Abstract: A method for communication includes arranging multiple access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air with a station in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. Transmission quality is measured, in alternation, between two or more of the access points and the station in a plurality of different MIMO states. Each MIMO state is characterized at least by a respective number of spatial streams to be transmitted in the state. Responsively to the measured transmission quality, one of the access points and one of the MIMO states are selected to transmit data to the station.

Abstract: A method for communication includes receiving at a wireless access point (AP) a directed probe request from a client specifying a service set identifier (SSID) for which the AP was not configured prior to receiving the directed probe request. In reply to the directed probe request, the AP transmits a probe response to the client using the specified SSID.

Abstract: A method for communication includes receiving at a wireless access point (AP) a directed probe request from a client specifying a service set identifier (SSID) for which the AP was not configured prior to receiving the directed probe request. In reply to the directed probe request, the AP transmits a probe response to the client using the specified SSID.

Abstract: A method for communication includes arranging multiple access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air with a station in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. Transmission quality is measured, in alternation, between two or more of the access points and the station in a plurality of different MIMO states. Each MIMO state is characterized at least by a respective number of spatial streams to be transmitted in the state. Responsively to the measured transmission quality, one of the access points and one of the MIMO states are selected to transmit data to the station.

Abstract: A method for communication includes deploying a plurality of access points, which have respective coverage areas and are configured to operate on a common frequency channel, in a service region of a wireless local area network (WLAN), so that the coverage areas of the access points overlap. A first access point is selected to transmit downlink signals to a station in the service region of the WLAN at a certain downlink data rate. The station is instructed to transmit uplink signals at an uplink data rate that is less than the downlink data rate, so that the uplink signals can be received and decoded by both the first and second access points.

Abstract: A method for mobile communication includes arranging a plurality of access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air with a mobile station using a common basic service set identification (BSSID) for all the access points. Upon receiving at one or more of the access points an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station using the common BSSID, messages are sent and received over a communication medium linking the access points in order to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal. The selected one of the access points transmits a response to the mobile station.

Abstract: Apparatus for mobile communication includes a switch and a plurality of access points, which are arranged in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air on a common frequency channel with a mobile station using a common basic service set identification (BSSID) for all the access points. The access points are coupled by a LAN to the switch so that upon receiving at one or more of the access points an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station on the common frequency channel, the one or more of the access points convey messages responsively to the uplink signal over the LAN to the switch. A manager node is coupled to the switch so as to receive the messages and is adapted to process the messages so as to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for mobile communication includes a switch and a plurality of access points, which are arranged in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air on a common frequency channel with a mobile station using a common basic service set identification (BSSID) for all the access points. The access points are coupled by a LAN to the switch so that upon receiving at one or more of the access points an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station on the common frequency channel, the one or more of the access points convey messages responsively to the uplink signal over the LAN to the switch. A manager node is coupled to the switch so as to receive the messages and is adapted to process the messages so as to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal.

Abstract: A method for communication includes establishing communications over a wireless local area network (WLAN) between one or more access points and a group of mobile stations in a first basic service set (BSS) using a first BSS identifier (BSSID). Upon detecting initiation of a communication session of a predetermined type involving a mobile station in the group, the mobile station is assigned to a second BSS having a second BSSID. The communication session continues by transmitting and receiving signals between an access point in the WLAN and the assigned mobile station using the second BSSID.

Abstract: A method for mobile communication includes arranging a plurality of access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air with a mobile station, and linking the access points to one another over a communication medium. The access points exchange control messages over the communication medium using a code division multiple access (CDMA) protocol, and responsive to the control messages, transmit signals over the air to the mobile station.

Abstract: A method for mobile communication includes arranging a plurality of access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate on a common frequency channel with a mobile station, and linking the access points together by cables in a wired local area network (LAN). When one or more of the access points receive an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station on the common frequency channel, the access points send messages over the LAN and arbitrate among themselves based on the messages so as to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal.

Abstract: A method for mobile communication includes arranging a plurality of access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate on a common frequency channel with a mobile station, and linking the access points together by cables in a wired local area network (LAN), so as to convey frames of data to and from the mobile station via the LAN. When one or more of the access points receive an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station on the common frequency channel, the access points send messages over the LAN by interleaving the messages in one or more of the frames of the data, and arbitrate among themselves based on the messages so as to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal.

Abstract: A method for communication includes deploying a plurality of access points, which have respective coverage areas and are configured to operate on a common frequency channel, in a service region of a wireless local area network (WLAN), so that the coverage areas of the access points overlap. A first access point is selected to transmit downlink signals to a station in the service region of the WLAN at a certain downlink data rate. The station is instructed to transmit uplink signals at an uplink data rate that is less than the downlink data rate, so that the uplink signals can be received and decoded by both the first and second access points.

Abstract: Apparatus for network communication includes a cable arranged to form a wired local area network (LAN), the cable comprising at least first and second conductors. A plurality of access points are interconnected by the cable and are arranged in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air on a common frequency channel with a mobile station. The access points are adapted to convey data to and from the mobile station over the LAN via the first conductor and to exchange control messages among the access points via the second conductor.

Abstract: An access point for use in a wireless local area network (WLAN) includes a plurality of wireless communication units, which are adapted to exchange data with mobile stations by transmitting and receiving signals over the air on different, respective frequency channels of the WLAN. A physical layer interface in the access point is adapted to be coupled to a communication medium, so as to connect the plurality of wireless communication units to communicate with a hub over a single physical link of the communication medium.

Abstract: A method for communication includes associating a plurality of stations with an access point in a wireless local area network (WLAN), and selecting a station among the associated stations to transmit an uplink signal. The access point transmits an unsolicited Clear-To-Send (CTS) message to the stations specifying a time interval in which the selected station is to transmit the uplink signal.

Abstract: An access point for use in a wireless local area network (WLAN) includes a plurality of wireless communication units, which are adapted to exchange data with mobile stations by transmitting and receiving signals over the air on different, respective frequency channels of the WLAN. A physical layer interface in the access point is adapted to be coupled to a communication medium, so as to connect the plurality of wireless communication units to communicate with a hub over a single physical link of the communication medium.

Abstract: A method for communication includes arranging a first plurality of access points, including at least first and second access points, to communicate on a common frequency channel in a wireless local area network (WLAN) with a second plurality of mobile stations, comprising at least first and second mobile stations. The access points are linked to communicate with one another over a communication medium. A message is sent over the communication medium to at least one of the first and second access points so as to cause the first and second access points to simultaneously transmit downlink signals to the first and second mobile stations, respectively. The downlink signals are transmitted simultaneously from the first and second access points responsively to the message.

Abstract: A method for mobile communication by access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) includes transmitting a first downlink signal on a common frequency channel from a first access point to a first mobile station, at a first downlink power level, which is adjusted responsively to a first uplink power level transmitted from the first mobile station to the first access point. If the first downlink signal received at a second access point is below a predetermined interference threshold, the second access point may transmit a second downlink signal on the common frequency channel to a second mobile station, simultaneously with transmission of the first downlink signal from the first access point to the first mobile station. The capacity of the WLAN may thus be substantially increased.

Abstract: A method for mobile communication includes arranging a plurality of access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate on a common frequency channel with a mobile station, and linking the access points together by cables in a wired local area network (LAN). When one or more of the access points receive an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station on the common frequency channel, the access points send messages over the LAN and arbitrate among themselves based on the messages so as to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal.