Patent ID: 7872997

Claim:
A method, comprising: receiving an aggregate data frame on a channel, the aggregate data frame having a length field indicating a length of time the channel is reserved for the aggregate data frame, wherein the aggregate data frame comprises at least one data frame, wherein the at least one data frame comprises a first message and data indicating a first designated acknowledgement time period for responding to the first message while the channel is reserved for the aggregate data frame, and the at least one data frame comprises a second message and data indicating a second designated acknowledgement time period for responding to the second message while the channel is reserved for the aggregate data frame; determining whether to send a response for any of the at least one data frame in accordance with receiving the aggregate data frame; and, sending a response during the first designated acknowledgement time period responsive to determining a response should be sent acknowledging receipt of the first message, sending a response during the second designated acknowledgement time period responsive to determining a response should be sent acknowledging receipt of the second message; otherwise waiting to access the channel after the length of time the channel is reserved for the aggregate data frame expires responsive to determining no response is being sent for the first message, the second message or both the first and second message.