Fairness In Wireless Networks With Adaptive Clear Channel Assessment Thresholds

摘要

When contending for access to a radio channel (for example CSMA/CA in Wi-Fi), an apparatus selects a first clear channel assessment (CCA) threshold that is higher than a minimum; determines to temporarily use a second CCA threshold that is lower than the first CCA threshold; and based on this determination it selects the second CCA threshold for a specified time period. In one embodiment this determination is based on the apparatus' use of a spectrum relative to a threshold usage level which may be calculated as a number of successful transmissions by the apparatus on the spectrum over a predefined time period; and/or as a deferring time experienced by the apparatus with respect to the spectrum over a predefined time period. In an embodiment the specified time period comprises a backoff time, and the determination to temporarily use the second CCA threshold is triggered by a periodic timer.