ADAPTIVE SPATIAL REUSE

Abstract

A procedure that includes the following: Identify, by means of a first access point (AP) (270; 508), a second access point (AP) (272; 510) based on an identifier assigned to the second AP; Determine, by means of the first AP (270; 508), a signal strength associated with the second AP (272; 510); Determine, by the first AP (270; 508), a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) and a signal strength threshold by: Select, by the first AP (270; 508), a BSS color assignment that matches a BSS color assignment assigned to the second AP (272; 510), based on the fact that the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) exceeds the signal strength threshold; and Transmitted, through the first AP (270; 508), of a data frame based on the BSS color assignment, where one channel, on which the data frame is to be transmitted, is also used by the second AP.

Description

background

[0001] Advances in wireless networking technologies are driving improvements in other technology sectors. For example, various technology sectors and industries rely on wireless networking technologies for communication, data storage, and service delivery. These advances have not only led to improvements in other technologies and industries but have also resulted in a widespread adoption of wireless electronic devices. This proliferation of wireless electronic devices presents technological challenges for wireless networking technologies. Specifically, the increasing number of users on wireless communication channels has created technological challenges.A large number of users on a wireless communication channel can cause a high level of interference, which can negatively impact network performance for those users. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has issued various standards, such as the 802.11 standard, to address various technological challenges in wireless networking technologies. Nevertheless, wireless networking technologies continue to face technological challenges.

[0002] CN 107 027 133 A1 describes a procedure for information processing. According to this procedure, if the BSSID of a BSS in which a station is located differs from the BSSID in a received PPDU, and the BSS color of the BSS in which the station is located matches the BSS color in the received PPDU, the station detects that a BSS color conflict exists and further resolves the BSS color conflict by changing a channel adopted by the station or by changing the BSS color of the BSS in which the station is located.

[0003] US 2020 / 0053634A1 describes systems and methods for assigning BSS colors in a deployed wireless network (WLAN), comprehensively identifying a plurality of access points (APs) of an external wireless network operating on the same channel as a deployed AP of a deployed wireless network, selecting these APs of the external wireless network as a subset of the plurality of APs of the external wireless network based on expected interference, grouping the APs of the subset of the plurality of APs according to a Basic Service Set (BSS) color used by each of the plurality of identified APs of the external wireless network to form AP BSS color groups, calculating a transmit time utilization for each AP color group, and selecting a BSS color based on the calculated transmit time utilization and assigning the selected BSS color for use by the deployed AP of the deployed wireless network.

[0004] US 2020 / 0083969 A1 describes systems and methods for spatial reuse in a deployed wireless network (WLAN) comprehensively identifying a multitude of competing access points (APs) of an external wireless network operating on the same channel as a deployed AP of a deployed wireless network, examining the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the identified multitude of competing APs of the external wireless network, filtering out one or more selected APs of the identified multitude of competing APs of the external wireless network based on their respective RSSIs to arrive at a filtered set of competing APs, and extending a spatial reuse group (SRG) of the deployed AP to include the APs in the filtered set of competing APs in the SRG. Brief description

[0005] A method according to claims 1 to 8, a system according to claims 9 to 14 and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium according to claims 15 to 20 is disclosed. Brief description of the drawings

[0006] The present disclosure is described in detail in accordance with one or more different embodiments with reference to the following figures. The figures serve only for illustration and represent only typical or exemplary embodiments. Fig. shows an example of the use of a wireless network that can be implemented for an organization, e.g., a company, an educational institution, a government agency, a health institution, or another organization. Fig. shows an example of a spatial reuse scenario. The Fig. and Fig. show examples of wireless network deployments in conjunction with adaptive spatial reuse. Fig. shows a block diagram of an example computer component or device associated with adaptive spatial reuse. Fig. shows an example of a flowchart related to adaptive spatial reuse. Fig. shows an example of a block diagram of a wireless network deployment in conjunction with adaptive spatial reuse. Fig. shows an example of a computer component that can be used to implement various features of the embodiments described in the present disclosure.

[0007] The illustrations are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the exact form that is disclosed. Detailed description

[0008] The widespread use of wireless electronic devices presents various technological challenges in wireless networking. For example, the increasing density of wireless networks has led to technological challenges related to increased interference. In some situations, network devices, including access points (APs) and client devices, may attempt to communicate with each other. The communication signal of one network device can interfere with or weaken the communication signal of another. Collisions can occur when APs and client devices in a wireless network attempt to communicate simultaneously over the same frequency channel and are in close enough proximity to hear (e.g., detect) each other. Collisions in a wireless network can result in packet loss and a degradation of network performance.

[0009] Several approaches to improving wireless network technologies aim to enable parallel transmissions on the same channel and improve throughput in a wireless network. For example, overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) can refer to situations where multiple Basic Service Sets, associated with different wireless networks, are delivered over the same channel, connecting access points and client devices that are in sufficient proximity to hear each other. In such situations, Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignments can differentiate the Basic Service Sets transmitted on the same channel. Furthermore, spatial reuse allows multiple devices assigned to different BSSs to transmit simultaneously on the same channel if certain conditions, such as clear channel assessment (CCA) thresholds, are met.In general, spatial reuse distinguishes between InterBSS / Inter-CCA and Intra-BSS / Intra-CCA frames on the same channel based on their associated BSS color assignments. Depending on whether certain conditions, such as CCA thresholds, are met, an access point (AP) or client device may defer access to another AP or client device.

[0010] Several spatial reuse approaches aim to increase the overall capacity of a channel by enabling concurrent transmissions on the same channel. In one approach, spatial reuse can adjust CCA thresholds and set signal level thresholds so that OBBS can transmit simultaneously. This approach can manipulate transmit power, such as effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which also affects the signal's coverage. In this approach, spatial reuse relies on an EIRP value at which a receiver can tolerate some interference caused by concurrent transmissions. Thus, the receiver can receive and decode packets simultaneously despite the interference. However, the benefits of this and other spatial reuse approaches diminish in dense wireless deployments, for example.In mesh deployments or distributed D-MIMO (Distributed Multiple Input Multiple Output) deployments, spatial reuse in dense wireless environments can lead to an increase in collisions and packet loss because the signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) decreases due to interference and lower transmit power. The increase in collisions and packet loss can lead to retransmissions and longer transmission times, degrading overall network performance. Therefore, the use of spatial reuse in dense wireless networks presents a technological challenge in wireless networking technology.

[0011] Accordingly, systems and methods for providing adaptive spatial reuse are disclosed. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods enable the adaptive activation and deactivation of spatial reuse and the adjustment of BSS color assignments based on various factors associated with a wireless network. A first access point (AP) in a wireless network can identify a second AP in the same wireless network. The first AP and the second AP can use the same wireless channel within the wireless network. The first AP can determine a signal strength associated with the second AP. For example, the first AP can determine the signal strength based on a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The signal strength can indicate the proximity of the second AP to the first AP, and the first AP can adjust its spatial reuse and BSS color assignment accordingly.Based on the signal strength associated with the second access point (AP), the first AP can determine whether to enable or disable spatial reuse and select a BSS color assignment based on the second AP's BSS color assignment. For example, if the signal strength associated with the second AP is above a signal strength threshold (e.g., RSSI threshold), indicating relatively close proximity, the first AP can adjust to the second AP's proximity by disabling spatial reuse and selecting a BSS color assignment that matches the second AP's.By disabling spatial reuse and selecting the same BSS color assignment as the second AP, the first AP avoids collisions and retransmissions associated with parallel transmissions using spatial reuse, especially when a dense wireless environment makes spatial reuse inefficient. If the signal strength assigned to the second AP is below the signal strength threshold, indicating relatively close proximity, the first AP can adapt to the proximity of the second AP by enabling spatial reuse and selecting a BSS color assignment different from that of the second AP.By enabling spatial reuse and selecting a different BSS color assignment than the second AP, the first AP can leverage the advantages of parallel transmissions using spatial reuse in a wireless deployment, where collisions and retransmissions are more likely to be avoided, and spatial reuse can be used efficiently. Through the adaptive activation and deactivation of spatial reuse and the adjustment of BSS color assignments, the disclosed systems and methods provide improved wireless media reuse while avoiding collisions. Thus, the disclosed adaptive spatial reuse systems and methods offer enhancements in wireless network technologies, as further described herein.

[0012] Before describing in detail the embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods, it may be useful to describe an example of a network installation that can be used to implement these systems and methods in various applications. Fig. This diagram shows an example of a network configuration 100 that can be implemented for an organization, such as a business, educational institution, government agency, healthcare facility, or other organization. This diagram illustrates an example of a configuration implemented in an organization with multiple users (or at least multiple client devices 110) and potentially multiple physical or geographic locations 102, 132, 142. The network configuration 100 can include a primary location 102 that communicates with a network 120. The network configuration 100 can also include one or more remote locations 132, 142 that connect to the network 120.

[0013] The primary location 102 can encompass a primary network, such as an office network, a home network, or another network installation. The primary network 102 can also be a private network, for example, one that may include security and access controls to restrict access to authorized users. These authorized users might include, for example, employees of a company at the primary location 102, residents of a house, customers of a company, and so on.

[0014] In the example shown, the primary site 102 contains a control unit 104 that communicates with the network 120. The control unit 104 can provide communication with the network 120 for the primary site 102, although it need not be the only point of communication with the network 120 for the primary site 102. A single control unit 104 is shown, although the primary site may include multiple control units and / or multiple communication points with the network 120. In some embodiments, the control unit 104 communicates with the network 120 via a router (not shown). In other embodiments, the control unit 104 provides router functions to the devices at the primary site 102.

[0015] A Controller 104 can configure and manage network devices, for example, at the main site 102, and can also manage network devices at remote sites 132 and 134. The Controller 104 can configure and / or manage switches, routers, access points, and / or client devices connected to a network. The Controller 104 itself can be an access point or provide the functionality of one.

[0016] The control unit 104 can communicate with one or more switches 108 and / or wireless access points (APs) 106ac. The switches 108 and the wireless APs 106a-c provide network connections to various client devices 110a-j. A client device 110a-j can access network resources via a connection to a switch 108 or AP 106a-c, including other devices on the network (primary site 102) and on the network 120.

[0017] Examples of client devices include: desktop computers, laptops, servers, web servers, authentication servers, Authentication Authorisation 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 displays (e.g., smart TVs), content receivers, set-top boxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, smartphones, smart terminals, silent terminals, virtual terminals, video game consoles, virtual assistants, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the like.

[0018] Within primary site 102, a switch 108 is included as an example access point to the network established at primary site 102 for wired client devices 110i-j. The client devices 110i-j can connect to the switch 108 and access other devices within network configuration 100 via the switch 108. The client devices 110i-j can also access network 120 via the switch 108. The client devices 110i-j can communicate with the switch 108 via a wired connection 112. In the example shown, the switch 108 communicates with the control unit 104 via a wired connection 112, although this connection could also be wireless.

[0019] The wireless access points (APs) 106a-c are another example of an access point to the network set up at the main site 102 for client devices 110a-h. Each AP 106a-c can be a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to provide wireless network connectivity for 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 connections 112, which can be either wired or wireless interfaces.

[0020] Network configuration 100 can include one or more remote sites 132. A remote site 132 can be located at a different physical or geographic location than the primary site 102. In some cases, the remote site 132 may be located at the same geographic location or possibly in the same building as the primary site 102, but it does not have a direct connection to the primary site 102's network. Instead, the remote site 132 may use a connection through another network, such as network 120. A remote site 132, as defined in Fig. The location shown could be, for example, a satellite office, another floor, or a suite within a building. The remote location 132 can contain a gateway device 134 for communication with network 120. A gateway device 134 can be a router, a digital-to-analog modem, a cable modem, a DSL modem, or another network device configured to communicate with network 120. The remote location 132 can also contain a switch 138 and / or an access point 136, which communicates with the gateway device 134 either via wired or wireless connections. The switch 138 and the access point 136 provide network connectivity for various client devices 140a-d.

[0021] In various embodiments, the remote site 132 can communicate directly with the primary site 102, allowing client devices 140a-d at the remote site 132 to access the network resources at the primary site 102 as if they were located at the primary site 102. In such embodiments, the remote site 132 is managed by the control unit 104 at the primary site 102, and the control unit 104 provides the necessary connectivity, security, and accessibility that enable communication between the remote site 132 and the primary site 102. Once the remote site 132 is connected to the primary site 102, it can function as part of a private network provided by the primary site 102.

[0022] In various embodiments, the network configuration 100 can include one or more smaller remote sites 142, each comprising only a gateway device 144 for communication with the network 120 and a wireless access point 146 through which various client devices 150a-b access the network 120. Such a remote site 142 could, for example, be the home of a single employee or a temporary remote office. The remote site 142 can also communicate with the main site 102, allowing the client devices 150a-b at the remote site 142 to access network resources at the main site 102 as if they 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 this transparency.After connecting to the main site 102, the remote site 142 can function as part of a private network provided by the main site 102.

[0023] Network 120 can be a public or private network, such as the internet or another communications network, that enables connection between the various locations 102, 130 to 142, and access to the 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, and the like. Network 120 can contain 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 the various parts of Network Configuration 100 and between Network Configuration 100 and other units connected to the network. Network 120 can contain various content servers 160a-b.Content servers 160a-b can include various providers of downloadable multimedia and / or streaming content, including audio, video, graphics, and / or text content, or any combination thereof. Examples of content servers 160a-b include web servers, streaming radio and video providers, and cable and satellite television providers. Client devices 110a-j, 140a-d, and 150a-b can request and access the multimedia content provided by the content servers 160a-b.

[0024] Although in the example of Fig. While only 10 client devices (1 10a-j) are shown at the primary site (102), a network in various applications can encompass significantly larger numbers of client devices. For example, different wireless networks, such as in dense wireless installations, can include hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of client devices communicating with their respective access points (APs), possibly even simultaneously. Furthermore, since there is only a limited number of wireless channels available for communication, these client devices communicating with their respective APs may attempt to use the same wireless channels at the same time. In a dense wireless network, such as a mesh network or a D-MIMO (Distributed Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) network, the APs may be within range of each other's intra-CCA / intra-BSS coverage.Access points (APs) located within range of each other's intra-CCA / intra-BSS coverage may use different BSS color assignments but still experience connectivity issues due to mutual interference. Furthermore, spatial reuse in such deployments can be inefficient, exacerbating interference and collisions, resulting in retransmissions and increased transmission times. Therefore, if not implemented appropriately for the wireless network's deployment, spatial reuse and BSS color assignments can degrade network performance. As further described herein, the systems and procedures outlined here enable improved wireless media reuse while avoiding collisions by adaptively enabling and disabling spatial reuse and adjusting BSS color assignments.

[0025] Fig. shows an example of intra-BSS communication related to the in Fig. The example network shown can cause 100 inter-BSS / OBSS interferences. In the example of Fig. Client device 110c (connected to AP 106b) can transmit data on a given channel, while client device 110d (connected to AP 106c) is also operating on the same channel. Because client devices 110c and 110d are physically close to each other, they may be able to hear (e.g., detect) each other's transmissions above their packet detection (PD) thresholds, even though they belong to different BSSs. Since the respective PD thresholds of client devices 110c and 110d are triggered by the transmissions of the other, client devices 110c and 110d compete with each other. Accordingly, client devices 110c and 110d access the channel alternately, with each client device receiving approximately half of the channel's available bandwidth and throughput, but not necessarily interfering with each other.This means that transmissions from client device 110c are not considered interference by AP 106c because it is too far away, while transmissions from client device 110d are not strong enough to be heard by AP 106b. However, client devices 110c and 110d are close enough to cause interference and are therefore prevented from transmitting simultaneously on the channel. It should be clear that the above example is just that—an example—and that inter-BSS / OBSS interference can also occur between other network devices, such as between two APs or between an AP and a client device.

[0026] With spatial reuse, client devices 110c and 110d can coordinate with each other and are highly likely to transmit data simultaneously, since AP 106b cannot hear client device 110d and AP 106c cannot hear client device 110c. Thus, neither AP 106b nor 106c is interfered with by the other. This coordination results from packet-based detection of whether a packet belongs to one BSS or another. This determination can be made using the BSS color coding. The "color" is an index number (e.g., from 1 to 63) that is assigned to each AP along with its channel assignment, either manually, through automatic determination, or through external automatic determination and assignment. If APs use the same channel and are located in the same environment, they can have different BSS color assignments.If two FVS operating on the same channel have the same FVS color assignment, a so-called color collision occurs.

[0027] In some cases, spatial reuse allows the TE threshold to be adjusted between a minimum of -82 dBm and a maximum of -62 dBm, thus changing the signal detection threshold window to take advantage of a SR opportunity. The amount of permissible adjustment can be determined by the transmit power used. Lower transmit power can reduce the potential for interference. Lower transmit power can also reduce the data rate, which can be compensated for by a greater number of transmission opportunities. As mentioned earlier, the benefits of spatial reuse diminish in dense wireless environments. For example, access points (APs) within mutual inter-CCA coverage range are within range of the higher-power signals transmitted by the APs.These higher-powered signals can cause interference, resulting in a low signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) due to the interference. To leverage the benefits of spatial reuse in dense wireless networks, the presented systems and methods enable adaptive activation and deactivation of spatial reuse and adjustment of BSS color assignments based on the wireless network setup.

[0028] Fig. This shows an example of a wireless deployment 200 in conjunction with spatial reuse. The exemplary wireless deployment 200 can, for example, be used as one of the... Fig. The described locations will be implemented. As described in Fig. As shown, the exemplary wireless deployment 200 includes a first access point (AP) 212 with associated inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage. The exemplary wireless deployment 200 also includes a second AP 218 with associated inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage. The inter-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 212 has an inter-CCA range of 210. The intra-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 212 has an intra-CCA range of 214. The inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage associated with the second AP 218 can have similar ranges. In the exemplary 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 the transmissions of 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 both the first AP 212 and the second AP 218. In the 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, and 208 without the parallel transmissions interfering with each other. Regarding client devices 206 and 216, parallel transmissions in the downlink direction (e.g.,Transmissions from APs 212 and 218 to client devices 206 and 216 may interfere with each other and cause collisions because they are on the same radio channel with similar transmission power. Parallel transmissions in the upstream direction (e.g., from client devices 206 and 216 to APs 212 and 218) can be enabled. In wireless implementations such as the exemplary wireless implementation 200, spatial reuse can be enabled, and although some interference may occur, most parallel transmissions are permitted without disruptive interference.

[0029] Fig. This shows an example of a wireless deployment 230 in conjunction with spatial reuse. The exemplary wireless deployment 230 can, for example, be considered one of the... Fig. The described locations will be implemented. As described in Fig. As shown, the exemplary wireless deployment 230 includes a first AP 240 with associated inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage. The exemplary wireless deployment 230 also includes a second AP 242 with associated inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage. The inter-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 240 has an inter-CCA area of ​​238. The intra-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 240 has an intra-CCA area of ​​244. The inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage associated with the second AP 242 can have similar areas. In the example of a wireless setup 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. Therefore, the first AP 240 can listen to the Inter-CCA transmissions of the second AP 242, and the second AP 242 can listen to the Inter-CCA transmission of 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 the example wireless deployment 230, the first AP 240 and the second AP 242 can use the same wireless channel and allow parallel transmissions with different BSS color assignments to client devices 232, 234, 236, and 242 without the parallel transmissions interfering with each other. Client device 232 can communicate with the first AP 240 without interference from transmissions associated with the second AP 242. Client device 234 can communicate with the second AP 242 without interference from transmissions connected to the first AP 240.Client device 236 can hear inter-CCA transmissions from the second AP 242, but these inter-CCA transmissions do not interfere with the intra-CCA transmissions of the first AP 240. Therefore, client device 236 can communicate with the first AP 240 without interference from the transmissions of the second AP 242. Client device 246 can communicate with the second AP 242, provided there is no simultaneous intra-CCA transmission from the first AP 240. Likewise, client device 246 can communicate with the first AP 240, provided there is no simultaneous intra-CCA transmission from the second AP 242. In wireless setups such as wireless setup 230, spatial reuse can be enabled, and parallel transmissions are generally possible without interference.

[0030] Fig. This shows an example of a wireless deployment of the 260 in conjunction with spatial reuse. The exemplary wireless deployment of the 260 can, for example, be considered one of the... Fig. The described locations will be implemented. As described in Fig. As shown, the exemplary wireless deployment 260 includes a first AP 270 with associated inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage. The exemplary wireless deployment 260 also includes a second AP 272 with associated inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage. The inter-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 270 has an inter-CCA area of ​​268. The intra-CCA coverage associated with the first AP 270 has an intra-CCA area of ​​274. The inter-CCA and intra-CCA coverage associated with the second AP 272 can have similar areas. In the exemplary wireless setup 260, the first AP 270 is located within the intra-CCA coverage of the second AP 272, and the second AP 272 is located within the intra-CCA coverage of the first AP 270.The first AP 270 can therefore listen to the inter-CCA and intra-CCA transmissions of the second AP 272, and the second AP 272 can listen to the inter-CCA and intra-CCA transmissions of 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 both the first AP 270 and the second AP 272. Client device 276 is within the intra-CCA coverage of both the second AP 272 and the inter-CCA coverage of the first AP 270. In the example wireless deployment 260, using the same wireless channel and enabling parallel transmissions with different BSS color assignments can lead to network degradation due to interference. The client device 262 can communicate with the first AP 270 without being disturbed by transmissions from the second AP 272.Client device 264 can communicate with the first AP 270 as long as there is no concurrent inter-CCA transmission from the second AP 272. Client device 276 can communicate with the second AP 272 without being interfered with by transmissions associated with the first AP 270. Because the first AP 270 and the second AP 272 are within each other's intra-CCA coverage, they may encounter connectivity problems when attempting to communicate simultaneously with their respective client devices due to mutual in-air interference. In wireless installations such as the exemplary wireless installation 260, spatial reuse and parallel transmissions can increase interference and cause network performance degradation. As described in the... Fig. As shown, the adaptive activation and deactivation of spatial reuse and the adjustment of BSS color assignments enable effective use of spatial reuse suitable for a wireless setup.

[0031] Fig. Figure 300 shows an example computer component 300 that can be used to implement adaptive spatial reuse in accordance with various embodiments. The example computer component 300 could be, for example, an access point (AP), a server computer, a controller, or another similar computer component capable of processing data. In the example implementation of Fig. The computer component 300 comprises a hardware processor 302 and a machine-readable storage medium 304.

[0032] The hardware processor 302 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices capable of retrieving and executing instructions stored in the machine-readable memory medium 204. The hardware processor 302 can retrieve, decode, and execute instructions, such as instructions 306-312, to control processes or operations for opportunistic spatial reuse. Alternatively or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the hardware processor 302 can include one or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components for performing the functionality of one or more instructions, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuits.

[0033] A machine-readable storage medium, such as the machine-readable storage medium 304, can be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. The machine-readable storage medium 304 can be, for example, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable solid-state memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disk, or the like. In some embodiments, the machine-readable storage medium 304 can be a non-transient storage medium, the term "non-transient" excluding the transitive transmission signals. As described in detail below, the machine-readable storage medium 304 can be encoded with executable instructions, for example, instructions 306-312.

[0034] The 302 hardware processor can execute instruction 306 to identify an access point (AP) based on an identifier associated with the AP. In various embodiments, an AP can periodically transmit a Basic Service Set (BSS) beacon or an Overlapping BSS beacon when spatial reuse is enabled. The BSS beacon (or OBSS beacon) provides information to devices in the vicinity (e.g., within the basic service area) of the AP. This information might include, for example, the BSS color assignment used by the AP and the channel it is using. This information allows the devices to connect to and communicate with the AP. The information in the BSS beacon (or OBSS beacon) can provide various functions associated with the AP. For example, the BSS beacon (or OBSS beacon) might contain an Organizational Unique Identifier (OUI) associated with a manufacturer or vendor of the AP.Based on the manufacturer or provider of the access device, various capabilities associated with the access device can be determined, such as whether the access device is able to coordinate the adaptive activation and deactivation of spatial reuse and the adjustment of BSS color assignments.

[0035] For example, a wireless network, such as the one in Fig. The network setup shown comprises a first access point (AP) and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP can be located close enough to each other that they can hear each other. For example, the first AP and the second AP can be located as shown in Fig. The first access point (AP) in the wireless network can receive an OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP. The OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP can contain various pieces of information related to the second AP. For example, the first AP can use the OBSS beacon to determine that the second AP is operating on the same channel as the first AP and using a different BSS color assignment. The first AP can also determine that the second AP has similar capabilities to the first AP (e.g., that they belong to the same product family). These similar capabilities might include the ability to adaptively enable and disable spatial reuse and to adjust BSS color assignments based on the wireless network. With this information, the first AP can implement adaptive spatial reuse without potential conflicts with the second AP. Many variations are possible.

[0036] The 302 hardware processor can execute instruction 308 to determine a signal strength associated with an access point (AP). In various embodiments, the signal strength associated with an AP can be determined based on, for example, a received channel power indicator (RSSI) or another measure of signal strength. In some cases, a received channel power indicator (RCPI) or a decibel value (dBm) referenced to a milliwatt can be used to measure signal strength. The signal strength associated with an access point can indicate the proximity of the access point and the likelihood that the access point is interfering with communications. An AP with a higher signal strength is likely to be closer than another AP with a lower signal strength. Likewise, an AP with a higher signal strength is more likely to interfere with communications than another AP with a lower signal strength.Accordingly, an AP can adaptively enable and disable spatial reuse and adjust BSS color assignments based on the signal strength of other APs.

[0037] For example, a wireless network, such as the one in Fig. The network setup shown comprises a first access point (AP) and a second AP. The first AP and the second AP can be located close enough to each other that they can hear each other. For example, the first AP and the second AP can be located as shown in Fig. The first access point (AP) in the wireless network can receive an OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP. Based on the OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP, the first AP can determine a signal strength, such as an RSSI, associated with the second AP. The signal strength associated with the second AP can indicate proximity between the first and second APs and the likelihood that transmissions from the second AP could interfere with communication between the first AP and client devices connected to it. For example, a signal strength associated with the second AP might be... Fig. The signal strengths shown to be used are higher than a signal strength assigned to the second AP when the first AP and the second AP are used as shown. Fig. The first access point (AP) can adaptively enable and disable spatial reuse and adjust the BSS color assignments based on the signal strength connected to the second AP. Many variations are possible.

[0038] The hardware processor 302 can execute instruction 310 to determine a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the AP's signal strength and a signal strength threshold. As described herein, a signal strength, such as RSSI, associated with another AP can indicate proximity and the probability that transmissions from the other AP could interfere with communication. In various embodiments, an AP can determine a BSS color assignment based on the signal strength of another AP to account for the other AP's proximity and the probability of interference from the other AP. The BSS color assignment can be determined based on whether the other AP's signal strength exceeds a signal strength threshold, such as an RSSI threshold. The signal strength threshold can be based on a signal strength at which intra-CCA transmissions from the other AP interfere with communication.In various embodiments, an AP can select a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment of another AP associated with a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold. The AP can select a different BSS color assignment or retain it if the signal strength is within the signal strength threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the AP can disable spatial reuse if the other AP's signal strength exceeds the signal strength threshold. The AP can enable or retain spatial reuse if the signal strength is within the signal strength threshold. In some cases, different client devices generate color collision reports when the client devices detect transmissions from APs using the same BSS color assignment.Therefore, if an access point (AP) selects a BSS color assignment that matches the BSS color assignment of another AP associated with a signal strength exceeding a signal strength threshold, the AP may receive color collision reports indicating a color collision (e.g., the AP and the other AP are using the same BSS color assignment). In these cases, the AP can ignore the color collision reports instead of changing its BSS color assignments in response to them.

[0039] For example, a wireless network, such as the one in Fig. The network setup shown comprises a first access point (AP) and a second access point (AP). The first AP and the second AP can be located close enough to each other that they can hear each other. For example, the first AP and the second AP can be located as shown in the diagram. Fig. The first access point (AP) in the wireless network can receive an OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP. The OBSS beacon transmitted by the second AP can contain various pieces of information associated with the second AP. Based on the OBSS beacon, the first AP can, for example, determine that the second AP is operating on the same channel as the first AP and using a different BSS color assignment. Additionally, the first AP can determine a signal strength, such as an 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 a signal strength threshold. Based on the signal strength exceeding the 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, the first AP can effectively prevent parallel transmissions in a scenario where interference from the second AP would render parallel transmissions ineffective. The first AP can also disable spatial reuse to prevent parallel transmissions. Many variations are possible.

[0040] The hardware processor 302 can execute instruction 312 to transmit a data frame based on the BSS color assignment. In various embodiments, an AP can transmit a data frame containing a BSS color assignment. The AP transmits the data frame after determining that a channel on which the data frame is to be transmitted is free of other transmissions with the same BSS color assignment as the data frame. In this way, the AP avoids parallel transmissions of data frames with the same BSS color assignment on the same channel. As in Fig. As described, transmission with spatial reuse enabled can, for example, involve the parallel transmission of a first data frame with a first BSS color assignment and a second data frame with a second BSS color assignment. Parallel transmission is facilitated by transmitting the second data frame with the second BSS color at reduced transmit power to lessen the potential for interference with the first data frame. However, as described here, parallel transmissions from access points located in relatively close proximity can interfere with each other and degrade network performance. To transmit a data frame with spatial reuse disabled, a device, such as an access point, waits for a channel to be free (e.g., for no other devices to be transmitting on the channel) to transmit the data frame.An access point (AP) transmitting a data frame with the same BSS color assignment as another AP will thus prevent parallel transmissions by that AP and the other AP. Alternatively or additionally, the AP can disable spatial reuse, which can also prevent parallel transmissions by that AP and the other AP. In this way, the AP can adaptively enable and disable spatial reuse and adjust BSS color assignments when transmitting data frames, allowing the data frames to be transmitted in a way that avoids collisions in dense wireless environments.

[0041] Fig. Figure 400 shows an example flowchart in the context of adaptive spatial reuse. The example flowchart 400 can be associated with one or more functions, such as those provided by the example computer component 300. Fig. to be executed. It is understood that there may be additional, fewer, or alternative steps that can be executed in a similar or alternative order or in parallel, based on the various features and embodiments discussed here, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] As in Fig. The example flowchart shows 400 steps related to adaptive spatial reuse that can be performed, for example, by an access point (AP). In step 404, the AP can scan overlapping OBSS (Overlapping Basic Service Set) beacons. For example, the AP can scan OBSS beacons 402a, 402b, and 402c. In step 406, the AP can identify one or more APs associated with OBSS beacons 402a, 402b, and 402c. This identification can be based, for example, on organizationally unique identifiers (OUls) in Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs) assigned to OBSS beacons 402a, 402b, and 402c. In step 408, the AP can determine if the identified APs are associated with the same deployment. If the identified APs are associated with different deployments, the AP does nothing in step 410, i.e.It does not adjust the Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignments and does not adaptively enable and disable spatial reuse. If the identified APs belong to the same deployment, the AP executes a BSS color assignment function 412. In step 416, the AP checks whether the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) has reached an RSSI threshold. TH ) exceeds. If the RSSI exceeds the RSSI threshold TH Then, in step 414, the AP assigns a BSS color and sets a flag. The BSS color can be the same as the BSS color of the APs connected to the RSSI that provides the RSSI TH exceeds. This flag can indicate that adaptive spatial reuse is being used and that the mapping of the same BSS colors should be maintained in the event of color collisions. If the RSSI exceeds the RSSI THIf the threshold is not exceeded, the AP takes no action in step 418; that is, it does not adjust the BSS color assignments or enable / disable adaptive spatial reuse. If a flag indicating that adaptive spatial reuse is being used has been set, the flag can be cleared. In step 428, the AP receives a color collision report. The color collision report can be received from a client device that has discovered multiple APs using the same BSS color assignment. Based on the color collision report, the AP performs a color collision handling function (420). In step 424, the AP determines whether a flag associated with adaptive spatial reuse is set. If the flag is not set, the AP performs collision handling in step 422. Collision handling may involve modifying a BSS color assignment used by the AP to avoid color collisions.If the flag is set, the AP does nothing in step 426, i.e., it ignores the color collision report and continues to use the same BSS color assignment as the other APs connected to RSSI. TH exceeds. Alternatively or additionally, the steps described here can include the adaptive activation and deactivation of spatial reuse. For example, an AP may, in response to the detection that another AP's RSSI exceeds the RSSI THIf the color collision exceeds a certain threshold, the access point can disable spatial reuse (and select a suitable BSS color assignment) and set a flag associated with disabling spatial reuse (and selecting the suitable BSS color assignment). In response to a color collision message, the access point can either continue to disable spatial reuse (and select the suitable BSS color assignment) if the flag is set, or enable spatial reuse (and select a different BSS color assignment) if the flag is not set. Many variations are possible.

[0043] Fig. Figure 500 shows an example block diagram of a wireless network deployment in conjunction with adaptive spatial reuse. Wireless deployment can be, for example, one of the... Fig. The described locations will be implemented. As described in Fig. As 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 connection 516 is maintained between the first AP 508 and the second AP 510 via the first backhaul VAP 514 and the second backhaul VAP 518. In this example, the first AP 508 can be a mesh portal providing access to a wide area network (WAN) 502 or another network resource. The first AP 508 can transmit OBSS beacons 526, and the second AP can transmit OBSS beacons 528. In this example, the first AP and the second AP can be located relatively close to each other, as shown in Fig. As shown. Accordingly, the first AP 508 and the second AP 510 can both 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 can avoid parallel transmissions, which are highly likely to cause mutual interference. As shown in Fig. As shown, the non-mesh deployment can also include a third AP 512. The third AP 512 can contain a third fronthaul VAP 524. The third AP 512 can transmit OBSS radio beacons 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 can use a second BSS color assignment 506, which differs from the first BSS color assignment 504. Many variations are possible.

[0044] Fig.Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 600, in which various embodiments described herein can be implemented. The computer system 600 comprises a bus 602 or other communication mechanism for transmitting information, and one or more hardware processors 604 connected to the bus 602 for processing information. The hardware processor(s) 604 can be, for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors.

[0045] The Computer System 600 also includes a main memory 606, such as random access memory (RAM), a cache, and / or other dynamic memory devices connected to the bus 602 to store information and instructions to be executed by the processor 604. The main memory 606 can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be carried out by the processor 604. Such instructions, stored in memory media accessible to the processor 604, make the Computer System 600 a specialized machine, adapted to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0046] The Computer System 600 also includes a read-only memory (ROM) 608 or other static storage device connected to the bus 602 to store static information and instructions for the processor 604. A storage device 610, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a USB flash drive, etc., is provided and connected to the bus 602 to store information and instructions.

[0047] The computer system 600 can be connected via bus 602 to a display 612, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or a touchscreen), to show information to a computer user. An input device 614, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus 602 to transmit information and command selections to the processor 604. Another type of user input device is the cursor control 616, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for transmitting directional information and command selections to the processor 604 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 612. In some embodiments, the same directional information and command selections as with cursor control can be implemented by receiving touch inputs on a touchscreen without a cursor.

[0048] The Computer System 600 can include a user interface module for implementing a graphical user interface, which can be stored on a mass storage device as executable software code that is executed by the computer device(s). This and other modules can include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0049] In general, the terms "component," "engine," "system," "database," "data store," and the like, as used here, can refer to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions that may have entry and exit points and are written in a programming language such as Java, C, or C++. A software component may be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or written in an interpreted programming language such as BASIC, Perl, or Python. It is understood that software components may be called by other components or by themselves, and / or may be invoked in response to detected events or interruptions. Software components configured to run on computer devices may be stored on a computer-readable medium, such as...Software code may be provided on a compact disc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disk, or 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 partially or entirely in the memory of the executing computer device for execution by the computer device. Software instructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. Furthermore, the hardware components may consist of interconnected logic units such as gates and flip-flops, and / or programmable units such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

[0050] The computer system 600 can implement the techniques described herein using customer-specific hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic, which, in combination with the computer system, causes or programs the computer system 600 to be a special-purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein are executed by the computer system 600 in response to the processor(s) 604 executing one or more sequences of instructions contained in the main memory 606. Such instructions may be read into the main memory 606 from another storage medium, such as the storage device 610. The execution of the instruction sequences contained in the main memory 606 causes the processor(s) 604 to perform the process steps described herein.In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuits can be used instead of, or in combination with, software instructions.

[0051] The term "non-volatile media" and similar terms as used here refer to all media that store data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a particular way. Such non-volatile media can include both non-volatile and volatile media. Examples of non-volatile media include optical or magnetic disks, such as Storage Device 610. Examples of volatile media include dynamic memory, such as Main Memory 606. Common forms of non-volatile media include floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid-state drives, magnetic tapes or other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROMs, other optical data storage media, physical media with hole patterns, RAM, PROM and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, other memory chips or cartridges, and their networked versions.

[0052] Non-transitory media differ from transmission media but can be used in conjunction with them. Transmission media are involved in the transfer of information between non-transitory media. Examples of transmission media include coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optic cable, including the wires that make up the 602 bus. Transmission media can also take the form of sound or light waves, such as those generated in radio and infrared data communication.

[0053] The Computer System 600 also includes a communication interface 618, which is connected to the bus 602. The network interface 618 provides a two-way data communication connection to one or more network connections that are connected to one or more local area networks (LANs). For example, the communication interface 618 could be an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem to establish a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. Another example: The network interface 618 could be a LAN (Local Area Network) card to establish a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or a WAN component for communication with a WAN). Wireless connections can also be implemented.In each of these implementations, the network interface 618 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that transmit digital data streams representing different types of information.

[0054] A network connection typically enables data communication over one or more networks to other data devices. For example, a network connection might establish a connection over a local area network to a host computer or to data devices operated by an Internet service provider (ISP). The ISP, in turn, provides data communication services over the worldwide packet data communication network, commonly known today as the "Internet." Both the local area network and the Internet use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals to transmit digital data streams. The signals in the various networks and the signals on the network link and across the communication interface 618, which transmit digital data to and from the computer system 600, are examples of transmission media.

[0055] The computer system 600 can send messages and receive data, including program code, via the network(s), the network connection, and the communication interface 618. In the internet example, a server could transmit requested code for an application program via the internet, the ISP, the local network, and the communication interface 618.

[0056] The received code can be executed by the processor 604 as soon as it is received, and / or stored in the memory device 610 or other non-volatile memory for later execution.

[0057] Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections can be embodied in code components and fully or partially automated by them, which are executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors with computer hardware. The one or more computer systems or computer processors can also be operated in such a way as to support the execution of the corresponding operations in a cloud computing environment or as Software as a Service (SaaS). The processes and algorithms can be partially or fully implemented in application-specific circuits. The various features and procedures described above can be used independently or combined in various ways.Various combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure, and certain procedural or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not restricted to any particular order, and the associated blocks or states may be executed in other suitable sequences, in parallel, or otherwise. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed examples. The execution of certain operations or processes may be distributed across computer systems or computer processors that are not located in a single machine but are distributed across a number of machines.

[0058] As used herein, a circuit can be implemented in 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 form a circuit. In implementation, the various circuits described herein can be implemented as discrete circuits, or the described functions and features can be partially or completely distributed across one or more circuits.Even if various features or functional elements are individually described or claimed as separate circuits, these features and functions may be shared by one or more common circuits, and such a description is not intended to require or imply that separate circuits are necessary to implement these features or functions. If a circuit is implemented wholly or partly in software, such software may be implemented to operate with a computer or processing system capable of performing the functionality described with respect to it, such as the Computer System 600.

[0059] As used herein, the term "or" can be understood in both an inclusive and an exclusive sense. Furthermore, the singular description of resources, processes, or structures is not to be understood as excluding the plural. Conditional expressions such as "may," "could," "might," or "can," unless expressly stated otherwise or understood differently in context, are generally intended to express that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not.

[0060] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms and expressions used in this document, as well as their variations, are to be understood as open rather than restrictive. Adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known," and terms with similar meanings are not to be understood as limiting the described subject matter to a specific period or to an item available at a particular time, but should be understood as encompassing conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future.The presence of expansive words and phrases such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to" or similar phrases in some cases is not to be understood as implying that the narrower case is intended or required when such expansive phrases are not present.

Claims

[1] A procedure comprising the following: Identify, by means of a first access point (AP) (270; 508), a second access point (AP) (272; 510) based on an identifier assigned to the second AP; Determine, by means of the first AP (270; 508), a signal strength associated with the second AP (272; 510); Determine, by the first AP (270; 508), a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) and a signal strength threshold by: Select, by the first AP (270; 508), a BSS color assignment that matches a BSS color assignment assigned to the second AP (272; 510), based on the fact that the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) exceeds the signal strength threshold; and Transmitted, through the first AP (270; 508), of a data frame based on the BSS color assignment, where one channel, on which the data frame is to be transmitted, is also used by the second AP. [2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the signal strength is determined based on the identifier assigned to the second AP (272; 510). [3] The method according to claim 1, wherein the BSS color assignment determined by the first AP (270; 508) is further based on a BSS color assignment of the second AP (272; 510). [4] The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine, by the first AP (270; 508), a flag based on the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) and the signal strength threshold; and Received, by the first AP (270; 508), a color collision report, the determination of the BSS color assignment further being based on the flag and the received color collision report. [5] The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine, by the first AP (270; 508), whether spatial reuse should be enabled or disabled based on the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) and the signal strength threshold, wherein spatial reuse is disabled when the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) exceeds the signal strength threshold, and spatial reuse is enabled when the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) is within the signal strength threshold. [6] The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine, by the first AP (270; 508), of a provider assigned to the second AP (272; 510), based on an Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) contained in the identifier assigned to the second AP (272; 510), wherein determining the BSS color assignment is further based on the provider assigned to the second AP (272; 510). [7] The method according to claim 1, wherein the transfer of the data frame comprises: Determine, by the first AP (270; 508), that the channel on which the data frame is to be transmitted is free of other transmissions with the same BSS color assignment as the data frame. [8] The method according to claim 1, comprising determining the Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) and the signal strength threshold: Select, by the first AP (270; 508), a BSS color assignment that differs from a BSS color assignment assigned to the second AP (272; 510), based on the fact that the signal strength of the second AP (272; 510) is within the signal strength threshold. [9] A system that includes the following: a processor; and a memory that is operationally connected to the processor and contains computer code which, when executed, causes the system to: to identify an access point (AP) based on an identifier assigned to the AP; to determine a signal strength associated with the AP; to determine a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the AP's signal strength and a signal strength threshold, wherein the BSS color assignment matches a BSS color assignment assigned to the AP when the AP's signal strength exceeds the signal strength threshold; and to transfer a data frame based on the BSS color assignment, where the channel on which the data frame is to be transmitted is also used by the AP. [10] The system according to claim 9, wherein the signal strength is determined based on the identifier assigned to the AP. [11] The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer code further causes the system to: to determine a flag based on the AP's signal strength and the signal strength threshold; and to receive a color collision report, with the determination of the BSS color assignment further based on the flag and the received color collision report. [12] The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer code further causes the system to: to determine whether spatial reuse should be enabled based on the AP signal strength and the signal strength threshold, wherein determining whether spatial reuse should be enabled includes: Disable spatial reuse based on AP signal strength; or Disable spatial reuse based on the AP's signal strength being within the signal strength threshold. [13] The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer code further causes the system to: to determine a provider associated with the AP based on an Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) contained in the identifier associated with the AP, furthermore determining the BSS color assignment based on the provider associated with the AP. [14] The system according to claim 9, wherein the BSS color assignment differs from a BSS color assignment assigned to the AP when the signal strength of the AP is within the signal strength threshold. [15] A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to: to identify an access point (AP) based on an identifier assigned to the AP; to determine a signal strength associated with the AP; to determine a Basic Service Set (BSS) color assignment based on the AP's signal strength and a signal strength threshold, wherein the BSS color assignment matches a BSS color assignment assigned to the AP when the AP's signal strength exceeds the signal strength threshold; and to transfer a data frame based on the BSS color assignment, where the channel on which the data frame is to be transmitted is also used by the AP. [16] The non-transient, computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the signal strength is determined based on the identifier assigned to the AP. [17] The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the computer system to: to determine whether spatial reuse should be enabled or disabled based on the AP signal strength and the signal strength threshold, whereby spatial reuse is disabled when the AP signal strength exceeds the signal strength threshold, and spatial reuse is enabled when the AP signal strength is within the signal strength threshold. [18] The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the computer system to: 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 AP's signal strength exceeding the signal strength threshold; or The flag is cleared when the AP's signal strength is within the signal strength threshold; to receive a color collision report, with the determination of the BSS color assignment further based on the received color collision report and the flag. [19] The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the computer system to: to determine a provider associated with the AP based on an Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) contained in the identifier associated with the AP, furthermore determining the BSS color assignment based on the provider associated with the AP. [20] The non-transient, computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the BSS color assignment differs from a BSS color assignment assigned to the AP when the signal strength of the AP is within the signal strength threshold.

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