Multi-band access point with shared processor
First Claim
1. A multi-service access point for a wireless network, wherein signal processing is performed at least in part by a programmable digital signal processor, the multi-service access point comprising:
- antennas for each of the plurality of services operating over distinct frequency bands;
a signal processor switchable among services;
means for signaling to nodes in the wireless network that use a first service that the signal processor is available for communication using the first service; and
means for switching from communication using the first service to communication using a second service following a signaling that the signal processor is available for communication using the second service.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a wireless network, an access point supports more than one service with appearance of availability simultaneously to the more than one service, wherein a service relates to supporting a particular protocol, band, channel, etc. An access point might use elements common to more than one service and switch between them often enough that client devices do not conclude that the access point is unavailable each time it is in fact not available for the service expected by the client device. The differing services might be different protocols, bands, channels, etc. The use of the “CTS to self” signal is one method of causing client stations within range to leave a service quiescent for a period so that the access point that sent the signal can activate another service. This signal can also be used for any other need the access point has to cause the medium to be quiescent for a period so that the access point can stop listening and be assured that no necessary signals will be missed, such as avoidance of interchannel interference or a “multiple virtual AP” AP.
145 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A multi-service access point for a wireless network, wherein signal processing is performed at least in part by a programmable digital signal processor, the multi-service access point comprising:
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antennas for each of the plurality of services operating over distinct frequency bands;
a signal processor switchable among services;
means for signaling to nodes in the wireless network that use a first service that the signal processor is available for communication using the first service; and
means for switching from communication using the first service to communication using a second service following a signaling that the signal processor is available for communication using the second service. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of operating an access point to maintain connections with N devices, wherein N is greater than two, with resources that operate simultaneously and instantaneously for less than N services, the method comprising:
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signalling availability of the access point according to a first service;
interacting with a network node to establish at least a first connection using the first service;
switching from supporting the first service to supporting the second service;
signalling availability of the access point according to the second service;
interacting with a network node to establish at least a second connection using the second service; and
switching from supporting the second service to supporting the first service, continuing the first connection. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of signalling a wireless medium from a network node that is expected to be responsive to signals from the wireless medium to allow for a period during which the network node will omit otherwise necessary processing to be responsive to the signals from the wireless medium, the method comprising:
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signalling a reservation of the wireless medium for a reservation period, thus reserving at least a reserved portion of the wireless medium; and
performing processing other than listening to the wireless medium for signals expected to be received by the network node and other than transmitting in the reserved portion. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method of operating an access point in an 802.11 network to maintain connections with N stations, wherein N is greater than two, with resources that operate simultaneously and instantaneously for less than N services, the method comprising:
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sending a first service beacon signal from the access point according to a first service;
interacting with at least one of the N stations to establish at least a first connection using the first service;
reserving the medium for the first service for a first network allocation time period;
switching the access point from supporting the first service to supporting a second service;
sending a second service beacon signal from the access point according to the second service;
interacting with at least one of the N stations to establish at least a second connection using the second service; and
before the first network allocation time period expires;
(a) reserving the medium for the second service for a second network allocation time period; and
(b) switching the access point from supporting the second service to supporting the first service, thereby continuing the first connection. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification