Abstract: Mixed mode operations within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Certain communication systems can include wireless communication devices of various capabilities therein (e.g., IEEE Task Group ac (TGac VHT), IEEE 802.11 amendment TGn, IEEE 802.11 amendment TGa, and/or other capabilities, etc.). In one manner of classification, wireless communication devices having legacy and newer/updated capabilities may inter-operate with one another, operate within a common region, and/or communicate via a common access point (AP). Coordination of such wireless communication devices (e.g., legacy and newer/updated) provides for their respective operation on a same set of clusters in accordance with various operational modes including: (1) time dividing medium access between the wireless communication devices of various capabilities, (2) assigning primary cluster(s) for a first capability set and assigning non-primary cluster(s) for a second capability set, etc.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Time division multiple access (TDMA) media access control (MAC) adapted for single user, multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Various com systems may include smart meter stations (SMSTAs) and/or wireless stations (STAs). Appropriate coordination is made with respect to such communication devices to ensure appropriate uplink (and/or downlink) communications between a network manager or coordinator (e.g., an access point (AP)) and the SMSTAs and/or STAs. With respect to SMSTAs, the relative duration of time that such communication devices are awake and operative versus asleep (or in a reduced power and/or functionality state) can be significant. Certain implementations may include a relatively large number of such communication devices (e.g., 10s, 100s, 1000s, or more), and appropriate coordination and scheduling of such communications to/from them is made using one or more variations of TDMA signaling (e.g.

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 a PHY (physical) layer for wireless radios operable in different bands. The simultaneous client wireless device also includes a communication module configured as an intermediate layer between the PHY 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 PHY layer and write information to the PHY layer of the wireless modules, perform communication functions of upper MAC (media access control) and lower MAC layers 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.

Abstract: Mixed mode operations within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Certain communication systems can include wireless communication devices of various capabilities therein (e.g., IEEE Task Group ac (TGac VHT), IEEE 802.11 amendment TGn, IEEE 802.11 amendment TGa, and/or other capabilities, etc.). In one manner of classification, wireless communication devices having legacy and newer/updated capabilities may inter-operate with one another, operate within a common region, and/or communicate via a common access point (AP). Coordination of such wireless communication devices (e.g., legacy and newer/updated) provides for their respective operation on a same set of clusters in accordance with various operational modes including: (1) time dividing medium access between the wireless communication devices of various capabilities, (2) assigning primary cluster(s) for a first capability set and assigning non-primary cluster(s) for a second capability set, etc.

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.

Abstract: Transmission coordination within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Within wireless communication systems, there can be various wireless communication devices therein that are not all compliant with a common capability set, communication protocol, communication standard, recommended practice, etc. For example, some communication systems may have some wireless communication devices characterized as ‘legacy’ wireless communication devices, and other wireless communication devices therein may be newer and compliant with newer capability sets, communication protocols, communication standards, recommended practices, etc. In such instances, coordination of transmissions among the various wireless communication devices may be made, when performing simultaneous transmissions, by ensuring that transmissions of devices on different channels is made when aligned on a common boundary of an OFDM symbol.

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: A wireless station implements a technique to reduce the occurrence of collisions between messages in a wireless network by dynamically modify a message interval during a communication session, based on received information indicative of beacon timing. The technique can be implemented by an access point on a wireless local area network to reduce collisions of beacon transmissions. The received information can include information indicative of beacon timing of other wireless stations, difficulty of a wireless station in receiving beacon transmissions, device capabilities, and/or other information.