Bandwidth allocation protocol for shared wireless networks

A transceiver node for use with a first client device on a wireless network shared with a second client device, the transceiver node comprising:

• a controller;
• a memory coupled to said controller, said memory storing instructions for allocating bandwidth for transmission to said first and second client devices;
• and
• a communication interface coupled to said controller, said communication interface capable of sending downstream transmissions and receiving upstream transmissions over a virtual channel for upstream communication and downstream communication, said virtual channel to transmit and receive data in a series of frames including a first frame and a second frame, said first frame to provide a request-to-send indication for transmitting data to said transceiver node and said second frame to provide an indication from said transceiver node to said first client device to stay silent after transmitting the data in response to said request-to-send indication.

A bi-directional communication system in which a bandwidth allocation protocol is deployed for communicating with a plurality of wireless networks in cooperation with a server, the system comprising:

• a virtual channel for upstream communication and downstream communication;
• a wireless access point capable of sending downstream transmissions and receiving upstream transmissions over said virtual channel;
• and
• a plurality of wireless client devices capable of receiving said downstream transmissions and sending said upstream transmissions, at least one of said wireless client devices capable of sending a request-to-send indication to said wireless access point for transmitting data and receiving an indication from said wireless access point to stay silent after transmitting the data in response to said request-to-send indication.