Importance

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Abstract

Method and system aspects for increasing throughput in a WLAN are provided. In a method aspect, a packet is transmitted from a first end station in the WLAN, the packet including an indication of a next end station in a chain of end stations having data ready for transmission in the WLAN. The method further includes transferring control of access before a predetermined time period has been exceeded to the next end station in the chain of end stations based upon the indicator. In addition, the method includes maintaining access to the network for a plurality of cooperating end stations established through continuous indication of the next end station in the chain of end stations without exceeding a maximum access time. In a system aspect, the system includes a first end station, the first end station transmitting a packet in the WLAN, and a second end station in a chain end stations cooperating with the first end station and acknowledging the packet from the first end station before a predetermined time period has been exceeded, the second end station identifying a next end station in the chain end of end stations to have access in the WLAN. Further, transmission access to the WLAN continues with the next end station in the chain end stations when the predetermined time period is not exceeded between transmitting and acknowledging.

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First Claim