Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`N/A
`N/A
`
`1:4
`1:5-6
`
`1:7
`1:8-21
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
`[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
`Application Serial No. 60/398,744, filed Jul. 26, 2002, which is
`incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] This invention relates generally to wireless local area networks;
`and more particularly to the management of wireless access points within
`such wireless local area networks.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0003] Communication technologies that link electronic devices in a
`networked fashion are well known. Examples of communication networks
`include wired packet data networks, wireless packet data networks, wired
`telephone networks, wireless telephone networks, and satellite
`communication networks, among other networks. These communication
`networks typically include a network infrastructure that services a plurality
`of client devices. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is
`probably the best-known communication network that has been in
`existence for many years. The Internet is another well-known example of a
`communication network that has also been in existence for a number of
`years. These communication networks enable client devices to
`communicate with each other on a global basis. Wired Local Area
`Networks (LANs), e.g., Ethernets, are also quite common and support
`communications between networked computers and other devices within a
`serviced area. LANs also often link serviced devices to Wide Area
`Networks and the Internet. Each of these networks is generally considered
`
`Page 1 of 27
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 1 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`1:23-2:8
`
`
`2:9-20
`
`a "wired" network, even though some of these networks, e.g., the PSTN,
`may include some transmission paths that are serviced by wireless links.
`[0004] Wireless networks have been in existence for a relatively shorter
`period. Cellular telephone networks, wireless LANs (WLANs), and
`satellite communication networks, among others, are examples of wireless
`networks. Relatively common forms of WLANs are IEEE 802.11(a)
`networks, IEEE 802.11(b) networks, and IEEE 802.11(g) networks,
`referred to jointly as "IEEE 802.11 networks." In a typical IEEE 802.11
`network, a wired backbone network couples to a plurality of Wireless
`Access Points (WAPs), each of which supports wireless communications
`with computers and other wireless terminals that include compatible
`wireless interfaces within a serviced area. The wired backbone network
`couples the WAPs of the IEEE 802.11 network to other networks, both
`wired and wireless, and allows serviced wireless terminals to communicate
`with devices external to the IEEE 802.11 network.
`[0005] WLANs provide significant advantages when servicing portable
`devices such as portable computers, portable data terminals, and other
`devices that are not typically stationary and able to access a wired LAN
`connection. However, WLANs provide relatively low data rate service as
`compared to wired LANs, e.g., IEEE 802.3 networks. Currently deployed
`wired networks provide up to one Gigabit/second bandwidth and relatively
`soon, wired networks will provide up to 10 Gigabit/second bandwidths.
`However, because of their advantages in servicing portable devices,
`WLANs are often deployed so that they support wireless communications
`in a service area that overlays with the service area of a wired network. In
`
`Page 2 of 27
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 2 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`such installations, devices that are primarily stationary, e.g., desktop
`computers, couple to the wired LAN while devices that are primarily
`mobile, e.g., laptop computers, couple to the WLAN. The laptop
`computer, however, may also have a wired LAN connection that it uses
`when docked to obtain relatively higher bandwidth service.
`[0006] When a decision is initially made to install a WLAN in a premises,
`the WLAN must first be engineered. In such engineering, the lay out of the
`premises, e.g., warehouse, office space, campus environment, etc. is first
`considered. In most installations, wireless coverage is desired across all
`areas of the premises. The deployment of the WAPs within the premises is
`the most critical step in the WLAN engineering. Because the conductance
`of Radio Frequency (RF) transmissions through building walls and other
`obstacles in the premises is dependent upon respective structure, the
`structural aspects of the premises must be carefully considered when
`determining WAP placement. However, most WAP placement decisions
`are subjectively made, based upon the care and experience level of the
`installer.
`[0007] During the initial WLAN installation, the WAP placement is fixed.
`Thus, the WAP placement cannot address changes in the topology and
`structure of the premises. Such changes in the topology and structure may
`include the addition of walls, the additions of partitions, the addition of
`wiring that will affect propagation of RF transmissions, and other
`characteristics. Problems that typically result due to poor WAP placement
`include poor channel utilization, interference between WAPs, WAP
`capacity shortages, and other shortcomings. These operational problems,
`
`Page 3 of 27
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`2:21-3:7
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`3:8-17
`
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 3 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`however, will typically only be seen as poor WLAN performance. The
`WLAN network installer/administrator, however, has no way of
`determining whether these problems are caused by equipment deficiencies,
`the nature of the premises, WAP placement, or lack of capacity in the
`WAPs.
`[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art for improvements in the
`management of WAPs servicing a WLAN within a premises.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0009] Thus to overcome the shortcomings of the prior devices among
`other shortcomings, a wireless local area network (WLAN) infrastructure
`constructed according to the present invention better services a plurality of
`wireless terminals through improved management and control of the
`WAPs and their characteristics. The WLAN infrastructure includes a
`wired backbone network, an air controller communicatively coupled to the
`wired backbone network, and a plurality of wireless access points (WAPs).
`The WAPs also communicatively couple to the wired backbone network.
`Each of the WAPs includes a processor, a wired backbone interface, a first
`radio, and a dynamically directional antenna coupled to the first radio.
`Each WAP also includes a second radio that couples to an antenna. The
`wired backbone interface communicatively couples to the processor and to
`the wired backbone network.
`[0010] The first radio communicatively couples to the wired backbone
`interface and to the processor and supports communications with the
`plurality of wireless terminals. The directional antenna couples to the first
`radio and has an antenna gain pattern that is controlled by the processor.
`
`Page 4 of 27
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`3:18-19
`
`3:21
`3:22-4:8
`
`
`4:8-18
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 4 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`The second radio communicatively couples to the wired backbone
`interface and to the processor. The second radio passively listens to, but
`does not participate in the communications of at least some of the plurality
`of wireless terminals, gathers non-participatory WAP data, and provides
`the non-participatory WAP data to the processor. The processor receives
`the non-participatory WAP data from the second radio, creates WAP
`operational reports based there upon, and provides the WAP operational
`reports to the air controller. Based upon directions received from the air
`controller, the processor alters the gain pattern of the directional antenna.
`[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the air
`controller may also provide directions to the WAP that causes the WAP to
`alter the transmission power of the first radio. According to still other
`aspect of the present invention, the air controller provides directions to the
`WAP that causes the WAP to alter the channels upon which the first radio
`operates. In altering the channels of operation of the first radio, the
`processor may direct the first radio to operate on a reserved set of channels
`that are available to the first radio. As is generally known, in a WLAN that
`operates according to particular operating protocol standard, e.g.; IEEE
`802.11(b), a plurality of channels are allocated for operation within the
`WLAN.
`[0012] According to the present invention, some channels may be reserved
`to service particular types of communications, e.g., Voice over Internet
`Protocol (VoIP) communications serviced by the WLAN, data
`communications required to meet a Quality of Service (QoS) requirement,
`etc. In such cases, a reserved set of channels is employed so that the
`
`Page 5 of 27
`
`4:19-5:4
`
`5:4-10
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 5 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`WLAN will provide a service level that is sufficient to support the VoIP
`voice communication or QoS guaranteed data communication. Further, the
`reserved set of channels may service a virtual local area network within
`the WLAN service area.
`[0013] In a particular operation according to the present invention, the air
`controller coordinates the operation of each of the plurality of WAPs of
`the WLAN. In coordinating the operation of the plurality of WAPs, the air
`controller controls the directional antennas of each of the plurality of
`WAPs. In another operation, the air controller coordinates the operation,
`e.g., transmit power and/or channelization, of the first radios of one or
`more of the plurality of WAPs. In other embodiments, the WAPs
`coordinate the operation of their own first radios based upon the non-
`participatory WAP data. Coordination of operation may include altering
`the transmit power of the first radios of each of the plurality of WAPs,
`altering channel usage, etc. By managing each of the plurality of WAPs,
`the air controller controls the service areas provided by each of the
`plurality of WAPs. Controlling the service area of the plurality of WAPs is
`particularly important in ensuring that wireless terminal load is distributed
`across the plurality of WAPs. Further, by controlling at least one of the
`gain pattern of the directional antennas of the plurality of WAPs and the
`transmit power of coupled first radios, the air controller reduces
`interference among the plurality of WAPs and increases WLAN
`performance.
`[0014] The WAP operational reports may also include participatory WAP
`data, i.e., information regarding communications serviced by a respective
`
`Page 6 of 27
`
`5:11-22
`
`6:1-15
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 6 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`WAP. The participatory WAP data may include received carrier signal
`strengths, carrier to interference ratios, byte error rates, dropped link
`occurrences, and channel utilization for communications with serviced
`wireless terminals. Each of these types of participatory WAP data
`indicates the relative quality of the communication link between the WAP
`and one or more serviced wireless terminals. The non-participatory WAP
`data, on the other hand, includes information relating to potentially all
`wireless terminals serviced by the WLAN. The non-participatory WAP
`data, however, can only characterize the information it receives and may
`include received carrier signal strengths, carrier interference ratios, and
`channel utilizations for the plurality transmissions it monitors. Because the
`second radio listens to wireless terminals that are not serviced by the first
`radio of the WAP collecting the non-participatory WAP data, the non-
`participatory WAP data is of great importance. Such is the case because
`transmissions received at a first WAP that are serviced by a second WAP
`produce interference at the first WAP. Thus, it is advantageous to at least
`one of control the gain of the directional antenna and transmission power
`of the first radio of the first Atty. Docket No. BP 2488 WAP to reduce
`interference at the second WAP, and vice versa. In some operations, the
`non-participatory WAP data may include data based upon transmissions
`from other WAPs.
`[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, each
`WAP only includes a single radio and a single antenna. In such case, the
`radio communicatively couples to the wired backbone interface and to the
`processor and supports communications with a first plurality of wireless
`
`Page 7 of 27
`
`N/A
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 7 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`terminals. The directional antenna couples to the first radio and has an
`antenna gain pattern that is controlled by the processor. When the radio is
`idle with respect to the first plurality of wireless terminals, the radio
`passively listens to, but does not participate in transmissions of at least
`some of a second plurality of wireless terminals, gathers non-participatory
`WAP data, and provides the non-participatory WAP data to the processor.
`The processor receives the non-participatory WAP data from the radio,
`creates WAP operational reports based there upon, and provides the WAP
`operational reports to the air controller. Then, based upon directions
`received from the air controller, the processor alters the gain pattern of the
`directional antenna.
`[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become
`apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made
`with reference to the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present
`invention will be more fully understood when considered with respect to
`the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying
`drawings wherein:
`[0018] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating a premises in which a
`Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) constructed according to the
`present invention is deployed;
`[0019] FIG. 2 is a partial system diagram illustrating a portion of the
`campus of FIG. 1 in which wireless communications are serviced
`according to the present invention;
`
`Page 8 of 27
`
`6:16-18
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`6:20
`6:21-7:1
`
`7:2-3
`
`7:4-5
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 8 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`7:6-7
`
`[0020] FIG. 3 is a partial system diagram illustrating a portion of a campus
`in which wireless communications are serviced according to the present
`invention;
`[0021] FIG. 4 is a partial system diagram illustrating a WLAN constructed
`according to the present invention;
`[0022] FIG. 5 is a partial system diagram illustrating in more detail the
`WLAN of FIG. 4;
`[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs illustrating various antenna gain
`patterns of WAP directional antennas operating according to the present
`invention;
`[0024] FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating a WAP constructed
`according to the present invention;
`[0025] FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating the components of a
`wireless terminal that operates according to the present invention;
`[0026] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an air controller constructed
`according to the present invention;
`[0027] FIGS. 9A and 9B are a logic diagrams illustrating WAP operations
`according to the present invention; and
`[0028] FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating air controller operations
`according to the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0029] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating a premises 100 in which a
`Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) constructed according to the
`present invention is deployed. The premises 100 (campus) includes office
`
`Page 9 of 27
`
`7:8-9
`
`7:10
`
`7:11-12
`
`7:13-14
`
`N/A
`
`7:15-16
`
`7:17-18
`
`7:19-20
`
`8:2
`8:3-10
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 9 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`buildings 102, 104, 106 and industrial buildings 108, 110, 112, and 114.
`The premises 100 may correspond to a company such as a technology
`company, a seller of goods, a service company, or another type of
`company. Contained within each of the office buildings 102, 104, and 106
`are a number of offices, each of which provides a working space for at
`least one person. Each of the industrial buildings 108, 110, 112, and 114
`provides space for manufacturing, storage, and/or another purpose. People
`also work within industrial buildings 108, 110, 112, and 114.
`[0030] Contained within each of these buildings 102-114 are computer
`workstations, computer servers, printers, FAX machines, phones, and
`other electronic devices. Each of these electronic devices has its
`communication requirements. For example, computer workstations,
`computer servers, and printers each require data communication service.
`Such data communication service requires that the devices can
`communicate with other devices located within the premises 100 and with
`devices located external to the premises 100 across one or more data
`networks. The FAX machines and phones require coupling to one another
`and to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
`[0031] FIG. 2 is a partial system diagram illustrating a portion of the
`campus of FIG. 1 in which wireless communications are serviced
`according to the present invention. A building floor 200 shown in FIG. 2
`may be a lower floor of one of the buildings of FIG. 1, e.g., building 102.
`The building floor 200 includes a plurality of rooms 202, 204, 206, and
`208. Each of these rooms 202, 204, 206, and 208 has placed therein WAPs
`206A, 206B, 206C, 206D, and 206E, respectively, that service
`
`Page 10 of 27
`
`8:11-18
`
`8:19-9:4
`
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 10 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`corresponding areas. Further, an external WAP 206F services an area
`external to room 208 of building floor 200. Each of these WAPs 206A-
`206F couples to a wired network infrastructure that may include a building
`router 216.
`[0032] Serviced within the building floor 200 are wireless telephones/data
`terminals 212A-212I and laptop computers 214A-214H, together "wireless
`terminals." Each of these wireless terminals wirelessly communicates with
`a servicing WAP. For example, laptop computer 214A and wireless
`terminals 212A and 212B wirelessly communicate with WAP 206A (in
`their illustrated positions). Each of the WAPs 206A-206E supports
`wireless communications primarily within a designated area respectively.
`However, the coverage area of each WAP 206A-206E extends beyond the
`boundaries of the serviced rooms 202-208 so that overlapping coverage
`areas exist. For example, WAPs 206A and 206C provide service between
`rooms 202 and 206 so that wireless terminals that roam between the rooms
`continue to receive wireless communication service when between the
`rooms 202 and 206. Further, WAP 206E supports wireless
`communications outside of the floor 200 to service laptop computer 214H
`and wireless terminal 212I.
`[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram partially illustrating a portion of the
`WLAN of FIG. 2 that supports operations according to the present
`invention. The portion of the network shown includes WAPs 206A and
`206B that support wireless communications within a serviced area, for
`example, the rooms 202 and 204 of FIG. 2. The WAPs 206A and 206B
`couple to a wired backbone network 305. The WAPs 206A and 206B
`
`Page 11 of 27
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`9:5-16
`
`9:17-10:3
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 11 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`service wireless communications for laptop computers 306, 308, and 310,
`desktop computers 312, 314, 316, and 318, and wireless telephones/data
`terminals 320, 322, 322, 324, 326, and 328, together "wireless terminals."
`Note that while different numbering is used for the wireless terminals of
`FIG. 3, they are the same as, or similar to wireless terminals of FIG. 2.
`Service coverage areas supported by WAPs 206A and 206B partially
`overlap. The wired backbone network 305 couples to one or more data
`networks and to an air controller 326.
`[0034] As illustrated, each of the WAPs 206A and 206B includes two
`antennas. A first antenna of the two antennas is a dynamically directional
`antenna that couples to a first radio of a respective WAP and a second
`antenna of the two antennas couples to a second radio of a respective
`WAP. The directional antennas and first radios of the WAPs 206A and
`206B service wireless communications with those of the laptop computers
`306, 308, and 310, desktop computers 312, 314, 316, and 318, and
`wireless telephones/data terminals 320, 322, 322, 324, 326, and 328,
`together "wireless terminals," operating within respective service areas. As
`will be described further with reference to FIGS. 4-10, the WAPs 206A
`and 206B are controlled by the air controller 326 so that their respective
`service areas do not unduly interfere with one another and such that
`satisfactory service is provided therein. In such case, each of WAPs 206A
`and 206B provides service to a subset of the wireless terminals.
`[0035] In controlling the WAPs 206A and 206B, the air controller 326
`directs the WAPs 206A and 206B to alter the gain pattern of their
`directional antennas, to modify their first radio transmit powers, and to
`
`Page 12 of 27
`
`10:4-13
`
`10:14-11:8
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 12 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`alter the channels upon which they operate, among other directions. The
`control of the WAPs 206A and 206B by the air controller 326 is based
`upon WAP operational reports received from the WAPs. Second radios of
`the WAPs 206A and 206B listen to transmissions from at least one of the
`wireless terminals and WAPs and collect non-participatory WAP data. The
`WAPs 206A and 206B produce the WAP operational reports based upon
`the non-participatory WAP data and forward the WAP operational reports
`to the air controller 326. In some operations, the WAP operational reports
`may also include information gathered by the WAPs 206A and 206B
`based upon the communications serviced by the first radio--participatory
`WAP data. Participatory WAP data may include received carrier signal
`strengths, carrier to interference ratios, bit error rates, dropped link
`occurrences, and channel utilization. Non-participatory WAP data may
`include received carrier signal strengths, carrier to interference ratios, and
`channel utilizations. Based upon the WAP operational reports, the air
`controller 326 controls the service areas of the plurality of WAPs 206A
`and 206B. Resultantly, the air controller 326 reduces Radio Frequency
`(RF) interference among the plurality of WAPs, ensures that coverage is
`provided within all desired areas of the premises, and provides specialized
`service when required, e.g., VoIP service.
`[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, that will be
`described further with reference to 7B and 7C, the WAPs 206A and 206B
`also control the directionality (and transmit power) of serviced wireless
`terminals. In performing this function, the WAPs 206A and 206B listen to
`the strength of the received transmissions from a managed wireless
`
`Page 13 of 27
`
`N/A
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 13 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`terminal, determine a gain vector for a directional antenna of the wireless
`terminal and have the wireless terminal control its directional antenna to
`meet this gain vector. Generally, the gain vector will correspond to the
`location of a servicing WAP, WAP 206A for example. By directing the
`gain of the directional antenna of the wireless terminal toward the
`servicing WAP 206A, interference with non-servicing WAPs is reduced
`and the ability of the servicing WAP 206A to service the wireless terminal
`is improved.
`[0037] FIG. 4 is a partial system diagram illustrating a WLAN constructed
`according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the WAPs 206A,
`206B, 206C, and 206D are located across the serviced premises. Each of
`the WAPs 206A through 206D and the air controller 326 couples to the
`wired backbone network 305 (not in FIG. 4). As is further illustrated, each
`of the WAPs 206A through 206D includes a directional antenna 404A
`through 404D, respectively, and a second antenna, 402A through 402D,
`respectively.
`[0038] WAP 206A services communications with a laptop computer 306
`using its first radio and its directional antenna 404A. However, according
`to the present invention, each of the WAPs 206A, 206B, 206C, and 206D
`also listens to transmissions from the laptop computer 306 (and also to
`transmissions from the WAP 206A in some embodiments). In these
`operations, the WAPs 206A through 206D use antennas 402A through
`402D and second radios, respectfully, to listen to transmissions of the
`laptop computer 306.
`
`Page 14 of 27
`
`11:9-14
`
`11:15-20
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 14 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`11:20-12:6
`
`[0039] As will be further described herein with reference to FIGS. 5
`through 10, in listening to transmissions of the laptop computer 306 and
`each other transmitting wireless terminal within the service premises and
`other sources of interference, the WAPs generate WAP operational
`reports. These WAP operational reports are forwarded by the WAPs 206A
`through 206D to the air controller 326. Based upon the WAP operational
`reports the air controller produces directions which are sent to one or more
`of the WAPs 206A through 206D. Then, based upon its directions, the
`WAPs 206A through 206D alter the operations of their directional
`antennas 404A-404D, respectively, alter the transmission power of their
`first radios, and/or alter the channels of operation of the first radios.
`According to another aspect of the present invention, when the WAPs
`206A-206D include only a single radio and a single antenna, the WAPs
`206A-260D listen to transmissions of non-serviced wireless terminals
`when they are idle with respect to their serviced wired terminals. Thus,
`with the embodiment, the WAPs 206A-206D are able to collect non-
`participatory WAP data and participatory WAP data using a single radio.
`[0040] FIG. 5 is a system diagram illustrating in more detail the WLAN of
`FIG. 4 that operates according to the present invention. FIG. 5 also
`illustrates the manner in which WAPs 206A through 206D service
`wireless terminals operating within the premises. As shown, WAP 206A
`provides RF coverage within a respective service area 502 for wireless
`terminals 212A, 212B, and 306. Likewise, WAP 206B provides RF
`coverage within a respective service area 504 for wireless terminals 212C,
`212D, 214B and 214C. WAP 206C provides RF coverage within a
`
`Page 15 of 27
`
`12:7-15
`
`Hewlett Packard Exhibit 1011, Page 15 of 27
`Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
`IPR2021-01377
`
`

`

`Thermond-PRV Disclosure
`(Ex-1006) (page:line)
`
`12:16-13:8
`
`Ex-1011
`Cross-reference table of Thermond (Ex-1005; US2004/0017793) disclosures to corresponding
`disclosures in Thermond-PRV (Ex-1006; SN: 60/398,744)
`
`
`Thermond Disclosure (Ex-1005)
`
`respective service area 506 for wireless terminals 214D, 214E and 212F.
`Finally, WAP 206D provides RF coverage within a respective service area
`508 for wireless terminals 212H, 214F, and 214G.
`[0041] As is illustrated, each of the service areas 502, 504, 506, and 508
`has an irregular shape. While these irregular shapes are exaggerated for the
`illustrative purposes of FIG. 5, each of the WAPs 206A through 206D
`includes directional antennas 404A through 404D, respectively, that are
`capable of supporting respective service areas having irregular (and
`unique) shapes. As was previously discussed herein, the directional
`antennas 404A through 404D, the transmit power provided thereto by the
`coupled first radios, and the channel usage of the first radios are altered via
`direction from the air controller. As part of this alteration process, varying
`the directionality of the directional antennas 404A through 404D as well
`as the transmit power applied to the directional antennas 404A through
`404D will alter the service coverage areas 502, 504, 506, and 508
`respectively. Such alteration in the service coverage areas 502 through 508
`results in reduced interference amo