, data rate, forward error correction, error detection, coding scheme, data payload length, contention duration, backoff parameters for communication between devices, based on an analysis of information, such as reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics of the devices. In this manner, protocol parameters may be changed as appropriate based on network conditions, including not only the mobility, usage, status, reception characteristics of a particular device, but also the mobility, usage, status, reception characteristics of multiple devices, including how each device receives transmissions from other devices.

In one mode of operation, the processing circuit 304 evaluates characteristics from a plurality of client devices and detects an existing and anticipated future hidden terminal condition based on the evaluation. When a hidden terminal condition or a potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the protocol logic 229 selects first protocol parameters for the transmission of the transceiver circuitry 304 to the first client transceiver. Additionally, when an existing potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the protocol logic 229 selects second protocol parameters for transmission by the first client transceiver to the transceiver circuitry 304 and sends the second protocol parameters to the first client transceiver, including a command to notify the first client transceiver to implement the second protocol parameters. Additionally, when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the protocol logic 229 selects a third parameter for transmission by the transceiver circuitry 302 to the first client transceiver, the third parameter being different from the second parameter. These protocol parameters may be of different kinds, for example, the protocol parameters may include parameters such as error correction code parameters, packet length parameters, data payload length and contention parameters, data rate, error detection parameters, coding scheme, backoff parameters, etc. for communication between devices.

Further details are introduced in connection with FIG. 8, which include several optional features of the management application 225.

Selected functions of the communication interface circuitry 308 and the AP transceiver circuitry may be implemented in hardware, firmware (both software and hardware), and/or software. The functions of the other transceiver circuitry 302 are implemented in analog RF (radio frequency) circuitry, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. When implemented in software, the operational instructions for implementing the functions and features of these devices may also be implemented on processing circuitry 304 and stored in storage circuitry 306.

In operation, the access point 300 communicates with each client device in a point-to-point manner. To transmit data, the access point 300 generates formatted data packets based on the protocol selected by the wireless network 10. In particular, the communication interface circuit 308 generates a data payload based on data received from the packet-switched network 101. Other control information and data destined for client devices of the wireless network 10, including predetermined selected power levels and protocol parameters, is generated in the management application 225 of the processing circuit 304.

AP transceiver circuitry 302 modulates the data and upconverts the modulated data to generate an RF signal for wireless network 10. In an embodiment of the present invention, AP transceiver circuitry 302 transmits through multiple power levels as determined by management application 225. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that if access point 300 operates on carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), each client device in communication with wireless network 10 may receive an RF signal when access point 300 is transmitting data, but that only the destination client, e.g., the target client device, will process the RF signal to retrieve the packet.

AP transceiver circuitry 302 is further operable to receive signals from a plurality of client devices over wireless network 10. In this example, transceiver circuitry 302 receives and downconverts the RF signal to a baseband signal and demodulates the baseband signal to retrieve the data packets. In particular, data payloads destined for the packet switched backbone network 101 are provided to the communication interface circuit 308, which is formatted according to the protocol used by the packet switched backbone network 101. Other control information and data is provided to the management application 225 of the processing circuit 304, including selected reception characteristics from client devices of the wireless network 10.

Fig. 6 is a general component block diagram of a client device 400 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The illustrated client device 400 may be representative of one of the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, PCs 203 and 206, wireless phones 204 and 207, TV205, wireless headset 208. In particular, client device 400 includes client transceiver circuitry 402 that transmits and receives data over wireless network 10, while wireless network 10 operates in a similar manner to access point transceiver circuitry 402. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, client transceiver circuitry 402 is operable to transmit at a selected power level, which may be based on control received from access point 300. Client device 400 also includes storage circuitry 408 and processing circuitry 406, where processing circuitry 406 implements client evaluation application 404, client application 410, relay application 412.

The processing circuitry 406 may be a single device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, logic circuitry, state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that processes signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. Memory circuit 408 can be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, persistent memory, flash memory, static memory, dynamic memory, and/or any device that stores information. Note that when processing circuit 406 implements one or more of its functions via a static machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, or digital circuitry, the memory optionally holds the corresponding instructions and is embedded with circuitry including a static machine, logic circuitry, and/or digital circuitry.

Further, client device 400 includes a client evaluation application 404 and is operatively connected to client transceiver circuitry 402, wherein client evaluation application 404 evaluates signals from other devices, including access points and other client devices on wireless network 10. Accordingly, the client evaluation application 404 generates and transmits the reception characteristics over the wireless connection to the access point 300. In operation, client evaluation application 404 includes instructions operable to cause processing circuitry 406 to: transmit data and signals to and from the client transceiver circuitry 402; evaluating signals 438 received from other devices, including other client devices, over the wireless connection; the receive characteristics 436 are generated. In one mode of operation, the client evaluation application calculates the magnitude of the signal strength (e.g., RSSI of each of the other devices) and formats this information into reception characteristics for the management application 225. More details, including several operational features of the client evaluation application 404, will be described in conjunction with fig. 7.

The client application 410 includes the main functions of the device itself (e.g., television, telephone, personal computer, headset, etc.). The selection packets transmitted to the wide area network are derived from data received from the client application 410. In addition, data packets received from the packet switched backbone network 101 are passed to the client application 410.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the relay application 412 operates in conjunction with the management application (relay logic 231) of the access point 110 to perform transmission relay operations. These transmission relay operations were previously described with reference to fig. 1B and will be further described with reference to fig. 13-15.

Selected functions of client transceiver circuitry 402 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or software. Other functions of the client transceiver circuit 402 are implemented in analog RF circuitry, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. When implemented in software, the operational instructions are for implementing the functions and features of these devices, which may be implemented on the processing circuitry 406 and stored in the memory circuitry 408. In an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the components of client device 402, processing circuitry 406, and storage circuitry 408 are implemented on an integrated circuit.

In operation, when client device 400 scans to connect to a new network (e.g., wireless network 10), client device 400 detects beacon transmissions and/or non-beacon transmissions, such as other data, network management, or control transmissions of an access point (e.g., access point 300), which are received by client transceiver circuitry 402. The client device 400 detects by determining the timing response of the transmission and sends a connection request transmission to the access point transceiving circuitry, thereby connecting the client device 400 to the packet switched backbone network 101 through the access point. While these non-beacon frames or packets may be intended for other client devices, client device 400 may detect these packets or frames for the following limited purposes: determining a timing, protocol, or rate of the transmissions; determining a received power level; other information belonging to the network, such as the SSID, is identified. Wherein client device 400 may initiate a connection therewith by substantially generating and transmitting a connection request to the access point.

Fig. 7 is a general component block diagram of a client device having operational GPS circuitry and power source regulation circuitry constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Client device 400' may replace client device 400 in any of the applications described herein. In particular, the client evaluation application 404 includes instructions operable to cause the processing circuitry to support the management application 225 of the access point 300. In particular, the client evaluation application 404 is operatively connected to the power source regulation circuitry 420 to monitor the charging of the operative battery pack 422 and the amount of power used by the battery pack 422 to determine the amount of power remaining on the battery pack 422 and whether an optional external power source 424 is currently connected.

Client evaluation application 404 includes operational instructions that cause processing circuitry 406 to generate battery life data 432 and transmit such status characteristics over wireless network 10 via client transceiver circuitry 402. In one mode of operation, the client evaluation application 404 generates and transmits more state characteristics, such as an estimated remaining battery life. For example, battery life data 432 may represent connection of client device 400 'to external power source 424, estimated battery life at one or more selected power levels, estimated battery life at one or more encoding schemes, estimated battery life at one or more possible data rates, estimated battery life based on estimated channel usage, estimated battery life based on determined bandwidth required, estimated battery life based on non-determined bandwidth, or other estimates of battery life based on more operational parameters of client device 400'. As also previously mentioned, other types of status characteristics may be generated to track the client evaluation application 404 and communicated to the management application running on the access point device 110.

Usage characteristics may be collected and transmitted in a similar manner. For example, the usage characteristics may be retrieved directly from the current client application or memory 408. The usage characteristics retrieved from memory may be generated, for example, based on: 1) previous interactions with, or monitoring of, client application 410; 2) a user input; 3) a preset value.

Client evaluation application 404 also causes processing circuitry 406 to generate and transmit movement characteristics 434 over wireless connection 434 through client transceiver circuitry 402. The GPS module 416 provides geographic data 418 such as GPS coordinates, scalar and/or vector velocities, accelerations, and the like. In addition to such coordinate data 418, the movement module may generate movement characteristics 434 that include movement factors that indicate whether the client device is in a stationary situation, and whether the client device is in a low movement situation (e.g., a desktop computer is gently moving over a coffee shop's desk), or whether the client device is in a high movement situation (e.g., on a car or other mobile environment). The additional mobility characteristics 434 may be associated with the device type, such as a laptop computer may be low mobility rate, a wireless transceiver circuit mounted in the vehicle may be medium mobility rate, a desktop computer may be fixed mobility rate, etc. More shifting factors may be selected based on the particular situation. Additionally, the movement factor may be obtained from evaluating scalar or vector velocities from the GPS module 416, and/or changes in the physical coordinate data 418 over time, and comparing the velocity to one of a plurality of movement thresholds.

When generated and transmitted to the management application 225, the battery life data 432, the usage characteristics 439, the mobility characteristics 434, and other characteristics may be further used by the management application 225 to determine selected power levels for the client device 400 ', the access point 300, other client devices of the wireless network 10, and to determine specific protocols or protocol parameters (used by the client 400' when communicating with the access point 300). When received, the selected power level 462 and protocol parameters 464 may be used to generate a transmission of client 400' to access point 300.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of general components of an access point having an operational AP evaluation application (for use in conjunction with a wireless network) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Access point 300' includes many of the common components of access point 300 in fig. 5 and uses common reference numerals. In addition, access point 300' includes AP evaluation application 226 (including operational instructions) that cause processing circuitry 304 to evaluate signals 438 sent by a plurality of client devices (e.g., client device 400) over wireless network 10. The evaluated strength of the signal 438 may also be used by the management application 225 to determine a selected power level for a plurality of client devices in the wireless network 10. Access point 300' may be used for any of the applications discussed in connection with access point 300.

In particular, the access point evaluation application 226 evaluates the signals 438 received from the plurality of client devices based on signal strength criteria such as RSSI, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise parameters, number of bit errors, and bit error rate of the data received from a particular client device.

In one mode of test operation, the access point evaluation application 226 is operable to generate a test packet (e.g., echo (echo) packet) for transmission to the client device, where a response packet is returned by the access point 300. The bit error number or BER of a particular packet may be calculated by comparing the received data with the transmitted data. All client devices not participating in the exchange listen and generate receive characteristics for the access point evaluation application 226.

In a further "listening" mode of operation, the access point evaluation application 226 receives reception characteristics, where the reception characteristics are generated by different client devices and are generated based on normal, ongoing packet exchanges with the access point. For example, the reception characteristic may include an error detection code (e.g., linear block code, convolutional code, error correction code) that may be used to determine the number of bit errors of the received data within the upper limit of the encoding used by the particular code. For example, a (24, 12) Golay code with optional CRC bits may detect 4 errors in a 24-bit codeword before reaching the coding ceiling.

The management application 225 evaluates the received reception characteristics 436, movement characteristics 434, usage characteristics 439, and battery life data 432. The optional evaluation signal strength is received from the access point evaluation application 226. Although not indicated, other types of status characteristics may also be received and evaluated by the management application 225.

The management application 225 implements a plurality of power management rules based on the reception characteristics 436 (including signal strength evaluations), movement characteristics 434, usage characteristics, battery life data 432, and other status characteristics. The power management rules generate a selected power level to be used by access point 300 and a selected power level to be used by one or all of the plurality of client devices, such as client device 400. Any client device will respond by adjusting its transmission power to the indicated level in accordance with the corresponding control instructions received from the management application 225.

In operation, access point 300' is capable of transmitting, via transceiver circuitry 302, at a selected power level based on the type of transmission, reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, the particular target device of the transmission. For example, the access point 300 'may transmit periodic beacons via high power, where the beacons include information relating to the access point 300' and the packet-switched backbone network 101, such as a service area identifier (SSID) identifying the network, a beacon interval identifying the time interval between periodic beacon transmissions, a timestamp indicating the transmission time, the transmission rates supported by the access point 300 ', a set of parameters pertaining to a particular method of generating signals (e.g., number of channels, hop type, frequency hopping dwell time, etc.), performance information (passwords and other security information) relating to the need for a client device to connect with the access point 300', a traffic indication map identifying the base station in power-save mode, other control information, and data. These beacons are used to support the establishment of new connections with client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400 'that enter the vicinity of access point 300' or otherwise become active in this vicinity. In particular, these beacon signals are transmitted using an address field (e.g., a universal address) that transmits the beacon to all client devices. A client device intending to connect (or reconnect) to the wireless network 10 detects the beacon transmission and replies to the connection response transmission (including the SSID), thereby starting the connection (reconnection) process between the new client device and the access point 300'.

The access point 300' is further operable to transmit other network control and management information such as connection responses, reconnection responses, probe responses, clear to send signals, acknowledgements, power save polls (pols), contention free terminal signals, other information or data in packets or frames, even at reduced power, to limit interference with other neighboring networks and to conserve power. However, one or more other transmissions of access point 300' are sent between beacon transmissions at higher power levels, including: 1) support for connection or reconnection; 2) a communication channel busy flag; 3) channel other network information such as pending message information, timing information, channel parameter information, etc. is transmitted. These packets or frames may be addressed to other client devices, which client devices that are scanning for a connection to a new wireless network (e.g., wireless network 10) can detect for the following limited purposes: determining the timing, protocol, rate of these transmissions; determining a received power level; other information belonging to the network, such as the SSID, is identified to generate a connection request. In this way, for example: 1) the ability to support new connections at frequencies greater than the periodic beacon transmission frequency; 2) can detect and request pending messages without waiting for the next beacon; 3) hidden terminal problems caused by lower power transmission can be alleviated; 4) channel parameter adjustment can be performed more rapidly.

For example, access point processing circuitry 304 may evaluate the first plurality of characteristics and the second plurality of characteristics received from two client devices connected thereto and select a second power level of the plurality of power levels for a first transmission of access point transceiver circuitry 302 packets to assign to a first of the two client devices and select a first power level of the plurality of power levels for a second transmission of access point transceiver circuitry 302 to likewise assign to the first of the two client devices, wherein the first power level is greater than the second power level, based on the evaluation. The first transmission comprises data from the packet switched backbone network and the second transmission comprises acknowledgement data upon receipt of a data packet from the first client device based on the access point transceiver circuitry 302. Alternatively, both the first transmission and the second transmission may comprise data packets from the packet switched backbone network 101. Further, both the first transmission and the second transmission may include acknowledgement data based on when the access point transceiver circuitry 302 received the data packet from the first client device. Based on these transmissions, a third client device (having a third client transceiver circuit that detects the second transmission) responds to the detection by determining the timing of the transmission and sends a connection request to the access point transceiver circuit 302 to initiate a connection with the access point 300', thus connecting the third client device to the packet switched backbone network 101 through the access point transceiver circuit 302, the access point processing circuit 304, and the communication interface circuit 300. Additionally, access point processing circuitry 304 may select a third power level of the plurality of power levels for a third transmission of access point transceiver circuitry 302 to the second client transceiver circuitry and a first power level of the plurality of power levels for a fourth transmission of access point transceiver circuitry to the second client transceiver circuitry, where the first power level is greater than the second power level and the second power level is greater than the third power level.

The selection of a particular intermediate transmission for access point 300' between beacons that supports client device connection through high power level transmission may be performed in several ways. For example, a particular type of transmission (e.g., transmission of data packets or frames, acknowledgement packets or frames, other types of control or management packets or frames) may vary between N transmissions at reduced power levels and M transmissions at higher power levels, where N and M are integers greater than 0. For example, 1 out of 2, 1 out of 3, one out of 4, one out of 6, one acknowledgement frame or packet out of 16 may be sent through a high power level, while other packets are sent through a reduced power level. Or for example, 1 out of 2, 1 out of 3, one out of 4, one out of 6, 1 acknowledgement or packet out of 16 may be sent with a high power level, others with a reduced power level. Alternatively, access point 300' may track the timing between beacons 40 to identify one or more periodic high power transmission windows, such as the midpoint between the beacons or the interval of the beacons. The transmission of data, control, management packets or frames occurring in these high power transmission windows is automatically transmitted through the high power stages.

The reduced power level is determined based on reception characteristics relating to how well the client device (e.g., client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400 ') received these beacon transmissions, which may be generated and transmitted back to the access point 300' by the client evaluation application 404 of the client device. The response of the management application 225 depends on the reception characteristics received from the client device 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400'. For example, the management application 225 may determine to select a customized power level transmission for the access point to transmit to each client device 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400', which may be lower than the maximum power output, but which may provide sufficient power for a particular client device to receive. The management application 225 also selects a high or intermediate power level sufficient for efficient reception by all client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400'. Certain packets (e.g., all Acknowledgements (ACKs), other ACKs, all packets for every nth ACK packet, etc., interim data packets, etc.) are transmitted by the access point 300 ' at a high or intermediate power level to be able to reach all client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400 ', while other packets are transmitted at a customized power level specifically set for the particular client device 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400 ' (the device receiving the packets). Alternatively, the management application 225 may select a lower power level for the transmission determination of the access point 300' that will reach the client device 121, 123, 127, or 129, except for the client device 125. A higher power level will be selected for transmission to the client device 125. In addition, periodic or temporary transmissions coming out of the access point will be sent at a higher power level even though they are not intended for the client device 125, while other periodic or temporary transmissions are sent at the highest power level to support the connection, and so on. Many other variations are possible, including selecting different transmission power levels for access point 300' that are selected for reaching one or more connected client devices, reaching all connected client devices, and reaching disconnected client devices.

Similarly, the management application 225 likewise determines the transmission power level of the client device 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400'. This is done by obtaining information from each client device regarding its ability to probe and receive transmissions from client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400' (e.g., reception characteristics). In embodiments of the present invention, the retrieved information typically relates to transmissions sent by the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400 ' to the access point 300 ', as no direct transmission occurs between the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400 '. In other embodiments, the transmission may be direct in nature. Regardless, from the retrieved information, the access point 300 'transmits power control instructions to each client device 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400'. Such power control instructions may only command all transmissions to occur at a certain single power level. Optionally, the power control instructions indicate that a single client device uses multiple different power levels in communicating with the access point 300'. For example, because transmissions from client device 121 may be readily detected by all other client devices 123, 125, 127, 129 and access point 110, access point 300' typically commands that client device 121 pass through low power level transmissions that all network participants can detect. Because transmissions from the client device 121 are not readily detectable by the client device 127, the access point 300' commands the client device 121 to transmit normally at a low power level, periodically or temporarily at a highest power level. For example, the highest power level transmission may be made every third data packet and/or every third acknowledgement packet. As previously mentioned, many other variations are possible, including selecting different power transmission levels for the access point 300 ', which may reach the access point 300' and reach one or more other connected client devices, reach all connected client devices, and reach disconnected client devices.

By way of further example, the power level generation module may determine which of the client devices 400 were not heard by other client devices by operating the power management rules. Accordingly, the power level generation module may establish a selected power level 462 for such client device 400 to optionally increase the transmission power so that they will be heard by some or all of the remaining client devices. Additionally, the power level generation module may reduce the power generated by the client device 400, wherein the client device 400 generates a stronger than necessary signal for being heard by the remaining client devices.

The management application 225 is further operable to manage the protocols used in communicating between the access point 300 'and client devices connected to the access point 300' on the wireless network 10. In one mode of operation, based on the analysis of the reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, the management application 225 selectively adjusts one or more protocol parameters, such as packet length, number rate, preamble correction, error detection, coding scheme, data payload length, contention time, backoff parameters, used by the access point 300 'in communicating with one or more of the client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400'. In this manner, protocol parameters optionally change based on network conditions, including not only the mobility, usage, status, and reception characteristics of a particular device, but also mobility, usage, status, and reception characteristics of a plurality of other devices, and how each client device receives the other devices.

For example, if it is difficult for a first client device to detect a transmission from a second client device, the access point 300' may modify the protocol parameters so that the transmission of the second client device includes a more efficient correction code, an increased number of backoff times, and/or a smaller data payload or packet length to increase the chances of receiving a packet if the first client device causes contention. Additionally, reducing the packet length may increase the frequency of acknowledgements transmitted by the access point 300'. These acknowledgements may be transmitted at a power level sufficiently heard by the first client device. By increasing the number of back-offs, the chances of the first client device making potential competition are reduced.

In further modes of operation, the access point 300' and the client devices connected thereto may operate using a plurality of different, potentially complementary, protocols having different protocol parameters. Also, the access point 300' may adjust protocol parameters by selecting a particular one of the plurality of protocols that is appropriate for the particular conditions occurring in the wireless network 10, such as a protocol determined based on an evaluation of the usage characteristics, status characteristics, mobility characteristics, and/or reception characteristics. For example, the access point may be selected from the 802.11(n), 802.11(g), 802.11(b) protocols with different parameters (e.g., protocol parameters, number rate) based on the particular protocol best suited to accommodate the client device characteristics.

In an operational mode, an access point (e.g., access point 300 ') manages the exchange of communications between a plurality of wireless devices (e.g., client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400') and the packet-switched backbone network 100 such that the plurality of wireless devices includes a plurality of connected devices and at least one unconnected device. The access point includes: interface circuitry (e.g., communication interface circuitry 308) communicatively coupled to the packet-switched backbone network; wireless transceiver circuitry (e.g., AP transceiver circuitry 302) that supports transmission over multiple power stages; processing circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry 304) that interconnects the interface circuitry and the transceiver circuitry and receives information from each wireless device via the transceiver circuitry, such information including at least received information that is related to transmissions from the transceiver circuitry. In operation, the processing circuit makes a first selection from a plurality of power levels for periodic beacon transmissions of the wireless transceiving circuit. The processing circuit makes a second selection from the plurality of power levels for transmissions between periodic beacon transmissions, the transmissions being directed by the wireless transceiving circuitry to the at least one unconnected device. The processing circuitry makes a third selection from the plurality of power stages for transmission by the wireless transceiving circuitry to the plurality of connected devices based on at least part of the information received by the wireless transceiving circuitry.

The third selection may include selecting a first transmission power level to reach at least one of the plurality of connection devices but not at least one of the other plurality of connection devices, and selecting a second transmission power level to reach at least one of the other plurality of connection devices. The first selection and the second selection may correspond to a first power level and the third selection may correspond to a second power level, wherein the second power level is less than the first power level. The third selection may include selecting from a plurality of power levels for transmissions of the wireless transceiver circuit that are not sufficiently receivable by at least one of the plurality of connected devices; a fourth option includes selecting from a plurality of power levels for transmission by the radio to a plurality of connected devices that are unable to adequately receive transmissions that conform to the third option.

In another mode of operation, an access point (e.g., access point 300 ') manages the exchange of communications between a plurality of wireless devices (e.g., client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 400, and/or 400') and the packet-switched backbone network 101. The access point includes: interface circuitry (e.g., communication interface circuitry 308) communicatively coupled to the packet switched backbone 101; wireless transceiver circuitry, such as AP transceiver circuitry 302; processing circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry 304) communicatively coupled to the interface circuitry and the transceiver circuitry and configured to receive information from each of the plurality of wireless devices via the transceiver circuitry, such information including at least received information related to transmissions from the transceiver circuitry and other wireless devices of the plurality of wireless devices. In operation, the processing circuit controls the transmission of periodic beacons through the wireless transceiving circuit. The processing circuitry transmits a first instruction specifying a plurality of transmission power levels for transmissions from each (at least one) of the plurality of wireless devices based at least in part on information received via the radio transceiver circuitry. The processing circuitry sends a second instruction specifying a plurality of transmission power levels for transmissions from each (at least one) of the other plurality of wireless devices based on at least a portion of the information received by the radio transceiver circuitry.

The first instructions may specify a first one of a plurality of transmission power levels for a first transmission type and a second one of the plurality of transmission power levels for a second transmission type. Likewise, the first instructions may specify a first one of the plurality of transmission power levels for certain transmissions and identify a second one of the plurality of transmission power levels for other transmissions. The plurality of transmission power levels may include: a first transmission stage capable of reaching all devices of the plurality of wireless devices; a second transmission power level that does not reach all of the plurality of wireless devices. The processing circuitry may select a plurality of access point transmission power levels for the transceiver circuitry based on at least a portion of the information received by the transceiver circuitry.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the components of the communication interface circuitry 308, the access point transceiver circuitry 302, the storage circuitry 306, and the processing circuitry 304 may be implemented on an integrated circuit.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a wireless network system including a management application in at least one of a plurality of terminals, constructed and operative in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The wireless network 10 comprises terminals 400, 401, 402, each of which is capable of transmitting and receiving data from other terminals over a wireless connection. The terminal 400 includes a management application 225, while the terminals 400 and 402 include a client evaluation application 404, the client evaluation application 404 allowing selection of a transmission power level to efficiently facilitate communications while reducing power consumption of the terminal. Each terminal 400, 401, 402 is operable to evaluate signals received from other devices over the wireless connection. Terminals 401 and 402 generate data, such as generating reception characteristics based on the evaluation signals, battery life data based on power consumption estimates, and other status, usage, and movement characteristics based on the likelihood of a change in signal strength for a particular terminal due to movement, the current usage, and its predicted current, estimated, or predicted conditions.

Terminals 401 and 402 transmit these data to terminal 400 via a wireless connection. The terminal 400 determines the selected power level, specific protocol, or protocol parameters for itself based on the data it receives for each device and transmits the selected power level and protocol parameters back to each respective device. The terminals 401 and 402 may then transmit through the power levels and use protocols that may take full advantage of their particular environment, including their status in the global wireless network 10, and based on the location and attributes of other terminals present.

In operation, the terminal 400 is capable of performing the other features and functions of the access point 300 or access point 300' discussed herein when it is not performing the particular functions of the access point. In addition, when the terminal 401 does not have to perform the functions of a client application, it can perform other features and functions of the client device 400 or client device 400' discussed herein.

In another mode, all parameters are exchanged between each wireless terminal and the access point so that each can determine the transmission power independently or in coordination.

For example, a communication network (e.g., wireless network 10) may include a first device (e.g., terminal 400 having a first wireless transceiver transmitting through multiple power levels), a second device (e.g., terminal 401 having a second wireless transceiver), and a third device (e.g., terminal 402 having a third wireless transceiver). The second device generates a first reception characteristic based on at least one transmission from the third wireless transceiver, and the second device transmits the first reception characteristic to the first wireless transceiver of the first device. The third device generates a second reception characteristic based on at least one transmission from the second wireless transceiver, and the third device transmits the second reception characteristic to the first wireless transceiver of the first device. The transmission from the third wireless transceiver may comprise a portion of an ongoing data exchange or a portion of a test message.

The first device selects a first power level of the plurality of power levels for transmission by the first transceiver circuitry to the third transceiver circuitry based on the first reception characteristic. The first device selects a second power level of the plurality of power levels for transmission from the first transceiver circuitry to the second transceiver circuitry based on the second reception characteristic, wherein the first power level is greater than the second power level.

In another mode of operation, the first device is further operable to select a first power level of the plurality of power levels for a third transmission of the first transceiver circuitry to the third transceiver circuitry and to select a third power level of the plurality of power levels for a fourth transmission of the first transceiver circuitry to the third transceiver circuitry, wherein the first power level is greater than the third power level. The first transmission may comprise a data packet and the second transmission may comprise acknowledgement data, wherein the acknowledgement data is based on the data packet received by the first device from the second device. Optionally, the first transmission and the second transmission both comprise acknowledgement data, wherein the acknowledgement data is based on a data packet received by the first device from the second device. Further, the first device circuitry may change between N first transmissions and M second transmissions, both N and M being integers greater than 0.

In a further mode, the second and third devices communicate the movement characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics to the first device. The first device evaluates at least a portion of the movement, status and usage characteristics along with the reception characteristics to generate power levels for itself, the second and third devices and the protocol parameters that are used by the devices to format the transmitted transmission and decode the received transmission. In particular, the first device selects a first protocol parameter for transmission from the first device to the third device based on the received characteristic. The first device selects a second protocol parameter for transmission from the first device to the second device based on the received characteristics, wherein the first protocol parameter may or may not be the same as the second protocol parameter. The first device is further operable to select third protocol parameters for a second device to first device transmission and to transmit the third protocol parameters to the second device, and to select fourth protocol parameters for a third device to first device transmission and to transmit the fourth protocol parameters to the third device, where the third protocol parameters are different from the fourth protocol parameters.

In addition, the first device evaluates the characteristics to detect an existing or potential hidden terminal condition between the second device and the third device. If a hidden terminal condition is detected, then protocol parameters and/or power levels may be selected. These protocol parameters may be of different kinds, for example, the protocol parameters may include parameters such as error correction code parameters, packet length parameters, data payload length, contention parameters, data rate, error detection parameters, coding scheme, backoff parameters, etc. for communication between devices.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a method used by a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the method may be used in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions described with reference to fig. 1A-9. In step 500, a first power level is selected for periodic beacon transmissions. In step 500, reception characteristics, movement characteristics, usage characteristics, status characteristics from one or more client devices are received over a wireless connection. In step 502, signals received from one or more client devices over a wireless connection are evaluated and local reception characteristics are generated. Such signals are test signals or parts of an ongoing communication exchange. In step 504, transmission power levels and protocol parameters are determined for each client device and local use based on locally generated reception characteristics and any or all of the received mobility, reception, usage, status characteristics. In step 506, the local transmission power and protocol are adjusted, if necessary, and transmission power and protocol adjustment requests are commanded to each required client. The method is well suited to be implemented as operational instructions stored in a memory and to be performed using processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 304.

For example, the state characteristic relating to battery life may represent one or more of: whether the client device is connected to an external power source; battery life at the at least one selected power level; battery life in at least one encoding mode; battery life at least one data rate; battery life based on estimated channel usage; a battery life based on the estimated required deterministic bandwidth; battery life based on the estimated non-deterministic bandwidth. The movement characteristics may represent, for example, one or more of: the client device is in a fixed condition; the client device is in a low mobility situation; the client device is in a high mobility situation; geographic coordinates of the client device.

The reception characteristics, such as the estimated signal strength, include one or more of: a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI); signal-to-noise ratio; a noise parameter; a number of bits; bit Error Rate (BER). In one mode of operation, test packets (e.g., echo packets) are transmitted to the client device and returned response packets are received. The bit error number or BER of a particular packet may be calculated by comparing the received data with the transmitted data.

In further modes of operation, the received data is evaluated based on the payload of the received normal packet. For example, error detection codes, such as linear block codes (convolutional codes), convolutional codes, or error correction codes, may be used to determine the number of bit errors in the received data within the encoding and range of the particular code used. For example, a (24, 12) Golay code with optional CRC bits may detect 4 errors in a 24-bit codeword before reaching the coding limit.

In one mode of operation, step 506 includes implementing a plurality of power management rules based on the reception characteristics, optional mobility characteristics, battery life data, and estimated signal strength. These power management rules generate a selected power level for an access point (including client devices performing the access point functions) based on factors such as transmission type, reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, the particular target device of the transmission. For example, an access point may transmit periodic beacons via high power, where the beacons include information relating to the access point and the packet-switched backbone network, such as a service area identifier (SSID) identifying the network, a beacon interval identifying the time between periodic beacon transmissions, timestamps indicating the transmission times, transmission rates supported by the access point, sets of parameters that follow particular signaling methods (e.g., number of channels, hop type, frequency hopping dwell time, etc.), performance information relating to the connection requirements of the client device with the access point (passwords and other security information), a traffic indication map identifying the base station in power-save mode, and/or other control information and data. These beacons are used to support the establishment of new connections with client devices that enter or otherwise become active in the vicinity of the access point. In particular, these beacon signals are sent with an address field (e.g., a universal address) that conveys the beacon transmission to all client devices. A client device that is to connect (or reconnect) to the wireless network detects the beacon transmission and replies with a connection response transmission (including the SSID) that initiates the connection (reconnection) process that begins between the new client device and the access point.

The access point is further operable to transmit other network control and management information, such as connection responses, reconnection responses, probe responses, clear to send signals, acknowledgements, power save polls (pols), contention free terminal signals, other information or data in packets or frames, at a reduced power level to limit interference with other neighboring networks and to conserve power. However, one or more other transmissions of the access point are sent between beacon transmissions at higher power levels, thereby enabling connection or reconnection of client devices that can only detect the higher power levels. These packets or frames may be addressed to other client devices, which client devices that are scanning for a connection to a new wireless network (e.g., a wireless network) can detect for the following limited purposes: determining the timing, protocol, rate of these transmissions; determining a received power level; other information belonging to the network, such as the SSID, is identified to generate the connection request. In this way, new connections can be supported at a frequency greater than the periodic beacon transmission frequency.

For example, the access point processing circuitry may evaluate the first plurality of characteristics and the second plurality of characteristics received from two client devices connected thereto and select a second power level of the plurality of power levels to transmit to a first of the two client devices based on evaluating a first transmission of a packet of the access point transceiver circuitry and a first power level of the plurality of power levels to also transmit to the first of the two client devices for a second transmission of the access point transceiver circuitry, wherein the first power level is greater than the second power level. The first transmission includes data from the packet switched backbone network and the second transmission includes acknowledgement data of receipt of the data packet from the first client device based on the access point transceiver circuit. Alternatively, both the first transmission and the second transmission may comprise data packets from a packet switched backbone network. Further, both the first transmission and the second transmission may include acknowledgement data based on the access point receive and transmit circuit receiving the data packet from the first client device. Based on these transmissions, a third client device (having a third client transceiver circuit that detects the second transmission) responds to the detection by determining the timing of the transmission and sends a new connection request to the access point transceiver circuit to initiate a connection with the access point, thus connecting the third client device to the packet switched backbone network via the access point transceiver circuit, the access point processing circuit, and the processing interface circuit. Additionally, the access point processing circuitry may select a third power level of the plurality of power levels for a third transmission of the access point transceiver circuitry to the second client transceiver circuitry and select a first power level of the plurality of power levels for a fourth transmission of the access point transceiver circuitry to the second client transceiver circuitry, wherein the first power level is greater than the second power level and the second power level is greater than the third power level.

The selection of a particular intermediate transmission by the access point may be performed in several ways, with these transmissions being sent at high power levels during the beacon transmission interval to support client device connections. For example, special types of transmissions (e.g., transmission of data packets or frames, acknowledgement packets or frames, other types of control or management packets or frames) may vary between N transmissions at reduced power levels and M transmissions at higher power levels, where N and M are integers greater than 0. For example, 1 out of 2, 1 out of 3, one out of 4, one out of 6, 1 data frame or packet out of 16 may be transmitted through a high power level, while other packets are transmitted through a reduced power level. Or for example, 1 out of 2, 1 out of 3, one out of 4, one out of 6, 1 data frame or packet out of 16 may be sent through a high power level while others are through a reduced power level. Optionally, the access point may track the timing between beacons to identify one or more periodic high power transmission windows, such as the midpoint between the beacons or the interval of the beacons. The transmission of data, control, management packets or frames occurring in these high power transmission windows is automatically transmitted through the high power stages.

The reduced power level is determined based on reception characteristics relating to how the client device receives these beacon transmissions, which may be generated and transmitted back to the access point by a client evaluation application of the client device. Accordingly, the management application may determine, for the access point, to select a customized power level transmission to transmit to each client device that may be below the maximum power output but that provides sufficient power to be received by the particular client device. The management application also determines a high or intermediate power level sufficient for efficient reception by all client devices connected to the network. Certain packets (e.g., all Acknowledgments (ACKs), other ACKs, all packets every nth ACK packet, etc., interim data packets, etc.) are transmitted by the access point through high or intermediate power levels to enable all client devices to be reached, while other packets are transmitted at customized power levels specifically set for the particular client device (the device receiving those packets).

In further modes of operation, the power management rules establish selected power levels for a plurality of client devices, wherein the plurality of client devices are configured to receive the selected power levels and set the selected power levels accordingly. The selected power level is transmitted to the corresponding client. The selected power level of each client device may be a discrete variable having a value that is one of a finite number of values. For example, by power management rule operations, the method may determine which client device is not heard by the client device. Accordingly, a selected power level may be established for each such client device to optionally increase the transmission power so that they may be heard by some or all of the remaining clients. In addition, the power management rules reduce the power generated by the client device, wherein the client device generates a stronger than necessary signal in order to be heard by the remaining client devices.

In further examples, analysis of the reception characteristics and battery life data may reveal that the client device is readily detected by each of the other devices, where the client device is operating on low battery power. Accordingly, a reduced power level may be selected for the device to extend its battery life.

In another example, analysis of the reception characteristics and the movement characteristics may reveal that the client device is moving at a high speed. Not only depending on the reception characteristics, the power management rules also take into account the possible movement of the client device when selecting a power level for an access point or client device.

In addition, the protocol used for communication between devices of the wireless network is modified depending on the particular characteristics of the access point and the client device. In one mode of operation, the method selectively adjusts one or more protocol parameters, such as packet length, data rate, forward error correction, error detection, coding scheme, data payload length, contention duration, backoff parameters for communication between client devices, based on analysis of reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics. In this manner, protocol parameters optionally change based on network conditions, including the mobility, usage, status, reception characteristics of a particular device, as well as the mobility, usage, status, reception characteristics of multiple devices, including how each device receives transmissions from other devices.

In particular, when conditions are detected that allow a change in protocol parameters based on an evaluation of the characteristics of the access point itself and characteristics from other client devices (including other client devices and potentially other access points within the area), such as when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the access point may select the first protocol parameter for transmission by the access point to the first client device. In an operational mode, when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the access point selects second protocol parameters for transmission by the first client device to the access point transceiver and transmits the second protocol parameters to the first client device while commanding the first client device to implement the second protocol parameters. Additionally, the access point selects a third protocol parameter for transmission by the access point receiver circuit to the second client device when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, wherein the third protocol parameter is different from the second protocol parameter. In addition, when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the access point selects fourth protocol parameters for transmission by the second client device to the access point transceiver and transmits the fourth protocol parameters to the second client device while commanding the second client device to implement the fourth protocol parameters. These protocol parameters may be of different kinds, for example, the protocol parameters may include parameters such as error correction code parameters, packet length parameters, data payload length, contention parameters, data rate, error detection parameters, coding scheme, backoff parameters, etc. for communication between devices.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart of a method used by a terminal, an access point, and an integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the method is used in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions set forth in fig. 1A-10. The method is particularly well-suited to be implemented as operational instructions stored in a memory, such as storage circuitry 408, and implemented using processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 406, of a client device in wireless communication with an access point terminal or other client device.

In step 600, parameters received from other devices are evaluated, such as operational state, client application state, participation request, battery state, movement, signal strength. In step 602, the generation characteristic is evaluated based on the parameters of step 600. In step 604, the characteristics are transmitted. In step 606, a command is received requesting a particular transmission power level and protocol adjustment (e.g., changing a protocol parameter or changing a protocol). In step 608, data is wirelessly transmitted over the selected power level and using the selected protocol.

In a further mode of operation, the first client device initially transmits based on the first protocol parameters. After estimating the transmissions received from the access point and the second client device, the first client device transmits a first plurality of characteristics (relating to the estimates made by the first client device) to the access point. A transmission is then received from the access point, the transmission including the second protocol parameters. The first client device transmits based on the second protocol parameter. The first plurality of characteristics may include movement characteristics, usage characteristics, and/or status characteristics. The step of receiving a transmission from the access point may also include receiving a third protocol parameter, and the method may include decoding the transmission received from the access point transceiver circuitry based on the third protocol parameter.

As with the method of fig. 10, an access point, terminal, or other device may selectively adjust one or more protocol parameters, such as packet length, data rate, forward error correction, error detection, coding scheme, data payload length, contention duration, backoff parameters for communication between devices, based on an analysis of information about the reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, etc. of these devices. In this manner, the protocol parameters may vary depending on network conditions, including the mobility, usage, status and reception characteristics of a particular device, as well as the mobility, usage, status and reception characteristics of multiple devices, as well as including how each device receives transmissions from other devices.

In particular, when conditions are detected that allow for a change in protocol parameters (such as when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected) based on an evaluation of the characteristics of the access point itself and characteristics from other client devices (including other client devices and potentially other access points within the area), the access point may select a first protocol for transmission by the access point to the first client device. In an operational mode, when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the access point selects second protocol parameters for transmission by the first client device to the access point transceiver and transmits the second protocol parameters to the first client device while commanding the first client device to implement the second protocol parameters. Additionally, the access point selects a third protocol parameter for transmission by the access point receive circuit to the second client device when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, wherein the third protocol parameter is different from the second protocol parameter. In addition, when an existing or potential hidden terminal condition is detected, the access point selects fourth protocol parameters for transmission by the second client device to the access point transceiver and transmits the fourth protocol parameters to the second client device while commanding the second client device to implement the fourth protocol parameters. These protocol parameters may be of different kinds, for example, the protocol parameters may include parameters such as error correction code parameters, packet length parameters, data payload length, contention parameters, data rate, error detection parameters, coding scheme, backoff parameters, etc. for communication between devices.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart of a method used by a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the method is used in conjunction with one or more of the features and functions set forth in FIGS. 1A-11. The method is particularly well suited to be implemented as operational instructions stored in a memory, such as storage circuitry 306, and implemented using processing circuitry, such as processing circuitry 304, of an access point that wirelessly connects a first client device and a second client device to a packet switched backbone network.

In step 700, characteristics such as movement, reception, usage and status characteristics are received from a plurality of client devices, including first and second client devices. In step 702, the characteristics are evaluated to detect a potential hidden terminal condition between the first and second client devices. In step 704, the local transmission power and protocol are adjusted and the selected power level and protocol are determined for the client device and sent to the client device along with commands to implement the selected power level and protocol.

In an operational mode, a first plurality of characteristics is received that relate to an evaluation by a first client device of transmissions received by the first client device from an access point and a second client device. A second plurality of characteristics is received that relates to an evaluation by the second client device of transmissions received by the second client device from the access point and the first client device. An evaluation is made of the first plurality of characteristics and the second plurality of characteristics and a hidden terminal condition is detected based on the evaluation. When a hidden terminal condition is detected, first protocol parameters are selected for transmission by the access point to the first client device. When a hidden terminal condition is detected, second protocol parameters are selected for transmission from the first client device to the access point and sent to the first client device along with a command to implement the second protocol parameters. Additionally, when a hidden terminal condition is detected, a third protocol parameter is selected for transmission by the access point transceiver circuit to the second client device, wherein the third protocol parameter is different from the first protocol parameter. Furthermore, when a hidden terminal condition is detected, a fourth protocol parameter may also be selected for transmission by the second client device to the access point and sent to the second client device along with a command to implement the fourth protocol parameter.

As with the method of fig. 10, an access point, terminal, or other device may selectively adjust one or more protocol parameters, such as packet length, data rate, forward error correction, error detection, coding scheme, data payload length, contention duration, backoff parameters for communication between devices, based on an analysis of information about the reception characteristics, status characteristics, usage characteristics, mobility characteristics, etc. of these devices. In this manner, the protocol parameters may change based on network conditions, including the mobility, usage, status, and reception characteristics of the particular device, as well as the mobility, usage, status, and reception characteristics of multiple devices, and how each device receives transmissions from other devices.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart of a method employed by a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. The client device listens for transmissions between other client devices and the access point to begin operation 1300 (step 1302). Such listening for transmissions between other client devices and the access point may occur at any time based on battery life of the battery powered client device, processing availability of the client device processing resources, and other characteristics. In step 1304, the client device defines characteristics of the transmissions it receives based on those transmissions. Such characteristics of step 1304 can include defining receive power characteristics of the intercepted transmission, regardless of whether the listening client device is capable of receiving the transmission and other transmission characteristics without error.

After collection of the transmission characteristics, the client device forwards the characteristics to the access point (step 1306). Then, in some operations, the client device may receive the indication and begin relaying transmissions between the access point and another client device (step 1308). Further, in another operation, a client device may relay communications between two different client devices. In relaying transmissions between two other wireless devices, the client device can relay transmissions in both directions or in only one direction. For example, the access point has sufficient forward connection transmission power to adequately serve its coverage area, and the client device does not need to relay communications transmitted by the access point and intended for the client device. Further, as such, the client device may operate at the edge of the access point coverage area such that its transmission strength is insufficient for successful reception by the access point. In this case, the relay proxy client device will relay transmissions sent by other client devices and destined for the access point. In such a relay, the client device will receive wireless transmissions from other client devices and retransmit them to the access point.

The relaying operation of step 1308 may last for a short period of time, a long period of time, or any of these. For example, the relaying operation of step 1308 may occur in units of each transmission (transmission timing) for a period of time, or until the access point instructs the client device to terminate the relaying transmission. In accordance with instructions from the access point, the access point may instruct the client device to terminate the relaying of the transmission (step 1310). In this case, the client device terminates the transmission between the access point and the other client device. From any of steps 1302 and 1310, the operation may return to step 1302. For example, even when a client is relaying transmissions between an access point and a different client device or between two different client devices, the client device may continue to define characteristics of received transmissions (not only from the device pair, but also from other devices) and forward these characteristics to the access point.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart of a method used by a wireless terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Operation 1400 begins with the client device intercepting one or more transmissions from one or more client devices and intended for the access point (step 1402). Optionally, at step 1402, the client device can intercept a transmission originating from the access point and destined for another client device. The client device receives the request from the access point and repeats the intercepted wireless transmission, continuing operation (step 1404). In one example of this operation, the access point requests that the client device repeat a transmission from a different client device that the current client device has intercepted at step 1402. The client device then sends the intercepted transmission to the access point (step 1406). The client device may then compare the frequency at which it repeats or relays the intercepted transmission to the upper limit frequency (step 1408). If the client device determines that its frequency of repeated transmissions exceeds an upper limit, the client device may initiate or begin a permanent relay transmission (step 1410) and continue to reset. Optionally, the client device continues with the relayed wireless transmission selected by step 1402-. Of course, when a client device begins a persistent relay transmission between a first client device and an access point, the client device may still intercept and repeat transmissions between the access point and other client devices. Thus, the operation of step 1410 does not preclude the operation of step 1402-1408.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart of a method employed by a terminal, access point and/or integrated circuit in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. The access point sends a request to one or more client devices to report their transmission, status, and/or mobility characteristics, thereby beginning operation 1500 (step 1502). The transmission, status, and movement characteristics have been described in detail with reference to fig. 1A-14. The client device determines its transmission, status, and/or movement characteristics to continue operation 1500 (step 1504). The client device then transmits its transmissions, status, and/or mobility characteristics to the access point (step 1506).

The access point then selects the first client device as the relay agent for the second client (step 1508). The selection of the first client device as a relay agent for the second client device is based on transmission, status, and/or mobility characteristics that were recorded by the client device and addressed to the access point at step 1506. The first client device then acts as a relay agent for the second client device in accordance with the instructions received from the access point (step 1512). As a relay agent for the second client device, the first client device relays communications between the access point 110 and the served client device. Such relay operation may be unidirectional or bidirectional, as determined or required by the particular operation of the wireless network.

The terms "circuit" and "circuitry" as used herein may refer to either individual circuits or portions of a multi-functional circuit that perform various underlying functions. For example, depending on the embodiment, the processing circuit may be implemented as a single chip processor or multiple processing chips. Also, the first circuit and the second circuit may be combined into a single circuit in one embodiment, or may operate independently in separate chips in another embodiment. The term "chip" as used herein refers to an integrated circuit. The circuits (circuits) and circuits (circuits) may comprise general or special purpose hardware, or may comprise such hardware and associated software (e.g., firmware or object code).

The invention has been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating specified functions and relationships. For convenience of description, the boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been defined herein specifically. However, given the appropriate implementation of functions and relationships, changes in the limits and sequences are allowed. Any such boundaries or sequence of changes should be considered to be within the scope of the claims.

The invention has also been described above with the aid of functional blocks illustrating some important functions. For convenience of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been defined specifically herein. When these important functions are implemented properly, varying their boundaries is permissible. Similarly, flow diagram modules are also specifically defined herein to illustrate certain important functions. The boundaries and sequence of the flow diagram modules may be otherwise defined for general application, provided that the essential functions are still achieved. Variations in the boundaries and sequence of the above described functional blocks, flowchart functional blocks, and steps may be considered within the scope of the following claims. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the functional blocks described herein, and other illustrative blocks, modules, and components, may be implemented as discrete components, special purpose integrated circuits, processors with appropriate software, and the like.

As used above, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" provide an industry-recognized tolerance for their respective terms and/or relativity between items. Such industry-accepted tolerances range from less than one percent to fifty percent, and are consistent with, but not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. The relativity between such items ranges from a few percent difference to a very large difference. As also used herein, the terms "connected to" and/or "connecting" include directly connecting between items and/or indirectly connecting through intermediate items (e.g., items including, but not limited to, components, elements, circuits, and/or modules), where intermediate items do not modify signal information for indirect connection but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As further used herein, the term "operable to" indicates that an item includes one or more power connections, inputs, outputs, etc. to perform one or more of its corresponding functions, and further includes inferring (preferred) connections to one or more items. As further used herein, the term "connected to …" includes a single item and/or a direct or indirect connection embedded within another item. As used herein, the term "compares favorably", indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a number greater than signal 2, i.e., the number of signals 1 is greater than the number of signals 2 or the number of signals 2 is less than the number of signals 1, a favorable comparison can be made.

Furthermore, although the description details are for the purpose of clarity and understanding the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements of the features and embodiments described herein, which may occur to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless network in a communication architecture, comprising a packet-switched backbone network, the wireless network comprising:

a first client device comprising a first client device processing circuit and a first client device wireless transceiver circuit;

the second client equipment comprises a second client equipment processing circuit and a second client equipment wireless transceiving circuit;

the access point processing circuitry managing communications between a first client device wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network and communications between a second client device wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network using the access point wireless transceiver circuitry and a set of associated communication parameters;

the first client device monitors wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point;

the first client device defining characteristics of transmissions between the second client device and the access point;

the first client device transmitting characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between the second client device and the access point to the access point;

the first client device receiving an indication from the access point at a first time to begin a wireless transmission relay operation and, in response, beginning to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device;

the first client device receiving an indication from the access point at a second time to terminate wireless transmission relay operation and, in response, ceasing to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device;

wherein the starting and terminating wireless transmission relay operations are based on different characteristics of wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point at different times.

2. A wireless network in a communication architecture, comprising a packet-switched backbone network, the wireless network comprising:

the first client device starts to relay wireless transmission between the access point and the second client device after starting wireless transmission relay operation;

the first client device stops relaying wireless transmission between the access point and the second client device after terminating wireless transmission relay operation;

wherein initiating and terminating wireless relay operation is based on different characteristics of wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point at different times.

3. A wireless network in a communication architecture, comprising a packet switched backbone network, the wireless network comprising:

the access point processing circuitry to manage communications between a first client device wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network and communications between a second client device wireless transceiver circuitry and the packet switched backbone network using the access point wireless transceiver circuitry and a set of associated communication parameters;

the first client device intercepts the wireless transmission sent by the second client device to the access point;

the first client device receiving a request from the access point to repeat an intercepted wireless transmission sent from the second client device to the access point;

the first client device transmitting the intercepted wireless transmission sent from the second client device to the access point in response to the received request;

when a frequency of repeat requests from the access point exceeds a frequency threshold, the first client device automatically performs the intercepted repetition of the wireless transmission sent by the second client device to the access point until the access point instructs the first client device to terminate the repetition.

4. A client device for use in a wireless network of a communication architecture, wherein the wireless network includes a packet switched backbone network, an access point communicatively coupled to the packet switched backbone network, a second client device, the client device comprising:

a client device wireless transceiver circuit;

a client device processing circuit;

the client device monitors wireless transmissions between a second client device and the access point;

the client device defining characteristics of transmissions between a second client device and the access point;

the client device transmitting characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point to the access point;

the client device receiving an indication from the access point at a first time to begin a wireless transmission relay operation and, in response, beginning to relay a wireless transmission between the access point and a second client device;

the client device receiving an indication from the access point at a second time to terminate wireless transmission relay operation and, in response, ceasing to relay wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device;

5. A client device for use in a wireless network of a communication architecture, wherein the wireless network includes a packet switched backbone network, an access point communicatively coupled to the packet switched backbone network, a second client device, the client device comprising:

a client device wireless transceiver circuit;

a client device processing circuit;

the client device starts to relay wireless transmission between the access point and a second client device after wireless transmission relay operation starts;

the client device stops relaying wireless transmissions between the access point and a second client device after wireless transmission relaying operations are terminated;

wherein the starting and terminating wireless relay operations are based on different characteristics of wireless transmissions between the second client device and the access point at different times.

6. A client device for use in a wireless network of a communication architecture, wherein the wireless network includes a packet switched backbone network, an access point communicatively coupled to the packet switched backbone network, a second client device, the client device comprising:

a client device wireless transceiver circuit;

a client device processing circuit;

the client device intercepts wireless transmission sent by a second client device to the access point;

the client device receiving a request from the access point to repeat an intercepted wireless transmission sent from a second client device to the access point;

the client device transmitting the intercepted wireless transmission sent from the second client device to the access point in response to the received request;

when a frequency of repeat requests from the access point exceeds a frequency threshold, the client device automatically performs a repeat of the intercepted wireless transmissions sent by the second client device to the access point until the access point instructs the client device to terminate the repeat operation.

7. An access point in a wireless network for serving first and second client devices, the access point comprising:

a network interface connected to a packet-switched backbone network;

an access point wireless transceiver circuit;

access point processing circuitry connected to the network interface and the access point wireless transceiver circuitry;

the access point processing circuitry manages communications between a first client device and the packet switched backbone network and between a second client device and the packet switched backbone network;

the access point processing circuitry initiates a wireless transmission relay operation by sending a request to a first client device to initiate relaying a wireless transmission sent from a second client device to the access point and received by the access point;

when a wireless transmission relay operation is set, the access point processing circuit receives from the access point wireless transceiver circuit a relay wireless transmission sent by the second client device and destined for the access point;

the access point processing circuitry terminates wireless transmission relay operations by sending a request to a first client device to thereby terminate relaying wireless transmissions sent from a second client device to the access point and received by the access point;

8. An access point in a wireless network for serving first and second client devices, the access point comprising:

a network interface connected to a packet-switched backbone network;

an access point wireless transceiver circuit;

the access point processing circuitry receives characteristics of a wireless transmission sent between a second client device and the access point from a first client device;

the access point processing circuitry receives wireless transmissions between a second client device and the access point as monitored by a first client device;

the access point processing circuitry receives characteristics of transmissions between a second client device and the access point defined by a first client device;

the access point processing circuitry to send an indication of the access point at a first time to begin a transmission relay operation and in response, the first client device to begin relaying wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device;

the access point processing circuitry sends an indication of the access point at a second time to terminate transmission relay operations, and in response, the first client device stops relaying wireless transmissions between the access point and the second client device;