Transmit power control for mobile unit

Abstract

In a wireless local area network which includes access point having variable transmitter power levels, transmitter power data is sent from the access points to the mobile units and used by the mobile units in order to provide a corresponding variation in the transmitter power of the mobile unit.

1 . In a wireless local area network wherein mobile units receive beacon signals from access points having varying transmit power levels and associate with access points for data communications therewith, a method for controlling transmitter power level of a mobile unit, comprising:
 transmitting from an access point to said mobile unit beacon signals that include data representing transmitter power level of said access point in operation;   receiving at said mobile unit data representing transmitter power level of said access point in operation; and   adjusting transmitter power level of said mobile unit to a power level corresponding to said access point transmitter power level data included in said beacon signals;   wherein said access points have varying transmitter power levels.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said adjusting power level of said mobile unit is performed when said mobile unit associates with an access point. 
     
     
         4 . A mobile unit for use in a wireless local area network having access points transmitting at different power levels, comprising:
 a receiver for receiving beacon signals including access point power level signals from said access points;   a transmitter responsive to said access point power level signals to transmit at a selected transmitter power level corresponding to said access point power level signals; and   a processor, coupled to process data signals from said receiver and programmed to derive access point power level data included in said beacon signals received from said access points and to provide corresponding transmitter power level signals to said transmitter.   
     
     
         5 .- 6 . (canceled)