Patent ID: 7428428
Filing Date: 2008-09-23
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A method of providing extended high data rate communication in a network using wireless local area network infrastructure, said method comprising: deploying a base station for use in conducting wireless communication within a communication coverage area, said base station including a wireless local area network access point to provide wireless data communication within a wireless local area network coverage area, said wireless local area network coverage area including a high data rate communication coverage area portion and a lower data rate communication coverage area portion, and an antenna system coupled to said access point, said antenna system providing an antenna pattern native to said access point and a plurality of narrow antenna beam patterns which are selectively implemented with respect to signals associated with said access point; determining a best antenna pattern of said plurality of narrow antenna beam patterns for use with respect stations of a plurality of stations disposed within said wireless coverage area; recognizing initiation of communication between said base station and a first station of said plurality of stations disposed within said high data rate communication coverage area portion; scheduling high data rate communication between said first station and said base station using an antenna pattern native to said access point; recognizing initiation of communication between said base station and a second station of said plurality of stations disposed within said wireless coverage area but outside of said high data rate communication coverage area portion; selecting an antenna pattern of said determined best antenna patterns associated with said second station; and scheduling high data rate communication between said second station and said base station using said selected antenna pattern, wherein said initiation of communication between said base station and said second station is between said access point and said second station, said initiation of communication comprising lower data rate communication than said high data rate communication.