Patent ID: 8660136

Claim:
A method to coordinate spectrum measurement periods by access points or base stations for use in a time division duplex cognitive radio system where a media access control protocol super frame is divided into uplink and downlink portions comprising: first each of said access points or base stations constructing and storing a collocated device table containing service access information of other said access points or base stations within a predetermined RF propagation strength area and within a predefined frequency delta within a frequency band; then one of said access points or base stations coordinating a spectrum measurement period by sending a first request for listening message indicating a listening period identified by a super frame number and time of listening start and time of listening end during a transmission time period to each of said access points or base stations on said coordinating access point or base station's collocated device table; then each of said access points or base stations that received said first request for listening message checking said access point or base station's collocated device table and transmitting a second request for listening message indicating said listening period to any other access point or base station within a predetermined RF propagation strength area and within a predefined frequency delta within a frequency band that was not sent said first request for listening message; then each of said access points or base stations that received said first or second request for listening messages sending an indication of listening period message indicating said listening period and shutting down transmission during said indicated listening period; wherein, upon receiving said indication of listening period messages indicating said listening period from said access points or base stations within a predetermined RF propagation strength area and within a predefined frequency delta within a frequency band, said coordinating access point or base station, and any other access points or base stations that are also measuring spectrum, shutting down transmission and beginning receiving and measuring spectrum during said indicated listening period; and, wherein, upon not receiving said indication of listening period messages indicating said listening period from said access points or base stations within a predetermined RF propagation strength area and within a predefined frequency delta within a frequency band, said coordinating access point or base station resending said first request for listening message indicating a new listening period identified by a super frame number and time of listening start and time of listening end during a transmission time period to each of said access points or base stations on said coordinating access point or base station's collocated device table.