System and method for determining a clear channel assessment threshold

A method for setting a clear channel assessment (CCA), the method comprising:

• receiving, by a station from an access point, a first message;
• determining a first CCA threshold in accordance with the first message;
• detecting a power level of a channel between the station and the access point to produce a first detected power level;
• selecting the first CCA threshold or a second CCA threshold to produce a selected CCA threshold;
• comparing the first detected power level and the selected CCA threshold;
• when the first detected power level is less than the first CCA threshold, detecting a path loss between the station and the access point and generating a second CCA threshold based on the first CCA threshold and the path loss;
• and
• transmitting, by the station to the access point on the channel, a second message when the detected power level is less than the selected CCA threshold, with the second message including the second CCA threshold.

A method for setting a clear channel assessment (CCA) threshold, the method comprising:

• receiving, by an access point from a first station, a first message;
• receiving, by the access point from a second station, a second message;
• detecting a first path loss between the first station and the access point;
• detecting a second path loss between the first station and the access point;
• determining a first CCA threshold for the first station in accordance with the first path loss, the first message, the second message, and fairness between the first station and the second station;
• determining a second CCA threshold for the second station in accordance with the second path loss, the first message, the second message, and fairness between the first station and the second station;
• transmitting, by the access point to the first station, a third message comprising the first CCA threshold;
• and
• transmitting, by the access point to the second station, a fourth message comprising the second CCA threshold.

A station comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a computer readable storage medium storing programming for execution by the processor,
• the programming including instructions to
• receive, from an access point, a first message comprising an information element,
• determine a CCA threshold in accordance with the information element,
• detect a power level of a channel by the station to produce a first detected power level,
• compare the first detected power level and the CCA threshold,
• when the first detected power level is less than the first CCA threshold, detecting a path loss between the station and the access point and generating a second CCA threshold based on the first CCA threshold and the path loss;
• and
• transmit, to the access point on the channel, a second message when the detected power level is less than the CCA threshold, with the second message including the second CCA threshold.