Multi-hop Coordinated Medium Access via Selective Timing Propagation

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring APs with timing information and multi-hop propagation values before they are needed for coordination. APs receive and store timing information from neighboring APs in advance, allowing them to immediately participate in coordinated medium access when needed, thus expanding coverage while maintaining reliability through pre-established synchronization parameters.

The patent uses intermediary elements by introducing intermediate APs that relay timing information across multiple hops. Each intermediate AP acts as a mediator that receives timing information from source APs and forwards it to distant APs, enabling coverage extension without direct communication between all APs, thus reducing interference while maintaining coordination reliability.

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a multi-hop propagation value parameter that controls the scope of timing information distribution. APs use this parameter to selectively determine how many hops they should propagate timing information, allowing flexible adjustment of coordination reliability versus complexity trade-offs based on network conditions and requirements.

The patent segments the timing information propagation process into discrete hops with controllable depth. Each AP independently processes timing information based on the multi-hop value, dividing the complex coordination problem into manageable segments where each AP only needs to handle propagation up to its assigned hop limit, reducing individual device complexity while maintaining overall system reliability.