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

[0015]According to one aspect, an apparatus is described which includes a memory for storing a sequence list, a receiver for receiving a first signal indicating transfer of control of a shared medium from a first remote station with an associated station identifier in the sequence list, and a transmitter for transmitting on the shared medium subsequent to receiving the signal, and for transmitting a second signal indicating transfer of control of the shared medium to a second remote station with an associated station identifier in the sequence list subsequent to expiration of a time allotment for control of the shared medium.

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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