Wireless network
First Claim
1. A method of operating a wireless network, wherein transmission of data takes place in transmission frames of variable length subdivided into a plurality of time slots, the wireless network comprising a controller and a variable number of wireless terminals, the method comprising the controller maintaining a list of wireless terminals currently registered with the network, determining the lengths of successive transmission frames, and allocating time slots within said frame for various purposes, wherein the controller scheduling a variable number n of association sections in each transmission frame, where n has a minimum value of zero, in response to the current operating characteristics of the network, by which association sections the wireless terminals can register with the controller.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of operating a wireless network comprising a plurality of wireless terminals and optionally a base station uses a transmission frame (300) including an association section (310) for use by wireless terminals wishing to join the network. A variable number of association sections (310) is scheduled in response to operating characteristics such as the load on the network or the presence of a high security application on the network.
104 Citations
10 Claims
- 1. A method of operating a wireless network, wherein transmission of data takes place in transmission frames of variable length subdivided into a plurality of time slots, the wireless network comprising a controller and a variable number of wireless terminals, the method comprising the controller maintaining a list of wireless terminals currently registered with the network, determining the lengths of successive transmission frames, and allocating time slots within said frame for various purposes, wherein the controller scheduling a variable number n of association sections in each transmission frame, where n has a minimum value of zero, in response to the current operating characteristics of the network, by which association sections the wireless terminals can register with the controller.
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5. A controller for a wireless network having a plurality of wireless terminals, the controller comprising means for maintaining a list of wireless terminals currently registered with the network, means for monitoring the operating characteristics of the network, means for determining the lengths of successive transmission frames and means for allocating time slots within each of said frames, means responsive to the current operating characteristics of the network for scheduling a variable number n of association sections in each transmission frame, where n has a minimum value of zero.
- 6. A base station comprising a controller for a wireless network having a plurality of wireless terminals, the controller comprising means for maintaining a list of wireless terminals currently registered with the network, means for monitoring the operating characteristics of the network, means for determining the lengths of successive transmission frames and means for allocating time slots within each of said frames, means responsive to the current operating characteristics of the network for scheduling a variable number n of association sections in each transmission frame, where n has a minimum value of zero.
- 8. A wireless terminal for use in a wireless network constituted by at least one wireless terminal and a controller, the wireless terminal comprising transceiver means for obtaining scheduling information relating to transmission frames in the network, means for determining whether an association section is available in a transmission frame and in that in response to said means the wireless terminal attempts association during the association section.
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10. A wireless terminal for use in a wireless network constituted by at least one wireless terminal and a controller, the wireless terminal comprising transceiver means for obtaining scheduling information relating to transmission frames in the network, means for determining whether an association section is available in a transmission frame, said means enabling the wireless terminal to attempt association during the association section, and a controller comprising means for maintaining a list of wireless terminals currently registered with the network, means for monitoring the operating characteristics of the network, means for determining the lengths of successive transmission frames, means for allocating time slots within each of said frames and means responsive to the current operating characteristics of the network for scheduling a variable number n of association sections in each transmission frame, where n has a minimum value of zero, the controller enabling the wireless terminal to function as a base station in a peer to peer network.
Specification