Method and apparatus for coverage and throughput enhancement in a wireless communication system

• US 7,136,655 B2
• Filed: 06/16/2004
• Issued: 11/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bandspeed, Inc. (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Skafidas, Efstratios, Jones, Ben, Morton, John “Jack”, Ekambaram, Natarajan, Mammoser, Douglas A., Do, Duy Khuong, Benson, Mark William, Glick, James, Fesas, Nestor, Broe, Kevin Sean, Rusnak, Richard John, Kelly, Neil Patrick, Cheng, Lei, Gibson, Mike
• Primary Examiner(s): Feild, Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): Afshar, Kamran
• Application Number:
  US10/870,199
• Publication Number:
  US 20040259558A1
• Time in Patent Office: 881 Days
• Field of Search: 455/450, 455/451, 455/452.1, 455/452.2, 455/453, 455/455, 455509-516, 455/63.1, 455/63.4, 455/562.1, 455/129, 343/844, 370/302, 370/329, 370/341, 370/437, 370/445
• US Class Current: 455/450
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/246 specially adapted for base stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 25/002 providing at least two patterns of different beamwidth; Variable beamwidth antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0491 using two or more sectors, i.e. sector diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/14 Spectrum sharing arrangements between different networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/24 Cell structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/28 using beam steering
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/04 Wireless resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/541 using the level of interference

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”. In one embodiment, channel allocation techniques for increasing one or more of throughput and coverage in a wireless communications environment. In one embodiment, a mode of operation is selected from a plurality of modes of operation, enabling a wireless communications transmitter to be dynamically configured to reach a wireless communications devices at a greater distance from the transmitter without increased interference between communications channels (“range mode”) or to provide wireless communications to a greater number of wireless communications devices within a relatively closer distance to the wireless transmitter (“capacity mode”) or to provide wireless communications using a single channel to provide wireless communications at a relatively greatest distance from the transmitter (“super range mode”).

Claims

1. A method for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, comprising:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operations;

wherein the mode of operation provides greater range of coverage relative to other modes of operation;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the shared wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the shared wireless channel prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use range mode as the mode of operation.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels do not overlap.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein wireless communications channels are selected from a frequency band specified by one of the IEEE 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 802.11(g), 802.15(x), 802.16(x) and 802.20(x) wireless communications standards.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one wireless communications transmitter is assigned a wireless communications channel for establishing a backhaul wireless communications with a wireless backhaul system.

6. A method for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, comprising:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greater throughput relative to other modes of operation;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

assigning each one of the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to an individual wireless communications channel, when available, otherwise assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the wireless channel assigned to the wireless communications transmitter prior to transmitting on the wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use capacity mode as the mode of operation.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism.

8. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which at least two of the wireless communications channels overlap.

9. A method for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, comprising:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greatest range of coverage relative to other modes of operation;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which a single wireless communications channel having a minimal interference relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the single wireless communications channel having a minimal interference relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to the single wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use super range mode as the mode of operation.

10. A method for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, comprising:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

when the mode of operation is a range mode, determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels by;

assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the shared wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the shared wireless channel prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel;

when the mode of operation is a capacity mode, determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels by;

assigning each one of the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to an individual wireless communications channel, when available, otherwise assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to the shared wireless communications channel; and

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the wireless communications channel use the multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the wireless channel assigned to the wireless communications transmitter prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel;

when the mode of operation is a super range mode, determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which a single wireless communications channel is used to obtain a greatest range relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels.

11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein:

the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanisms;

wireless communications channels are selected from a frequency band specified by one of the IEEE 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 801.11(g), 802.15(x), 802.16(x) and 802.20(x) wireless communications standards; and

at least one wireless communications transmitter is assigned a wireless communications channel for establishing a backhaul wireless communications with a wireless backhaul system.

12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels do not overlap.

13. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which at least two of the wireless communications channels overlap.

14. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

means for determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in a plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

means for determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greater range of coverage relative to other modes of operation;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

means for assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel; and

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the shared wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the shared wireless channel prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel;

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use range mode as the mode of operation.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels do not overlap.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein wireless communications channels are selected from a frequency band specified by one of the IEEE 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 801.11(g), 802.15(x), 802.16(x) and 802.20(x) wireless communications standards.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein at least one wireless communications transmitter is assigned a wireless communications channel for establishing a backhaul wireless communications with a wireless backhaul system.

19. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

means for determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which wireless communications channels have a greatest frequency separation relative to a plurality of available wireless communications channels, when the mode of operation is a range mode;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to a plurality of available wireless communications channels further comprises;

means for assigning a plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the shared wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the shared wireless channel prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel;

means for determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, when the mode of operation is a capacity mode;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels

means for assigning each one of the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to an individual wireless communications channel when available otherwise assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to the shared wireless communications channel; and

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the wireless communications channel use the multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the wireless channel assigned to the wireless communications transmitter prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel;

means for determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which a single wireless communications channel is used to obtain a greatest range relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, when the mode of operation is a super range mode.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein:

the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism;

wireless communications channels are selected from a frequency band specified by one of the IEEE 802.11(a), 801.11(b), 801.11(g), 802.15(x), 802.16(x) and 802.20(x) wireless communications standards; and

at least one wireless communications transmitter is assigned a wireless communications channel for establishing a backhaul wireless communications with a wireless backhaul system.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels do not overlap.

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which at least two of the wireless communications channels overlap.

23. A computer readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, which instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation; and

determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greater range of coverage relative to other modes of operation;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the shared wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the shared wireless channel prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use range mode as the mode of operation.

24. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 23, wherein the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism.

25. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 23, wherein the instructions for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the step of:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels do not overlap.

26. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 23, wherein wireless communications channels are selected from a frequency band specified by one of the IEEE 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 801.11(g), 802.15(x), 802.16(x) and 802.20(x) wireless communications standards.

27. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 23, wherein at least one wireless communications transmitter is assigned a wireless communications channel for establishing a backhaul wireless communications with a wireless backhaul system.

28. A computer readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, which instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, if when the mode of operation is a range mode, by;

assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the shared wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the shared wireless channel prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, when the mode of operation is a capacity mode, by;

assigning each one of the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to an individual wireless communications channel, when available, otherwise assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to the shared wireless communications channel; and

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the wireless communications channel use the multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the wireless channel assigned to the wireless communications transmitter prior to transmitting on the shared wireless communications channel; and

determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which a single wireless communications channel is used to obtain a greatest range relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, when the mode of operation is a super range mode.

29. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 28, wherein:

the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism;

wireless communications channels are selected from a frequency band specified by one of the IEEE 802.11(a), 801.11(b), 801.11(g), 802.15(x), 802.16(x) and 802.20(x) wireless communications standards; and

at least one wireless communications transmitter is assigned a wireless communications channel for establishing a backhaul wireless communications with a wireless backhaul system.

30. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 28, wherein the instructions for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest frequency separation relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the step of:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels do not overlap.

31. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 28, wherein the instructions for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the step of:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which at least two of the wireless communications channels overlap.

32. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

means for determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in a plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

means for determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greater throughput relative to other modes of operation;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

means for assigning each one of the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to an individual wireless communications channel, when available, otherwise assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the wireless channel assigned to the wireless communications transmitter prior to transmitting on the wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use capacity mode as the mode of operation.

33. The apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism.

34. The apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises:

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which at least two of the wireless communications channels overlap.

35. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 32, wherein the multiple access communications protocol comprises at least one of a carrier sense, carrier detect and an energy detect mechanism.

36. The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 32, wherein the instructions for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have the greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the step of:

determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which at least two of the wireless communications channels overlap.

37. A computer readable medium storing one or more sequences of instructions for determining an assignment of wireless communications channels to a plurality of wireless communications transmitters, which instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of:

receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greater throughput relative to other modes of operation;

wherein the instructions for determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the step of;

determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein the instructions for determining a wireless communications channel assignment in which the wireless communications channels have a greatest bandwidth relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises one or more sequences of instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the step of;

assigning each one of the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to an individual wireless communications channel, when available, otherwise assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to a shared wireless communications channel;

wherein wireless communications transmitters assigned to the wireless communications channel use a multiple access communications protocol to determine availability of the wireless channel assigned to the wireless communications transmitter prior to transmitting on the wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use capacity mode as the mode of operation.

38. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving an input specifying a mode of operation;

means for determining a plurality of available wireless communications channels based upon a number of wireless communications transmitters in a plurality of wireless transmitters and the mode of operation;

means for determining a wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and a number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters that provides the specified mode of operation;

wherein the mode of operation provides greatest range of coverage relative to other modes of operation;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment based upon the plurality of available wireless communications channels and the number of wireless communications transmitters in the plurality of wireless transmitters further comprises;

means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which a single wireless communications channel having a minimal interference relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels;

wherein the means for determining the wireless communications channel assignment in which the single wireless communications channel having the minimal interference relative to the plurality of available wireless communications channels, further comprises;

means for assigning the plurality of wireless communications transmitters to the single wireless communications channel; and

wherein the plurality of wireless transmitters are dynamically configured to use range mode as the mode of operation.