Method of operation for a three-dimensional, wireless network

Abstract

A method of operation for wireless transmission of data to one or more destination devices across a network that includes a plurality of access points disposed about a building, each access point having a first transmission range of maximum bandwidth and a second transmission range of signal interference, the access points being arranged in a topology wherein each access point is spaced-apart from a nearest neighboring access point by a first distance less than the first transmission range. The data is transmitted by a first access point; then it is repeated by a series of additional access points that extends across the topology. Re-transmission of the data occurs in a manner wherein any pair of access points transmitting on the same channel is separated by a distance greater than the second transmission range. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
   
   
       37 . A computer-implemented method of operation for a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes a source access point and a chain of repeaters, the method comprising:
 transmitting, by the source access point and each of the repeaters, at a first power level sufficient to establish communications with all of the repeaters in the chain;   reducing transmission power output, by at least one of the repeaters, to a second power level.   
   
   
       38 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 37  wherein the first power level comprises a maximum power level. 
   
   
       39 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 37  wherein the second power level comprises a minimum level needed to maintain communications. 
   
   
       40 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 37  further comprising reducing transmission power output by the source access point. 
   
   
       41 . A computer-implemented method of operation for a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes a source access point and a chain of repeaters to provide a wireless connection between a source access point and a destination device, the method comprising:
 transmitting, by each of the repeaters, at a first power level sufficient to establish communications with all of the repeaters in the chain;   reducing transmission power, by at least one of the repeaters, to a minimum level needed to maintain communications with all of the repeaters.   
   
   
       42 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 41  wherein the reducing of transmission power is responsive to a command from a processor associated with the source access point. 
   
   
       43 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 41  wherein the reducing of transmission power is responsive to a command from a processor associated with the at least one of the repeaters. 
   
   
       44 . A computer-implemented method of operation for a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes a source access point and a chain of repeaters, the method comprising:
 transmitting, by each of the repeaters, at a first power level to establish communication links between the repeaters in the chain;   reducing transmission power, by each of the repeaters, to a minimum level needed to maintain the communication links.   
   
   
       45 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 44  wherein the reducing of transmission power is responsive to a command from a processor associated with the source access point. 
   
   
       46 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 44  wherein the first power level comprises a maximum power level.