Method of signaling the length of OFDM WLAN packets

摘要

A system 100 for wireless communication is provided. The system 100 includes first communication device 110 A operable to transmit a message 300 according to a new protocol. The new protocol having a header 302 including a first rate field and a first length field, a header extension 304 including a second rate field and a second length field, and a data 306 . When the message 300 is received by a legacy communication device 102 which is operable to receive a portion of the message 300 according to a legacy protocol, the legacy communication device 102 refrains from transmitting for a duration indicated by the combination of the first rate field and the first length field. The system 100 also includes a second communication device 110 B operable to receive the message 300 according to the new protocol. A method of communicating to maintain compatibility with legacy devices is also provided.