CELL CONTROLLER ADAPTED TO PERFORM A MANAGEMENT FUNCTION

• US 20070109993A1
• Filed: 01/11/2007
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: BEACH, ROBERT
• Application Number:
  US11/622,157
• Publication Number:
  US 20070109993A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/328
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/4625 Single bridge functionality, e.g. connection of two networks over a single bridge
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/14 Multichannel or multilink protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/00 Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/033 of the user plane, e.g. user's traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/26 Cell enhancers or enhancement, e.g. for tunnels, building shadow
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 60/00 Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/00 Wireless channel access
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/085 Access point devices with remote components
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/12 Access point controller devices

Abstract

A wireless local area network is provided with simplified RF ports which are configured to provide lower level media access control functions. Higher level media access control functions and management functions are provided in a cell controller, which may service one or more RF ports. Mobile units can also be configured with the higher level media access control functions being performed in a host processor.

Claims

1. A cell controller adapted for a wireless communication system and for use with a RF port at least partially housed in a first housing, comprising:

a second housing that is physically separate from said first housing;

a memory housed in said second housing, said memory adapted to store software for a plurality of functions of a wireless communication standard protocol and a management function of said wireless communication system; and

a processor housed in said second housing, said processor receptive of a first signal received by said RF port and adapted to execute said software stored in said memory to perform said plurality of functions of the wireless communication standard protocol for said first signal and said management function of said wireless communication system.

2. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication standard protocol is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard protocol.

3. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said plurality of functions are higher level Media Access Control (MAC) functions.

4. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function is a bandwidth management function.

5. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function alters bandwidth based at least partially on a type of device that originates said signal.

6. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function at least partially accounts for changing load conditions of said wireless communication network.

7. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function alters a frequency of said signal.

8. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function alters a power of said signal.

9. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function alters a data rate of said signal.

10. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function is a compression function.

11. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function monitors software versions of mobile units within said wireless communication network.

12. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function detects interference and adjusts transmit power levels of said RF port.

13. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function is a security function.

14. The cell controller of claim 1, wherein said management function is a soft-roaming function.