Patent ID: 8917705
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. A device, comprising: a transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more stations that are partitioned into one or more groups; and a processor configured to: generate a message that identifies one or more time periods during which each station of a first group of the one or more of groups is permitted to contend for a communication channel or restricted from contending for the communication channel; and instruct the transmitter to transmit the message, wherein a receiver is further configured to receive a plurality of messages directed to a plurality of stations, the plurality of messages collectively communicate a plurality of time periods during which the first group is permitted to contend for the communication channel or restricted from contending for the communication channel and during which a second group of stations is permitted to contend for the communication channel or restricted from contending for the communication channel, wherein each station of the first group and each station of the second group are permitted to contend for the communication channel during at least one time period, and the processor is further configured to determine, based on the plurality of messages: restricted time periods during which the transmitter is restricted from contending for the communication channel; and unrestricted time periods during which the transmitter is permitted to contend for the communication channel.