Wireless communication may be used as a means of accessing a computer network and have certain advantages over wired communications for accessing a computer network. One of those advantages is a lower cost of infrastructure to provide access to many separate locations or addresses compared to wired communications. This is the so-called “last mile” problem. To use wireless communication to access a network, a customer premises needs to have at least one transceiver in active communication with another transceiver that is connected to the network. Typically, the cost of purchasing and installing these transceivers is much less than a wired connection to the customer's premises.
To facilitate wireless communications, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has promulgated a number of wireless standards. These include the 802.11 (WiFi) standards and the 802.16 (WiMax) standards. These standards may include specifications for various aspects of wireless communication with a network including processes for registering on the network, carrier modulation, frequency bands of operation, and message formats. Another term for frequency bands is channels.
Overview
A method of operating a communication system is disclosed. The method comprises acquiring a first frequency band for a first device to wirelessly communicate a first data stream. The center frequency of the first frequency band is f1. A second frequency band is acquired for a second device to wirelessly communicate a second data stream. The center frequency of the second frequency band is f2. A third frequency band is found that is below the first frequency band and is available. The center frequency of the third frequency band is f3. A fourth frequency band is found that is above the first frequency band and is available. The center frequency of the fourth frequency band is f4. If a frequency determination factor of (f1−f3)/(f4−f1) is greater than one, the third frequency band is acquired for the second device.
A communication system is disclosed. The communication system comprises a controller that assigns a first wireless communication device to exchange communication in a first frequency band. The controller also assigns a second wireless communication device to exchange communication in the first frequency band. The center frequency of the first frequency band is fC. A scanner finds a lower available frequency band and an upper available frequency band. The center frequency of the lower available frequency band is fL. The center frequency of the upper available frequency band is fU, and fL<fC<fU. If a frequency determination factor of (fC−fL)/(fU−fC) is greater than one, the controller reassigns the second wireless communication device to exchange communication in the lower frequency band.