Media access control for MIMO wireless network

摘要

An apparatus and method for operating a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)-capable subscriber node are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a MIMO-capable physical layer transceiver and a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer block that measures a received transmission to determine channel conditions. Upon receiving a transmission wherein said channel conditions meet specified conditions, the MAC layer block transmits a message to an access point indicating that the apparatus wants to switch between a non-MIMO mode and a MIMO mode, and upon receiving an acknowledgement, the MAC layer block switches between the non-MIMO mode and the MIMO mode. An apparatus for operating an access node is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
communicating with a plurality of nodes in a wireless communication network, at least one of said plurality of nodes operating in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) mode and at least one of said plurality of nodes operating in a non-MIMO mode; maintaining a list of said nodes operating in said MIMO mode and said nodes operating in said non-MIMO mode, said list generated based on communication with said plurality of nodes; and updating said list upon one of said plurality of nodes switching between said non-MIMO mode and said MIMO mode, wherein said node switches modes upon receiving a transmission wherein channel conditions meet specified conditions.