Adaptive Spatial Multiplexing

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to adaptive spatial multiplexing. Systems and methods are provided for adaptively enabling and disabling spatial multiplexing and for adaptive BSS color assignment based on various factors associated with a wireless network. A first AP in a wireless network may identify a second AP in the wireless network. The first AP and the second AP may use the same wireless channel in the wireless network. The first AP may determine a signal strength associated with the second AP, such as a received signal strength indication (RSSI). The first AP may adapt its spatial multiplexing and BSS color assignment based on the signal strength and a signal strength threshold. By adaptively enabling and disabling spatial multiplexing and by adaptive BSS color assignment, the disclosed systems and methods provide improved multiplexing of the wireless medium while avoiding collisions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] Today, advancements in wireless network technology have driven improvements in other technology areas. For example, various technology areas and industries rely on wireless network technology for communication, storage, and delivery of data and services. While advancements in wireless network technology have provided advantages in other technologies and industries, these advancements have also led to a massive proliferation of wireless electronic devices. This massive proliferation of wireless electronic devices has created technical challenges in wireless network technology. For example, the massive proliferation of wireless electronic devices has led to the technical challenge of attempting to accommodate an increasing number of users on a wireless communication channel. A large number of users on a wireless communication channel can cause a high level of interference, which may degrade the network performance of users on the wireless communication channel. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has issued various standards, such as the 802.11 standards, to address the various technical challenges that arise in wireless network technology. However, wireless network technology continues to face technical challenges. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict exemplary or sample embodiments.

[0003] Figure 1A An example of a wireless network deployment that can be implemented for an organization such as an enterprise, educational institution, government entity, healthcare institution, or other organization is shown.

[0004] Figure 1B An example of a spatial multiplexing scenario is shown.

[0005] Figures 2A - 2C An example wireless network deployment associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 A block diagram of an example computing component or device associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 An example flowchart associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing is shown.

[0008] Figure 5 A block diagram of a wireless network deployment associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing is shown.

[0009] Figure 6 An example computing component that can be used to implement various features of the embodiments described in the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] The drawings are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the exact forms disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The large-scale proliferation of wireless electronic devices has created various technical challenges in wireless network technology. For example, the increased density in wireless networks has created technical challenges associated with increased interference in wireless networks. In some cases, network devices in a wireless network (including access points (APs) and client devices) may attempt to communicate with each other. A communication signal from one network device can interfere with or weaken a communication signal from another network device. When the APs and client devices in a wireless network attempt to communicate with each other simultaneously using the same frequency channel and are within a sufficient physical proximity to hear each other (e.g., detect), a collision may occur. Collisions on a wireless network can result in packet loss and degraded network performance.

[0012] Various methods for improving wireless network technology aim to facilitate parallel transmissions on the same channel and increase throughput in wireless networks. For example, overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) can indicate a situation where multiple basic service sets associated with different wireless networks are provided over the same channel and connect APs and client devices that are close enough in physical proximity to hear each other physically. In these cases, basic service set (BSS) color assignment can provide a distinction between basic service sets transmitted on the same channel. Additionally, spatial reuse allows multiple devices associated with different BSSs to transmit simultaneously on the same channel if certain conditions, such as a clear channel assessment (CCA) threshold, are met. Generally, spatial reuse involves differentiating them based on the associated BSS color assignment of inter-BSS / inter-CCA frames and intra-BSS / intra-CCA frames on the same channel. Depending on whether certain conditions, such as the CCA threshold, are met, an AP or a client device can defer access to another AP or another client device.

[0013] Various methods for spatial multiplexing aim to increase the total capacity of a channel by allowing simultaneous transmissions over the same channel. In one method, spatial multiplexing can adapt the CCA threshold and adjust the signal level threshold to allow for simultaneous transmissions by the OBBS. This method can involve manipulating the transmission power, such as the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which also has an impact on the coverage associated with the signal. In this method, spatial multiplexing relies on the EIRP, where the receiver can tolerate some interference caused by the simultaneous transmissions. Thus, despite the interference, the receiver can receive and decode packets simultaneously. However, the advantages of this method and other spatial multiplexing methods are reduced in dense wireless deployments, such as grid deployments or distributed multiple-input multiple-output (D-MIMO) deployments. In dense wireless deployments, due to the lower signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) caused by interference and lower transmission power, the use of spatial multiplexing can lead to an increase in collisions and packet losses. The increase in collisions and packet losses results in retransmissions and longer transmission times, which reduces the performance of the entire network. Therefore, the use of spatial multiplexing in dense wireless deployments presents technical challenges that arise in the field of wireless network technology.

[0014] Accordingly, systems and methods for providing adaptive spatial reuse are disclosed. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods provide for adaptively enabling and disabling spatial reuse and adaptive BSS color assignment based on various factors associated with a wireless network. A first AP in a wireless network may identify a second AP in the wireless network. The first AP and the second AP may use the same wireless channel in the wireless network. The first AP may determine a signal strength associated with the second AP. For example, the first AP may determine the signal strength based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI). The signal strength may indicate the proximity of the second AP to the first AP, and the first AP may adapt its spatial reuse and BSS color assignment accordingly. Based on the signal strength associated with the second AP, the first AP may determine whether to enable or disable spatial reuse and may select a BSS color assignment based on the BSS color assignment of the second AP. For example, if the signal strength associated with the second AP is higher than a signal strength threshold (e.g., an RSSI threshold), indicating a relatively close physical proximity, the first AP may adapt to the proximity of the second AP by disabling spatial reuse and selecting a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment of the second AP. In cases where dense wireless deployments make the use of spatial reuse inefficient, by disabling spatial reuse and selecting the same BSS color assignment as the second AP, the first AP avoids conflicts and retransmissions associated with parallel transmissions using spatial reuse. If the signal strength associated with the second AP is lower than the signal strength threshold, indicating a relatively far physical proximity, the first AP may adapt to the proximity of the second AP by enabling spatial reuse and selecting a BSS color assignment different from the BSS color assignment of the second AP. By enabling spatial reuse and selecting a BSS color assignment different from the BSS color assignment of the second AP, the first AP may take advantage of parallel transmissions using spatial reuse in the wireless deployment, where conflicts and retransmissions are more likely to be avoided and spatial reuse can be used effectively. By adaptively enabling and disabling spatial reuse and adaptive BSS color assignment, the disclosed systems and methods provide improved reuse of the wireless medium while avoiding conflicts. Accordingly, the disclosed systems and methods for adaptive spatial reuse provide improvements in wireless network technology, as further described herein.

[0015] Before describing embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods in detail, it may be useful to describe an example network installation in which these systems and methods may be implemented in various applications. Figure 1AFIG. 0 shows an example of a network configuration 100 that can be implemented for an organization such as a business, educational institution, government entity, healthcare institution, or other organization. The block diagram shows an example of a configuration implemented for an organization with multiple users (or at least multiple client devices 110) and potentially multiple physical or geographical sites 102, 132, 142. The network configuration 100 can include a main site 102 that communicates with a network 120. The network configuration 100 can also include one or more remote sites 132, 142 that communicate with the network 120.

[0016] The main site 102 can include a main network, which can be, for example, an office network, a home network, or other network installation. The main site 102 network can be a private network, for example, a network that can include security and access control to restrict access to authorized users of the private network. Authorized users can include, for example, employees of a company at the main site 102, residents of a residence, customers of a business, etc.

[0017] In the example shown, the main site 102 includes a controller 104 that communicates with the network 120. The controller 104 can provide communication of the main site 102 with the network 120, although it may not be the only communication point of the main site 102 with the network 120. A single controller 104 is shown, but the main site can include multiple controllers and / or multiple communication points with the network 120. In some embodiments, the controller 104 communicates with the network 120 through a router (not shown). In other embodiments, the controller 104 provides router functionality to devices in the main site 102.

[0018] The controller 104 is operable to configure and manage network devices such as those at the main site 102 and can also manage network devices at the remote sites 132, 134. The controller 104 can be used to configure and / or manage switches, routers, access points, and / or client devices connected to the network. The controller 104 itself can be an access point or provide the functionality of an access point.

[0019] The controller 104 can communicate with one or more switches 108 and / or wireless access points (APs) 106a-c. The switches 108 and wireless APs 106a-c provide network connections to various client devices 110a-j. Using the connection to the switch 108 or AP 106a-c, the client devices 110a-j can access network resources, including (the main site 102) network and other devices on the network 120.

[0020] Examples of client devices can include: desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, web servers, authentication servers, authentication-authorization-accounting (AAA) servers, domain name system (DNS) servers, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers, Internet protocol (IP) servers, virtual private network (VPN) servers, network policy servers, mainframes, tablet computers, e-readers, netbook computers, televisions and similar monitors (e.g., smart TVs), content receivers, set-top boxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, smartphones, smart terminals, dumb terminals, virtual terminals, video game consoles, virtual assistants, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0021] Within the main site 102, a switch 108 is included as an example of an access point for the wired client devices 110i-j in the network established in the main site 102. The client devices 110i-j can be connected to the switch 108 and, through the switch 108, can access other devices within the network configuration 100. The client devices 110i-j can also access the network 120 through the switch 108. The client devices 110i-j can communicate with the switch 108 via a wired connection 112. In the example shown, although the connection can also be wireless, the switch 108 communicates with the controller 104 via a wired connection 112.

[0022] Wireless APs 106a-c are included as another example of access points for the client devices 110a-h in the network established in the main site 102. Each AP 106a-c can be a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to provide wireless network connectivity to the wireless client devices 110a-h. In the example shown, the APs 106a-c can be managed and configured by the controller 104. The APs 106a-c communicate with the controller 104 and the network via a connection 112, which can be a wired or wireless interface.

[0023] The network configuration 100 can include one or more remote sites 132. The remote sites 132 can be located in a different physical or geographical location from the main site 102. In some cases, the remote sites 132 can be in the same geographical location as the main site 102, or can be the same building, but lack a direct connection to the network located within the main site 102. Instead, the remote sites 132 can utilize a connection over a different network (e.g., network 120). Such as Figure 1AThe remote site 132 shown can be, for example, a satellite office, a suite on another floor or in a building, etc. The remote site 132 can include a gateway device 134 for communicating with the network 120. The gateway device 134 can be a router, a digital-to-analog modem, a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, or some other network device configured to communicate with the network 120. The remote site 132 can also include a switch 138 and / or an AP 136 that communicate with the gateway device 134 via a wired or wireless connection. The switch 138 and the AP 136 provide connectivity to the network for various client devices 140a-d.

[0024] In various embodiments, the remote site 132 can communicate directly with the main site 102, which enables the client devices 140a-d at the remote site 132 to access network resources at the main site 102 as if these client devices 140a-d were located at the main site 102. In such embodiments, the remote site 132 is managed by the controller 104 at the main site 102, and the controller 104 provides the necessary connectivity, security, and accessibility that enables the remote site 132 to communicate with the main site 102. Once connected to the main site 102, the remote site 132 can be used as part of a private network provided by the main site 102.

[0025] In various embodiments, the network configuration 100 can include one or more smaller remote sites 142 that include only a gateway device 144 for communicating with the network 120 and a wireless AP 146, through which various client devices 150a-b access the network 120. Such remote sites 142 can represent, for example, the home of a single employee or a temporary remote office. The remote site 142 can also communicate with the main site 102, which enables the client devices 150a-b at the remote site 142 to access network resources at the main site 102 as if these client devices 150a-b were located at the main site 102. The remote site 142 can be managed by the controller 104 at the main site 102 to enable such transparency. Once connected to the main site 102, the remote site 142 can be used as part of a private network provided by the main site 102.

[0026] Network 120 can be a public or private network such as the Internet, or other communication networks that permit connections between respective sites 102, 130 to 142 and access to servers 160a-b. Network 120 can include third-party telecommunications lines such as telephone lines, broadcast coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, satellite communications, cellular communications, etc. Network 120 can include any number of intermediate network devices such as switches, routers, gateways, servers, and / or controllers, which are not directly part of network configuration 100 but facilitate communication between various parts of network configuration 100 and between network configuration 100 and other network-connected entities. Network 120 can include various content servers 160a-b. Content servers 160a-b can include various providers of multimedia downloadable and / or streamable content, which includes audio, video, graphics, and / or text content or any combination thereof. Examples of content servers 160a-b include, for example, web servers, streaming radio and video providers, and cable and satellite television providers. Client devices 110a-j, 140a-d, 150a-b can request and access multimedia content provided by content servers 160a-b.

[0027] Although in Figure 1A the example of, only ten client devices 110a-j are shown at the main site 102, in various applications, the network can significantly include a much larger number of client devices. For example, various wireless networks such as in dense wireless deployments can include hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of client devices potentially communicating with their respective APs simultaneously. Additionally, since there are a limited number of available wireless channels to communicate with, these client devices communicating with their respective APs may attempt to use the same wireless channel simultaneously. In dense wireless deployments, such as in grid deployments or distributed multiple-input multiple-output (D-MIMO) deployments, APs can be within each other's inner-CCA / inner-BSS coverage range. APs within each other's inner-CCA / inner-BSS coverage range can use different BSS color assignments, but nevertheless, suffer connection problems due to interference from each other. Additionally, in such deployments, spatial reuse can be inefficient and increase interference and collisions, resulting in retransmissions and longer transmission times. Thus, if spatial reuse and BSS color assignment are not used in a manner suitable for wireless network deployments, it can lead to degradation of network performance. As further described herein, the disclosed systems and methods provide improved reuse of the wireless medium while avoiding collisions by adaptively enabling and disabling spatial reuse and adaptive BSS color assignment.

[0028] Figure 1B is shown in Figure 1AAn example of intra - BSS communication that may cause inter - BSS / OBSS interference in the context of the example network 100 shown. In Figure 1B the example, client device 110c (associated with AP 106b) may transmit data on a particular channel, while client device 110d (associated with AP 106c) may also operate on the same channel. Since client devices 110c and 110d are physically close to each other, they can still hear (e.g., detect) transmissions from each other above their packet detection (PD) thresholds, even though they belong to different BSSs. Since the PD thresholds of client devices 110c, 110d are triggered by transmissions from each other, client devices 110c, 110d compete with each other. Thus, client devices 110c, 110d will take turns accessing the channel, and each client device gets approximately half of the available bandwidth and throughput of the channel, but they do not necessarily interfere with each other. That is, the transmission energy from client device 110c is not considered interference to AP 106c because it is too far away, and the transmission power from client device 110d is not sufficient to be heard by AP 106b, but client devices 110c, 110d are close enough to interfere and are thus prevented from transmitting simultaneously on the channel. It should be understood that the above is only an example, and inter - BSS / OBSS interference can occur between other network devices, such as between two APs, or between an AP and a client device.

[0029] However, through spatial multiplexing, since AP 106b cannot hear client device 110d, and AP 106c cannot hear client device 110c, client devices 110c, 110d can coordinate with each other and can be allowed to send data simultaneously with a high probability of success. Thus, neither AP 106b nor 106c experiences interference from each other. The coordination comes from (on a per - packet basis) identifying whether a packet belongs to one BSS or another BSS. This determination can be done using BSS color. It should be understood that "color" is an index number (e.g., from 1 to 63) assigned to each AP along with the channel assignment, whether it is assigned manually, through automatic determination, or through external automatic determination and assignment. When APs share the same channel and are in the same vicinity, they can have different BSS color assignments. When two BSSs operating on the same channel have the same BSS color assignment, a condition called color collision occurs.

[0030] In some cases, spatial reuse allows adjustment of the PD threshold between a minimum of -82 dBm and a maximum of -62 dBm, modifying the signal detection threshold window to exploit SR opportunities. The amount of adjustment allowed can be determined by the transmission power used. Reducing the transmission power can reduce the likelihood of interference. The lower transmission power can also reduce the data rate, which can be balanced by increased transmission opportunities. As described above, in dense wireless deployments, the advantages of spatial reuse are reduced. For example, APs within each other's inter-CCA coverage range are within the range of signals having a transmission power higher than the transmission power of the AP transmissions. These higher transmission power signals can cause interference, resulting in a low signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) due to the interference. Thus, to realize the advantages of spatial reuse in dense wireless deployments, the disclosed systems and methods provide for adaptively enabling and disabling spatial reuse and adaptive BSS color assignment based on the deployment of the wireless network.

[0031] Figure 2A An example wireless deployment 200 associated with spatial reuse is shown. The example wireless deployment 200 can be implemented, for example, as one of the sites described with respect to Figure 1A As Figure 2AAs shown, example wireless deployment 200 includes a first access point (AP) 212 with associated inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage. Example wireless deployment 200 also includes a second AP 218 with associated inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage. The inter-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 212 has an inter-CCA range 210. The intra-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 212 has an intra-CCA range 214. The inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage associated with the second AP 218 can have similar ranges. In example wireless deployment 200, the first AP 212 is not within the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 218 and cannot hear transmissions from the second AP 218. The second AP 218 is not within the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 212 and cannot hear transmissions from the first AP 212. Client device 202 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 212. Client device 204 is within the intra-CCA coverage of the first AP 212. Client device 208 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 218. Client devices 206 and 216 are within the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 212 and the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 218. In example wireless deployment 200, the first AP 212 and the second AP 218 can use the same wireless channel and allow parallel transmissions with different BSS color assignments to client devices 202, 204, 208 when the parallel transmissions will not interfere with each other. For client devices 206, 216, parallel transmissions in the downlink direction (e.g., from APs 212, 218 to client devices 206, 216) can interfere with each other and cause collisions because they are on the same wireless channel with similar transmission powers. Parallel transmissions in the uplink direction (e.g., from client devices 206, 216 to APs 212, 218) can be enabled. In a wireless deployment such as example wireless deployment 200, spatial multiplexing can be enabled and although there may be some interference, most parallel transmissions are enabled without destructive interference.

[0032] Figure 2B An example wireless deployment 230 associated with spatial multiplexing is shown. Example wireless deployment 230 can be implemented, for example, as one of the multiple sites described with respect to Figure 1A As Figure 2BAs shown, example wireless deployment 230 includes a first AP 240 with associated inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage. Example wireless deployment 230 also includes a second AP 242 with associated inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage. The inter-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 240 has an inter-CCA range 238. The intra-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 240 has an intra-CCA range 244. The inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage associated with the second AP 242 may have similar ranges. In example wireless deployment 230, the first AP 240 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 242, and the second AP 242 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 240. Thus, the first AP 240 can hear inter-CCA transmissions from the second AP 242, and the second AP 242 can hear inter-CCA transmissions from the first AP 240. Client device 234 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 242. Client device 236 is within the intra-CCA coverage of the first AP 240 and the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 242. Client device 246 is within the intra-CCA coverage of the first AP 212 and the intra-CCA coverage of the second AP 242. In example wireless deployment 230, the first AP 240 and the second AP 242 may use the same wireless channel and allow parallel transmissions with different BSS color assignments to client devices 232, 234, 236, 242 without interfering with each other when the parallel transmissions do not interfere with each other. Client device 232 can communicate with the first AP 240 without being interfered with by transmissions associated with the second AP 242. Client device 234 can communicate with the second AP 242 without being interfered with by transmissions associated with the first AP 240. Client device 236 can hear inter-CCA transmissions from the second AP 242, but these inter-CCA transmissions do not interrupt intra-CCA transmissions from the first AP 240. Thus, client device 236 can communicate with the first AP 240 without disruptive interference from transmissions associated with the second AP 242. If there are no concurrent intra-CCA transmissions from the first AP 240, client device 246 can communicate with the second AP 242. Similarly, if there are no concurrent intra-CCA transmissions from the second AP 242, client device 246 can communicate with the first AP 240. In a wireless deployment such as example wireless deployment 230, spatial multiplexing can be enabled and generally parallel transmissions are enabled without disruptive interference.

[0033] Figure 2C An example wireless deployment 260 associated with spatial multiplexing is shown. Example wireless deployment 260 may be implemented, for example, as one of the sites described with respect to Figure 1A described. As Figure 2CAs shown, example wireless deployment 260 includes a first AP 270 with associated inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage. Example wireless deployment 260 also includes a second AP 272 with associated inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage. The inter-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 270 has an inter-CCA range 268. The intra-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 270 has an intra-CCA range 274. The inter-CCA coverage and intra-CCA coverage associated with the second AP 272 may have similar ranges. In example wireless deployment 260, the first AP 270 is within the intra-CCA coverage of the second AP 272, and the second AP 272 is within the intra-CCA coverage of the first AP 270. Thus, the first AP 270 can hear inter-CCA transmissions and intra-CCA transmissions from the second AP 272, and the second AP 272 can hear inter-CCA transmissions and intra-CCA transmissions from the first AP 270. Client device 262 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 270. Client device 264 is within the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 270 and the inter-CCA coverage of the second AP 272. Client device 276 is within the intra-CCA coverage of the second AP 272 and the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 270. In example wireless deployment 260, using the same wireless channel and enabling parallel transmissions with different BSS color assignments can cause the network to degrade due to interference. Client device 262 can communicate with the first AP 270 without being interfered with by transmissions associated with the second AP 272. If there are no concurrent inter-CCA transmissions from the second AP 272, client device 264 can communicate with the first AP 270. Client device 276 can communicate with the second AP 272 without being interfered with by transmissions associated with the first AP 270. Since the first AP 270 and the second AP 272 are within each other's intra-CCA coverage, the first AP 270 and the second AP 272 can encounter connection problems due to interference with each other in the air when attempting to communicate with their respective client devices simultaneously. In a wireless deployment such as example wireless deployment 260, spatial multiplexing and parallel transmissions may increase interference and cause degradation of network performance. As Figures 2A - 2C shown, adaptively enabling and disabling spatial multiplexing and adaptive BSS color assignment allows spatial multiplexing to be effectively used for wireless deployments.

[0034] Figure 3 An example computing component 300 that can be used to implement adaptive spatial multiplexing according to various embodiments is shown. Example computing component 300 can be, for example, an access point (AP), a server computer, a controller, or any other similar computing component capable of processing data. In Figure 3In an example implementation, computing component 300 includes hardware processor 302 and machine-readable storage medium 304.

[0035] Hardware processor 302 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 304. Hardware processor 302 can extract, decode, and execute instructions such as instructions 306 - 312 to control processes or operations for opportunistic spatial multiplexing. As an alternative or supplement to retrieving and executing instructions, hardware processor 302 can include one or more electronic circuits that include electronic components for performing the functions of one or more instructions, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuits.

[0036] A machine-readable storage medium such as machine-readable storage medium 304 can be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Thus, machine-readable storage medium 304 can be, for example, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), storage devices, optical discs, etc. In some embodiments, machine-readable storage medium 304 can be a non-transitory storage medium, where the term "non-transitory" does not include transitory propagated signals. As described in detail below, machine-readable storage medium 304 can be encoded with executable instructions, such as instructions 306 - 312.

[0037] Hardware processor 302 can execute instruction 306 to identify an access point (AP) based on an identifier associated with the AP. In various embodiments, if spatial multiplexing is enabled, the AP can periodically broadcast a basic service set (BSS) beacon or an overlapping BSS (OBSS) beacon. The BSS beacon (or OBSS beacon) provides information to devices within the AP proximity (e.g., basic service area). This information can include, for example, which BSS color assignment the AP is using and which channel the AP is using. This information allows devices to connect to and communicate with the AP. The information in the BSS beacon (or OBSS beacon) can provide various capabilities associated with the AP. For example, the BSS beacon (or OBSS beacon) can include an organizationally unique identifier (OUI) associated with the manufacturer or vendor of the AP. Based on the manufacturer or vendor of the AP, various capabilities associated with the AP can be determined, such as whether the AP is capable of coordinating the adaptive enabling and disabling of spatial multiplexing and adaptive BSS color assignment.

[0038] For example, such as Figure 1AThe wireless network with the network deployment shown may include a first AP and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP may be within proximity of each other such that they can hear each other. For example, the first AP and the second AP may be deployed as Figures 2B - 2C shown. The first AP in the wireless network may receive an OBSS beacon sent by the second AP. The OBSS beacon sent by the second AP may include various information associated with the second AP. Based on the OBSS beacon, the first AP may determine that, for example, the second AP operates on the same channel as the first AP and uses a different BSS color assignment. The first AP may also determine that the second AP has capabilities similar to the first AP (e.g., they are from the same product family). These similar capabilities may include the ability to adaptively enable and disable spatial multiplexing and adaptive BSS color assignment based on the wireless network. Using this information, the first AP may implement adaptive spatial multiplexing without potential conflicts with the second AP. Many variations are possible.

[0039] The hardware processor 302 may execute instructions 308 to determine the signal strength associated with an AP. In various embodiments, the signal strength associated with an AP may be determined based on, for example, received signal strength indication (RSSI) or other signal strength measurements. In some cases, received channel power indication (RCPI) or decibels relative to one milliwatt (dBm) may be used to measure the signal strength. The signal strength associated with an AP may indicate the proximity of the AP and the likelihood of the AP interfering with communication. An AP associated with a higher signal strength may be closer than another AP associated with a lower signal strength. Similarly, an AP associated with a higher signal strength may have a higher likelihood of interfering with communication than another AP associated with a lower signal strength. Thus, an AP may adaptively enable and disable spatial multiplexing and adaptive BSS color assignment based on the signal strength associated with other APs.

[0040] For example, such as Figure 1A The wireless network with the network deployment shown may include a first AP and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP may be within the vicinity of each other, which enables them to hear each other. For example, the first AP and the second AP may be deployed as Figures 2B - 2C shown. The first AP in the wireless network may receive an OBSS beacon sent by the second AP. The first AP may determine the signal strength associated with the second AP, such as RSSI, based on the OBSS beacon sent by the second AP. The signal strength associated with the second AP may indicate the proximity between the first AP and the second AP, and the likelihood that a transmission from the second AP may interfere with the communication between the first AP and the client devices associated with the first AP. For example, if the first AP and the second AP in the wireless network are as Figure 2CIf deployed as shown, the signal strength associated with the second AP can be higher than the signal strength associated with the second AP if the first AP and the second AP were deployed as Figure 2B shown. The first AP can adaptively enable and disable spatial multiplexing and adaptive BSS color assignment based on the signal strength associated with the second AP. Many variations are possible.

[0041] The hardware processor 302 can execute instructions 310 to determine a basic service set (BSS) color assignment based on the signal strength of the AP and a signal strength threshold. As described herein, the signal strength associated with another AP (such as RSSI) can indicate the proximity of that other AP and the likelihood that transmissions from it may interfere with communication. In various embodiments, the AP can determine the BSS color assignment based on the signal strength of another AP to account for the proximity of that other AP and the likelihood of interference from that other AP. The BSS color assignment can be determined based on whether the signal strength of that other AP exceeds a signal strength threshold (such as an RSSI threshold). The signal strength threshold can be based on the signal strength at which an in-CCA transmission from that other AP interferes with communication. In various embodiments, the AP can select a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment of another AP that is associated with a signal strength that exceeds the signal strength threshold. If the signal strength is within the signal strength threshold, the AP can select or maintain a different BSS color assignment. Alternatively or additionally, the AP can disable spatial multiplexing based on the signal strength of that other AP exceeding the signal strength threshold. If the signal strength is within the signal strength threshold, the AP can enable or maintain the use of spatial multiplexing. In some cases, when various client devices detect transmissions from an AP that use the same BSS color assignment, the client devices generate a color conflict report. Thus, if the AP selects a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment of another AP that is associated with a signal strength that exceeds the signal strength threshold, the AP can receive a color conflict report indicating a color conflict (e.g., the AP and the other AP use the same BSS color assignment). In this case, the AP can ignore the color conflict report rather than changing the BSS color assignment in response to the color conflict report.

[0042] For example, a wireless network such as Figure 1A the network deployment shown can include a first AP and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP can be within proximity of each other such that they can hear each other. For example, it can be as Figure 2CThe first AP and the second AP are deployed as shown. The first AP in the wireless network can receive the OBSS beacon sent by the second AP. The OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP can include various information associated with the second AP. Based on the OBSS beacon, the first AP can determine that, for example, the second AP operates on the same channel as the first AP and uses a different BSS color assignment. Additionally, the first AP can determine the signal strength (such as RSSI) associated with the second AP based on the OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP. In this example, the signal strength associated with the second AP can exceed the signal strength threshold. Based on the signal strength exceeding the signal strength threshold, the first AP can select a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment used by the second AP. By selecting a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment used by the second AP, in a situation where interference from the second AP would render parallel transmission ineffective, the first AP can effectively prevent parallel transmission. The first AP can also prohibit the use of spatial multiplexing to prevent parallel transmission. Many variations are possible.

[0043] The hardware processor 302 can execute the instructions 312 to transmit a data frame based on the BSS color assignment. In various embodiments, the AP can transmit a data frame including the BSS color assignment. After determining that there is no other transmission on the channel where the data frame is to be transmitted that has the same BSS color assignment as the data frame, the AP sends the data frame. In this way, the AP avoids parallel transmission of data frames with the same BSS color assignment on the same channel. For example, as described with respect to Figure 1B the transmission enabling spatial multiplexing can involve transmitting a first data frame with a first BSS color assignment in parallel with a second data frame with a second BSS color assignment. The parallel transmission is facilitated by transmitting the second data frame with the second BSS color at a reduced transmission power to reduce the likelihood of interference with the first data frame. However, as described herein, parallel transmissions from APs within a relatively close proximity can interfere with each other and degrade network performance. To send a data frame when spatial multiplexing is disabled, a device such as an AP waits for the channel to be idle (e.g., no other device is transmitting on the channel) to transmit the data frame. Thus, an AP transmitting a data frame with the same BSS color assignment as another AP prevents parallel transmission between the AP and that other AP. Alternatively or additionally, the AP can disable spatial multiplexing, which can prevent parallel transmission between the AP and that other AP. In this way, the AP can adaptively enable and disable spatial multiplexing and adapt the BSS color assignment in the transmission of its data frames, thereby allowing the data frame to be sent to avoid conflicts in a dense wireless deployment.

[0044] Figure 4 An example flowchart 400 associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing is shown. The example flowchart 400 can be associated with, for example, by Figure 3is associated with one or more functions performed by the example computing component 300. It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, more, fewer, or alternative steps may be performed in a similar or alternative order or in parallel based on the various features and embodiments discussed herein.

[0045] As Figure 4 shown, the example flowchart 400 depicts steps associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing that may be performed, for example, by an access point (AP). At step 404, the AP may scan overlapping basic service set (OBSS) beacons. For example, the AP may scan OBSS beacons 402a, 402b, 402c. At step 406, the AP may identify one or more APs associated with the OBSS beacons 402a, 402b, 402c. This identification may be based on, for example, the organizationally unique identifier (OUI) in the basic service set identifier (BSSID) associated with the OBSS beacons 402a, 402b, 402c. At step 408, the AP may determine whether the identified APs are associated with the same deployment. If the identified APs are associated with different deployments, then at step 410 the AP does not perform any operations, which involves not adapting the basic service set (BSS) color assignment or adaptively enabling and disabling spatial multiplexing. If the identified APs are associated with the same deployment, then the AP performs the BSS color assignment function 412. At step 416, the AP checks whether the received signal strength indication (RSSI) exceeds the RSSI threshold (RSSI TH ). If the RSSI exceeds the RSSI TH , then at step 414, the AP assigns the BSS color assignment and sets a flag. The BSS color assignment may be assigned to be the same as the BSS color assignment of the AP associated with the RSSI that exceeds the RSSI TH . The flag may indicate that adaptive spatial multiplexing is being employed and maintains the assignment of the same BSS color in the case of a color conflict. If the RSSI does not exceed the RSSI TH , then at step 418, the AP does not perform any operations, which involves not adapting the BSS color assignment or adaptively enabling and disabling spatial multiplexing. If a flag indicating that adaptive spatial multiplexing is being employed has been set, then the flag may be cleared. At step 428, the AP receives a color conflict report. The color conflict report may be received from a client device that has detected that multiple APs are using the same BSS color assignment. Based on the color conflict report, the AP performs the color conflict handling function 420. At step 424, the AP determines whether a flag associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing has been set. If the flag has not been set, then at step 422, the AP performs conflict handling. Conflict handling may include changing the BSS color assignment used by the AP to avoid a color conflict. If the flag has been set, then the AP does not perform any operations at step 426, which involves ignoring the color conflict report and continuing to use the BSS color assignment associated with the RSSI that exceeds the RSSITH the same BSS color assignment associated with the RSSI of other APs. Alternatively or additionally, the steps described herein may include adaptively enabling and disabling spatial multiplexing. For example, in response to determining that the RSSI of another AP exceeds the RSSI TH , the AP may disable spatial multiplexing (and select a matching BSS color assignment), and set a flag associated with the disabling of spatial multiplexing (and select a matching BSS color assignment). In response to a color conflict report, if the flag is set, the AP may continue to disable spatial multiplexing (and select a matching BSS color assignment), or if the flag is not set, the AP may continue to enable spatial multiplexing (and select a different BSS color assignment). Many variations are possible.

[0046] Figure 5 FIG. 500 shows an example block diagram of a wireless network deployment associated with adaptive spatial multiplexing. For example, the wireless deployment may be implemented as a site among multiple sites described in reference Figure 1A . As Figure 5 shown, the wireless network deployment includes a mesh deployment and a non-mesh deployment. The mesh deployment includes a first AP 508 and a second AP 510. The first AP 508 includes a first backhaul VAP 514 and a first fronthaul VAP 520. The second AP 510 includes a second backhaul VAP 518 and a second fronthaul VAP 522. A mesh link 516 is maintained between the first AP 508 and the second AP 510 by the first backhaul VAP 514 and the second backhaul VAP 518. In this example, the first AP 508 may be a mesh ingress that provides accessibility to a wide area network (WAN) 502 or other network resources. The first AP 508 may transmit an OBSS beacon 526, while the second AP may transmit an OBSS beacon 528. In this example, the first AP and the second AP may be deployed in a relatively close proximity, as Figure 2C shown. Thus, both the first AP 508 and the second AP 510 may use a first BSS color assignment 504. By using the same BSS color assignment (the first BSS color assignment 504), the first AP 508 and the second AP 510 may avoid parallel transmissions that have a high likelihood of interfering with each other. Also as Figure 5 shown, the non-mesh network deployment may include a third AP 512. The third AP 512 may include a third fronthaul VAP 524. The third AP 512 may transmit an OBSS beacon 530. Since the third AP 512 is not part of the mesh deployment of the first AP 508 and the second AP 510, the third AP 512 may use a second BSS color assignment 506 that is different from the first BSS color assignment 504. Many variations are possible.

[0047] Figure 6A block diagram depicting an example computer system 600 in which various embodiments described herein may be implemented. The computer system 600 includes: a bus 602 or other communication mechanism for transferring information, and one or more hardware processors 604 coupled to the bus 602 for processing information. The (multiple) hardware processors 604 may be, for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors.

[0048] The computer system 600 also includes: a main memory 606 coupled to the bus 602, such as random access memory (RAM), cache, and / or other dynamic storage devices for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 604. The main memory 606 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 604. When stored in a storage medium accessible by the processor 604, these instructions cause the computer system 600 to become a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0049] The computer system 600 also includes: a read-only memory (ROM) 608 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 602 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 604. A storage device 610, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (flash drive), is provided and coupled to the bus 602 for storing information and instructions.

[0050] The computer system 600 may be coupled via the bus 602 to a display 612, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touch screen), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 614 including alphanumeric keys and other keys is coupled to the bus 602 for transmitting information and command selections to the processor 604. Another type of user input device is a cursor control 616, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for transmitting direction information and command selections to the processor 604, and for controlling the movement of a cursor on the display 612. In some embodiments, the same direction information and command selections as those of the cursor control may be implemented by receiving touches on a touch screen without a cursor.

[0051] The computing system 600 may include a user interface module that implements a GUI, which may be stored as executable software code executed by the computing device in a mass storage device. By way of example, this module and other modules may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0052] Generally, the terms "component", "engine", "system", "database", "data store", etc., as used herein, can refer to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, which may have entry and exit points and be written in a programming language such as Java, C, or C++. Software components may be compiled and linked into an executable program installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted programming language such as BASIC, Perl, or Python. It should be understood that software components can be called from other components or from themselves, and / or can be called in response to detected events or interrupts. Software components configured to execute on a computing device may be provided on a computer-readable medium, such as a compact disc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disk, or any other tangible medium, or as a digital download (and may initially be stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression, or decryption before execution). Such software code may be stored, in whole or in part, on the memory device of the executing computing device for execution by the computing device. Software instructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It should also be understood that hardware components may include connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and / or may include programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

[0053] Computer system 600 may implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic that, in combination with the computer system, cause the computer system 600 to be a special-purpose machine or program the computer system 600. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 600 in response to one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 606 being executed by (one or more) processors 604. These instructions may be read from another storage medium, such as storage device 610, into main memory 606. Execution of the instruction sequences contained in main memory 606 causes (one or more) processors 604 to perform the processing steps described herein. In an alternative embodiment, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0054] The term "non-transitory medium" and like terms as used herein refer to any medium that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a particular manner. Such non-transitory media can include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 610. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 606. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid state drives, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROM, any other optical data storage media, any physical media with hole patterns, RAM, PROM, and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge, and networked versions thereof.

[0055] Non-transitory media is different from transmission media but can be used in conjunction with transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferring information between non-transitory media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 602. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as acoustic or light waves generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0056] Computer system 600 also includes a communication interface 618 coupled to bus 602. Network interface 618 provides two-way data communication coupling to one or more network links connected to one or more local networks. For example, communication interface 618 can be an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, network interface 618 can be a Local Area Network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or a WAN component communicating with a WAN). A wireless link can also be implemented. In any such implementation, network interface 618 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0057] Network links typically provide data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, a network link can provide a connection through a local network to a host computer or to a data device operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP in turn provides data communication services through the now commonly referred to as the "Internet," a global packet data communication network. Both the local network and the Internet use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Signals through the various networks and signals on the network links and signals through communication interface 618 are example forms of transmission media that carry digital data to and from computer system 600.

[0058] The computer system 600 can send messages and receive data, including program code, via a network, network link, and communication interface 618. In an Internet example, a server can transmit request code for an application via the Internet, an ISP, a local network, and the communication interface 618.

[0059] The received code can be executed by the processor 604 when it is received and / or stored in the storage device 610 or other non-volatile storage device for later execution.

[0060] Each process, method, and algorithm described in the foregoing section can be embodied in code components executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors including computer hardware and be automated in whole or in part by the same. One or more computer systems or computer processors can also operate to support the performance of related operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as “software as a service” (SAAS). The processes and algorithms can be implemented in part or in whole in dedicated circuitry. The various features and processes described above can be used independently of one another or can be combined in various ways. Different combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and certain methods or processing blocks can be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular order, and the blocks or states associated therewith can be executed in other appropriate orders or can be executed in parallel or in some other manner. Blocks or states can be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The performance of certain operations or processes can be distributed among computer systems or computer processors, not only residing within a single machine but also deployed across multiple machines.

[0061] As used herein, circuitry can be implemented using any form of hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logic components, software routines, or other mechanisms can be implemented to constitute circuitry. In an implementation, the various circuits described herein can be implemented as discrete circuits, or the described functions and features can be shared in part or in whole among one or more circuits. Even though the various features or functional elements can be described or presented separately as discrete circuits, these features and functions can be shared among one or more common circuits, and such a description should not require or imply that separate circuits are needed to implement such features or functions. In cases where software is used to implement circuitry in whole or in part, such software can be implemented to operate with a computing or processing system (such as the computer system 600) capable of performing the functions described thereof.

[0062] As used herein, the term "or" can be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. In addition, the description of a resource, operation, or structure in the singular form should not be construed as excluding the plural form. Unless expressly stated otherwise or otherwise understood in the context in which it is used, conditional language such as "can," "be able to," "may," or "could" generally is intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or steps.

[0063] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and phrases used in this document and their variants should be construed as open-ended rather than restrictive. Adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known," and terms of similar import should not be construed as limiting the items described to those available or in existence at a given time period or given time, but rather should be understood to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard techniques available or known at any time, present or future. In some instances, the presence of broad words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to," or other similar phrases should not be taken to mean that a narrower case is intended or required where such broad phrases may be absent.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: identifying, by a first access point AP, the second AP based on an identifier associated with the second AP; determining, by the first AP, a signal strength associated with the second AP; determining, by the first AP, a basic service set BSS color assignment based on the signal strength of the second AP and a signal strength threshold by: selecting, by the first AP, a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment associated with the second AP based on the signal strength of the second AP exceeding the signal strength threshold; and transmitting, by the first AP, a data frame based on the BSS color assignment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the signal strength is determined based on the identifier associated with the second AP.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the BSS color assignment determined by the first AP is further based on the BSS color assignment of the second AP.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the first AP, a flag based on the signal strength of the second AP and the signal strength threshold; and receiving, by the first AP, a color conflict report, wherein the determining the BSS color assignment is further based on the flag and the received color conflict report.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the first AP, whether to enable or disable spatial multiplexing based on the signal strength of the second AP and the signal strength threshold, wherein if the signal strength of the second AP exceeds the signal strength threshold, spatial multiplexing is disabled, and if the signal strength of the second AP is within the signal strength threshold, spatial multiplexing is enabled.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the first AP, a vendor associated with the second AP based on an organizationally unique identifier OUI included in the identifier associated with the second AP, wherein the determining the BSS color assignment is further based on the vendor associated with the second AP.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting the data frame comprises: determining, by the first AP, that there is no other transmission on the channel on which the data frame is transmitted that has the same BSS color assignment as the data frame.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the BSS color assignment based on the signal strength of the second AP and the signal strength threshold comprises: selecting, by the first AP, a BSS color assignment different from the BSS color assignment associated with the second AP based on the signal strength of the second AP being within the signal strength threshold.

9. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory operably connected to the processor and including computer code that, when executed, causes the system to: identify the AP based on an identifier associated with the access point AP; determine a signal strength associated with the AP; Determine a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the signal strength of the AP and a signal strength threshold, where if the signal strength of the AP exceeds the signal strength threshold, the BSS color assignment matches the BSS color assignment of the AP; and Transmit data frames based on the BSS color assignment.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the signal strength is determined based on the identifier associated with the AP.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer code further causes the system to: Determine a flag based on the signal strength of the AP and the signal strength threshold; and Receive a color conflict report, wherein the determination of the BSS color assignment is further based on the flag and the received color conflict report.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer code further causes the system to: Determine whether to enable spatial multiplexing based on the signal strength of the AP and the signal strength threshold, wherein determining whether to enable spatial multiplexing includes: Disable spatial multiplexing based on the signal strength of the AP exceeding the signal strength threshold; Or Enable spatial multiplexing based on the signal strength of the AP being within the signal strength threshold.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer code further causes the system to: Determine a vendor associated with the AP based on the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) included in the identifier associated with the AP, wherein the determination of the BSS color assignment is further based on the vendor associated with the AP.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein if the signal strength of the AP is within the signal strength threshold, the BSS color assignment is different from the BSS color assignment of the AP.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing system, cause the computing system to: Identify the AP based on an identifier associated with an Access Point (AP); Determine a signal strength associated with the AP; Determine a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the signal strength of the AP and a signal strength threshold, where if the signal strength of the AP exceeds the signal strength threshold, the BSS color assignment matches the BSS color assignment of the AP; and Transmit data frames based on the BSS color assignment.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the signal strength is determined based on the identifier associated with the AP.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the computing system to: Determine whether to enable or disable spatial multiplexing based on the signal strength of the AP and the signal strength threshold, wherein if the signal strength of the AP exceeds the signal strength threshold, spatial multiplexing is disabled, and if the signal strength of the AP is within the signal strength threshold, spatial multiplexing is enabled.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the computing system to: Determine a flag based on the signal strength associated with the AP and the signal strength threshold, wherein determining the flag includes: Setting the flag based on the signal strength of the AP exceeding the signal strength threshold; Or Clearing the flag based on the signal strength of the AP being within the signal strength threshold; Receive a color conflict report, wherein determining the BSS color assignment is further based on the flag and the received color conflict report.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the computing system to: Determine a vendor associated with the AP based on an organizationally unique identifier (OUI) included in the identifier associated with the AP, wherein determining the BSS color assignment is further based on the vendor associated with the AP.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein if the signal strength of the AP is within the signal strength threshold, the BSS color assignment is different from the BSS color assignment of the AP.

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