Method and apparatus for an ad-hoc wireless communications system

Abstract

An IBSS that allows token passing for round-robin service of QoS flows is disclosed (an RRBSS). The RRBSS permits low-latency, reduced contention, distributed scheduling useful in any ad hoc network, but particularly suitable for high data rates. Distributed scheduled access is provided for flows through a round-robin token passing service discipline. STAs follow a round-robin order, or list, and are able to communicate with round-robin transmit opportunities during a defined period. Each STA in the list transmits a respective token to transfer access to the shared medium to the next STA in the RR List. Techniques are disclosed to add and remove STAs to the sequence, establish connectivity lists (receive and forward), and maintain other sequence parameters such as bandwidth management and TXOP duration. Various other aspects are also disclosed.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §120 [0001]This application is a divisional of, and claims priority to, Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11 / 088,382, entitled “Method And Apparatus For An Ad-Hoc Wireless Communications System,” filed Mar. 23, 2005, which claims priority to the following US Provisional Applications (as also noted in the Application Data Sheet):[0002]Provisional Application No. 60 / 556,965 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Scheduling in an Ad Hoc Network” filed Mar. 26, 2004; and[0003]Provisional Application No. 60 / 576,545 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Robust Wireless Network,” filed Jun. 2, 2004; and[0004]Provisional Application No. 60 / 586,841 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Distributing Communication Resources Among Multiple Users,” filed Jul. 8, 2004; and[0005]Provisional Application No. 60 / 600,960 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and System for Wireless Communications,” filed Aug. 11, 2004.[0006]All of the above listed applications are all assigned to the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an apparatus and method for sharing a common medium among multiple stations in a wireless network. It allows for sequential service of flows from one or more stations using a list of identifiers corresponding to the stations. The method involves transmitting a token from a first station to a second station based on the sequence list, after which the second station takes control of the shared medium. The technical effects of this patent include improved reliability and efficiency of wireless networks, as well as improved utilization of available network resources.

Problems solved by technology

Without resource management, the capacity of a system may be reduced, and the system may not operate efficiently.

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