The rate detector 116 is configured to and capable of determining a downstream transmission rate from the AP 110 to another station. The rate detector 116 can determine the transmission rate, for example, based on channel estimation, control information received from a station (e.g., a channel quality indicator, a transmission rate identifier, etc.), retransmission schemes, etc. The rate detector 116 can provide the determined transmission rates to the processor 114 and/or scheduler 118 for scheduling purposes.

The scheduler 118 schedules packet transmission and grants access to the stations, for example, according to the order of transmissions determined based on the DRRAF allocation.

In some implementations, the rate detector 116 and/or the scheduler 118 can be integral parts of the processor 114 or they can be implemented as separated modules.

The stations 120, 130, and 140 can include any wireless and similar devices that have telecommunications capabilities. In some instances, a station may refer to a mobile, wireless device or a generally non-transportable device, such as desktop computers or set-top boxes with wireless network communication capabilities. Examples of the stations include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a computer (including desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a telephone, a television, a cable set-top box, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other communications devices.