Abstract: An access point determines the buffered data for each station of a plurality of stations in a BSS and groups the stations with similar station characteristics. The transmission time to the stations in a group can be apportioned. The groups can be ordered based on station characteristics and a transmission history. A sounding for a group can be performed based on the order. The MU-MIMO transmission for the group can be performed until a first condition is met. If the first condition is met, then the sounding and the MU-MIMO transmission for a next group can be performed, according to the order, until a second condition is met. The first condition can include an apportioned transmission time having expired and/or the buffers for the group being flushed. The second condition can include new data having been buffered by the AP and/or all buffered data having been transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a statistical profile of a MIMO channel. Packets of information may be transmitted over an interval of time to a plurality of stations using a plurality of MIMO modes. Each packet may be binned and a goodput value corresponding to the bin, the station and the MIMO mode may be determined stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for scheduling SU and MU traffic in a MIMO communications system. Net goodput may be estimated for a station using a plurality of MIMO modes and a transmission to the station may be scheduled using one of the MIMO modes based, at least in part, on the estimated net goodput. Estimating net goodput may include determining a number of bits that may be successfully transmitted to the station using the MIMO mode divided by a time required to transmit the number of bits plus the sounding time. Further, the number of bits that may be successfully transmitted to the station may be based on the number of packets that may be delivered over the upcoming sounding interval and statistically determined goodput for each MIMO mode.

Abstract: A method of performing MIMO wireless communication includes identifying a first wireless device that qualifies for inclusion in a multi-user (MU) group and identifying a set of one or more candidate wireless devices, distinct from the first wireless device, that qualify for inclusion in the MU group. The set includes a second wireless device. A determination is made that an estimated MU-mode net goodput for the first and second wireless devices is greater than an estimated average single-user-mode net goodput for the first and second wireless devices. The first and second wireless devices are included in the MU group based at least in part on the determination. A transmission is sent to the MU group. Net goodput corresponds to a number of bits that may be successfully transmitted divided by a sum of a time to transmit the number of bits and a time associated with network overhead.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for optimizing the sounding interval in a MIMO communications system. Following a channel sounding protocol, net throughput may be estimated over time. The sounding interval may correspond to the period of time between the end of the sounding protocol and a time when the estimated net throughput is maximized. Estimating net throughput may involve estimating the number of bits that may be successfully transmitted divided by the time required to transmit. The number of bits that may be successfully transmitted may be estimated from a statistical channel profile including goodput.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for optimizing the sounding interval in a MIMO communications system. Following a channel sounding protocol, net throughput may be estimated over time. The sounding interval may correspond to the period of time between the end of the sounding protocol and a time when the estimated net throughput is maximized. Estimating net throughput may involve estimating the number of bits that may be successfully transmitted divided by the time required to transmit. The number of bits that may be successfully transmitted may be estimated from a statistical channel profile including goodput.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a statistical profile of a MIMO channel. Packets of information may be transmitted over an interval of time to a plurality of stations using a plurality of MIMO modes. Each packet may be binned and a goodput value corresponding to the bin, the station and the MIMO mode may be determined stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for scheduling SU and MU traffic in a MIMO communications system. Net goodput may be estimated for a station using a plurality of MIMO modes and a transmission to the station may be scheduled using one of the MIMO modes based, at least in part, on the estimated net goodput. Estimating net goodput may include determining a number of bits that may be successfully transmitted to the station using the MIMO mode divided by a time required to transmit the number of bits plus the sounding time. Further, the number of bits that may be successfully transmitted to the station may be based on the number of packets that may be delivered over the upcoming sounding interval and statistically determined goodput for each MIMO mode.

Abstract: An access point determines the buffered data for each station of a plurality of stations in a BSS and groups the stations with similar station characteristics. The transmission time to the stations in a group can be apportioned. The groups can be ordered based on station characteristics and a transmission history. A sounding for a group can be performed based on the order. The MU-MIMO transmission for the group can be performed until a first condition is met. If the first condition is met, then the sounding and the MU-MIMO transmission for a next group can be performed, according to the order, until a second condition is met. The first condition can include an apportioned transmission time having expired and/or the buffers for the group being flushed. The second condition can include new data having been buffered by the AP and/or all buffered data having been transmitted.

Abstract: A method of performing dynamic sounding in a wireless communication device includes determining whether to perform sounding based on an age of current channel state information (CSI). An achievable throughput can be recorded as a reference throughput after performing the sounding. A current achievable throughput can be compared with the reference throughput. A CSI timestamp can be reset when the current throughput is above the reference throughput by a first predetermined amount, thereby prolonging a lifespan of the current CSI. The CSI timestamp can be reduced when the current throughput is below the reference throughput by a second predetermined amount, thereby reducing the lifespan of the current CSI.