US Patent 7733772 Dynamic selection of communication links in a mixed network

Dynamic selection of communication links in a mixed network having wired and wireless links. An access point is coupled between at least two stations, with the access point coupled to a first station by a wired link and a wireless link. The access point is coupled to the second station by a wireless link. The first and second stations are coupled by a direct wireless link, and also at least two indirect links passing through the access point. A link selection component on the first station is operative to estimate the capacities of the various links, and to select one of the links for transmitting a bitstream. The link selection component can also dynamically re-select a link for continuing an on-going transmission of a given bitstream.