Patent ID: 8254354
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: sending in a single-input-single-output (SISO) mode a request-to-send (RTS) frame, wherein the RTS frame includes a field to enable operation of stations of a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system to operate in a MIMO mode for a predetermined duration; receiving in said SISO mode a clear-to-send (CTS) frame as an acknowledgment message from at least one of stations in response to the RTS frame; switching to the MIMO mode to communicate with the stations during the MIMO mode; blocking other stations from communicating during the MIMO mode for the predetermined duration as a blocking time period, wherein said blocking is based on a value of a duration field in the RTS frame to update a network access vector of a non-MIMO station to block communications of the non-MIMO station during the MIMO mode, and extending the blocking time period during which the other stations are blocked from communicating during a MIMO communication duration based on information received in the acknowledgment message; and switching back to the SISO mode at the end of the duration.