Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for implementing self-organization in a wireless local area network ('LAN'). Each LAN is divided into a plurality of cells. Each cell is occupied by a number of nodes and one or more relay points (RPs) for communicating information within and among cells. Two separate channels are provided. The first channel, the control channel, is common to all RPs and accessible by all nodes and is utilized for communication of control information such as signal strengths of the RPs and the operating parameters of the selected RP. The second channel, the data channel, is utilized for normal communications between the selected RP and the node, and is specific to the RP. To initiate the self-organization process, the node identifies relay points in the LAN by acquiring identification information transmitted by the relay points across a common control channel. The node selects one of the relay points for communication with the node, and issues a message over the control channel requesting that the selected relay point transfer operating parameters from the relay point to the node. In response, the operating parameters are conveyed to the node. The operating parameters of the node are conformed to those of the selected relay point so that the node can communicate in the context of the selected relay point over the data channel unique to the cell, and through the selected relay point to other nodes within the same cell or to the network.

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First Claim