System and method for estimating bandwidth requirements of and allocating bandwidth to communication devices operating in a network

• US 7,477,621 B1
• Filed: 09/07/2004
• Issued: 01/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Marvell Asia Pte Limited (Marvell Technology Group Limited)
• Original Assignee: Marvell International Limited (Marvell Technology Group Limited)
• Inventors: Loc, Peter, Donovan, Timothy J., Kopikare, Milind
• Primary Examiner(s): Pham; Chi H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hyun; Soon D.
• Application Number:
  US10/934,526
• Time in Patent Office: 1,589 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 370/329
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0037 Inter-user or inter-terminal allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/20 Negotiating bandwidth
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0453 Resources in frequency domain, e.g. a carrier in FDMA
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/23 in the downlink direction of a wireless link, i.e. towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/0816 with collision avoidance
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 Access point devices

Abstract

A system for allocating bandwidth in a network includes a base station. The system also includes a plurality of stations in communication with the base station. During a measurement period, the base station monitors an amount of information communicated by each of the plurality of stations to determine bandwidth required by each of the plurality of stations. After the measurement period, the base station transmits a bandwidth allocation message to the plurality of stations allocating bandwidth to each of the plurality of stations for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

Claims

1. A system for allocating bandwidth in a wireless network, comprising:

a base station; and

a plurality of stations in communication with the base station,

wherein during a measurement period, the base station monitors an amount of information packets communicated by each of the plurality of stations to determine bandwidth required by each of the plurality of stations,

wherein during the measurement period, the plurality of stations communicate information packets using carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA),

wherein after the measurement period, the base station transmits a bandwidth allocation message to the plurality of stations allocating bandwidth to each of the plurality of stations for transmitting information packets during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message,

wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header, a traffic indication map, a bandwidth assignment table and a checksum,

wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations of the plurality of stations for which at least one timeslot has been allocated for transmitting information packets,

wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion for each of the plurality of stations for which at least one timeslot has been allocated for transmitting information packets,

wherein the identification portion of the bandwidth assignment table identifies a station for which the at least one timeslot has been allocated, and

wherein the timeslot allocation portion of the bandwidth assignment table contains a number of timeslots allocated to a station for transmitting information packets.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

3. A method of allocating bandwidth in a wireless network, comprising the steps of:

a.) establishing a measurement period;

b.) transmitting information packets during the measurement period;

c.) monitoring an amount of information packets communicated in the wireless network during the measurement period;

d.) determining bandwidth required for communicating information packets in the wireless network based on an amount of information packets transmitted during the measurement period;

e.) transmitting a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information packets during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message;

f.) entering a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated in the bandwidth allocation message; and

g.) transmitting a null information packet to indicate an end of transmission, when the amount of information packets communicated is less than timeslots allocated.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

5. A system for allocating bandwidth in a wireless network, comprising:

monitoring means for monitoring the network; and

a plurality of means for communicating in communication with the monitoring means,

wherein during a measurement period, the monitoring means monitors an amount of information packets communicated by each of the plurality of communicating means to determine bandwidth required by each of the plurality of communicating means,

wherein during the measurement period, the plurality of communicating means communicate information packets using carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMAICA),

wherein after the measurement period, the monitoring means transmits a bandwidth allocation message to the plurality of communicating means allocating bandwidth to each of the plurality of communicating means for transmitting information packets during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message,

wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header, a traffic indication map, a bandwidth assignment table and a checksum,

wherein the traffic indication map identifies communicating means for which at least one timeslot has been allocated for transmitting information packets,

wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion for each of the plurality of communicating means for which at least one timeslot has been allocated for transmitting information packets,

wherein the identification portion of the bandwidth assignment table identifies a communicating means for which the at least one timeslot has been allocated, and

wherein the timeslot allocation portion of the bandwidth assignment table contains a number of timeslots allocated to a communicating means for transmitting information packets.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the system is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

7. A base station for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a bandwidth allocation engine,

wherein during a measurement period, the bandwidth allocation engine monitors an amount of information transmitted by stations in the network to determine bandwidth required by each of the stations, and

wherein after the measurement period, the transceiver transmits a bandwidth allocation message from the bandwidth allocation engine to the stations, allocating bandwidth to each of the stations for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

8. The base station of claim 7, wherein the base station comprises an access point.

9. The base station of claim 7, wherein during the measurement period, the stations communicate information using a predetermined communication protocol.

10. The base station of claim 9, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

11. The base station of claim 7, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

12. The base station of claim 11, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

13. The base station of claim 12, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

14. The base station of claim 12, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

15. The base station of claim 12, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that a station has additional information to transmit.

16. The base station of claim 15, wherein the station transmits a null information packet to the base station with the more flag set, when the amount of information to be communicated by the station exceeds the timeslots allocated to the station.

17. The base station of claim 12, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

18. The base station of claim 11, wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations allocated at least one timeslot.

19. The base station of claim 11, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion for each station allocated at least one timeslot.

20. The base station of claim 19, wherein the identification portion identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

21. The base station of claim 19, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated to a station.

22. The base station of claim 11, wherein stations allocated at least one timeslot in the bandwidth allocation message transmit information in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

23. The base station of claim 7, wherein a station enters a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated to the station in the bandwidth allocation message.

24. The base station of claim 7, wherein a station transmits a null information packet to other stations to indicate an end of transmission by the station, when the amount of information communicated by the station is less than the timeslots allocated to the station.

25. The base station of claim 7, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

26. The base station of claim 7, wherein the base station is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

27. The base station of claim 7, wherein the base station comprises a semiconductor device.

28. A station for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a configuration engine,

wherein during a measurement period, the transceiver transmits information using a predetermined communication protocol,

wherein after the measurement period, the configuration engine receives a bandwidth allocation message allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message, and

wherein allocation of timeslots in the bandwidth allocation message is based on an amount of information transmitted during the measurement period.

29. The station of claim 28, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

30. The station of claim 28, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

31. The station of claim 30, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

32. The station of claim 31, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

33. The station of claim 31, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

34. The station of claim 31, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that the station has additional information to transmit.

35. The station of claim 34, wherein the station transmits a null information packet with the more flag set, when the amount of information to be communicated by the station exceeds the timeslots allocated to the station.

36. The station of claim 31, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

37. The station of claim 30, wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations allocated at least one timeslot.

38. The station of claim 30, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion for each station allocated at least one timeslot.

39. The station of claim 38, wherein the identification portion identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

40. The station of claim 38, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated to a station.

41. The station of claim 30, wherein stations allocated at least one timeslot in the bandwidth allocation message transmit information in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

42. The station of claim 28, wherein the station enters a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated to the station in the bandwidth allocation message.

43. The station of claim 28, wherein the station transmits a null information packet to other stations to indicate an end of transmission by the station, when the amount of information communicated by the station is less than the timeslots allocated to the station.

44. The station of claim 28, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

45. The station of claim 28, wherein the station is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

46. The base station of claim 28, wherein the base station comprises a semiconductor device.

47. A system for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

a base station; and

a plurality of stations in communication with the base station,

wherein during a measurement period, the base station monitors an amount of information communicated by each of the plurality of stations to determine bandwidth required by each of the plurality of stations, and

wherein after the measurement period, the base station transmits a bandwidth allocation message to the plurality of stations allocating bandwidth to each of the plurality of stations for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the base station comprises an access point.

49. The system of claim 47, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

50. The system of claim 47, wherein the system is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

51. A bandwidth allocation message data structure stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by a processor for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

a header data structure;

a traffic indication map data structure,

wherein the traffic indication map data structure identifies stations in the network allocated at least one timeslot for transmitting information; and

a bandwidth assignment table data structure,

wherein the bandwidth assignment table data structure specifies a number of timeslots allocated to each station.

52. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, wherein the header data structure comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header data structure.

53. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, wherein the header data structure indicates at least a type of message.

54. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, wherein the header data structure includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

55. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, wherein the header data structure includes a more flag that indicates that a station has additional information to transmit.

56. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, further comprising a checksum data structure.

57. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, wherein the bandwidth assignment table data structure comprises an identification data structure and a timeslot allocation data structure for each station allocated at least one timeslot.

58. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 57, wherein the identification data structure of the bandwidth assignment table data structure identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

59. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 57, wherein the timeslot allocation data structure contains a number of timeslots allocated to a station.

60. The bandwidth allocation message data structure of claim 51, wherein the bandwidth allocation message data structure is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

61. A method of allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising the steps of:

a.) establishing a measurement period;

b.) monitoring an amount of information communicated in the network during the measurement period;

c.) determining bandwidth required for communicating information in the network; and

d.) transmitting a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein during the measurement period, the information is communicated using a predetermined communication protocol.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

64. The method of claim 61, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

68. The method of claim 65, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that additional information is to be transmitted.

69. The method of claim 65, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

70. The method of claim 64, wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations allocated at least one timeslot.

71. The method of claim 64, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises at least one timeslot allocation pair, and wherein the at least one timeslot allocation pair comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein the identification portion identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

73. The method of claim 71, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated for transmitting information.

74. The method of claim 64, wherein information is communicated in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

75. The method of claim 61, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

76. The method of claim 61, wherein the method is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

77. A method of allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising the steps of:

a.) transmitting information during a measurement period; and

b.) receiving a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message,

wherein allocation of timeslots in the bandwidth allocation message is based on an amount of information transmitted during the measurement period.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein during the measurement period, the information is transmitted using a predetermined communication protocol.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

80. The method of claim 77, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

83. The method of claim 81, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

84. The method of claim 81, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that additional information is to be transmitted.

85. The method of claim 84, comprising the step of:

c.) transmitting a null information packet with the more flag set, when the amount of information to be communicated exceeds allocated timeslots.

86. The method of claim 81, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

87. The method of claim 80, wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations allocated at least one timeslot.

88. The method of claim 80, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises at least one timeslot allocation pair, and wherein the at least one timeslot allocation pair comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the identification portion identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

90. The method of claim 88, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated for transmitting information.

91. The method of claim 80, wherein information is transmitted in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

92. The method of claim 77, comprising the step of:

c.) entering a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated in the bandwidth allocation message.

93. The method of claim 77, comprising the step of:

c.) transmitting a null information packet to indicate an end of transmission, when the amount of information communicated is less than the timeslots allocated.

94. The method of claim 77, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

95. The method of claim 77, wherein the method is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

96. A method of allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising the steps of:

a.) establishing a measurement period;

b.) transmitting information during the measurement period;

c.) monitoring an amount of information transmitted in the network during the measurement period;

d.) determining bandwidth required for transmitting information in the network based on an amount of information transmitted during the measurement period; and

e.) transmitting a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the method is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

98. An apparatus for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

transceiver means for communicating information; and

an allocation means for allocating bandwidth,

wherein during a measurement period, the allocation means monitors an amount of information transmitted by communication means in the network to determine bandwidth required by each of the communication means, and

wherein after the measurement period, the transceiver means transmits a bandwidth allocation message from the allocation means to the communication means allocating bandwidth to each of the communication means for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

99. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus comprises an access point.

100. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein during the measurement period, the communication means communicate information using a predetermined communication protocol.

101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

102. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

104. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

105. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

106. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that a communication means has additional information to transmit.

107. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the communication means transmits a null information packet to the apparatus with the more flag set, when the amount of information to be communicated by the communication means exceeds the timeslots allocated to the communication means.

108. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

109. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the traffic indication map identifies communication means allocated at least one timeslot.

110. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion for each communication means allocated at least one timeslot.

111. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the identification portion identifies a communication means allocated at least one timeslot.

112. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated to a communication means.

113. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein communication means allocated at least one timeslot in the bandwidth allocation message transmit information in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

114. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein a communication means enters a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated to the communication means in the bandwidth allocation message.

115. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein a communication means transmits a null information packet to other communication means to indicate an end of transmission by the communication means, when the amount of information communicated by the communication means is less than the timeslots allocated to the communication means.

116. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

117. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the apparatus is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

118. A semiconductor device comprising the apparatus of claim 98.

119. An apparatus for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

transceiver means for communicating information; and

a configuration means for configuring information transmission,

wherein during a measurement period, the transceiver means transmits information using a predetermined communication protocol,

wherein after the measurement period, the configuration means receives a bandwidth allocation message allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message, and

wherein allocation of timeslots in the bandwidth allocation message is based on an amount of information transmitted during the measurement period.

120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

121. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

123. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

124. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

125. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that the apparatus has additional information to transmit.

126. The apparatus of claim 125, wherein the apparatus transmits a null information packet with the more flag set, when the amount of information to be communicated by the apparatus exceeds the timeslots allocated to the apparatus.

127. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

128. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the traffic indication map identifies apparatuses allocated at least one timeslot.

129. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion for each apparatus allocated at least one timeslot.

130. The apparatus of claim 129, wherein the identification portion identifies an apparatus allocated at least one timeslot.

131. The apparatus of claim 129, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated to an apparatus.

132. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein apparatuses allocated at least one timeslot in the bandwidth allocation message transmit information in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

133. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the apparatus enters a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated to the apparatus in the bandwidth allocation message.

134. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the apparatus transmits a null information packet to other apparatuses to indicate an end of transmission by the apparatus, when the amount of information communicated by the apparatus is less than the timeslots allocated to the apparatus.

135. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

136. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the apparatus is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

137. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the apparatus comprises a semiconductor device.

138. A system for allocating bandwidth in a network, comprising:

monitoring means for monitoring the network; and

a plurality of means for communicating information in communication with the monitoring means,

wherein during a measurement period, the monitoring means monitors an amount of information communicated by each of the plurality of communicating means to determine bandwidth required by each of the plurality of communicating means, and

wherein after the measurement period, the monitoring means transmits a bandwidth allocation message to the plurality of communicating means allocating bandwidth to each of the plurality of communicating means for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

139. The system of claim 138, wherein the monitoring means comprises an access point.

140. The system of claim 138, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

141. The system of claim 138, wherein the system is compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

142. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by a processor for allocating bandwidth in a network, the computer program performing the steps of:

a.) establishing a measurement period;

b.) receiving an indication of an amount of information communicated in the network during the measurement period;

c.) determining bandwidth required for communicating information in the network; and

d.) generating a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

143. The computer program of claim 142, wherein during the measurement period, the information is communicated using a predetermined communication protocol.

144. The computer program of claim 143, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

145. The computer program of claim 142, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

146. The computer program of claim 145, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

147. The computer program of claim 146, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

148. The computer program of claim 146, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

149. The computer program of claim 146, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that additional information is to be transmitted.

150. The computer program of claim 146, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

151. The computer program of claim 145, wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations allocated at least one timeslot.

152. The computer program of claim 145, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises at least one timeslot allocation pair, and wherein the at least one timeslot allocation pair comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion.

153. The computer program of claim 152, wherein the identification portion identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

154. The computer program of claim 152, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated for transmitting information.

155. The computer program of claim 145, wherein information is communicated in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

156. The computer program of claim 142, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

157. The computer program of claim 142, wherein the steps performed by the computer program are compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

158. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by a processor for allocating bandwidth in a network, the computer program performing the steps of:

a.) providing information for transmission during a measurement period; and

b.) receiving a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message,

wherein allocation of timeslots in the bandwidth allocation message is based on an amount of information transmitted during the measurement period.

159. The computer program of claim 158, wherein during the measurement period, the information is transmitted using a predetermined communication protocol.

160. The computer program of claim 159, wherein the predetermined communication protocol comprises carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA).

161. The computer program of claim 158, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a traffic indication map and a bandwidth assignment table.

162. The computer program of claim 161, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a header that indicates at least a type of message.

163. The computer program of claim 162, wherein the header comprises an I.E.E.E. 802.11 medium access control (MAC) header.

164. The computer program of claim 162, wherein the header includes a retry flag that indicates retransmission of information.

165. The computer program of claim 162, wherein the header includes a more flag that indicates that additional information is to be transmitted.

166. The computer program of claim 165, wherein the computer program performs the step of:

c.) generating a null information packet with the more flag set, when the amount of information to be communicated exceeds allocated timeslots.

167. The computer program of claim 162, wherein the bandwidth allocation message comprises a checksum.

168. The computer program of claim 161, wherein the traffic indication map identifies stations allocated at least one timeslot.

169. The computer program of claim 161, wherein the bandwidth assignment table comprises at least one timeslot allocation pair, and wherein the at least one timeslot allocation pair comprises an identification portion and a timeslot allocation portion.

170. The computer program of claim 169, wherein the identification portion identifies a station allocated at least one timeslot.

171. The computer program of claim 169, wherein the timeslot allocation portion contains a number of timeslots allocated for transmitting information.

172. The computer program of claim 161, wherein information is transmitted in an order specified in the bandwidth assignment table.

173. The computer program of claim 158, wherein the computer program performs the step of:

c.) generating a signal to enter a power-save mode for a predetermined length of time, when no timeslots are allocated in the bandwidth allocation message.

174. The computer program of claim 158, wherein the computer program performs the step of:

c.) generating a null information packet to indicate an end of transmission, when the amount of information communicated is less than the timeslots allocated.

175. The computer program of claim 158, wherein the network comprises a wireless local area network.

176. The computer program of claim 158, wherein the steps performed by the computer program are compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.

177. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by a processor for allocating bandwidth in a network, the computer program performing the steps of:

a.) establishing a measurement period;

b.) providing information for transmission during the measurement period;

c.) receiving an indication of an amount of information transmitted in the network during the measurement period;

d.) determining bandwidth required for transmitting information in the network based on an amount of information transmitted during the measurement period; and

e.) generating a bandwidth allocation message, after the measurement period, allocating bandwidth for transmitting information during respective timeslots specified in the bandwidth allocation message.

178. The computer program of claim 177, wherein the steps performed by the computer program are compatible with a standard selected from the group consisting of I.E.E.E. 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16 and 802.20.