SCHEDULING TIME-DICED UPLINKS AND DOWNLINKS IN A DENSE OVERHEAD MESH OF ACCESS POINTS

In one embodiment, a controller identifies access points forming an overhead mesh of access points in an area, each access point comprising one or more directional transmitters each configured to transmit a beam cone in a substantially downward direction towards a floor of the area. The controller determines coverage areas on the floor of the area for the one or more directional transmitters of the access points in the overhead mesh. The controller generates, based on the coverage areas, alternating communication schedules for the access points such that a client device at any given location on the floor of the area is within range of a plurality of receiving access points in the overhead mesh and at least one transmitting access point in the overhead mesh at a certain point in time. The controller sends the communication schedules to the access points.