Methods, systems and computer-readable media for dynamic bandwidth expansion

Abstract

A technique for dynamic bandwidth expansion is provided. A first set of channel quality metrics is collected by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth, representing an extended bandwidth beyond the first bandwidth. A second set of channel quality metrics of the extended bandwidth is received from one or more sites. The available portion of the extended bandwidth is determined based on the first and second set of channel quality metrics. Communication with the one or more sites is initiated using the available portion of the extended bandwidth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to wireless connectivity. Specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to dynamic wireless bandwidth for improving throughput. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless networks can be deployed in a variety of environments to provide connectivity to a wide range of devices. In many deployments, the performance and capabilities of each connected device can vary significantly. For example, many devices are limited in the bandwidth or communication rates they can support. Generally, larger bandwidth enables higher communication rates. However, larger bandwidth also makes it more likely to interfere with neighboring channels (or receive interference from neighboring channels). Therefore, deployments are configured to find a balance between large bandwidth and reduced interference. Some systems can make bandwidth decisions dynamically, but these decisions are not made in real time and require significant wireless stability to be effective. Attached Figure Description

[0003] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features described above, the present disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be described in more detail with reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments and should not be considered limiting; other equivalent embodiments are conceivable.

[0004] Figure 1 A system configured to provide dynamic bandwidth expansion according to some embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 Access points and sites configured to communicate using dynamic bandwidth extension according to some embodiments disclosed herein are described.

[0006] Figure 3 A workflow for initiating and utilizing dynamic bandwidth expansion according to some embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing dynamic bandwidth extension according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing dynamic bandwidth extension according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an access point configured to provide dynamic bandwidth expansion according to some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0010] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to designate the same elements common in the accompanying drawings. It is conceivable that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Overview

[0012] It provides a technology for dynamic bandwidth expansion.

[0013] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a method. The method includes the steps of: collecting a first set of channel quality metrics for an extended bandwidth exceeding the first bandwidth by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth; receiving a second set of channel quality metrics for the extended bandwidth from one or more sites; determining an available portion of the extended bandwidth based on the first set of channel quality metrics and the second set of channel quality metrics; and initiating communication with the one or more sites using the available portion of the extended bandwidth.

[0014] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium containing computer program code that, when executed by an operation of one or more computer processors, performs operations. The operations include: collecting a first set of channel quality metrics for an extended bandwidth exceeding the first bandwidth by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth; receiving a second set of channel quality metrics for the extended bandwidth from one or more sites; determining an available portion of the extended bandwidth based on the first and second set of channel quality metrics; and initiating communication with the one or more sites using the available portion of the extended bandwidth.

[0015] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a system comprising: one or more computer processors; and a memory containing a program that performs operations when executed by the one or more computer processors. The operations include: collecting a first set of channel quality metrics for an extended bandwidth exceeding the first bandwidth by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth; receiving a second set of channel quality metrics for the extended bandwidth from one or more sites; determining an available portion of the extended bandwidth based on the first and second set of channel quality metrics; and initiating communication with the one or more sites using the available portion of the extended bandwidth. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure provide techniques for dynamically expanding bandwidth when possible while avoiding channel contention and interference. In some deployments, radio resource management components determine appropriate bandwidth based on long-term channel stability (e.g., targeting little or no interference over minutes or hours). However, the quality metrics of a wireless channel often change due to a variety of external factors. Therefore, such deployments typically tend to choose relatively limited bandwidth selections to ensure that changing conditions do not cause interference. Embodiments of this disclosure utilize near real-time assessment of channel quality and provide rapid expansion of the bandwidth used to take advantage of temporal channel stability. This allows burst data to be transmitted at higher bandwidths while keeping the expanded channel clear.

[0017] In one embodiment, when a site is associated with each access point (AP), it indicates the maximum bandwidth it supports. While communicating using the initially advertised bandwidth, the AP may begin probing adjacent channels to identify extended portions of idle radio spectrum. In one embodiment, if such bandwidth appears available, the AP may query sites capable of supporting the extended bandwidth, requesting channel metrics relating to the degree of idleness of the extended channel. In some embodiments, based on these metrics, the AP can initiate communication with available sites capable of doing so using the extended bandwidth. This timing extension may persist for a predefined period (e.g., determined by the AP based on channel metrics) or until the channel degrades beyond a predefined point.

[0018] Figure 1 A system 100 configured to provide dynamic bandwidth expansion according to some embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. In the illustrated system 100, two access points, AP 105A and AP 105B, are deployed to provide wireless connectivity with sites 110A-C. Although two APs 105 are depicted, any number of APs may, of course, be present in the deployment in this embodiment. Similarly, although three sites 110A-C are depicted in the illustrated embodiment, any number of sites 110 may be present at any given time. In this embodiment, AP 105 provides a wireless local area network (WLAN). For example, in one embodiment, the WLAN is a Wi-Fi network.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, stations 110A and 110B are associated with AP 105A, and station 110C is associated with AP 105B. In some embodiments, each station 110 can generally be associated with and unassociated with AP 105, and migrate between APs 105 as needed. In one embodiment, each AP 105 advertises its bandwidth used for communication. In some embodiments, this may be referred to as “basic” bandwidth or “raw” bandwidth.

[0020] In one embodiment, when site 110 initially associates with AP 105, site 110 sends an indication of the bandwidth it can support. For example, while AP 105 may advertise a basic bandwidth of 40 MHz, site 110 may be able to support communication up to 160 MHz. The difference between the maximum supported bandwidth indicated by site 110 and the currently advertised bandwidth (referred to in some embodiments as the "basic bandwidth") indicated by AP 105 represents the potential extended bandwidth for communication with site 110. In some embodiments, in addition to indicating its maximum supported bandwidth, site 110 may also indicate whether it supports dynamic bandwidth expansion.

[0021] In embodiments, each AP 105 may periodically scan currently used channels and / or neighboring channels to determine the quality and clarity of each channel. In one embodiment, AP 105 scans and collects metrics related to signal-to-noise ratio, noise floor, etc., to determine the quality of its channel and / or neighboring channels. In at least one embodiment, AP 105 may utilize a neighbor discovery protocol to identify other nearby AP 105s and request similar scan reports from each AP 105. This allows AP 105 to build an understanding of the quality of its own channel and neighboring channels. In some embodiments, in addition to determining instantaneous channel quality, AP 105 may also track quality over time to determine how long each portion of the wireless spectrum remains idle (e.g., how long the channel quality is sufficient for quality communication).

[0022] In some embodiments, the quality metrics determined by AP 105 may not cover the channel quality across the entire space. For example, AP 105 may be located in one location (e.g., on the ceiling of a room), while site 110 may occupy other locations (e.g., on or near the floor). Therefore, while the channel may appear idle from AP 105's perspective, channel contention or interference may be a more serious problem for one or more sites 110. Thus, in one embodiment, AP 105 may query the channel metrics from the perspective of one or more sites 110. These metrics may include, for example, the noise floor, signal-to-noise ratio, etc., of one or more channels.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, AP 105 only queries sites 110 that indicate they can support extended bandwidth. For example, if AP 105 determines that a portion of the extended bandwidth may be available, AP 105 can identify a set of sites 110 capable of supporting at least this extended bandwidth. AP 105 can then request channel metrics from a subset of these sites.

[0024] By utilizing its own metrics and those returned by station 110, AP 105 can determine whether the extended bandwidth is available and the expected duration the extended channel will remain idle. In one embodiment, AP 105 may send a trigger frame to each station 110 that will participate in extended bandwidth communication. In one embodiment, any number of stations 110 may participate in extended bandwidth interaction. This trigger frame may include, for example, the bandwidth to be used, the duration the extended bandwidth will be used, etc.

[0025] In an embodiment, AP 105 may initiate extended communication with all previously identified sites 110 that support extended bandwidth and / or a subset thereof. For example, AP 105 may initiate extended bandwidth only for sites 110 that report idle channel metrics from their perspective. In some embodiments, AP 105 may be able to support a maximum number of sites with extended bandwidth. In an embodiment, if limited capacity exists, AP 105 may utilize any number of criteria to select from the capable sites 110. For example, AP 105 may consider predefined site and / or user priorities.

[0026] In one embodiment, once participating site 110 confirms the extended bandwidth, it begins communicating with AP 105 at the extended bandwidth. This significantly increases network throughput, allowing for rapid burst communication. In various embodiments, this extended communication can continue until one or more predefined termination criteria are met.

[0027] For example, in one embodiment, AP 105 and site 110 restore to basic bandwidth when a defined idle time expires. In some embodiments, AP 105 and / or site 110 may monitor the channel during burst communications and cancel extended bandwidth if channel quality degrades beyond a predefined threshold.

[0028] Figure 2 Access point 105 and site 110, configured to communicate using dynamic bandwidth extension according to some embodiments disclosed herein, are depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, AP 105 and site 110 initially communicate using basic bandwidth 205. This may correspond to the bandwidth advertised by AP 105 and used by each connected site 110. In the illustrated embodiment, several portions of extended bandwidth 210A-D are adjacent to the basic bandwidth 205.

[0029] In some embodiments, this adjacent bandwidth 210 may be utilized by other APs 105, or may be unused due to interference or overflow from the basic bandwidth 205 in use. In embodiments, AP 105 and / or site 110 may periodically or upon request probe these adjacent bandwidths 210 to determine the quality of each channel (e.g., based on the air quality index (AQI) for each channel). If the AQI exceeds a predefined standard for one or more portions of the extended bandwidth 210, AP 105 may determine that it can use this extended bandwidth 210 to communicate with site 110.

[0030] For example, suppose extended bandwidths 210A and 210B are determined to be idle for communication at this moment (e.g., within the past 10 seconds). In one embodiment, AP 105 can initiate communication using basic bandwidth 205 and extended bandwidths 210A-B, causing the entire bandwidth 215 to be extended beyond the basic bandwidth. This significantly increases throughput. Similarly, if extended bandwidths 210C and 210D are also available, AP 105 and site 110 can utilize bandwidth 220.

[0031] In embodiments, any number of adjacent channels or portions of the wireless spectrum can be utilized. In some embodiments, AP 105 can record wireless metrics over time to better respond to future conditions. In one such embodiment, to predict how long adjacent space might remain empty, AP 105 can consider not only current and prior conditions (e.g., within the past 10 seconds) but also historical records (e.g., days, weeks, months, or years ago). In this way, AP 105 can learn and identify patterns in the metrics and predict current clearance based on these patterns. For example, AP 105 can learn that at certain times of day, on certain days of week, etc., extended bandwidth tends to remain open for longer periods.

[0032] In one related embodiment, AP 105 can learn to predict or estimate the conditions of clients (provided by site 110) based on conditions at AP 105. For example, AP 105 can identify previous data when statistics viewed from AP 105 are similar to the current metric. In one embodiment, AP 105 can estimate or predict that the current metric of each site 110 is similar to previously provided metrics from the site. In this way, in some embodiments, AP 105 can block data requests to site 110 when it can make its own predictions.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, AP 105 may utilize machine learning to predict idle time and / or quality metrics from the perspective of site 110. For example, using previous records, AP 105 (or one or more other components or devices) may train a machine learning model to predict metrics that are viewed by site 110 when AP-level metrics are provided. To do this, in one embodiment, previous AP metrics may be provided as input, while previous site metrics may be used as the target output to calculate error and refine the model.

[0034] In one related embodiment, AP 105 can utilize machine learning to predict how long the extended bandwidth will be available. To do this, the system can determine how long the extended channel remained idle and available during previous sessions. This time can then be used as the target output of a machine learning model, given a previous quality metric as input. This allows the model to be trained to predict idle time based on the current quality metric.

[0035] In some embodiments, the AP 105 can adaptively provide dynamic bandwidth expansion for deployment by learning and iteratively pushing (e.g., using larger extended bandwidth and / or using extended space over longer periods).

[0036] Figure 3 A workflow 300 for initiating and utilizing dynamic bandwidth expansion according to some embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, station 305 and AP 310 interact to identify and provide expanded bandwidth communication.

[0037] Workflow 300 begins when site 305 is associated with AP 310, as indicated by arrow 315. As shown, this association uses bandwidth (BW) "Y", which is the advertised (basic) bandwidth of AP 310. In one embodiment, during this association, site 305 provides an indication of its maximum supported bandwidth. Throughout normal operation, as indicated by arrow 320, AP 310 and site 305 can exchange data using the raw bandwidth Y.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, at arrow 325, AP 310 confirms that the uplink channel (and / or one or more adjacent channels) appears to be free for a certain bandwidth "X". In one embodiment, bandwidth X is an extended bandwidth greater than and exceeding bandwidth Y. In some embodiments, AP 310 makes this determination by monitoring the currently used bandwidth Y and / or a portion of the channel or radio spectrum adjacent to the currently used channel. In one embodiment, AP 310 generates or determines a Radio Quality Index (AQI) for the extended bandwidth X. In one embodiment, the AQI is determined by neighbor discovery packets sent and received by the AP in the WLAN. For example, the system can determine the quality of the target channel by momentarily switching the operating channel to the target channel. Each AP can then share this data with the central controller. In at least one embodiment, AP 310 can query neighboring APs to determine whether they are currently using other portions of the spectrum.

[0039] AP 310 can monitor the channel for a predefined time period (e.g., a few seconds) to determine if the extended uplink is idle. In one embodiment, if the extended bandwidth is idle, AP 310 sends a request (indicated by arrow 330) to one or more stations 305. This request requests stations 305 to return a channel quality metric for a specified bandwidth (X) from the perspective of station 305. In some embodiments, stations 305 can collect such metrics simultaneously with AP 310. This allows them to respond to requests more quickly.

[0040] For example, site 305 can routinely collect such metrics so that it can respond to requests from AP 310 whenever needed. In another embodiment, when AP 310 begins collecting statistics, it can instruct site 305 to do the same (e.g., before confirming that the uplink is idle).

[0041] In some embodiments, AP 310 sends conditional requests (arrow 330) only to a subset of stations 305 that are capable of utilizing the determined extended bandwidth X. For example, AP 310 can identify stations 305 that are capable of utilizing the bandwidth (if it is determined to be idle) by referring to the indications provided by each station 305 associated with AP 310.

[0042] As indicated by arrow 335, each station 305 returns a response indicating the wireless channel quality of the indicated extended bandwidth X as seen from the perspective of station 305. In one embodiment, AP 310 waits until each queried station 305 (or some predefined number or percentage thereof) responds. In another embodiment, AP 310 waits for a predefined period of time before proceeding. In this embodiment, AP 310 may exclude any station 305 that does not respond to the request.

[0043] Based on the response, AP 310 can determine whether the downlink is idle (indicated by arrow 340). Therefore, together with the metric determined by AP 310, AP 310 can determine whether the entire extended channel is idle and freely usable. In some embodiments, this determination is based on comparing the metric with predefined criteria (e.g., minimum radio quality score, maximum noise floor, etc.). In some embodiments, in addition to determining whether the channel is idle, AP 310 also determines a time period (e.g., 10 seconds) during which the extended bandwidth is expected to be usable / available.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the determination of whether the extended bandwidth is available (and / or its availability time) is made on a per-site basis. That is, AP 310 may determine that the extended bandwidth is available / usable for one site 305 based on its metrics (e.g., because the radio quality is idle for one site 305) and unavailable or unusable for another site (e.g., because channel contention or other metrics determined by other sites meet or do not meet predefined criteria).

[0045] As indicated by arrow 345, AP 310 can send a trigger frame to each available site 305 to initiate communication with extended bandwidth. That is, AP 310 sends a trigger frame to one or more sites 305 participating in conditional polling (indicated by arrows 330 and 335). This trigger frame includes an indication of the extended bandwidth to be used, and the duration of the bandwidth to be used. In some embodiments, AP 310 can send trigger frames to fewer than all polled sites 305 (e.g., if one or more of the sites 305 indicate low channel quality).

[0046] In at least one embodiment, AP 310 may send different trigger frames to each site 305, allowing each site 305 to use the extended capacity in different ways. For example, AP 310 may use a different timeout value T for each site 305, in part based on the metric provided by each site.

[0047] As indicated by arrow 355, in one embodiment, once this trigger frame is sent, the specified time begins to run. In some embodiments, AP 310 may indicate a timeout period instead of a time interval. That is, instead of indicating that the extended bandwidth will be available within 10 seconds, AP 310 may indicate that it is available before a specific time (e.g., 3:26:10), or AP 310 may indicate that it is available before a specific time (e.g., 3:26:10) instead of indicating that the extended bandwidth will be available within 10 seconds.

[0048] At arrow 350, station 305 confirms that it is capable of and ready to participate in the extended burst bandwidth. Subsequently, as indicated by arrow 360, station 305 begins sending and receiving data to and from AP 310 using the extended bandwidth Y. This communication under extended capacity can continue until one or more predefined termination criteria are met.

[0049] In some embodiments, such a criterion includes the expiration of a defined time T. However, in at least one embodiment, if the channel quality metric remains satisfactory, AP 310 may continue to provide extended bandwidth communication until it degrades, even if time T has expired. In one embodiment, if the channel quality degrades during this time period (e.g., represented by the number or percentage of lost packets or other quality metrics), AP 310 may send an end-trigger frame early. This end-trigger frame is indicated by arrow 365.

[0050] In one embodiment, the end trigger frame indicates that AP 310 will utilize the bandwidth to send subsequent data (e.g., basic bandwidth Y). In response, each station 305 acknowledges that it will use the indicated bandwidth Y (indicated by arrow 370). AP 310 and station 305 then revert to exchanging data using the old basic bandwidth Y (indicated by arrow 375).

[0051] In this embodiment, this workflow 300 may be performed periodically or continuously to provide bursts of higher bandwidth when possible.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for providing dynamic bandwidth extension according to some embodiments disclosed herein. Method 400 begins at block 405, where the AP identifies one or more neighboring APs. In one embodiment, the AP may utilize data from these neighboring APs to determine whether adjacent channels(s) are idle for extended bandwidth communication. At block 410, based on metrics collected by the AP and / or from neighboring APs, the AP can determine the quality of the channel from an uplink perspective.

[0053] In this embodiment, the quality of the (potential) extended bandwidth can be determined based on a variety of factors, including wireless quality index, noise floor, signal-to-noise ratio, whether any neighboring APs are currently using the channel, etc. In box 415, the AP determines whether the channel is idle for bandwidth extension (from an uplink perspective). If not, method 400 returns to box 405, and the AP does not initiate extended bandwidth communication.

[0054] If at least a portion of the extended bandwidth is available for at least a certain predefined minimum time period, method 400 proceeds to box 420, where the AP selects one of the sites capable of supporting the determined extended bandwidth. In box 425, the AP requests an indication of the downlink channel quality for this site for the determined extended bandwidth. Method 400 then proceeds to box 430.

[0055] In box 430, the AP determines if there is at least one additional site capable of supporting the extended bandwidth but which has not yet been polled for quality metrics. If so, method 400 returns to box 420. If all capable sites have been polled, method 400 continues to box 435.

[0056] In box 435, the AP determines the available expansion and the expected duration for which the expansion space will be available. In some embodiments, this is determined based on current and prior data collected by the AP and / or the site. In one embodiment, this determination is made in part based on historical data. In at least one embodiment, the AP uses one or more machine learning models to make this determination.

[0057] For example, an AP can compare the current metric with previously collected metrics to identify previous intervals with similar quality metrics. By determining how long these previous windows of similar idle bandwidth lasted, the AP can estimate how long the current window will last.

[0058] Then, method 400 continues to block 440, where the AP determines whether the determined extension meets one or more predefined criteria. In embodiments, this may include determining whether the extension amount (e.g., from 40 MHz to 80 MHz) meets a predefined minimum extension, and / or whether the predicted settling time exceeds a predefined minimum time. In at least one embodiment, the AP determines whether the extended bandwidth is available for a predefined minimum number of sites.

[0059] If the criteria are not met, method 400 returns to box 405 and method 400 restarts. If the criteria are met, method 400 continues to box 445, where the AP initiates extended bandwidth with an identified site that is capable of supporting the extension and whose reported quality metrics from the site's perspective indicate that the airspace is idle. In one embodiment, this includes sending a trigger frame to the identified site, indicating the new bandwidth and the duration for which the new bandwidth will be used.

[0060] In box 450, the AP uses extended bandwidth to communicate with identified sites. In some embodiments, the AP continues to use its previous base bandwidth to communicate with other sites. That is, the AP can use its original (advertised) bandwidth to communicate with some sites while using the new (extended) bandwidth to communicate with other sites. This allows the AP to provide a significantly increased throughput without interrupting communication with other sites.

[0061] Then, method 400 proceeds to box 455, where the AP determines whether the termination criteria have been met. As described above, this could include, for example, the expiration of a predicted idle time, determining that the extended channel is no longer sufficiently idle, etc. If the criteria are not met (e.g., the extended bandwidth is still idle), method 400 returns to box 450. However, if the criteria are met, method 400 proceeds to box 460, where the AP terminates the extended bandwidth. This could include, for example, instructing the site to communicate using the original (advertised) basic bandwidth. Then, method 400 returns to box 405 and restarts.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 for providing dynamic bandwidth extension according to some embodiments disclosed herein. Method 500 begins at block 505, where the AP collects a first set of channel quality metrics for extended bandwidth beyond the first bandwidth currently used for communication. At block 510, the AP receives a second set of channel quality metrics for the extended bandwidth from one or more sites. Method 500 then continues to block 515, where the AP determines an available portion of the extended bandwidth based on the first and second set of channel quality metrics. Furthermore, at block 520, the AP initiates communication with one or more sites using the available portion of the extended bandwidth.

[0063] Figure 6This is a block diagram illustrating an access point configured to provide dynamic bandwidth expansion according to some embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, computing device 600 corresponds to an access point in a wireless deployment. Although depicted as a physical device, in embodiments, computing device 600 may be implemented as a virtual device or service, or span multiple devices (e.g., in a cloud environment). As shown, computing device 600 includes processor 605, memory 610, storage device 615, I / O interface 620, and network interface 625. In the illustrated embodiment, processor 605 retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in memory 610, and stores and retrieves application data residing in storage device 615. Processor 605 generally represents a single CPU, GPU, CPU and GPU, multiple CPUs, multiple GPUs, a single CPU or GPU with multiple processing cores, etc. Memory 610 is generally included therein, representing random access memory. Storage device 615 can be any combination of memory or storage components, including (but not limited to) disk drives, flash-based storage devices, etc., and can include fixed storage devices, removable storage devices, or a combination of both, such as fixed disk drives, removable memory cards, caches, optical storage devices, network-attached storage devices (NAS), or storage area networks (SAN).

[0064] In some embodiments, I / O devices 635 (such as a mouse, keyboard, monitor, touchscreen, etc.) are connected via I / O interface 620. Furthermore, via network interface 625, computing device 600 can be communicatively coupled (directly or indirectly) to one or more other devices and components (such as sites, network controllers, etc.).

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, storage device 615 includes historical data 660. Although depicted as residing in storage device 615, historical data 660 can be stored in any suitable location. In the embodiment, historical data 660 generally includes historical information relating to channel quality observed over time by one or more APs and one or more sites. In some embodiments, historical data 660 includes time intervals or windows during which one or more APs utilize extended bandwidth. Historical data 660 may indicate how long this window was open (e.g., how long the channel was idle), the time this window occurred (e.g., time of day), the number of participating sites, the extent of the extension, etc.

[0066] In this embodiment, by utilizing historical data 660, computing device 600 can learn to better analyze current data and generate better predictions about the range (including magnitude and time) of available extended bandwidth.

[0067] As shown in the figure, memory 610 includes an extended application 640. Although depicted as software residing in memory 610, in embodiments, the functionality of extended application 640 may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. As shown, extended application 640 includes a mass component 645, a timing component 650, and a triggering component 655. Although depicted as discrete components for conceptual clarity, in embodiments, the operation of mass component 645, timing component 650, and triggering component 655 may be combined or distributed across any number of components.

[0068] In one embodiment, the quality component 645 may collect and analyze channel metrics to generate quality scores for the channel (and adjacent channels) to determine the available portion of extended bandwidth. This may include collecting statistics from one or more APs and / or from one or more sites. In some embodiments, the quality component 645 compares the currently collected metrics with historical data 660 to determine which, if any, portions of the spectrum are available for extended bandwidth communication.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the time component 650 typically evaluates metrics collected by the quality component 645 to predict how long the extended bandwidth will be available. For example, based on the stability of the metrics over recent time intervals (e.g., the past 10 seconds), the time component 650 can predict how long they will remain stable. In some embodiments, the time component 650 can similarly compare current metrics with historical data 660 to estimate how long the current stability window will last.

[0070] In one embodiment, triggering component 655 initiates extended bandwidth communication with a capable site. In some embodiments, triggering component 655 also monitors the communication to identify any termination criteria. This may include, for example, reviewing updated metrics collected by quality component 645, checking for timer expiration, and similar situations. When the criteria are met, in one embodiment, triggering component 655 terminates the extended bandwidth communication, and the site reverts to the advertised basic bandwidth.

[0071] Various embodiments are referenced in this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specifically described embodiments. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements, whether or not associated with different embodiments, is contemplated for implementing and carrying out the contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, when elements in an embodiment are described in the form of "at least one of A and B," it is understood that embodiments fully including element A, fully including element B, and including both elements A and B are contemplated. Moreover, while some embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or prior art, whether a particular embodiment achieves a specific advantage does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages disclosed herein are illustrative only and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims, except where expressly mentioned in one or more claims. Similarly, references to "the invention" should not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein, nor should they be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims, except where expressly mentioned in one or more claims.

[0072] As those skilled in the art will understand, the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, embodiments can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, and are collectively referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments can take the form of a computer program product contained in one or more computer-readable media containing computer-readable program code.

[0073] Program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium (including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc.) or any suitable combination thereof.

[0074] Computer program code used to perform the operations of embodiments of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, or similar languages, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or connected to an external computer (e.g., using an internet service provider via the internet).

[0075] This document describes aspects of the disclosure with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / behaviors specified in the blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0076] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing which includes instructions that implement the functions / behaviors specified in the boxes of the flowchart description and / or block diagram.

[0077] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment, provide a process for implementing the functions / behaviors specified in the flowchart description and / or the boxes in the block diagram.

[0078] The flowchart illustrations and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart illustrations or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions indicated in the blocks may not appear in the order shown in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a system based on special-purpose hardware or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or behavior.

[0079] Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for dynamic bandwidth extension, comprising: collecting, by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth, a first set of channel quality metrics for an extension bandwidth beyond the first bandwidth; receiving, from one or more stations, a second set of channel quality metrics for the extension bandwidth; determining an available portion of the extension bandwidth based on the first and second sets of channel quality metrics; initiating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extension bandwidth; determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is no longer available; terminating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extension bandwidth; reinitiating communication with the one or more stations using the first bandwidth; and determining a time period during which the available portion of the extension bandwidth will be available based on the first and second sets of channel quality metrics, wherein determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is no longer available comprises determining that the time period has elapsed.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a request to the one or more stations for the second set of channel quality metrics. determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is available for a first station of the one or more stations; and 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is not available for a second station of the one or more stations. initiating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extension bandwidth comprises: sending an indication of the available portion of the extension bandwidth to the first station; and 4. The method of claim 3, wherein, preventing sending an indication of the available portion of the extension bandwidth to the second station. determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is no longer available comprises: collecting a third set of channel quality metrics for the available portion of the extension bandwidth.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, 6. A computer-readable medium containing computer program code, which when executed by operation of one or more computer processors, performs operations comprising: collecting, by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth, a first set of channel quality metrics for an extension bandwidth beyond the first bandwidth; receiving, from one or more stations, a second set of channel quality metrics for the extension bandwidth; determining an available portion of the extension bandwidth based on the first and second sets of channel quality metrics; initiating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extension bandwidth; determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is no longer available; terminating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extension bandwidth; reinitiating communication with the one or more stations using the first bandwidth; and determining a time period during which the available portion of the extension bandwidth will be available based on the first and second sets of channel quality metrics, wherein determining that the available portion of the extension bandwidth is no longer available comprises determining that the time period has elapsed.

7. The computer-readable medium of claim 6, the operations further comprising sending a request to the one or more stations for the second set of channel quality metrics. ​ ​ ​ 8. The computer readable medium of claim 6 or 7, wherein, determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is available to a first station of the one or more stations; and determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is not available to a second station of the one or more stations. initiating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extended bandwidth includes:

9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein, sending an indication of the available portion of the extended bandwidth to the first station; and preventing sending an indication of the available portion of the extended bandwidth to the second station. determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is no longer available includes:

10. The computer readable medium of claim 6 or 7, wherein, collecting a third set of channel quality metrics for the available portion of the extended bandwidth.

11. A system for dynamic bandwidth extension, the system configured to perform operations comprising: collecting, by an access point (AP) communicating using a first bandwidth, a first set of channel quality metrics for an extended bandwidth beyond the first bandwidth; receiving, from one or more stations, a second set of channel quality metrics for the extended bandwidth; determining an available portion of the extended bandwidth based on the first and second sets of channel quality metrics; initiating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extended bandwidth; determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is no longer available; terminating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extended bandwidth; reinitiating communication with the one or more stations using the first bandwidth; and determining a time period during which the available portion of the extended bandwidth will be available based on the first and second sets of channel quality metrics, wherein determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is no longer available includes determining that the time period has elapsed.

12. The system of claim 11, the operations further comprising: sending a request to the one or more stations for the second set of channel quality metrics. determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is available to a first station of the one or more stations; and determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is not available to a second station of the one or more stations.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein, initiating communication with the one or more stations using the available portion of the extended bandwidth includes: sending an indication of the available portion of the extended bandwidth to the first station; and preventing sending an indication of the available portion of the extended bandwidth to the second station.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein, determining that the available portion of the extended bandwidth is no longer available includes: collecting a third set of channel quality metrics for the available portion of the extended bandwidth. ​ 15. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein, ​ ​

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