Systems and methods for improved data throughput in communications networks
First Claim
1. A method for improving throughput in a communications network, the method comprising:
- receiving into an access point of the communications network a multicast packet from a source, wherein the access point maintains a list of stations to receive a multicast packet that has been converted into a unicast packet;
converting the multicast packet into a unicast packet at the access point, the conversion taking place at the media access control layer, the converted multicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point and identified on the list of stations to receive the converted packet; and
transmitting the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station, wherein the unicast packet is transmitted at a higher physical data rate than a corresponding multicast or broadcast packet.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An access point of a communications network is disclosed configured to receive a multicast or broadcast packet from a source. The access point converts the multicast or broadcast packet into a unicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point. The access point then transmits the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station. The access point further may determine a minimum data rate by which the access point may transmit the multicast or broadcast packet to the station and determines an effective unicast rate for transmitting the unicast packet to the station. If the effective unicast rate does not exceed the minimum data rate, the access point does not transmit the unicast packet to the station and transmits the multicast or broadcast packet.
211 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for improving throughput in a communications network, the method comprising:
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receiving into an access point of the communications network a multicast packet from a source, wherein the access point maintains a list of stations to receive a multicast packet that has been converted into a unicast packet; converting the multicast packet into a unicast packet at the access point, the conversion taking place at the media access control layer, the converted multicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point and identified on the list of stations to receive the converted packet; and transmitting the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station, wherein the unicast packet is transmitted at a higher physical data rate than a corresponding multicast or broadcast packet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for improving throughput in a communications network, the method comprising:
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receiving into an access point of the communications network a multicast packet from a source, wherein the access point maintains a list of stations to receive a multicast packet that has been converted into a unicast packet; determining a first physical data rate by which the access point may transmit the multicast packet to a first station associated with the access point; determining a second physical data rate by which the access point may transmit the multicast packet to a second station associated with the access point; and not transmitting the multicast packet to the first station and the second station if the transmission would not increase throughput in the communications network; converting the multicast packet into a first unicast packet at the media access control layer, the conversion taking place at the access point, the first unicast packet addressed to the first station and identified on the list of stations to receive the converted packet; converting the multicast packet into a second unicast packet at the media access control layer, the conversion taking place at the access point, the second unicast packet addressed to the second station and identified on the list of stations to receive the converted packet; transmitting the first unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the first station; and transmitting the second unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the second station, wherein the unicast packets are transmitted to the first station and the second station at a higher physical data rate than a corresponding multicast packet.
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10. An access point for improving throughput in a communications network, the access point configured to:
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receive a multicast packet from a source, wherein the access point maintains a list of stations to receive a multicast packet that has been converted into a unicast packet; convert the multicast packet into a unicast packet addressed to a station associated with the access point and identified on the list of stations to receive the converted packet, the conversion taking place at the media access control layer; and transmit the unicast packet over the communications network from the access point to the station, wherein the unicast packet is transmitted at a higher data rate than a corresponding multicast packet. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification