Method to provide backward compatibility with an existing CSMA/CA system via dual use of the new system's transmission transition guard slot interval

摘要

A method of providing backwards compatibility of a new TDMA system with an existing CSMA/CA system, wherein the CSMA/CA system includes asynchronous packet transmission, and wherein the TDMA system includes synchronous packet transmission, and wherein both systems transmit and receive over the same communication channel, including providing a control coordinator; dividing the TDMA system's frame into sub-frames for use by the CSMA/CA system and the TDMA system; and generating delimiters by the control coordinator to gain, retain and relinquish control of the communication channel from the CSMA/CA system, and wherein the delimiters are transmitted during guard bands of the TDMA system.