Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for improving the efficiency of resource usage while facilitating transmission by multiple providers in a WLAN system. Information elements (lEs) may be used to coordinate among providers. Provider(s) may use an auction based method to contend for the channel. A provider may elect an auctioneer or auctioneers (e.g., Provider Coordinator(s)) that may broadcast a utility metric, performance-based (e.g., Network Throughput, Network Energy Level, Network Interference Level, Channel Selection Cost,etc.) or non-performance based (e.g., bid, payment, charge, preferred provider,etc). A granting entity, e.g., a central controller, may compare the utility metrics to determine a most favorable utility metric and grant access based on the most favorable utility metric, for example, to a provider associated with the most favorable utility metric. The provider with the most favorable utility metric may gain access (e.g., be granted access and gain access) to the channel. Provider contention may be considered as a contention at a first level, where a provider may contend for the channel using CSMA/CA. Nodes associated with a provider may contend for access (contention at a second level).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim