Abstract: Described is an architecture comprising a flexible and extensible framework embodied in a robust coexistence service that couples sensed RF spectrum (interference) data to modules that process the data into dynamic feedback information used to mitigate network communication problems caused by the interference. Via a driver, spectrum sensor hardware is connected to the framework running on a computing device, where the condition and quality of various wireless networking channels are assessed by external modules plugged into the framework. Modules comprise include a classifier component that examines the sensed-data and classifies it, and an application program that processes the classified data, possibly for mitigation. Mitigation-related information is fed to a feedback mechanism to adjust network parameters to avoid the sensed interference.

Abstract: Described is a protocol by which wireless network communication devices comprising peer nodes (such as a computer system and an access point) cooperatively exchange information about RF interference detected in the network. The protocol administers the exchange of formatted control data corresponding to the detected interference among computing nodes running a service capable of processing the control data. A peer table is used to maintain locally-obtained and remotely-obtained control data. Records in the peer table are arranged with different levels of granularity with respect to interference and networking information. The interference information collected through the cooperative protocol may then be used by peer devices in the network to adapt to mitigate interference-related problems. The protocol also provides for discovery of peer node capabilities, including a negotiable transport for the control data that may be different from the main data channel transport.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for transporting interference-related control data and other information between nodes in a wireless network, using a control channel that is distinct from a content channel used to transport content. The control channel may be a different channel in the same unlicensed band as the content channel, a channel in a different unlicensed band, or a channel in a licensed band, and thereby not subject to the same interference-related problems that the unlicensed content channel may experience. As a result, management information for adjusting the content channel's communication parameters may still be communicated between the nodes, whereby mitigation actions may occur. For example, the content channel may be changed to another frequency, compression may be implemented or varied, and/or the data transfer rate may be varied. The control data can also be used to change the control channel's communication parameters.