Modifying beacon levels for wireless LAN access points

Abstract

An apparatus is described for modifying beacon levels. The apparatus includes a service unit to determine a need to reduce a load of a first access point having a first beacon interval, the first access point being in a network of a plurality of access points. A set interval unit is included to determine an amount by which to increase the first beacon interval to generate a new beacon interval. The apparatus further includes a broadcast unit to notify one or more other access points in the network of the new beacon interval.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a service unit to determine a need to reduce a load of a first access point having a first beacon interval, the first access point being in a network of a plurality of access points;    a set interval unit to determine an amount by which to increase the first beacon interval to generate a new beacon interval; and    a broadcast unit to notify one or more other access points in the network of the new beacon interval.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the set interval unit additionally increases the first beacon interval until a threshold condition is met.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the threshold condition comprises a specified measurement of operating capacity.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the specified measurement comprises a percentage.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , additionally comprising an intercept unit to receive capacity information from other access points in the network, and wherein the set interval unit adjusts the first beacon interval in accordance with the received capacity information.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the set interval unit additionally decreases the first interval unit.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus comprising: 
 means for determining a need to reduce a load of a first access point having a first beacon interval, the first access point being in a network of a plurality of access points;    means for determining an amount by which to increase the first beacon interval to generate a new beacon interval; and    means for notifying one or more other access points in the network of the new beacon interval.    
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , additionally comprising means for increasing the first beacon interval until a threshold condition is met.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said means for increasing the first beacon interval until a threshold condition is met comprises means for increasing the first beacon interval until a specified measurement of operating capacity is met.