Patent ID: 8050204

Claim:
A wireless network comprising: a first access point having a variable coverage area; a first group of access points forming a concentric ring around the first access point; wherein the variable coverage area of the first access point can be configured to either overlap or not overlap coverage areas of the first group of access points; and a second group of access points forming concentric rings of coverage around each access point within the first group of access points such that the concentric rings are turned off or on based on load of the wireless network, wherein at light load, one or more of the concentric rings are turned off, and the second group of access points are left on when supporting large coverage areas; and wherein each access point within the first group has a variable coverage area to overlap or not overlap coverage areas of the second group; wherein the following regarding the access points are identified: number of access points, locations of access points, transmit power of access points, and load distribution of switches of the access points.