Patent ID: 7330734
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for mobile communication, comprising: arranging a plurality of access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate on a common frequency channel with a mobile station; linking the access points together by cables in a wired local area network (LAN) so as to convey data to and from the mobile station via the LAN in accordance with a first media access control (MAC) protocol characterized by a first latency; receiving at one or more of the access points an uplink signal transmitted over the WLAN by the mobile station on the common frequency channel; sending one or more messages over the LAN among the access points, responsive to receiving the uplink signal, using a second MAC protocol, having a second latency lower than the first latency; arbitrating among the access points based on the messages so as to select one of the access points to respond to the uplink signal; and transmitting a response from the selected one of the access points to the mobile station.