Techniques for generating and using a reservation map

Abstract

A method of allocation transmission channels of a frequency band to has each of a plurality of remote stations monitor all channels of the frequency band in its area for the presence of transmissions from stations not part of the network. Each remote station transmits its clear channel list to a master station that aggregates the clear channel list into a reservation map, or map of channels that are clear to all stations in the network. The master station then transmits the reservation map to all stations of the network. The individual stations use the channels of the reservation map to transmit information to the master station. Preferably transmission is accomplished using frequency hopping using a set of channels selected from the reservation map.

1 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . In a network having at least one master station and a plurality of remote stations, a method of allocation of transmission channels of a frequency band, comprising the steps of:
 a. receiving a list of clear channels from each of said plurality of remote stations;   b. aggregating said lists of clear channels into a reservation map comprising a master list of clear channels that are clear to all stations in said network;   c. sending said reservation map to all station in said network; and   d. frequency hopping by using said selected channels.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of frequency hopping further comprises frequency hopping for a first dwell period before changing to a different set of selected channels from said reservation map. 
     
     
         16 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein channels used for frequency hopping are selected by a pseudorandom sequence sent from said master station. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said pseudorandom sequence used for selecting frequencies used in frequency hopping is specified by a seed sent by said master station.