Detecting, reporting and mitigating hidden stations in a wireless data network
US7801096B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W84/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for automatic hidden node detection that includes observing frame exchange sequences that conform to a MAC standard such as the IEEE 802.11 standard. The method includes detecting a hidden node upon receiving a response frame without previously receiving the frame causing the response. Similar conclusions may be drawn from longer frame sequences. When a hidden node has been detected with reasonable certainty, a hidden node report is sent to a hidden node manager. In one embodiment, the hidden node manager is centralized, and in another, the management function is performed in a distributed manner. Upon receiving a report, the hidden node manager automatically invokes hidden node avoidance measures by sending one or more action frames. In another embodiment, the hidden node manager turns on a hidden node mitigation method. In the case of the IEEE 802.11 standard, the hidden node manager turns on the IEEE 802.11 hidden node mitigation method based on RTS/CTS exchange.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.