{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853784","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853784","title":"HEW master station and method for communicating in accordance with a scheduled OFDMA technique on secondary channels","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-07-25T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04B","H04B","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04L","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":15,"abstract":"Embodiments of a high-efficiency WLAN (HEW) master station and method for communicating in accordance with a scheduled OFDMA technique on secondary channels are generally described herein. An access point is configured to operate as part of a basic-service set (BSS) that includes a plurality of high-efficiency WLAN (HEW) stations and a plurality of legacy stations. The BSS operates on a primary channel and one or more secondary channels. In accordance with some embodiments, the access point may communicate with one or more of the HEW stations on one or more of the secondary channels in accordance with a scheduled OFDMA communication technique when the primary channel is utilized for communication with one or more of the legacy devices."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Hew Master Station and Method for Communicating in Accordance with a Scheduled Ofdma Technique on Secondary Channels patent introduces an innovative approach to enhance wireless local area network (WLAN) efficiency. The core innovation is a method for scheduling Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communication on secondary channels when the primary channel is occupied by legacy devices, thereby optimizing bandwidth utilization and reducing network congestion. This technology addresses the growing demand for faster and more reliable wireless communication in environments with an increasing number of devices. The key technical approach involves dynamically adjusting the OFDMA schedule based on network conditions, ensuring optimal performance while supporting a mix of high-efficiency WLAN (HEW) stations and legacy devices. This seamless integration with existing WLAN infrastructure reduces the cost and complexity of upgrading to newer wireless standards. The business value lies in the potential to significantly improve network performance, reduce operational costs, and enhance user experience. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for efficient WLAN technologies continues to grow with the proliferation of wireless devices. This innovation has the potential to disrupt the WLAN market and create new opportunities for companies capable of successfully implementing it, offering a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving wireless communication landscape. The patent also details methods for coordinating communication between HEW stations and legacy stations, ensuring effective communication for all devices, further enhancing its market appeal and applicability.","layman_explanation":"The Hew Master Station and Method for Communicating in Accordance with a Scheduled Ofdma Technique on Secondary Channels patent addresses a common problem: slow and unreliable Wi-Fi, especially in crowded environments. Existing Wi-Fi networks often struggle when many devices try to connect simultaneously, leading to congestion and reduced performance. This patent offers a solution by intelligently scheduling how devices access the network.\n\nInstead of letting devices compete for access, this technology uses a system similar to scheduling appointments. The Wi-Fi router, acting as the 'master station,' decides when each device can send and receive data. It also uses multiple 'channels' or lanes, like having multiple highways instead of just one road. This is especially useful when older devices are present, as they can use the main channel while newer devices use secondary channels without interfering with each other. Think of it as a smart traffic management system for your Wi-Fi network.\n\nThis matters because it significantly improves network performance. By efficiently allocating bandwidth and reducing congestion, users experience faster speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection. This has a direct impact on productivity, entertainment, and overall user satisfaction. The technology also allows for better support of new applications that require high bandwidth and low latency, such as video conferencing and online gaming. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for faster and more reliable Wi-Fi continues to grow.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further refined to adapt even more dynamically to changing network conditions. As more devices connect to Wi-Fi networks, solutions like this will become increasingly important. Investment in this area could lead to significant returns as the technology is adopted by network operators and equipment manufacturers seeking to provide a better wireless experience.","technical_analysis":"The Hew Master Station and Method for Communicating in Accordance with a Scheduled Ofdma Technique on Secondary Channels patent details a sophisticated technical solution for improving WLAN efficiency through scheduled OFDMA on secondary channels. The system architecture comprises an access point (AP) that manages communication between high-efficiency WLAN (HEW) stations and legacy stations. The AP dynamically schedules OFDMA communication on secondary channels when the primary channel is in use by legacy devices. This involves modifications to both the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of the WLAN protocol stack. Implementation requires the AP to monitor network conditions, including the number of devices, traffic load, and the presence of legacy devices, to optimize the OFDMA schedule. The scheduling algorithm must efficiently allocate resources to HEW stations while ensuring fair access and minimizing interference. Integration patterns involve defining new frame formats and signaling protocols for OFDMA communication on secondary channels. Performance characteristics are significantly improved in terms of network throughput and latency, particularly in high-density environments. Code-level implications involve modifying the device drivers and firmware of both the AP and the HEW stations to support the new OFDMA scheduling scheme. The patent also specifies methods for ensuring backward compatibility with legacy devices, allowing for a seamless transition to the new technology. This approach offers a significant improvement over traditional contention-based access methods, which become inefficient as the number of devices increases. The scheduled OFDMA technique reduces contention overhead and allows for more efficient use of the available bandwidth, leading to enhanced network performance and a better user experience.","business_analysis":"The Hew Master Station and Method for Communicating in Accordance with a Scheduled Ofdma Technique on Secondary Channels patent presents a significant business opportunity in the rapidly growing WLAN market. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for faster and more reliable wireless communication in homes, offices, and public spaces. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to enhance network efficiency, reduce congestion, and seamlessly integrate with existing WLAN infrastructure. This allows network operators to deploy the technology without requiring a complete overhaul of their systems, reducing costs and complexity. The revenue potential is significant, as network operators can offer improved services and attract more customers by deploying this technology. Business models can include licensing the technology to equipment manufacturers, offering managed WLAN services, or selling hardware that incorporates the technology. Strategic positioning involves targeting high-density environments such as airports, stadiums, and convention centers, where the benefits of the technology are most pronounced. ROI projections indicate that network operators can expect a significant return on investment due to increased network capacity, reduced operational costs, and improved customer satisfaction. This technology also has the potential to disrupt the WLAN market by enabling new applications and services that require high bandwidth and low latency. The patent provides a strong foundation for building a successful business in the WLAN market, offering a competitive edge and a clear path to profitability.","faqs":null,"topics":["WLAN efficiency","OFDMA scheduling","wireless communication","HEW","legacy devices","technical","master","station"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"HEW Master Station OFDMA - Patent US-9853784","description":"Discover how the HEW Master Station and Method for Communicating in Accordance with a Scheduled Ofdma Technique on Secondary Channels patent improves WLAN efficiency. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["WLAN efficiency","OFDMA scheduling","wireless communication","HEW","legacy devices","patent","patent US-9853784"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853784","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853784","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"HEW master station and method for communicating in accordance with a scheduled OFDMA technique on secondary channels\" (US-9853784). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853784","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853784","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853784","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T10:36:55.130Z"}