Dsp Group Limited

Paul C Edwards

Jaekyun Moon

Younggyun Kim

Barrett J Brickner

Michael E Butenhoff

Heng-Mun Lam

An apparatus for dynamic diversity signal reception based upon receiver-side link quality assessments includes two or more antennae. At least one switch is connected to the two or more antennae. A dynamic diversity controller is connected to the at least one switch. The dynamic diversity controller includes a link quality assessor to assess link quality and generate a link characterization value. A diversity configuration selector, responsive to the link characterization value, selectively activates the at least one switch to implement a dynamic diversity configuration. The link quality assessor includes a signal strength analyzer, a modem detector, and/or a MAC layer analyzer to assess the received signal and generate the link characterization value.

Apparatus and method for dynamic diversity based upon receiver-side assessment of link quality

A MAC architecture for WLAN stations partitions functionality between a software-based MAC component and a hardware-based MAC component that work together to balance function and performance. In general, the fulcrum for this balance centers on timing requirements. Accordingly, the hardware-based MAC component is designed to handle many of the functions that are processor-intensive and/or must be performed under strict timing constraints. The software-based MAC component is designed to handle many of the functions that are memory-intensive, but present more lenient timing requirements. The software-based MAC component may be configured to provide an efficient and robust interface to the hardware-based MAC component. In particular, the software-based MAC component may format and prioritize packets to be sent over the air interface, and generate a command structure that provides instructions for the hardware-based MAC component to process the packet.

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Paul C Edwards