Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments concern efficiency improvements in wireless products. For example, some embodiments specify profiles for regional and custom-specified operational constraints. The profiles may be retrieved from across a network or stored locally upon the device. The profiles may specify various configuration adjustments that optimize the system's performance. For example, when possible, some embodiments may allow the system to operate at a lower power level and to thereby save energy. Various factors and conditions may be assessed in some embodiments prior to adjusting the existing power configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein that improve the signal reception and transmission capabilities of an access point by coupling an active antenna assembly to the access point. An active antenna assembly includes an antenna and at least one active component, such as a low-noise amplifier or a power amplifier. The active component can be connected to an antenna circuit board rather than the main circuit board of the access point, which is typically retained within an access point housing. By positioning the active component near the antenna, the active antenna assembly prevents degradation of signals received by the antenna. One or more coaxial cables can be used to connect the active component of the active antenna assembly to the main circuit board of the access point.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing interference, in a network device, among multiple radio circuits operating in a same or similar frequency band and in close physical proximity. In some embodiments, a network device includes a first and a second wireless network circuit. The network circuits operate in a same radio frequency band and are collocated. The second network circuit is assigned a higher priority than the first network circuit. The device further includes a coexistence controller coupled to the network circuits via a communication bus and configured to selectively suppress transmitting operations of the first network circuit during receiving operations of the second network circuit. Among other benefits, the embodiments can increase wireless network bandwidth and reduce mobile device power consumption by providing coordination among the radio circuits so that the transmitting and receiving operations are performed in a way that they do not interfere with their respective antennas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are introduced for indoor positioning and tracking of devices and objects using a multi-band wireless networking system. In an embodiment, multiple wireless networking devices are interconnected via a dedicated wireless backhaul to collectively form a single multi-band wireless network providing broad coverage to a client device. The multiple wireless networking devices of the system are coordinated via the dedicated backhaul, for example to manage time synchronization of signals received from the wireless networking devices that are indicative of a position of a client device or object. By coordinating the wireless networking devices via the dedicated backhaul and applying positioning processes to the received signals, a position of the client device or object is determined.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a wireless router or residential gateway to distinguish power-sensitive wireless sensors and provide separate treatments thereto for low power consumption connections. In some embodiments, a network device includes a wireless network circuit, and control circuitry coupled to the network circuit and configured to, upon receipt of a request of connection from a client, identify whether the client is power-sensitive. The network device can further cause, if the client is identified as power-sensitive, the power-sensitive client to connect using a low-power connection while maintaining a regular connection to other regular clients. The low-power connection can be operated on a first channel different from but in a same frequency band as a second channel on which the regular connection is operated.

Abstract: Introduced here are techniques to provide automated mesh point survey and guided installation for assisting the installation and configuration of a wireless mesh network. Additional implementation techniques are also introduced including, for example, link rate estimation, roaming, and dedicated backhaul link implementation in such wireless mesh network, are also discussed. Among other benefits, this disclosure provides an integral solution where multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) mesh point devices are deployed in a relatively large environment with potential dead spots, such as a home or an office.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a wireless router or residential gateway to distinguish power-sensitive wireless sensors and provide separate treatments thereto for low power consumption connections. In some embodiments, a network device includes a wireless network circuit, and control circuitry coupled to the network circuit and configured to, upon receipt of a request of connection from a client, identify whether the client is power-sensitive. The network device can further cause, if the client is identified as power-sensitive, the power-sensitive client to connect using a low-power connection while maintaining a regular connection to other regular clients. The low-power connection can be operated on a first channel different from but in a same frequency band as a second channel on which the regular connection is operated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are introduced for managing a multi-band wireless networking system using a robust control plane. In an embodiment, multiple wireless networking devices are interconnected via a dedicated wireless backhaul to collectively form a single multi-band wireless network providing broad coverage to a client device. The multi-band wireless networking system is managed by wirelessly communicating control information between the multiple wireless networking devices over the control plane in a robust manner that guarantees delivery while minimizing latency. Example techniques for achieving this robust transfer of information include use of robust data rates, use of multiple backhaul channels, use of hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), use of dedicated control channels, use of alternative transport protocols, and implementation of distributed router functionality.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method performed by network node(s) of a multi-band wireless network. The method includes wirelessly interconnecting network nodes to collectively form the multi-band wireless network configured to provide network access to a client node connected to any of the network nodes. The method further includes establishing a control plane protocol that enables wireless communications of control plane data embedded in periodic frame(s) communicated by the network nodes, and managing the multi-band wireless network by wirelessly communicating the periodic frame(s) between the network nodes in accordance with the control plane protocol.

Abstract: Disclosed is an access point (AP) for a network that includes security features for interacting with devices on the network. The other devices on the network may be other APs, client devices, or a backend configuration server. The access point includes a private key that is used to verify signals to and from (the private key may be different for different functions). In the case of other APs, the private key is used to verify control signals sent between the APs to identify and prevent a hijacked AP from taking control of the network by sending false control signals. In the case of a client device, the client device may use the subject AP's private key to identify that the subject AP is a trusted member of the network that may receive data. In the case of the backend server, the subject AP may verify configuration updates via use of the private key to prevent loading of malicious firmware.

Abstract: Layer 2 refers to the Data Link layer of the commonly-referenced multilayered communication model, Open Systems Interconnection (OSI). The Data Link layer is concerned with moving data across the physical links in the network. Embodiments of the invention provide a Layer 2 and management modification to provide and maintain an accurate network map. Embodiments of the invention modify Layer 2 functionality to work with a multi-AP system without central management or with central management, and modify management frames to quickly update the network map when the client roams or when topology changes.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a wireless router or residential gateway to distinguish power-sensitive wireless sensors and provide separate treatments thereto for low power consumption connections. In some embodiments, a network device includes a wireless network circuit, and control circuitry coupled to the network circuit and configured to, upon receipt of a request of connection from a client, identify whether the client is power-sensitive. The network device can further cause, if the client is identified as power-sensitive, the power-sensitive client to connect using a low-power connection while maintaining a regular connection to other regular clients. The low-power connection can be operated on a first channel different from but in a same frequency band as a second channel on which the regular connection is operated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the transmit power and the receive sensitivity of an access point for achieving symmetric link balancing is described. When an access point operates with symmetric link performance, the access point does not inefficiently use available bandwidth for transmitting or re-transmitting to a client station that cannot communicate with the access point. Moreover, the access point does not back off transmissions due to activity of neighboring basic service sets when not needed. The receive sensitivity can be controlled using a hardware attenuator or software commands that adjust a programmable gain in a wireless local area network chipset used by the access point, or it can be controlled using adjustable levels in the software for processing or responding to packets.

Abstract: A dedicated backhaul for whole home coverage variously applies optimization techniques, e.g. using the 5 GHz high band or low band as a dedicated backhaul; using the 2.4 GHz band as backup if the 5 GHz band fails to reach between nodes; using Ethernet when it is better than the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands and it is available; and using a spanning tree protocol or a variant to avoid loops. The dedicated backhaul is used if the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the dedicated channel is above a threshold. In embodiments, a daisy chain uses probe request contents to communicate hop count and link quality between the nodes by attempting to route directly if link quality is better than a defined threshold. For each extra hop, there must be some percentage gain over smaller hops. If the link is below some threshold, it is not used.

Abstract: A sensor gateway manages wireless communications to sensors and the exchange of data between the sensors and a connection to the Internet. A sensor gateway processor runs the network and wireless stack, automatically picks the same channel as the home access point (AP), and runs sensor software to provide the sensors with low power, wireless support and deep sleep support. The sensor gateway selects same channel as the home AP by following the strongest beacon or by following the home AP service set identifier (SSID), in case more than one strong beacon is present. If the home AP and sensor gateway are placed close by and are on a different channel in 2.4G, there is destructive interference between the two devices. By using same channel on the sensor gateway as that of the home AP, both devices can coexist in same band without destructive interference.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dedicated control channel for a WLAN network. A number of access points are networked together and communicate data necessary to propagate the WLAN over a backhaul channel, however a dedicated radio on each access point is used to communicate control information between the access points. The control information is communicated over a control channel that is different from the client facing channels or bands, and the backhaul channel. In some embodiments, the control channel is sub 1 GHz.

Abstract: The disclosed teachings relate to intruder detection. Some of the subject matter described herein includes a computer-implemented method for detecting physical movement using a wireless mesh network that provides wireless data communication, the wireless mesh network having a plurality of mesh points, each mesh point having a wireless coverage, the method including compiling a database of known devices based on monitoring unique identifiers of known devices that have previously conducted communication with the wireless mesh network through the plurality of mesh points; upon detecting a physical presence of a subject device within a physical space of the wireless mesh network, determining, based on the database of known devices, whether the physical presence of the subject device belongs to an anomaly; and when the physical presence of the subject device is determined to be an anomaly, causing a security action to be performed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the transmit power and the receive sensitivity of an access point for achieving symmetric link balancing is described. When an access point operates with symmetric link performance, the access point does not inefficiently use available bandwidth for transmitting or re-transmitting to a client station that cannot communicate with the access point. Moreover, the access point does not back off transmissions due to activity of neighboring basic service sets when not needed. The receive sensitivity can be controlled using a hardware attenuator or software commands that adjust a programmable gain in a wireless local area network chipset used by the access point, or it can be controlled using adjustable levels in the software for processing or responding to packets.

Abstract: A simultaneous client wireless device includes a communication module configured as a layer under a network layer, and configured to receive packets for processing from the network layer and communicate processed packets to the network layer. The communication module is further configured to perform communication functions of an upper MAC (media access control) layer, a lower MAC layer, and a PHY (physical) layer for wireless radios operable in different wireless bands, and manage simultaneous communications over the wireless bands. The communications over the wireless bands can use a local area network protocol.

Abstract: A simultaneous client wireless device includes wireless modules configured to perform communication functions of lower MAC (media access control) and PHY (physical) layers for wireless radios operable in multiple wireless bands. The simultaneous client wireless device also includes a communication module configured as an intermediate layer between the lower MAC layer of the wireless modules and a network layer. The communication module is configured to use an application programming interface to retrieve information from the lower MAC layer and write information to the lower MAC layer of each wireless module, perform communication functions of an upper MAC layer for the wireless bands, and manage simultaneous communications over the wireless bands. The communications over the wireless bands can use a local area network protocol.