Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 1 of 24
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 1 of 24
`
`EXHIBIT 15
`EXHIBIT 15
`
`

`

`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Vleugels et al .
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`( 10 ) Patent No .:
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`US010873906B2
`
`( 54 )
`
`( 72 )
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`INTEGRATING SHORT - RANGE WIRELESS
`PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS FOR A
`WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK
`INFRASTRUCTURE
`( 71 ) Applicant : Ozmo Licensing LLC , Round Rock ,
`TX ( US )
`Inventors : Katelijn Vleugels , Palo Alto , CA ( US ) ;
`Roel Peeters , Palo Alto , CA ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : Ozmo Licensing LLC , Round Rock ,
`TX ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No .: 16 / 912,262
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Jun . 25 , 2020
`( 65 )
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2020/0329429 A1
`Oct. 15 , 2020
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 16 / 668,999 , filed on
`Oct. 30 , 2019 , which is a continuation of application
`( Continued )
`
`( 60 )
`
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`H04W 52/02
`H04W 76/14
`
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2018.01 )
`( Continued )
`
`( 52 ) U.S. CI .
`CPC
`
`H04W 52/0212 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 28/06
`( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 52/0216 ( 2013.01 ) ;
`( Continued )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC
`H04W 76/14 ; H04W 28/06 ; H04W 52/02 ;
`HO4W 80/04 ; H04W 84/10 ; H04W 84/12 ;
`H04W 88/08 ; H04W 88/085
`( Continued )
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,546,253 B1 *
`6,771,933 B1 *
`
`4/2003 Chow
`8/2004 Eng
`
`H04M 15/00
`455/406
`H04W 88/085
`370/338
`
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`WO
`
`03/105418
`
`12/2003
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Cordeiro , et al . , “ BlueStar : Enabling Efficient Integration between
`Bluetooth WPANs and IEEE 802.11 WLANs ” Mobile Networks
`and Applications , 9 , 409-422 , 2004
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner Jae Y Lee
`Assistant Examiner Jean F Voltaire
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm - Prince Lobel Tye LLP
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A network system comprises a first logic block providing a
`link to a first network via an access point of a WLAN and
`a second logic block communicating with a node of a second
`network ( such as a WPAN ) and configured to provide a link
`between the node and the first network via the access point .
`The network system is configured to maintain continuous
`connections to both the access point and the node while
`receiving power . The second logic block can communicate
`with the node using a modified communication protocol that
`is only partially compliant with an 802.11x communications
`protocol . A wireless hub can integrate a WPAN with a
`WLAN including , in part , a wireless circuit compliant with
`the WLAN standard ( such as an 802.11x standard ) , a pro
`cessor , and a memory . The wireless circuit can connect to the
`WPAN without losing connectivity ( such as association and
`synchronization ) to the WLAN .
`12 Claims , 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 2 of 24
`
`PS - STA
`
`13
`
`PS - STA
`
`PS - STA
`
`wireless hub
`
`15
`
`13
`
`PS - STA
`
`PS - STA
`
`wireless hub
`
`15
`
`IEEE 802.11
`STA
`
`IEEE 802.11
`AP
`
`internet
`router
`
`internet
`
`

`

`US 10,873,906 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`No. 14 / 990,203 , filed on Jan. 7 , 2016 , now aban
`doned , which is a continuation of application No.
`14 / 073,260 , filed on Nov. 6 , 2013 , now Pat . No.
`9,264,991 , which is a continuation of application No.
`13 / 560,917 , filed on Jul . 27 , 2012 , now Pat . No.
`8,599,814 , which is a continuation of application No.
`12 / 892,825 , filed on Sep. 28 , 2010 , now abandoned ,
`which is a division of application No. 11 / 422,945 ,
`filed on Jun . 8 , 2006 , now Pat . No. 7,826,408 , which
`is a continuation of application No. 11 / 376,729 , filed
`on Mar. 14 , 2006 , now abandoned .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No. 60 / 661,763 , filed on Mar.
`14 , 2005 .
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`H04W 30/04
`H04W 28/06
`H04W 84/10
`H04W 84/12
`H04W 88/08
`H04W 88/06
`H04L 29/06
`HO4L 29/08
`( 52 ) U.S. Cl .
`CPC
`
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`
`H04W 52/0219 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 76/14
`( 2018.02 ) ; H04W 80/04 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W
`84/10 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 84/12 ( 2013.01 ) ;
`H04W 88/08 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 88/085
`( 2013.01 ) ; H04L 29/06 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04L 63/08
`( 2013.01 ) ; H04L 67/02 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04L 67/10
`( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 88/06 ( 2013.01 ) ; YO2D
`30/70 ( 2020.08 )
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`370/331
`USPC
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5/2006 Sugar et al .
`7,050,452 B2
`7,194,263 B2
`3/2007 Bahl et al .
`10/2007 Nguyen
`7,286,513 B2 *
`5/2010 Bahl et al .
`7,720,045 B2
`2003/0119527 A1 *
`6/2003 Labun
`
`2003/0152110 A1 *
`
`2006/0015621 A1 *
`
`8/2003 Rune
`1/2006 Quinn
`
`H04W 92/00
`370/338
`
`H04W 28/06
`455 / 456.1
`H04J 3/0682
`370/509
`H04W 88/06
`709/227
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“ An Overlay Mac Layer for 802.11 Networks ” , Report
`Rao , et al . ,
`No. UCB / CSD - 4-1317 , Computer Science Division ( EECS ) Uni
`versity of California , Berkley , Apr. 2004 .
`Chandra , et al . , “ MultiNet : Connecting to Multiple IEEE 802.11
`Networks Using a Single Wireless Card ” .
`Pung , et al . , “ Effects of window flow control on the 802.2 Type - III
`logical link performance in ArbNet ” , computer communications ,
`vol . 16 , No. 7 , Jul . 7 , 1993 , pp . 403-412 .
`Srisathapornphat , et al . , " Coordinated Power Conservation for Ad
`hoc Networks ” , IEEE , 2002 , pp . 3330-3335 .
`Ye , et al . ,
`“ An Energy - Efficient Mac Protocol for Wireless Sensor
`Networks ” , IEEE Infocom 2002 , pp . 1-10 .
`* cited by examiner
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 3 of 24
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`WWAN < 15km
`
`70Mbit / s
`
`WMAN < 5km
`
`-11-54Mbit / s WPAN
`
`< 100m
`
`WLAN
`
`1 Mbit / s
`< 10 m
`
`FIG . 1
`
`802.20
`
`802.16ale ( WiMax )
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 4 of 24
`
`802.11a / b / g ( Wi - Fi )
`
`802.15.1 ( Bluetooth ) 802.15.3 ( UWB ) 802.15.4 ( Zigbee ) Proprietary
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 2 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`internet
`
`internet router
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 AP
`
`w
`
`2
`
`FIG . 2
`
`Authentication Enrcyption Synchronization ( beacons ) Data
`
`transfer
`
`Association
`
`24
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 STA
`
`S4
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 STA
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 5 of 24
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 STA
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`9
`
`internet
`
`internet
`
`router
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 AP
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 STA
`
`FIG . 3
`
`12
`
`wireless hub
`
`05
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 STA
`
`10
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 6 of 24
`
`In 11
`
`PS - STA
`
`PS - STA
`
`PS - STA
`
`1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 4 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`internet
`
`internet
`
`router
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 AP
`
`FIG . 4
`
`14
`
`13
`
`PS - STA
`
`PS - STA
`
`15
`
`wireless hub
`
`15
`
`wireless hub
`
`13
`
`PS - STA
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 7 of 24
`
`PS - STA
`
`PS - STA
`
`
`
`IEEE 802.11 STA
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`20
`
`19
`
`-22
`
`23
`
`16
`
`+
`
`battery
`
`
`
`wireless transceiver
`
`21
`
`memory
`
`CPU
`
`radio
`baseband modem
`control / datapath logic
`interface circuits
`
`25
`
`24
`
`26
`
`FIG . 5
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 8 of 24
`
`-17
`
`sensor stimulus
`
`HOH
`clock
`
`18
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`-38
`
`27
`
`35
`
`supply
`
`regulator
`
`-31
`
`32
`
`33
`
`36
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 9 of 24
`
`37
`
`34
`
`
`
`IEEE802.11 - compliant wireless transceiver
`
`radio
`baseband modem
`control / datapath logic
`interface
`circuits
`software platform enabling WPAN / WLAN connectivity
`OS for running applications
`
`30
`
`clock
`
`29
`
`memory
`
`OF
`processing unit
`
`28
`
`FIG . 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`STA
`
`46
`
`47
`
`-41
`
`work
`
`49
`
`48
`
`AP
`
`router
`
`39
`
`monitoring device ( PS - STA )
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 10 of 24
`
`40
`
`home
`
`
`
`Wi - Fi enabled power outlet
`
`42
`
`FIG . 7
`
`router
`
`AP
`
`44
`
`45
`
`internet
`
`STA
`
`STA
`
`STA
`
`43
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 8 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`114
`
`PER1
`
`PER2
`
`-100
`
`STA1 ( COORD )
`
`STA2
`
`PER3
`
`STA3
`
`-116
`
`PER10
`
`PER11
`
`STA4 ( COORD )
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 11 of 24
`
`AP
`
`FIG . 8
`
`110
`
`( 112
`
`Wired Network
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 9 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`-126
`
`- AB
`
`( PER2 )
`
`( PER1 )
`
`-122
`» )
`
`-124
`
`Laptop ( COORD )
`
`FIG . 9
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 12 of 24
`
`110
`
`AP
`
`
`
`Access Point
`
`112
`
`120
`
`Wired Network
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 10 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`internet
`
`AP
`
`
`
`wireless LAN network primary network : BSS1 regular
`
`
`
`
`FIG . 10
`
`STA2
`
`PER2
`
`STA3
`
`laptop STA1
`
`COORD
`
`PER3
`
`PER1
`
`
`
`secondary network
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 13 of 24
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`Ack ( opt . )
`
`Ack ( opt . )
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`Frame 1
`
`
`
`contention for WM
`
`
`
`Frame 2P1
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 14 of 24
`
`
`
`Frame 2P2
`
`12
`
`T
`
`T 0
`
`COORD
`
`PER1
`
`PER2
`
`PER1 sleep ( opt . )
`
`
`
`
`
`awake Coordinator awake PER2
`
`
`
`FIG . 11
`
`PER2 sleep ( opt . )
`
`
`
`
`
`awake Coordinator awake PER1
`
`
`
`
`
`Coordinator awake PER1 / 2 awake
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 22 , 2020
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
`
`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`
`
`Frame 2P2
`
`Ack ( opt . )
`
`Frame 1
`
`Ack ( opt . )
`+
`
`
`
`Frame 2P1
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`1 SIFS
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 15 of 24
`
`
`
`contention for WM
`
`Frame 1
`
`COORD
`
`PER1
`
`PER2
`
`T ,
`
`T
`
`To
`
`
`
`PER1 sleep ( opt . )
`
`
`
`awake Coordinator awake PER2
`
`
`
`FIG . 12
`
`
`
`PER2 sleep ( opt . )
`
`
`
`
`awake Coordinator awake PER1
`Coordinator awake PER1awake PER2
`
`sleep ( opt . )
`
`
`
`

`

`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`1
`APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`INTEGRATING SHORT - RANGE WIRELESS
`PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS FOR A
`WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK
`INFRASTRUCTURE
`
`2
`802.11x standard . While originally devised for enabling
`wireless network connectivity ( “ wireless Ethernet ” ) , WLAN
`connectivity based on the 802.11x standard is rapidly finding
`its way in new applications like mobile phones primarily
`5 driven by the adoption of Voice - over - IP ( “ VoIP ' ) — and
`consumer electronics ( home entertainment , video streaming ,
`etc. ) . In addition , with the development of the new 802.11n
`CROSS - REFERENCES TO RELATED
`specification , and the proliferation of citywide 802.11x
`APPLICATIONS
`deployment initiatives , the 802.11x standard is expanding
`This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent appli- 10 into longer range applications .
`FIG . 2 illustrates a typical 802.11x WLAN configuration
`cation Ser . No. 16 / 668,999 , which is a Continuation of U.S.
`patent application Ser . No. 14 / 990,203 , filed on Jan. 7 , 2016 ,
`in infrastructure mode 1. Although the 802.11x standard
`which is a Continuation of U.S. patent
`supports two modes of operation , namely ad - hoc mode and
`now aband
`infrastructure mode , the infrastructure mode is used more
`application Ser . No. 14 / 073,260 , filed on Nov. 6 , 2013 , now
`U.S. Pat . No. 9,264,991 , which is a Continuation of U.S. 15 often . In the infrastructure mode , a dedicated 802.11x wire
`less circuit , also called an access point ( " AP " ) , is necessary
`patent application Ser . No. 13 / 560,917 , filed on Jul . 27 ,
`2012 , now U.S. Pat . No. 8,599,814 , which is a Continuation
`for and manages an infrastructure network . AP 2 is config
`ured specifically to coordinate the activities of the infra
`of U.S. patent application Ser . No. 12 / 892,825 , filed on Sep.
`structure network and to enable connectivity to , for example ,
`28 , 2010 , now abandoned , which is a Division of U.S. patent
`application Ser . No. 11 / 422,945 , filed on Jun . 8 , 2006 , now 20 the Internet or other WLANs via an Internet router 3 , which
`U.S. Pat . No. 7,826,408 , which is
`Continuation of U.S.
`may be disposed in AP 2. Other 802.11x - compliant wireless
`patent application Ser . No. 11 / 376,729 , filed on Mar. 14 ,
`circuits , hereafter alternatively referred to as stations
`( “ STAs ” ) 4 can become a member of the infrastructure
`2006 , now abandoned , which claimed priority to U.S. Pro
`visional Patent Application No. 60 / 661,763 , filed on Mar.
`network by going through an authentication and association
`14 , 2005 , the contents of each of which are hereby incor- 25 procedure . Additional security procedures may be required
`as well . Once associated with the infrastructure network , a
`porated by reference in their entirety . This application also
`incorporates by reference herein the entire contents of U.S.
`STA 4 can communicate with AP 2. A STA 4 may commu
`nicate with other STAS 4 of infrastructure network 1 via AP
`patent application Ser . No. 11 / 376,753 , filed Mar. 14 , 2006 ,
`now U.S. Pat . No. 9,036,613 , and of U.S. Provisional Patent
`2. Furthermore , a STA 4 may communicate with STAs of
`30 other infrastructure networks ( not shown ) via AP 2. On a
`Application No. 60 / 661,746 .
`regular basis , the STAs listen to the beacons and pending
`traffic from the AP 2 .
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`In con ast to WLAN , no such unifying standard exists for
`WPAN . Instead , a number of proprietary and standardized
`The present invention generally relates to wireless com-
`munications . More particularly , the invention relates to 35 communication protocols have been and are being devel
`seamlessly integrating short - range wireless personal area
`oped for establishing short - range WPAN connectivity . Stan
`networks ( “ WPANs ” ) into longer - range wireless local area
`dardized protocols include the Bluetooth specification
`( based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard ) , the recently
`networks ( " WLANs " ) .
`approved Zigbee specification ( based on the IEEE 802.15.4
`40 standard ) , and the Ultra - Wideband ( “ UWB ” ) specification
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`which is still under development . In addition , there are
`several proprietary protocols in the unlicensed 27 MHz , 900
`FIG . 1 depicts some parameters associated with a few
`MHz , and 2.4 GHz frequency bands developed for the sole
`existing and emerging standards for wireless connectivity .
`Based on targeted range and supported data rates , these
`purpose of providing short - range wireless connectivity .
`standards can be grouped into four categories : wireless wide 45 Examples include Cypress Semiconductor's proprietary
`area networks ( “ WWANs ” ) , wireless metropolitan area net-
`wireless USB solution , or Logitech’s proprietary FastRF
`networks
`solution . The lack of a unified standard is hindering the
`works ( “ WMANs ” ) ,
`wireless local
`area
`networks
`widespread adoption of WPAN technologies . In addition ,
`( “ WLANs ” ) and wireless personal
`area
`several WPAN communication protocols co - exist in the
`( " WPANs " ) .
`An example of a wireless local area network ( “ WLAN ” ) 50 same 2.4 - GHz frequency band as a commonly used version
`is an 802.11x ( x = a , b , g , n , etc. ) network . An 802.11x NIC
`of the WLAN protocol . Because they use different methods
`( network interface card ) or 802.11x built - in circuitry might
`of accessing the wireless medium , and are not synchronized
`be used for networking an electronic device to the outside
`with one another , severe interference may result when
`world , or at least to devices at other nodes of a WLAN devices conforming to such standards are made to co - exist
`55 and are positioned in the same physical vicinity .
`802.11x network .
`The 802.11x specifications uses unlicensed , free spectrum
`One alternative for avoiding the above mentioned prob
`lems when seeking to establish interoperability between
`in either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands , supporting
`data rates of up to 54 Megabits per second ( Mbps ) and
`WPAN and WLAN networks , is to use network interface
`ranges of 300 feet and more . The 802.11x standard , also
`circuitry based on the WLAN protocol in WPAN STAS .
`known as Wi - Fi , was adopted several years ago , and is now 60 However , the power dissipation of the resulting STA would
`being widely deployed for WLAN connectivity in homes ,
`be several orders of magnitude higher than what is accept
`offices and public places like airports , coffee shops and
`able in typical WPAN applications . WPAN technologies are
`university campuses .
`typically used to establish communication with a remote
`The adoption and deployment of 802.11x - compliant
`battery - operated device for which it is inconvenient , imprac
`equipment has experienced tremendous growth in recent 65 tical , or may be impossible to replace batteries . Examples
`years . The majority of laptops manufactured today include a
`include security sensors in windows , wearable or implanted
`built - in wireless circuit compliant with some variant of the
`medical monitoring devices or environmental sensors to
`
`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 16 of 24
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`

`10
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`15
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`Case 6:22-cv-00642-ADA Document 32-15 Filed 03/31/23 Page 17 of 24
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`US 10,873,906 B2
`
`4
`3
`ware . The operating system may be Windows XP , Windows
`monitor temperature , humidity or other environmental
`CE , Linux , Symbian , or the like , that may be used to develop
`parameters . To minimize the frequency at which batteries
`additional applications .
`need replacement , maximizing the battery life is of para-
`In accordance with one embodiment , the wireless hub is
`mount importance , thus placing stringent requirements on
`the power that can be dissipated in establishing and main- 5 seamlessly integrated into an electrical power outlet . This
`allows the hub to be unobtrusively and conveniently inte
`taining the wireless communication link .
`The power dissipation of a standard WLAN STA is
`grated in a home , business or industrial setting . Such
`several orders of magnitude higher than what is acceptable
`embodiments are hereinafter alternatively referred to as
`in most battery - operated devices for a number of reasons .
`“ Wi - Fi - enabled power outlets ” . As is known , “ Wi - Fi ” is
`First , in order to be able to communicate with the AP , which
`often used to refer to " wireless fidelity " , and refers to
`may be , for example , 300 feet away , a standard WLAN STA
`802.11x - based radio technologies .
`transmits at high transmit powers ( up to 20 dBm ) and is also
`Advantageously , the present invention extends the com
`required to receive relatively weak signals , attenuated heav-
`munication range of power - sensitive battery - operated
`ily by the path loss it encounters in the over - the - air trans-
`devices and allows power - sensitive battery operated devices
`mission . Second , the WLAN must adhere to stringent
`to become part of the larger WLAN infrastructure , thus
`receiver sensitivity requirements . Both the transmit and
`enabling monitoring and control from any location that is
`receive requirements result in relatively large power dissi-
`within the range covered by the WLAN In addition , since
`pation in the network interface circuits . Furthermore ,
`battery - operated devices are IP addressable and since the AP
`WLANs typically operate at relatively high data rates ( up to 20 of the WLAN can be connected to the Internet via an Internet
`54 Mbps ) . It is thus undesirable to have a STA that is part of
`router , the battery - operated devices may be monitored and
`an infrastructure network to communicate at lower data
`controlled from any location when access to the Internet is
`rates , since such a STA will slow down the entire infrastruc-
`available . The longer communication range and seamless
`ture network . This is the case because some of the commu-
`integration into the larger WLAN infrastructure is obtained
`nication between the AP and its associated STAs occurs at 25 without incurring the power penalty that is typically
`the lowest common data rate supported by all STAs . The
`unavoidable in longer range communication and is inherent
`noise and linearity requirements associated with transmit
`to the protocol overhead of typical WLAN networks .
`ting at high data rates thus result in large power dissipation
`Other objects , features , and advantages of the present
`of the wireless 802.11x wireless circuit . Furthermore , there
`invention will become apparent upon consideration of the
`is significant protocol overhead associated with the services 30 following detailed description and the accompanying draw
`and procedures required to establish and maintain an asso
`ings , in which like reference designations represent like
`ciation with an infrastructure network . This overhead trans
`features throughout the figures .
`lates directly in higher power dissipation . As a member of an
`infrastructure network coordinated by an AP , the STA has ,
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`on a regular basis , to listen to the beacons transmitted by the 35
`AP . Also , although the 802.11x standard specifies power
`FIG . 1 depicts a number of parameters associated with a
`save modes that allow the STA to skip some of the beacons ,
`few existing and emerging standards for wireless connec
`the STA is still required to wake up on a regular basis to
`tivity , as known in the prior art .
`maintain association and synchronization with the AP .
`FIG . 2 illustrates some of different components of an
`Accordingly , a need continues to exist for a method and 40 802.11x WLAN in infrastructure mode , as known in the
`apparatus that overcome the above - described problems and
`prior art .
`enable seamless integration of WPAN into WLAN infra
`FIG . 3 illustrates an apparatus configured to integrate a
`structure , and at power dissipation levels that meet the
`wireless personal area network ( “ WPAN ” ) into a wireless
`stringent requirements of battery - operated devices .
`45 local area network ( “ WLAN ” ) , in accordance with an
`embodiment of the present invention .
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`FIG . 4 illustrates a number of WPANs integrated into a
`WLAN , in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`A wireless hub for integrating a wireless personal area
`invention .
`network ( “ WPAN ” ) seamlessly into a wireless local area
`network ( “ WLAN ” ) includes , in part , a wireless circuit 50
`FIG . 5 is a simplified high - level block diagram of a
`compliant with the WLAN standard , a processor coupled to
`power - sensitive station ( “ PS - STA ” ) , in accordance with a
`the wireless circuit and a memory module that is coupled to
`embodiment of the present invention
`FIG . 6 is a simplified high - level block diagram of a
`the wireless circuit and the processor .
`In some embodiments , the WLAN standard is the 802.11x
`wireless hub configured for use as a bridge between a WPAN
`standard . In such an embodiment , the wireless circuit is an 55 and a WLAN .
`802.11x - compliant wireless circuit , and the memory module
`FIG . 7 illustrates a WPAN used for remote monitoring and
`may be integrated with the wireless circuit . The hub further
`controlling , in accordance with one embodiment of the
`includes software modules forming a software platform that
`present invention .
`allows the wireless circuit to connect to both the WPAN and
`FIG . 8 is a block diagram illustrating various devices
`WLAN . In accordance with one embodiment , the software 60 operating as part of a primary wireless network ( “ PWN ” ) , a
`platform allows the wireless circuit to connect to the WPAN ,
`secondary wireless network ( “ SWN " ) , or both , wherein the
`without losing connectivity ( such as association and syn-
`SWN operates using an SWN protocol that co - exists with
`chronization ) to the WLAN . In another embodiment , the
`the PWN protocol .
`wireless circuit is configured to connect to the WLAN and
`FIG . 9 is a block diagram illustrating a subpart of the
`WPAN alternately . In some embodiments , an operating 65 elements of FIG . 8 , in greater detail .
`system enables the operation of the wireless hub , thereby
`FIG . 10 is a block diagram illustrating a secondary
`enabling users to write application - specific application soft-
`network including multiple WPAN peripherals ( “ PERs ” ) .
`
`an
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`WPAN . The wireless hub 12 includes , in part , a wireless
`FIG . 11 illustrates method to coordinate the communica-
`802.11x - compliant wireless circuit that can communicate
`tion between a WPAN coordinator ( “ COORD " ) and multiple
`WPAN peripherals .
`with the AP 7 disposed in infrastructure WLAN 6 as well as
`with PS - STAs 11 disposed in WPAN 10. If more than one
`FIG . 12 illustrates an alternative frame exchange
`sequence for the coordination of multiple WPAN peripher- 5 PS - STA is present in the WPAN , the wireless hub coordi
`als .
`nates the timing and communication with each of the
`PS - STAs . In some embodiments , it may be desirable to shift
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`as much as possible of the protocol overhead associated with
`the communication between wireless hub 12 and the PS
`FIG . 3 illustrates a wireless personal area network 10 STAs 11 such as , for example , access to the medium ,
`( “ WPAN " ) 10 integrated with wireless local area network
`reservation of the medium , synchronization , etc. , onto the
`( “ WLAN " ) 6 to form an integrated network 5 , in accordance
`wireless hub 12 , where power consumption is much less of
`with one embodiment of the present invention . In the
`a concern compared to the PS - STA . In such cases , the driver
`embodiments described below , WLAN 6 is compliant with
`the 802.11x specification . It is understood , however , that the 15 or firmware of the 802.11x - compliant components disposed
`in wireless hub 12 may require modification
`WLAN may be compliant with other protocols , such as
`To operate , wireless hub 12 is placed within the range of
`WiMax . WLAN 6 may operate either in ad - hoc or in
`the AP 7 of the infrastructure WLAN 6 ; this range is
`infrastructure mode . Moreover , the following description is
`provided with reference to the infrastructure mode of opera-
`typically on the order of 300+ feet . The wireless hub 12 is
`tion of WLAN 6. It is understood that the present disclosure 20 also be placed within the range of each of the PS - STAS 11
`equally applies to the ad - hoc or any other mode . The
`in the WPAN 10 The PS - STAs 11 typically have a range of
`infrastructure WLAN 6 is shown as including an AP 7 and
`about 30 feet . This range can be longer or shorter depending
`one or more STAS 8. STAs 8 are associated with and
`on the application .
`synchronized to AP 7 and periodically listen to beacons from
`In one embodiment , the wireless hub 12 ( alternatively
`25 referred to herein below as a “ hub ” ) is seamlessly integrated
`AP 7 .
`Each STA 8 is configured to include an 802.11x - compli-
`within an electrical power outlet . In a different embodiment ,
`the hub can be a separate device that can be plugged into a
`ant wireless circuit , such as a wireless enabled computer , a
`wireless Personal Digital Assistant , a Wi - Fi enabled cellular
`power outlet . The wireless hub 12 can also be integrated
`phone , or the like . The AP 2 can be connected to the Internet
`inside other electronic devices , such as light bulbs , light
`via an Internet router 9. Internet connectivity can be estab- 30 switches , thermostats , energy meters , personal computers ,
`lished through any number of communication services ,
`Personal Digital Assistants ( “ PDAs ” ) , cellular phones , home
`including Digital Subscriber Line ( “ DSL ” ) , cable , satellite ,
`entertainment equipment and the like .
`In some embodiments , a multitude of WPANs 13 may be
`or the like , as is well known .
`WPAN 10 is shown as including one or more power-
`so configured so as to be coupled to and in communication
`sensitive stations 11 ( “ PS - STA ” ) . A PS - STA is defined 35 with a single WLAN 14 , as shown in FIG . 4. Each WPAN
`herein as a device that is battery - operated and for which
`13 is coupled to the WLAN 14 by using a wireless hub 15 ,
`maximizing battery - life is beneficial to the application and /
`as described above . If WPANs 13 are configured to operate
`or user . Examples of PS - STAs include peripherals and
`independently , no additional coordination is required and
`accessories for personal computers , cellular phones , home
`each wireless hub 15 decides autonomously when to com
`entertainment accessories such as remote controls , monitor- 40 municate with each of its respective PS - STAs under its
`ing devices for security , automation medical applications , or
`control . However , in cases where additional coordination
`between the different WPANs is desirable , the necessary
`the like .
`In accordance with one embodiment , a PS - STA is typi-
`timing and control information can be exchanged between
`the wireless hubs 15 via the longer - range WLAN 14 .
`cally in a sleep mode the majority of the time , only waking
`up occasionally to communicate and exchange information 45
`FIG . 5 illustrates some of the components disposed in a
`with the outside world . In some systems described herein ,
`PS - STA 11 , in accordance with one embodiment . PS - STA 11
`each PS - STA 11 is equipped with a wireless circuit that can
`typically includes , in part , a battery 16 , a sensor or stimulus
`communicate directly with a standard 802.11x - compliant
`unit 17 , a clock or crystal 18 , a wireless circuit 19 and an
`wireless circuit . PS - STAs 11 however are not required to be
`antenna 20. Although not shown , other components like
`fully compliant with the 802.11x specification ; some PS- 50 capacitors , resistors , inductors , an external power amplifier
`STAs 11 may have reduced power dissipation thereby
`( “ PA ” ) and an external low - noise amplifier ( “ LNA ” ) may
`extending the battery life .
`also be included in PS - STA 11. Wireless circuit 19 is
`In embodiments in which PS - STAs 11 are not fully
`configured so as to communicate over the physical layer
`compliant with the 802.11x specification , the drivers or
`( “ PHY ” ) of a standard 802.11x - compliant circuit chip dis
`firmware of the 802.11x - compliant wireless circuit at the 55 posed in the wireless hub ( see FIGS . 3 and 4 ) . Wireless
`other end of the communication link ( i.e. , the device with
`circuit 19 may be an embedded System - on - Chip ( “ SOC ” ) ,
`which the PS - STA is interacting ) may require modification .
`having disposed therein a radio 21 operating , for example , in
`Thus , in some implementations , both the wireless circuit at
`the unlicensed 2.4 - GHz and / or 5 - GHz frequency bands , a
`the other end as well as the PS - STA are 802.11x - compliant ,
`baseband modem 22 , dedicated control and datapath logic
`while in others the wireless circuit at the other end is 60 23 , a central processing unit ( “ CPU ” ) 24 , a memory module
`802.11x - compliant , but the PS - STA is not a fully compliant
`25 and interface circuitry 26. CPU 24 and memory module
`802.11x wireless circuit , while in yet other implementations
`25 are used to implement the portion of the communication
`the driver or firmware of the 802.11x - compliant wireless
`protocol that is not implemented in the dedicated control and
`circuit at the other end of the link requires modifications to
`datapath logic ( also referred to as the 802.11x device driv
`accommodate the PS - STA . Integrated network 5 is also 65 ers ) , together with any application - specific software . Wire
`shown as including a wireless hub 12 adapted to facilitate
`less circuits are well known in the art and are not described
`seamless communication between the WLAN and the
`herein .
`
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`8
`establish communication with the Internet via an Internet
`FIG . 6 shows various blocks of a wireless hub , such as
`router 48 that is coupled to the infrastructure's network AP
`wireless hubs 12