Patent ID: 8223790
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: maintaining at each respective node of a plurality of nodes of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a timer (NAV) set to a corresponding time period during which the respective node must refrain from transmitting on a channel; designating a frame as a time-sensitive Quality of Service (TSQ) frame to be fast-forwarded from a first node to a second node of a plurality of nodes of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), wherein said TSQ frame designation is supplied by at least one of an application and an originating node, and wherein said TSQ frame designation is used for other criteria, wherein said other criteria include at least one of traffic load on a node and expiration time of a packet; and forwarding said TSQ frame by said second node according to a predetermined protocol, wherein after a collision a shorter back-off period is used for said TSQ frame than the back-off period normally used according to said predetermined protocol when said NAV of said second node expires.