Patent Publication Number: US-9426837-B2

Title: Systems, apparatus and methods for association in multi-hop networks

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/756,447, filed Jan. 31, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/747,886, filed Jan. 23, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/698,430, filed Sep. 7, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present application relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to systems, methods, and devices for using a relay in a wireless communication network. 
     2. Background 
     In many telecommunication systems, communications networks are used to exchange messages among several interacting spatially-separated devices. Networks can be classified according to geographic scope, which could be, for example, a metropolitan area, a local area, or a personal area. Such networks would be designated respectively as a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), or personal area network (PAN). Networks also differ according to the switching/bridging technique used to interconnect the various network nodes and devices (e.g., circuit switching vs. packet switching), the type of physical media employed for transmission (e.g., wired vs. wireless), and the set of communication protocols used (e.g., Internet protocol suite, SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking), Ethernet, etc.). 
     Wireless networks are often preferred when the network elements are mobile and thus have dynamic connectivity needs, or if the network architecture is formed in an ad hoc, rather than fixed, topology. Wireless networks employ intangible physical media in an unguided propagation mode using electromagnetic waves in the radio, microwave, infra-red, optical, etc., frequency bands. Wireless networks advantageously facilitate user mobility and rapid field deployment when compared to fixed wired networks. 
     The devices in a wireless network can transmit/receive information between each other. In some aspects, the devices on a wireless network can have a limited transmission range. Relay devices can extend the range of a wireless network, but can increase overhead such as, for example, association, encryption, and filtering overhead. Thus, improved systems, methods, and devices for associating, encrypting, and filtering are desired for wireless networks having at least one relay node. 
     SUMMARY 
     The systems, methods, and devices of the invention each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims which follow, some features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the features of this invention provide advantages that include improved communications between access points and stations in a wireless network. 
     One innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of communicating in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The method includes indicating to a client, at the relay, a network address of the access point. The method further includes receiving an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point. The method further includes transmitting a message including a relay control element. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of communicating in a wireless network. The method includes encrypting a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address. The method further includes transmitting the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a device configured to communicate in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The device includes a processor configured to indicate to a client, a network address of the access point. The device further includes a receiver configured to receive an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point. The device includes a transmitter configured to transmit a message including a relay control element. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a device configured to communicate in a wireless network. The device includes a processor configured to encrypt a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address. The device further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for communicating in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The apparatus includes means for indicating to a client, a network address of the access point. The apparatus further includes means for receiving an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point. The apparatus further includes means for forwarding the association request to the access point. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for communicating in a wireless network. The apparatus includes means for encrypting a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium including code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to indicate, to a client, a network address of the access point. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to receive an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to forward the association request to the access point. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium including code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to encrypt a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of communicating in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The method includes receiving, at the access point, an association request from a client. The association request is forwarded by a relay. The method further includes determining a success or failure of association. The method further includes transmitting to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a device configured to communicate in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The device includes a receiver configured to receive an association request from a client, forwarded by the relay. The device further includes a processor configured to determine a success or failure of association. The device further includes a transmitter configured to transmit to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for communicating in a wireless network. The wireless network includes an access point and a relay. The apparatus includes means for receiving, at the access point, an association request from a client, forwarded by the relay. The apparatus further includes means for determining a success or failure of association. The apparatus further includes means for transmitting to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. 
     Another innovative aspect of the present disclosure includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium including code that, when executed, causes an apparatus to receive an association request from a client, forwarded by the relay. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to determine a success or failure of association. The medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary wireless communication system. 
         FIG. 2A  shows another exemplary wireless communication system in which aspects of the present disclosure can be employed. 
         FIG. 2B  shows another exemplary wireless communication system in which aspects of the present disclosure can be employed. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary functional block diagram of a wireless device that can be employed within the wireless communication systems of  FIGS. 1, 2A , and/or  2 B. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a wireless communications system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a wireless communications system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a wireless communications system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a wireless communications system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an exemplary method of communicating in a wireless network. 
         FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of a wireless device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of another exemplary method of communicating in a wireless network. 
         FIG. 9  is a functional block diagram of a wireless device, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of another exemplary method of communicating in a wireless network. 
         FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram of a wireless device, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 12  shows an exemplary four-address management frame format. 
         FIG. 13A  shows an exemplary relay information element. 
         FIG. 13B  shows exemplary relay control field values and meanings associated with the values. 
         FIG. 14A  shows an exemplary reachable address update frame format. 
         FIG. 14B  shows an exemplary reachable address element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of, or combined with, any other aspect of the invention. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the invention is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the invention set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. 
     Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives. Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different wireless technologies, system configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
     Popular wireless network technologies can include various types of wireless local area networks (WLANs). A WLAN can be used to interconnect nearby devices together, employing widely used networking protocols. The various aspects described herein can apply to any communication standard, such as a wireless protocol. 
     In some aspects, wireless signals in a sub-gigahertz band can be transmitted according to the IEEE 802.11 protocol using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications, a combination of OFDM and DSSS communications, or other schemes. Implementations of the IEEE 802.11 protocol can be used for sensors, metering, and smart grid networks. Advantageously, aspects of certain devices implementing the IEEE 802.11 protocol can consume less power than devices implementing other wireless protocols, and/or can be used to transmit wireless signals across a relatively long range, for example about one kilometer or longer. 
     In some implementations, a WLAN includes various interconnected devices, referred to as “nodes.” For example, the WLAN can include access points (“APs”) and stations (“STAs” or “clients”). In general, an AP can serve as a hub or base station for the WLAN and a STA serves as a user of the WLAN. For example, a STA can be a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc. In an example, a STA connects to an AP via a WI-FI™ compliant wireless link (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 protocol such as 802.11s, 802.11h, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and/or 802.11n, etc.) to obtain general connectivity to the Internet or to other wide area networks. In some implementations a STA can also be used as an AP. 
     An access point (“AP”) can also include, be implemented as, or known as a gateway, a NodeB, Radio Network Controller (“RNC”), eNodeB, Base Station Controller (“BSC”), Base Transceiver Station (“BTS”), Base Station (“BS”), Transceiver Function (“TF”), Radio Router, Radio Transceiver, or some other terminology. 
     A station “STA” can also include, be implemented as, or known as an access terminal (“AT”), a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, user equipment, or some other terminology. In some implementations an access terminal can include a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) phone, a wireless local loop (“WLL”) station, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or some other suitable processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more aspects taught herein can be incorporated into a phone (e.g., a cellular phone or smartphone), a computer (e.g., a laptop), a portable communication device, a headset, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a gaming device or system, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless medium. 
     As discussed above, certain of the devices described herein can implement one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards, for example. Such devices, whether used as a STA or AP or other device, can be used for smart metering or in a smart grid network. Such devices can provide sensor applications or be used in home automation. The devices can be used in a healthcare context, for example for personal healthcare. They can also be used for surveillance, to enable extended-range Internet connectivity (e.g., for use with hotspots), or to implement machine-to-machine communications. 
     The transmission range of wireless devices on a wireless network is of a limited distance. To accommodate the limited transmission range of devices communicating on a wireless network, access points can be positioned such that an access point is within the transmission range of the devices. In wireless networks that include devices separated by substantial geographic distance, multiple access points can be necessary to ensure all devices can communicate on the network. Including these multiple access points can add cost to the implementation of the wireless networks. Thus, a wireless network design that reduces the need for additional access points when the wireless network spans a distance that can exceed the transmission range of devices on the network can be desired. 
     A relay can be less expense than an access point. For example, some access point designs can include both wireless networking hardware and hardware sufficient to interface with traditional wired LAN based technologies such as Ethernet. This additional complexity can cause access points to be more expensive than relays. Additionally, because the access points can interface with a wired LAN, the cost of installing multiple access points can extend beyond the cost of the access point itself, and can include wiring costs associated with the wired LAN, and the labor and other installation costs associated with installing and configuring a wired LAN. Use of a relay instead of an access point can reduce some of the costs associated with an access point. For example, because a relay can use only wireless networking technologies, the design of the relay can provide for reduced cost when compared to access point designs. Additionally, the ability to relay wireless traffic can reduce the need for wired LAN cabling and installation expenses associated with access points. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary wireless communication system  100 . The wireless communication system  100  can operate pursuant to a wireless standard, for example an 802.11 standard. The wireless communication system  100  can include an AP  104 , which communicates with STAs  106 . 
     A variety of processes and methods can be used for transmissions in the wireless communication system  100  between the AP  104  and the STAs  106 . For example, signals can be sent and received between the AP  104  and the STAs  106  in accordance with orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (“OFDM/OFDMA”) techniques. In embodiments employing OFDM/OFDMA techniques, the wireless communication system  100  can be referred to as an OFDM/OFDMA system. Alternatively, signals can be sent and received between the AP  104  and the STAs  106  in accordance with code division multiple access (“CDMA”) techniques. In embodiments employing CDMA techniques, the wireless communication system  100  can be referred to as a CDMA system. 
     A communication link that facilitates transmission from the AP  104  to one or more of the STAs  106  can be referred to as a downlink (DL)  108 , and a communication link that facilitates transmission from one or more of the STAs  106  to the AP  104  can be referred to as an uplink (UL)  110 . Alternatively, a downlink  108  can be referred to as a forward link or a forward channel, and an uplink  110  can be referred to as a reverse link or a reverse channel. 
     The AP  104  can act as a base station and provide wireless communication coverage in a basic service area (BSA)  102 . The AP  104 , along with the STAs  106  associated with the AP  104 , and that use the AP  104  for communication, can be referred to as a basic service set (BSS). It should be noted that the wireless communication system  100  can be configured as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs  106 , without a central AP  104 . Accordingly, the functions of the AP  104  described herein can alternatively be performed by one or more of the STAs  106 . 
     The AP  104  can transmit a beacon signal (or simply a “beacon”), via a communication link such as the downlink  108 , to other nodes STAs  106  of the system  100 , which can help the other nodes STAs  106  to synchronize their timing with the AP  104 , or which can provide other information or functionality. Such beacons can be transmitted periodically. In one aspect, the period between successive transmissions can be referred to as a superframe. Transmission of a beacon can be divided into a number of groups or intervals. In one aspect, the beacon can include, but is not limited to, information such as timestamp information to set a common clock, a peer-to-peer network identifier, a device identifier, capability information, a superframe duration, transmission direction information, reception direction information, a neighbor list, and/or an extended neighbor list, some of which are described in additional detail below. Thus, a beacon can include information both common (e.g., shared) amongst several devices, and information specific to a given device. 
     In some aspects, a STA  106  can be required to associate with the AP  104  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the AP  104 . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon broadcast by the AP  104 . To receive the beacon, the STA  106  can, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. The STA  106  can also perform a search by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. After receiving the information for associating, the STA  106  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the AP  104 . In some aspects, the AP  104  can use backhaul services, for example, to communicate with a larger network, such as the Internet or a public switched telephone network (PSTN). 
       FIG. 2A  shows another exemplary wireless communication system  200  in which aspects of the present disclosure can be employed. The wireless communication system  200  can also operate pursuant to a wireless standard, for example any one of the 802.11 standards. The wireless communication system  200  includes an AP  104 , which communicates with relays  107   a - 107   b  and one or more STAs  106 . The relays  107   a - 107   b  can also communicate with one or more STAs  106 . The wireless communication system  200  can function in accordance with OFDM/OFDMA techniques and/or CDMA techniques. 
     The AP  104  can act as a base station and provide wireless communication coverage in the basic service area (BSA)  102 . In an embodiment, one or more STAs  106  can be located within the AP&#39;s BSA  102  while other STAs can be located outside the AP&#39;s BSA  102 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , STA  106   g  can be located within the AP  104 &#39;s BSA  102 . As such, STA  106   g  can associate with the AP  104  and perform wireless communications directly with the AP  104 . Other STAs such as, for example, the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  can be outside the BSA  102  of the AP  104 . The relays  107   a - 107   b  can be inside the BSA  102  of the AP  104 . As such, the relays  107   a - 107   b  can be able to associate with the AP  104  and perform wireless communications directly with the AP  104 . 
     The AP  104  can transmit a beacon signal (or simply a “beacon”), via a communication link such as the downlink  108 , to other nodes STAs  106  of the system  200 , which can help the STA  106   g  or the relays  107   a - 107   b  to synchronize their timing with the AP  104 , or which can provide other information or functionality. Such beacons can be transmitted periodically. In one aspect, the period between successive transmissions can be referred to as a superframe. Transmission of a beacon can be divided into a number of groups or intervals. In one aspect, the beacon can include, but is not limited to, such information as timestamp information to set a common clock, a peer-to-peer network identifier, a device identifier, capability information, a superframe duration, transmission direction information, reception direction information, a neighbor list, and/or an extended neighbor list, some of which are described in additional detail below. Thus, a beacon can include information both common (e.g., shared) amongst several devices, and information specific to a given device. 
     In some aspects, the STA  106   g  and/or the relays  107   a - 107   b  can be required to associate with the AP  104  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the AP  104 . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon broadcast by the AP  104 . To receive such a beacon, the STA  106   g  and/or the relays  107   a - 107   b  can, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. The STAs  106  and/or the relays  107   a - 107   b  can also perform a search by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. After receiving the information for associating, the STA  106   g  and/or the relays  107   a - 107   b  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the AP  104 . In some aspects, the AP  104  can use backhaul services, for example, to communicate with a larger network, such as the Internet or a public switched telephone network (PSTN). 
     The AP  104 , along with the STAs  106  and/or the relays  107   a - 107   b  associated with the AP  104 , and that use the AP  104  for communication, can be referred to as a basic service set (BSS). It should be noted that the wireless communication system  200  can function as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs  106  and/or the relays  107   a - 107   b , without the central AP  104 . Accordingly, the functions of the AP  104  described herein can alternatively be performed by one or more of the STAs  106  and the relays  107   a - 107   b.    
     The relays  107   a  and  107   b  can also act as a base station and provide wireless communication coverage in a basic service area  103   a  and  103   b , respectively. In an embodiment, some STAs  106  can be located within the BSA of a relay  107   a  or  107   b . For example, the STA  106   e  and the STA  106   f  are illustrated within the BSA  103   a  of the relay  107   a . The STA  106   h  and the STA  106   i  are illustrated within the BSA  103   b  of the relay  107   b . As such, STAs  106   e - 106   f  can associate with the relay  107   a  and perform wireless communications directly with the relay  107   a . The relay  107   a  can form an association with the AP  104  and perform wireless communications with the AP  104  on behalf of the STA  106   e - 106   f . Similarly, the STAs  106   h - 106   i  can associate with the relay  107   b  and perform wireless communications directly with the relay  107   b . The relay  107   b  can form an association with the AP  104  and perform wireless communications with the AP  104  on behalf of the STA  106   h - 106   i.    
     In some aspects, the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and the STAs  106   h - 106   i  can be required to associate with the relays  107   a - 107   b  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the relays  107   a - 107   b . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon broadcast by the relays  107   a - 107   b . The beacon signal can include the same service set identifier (SSID) as that used by an access point, such as the AP  104 , with which the relay has formed an association. To receive the beacon, the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  can, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. The STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  can also perform a search by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. 
     In an embodiment, after the relay  107   a  and/or  107   b  has formed an association with the AP  104  and provided a beacon signal, one or more of the STAs  106   e - 106   i  can form an association with the relay  107   a  and/or  107   b . In an embodiment, one or more of the STAs  106   e - 106   i  can form an association with the relay  107   a  and/or  107   b  before the relay  107   a  and/or  107   b  has formed an association with the AP  104 . After receiving the information for associating, the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the relays  107   a - 107   b . The relays  107   a - 107   b  can accept the association request and send an association reply to the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i . The STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  can send and receive data with the relays  107   a - 107   b . The relays  107   a - 107   b  can forward data received from the one or more STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  to the AP  104  with which it has also formed an association. Similarly, when the relays  107   a - 107   b  receives data from the AP  104 , the relays  107   a - 107   b  can forward the data received from the AP  104  to an appropriate STA  106   e - 106   f  or  106   h - 106   i . By using the relay services of the relays  107   a - 107   b , the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and  106   h - 106   i  can effectively communicate with the AP  104 , despite being unable to directly communicate with the AP  104 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows another exemplary wireless communication system  250  in which aspects of the present disclosure can be employed. The wireless communication system  250  can also operate pursuant to a wireless standard, for example any one of the 802.11 standards. Similar to  FIG. 2A , the wireless communication system  250  can include an AP  104 , which communicates with wireless nodes including the relays  107   a - 107   b  and one or more STAs  106   e - 106   g  and  106   j - 106   l . The relays  107   a - 107   b  can also communicate with wireless nodes such as some STAs  106 . The wireless communication system  250  of  FIG. 2B  differs from the wireless communication system  200  of  FIG. 2A  in that the relays  107   a - 107   b  can also communicate with wireless nodes that are other relays, such as the relay  107   c . As shown, the relay  107   b  is in communication with the relay  107   c . The relay  107   c  can also communicate with the STAs  106   k  and  106   l . The wireless communication system  250  can function in accordance with OFDM/OFDMA techniques or CDMA techniques. 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 2A , the AP  104  and relays  107   a - 107   b  can act as a base station and provide wireless communication coverage in a basic service area (BSA). As shown in  FIG. 2B , the relay  107   c  can also act as a base station and provide wireless communication in a BSA. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the AP  104  and the relays  107   a - 107   c  cover a basic service area  102  and  103   a - 103   c , respectively. In an embodiment, some STAs  106   e - 106   g  and  106   j - 106   l  can be located within the AP&#39;s BSA  102  while other STAs can be located outside the AP&#39;s BSA  102 . For example, the STA  106   g  can be located within the AP  104 &#39;s BSA  102 . As such, the STA  106   g  can associate with the AP  104  and perform wireless communications directly with the AP  104 . Other STAs such as, for example, the STAs  106   e - 106   f  and the STAs  106   j - l  can be outside the BSA  102  of the AP  104 . The relays  107   a - 107   b  can be inside the BSA  102  of the AP  104 . As such, the relays  107   a - 107   b  can associate with the AP  104  and perform wireless communications directly with the AP  104 . 
     The relay  107   c  can be outside the BSA  102  of the AP  104 . The relay  107   c  can be within the BSA  103   b  of the relay  107   b . Therefore, the relay  107   c  can associate with the relay  107   b  and perform wireless communications with the relay  107   b . The relay  107   b  can perform wireless communications with the AP  104  on behalf of the relay  107   c . The STAs  106   k - 106   l  can associate with the relay  107   c . The STAs  106   k - 106   l  can perform wireless communications via indirect communication with the AP  104  and the relay  107   b  via communication with the relay  107   c.    
     To communicate with the relay  107   c , the STAs  106   k - 106   l  can associate with the relay  107   c  in a similar manner as the STAs  106   e - f  associate with the relay  107   a , as described above. Similarly, the relay  107   c  can associate with the relay  107   b  in a similar manner as the relay  107   b  associates with the AP  104 . Therefore, the wireless communication system  250  provides a multi-tiered topology of relays extending out from the AP  104  to provide wireless communications services beyond the BSA  102  of the AP  104 . The STAs  106   e - 106   g  and  106   j - 106   l  can communicate within the wireless communication system  250  at any level of the multi-tiered topology. For example, as shown, STAs can communicate directly with the AP  104 , as shown by the STA  106   g . STAs can also communicate at a “first tier” of relays, for example, as shown by the STAs  106   e - f  and  106   j  which communicate with relays  107   a - 107   b  respectively. STAs can also communicate at a second tier of relays, as shown by the STAs  106   k - 106   l , which communicate with the relay  107   c.    
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary functional block diagram of a wireless device  302  that can be employed within the wireless communication systems  100 ,  200 , and/or  250  of  FIGS. 1, 2A , and/or  2 B. The wireless device  302  is an example of a device that can be configured to implement the various methods described herein. For example, the wireless device  302  can include the AP  104 , one of the STAs  106   e - 106   l , and/or one of the relays  107   a - 107   c.    
     The wireless device  302  can include a processor  304  configured to control operation of the wireless device  302 . The processor  304  can also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). A memory  306 , which can include both read-only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM), can provide instructions and data to the processor  304 . A portion of the memory  306  can also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processor  304  can perform logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within the memory  306 . The instructions in the memory  306  can be executable to implement the methods described herein. 
     The processor  304  can include or be a component of a processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one or more processors can be implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate array (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information. 
     The processing system can also include machine-readable media for storing software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Instructions can include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processing system to perform the various functions described herein. 
     The wireless device  302  can also include a housing  308  that can include a transmitter  310  and/or a receiver  312  to allow transmission and reception of data between the wireless device  302  and a remote location. The transmitter  310  and receiver  312  can be combined into a transceiver  314 . An antenna  316  can be attached to the housing  308  and electrically coupled to the transceiver  314 . In an embodiment, the antenna  316  can be within the housing  308 . In various embodiments, the wireless device  302  can also include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and/or multiple antennas. 
     The wireless device  302  can also include a signal detector  318  that can detect and quantify the level of signals received by the transceiver  314 . The signal detector  318  can detect such signals as total energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density, and other signals. The wireless device  302  can also include a digital signal processor (DSP)  320  for use in processing signals. The DSP  320  can be configured to process packets for transmission and/or upon receipt. In some aspects, the packets can include a physical layer data unit (PPDU). 
     The wireless device  302  can further include a user interface  322 , in some aspects. The user interface  322  can include a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, and/or a display. The user interface  322  can include any element or component that conveys information to a user of the wireless device  302  and/or receives input from the user. 
     The various components of the wireless device  302  can be coupled together by a bus system  326 . The bus system  326  can include a data bus, for example, as well as a power bus, a control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus. Those of skill in the art will appreciate the components of the wireless device  302  can be coupled together or accept or provide inputs to each other using some other mechanism. 
     Although a number of separate components are illustrated in  FIG. 3 , those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the components can be combined or commonly implemented. For example, the processor  304  can be used to implement not only the functionality described above with respect to the processor  304 , but also to implement the functionality described above with respect to the signal detector  318  and/or the DSP  320 . Further, each of the components illustrated in  FIG. 3  can be implemented using a plurality of separate elements. 
     The wireless device  302  can include an AP  104 , a STA  106   e - 106   l , or a relay  107   a - 107   c , and can be used to transmit and/or receive communications. That is, any of the AP  104 , the STAs  106   e - 106   l , or the relays  107   a - 107   c , can serve as transmitter or receiver devices. Certain aspects contemplate the signal detector  318  being used by software running on memory  306  and processor  304  to detect the presence of a transmitter or receiver. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a wireless communications system  400 , according to an embodiment. The wireless communications system  400  includes an AP  104 , a station (STA)  106 , and a relay  107   b . Note that while only one STA  106  and only one relay  107   b  are illustrated, the wireless communications system  400  can include any number of STAs and relays. In some embodiments, the AP  104  can be outside the transmission range of the STA  106 . In some embodiments, the STA  106  can also be outside the transmission range of the AP  104 . In these embodiments, the AP  104  and the STA  106  can communicate with the relay  107 , which can be within the transmission range of both the AP  104  and STA  106 . In some embodiments, both the AP  104  and STA  106  can be within the transmission range of the relay  107   b.    
     In some implementations, the relay  107   b  can communicate with the AP  104  in the same manner as a STA would communicate with the AP. In some aspects, the relay  107   b  can implement a WI-FI DIRECT™ point-to-point group owner capability or a software-enabled access point (“SoftAP”) capability. In some aspects, a relay  107   b  can associate with the AP  104  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the AP  104 . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon signal broadcast by the AP  104 . To receive such a beacon, the relay  107   b  can, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. The relay  107   b  can also perform a search by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. After receiving the information for associating, the relay  107   b  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the AP  104 . In an embodiment, the relay  107   b  can utilize a first station address when exchanging network messages with the AP  104 . 
     Similarly, the STA  106  can associate with the relay  107   b  as if it were an AP. In some aspects, the STA  106  can associate with the relay  107   b  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the relay  107   b . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon broadcast by the relay  107   b . After receiving the information for associating, the STA  106  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the relay  107   b . In one embodiment, the relay  107   b  can utilize a second station address that is different than the first station address when exchanging network messages with one or more stations. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a wireless communications system  450 , according to another embodiment. The wireless communications system  450  includes a relay  107   b , a relay  107   c , and a station (STA)  106 . Note that while only one STA  106  and only two relays  107   b - 107   c  are illustrated, the wireless communications system  450  can include any number of STAs and relays. 
     In some disclosed implementations, the relay  107   c  can communicate with the relay  107   b  in the same manner as a station would communicate with an AP. In some aspects, the relay  107   c  can implement WI-FI DIRECT™ point-to-point group owner capability or SoftAP capability. In some aspects, the relay  107   c  can associate with the relay  107   b  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the relay  107   b . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon signal broadcast by the relay  107   b . To receive such a beacon, the relay  107   c  can, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. A search can also be performed by the relay  107   c  by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. After receiving the information for associating, the relay  107   c  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the relay  107   b . In an embodiment, the relay  107   c  can utilize a first station address when exchanging network messages with the relay  107   b.    
     Similarly, the STA  106  can associate with the relay  107   c  as if it were an AP. In some aspects, the STA  106  can associate with the relay  107   c  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the relay  107   c . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon broadcast by the relay  107   c . After receiving the information for associating, the STA  106  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the relay  107   c . In one embodiment, the relay  107   c  can utilize a second station address that is different than the first station address when exchanging network messages with one or more stations. 
     In some embodiments, a relay (such as the relay  107   c ) may not activate a SoftAP when it is not associated with a parent relay AP (such as the relay  107   b ). 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a wireless communications system  475 , according to an embodiment. The wireless communications system  400  includes an AP  104 , a station (STA)  106 , and a relay  107   b . Note that while only one STA  106  and only one relay  107   b  are illustrated, the wireless communications system  400  can include any number of STAs and relays. In some embodiments, the AP  104  can be outside the transmission range of the STA  106 . In some embodiments, the STA  106  can also be outside the transmission range of the AP  104 . In these embodiments, the AP  104  and the STA  106  can communicate with the relay  107 , which can be within the transmission range of both the AP  104  and STA  106 . In some embodiments, both the AP  104  and STA  106  can be within the transmission range of the relay  107   b.    
     In some implementations, the relay  107   b  can communicate with the AP  104  in the same manner as a STA would communicate with the AP. In some aspects, a relay  107   b  can associate with the AP  104  and send communications to and/or receive communications from the AP  104 . In one aspect, information for associating is included in a beacon signal broadcast by the AP  104 . To receive such a beacon, the relay  107   b  can, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. The relay  107   b  can also perform a search by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. After receiving the information for associating, the relay  107   b  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the AP  104 . In an embodiment, the relay  107   b  can utilize a first station address when exchanging network messages with the AP  104 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4C , the STA  106  associates with the AP  104 , through the relay  107   b . The relay  107   b  shown in  FIG. 4C  does not implement the functionality of a separate AP, in contrast to the embodiment discussed above with respect to  FIG. 4A . In an embodiment, the relay  107   b  mimics one or more aspects of the AP  104 . For example, the relay  107   b  can broadcast information for associating with the AP  104  in a beacon. The beacon can include a network address of the AP  104 . For example, the beacon can include a media access control (MAC) address of the AP  104 , instead of the MAC address of the relay  107   b . After receiving the information for associating, the STA  106  can transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the relay  107   b . In an embodiment, the relay  107   b  can reply to the probe request using the network address of the AP  104 . For example, the relay  107   b  can indicate the MAC address of the AP  104  in a probe response. 
     Accordingly, the relay  107   b  can act as a tunnel or pass-through during association between the STA  106  and the AP  104 . The relay  107   b  can be configured to mimic aspects of the AP  104 , and can forward packets from the STA  106  to the AP  104 . The relay  107   b  can also forward packets from the AP  104  to the STA  106 . The association between the STA  106  and the AP  104  is described below, with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a wireless communications system  500 , according to another embodiment. The wireless communications system  500  includes a plurality of nodes, including the AP  104 , relays  107   a - 107   h , and STAs  106   x - 106   z . In an embodiment, the wireless communications system  500  can be a multi-hop mesh network, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , the STAs  106   x - 106   z  associate with the AP  104  through the relays  107   f - 107   h , respectively. In turn, the relays  107   f - 107   h  associate with the AP  104  through the relay  107   d . The relays  107   c - 107   d  associate with the AP  104  through the relay  107   a , and the relay  107   e  associates with the AP  104  through the relay  107   b . The relays  107   a - 107   b  associate directly with the AP  104 . In various embodiments, additional APs, STAs, and/or relays (not shown) can be included in the wireless communications system  500 , and some APs, STAs, and/or relays can be omitted. 
     Each node that associates with another node can be referred to as a “child” of that “parent” node. Children of a parent, and successive children of the children, can be referred to as “descendant” nodes. Parents of a child, and successive parents of the parent, can be referred to as “ancestor” nodes. Nodes with no parents can be referred to as “root” nodes. Nodes with no children can be referred to as “leaf” nodes. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the AP  104  is a root node, and the relays  107   c  and  107   e , and the STAs  106   x - 106   z , are leaf nodes. Nodes with both parent nodes and child nodes can be referred to as intermediate nodes. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the relays  107   a - 107   b ,  107   d , and  107   f - 107   h  are intermediate nodes. 
     As discussed above, with respect to  FIG. 4C , the STAs  106   x - 106   z  can associate indirectly with the AP  104 , through the relays  107   f - 107   h , respectively. For example, the relay  107   f  can transmit a beacon (or send a probe response) including the MAC address of the AP  104 . The STA  106   x  can receive the MAC address of the AP  104  via the beacon or probe response. The STA  106   x  can generate an association request addressed to the AP  104 . For example, the association request can include the MAC address of the AP  104  in an A3 field of a MAC protocol data unit (MPDU) header. The STA  106   x  can transmit the association request via a four-address management frame, as discussed below with respect to  FIG. 12 . The STA  106   x  can transmit the association request in accordance with an extensible authentication protocol (EAP) or EAP over LAN (EAPOL), via four-address data frames. The STA  106   x  can transmit the association request to the relay  107   f , for delivery to the AP  104 . 
     The relay  107   f  can receive the association request from the STA  106   x . The relay  107   f  can acknowledge the association request, and can forward the association request to the AP  104 . In an embodiment, the association request can be encrypted. The relay  107   f  can forward the association request to the AP  104  without decrypting the payload. In an embodiment, the STA  106   x  and the AP  104  can derive encryption keys not available to the relay  107   f.    
     The AP  104  can respond to the association request. For example, the AP  104  can transmit an association response in a four-address management frame, as discussed below with respect to  FIG. 12 . The relay  107   f  can receive the response, and can forward the response to the STA  106   x . In an embodiment, the association can fail. When an association fails, the AP  104  can send a notification to one or more of the relays  107   a - 107   h . The notification can indicate a STA address to block from the network. For example, the AP  104  can send a notification to the relay  107   a , indicating that the STA  106   x  is forbidden from accessing the network. The relay  107   a  can filter, reject, or drop subsequent packets received from the STA  106   x.    
     In an embodiment, the relay  107   a  stops, filters, rejects, or drops subsequent packets received from the STA  106   x  after a preset or variable filtering timeout or expiration. For example, the notification to the relay  107   a , indicating that the STA  106   x  is forbidden from accessing the network, can indicate a duration for which the STA  106   x  is forbidden from accessing the network. After the filtering timeout or expiration, the relay  107   a  can allow subsequent packets received from the STA  106   x.    
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart  600  of an exemplary method of communicating in a wireless network. For example, the method of the flowchart  600  can be implemented within the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B, and 5 , respectively. Particularly, the method of the flowchart  600  can be implemented by one or more of the AP  104  and the relays  107   a - h . Although the method of the flowchart  600  is described herein with particular reference to the wireless device  302 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , and the wireless communication system  500 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 , a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the method of flowchart  600  can be implemented by any other suitable device. In an embodiment, the steps in the flowchart  600  can be performed by a processor or controller, such as the processor  304  or the DSP  320  in conjunction with one or more of the memory  306 , the transmitter  310 , and the receiver  312 , described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Although the method of the flowchart  600  is described herein with reference to a particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks can be added. 
     First, at block  605 , a relay indicates, to a client, a network address of an access point. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the relay  107   f  can broadcast a beacon, or transmit a probe response, including the MAC address of the AP  104 . The STA  106   x  can receive the beacon or probe response including the MAC address of the AP  104 . In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the relay  107   f , the processor  304  can cause the transmitter  310  to transmit the beacon or probe response. 
     Next, at block  610 , the relay can receive an association request from the client. The association request can be addressed to the access point. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the relay  107   f  can receive the association request from the STA  106   x . The association request can be addressed to the MAC address of the AP  104 . In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the relay  107   f , the processor  304  can cause the receiver  312  to receive the association request. The association request can be stored in the memory  306 . 
     Then, at block  615 , the relay can forward the association request to the access point. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the relay  107   f  can forward the association request to the AP  104 . In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the relay  107   f , the processor  304  can cause the transmitter  310  to transmit the association request. The association request can be retrieved from the memory  306 . 
       FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of a wireless device  700 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless power apparatus can have more components than the simplified wireless device  700  shown in  FIG. 7 . The wireless device  700  shown includes only those components useful for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims. The wireless device  700  includes means  705  for indicating, to a client, a network address of the access point, means  710  for receiving an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point, and means  715  for forwarding the association request to an access point. 
     In an embodiment, the means  705  for indicating, to a client, a network address of the access point can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  605  ( FIG. 6 ). In various embodiments, the means  705  for indicating, to a client, a network address of the access point can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), the transmitter  310  ( FIG. 3 ), the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ), and the antenna  316  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In an embodiment, the means  710  for receiving an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  610  ( FIG. 6 ). In various embodiments, the means  710  for receiving an association request, from the client, addressed to the access point can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), the signal detector  318  ( FIG. 3 ), the receiver  312  ( FIG. 3 ), the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ), and the antenna  316  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In an embodiment, the means  715  for forwarding the association request to an access point can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  615  ( FIG. 6 ). In various embodiments, the means  715  for forwarding the association request to an access point can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), the transmitter  310  ( FIG. 3 ), the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ), and the antenna  316  ( FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart  800  of another exemplary method of communicating in a wireless network. For example, the method of the flowchart  800  can be implemented within the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B, and 5 , respectively. Particularly, the method of the flowchart  800  can be implemented by one or more of the AP  104  and the relays  107   a - h . Although the method of the flowchart  800  is described herein with particular reference to the wireless device  302 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , and the wireless communication system  500 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 , a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the method of flowchart  800  can be implemented by any other suitable device. In an embodiment, the steps in the flowchart  800  can be performed by a processor or controller, such as the processor  304  or the DSP  320  in conjunction with one or more of the memory  306 , the transmitter  310 , and the receiver  312 , described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Although the method of the flowchart  800  is described herein with reference to a particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks can be added. 
     First, at block  805 , a device encrypts a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address. The device can include an access point and/or a STA. The message can include an association message. The encryption can include block chaining message authentication code protocol (CCMP) message. In some embodiments, the message can be encrypted in accordance with the IEEE standard 802.11™-2012. 
     In some embodiments, the encryption can be based on additional authentication data (AAD). The AAD can include data that are not encrypted, but are cryptographically protected. The AAD can be based on an original source address and/or a final destination address. In an embodiment, the AAD can have an address field A1 set to the source address (e.g., an MPDU address field A4). The AAD can have an address field A2 set to the final destination address (e.g., an MPDU address field A3). The AAD can have a masked quality-of-service (QOS) control field. 
     In some embodiments, the encryption can be based on a nonce. The nonce can be a CCMP nonce. The device can compute the nonce using the final destination address. For example, the nonce can include an address field A2 set to the final destination address (e.g., an MPDU address field A3). 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the device can include the AP  104  and/or the STA  106   x . In particular, the STA  106   x  can encrypt an authentication request by computing the AAD and nonce based on the original source address (e.g., the MAC address of the STA  106   x ) and the final destination address (e.g., the MAC address of the AP  104 ). In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the STA  106   x , the processor  304  can encrypt the authentication request. The AP  104  can encrypt an authentication response by computing the AAD and nonce based on the original source address (e.g., the MAC address of the AP  104 ) and the final destination address (e.g., the MAC address of the STA  106   x ). In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the AP  104 , the processor  304  can encrypt the authentication response. 
     Next, at block  810 , the device can transmit the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the STA  106   x  can transmit the encrypted authentication request to the relay  107   f , which can forward the request to the AP  104 . In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the STA  106   x , the processor  304  can cause the transmitter  310  to transmit the association request. The AP  104  can transmit the encrypted authentication response to the relay  107   f , which can forward the response to the STA  106   x . In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the AP  104 , the processor  304  can cause the transmitter  310  to transmit the association response. 
       FIG. 9  is a functional block diagram of a wireless device  900 , in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless power apparatus can have more components than the simplified wireless device  900  shown in  FIG. 9 . The wireless device  900  shown includes only those components useful for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims. The wireless device  900  includes means  905  for encrypting a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address, and means  910  for transmitting the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address. 
     In an embodiment, the means  905  for encrypting a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  805  ( FIG. 8 ). In various embodiments, the means  905  for encrypting a message based, at least in part, on an original source address, and a final destination address can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), and the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In an embodiment, the means  910  for transmitting the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  810  ( FIG. 8 ). In various embodiments, the means  910  for transmitting the encrypted message to a relay for delivery to the final destination address can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ), and the antenna  316  ( FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart  1000  of another exemplary method of communicating in a wireless network. For example, the method of the flowchart  1000  can be implemented within the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B, and 5 , respectively. Particularly, the method of the flowchart  1000  can be implemented by one or more of the AP  104  and the relays  107   a - h . Although the method of the flowchart  1000  is described herein with particular reference to the wireless device  302 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , and the wireless communication system  500 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 , a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the method of flowchart  1000  can be implemented by any other suitable device. In an embodiment, the steps in the flowchart  1000  can be performed by a processor or controller, such as the processor  304  or the DSP  320  in conjunction with one or more of the memory  306 , the transmitter  310 , and the receiver  312 , described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Although the method of the flowchart  1000  is described herein with reference to a particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks can be added. 
     First, at block  1005 , an access point receives an association request from a client. The association request can be forwarded by a relay. The association request can be received via a four-address management frame. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the STA  106   x  can transmit the association request to the AP  104 . The relay  107   f  can forward the association request. Thus, the AP  104  can receive the association request. In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the AP  104 , the processor  304  can cause the receiver  312  to receive the association request. The association request can be stored in the memory  306 . 
     Next, at block  1010 , the access point can determine a success or failure of association. The association can fail, for example, when the client cannot authenticate to the network. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the AP  104  can determine whether the STA  106   x  is authorized to access the network. In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the AP  104 , the processor  304  can determine success or failure of the association. 
     Then, at block  1015 , the access point can transmit, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. The access point can transmit the indication to one or more relays. For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the AP  104  can transmit, to the relay  107   f , an indication that the STA  106   x  is forbidden from accessing the network. In turn, the relay  107   f  can drop, filter, or otherwise block packets transmitted by the STA  106   x . In some embodiments, the indication that the STA  106   x  is forbidden can include an implicit or explicit expiration. In an embodiment where the wireless device  302  is configured as the AP  104 , the processor  304  can cause the transmitter  310  to transmit the indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. 
       FIG. 11  is a functional block diagram of a wireless device  1100 , in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless power apparatus can have more components than the simplified wireless device  1100  shown in  FIG. 11 . The wireless device  1100  shown includes only those components useful for describing some prominent features of implementations within the scope of the claims. The wireless device  1100  includes means  1105  for receiving an association request from a client, forwarded by a relay, means  1110  for determining a success or failure of association, and means  1115  for transmitting to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered. 
     In an embodiment, the means  1105  for receiving an association request from a client, forwarded by a relay can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  1005  ( FIG. 10 ). In various embodiments, the means  1105  for receiving an association request from a client, forwarded by a relay can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), the receiver  312  ( FIG. 3 ), the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ), and the antenna  316  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In an embodiment, the means  1110  for determining a success or failure of association can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  1010  ( FIG. 10 ). In various embodiments, the means  1110  for determining a success or failure of association can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), and the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In an embodiment, the means  1115  for transmitting to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described above with respect to block  1015  ( FIG. 10 ). In various embodiments, the means  1115  for transmitting to the relay, when association fails, an indication that one or more subsequent messages from the client should be filtered can be implemented by one or more of the processor  304  ( FIG. 3 ), the memory  306  ( FIG. 3 ), the transmitter  310  ( FIG. 3 ), the DSP  320  ( FIG. 3 ), and the antenna  316  ( FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 12  shows an exemplary four-address management frame  1200  format. As discussed above, one or more messages in the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B , and  5 , respectively, can include the four-address management frame  1200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the four-address management frame  1200  includes frame control (FC) field  1205 , a duration field  1210 , a first address field  1215 , a second address field  1220 , a third address field  1225 , a sequence control field  1230 , a fourth address field  1235 , a high-throughput (HT) control field  1240 , a frame body  1245 , and a frame check sequence (FCS)  1250 . The fourth address field can serve, for example, as a forwarding address. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the four-address management frame  1200  can include additional fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized. 
     In some embodiments, a relay node STA can receive messages, such as MAC service data units (MSDUs), that are not destined for the relay node. The relay node can forward such messages via an air interface to a parent relay, using a 4-address frame format. The addressing of the 4-address frame can be as follows. A first address field (for example, an A1 field indicating the receiver of the messages) can be set to an address (such as a MAC address) of the parent node&#39;s AP. A second address field (for example, an A2 field indicating the transmitter of the messages) can be set to an address (such as a MAC address) of the node&#39;s STA. A third address field (for example, an A3 field indicating the source address of the messages) can be set to the source address of the messages. A fourth address field (for example, an A4 field indicating the destination address of the messages) can be set to the destination address of the messages. 
     In some embodiments, a relay node AP can receive messages, such as MAC service data units (MSDUs), that are not destined for the relay node or one of its associated child nodes. The relay node can forward such messages via an air interface to an appropriate child node, using a 4-address frame format. The addressing of the 4-address frame can be as follows. A first address field (for example, an A1 field indicating the receiver of the messages) can be set to an address (such as a MAC address) of the appropriate child node&#39;s STA. A second address field (for example, an A2 field indicating the transmitter of the messages) can be set to an address (such as a MAC address) of the node&#39;s AP. A third address field (for example, an A3 field indicating the source address of the messages) can be set to the source address of the messages. A fourth address field (for example, an A4 field indicating the destination address of the messages) can be set to the destination address of the messages. 
       FIG. 13A  shows an exemplary relay information element  1300 . One or more messages in the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B, and 5 , respectively, can include the relay information element  1300  such as, for example, a beacon and/or probe response. In the illustrated embodiment, the relay information element  1300  includes an element identification (ID)  1305 , a length field  1310 , and a relay control field  1315 . A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the relay information element  1300  can include additional fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized. 
     The element identifier field  1305  shown is one octet long. In some implementations, the element identifier field  1305  can be two, five, or twelve octets long. In some implementations, the element identifier field  1305  can be of variable length, such as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The element identifier field  1305  can include a value which identifies the element as a relay element  1300 . 
     The length field  1310  can be used to indicate the length of the relay element  1300  or the relay control field  1315 . The length field  1310  shown in  FIG. 13A  is one octet long. In some implementations, the length field  1310  can be two, five, or twelve octets long. In some implementations, the length field  1310  can be of variable length, such as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. 
     The relay control field  1315  can be configured to provide one or more parameters supporting relay operation. The relay control field  1315  shown in  FIG. 13A  is one octet long. In some implementations, the relay control field  1315  can be two, five, or twelve octets long. In some implementations, relay control field  1315  can be of variable length, such as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. In some implementations, the relay control field  1315  includes a value which indicates whether a transmitting node is a root node or is a relay, in which case it may be relaying an SSID of a parent node. In the illustrated embodiment, the relay control  1315  field value is a one-bit boolean indication. In some implementations, the relay control field value can be a multi-bit field. 
       FIG. 13B  shows exemplary relay control  1315  field values and meanings associated with the values. In some implementations, when the relay control  1315  field value is 0, the transmitting node is a root AP node  1320 . In some implementations, when the relay control  1315  field value is 1, the transmitting node is a relay and may be relaying the SSID  1325  of the parent node such as, for example, the AP  104  ( FIG. 5 ). Relay control  1315  field values 2-255 can be reserved  1330 . 
     In some implementations, when the relay control  1315  field value is from 0-255, the meaning indicates a node to which the relayed SSID belongs (for example, via an address of the node originating the relayed SSID). In some implementations, when the relay control  1315  field value is from 0-255, the meaning indicates a type of node, for example, a value of 0 indicates a root node, a value of 1 indicates a relay associated to the root node, a value of 2 indicates the node is a relay associated with a relay that indicated a value of 1, i.e. the field may implicitly represent the number of ‘hops’ to reach the root AP. In one embodiment, a value greater than 0 also indicates that the SSID is relayed and is the same as the root AP. In another embodiment, the SSID could be different. 
       FIG. 14A  shows an exemplary reachable address update frame  1400  format. This reachable address update frame  1400  can include information about addresses that can be reached through a transmitting node, to enhance network routing in implementations described herein. One or more devices in the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B, and 5 , respectively, can transmit the reachable address update frame  1400 . As shown, the reachable address update frame  1400  includes a category field  1405 , an action field  1410 , and one or more reachable addresses element(s)  1420 . A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the reachable address update frame  1400  can include additional fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized. 
     The category field  1405  shown in  FIG. 14A  is one octet. In some implementations, the category field  1405  can be two, four, or twelve octets. In some implementations, the category field  1405  can be of variable length, such as from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The category field  1405  can provide information that identifies the type of management frame being transmitted. In this case, the category can be “relay action.” 
     The action field  1410  shown in  FIG. 14A  is a one octet field. In some implementations, the action field  1410  can be two, four, or twelve octets. In some implementations, the action field  1410  can be of variable length, such as from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The action field  1410  can identify an action associated with the category specified in the category field  1405 . In this case, the action can be a “reachable address update.” For example, a relay action field  1410  value of zero can indicate that the frame  1400  is a reachable address update frame. Action field  1410  values 1-255 can be reserved. 
     In some implementations, the reachable addresses element  1420  shown in  FIG. 14A  specifies the addresses (such as MAC addresses) that can be reached through the transmitting relay node. 
       FIG. 14B  shows an exemplary reachable addresses element  1420 . One or more messages in the wireless communication system  200 ,  250 ,  400 ,  450 ,  475 , and/or  500 , described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4B, and 5 , respectively, can include the reachable addresses element  1420  such as, for example, a beacon and/or probe response. In the illustrated embodiment, the reachable addresses element  1420  includes an element identification (ID)  1425 , a length field  1430 , an address count field  1435 , and a reachable addresses field  1440 . A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the reachable addresses element  1420  can include additional fields, and fields can be rearranged, removed, and/or resized. 
     The element identifier field  1425  shown is one octet long. In some implementations, the element identifier field  1425  can be two, five, or twelve octets long. In some implementations, the element identifier field  1425  can be of variable length, such as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The element identifier field  1425  can include a value which identifies the element as a reachable address element  1420 . The length field  1430  can be used to indicate the length of the reachable address element  1420 , the address count field  1435 , or the reachable addresses field  1440 . The length field  1430  shown in  FIG. 14B  is one octet long. In some implementations, the length field  1430  can be two, five, or twelve octets long. In some implementations, the length field  1430  can be of variable length, such as varying length from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. 
     The address count field  1435  shown in  FIG. 14B  is a two octet field. In some implementations, the address count field  1435  can be one, four, or twelve octets. In some implementations, the address count field  1435  can be of variable length, such as from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. The address count field  1435  can indicate the number of addresses (such as MAC addresses) contained in the reachable addresses field  1440 . A value of zero can indicate that no reachable addresses are included in the reachable address element  1420 . 
     The reachable addresses field  1440  shown in  FIG. 14B  has a variable length. In an embodiment, the reachable addresses field  1440  can be n times 6 octets in length, where n is the value specified in the address count field  1435 . The length can vary from signal to signal and/or as between service providers. In some implementations, the reachable addresses field  1440  has a fixed length. For example, the reachable addresses field  1440  can be one, two, five, or twelve octets long. 
     As used herein, the term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like. Further, a “channel width” as used herein can encompass or can also be referred to as a bandwidth in certain aspects. 
     As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. 
     The various operations of methods described above can be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the operations, such as various hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). Generally, any operations illustrated in the Figures can be performed by corresponding functional means capable of performing the operations. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     In one or more aspects, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Thus, in some aspects computer readable medium can include non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., tangible media). In addition, in some aspects computer readable medium can include transitory computer readable medium (e.g., a signal). Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions can be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     The functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions on a computer-readable medium. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. 
     Thus, certain aspects can include a computer program product for performing the operations presented herein. For example, such a computer program product can include a computer readable medium having instructions stored (and/or encoded) thereon, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein. For certain aspects, the computer program product can include packaging material. 
     Software or instructions can also be transmitted over a transmission medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of transmission medium. 
     Further, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other appropriate means for performing the methods and techniques described herein can be downloaded and/or otherwise obtained by a user terminal and/or base station as applicable. For example, such a device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively, various methods described herein can be provided via storage means (e.g., RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a user terminal and/or base station can obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing the storage means to the device. Moreover, any other suitable technique for providing the methods and techniques described herein to a device can be utilized. 
     It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes and variations can be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, other and further aspects of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.