Increasing downstream network throughput from access points in data communication systems using transmit opportunities from RTS (request to send)frame errors

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing source code that, when executed by a processor, performs a method for an access point communicatively coupled to a plurality of stations on a data communication network, the method for increasing downstream network throughput using transmit opportunities during RTS errors without channel contention, and the method comprising:

• accessing a radio channel using CSMA/CA (carrier-sense multiple access with collision avoidance) to receive RTS (request to send) frames from a specific station of the plurality of stations within network traffic on the data communication network, the RTS frames requesting channel access without contention to send additional data;
• attempting to decode each RTS frame to determine a transmitter address and a duration field value;
• responsive to successfully decoding an RTS fame, sending a CTS (clear to send) frame to the station for channel access;
• and
• responsive to not successfully decoding an RTS frame:
• detecting an RTS error, wherein the RTS error results in a higher value of backoff window for the specific station before making further attempts for channel access;
• sending a self-CTS frame, without any channel contention, including a NAV (network allocation vector) duration period for continuing channel access without any channel contention;
• and
• transmitting frames during the RTS backoff period.

An access point communicatively coupled to a plurality of stations on a data communication network, the for increasing downstream network throughput using transmit opportunities during RTS errors without channel contention, and the access point comprising:

• a processor;
• a network communication interface communicatively coupled to the processor and coupled to the data communication system;
• and
• a memory device, comprising:
• a first module to access a radio channel using CSMA/CA (carrier-sense multiple access with collision avoidance) to receive RTS (request to send) frames from a specific station of the plurality of stations within network traffic on the data communication network, the RTS frames requesting channel access without contention to send additional data;
• a second module to attempt to decode each RTS frame to determine a transmitter address and a duration field value;
• a third module to, responsive to successfully decoding an RTS fame, send a CTS (clear to send) frame to the station for channel access;
• and
• a fourth module to, responsive to not successfully decoding an RTS frame:
• detect an RTS error, wherein the RTS error results in a higher value of backoff window for the specific station before making further attempts for channel access, and
• send a self-CTS frame, without any channel contention, including a NAV (network allocation vector) duration period for continuing channel access without any channel contention;
• and
• a fifth module to transmit frames during the RTS backoff period.