Patent Publication Number: US-2018035309-A1

Title: Systems and methods for simplified store and forward relays

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/837,597, filed Mar. 15, 2013, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMPLIFIED STORE AND FORWARD RELAYS,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/659,395 filed Jun. 13, 2012, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMPLIFIED STORE AND FORWARD RELAYS.” U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/837,597 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/659,395 are assigned to the assignee hereof and are incorporated by reference in this application in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     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. 
     Background 
     In many telecommunication systems, communications networks are used to exchange messages among several interacting spatially-separated devices. Networks may 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/routing 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 may transmit/receive information between each other. In some aspects, the devices in the wireless network may have a poor connection and/or may not be able to communicate with each other. Thus, improved systems, methods, and devices for communicating in a wireless network are desired. 
     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 includes a method for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The method includes transmitting a request-to-send message to a relay, receiving a clear-to-send message from the relay, transmitting data identified by a first sequence number to a station based, at least in part, on receiving the clear-to-send message from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit a request-to-send to a relay, a receiver configured to receive a clear-to-send from the relay. The transmitter is further configured to transmit data identified by a first sequence number to a station based, at least in part, on receiving the clear-to-send message from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes means for transmitting a request-to-send to a relay, means for receiving a clear-to-send from the relay, and means for transmitting data identified by a first sequence number to a station based, at least in part, on receiving the from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed includes a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to transmit a request-to-send message to a relay, receive a clear-to-send message from the relay, and transmit data identified by a first sequence number to a station based, at least in part, on receiving the clear-to-send message from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect is a method for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The method includes transmitting a request-to-send message to a relay, receiving a clear-to-send message from the relay, and transmitting data to an access point based at least in part, on the clear-to-send message received from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit a request-to-send message to a relay, a receiver configured to receive a clear-to-send message from the relay. The transmitter is further configured to transmit data to an access point based at least in part, on the clear-to-send received from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect includes an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes means for transmitting a request-to-send message to a relay, means for receiving a clear-to-send message from the relay, and means for transmitting data to an access point based at least in part, on the clear-to-send message received from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect includes a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to transmit a request-to-send message to a relay, receive a clear-to-send message from the relay, and transmit data to an access point based at least in part, on the clear-to-send message received from the relay. 
     Another innovative aspect is a method for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The method includes receiving a data packet transmitted to an access point by a station, determining whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the access point during a time period following the receiving, and transmitting the data packet to the access point if no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet transmitted by a station to an access point, a processor configured to determine whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the access point during a time period following the receiving, and a transmitter configured to transmit the data packet to the access point if no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes means for receiving a data packet transmitted by a station to an access point, means for determining whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the access point during a time period following the receiving, and means for transmitting the data packet to the access point if no acknowledgement has been transmitted. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to receive a data packet transmitted by a station to an access point, determine whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the access point during a time period following the receiving, and transmit the data packet to the access point if no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed includes a method for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The method includes receiving a data packet, wherein the data packet includes the first sequence number, and transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement wherein the relay-able acknowledgement includes a first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet. The data packet includes a first sequence number. The apparatus also includes a transmitter configured to transmit a relay-able acknowledgement. The relay-able acknowledgement includes the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect includes an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes means for receiving a data packet. The data packet includes the first sequence number. The apparatus also includes means for transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to receive a data packet, including a first sequence number, and transmit a relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect is a method for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The method includes receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message transmitted to an access point by a station. The relay-able acknowledgment includes a first sequence number. The method also includes transmitting the relay-able acknowledgement to the access point. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed includes an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a relay-able acknowledgement transmitted to the access point from the station. A sequence number in the relay-able acknowledgement includes a first sequence number. The apparatus also includes a transmitter configured to transmit the relay-able acknowledgement to the access point. 
     Another innovative aspect includes an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes means for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message transmitted to an access point by a station. The relay-able acknowledgment includes a first sequence number. The apparatus also includes means for transmitting the relay-able acknowledgement to the access point. 
     Another innovative aspect is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to receive a relay-able acknowledgement message transmitted to an access point by a station. The relay-able acknowledgment includes a first sequence number. Additional instructions cause the apparatus to transmit the relay-able acknowledgement to the access point. 
     Another innovative aspect includes a method for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The method includes transmitting data identified by a first sequence number, and receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect includes an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit data to a station. The data is identified by a first sequence number. The apparatus also includes a receiver configured to receive a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect is an apparatus for communicating data in a wireless communications network. The apparatus includes means for transmitting data to a station. The data is identified by a first sequence number. The apparatus also includes means for receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to transmit data to a station, wherein the data is identified by a first sequence number, and receive a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another innovative aspect disclosed is a method for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes transmitting, by the first station, a request-to-send message to a relay, receiving, by the first station, a clear-to-send message from the relay, transmitting, by the first station, data identified by a first sequence number to the second station based, at least in part, on receiving the clear-to-send message from the relay, and receiving, by the first station, a first relay-able acknowledgement message from either the second station or the relay, wherein the first relay-able acknowledgement message includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit a request-to-send to the relay, a receiver configured to receive a clear-to-send from the relay, a transmitter configured to transmit data identified by a first sequence number to a first station based, at least in part, on receiving the clear-to-send message from the relay, and a receiver configured to receive a first relay-able acknowledgement message from either the first station or the relay, wherein the first relay-able acknowledgement message includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes means for transmitting a request-to-send to a relay, means for receiving a clear-to-send from the relay, means for transmitting data identified by a first sequence number to the first station based, at least in part, on receiving the from the relay, and means for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message from either the first station or the relay, wherein the relay-able acknowledgement message includes the first sequence number, wherein the relay-able acknowledgement message includes a transmitter&#39;s address. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to perform a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes transmitting a request-to-send message to a relay, receiving a clear-to-send message from the relay, transmitting data identified by a first sequence number to the first station based, at least in part, on receiving the clear-to-send message from the relay, and receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message from either the first station or the relay, wherein the relay-able acknowledgement message includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a method for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes transmitting, by the first station, a request-to-send message to a relay, receiving, by the first station, a clear-to-send message from the relay, and transmitting, by the first station, data to the second station based at least in part, on the clear-to-send message received from the relay. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit a request-to-send message to a relay, and a receiver configured to receive a clear-to-send message from the relay, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit data to the first station based at least in part, on the clear-to-send received from the relay. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay, the apparatus includes means for transmitting a request-to-send message to a relay, means for receiving a clear-to-send message from the relay, and means for transmitting data to a first station based at least in part, on the clear-to-send message received from the relay. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to perform a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes transmitting a request-to-send message to a relay, receiving a clear-to-send message from the relay, and transmitting data to the first station based at least in part, on the clear-to-send message received from the relay. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a method for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes receiving, by the relay, a data packet transmitted to the first station by the second station, determining, by the relay, whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the first station during a time period following the receiving, and transmitting, by the relay, the data packet to the first station if no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet transmitted by the first station to a second station, a processor configured to determine whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the second station during a time period following the receiving, and a transmitter configured to transmit the data packet to the second station if no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes means for receiving a data packet transmitted by the first station to the second station, means for determining whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the second station during a time period following the receiving, and means for transmitting the data packet to the second station if no acknowledgement has been transmitted. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to perform a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes receiving a data packet transmitted by the first station to the second station, determining whether an acknowledgement has been transmitted by the second station during a time period following the receiving, and transmitting the data packet to the second station if no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a method for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes receiving, by the first station, a data packet, wherein the data packet includes a first sequence number, and transmitting, by the first station, a relay-able acknowledgement wherein the relay-able acknowledgement includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet, wherein the data packet includes a first sequence number, and a transmitter configured to transmit a relay-able acknowledgement, wherein the relay-able acknowledgement includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes means for receiving a data packet, wherein the data packet includes the first sequence number, and means for transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement wherein the relay-able acknowledgement includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to perform a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes receiving a data packet, wherein the data packet includes a first sequence number, and transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement, wherein the relay-able acknowledgement includes the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a method for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes receiving, by the relay, a relay-able acknowledgement message transmitted to the first station by the second station, wherein the relay-able acknowledgment includes a first sequence number, and transmitting, by the relay, the relay-able acknowledgement to the first station. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a relay-able acknowledgement transmitted to the first station from the second station, wherein a sequence number in the relay-able acknowledgement includes a first sequence number; and a transmitter configured to transmit the relay-able acknowledgement to the first station. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes means for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message transmitted to the first station by the second station, wherein the relay-able acknowledgment includes a first sequence number, and means for transmitting the relay-able acknowledgement to the first station. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to perform a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message transmitted to the first station by the second station, wherein the relay-able acknowledgment includes a first sequence number, and transmitting the relay-able acknowledgement to the first station. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a method for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes transmitting data identified by a first sequence number, and receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes a transmitter configured to transmit data to the first station, wherein the data is identified by a first sequence number, and a receiver configured to receive a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is an apparatus for relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The apparatus includes means for transmitting data to the first station, wherein the data is identified by a first sequence number, and means for receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
     Another aspect disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause an apparatus to perform a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a first station and a second station using a relay. The method includes transmitting data to the first station, wherein the data is identified by a first sequence number, and receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement including the first sequence number. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary wireless communication system in which aspects of the present disclosure may be employed. 
         FIG. 2  shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary wireless device that may be employed within the wireless communication system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a wireless communications system comprising an access point, a station, and a relay. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a timing diagram  400  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is a store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. 
         FIG. 5A  is a flowchart of a process for establishing an association between a STA and a relay in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  550  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300   
         FIG. 6A  is a flowchart of a process for establishing an association between a STA and a relay in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  665  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . 
         FIG. 6C  is a flowchart of a process for establishing an association between a STA and a relay in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 6D  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  695  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300   
         FIG. 7  illustrates a timing diagram  700  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. 
         FIG. 8A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data from a first station to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 8B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  850  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a timing diagram  900  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. 
         FIG. 10A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data from a first station to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 10B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1030  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . 
         FIG. 11A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data from a first station to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 11B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1140  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a timing diagram  1200  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates one implementation of a packet format for a relay-able acknowledgement  1230 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a flowchart of a process for acknowledging data sent by from a first station to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 13B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1350  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300   
         FIG. 14A  is a flowchart of a process for retransmitting a relay-able acknowledgement in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 14B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1450  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . 
         FIG. 15A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         FIG. 15B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1540  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, 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 may be implemented or a method may 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 may 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 may include various types of wireless local area networks (WLANs). A WLAN may be used to interconnect nearby devices together, employing widely used networking protocols. The various aspects described herein may apply to any communication standard, such as a wireless protocol. 
     In some aspects, wireless signals in a sub-gigahertz band may be transmitted according to the 802.11ah 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 802.11ah protocol may be used for sensors, metering, and smart grid networks. Advantageously, aspects of certain devices implementing the 802.11ah protocol may consume less power than devices implementing other wireless protocols, and/or may 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 devices which are the components that access the wireless network. For example, there may be two types of devices: access points (“APs”) and clients (also referred to as stations, or “STAs”). In general, an AP may serve as a hub or base station for the WLAN and a STA serves as a user of the WLAN. For example, a STA may be a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc. In an example, a STA connects to an AP via a WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol such as 802.11ah) compliant wireless link to obtain general connectivity to the Internet or to other wide area networks. In some implementations a STA may also be used as an AP. 
     An access point (“AP”) may also comprise, be implemented as, or known as 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” may also comprise, 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 may comprise 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 may 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 may implement the 802.11ah standard, for example. Such devices, whether used as a STA or AP or other device, may be used for smart metering or in a smart grid network. Such devices may provide sensor applications or be used in home automation. The devices may instead or in addition be used in a healthcare context, for example for personal healthcare. They may also be used for surveillance, to enable extended-range Internet connectivity (e.g. for use with hotspots), or to implement machine-to-machine communications. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary wireless communication system  100  in which aspects of the present disclosure may be employed. The wireless communication system  100  may operate pursuant to a wireless standard, for example the 802.11ah standard. The wireless communication system  100  may include an AP  104 , which communicates with STAs  106 . 
     A variety of processes and methods may be used for transmissions in the wireless communication system  100  between the AP  104  and the STAs  106 . For example, signals may be sent and received between the AP  104  and the STAs  106  in accordance with OFDM/OFDMA techniques. If this is the case, the wireless communication system  100  may be referred to as an OFDM/OFDMA system. Alternatively, signals may be sent and received between the AP  104  and the STAs  106  in accordance with CDMA techniques. If this is the case, the wireless communication system  100  may 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  may 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  may be referred to as an uplink (UL)  110 . Alternatively, a downlink  108  may be referred to as a forward link or a forward channel, and an uplink  110  may be referred to as a reverse link or a reverse channel. 
     The AP  104  may 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 may be referred to as a basic service set (BSS). It should be noted that the wireless communication system  100  may not have a central AP  104 , but rather may function as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs  106 . Accordingly, the functions of the AP  104  described herein may alternatively be performed by one or more of the STAs  106 . 
     The AP  104  may 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 may help the other nodes STAs  106  to synchronize their timing with the AP  104 , or which may provide other information or functionality. Such beacons may be transmitted periodically. In one aspect, the period between successive transmissions may be referred to as a superframe. Transmission of a beacon may be divided into a number of groups or intervals. In one aspect, the beacon may 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 may include information both common (e.g. shared) amongst several devices, and information specific to a given device. 
     In some aspects, a STA  106  may be required to associate with the AP  104  in order to 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  may, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a coverage region. A search may also be performed by the STA  106  by sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example. After receiving the information for associating, the STA  106  may transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or request, to the AP  104 . In some aspects, the AP  104  may use backhaul services, for example, to communicate with a larger network, such as the Internet or a public switched telephone network (PSTN). 
       FIG. 2  shows an exemplary functional block diagram of a wireless device  202  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  of  FIG. 1 . The wireless device  202  is an example of a device that may be configured to implement the various methods described herein. For example, the wireless device  202  may comprise the AP  104 , one of the STAs  106 , or one of the relays  320  and/or  330 . 
     The wireless device  202  may include a processor  204  which controls operation of the wireless device  202 . The processor  204  may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory  206 , which may include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), may provide instructions and data to the processor  204 . A portion of the memory  206  may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processor  204  typically performs logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within the memory  206 . The instructions in the memory  206  may be executable to implement the methods described herein. 
     The processor  204  may comprise or be a component of a processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one or more processors may 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 may 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 may 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  202  may also include a housing  208  that may include a transmitter  210  and/or a receiver  212  to allow transmission and reception of data between the wireless device  202  and a remote location. The transmitter  210  and receiver  212  may be combined into a transceiver  214 . An antenna  216  may be attached to the housing  208  and electrically coupled to the transceiver  214 . The wireless device  202  may also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and/or multiple antennas. 
     The wireless device  202  may also include a signal detector  218  that may be used in an effort to detect and quantify the level of signals received by the transceiver  214 . The signal detector  218  may detect such signals as total energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density and other signals. The wireless device  202  may also include a digital signal processor (DSP)  220  for use in processing signals. The DSP  220  may be configured to generate a packet for transmission. In some aspects, the packet may comprise a physical layer data unit (PPDU). 
     The wireless device  202  may further comprise a user interface  222  in some aspects. The user interface  222  may comprise a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, and/or a display. The user interface  222  may include any element or component that conveys information to a user of the wireless device  202  and/or receives input from the user. 
     The various components of the wireless device  202  may be coupled together by a bus system  226 . The bus system  226  may 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  202  may 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. 2 , those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the components may be combined or commonly implemented. For example, the processor  204  may be used to implement not only the functionality described above with respect to the processor  204 , but also to implement the functionality described above with respect to the signal detector  218  and/or the DSP  220 . Further, each of the components illustrated in  FIG. 2  may be implemented using a plurality of separate elements. 
     The wireless device  202  may comprise an AP  104 , a STA  106 , a relay  320 , and/or an association relay  330 , and may be used to transmit and/or receive communications. That is, either AP  104 , STA  106 , relay  320 , or association relay  330  may serve as transmitter or receiver devices. Certain aspects contemplate signal detector  218  being used by software running on memory  206  and processor  204  to detect the presence of a transmitter or receiver. 
     In some embodiments, AP  104  and STA  106  may not be able to communicate properly with each other. For example, AP  104  and STA  106  may be able to communicate with each other, but at a lower than desired data rate. In another example, AP  104  and/or STA  106  may be out of a transmit range of the other such that AP  104  and STA  106  cannot communicate with each other. Another device, such as a relay, may be utilized to form a bridge between the AP  104  and the STA  106  such that they can communicate properly with each other. For example, a store and forward relay may receive messages from the AP  104  and/or STA  106 , determine an intended recipient of the messages, and forward the messages to the intended recipient. Store and forward relays may reduce median packet transmit times by half. 
     In some embodiments, the communication between AP  104  and STA  106  may be intermittent. Because an access point  104  may have a greater transmit power than a station, in some embodiments, the station may be able to receive data transmitted by the access point, but the access point may be unable to receive data transmitted by the station. In these embodiments, a store and forward relay may receive messages from the AP  104  and/or STA  106 . In some embodiments, the store and forward relay may determine whether data packets transmitted by the STA to the AP were received successfully by the AP. When the store and forward relay determines the packets were not successfully received by the AP  104 , the store and forward relay may retransmit the packets to the access point. In some embodiments, the relay may also provide arbitration services between the access point and the station. For example, the access point or the station may perform a request to send message/clear to send message exchange with the relay before transmitting data to the other. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a wireless communications system  300  comprising an AP  304 , a STA  306 , and a relay  320 . Note that while only one STA  306  and only one relay  320  are illustrated, the wireless communications system  300  may comprise any number of STAs and relays. In some embodiments, the AP  304  and the STA  306  can communicate with each other via the UL/DL transmissions  349 / 348 . However, the AP  304  and the STA  306  may have a poor connection. For example, because the access point  304  may have a longer transmission range than the station, the station may be within the transmission range of the access point, while the access point is outside the transmission range of the station. In these embodiments, the AP  304  and the STA  306  may be able to communicate via the downlink (DL) connection  348  but may be only able to intermittently communicate via the uplink (UL) connection  349 . In some embodiments, very little or no communication may be possible over uplink connection  349 . 
     In certain aspects, if the AP  304  and the STA  306  have a poor connection and can communicate only intermittently or only via an DL transmission  348 , a relay, such as the relay  320 , may be set up to facilitate communication between the AP  304  and the STA  306 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a timing diagram  400  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is a store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. The timing diagram illustrates a sequence of messages between the STA  306 , relay  320 , and AP  304  that establish an association between the STA  306  and the relay  320 . When the illustrated sequence of messages has been performed, the relay  320  may provide relay services for communication between the STA  306  and the AP  304 . Relay services may improve the ability of the AP  304  and the STA  306  to communicate. For example, the STA  306  may be within the transmit range of the AP  304 , such that the STA  306  may receive transmissions of the AP  304 . The AP  304  may be outside the transmit range of the STA  306 , or may be intermittently able to receive transmissions from the STA  306 . 
     Relay services may include the store and forwarding of data packets transmitted from the STA to the AP. Relay services may also include arbitration of a wireless medium. For example, the relay may respond to a request to send (RTS) network message with a clear to send (CTS) network message. Upon receiving the CTS from the relay, the STA and/or the AP may initiate transmission to the other node. 
     In an embodiment, the STA  306  generates a probe request  405  over the channel. In an embodiment, the probe request is addressed to one of a wildcard SSID and a BSSID of a BSS in which a relay operates. Upon receiving the probe request, the relay  320  transmits a probe response  410  to the STA  306 . The probe response identifies the relay  320  to the STA  306 . In an embodiment, the probe response also comprises an identification of an AP the relay is associated with and capabilities of the relay. 
     The STA  306  may then transmit a relay request  415  to the relay  320 . The relay request message  415  requests that the relay provide relay services for packets transmitted by the STA  306  on the channel. In some implementations, the relay request  415  may use a public action frame. The relay  320  may acknowledge the STAs request by transmitting a relay response  420  to the STA  306 . Once the relay response  420  is received by the STA  306 , the STA  306  transmits a relay confirmation message  425  to the relay  320 . Upon receipt of the relay confirmation message  425 , the relay  320  may provide relay services for communication between the STA  306  and the AP  304  as described above. 
     For example, the STA  306  may transmit an association or authentication network message  435  to the relay  320 . The relay  320  may then forward the association or authentication network message  440  to the AP  304 . Upon receiving the association or authentication message  440 , the AP  304  may respond by transmitting an association or authentication response  445  to the STA  306 . In an embodiment, the association or authentication response  445  may include association identification. 
       FIG. 5A  is a flowchart of a process for establishing an association between a STA and a relay in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In an embodiment, process  500  may be performed by a STA  306 . In processing block  505 , process  500  transmits a probe request. In one embodiment, the probe request may be broadcast. For example, in an embodiment, the probe request is addressed to one of a wildcard SSID and a BSSID of a BSS in which a relay operates. In processing block  510 , a probe response is received from a relay. In an embodiment, the probe response comprises an identification of an AP the relay is associated with and capabilities of the relay. 
     In some implementations, multiple probe responses may be received from one or more relays in processing block  510 . When multiple probe responses are received, a station (STA) may determine whether the multiple probe responses include multiple responses from the same relay. In some implementations, a STA may determine that responses have been received from more than one different relays. The STA in these implementations may select one or more relays for association, while not selecting one or more relays from which it received a probe response. The STA may prioritize the relays identified in the probe responses for selection based on one or more criteria. For example, the STA may determine the strength of a wireless signal between a relay identified in a probe response and the STA. In an embodiment, the STA may select one or more relays with the highest signal strength. 
     Once a relay is selected for association, a relay request message is transmitted to the selected relay by the STA. In an embodiment, the relay request message may correspond to message  415  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In an embodiment, the relay request may include capabilities of the station. For example, capabilities of the STA  306  may include it&#39;s transmit range, a maximum and/or a minimum data rate, a type of data the STA  306  transmits, or the like. In an embodiment, the relay request may use a public action frame. A response to the relay request message is then received from the selected relay in processing block  520 . In an embodiment, the relay response message may correspond to message  420  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The relay response may include an indication of whether the relay will provide relay services to the device running process  500 . In an embodiment, the relay response message received in block  520  may use a public action frame. In processing block  525 , a relay confirmation message is sent from the STA to the relay. In an embodiment, the relay confirmation message may use a public action frame. The relay confirmation message indicates to the relay that it should now provide relay services for network traffic between the STA and the AP identified in the probe response. 
     In an embodiment, the process  500  then transmits an association message to the relay in processing block  530 . In an embodiment, the association message may correspond to message  435  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The association message may include station identification and capabilities information. An association response message may then be received from the access point in processing block  535 . In an embodiment, the association response message may correspond to message  445  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  550  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  550  includes means for transmitting a probe request  555 . In an embodiment, means  555  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  505 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a probe request may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  555  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  550  further includes means  560  for receiving a probe response from a relay. In an embodiment, means  560  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  510 . The means  560  for receiving a probe response from a relay may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  560  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  550  further includes means  565  for transmitting a relay request to the relay. In an embodiment, means  565  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  515 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a relay request to the relay  565  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  565  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  550  further includes means  570  for receiving a relay response from the relay. In an embodiment, the means  570  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  520 . The means  570  for receiving a relay response from the relay may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  565  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  550  further includes means  575  for transmitting a relay confirmation message to the relay. In an embodiment, the means  575  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  525 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a relay confirmation message to the relay  575  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  575  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  550  further includes means  580  for transmitting an association message to the relay. In an embodiment, the means  580  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  530 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting an association request to the relay  580  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  580  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device further includes means  585  for receiving an association response from the access point. In an embodiment, the means  585  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  535 . The means  585  for receiving an association response from the access point may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  585  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 6A  is a flowchart of a process for establishing an association between a STA and a relay in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In an embodiment, process  600  may be performed by a relay, for example, relay  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In processing block  605 , a probe request is received from a station. In an embodiment, the probe request includes information identifying a station that sent the probe request. In processing block  610 , a probe response is sent to the station in response to receiving the probe request. The probe response identifies a relay and an access point. In processing block  615 , a relay request message is received from the STA. In processing block  620 , a relay response message is sent to the STA. In an embodiment, the relay request message and the relay response message may use public action frames. In processing block  625 , a relay confirmation message is received from the STA. In processing block  630 , a notification is sent to an access point (AP) identifying an association between the relay and the station (STA). In processing block  635 , an association request message is received from the STA. In processing block  640 , an association request message is sent to the AP in response to receiving the association request message from the STA. 
     In an embodiment, when the association message is received from the station, the device running process  600  may in response send an association message to an access point. In embodiment where an access point is outside the transmit range of a station, the station may still be able to associate with the access point by using the relay. The relay may substantially forward an association message received from a station to an access point. Upon receiving the association request from the relay, the access point may perform processing to determine if it will allow an association between the station and the access point. After the determination is made, the access point may send an association response to the station. Because the access point may have a higher transmit power than the station, the station may be able to receive transmissions directly from the access point. This may allow the station to receive the association response directly from the station. 
       FIG. 6B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  665  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  665  includes a means  670  for receiving a probe request from a station. In an embodiment, means  670  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  605 . The means  670  for receiving a probe request from a station may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  670  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  672  for transmitting a probe response to the station. In an embodiment, means  672  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  610 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a probe response to the station  672  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  672  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  674  for receiving a relay request from the station. In an embodiment, means  674  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  615 . The means  674  for receiving a relay request from the station may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  674  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  676  for transmitting a relay response to the station. In an embodiment, means  676  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  620 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a relay response to the station  676  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  676  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  678  for receiving a relay configuration message from the station. In an embodiment, means  678  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  625 . The means  678  for receiving a relay configuration message from the station may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  678  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  680  for transmitting a notification to an access point. The notification identifies an association between a relay and the station. In an embodiment, means  680  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  630 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a notification to an access point  680  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  680  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  685  for receiving an association message from the station. In an embodiment, means  685  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  635 . The means  685  for receiving an association message may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  685  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  690  for transmitting an association request to the access point in response to receiving the association request from the station. In an embodiment, means  690  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  640 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting an association request to the access point in response to receiving the association request from the station  690  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  690  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 6C  is a flowchart of a process for establishing an association between a station and a relay in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In an embodiment, process  645  may be performed by an access point, such as access point  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In processing block  650 , a notification is received from a relay. The notification identifies an association between a station and the relay. In processing block  655 , an association request message is received from the station, wherein the message is relayed by the relay. In processing block  660 , an association response message is transmitted to the station. 
       FIG. 6D  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  695  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  695  includes a means  696  for receiving a notification from a relay. The notification identifies an association between a station and the relay. In an embodiment, means  696  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  650 . In an embodiment, the means for receiving a notification from a relay  696  may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  696  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  665  further includes means  697  for receiving an association request message from the STA. The association request message is relayed by the relay. In an embodiment, means  697  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  655 . In an embodiment, the means for receiving an association request message from the STA  697  may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  697  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  695  further includes means  698  for transmitting an association request message to the access point in response to receiving the association request message from the station. In an embodiment, means  698  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  660 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting an association request message to the access point in response to receiving the association request message from the station  698  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  698  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a timing diagram  700  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is a store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. In an embodiment, the AP  304  may be outside the transmit range of the STA  306 , and the relay  320  retransmits messages transmitted by the STA  306  to the AP  304 . In another embodiment, the AP  304  may be able to intermittently receive transmissions from the STA  306 . In this embodiment, the relay  320  may also retransmit messages transmitted by the STA  306  to the AP  304 . 
     The timing diagram begins on the left with the AP  304  transmitting a request to send message (RTS)  705 . After a first time period  730 , the relay  320  responds to the RTS  705  with a clear to send message (CTS)  710 . In one embodiment, the first time period  730  may be substantially equivalent to a Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS) period. After a second time period  735 , the access point (AP)  304  transmits data to the STA  306  as data packet  715 . In one embodiment, the second time period  735  may be substantially equivalent to a SIFS period. After a third time period  740 , the STA  306  responds to the data packet  715  from the AP  304  with a relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK)  720 . The relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK)  720  includes a sequence number identifying the data being acknowledged. For example, in the illustrated example, the R-ACK  720  includes a first sequence number identifying data sent in data packet  715 . The relay-able acknowledgement may also include an address of a node transmitting the relay-able acknowledgement. In one embodiment, the third time period  740  may be substantially equivalent to a SIFS period. When the R-ACK  720  is transmitted by the STA  306  to the AP  304 , it may also be received or intercepted by the relay  320 . The relay  320  may then monitor network activity to determine whether the access point  304  received the R-ACK  725 . For example, if the access point  304  transmits on the network after R-ACK  720  is transmitted by the STA  304 , the relay may determine that the R-ACK  720  has been received by the AP  304 . If access point  304  does not transmit on the network after R-ACK  720  is transmitted by the STA  304 , relay  320  may determine that AP  304  did not receive the R-ACK  720 . In this case, after a fourth time period  745 , the relay retransmits the R-ACK  720  as R-ACK  725 . R-ACK  725  also includes the first sequence number. In an embodiment, the relay may unconditionally retransmit the R-ACK  720  as R-ACK  725 . In one embodiment, the fourth time period  745  may be substantially equivalent to a SIFS period. In an embodiment, the R-ACK  725  also includes a sender&#39;s address. In an embodiment, the relay may set the sender&#39;s address in the R-ACK  725  to be the address of the STA  306 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data from a first station to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some aspects, the first station may be an access point. In some aspects, process  800  is a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a station and an access point using a relay. In an embodiment, process  800  may be performed by an access point, such as access point  304  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In some other aspects, process  800  may be performed by a node operating as an access point. For example, a relay may operate as an access point in some embodiments. In some other embodiments, a station may operate as an access point. 
     In processing block  805 , a request to send message (RTS) is transmitted or sent by process  800  to a relay, such as relay  320 . In an embodiment, processing block  805  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . In processing block  810 , a clear to send message (CTS) is received from the relay. In an embodiment, processing block  810  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In processing block  815 , data identified by a first sequence number is transmitted to the STA based, at least in part, on receiving the CTS from the relay. In an embodiment, processing block  815  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . In processing block  820 , an acknowledgement is received from either the STA or the relay which includes the first sequence number. The acknowledgement is a relay-able acknowledgement. A relay-able acknowledgement may specify a data sequence number corresponding to the data being acknowledged. In some implementations, the sequence number may ensure the idempotency of the acknowledgement, in that, no adverse effects result if more than one acknowledgement is received including the same sequence number. The relay-able acknowledgement may also include a sender&#39;s or transmitter&#39;s address. In an embodiment, including the transmitter&#39;s address in the relay-able acknowledgment may allow a receiving node to correlate the sequence number in the relay-able acknowledgement with a network connection state for the transmitting node maintained by the receiving node. In an embodiment, processing block  820  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . 
       FIG. 8B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  850  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  850  includes means  855  for transmitting a request to send message (RTS) to a relay. In an embodiment, means  855  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  805 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a request to send message (RTS) to a relay  855  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  855  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  850  further includes means  860  for receiving a clear to send message (CTS) from the relay. In an embodiment, means  860  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  810 . The means  860  for receiving a clear to send message (CTS) from the relay may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  860  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  850  further includes means  865  for transmitting or sending data identified by a first sequence number to a station based, at least in part, on receiving the CTS from the relay. In an embodiment, means  865  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  815 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting data identified by a first sequence number to a station based, at least in part, on receiving the CTS from the relay  865  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  865  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  850  further includes means  870  for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) from either the station or the relay, wherein the R-ACK includes the first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  870  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  820 . The means  870  for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement from either the station or the relay may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  870  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a timing diagram  900  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is a store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel. Timing diagram  900  illustrates one embodiment of a STA  306  transmitting data to an AP  304 . In one embodiment, the AP  304  may be outside the transmit range of the STA  306 . In another embodiment, the AP  304  may be intermittently able to receive communications transmitted by the STA  306 . 
     The timing diagram begins with the STA  306  transmitting a request to send message (RTS)  905  to the relay  320 . After a first time period  930 , the relay  320  responds with a clear to send (CTS) message  910 . In one embodiment, the first time period  930  may be substantially equivalent to a SIFS time period. After a second time period  935 , the STA  306  transmits data to the AP  304  with data packet  915 . In one embodiment, the second time period  935  may be substantially equivalent to a SIFS time period. When the STA  306  transmits the data to the AP  304 , the data may be intercepted or received by the relay. The data may be received by the relay even though the receiver address specified in a data packet including the data is not the relay&#39;s address. The relay may then monitor the network activity of the AP  304  to determine if it acknowledges the data. If no acknowledgement of the data packet  915  is detected by the relay  320 , the relay  320  may determine that the AP  304  did not receive the data packet  915 . In this case, after a third time period  940 , the relay  320  may retransmit the data packet  915  as data packet  920 . In one embodiment, the third time period  940  may be substantially equivalent to a Point Coordination Function Inter-frame Space (PIFS) time period. After a fourth time period  945 , the access point  304  may acknowledge the data packet  915  or  920  with acknowledgement message  925 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data from a first station to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some aspects, the second station may be an access point. In some aspects, process  1000  is a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a station and an access point using a relay. In an embodiment, process  1000  may be performed by a station, such as station  306  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In processing block  1005 , process  1000  transmits a request to send message (RTS) to a relay. In an embodiment, processing block  1005  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . In processing block  1010 , a clear to send message (CTS) is received from the relay. In an embodiment, processing block  1010  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In processing block  1015 , data is transmitted to the second station based, at least in part, on the CTS received from the relay. In an embodiment, processing block  15  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . 
       FIG. 10B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1030  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  1030  includes means  1035  for transmitting a request to send message to a relay. In an embodiment, means  1035  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1005 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a request to send message to a relay  1035  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1035  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1030  further includes means  1040  for receiving a clear to send message from the relay. In an embodiment, means  1040  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1010 . The means  1040  for receiving a clear to send message from the relay may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1040  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1030  further includes means  1045  for transmitting data to a station based at least in part, on the CTS received from the relay. In an embodiment, means  1045  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1015 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting data to a station based at least in part, on the CTS received from the relay may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1045  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 11A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data from a first station (STA) to a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some aspects, the second station is an access point. In some aspects, process  1100  is a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a station and an access point using a relay. In an embodiment, process  1100  may be performed by a store and forward relay, such as relay  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In processing block  1105  a data packet transmitted by a first station to a second station is received or intercepted. In some implementations, a relay running process  1100  may intercept or receive wireless packets with a destination address other than the relay itself. For example, the data packet received in processing block  1105  may have a destination address of the second station. However, because the data packet may be transmitted over a wireless network, the data packet can be received by a relay regardless of the destination address specified in the data packet. In an embodiment, processing block  1105  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In decision block  1115 , process  1100  determines if an acknowledgement packet has been transmitted by the second station for the data received in processing block  1105  during a time period. In an embodiment, the time period may be at least one PCF Inter-frame Space (PIFS) time period. If the second station did acknowledgement the data during the time period, the relay does not need to retransmit the data, since the second station successfully received it. In this case, process  1100  may continue other processing in block  1118 . In an embodiment, processing block  1105  may be implemented by the processor  204 . If no acknowledgement has been transmitted during the time period, processing block  1120  transmits the data received or intercepted from the first station to the second station. In an embodiment, processing block  1120  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . 
       FIG. 11B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1140  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  1140  includes means  1145  for receiving a data packet transmitted by a first station to a second station. In an embodiment, means  1145  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1105 . The means  1145  for receiving a data packet transmitted from a first station to a second station may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1145  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1140  further includes means  1155  for determining whether an acknowledgement packet has been transmitted by the second station during a time period. In an embodiment, the time period may be substantially equivalent to a PCF Inter-frame Space (PIFS) time period. In an embodiment, means  1155  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1115 . In an embodiment, the means  1155  for determining whether an acknowledgement packet has been transmitted by the second station during a time period may include a processor, such as processor  204  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1155  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1140  further includes means  1160  for transmitting the data packet to the second station if the acknowledgement has not been transmitted. In an embodiment, means  1160  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1120 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting the data packet to the second station if the acknowledgement has not been transmitted  1160  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1160  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates a timing diagram  1200  of a system including the AP  304 , the STA  306 , and the relay  320 , where the relay  320  is store and forward relay and all three devices communicate over a channel.  FIG. 12A  illustrates a method of transmitting data on a wireless network. Specifically,  FIG. 12A  illustrates transmitting data from an access point to a station (STA)  306 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 12A , the station  306  may be within the transmit range of the access point  304 , but the access point  304  may not be within the transmit range of the station  304 . The relay  320  may be within the transmit range of both the station  306  and the access point  304 . Note that in some aspects, the access point may instead be a node operating as an access point on the network. For example, a relay may operate as an access point in some embodiments, for example, network environments that are configured with multiple relays between a station and a true access point may include one or more relays that appear as access points to at least some nodes within the network environment. In some other embodiments, a station may operate as an access point. 
     The timing diagram starts with the access point (AP)  304  transmitting data to the STA  306 . This is represented as data packet  1205 . After a first period of time  1220 , the STA  306  responds with a relay-able acknowledgement  1210 . In some implementations the first period of time may be equivalent to a Short Inter Frame Space (SIPS) time period. In an embodiment, the AP  304  may be outside the transmit range of the STA  306 . In this embodiment, the AP  304  may not receive the relay-able acknowledgement  1210 . Therefore, after a second time period, the relay  320  retransmits the relay-able-acknowledgement  1210  as relay-able acknowledgement  1215 . 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates one implementation of a packet format for a relay-able acknowledgement  1230 . For example, relay-able acknowledgement packet  1230  may correspond to relay-able acknowledgement  1210  or  1215  illustrated in  FIG. 12A . The relay-able acknowledgement  1230  includes frame control  1230   a  and duration  1230   b  fields. The receiver address field  1230   c  will be set to the address of the access point when the STA  306  acknowledges data sent by the access point  304 . The transmit address of the frame  1230   d  will be set to the address of the STA  306 . The relay-able acknowledgement frame  1230  also includes a sequence number field  1230   e.  A sequence number stored in the sequence number field corresponds to the sequence number included in the data packet (for example, data packet  1205 ) being acknowledged by the relay-able acknowledgement. The relay-able acknowledgement also includes a frame check sequence field  1230   f.    
       FIG. 13A  is a flowchart of a process for acknowledging data sent by a first station and received by a second station in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some aspects, process  1300  is a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a station and an access point using a relay. In an embodiment, process  1300  may be performed by a station, such as STA  306  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In processing block  1305 , a data packet is received from the first station. Note that in some aspects, the first station may be operating as an AP as discussed above. The data packet includes a first sequence number. In an embodiment, processing block  1305  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In processing block  1310 , the data received in processing block  1305  is acknowledged by transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement that includes the first sequence number. In an embodiment, the relay-able acknowledgement may also include a transmitter&#39;s address. In an embodiment, processing block  1310  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . 
       FIG. 13B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1350  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  1350  includes means  1355  for receiving a data packet from a station, wherein the data packet includes a first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1355  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1305 . The means  1355  for receiving a data packet from a station, wherein the data packet includes a first sequence number may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1355  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1350  further includes means  1360  for transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement that includes the first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1360  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1310 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting a relay-able acknowledgement that includes the first sequence number  1360  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1360  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s) 
       FIG. 14A  is a flowchart of a process for retransmitting a relay-able acknowledgement in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some aspects, process  1400  is a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a station and an access point using a relay. In an embodiment, process  1400  may be performed by a store and forward relay, such as relay  320  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In processing block  1405 , a data packet transmitted to a first station by a second station is received. The data packet includes a first sequence number. In an embodiment, processing block  1405  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . In processing block  1410 , a relay-able acknowledgment transmitted by the first station to the second station is received. A sequence number in the R-ACK is equivalent to the first sequence number. The R-ACK may also include a transmitter&#39;s address. For example, the R-ACK may include the address of the STA. In an embodiment, processing block  1405  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In processing block  1425 , the relay-able acknowledgement is transmitted to the access point. In an embodiment, the relay may wait a Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS) time period before transmitting the relay-able acknowledgment. In an embodiment, processing block  1425  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . In an embodiment, if transmissions by the access point are detected by the relay during the SIFS time period, the relay-able acknowledgement may not be transmitted in block  1425 . 
       FIG. 14B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1450  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  1450  includes means  1455  for receiving a data packet transmitted to a first station by a second station. The data packet includes a first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1455  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1405 . The device  1450  further includes means  1460  for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) transmitted to the second station by the first station. A sequence number in the R-ACK is equivalent to the first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1460  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1410 . The means  1460  for receiving a relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) transmitted to the second station by the first station may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1460  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1475  further includes means  1475  for transmitting the R-ACK to the second station. In an embodiment, means  1475  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1425 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting the R-ACK to the second station  1475  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1475  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). 
       FIG. 15A  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting data in the wireless communications system of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some aspects, process  1500  is a method of relaying data in an 802.11 wireless communications network between a station and an access point using a relay. In one aspect, process  1500  is performed by a relay. In processing block  1505 , data is transmitted to a station. The data is identified with a first sequence number. For example, in some implementations, the data sent to the station (SDA) may be sent in a data packet. The data packet may be composed of several fields, for example, a receiver address field, a transmitter address field, and a sequence number field. In an embodiment, the first sequence number may be encoded in a field of the data packet. In an embodiment, processing block  1505  may be implemented by the transmitter  210 . In processing block  1510 , a first relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) is received. The first R-ACK includes the first sequence number. The R-ACK may also include a transmitter&#39;s address. In some implementations, this first relay-able acknowledgement may have been sent or transmitted by the SDA. The first relay-able acknowledgement may also have been sent or transmitted by a relay. In an embodiment, processing block  1510  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In processing block  1515 , an indication that data identified by the first sequence number has been acknowledged is stored. In an embodiment, processing block  1515  may be implemented by the processor  204 . In processing block  1520 , a second R-ACK is received with a second sequence number. The second R-ACK may also include a transmitter&#39;s address. The second sequence number may be equivalent to the first sequence number. In an embodiment, processing block  1520  may be implemented by the receiver  212 . In processing block  1525 , an indication that data identified by the second sequence number has been acknowledged is stored. If the first sequence number and second sequence number received in the illustrated process  1500  are equivalent, the same data may be marked as acknowledged twice in some implementations. When receiving a relay-able acknowledgement message, some other implementations may first determine whether data corresponding to a sequence number included in the relay-able acknowledgement message has previously been acknowledged. If data identified by the R-ACK sequence number has already been acknowledged, these implementations may simply drop the relay-able acknowledgement message without further processing. In an embodiment, processing block  1525  may be implemented by the processor  204 . 
     In some networking environments, processing blocks  1520  and  1525  may not be performed for all transmitted data packets. For example, in some networking environments, an access point and a station may not be able to communicate properly with each other. The access point may be out of the transmit range of the station, such that the access point and the station cannot communicate directly with each other. In these environments, the relay-able acknowledgement may be sent by the station, but not received by an access point running process  1500 . In these environments, a relay may retransmit the relay-able acknowledgement on behalf of the station. Because the relay may have a stronger transmit power than the station, or because the relay may be positioned more closely to the access point than the station, the relay&#39;s retransmission of the acknowledgement may be received by the access point. In these network environments, only one relay-able acknowledgement may be received by an access point running process  1500 . This may be the case even if two relay-able acknowledgements are sent. For example, one R-ACK may be sent by a station and one R-ACK may be sent by a relay. Yet, only one R-ACK may be received by an access point running process  1500 . 
       FIG. 15B  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary device  1540  that may be employed within the wireless communication system  100  or  300 . The device  1540  includes means  1545  for transmitting data to a station, wherein the data is identified by a first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1545  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1505 . In an embodiment, the means for transmitting data to a station, wherein the data is identified by a first sequence number  1545  may include a transmitter, such as transmitter  210  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1545  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1540  further includes means  1550  for receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) including the first sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1550  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1510 . The means  1550  for receiving a first relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) including the first sequence number may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1550  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1540  further includes means  1555  for storing an indication that data identified by the first sequence number has been acknowledged. In an embodiment, means  1555  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1515 . The device  1540  further includes means  1560  for receiving a second relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) including a second sequence number. In an embodiment, means  1560  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1520 . The means  1560  for receiving a second relay-able acknowledgement (R-ACK) including a second sequence number may include a receiver, such as receiver  212  of  FIG. 2 . Means  1560  may also include one or more of a processor, signal generator, transceiver, decoder, or a combination of hardware and/or software component(s), circuits, and/or module(s). The device  1540  further includes means  1565  for storing an indication that data identified by the second sequence number has been acknowledged. In an embodiment, means  1565  may be configured to perform one or more of the functions discussed above with respect to block  1525 . 
     As used herein, the term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, “determining” may 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” may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like. Further, a “channel width” as used herein may encompass or may 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 may 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 may 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 may 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 may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. A processor may 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 may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may 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 may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise 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 may comprise non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., tangible media). In addition, in some aspects computer readable medium may comprise 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 comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may 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 may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     The functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions on a computer-readable medium. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise 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 may comprise a computer program product for performing the operations presented herein. For example, such a computer program product may comprise 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 may include packaging material. 
     Software or instructions may 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 may 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 may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.