Multiple access wireless communications architecture
First Claim
1. A wireless communications apparatus comprising:
- a first antenna arrangement configured to transmit and receive communications signals on a first communications channel within a first section of a spatial area around the wireless communications apparatus, wherein the first antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether the first communications channel is currently being used to carry communication signals before transmitting any communication signals onto the first communications channel; and
a second antenna arrangement configured to transmit and receive communications signals on a second communications channel within a second section of the spatial area around the wireless communications apparatus, wherein the second antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether the second communications channel is currently being used to carry communication signals before transmitting any communication signals onto the second communications channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multiple access wireless communications architecture provides selective, simultaneous communications with wireless devices located in different sections of a spatial area around a communications apparatus referred to as “sectors”. This includes communications between wireless devices in a single sector, between wireless devices in different sectors and between wireless devices and a wired network or wireless backhaul network. The wireless communications architecture generally includes two or more wireless antenna arrangements that are each configured to provide communications with wireless devices located in a particular sector. Each wireless antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether signals are being communicated on a communications channel before transmitting on the communications channel. This may be implemented, for example, using a carrier sense or energy detection mechanism. Wireless devices within a sector may communicate on the same or different communications channels, depending upon the particular multiple access protocol employed. For example, TDMA or CSMA may be used to allow wireless devices in a sector to share communications channels. Communications channels may also be used simultaneously in different sectors by different wireless devices.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A wireless communications apparatus comprising:
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a first antenna arrangement configured to transmit and receive communications signals on a first communications channel within a first section of a spatial area around the wireless communications apparatus, wherein the first antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether the first communications channel is currently being used to carry communication signals before transmitting any communication signals onto the first communications channel; and
a second antenna arrangement configured to transmit and receive communications signals on a second communications channel within a second section of the spatial area around the wireless communications apparatus, wherein the second antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether the second communications channel is currently being used to carry communication signals before transmitting any communication signals onto the second communications channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A wireless access point for providing wireless access to a wired network within a building, the wireless access point comprising:
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a first antenna arrangement configured to communicate with wireless devices within a first section of a spatial area around the wireless access point, wherein the first antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether a first communications channel assigned to the first section of the spatial area is currently being used to carry communication signals before transmitting any communication signals onto the first communications channel;
a second antenna arrangement configured to communicate with wireless devices within a second section of a spatial area around the wireless access point, wherein the second antenna arrangement is further configured to determine whether a second communications channel assigned to the second section of the spatial area is currently being used to carry communication signals before transmitting any communication signals onto the second communications channel; and
a management mechanism configured to manage the operation of the first and second antenna arrangements and to manage the exchange of data between wireless devices in the first and second sections of the spatial area and the wired network in the building.
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25. An antenna apparatus configured to enable selective wireless communications with wireless devices located in first and second sections of a spatial area around the antenna apparatus, the antenna apparatus comprising:
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a central metal reflector; and
a plurality of metal septums extending outward from the central metal reflector into the spatial area around the antenna apparatus to define the first and second sections. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A wireless communications system comprising:
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a first antenna arrangement having a first transceiver configured to transmit and receive communications signals on a communications channel within a first section of a spatial area around the wireless communications apparatus;
a second antenna arrangement having a second transceiver configured to transmit and receive communications signals on the communications channel within a second section of the spatial area around the wireless communications apparatus; and
wherein a carrier sense multiple access, collision avoidance algorithm based on carrier sense or energy detect, or a point coordinating function is used to allow communications on the communications channel in both the first and second sections to occur.
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38. The wireless communications apparatus as recited in claim 39, further comprising a network manager configured to control the transfer of data between the first and second sections and a network.
Specification