Wireless communication method for dealing with unavailable window adjustment and related wireless communication device

Abstract

A wireless communication method includes: generating a first frame, wherein the first frame is configured to carry information about an unavailable window of a first wireless communication device; transmitting the first frame to a second wireless communication device; generating a second frame after the first frame is transmitted, wherein the second frame is configured to carry information indicating adjustment of the unavailable window; and transmitting the second frame to the second wireless communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wireless communication, and more specifically, to a wireless communication method and related wireless communication device for handling unavailable window adjustments. Prior Technology

[0002] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network that uses wireless communication technologies (such as Wi-Fi) to transmit and receive data within a limited range. Therefore, a WLAN system may include multiple WLAN devices, such as Wi-Fi devices, comprising at least one Access Point (AP) and at least one non-AP Station (STA). With the development of Wi-Fi technology, new features have been proposed to improve transmission / reception (TX / RX) performance. For example, modern mobile phones can simultaneously support cellular and non-cellular wireless communication standards. This means that subsystems operate within a single device (also known as in-device coexistence, or IDC) at very close range, leading to significant IDC interference.

[0003] During IDC interference, the first Wi-Fi device may have limited TX / RX capabilities due to IDC issues. Therefore, the first Wi-Fi device (e.g., a non-AP STA) may notify the second Wi-Fi device (e.g., an AP) of its unavailability window during which the first Wi-Fi device (e.g., a non-AP STA) experiences IDC problems. When performing TX / RX operations with the peer device (i.e., the first Wi-Fi device), the second Wi-Fi device (e.g., the AP) should adhere to the limited TX / RX capabilities (e.g., Maximum Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) and / or Maximum Spatial Streams (SS)) indicated by the peer device during the unavailability window.

[0004] Actual IDC interference periods can be longer or shorter than expected due to various factors. For example, consider a scenario where Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BT) devices coexist on a single electronic device; when an unavailable window is assigned to the Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), additional dwell time may be required for retransmissions. As another example, consider a scenario where Wi-Fi and BT devices coexist on a single electronic device; when the Bluetooth Enhanced Synchronous Connection Oriented Profile (eSCO) completes TX / RX without retransmissions, its activity may terminate earlier than scheduled. Therefore, an innovative design is needed to adjust the indicated unavailable window. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a wireless communication method for handling unavailable window adjustments and related wireless communication devices.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an exemplary wireless communication method is disclosed. The exemplary wireless communication method includes: generating a first frame, wherein the first frame is configured to carry information about an unavailable window of a first wireless communication device; transmitting the first frame to a second wireless communication device; generating a second frame after the first frame is transmitted, wherein the second frame is configured to carry information indicating adjustment of the unavailable window; and transmitting the second frame to the second wireless communication device.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an exemplary wireless communication method is disclosed. The exemplary wireless communication method includes: receiving a frame, wherein the frame is configured to carry information about an unavailable window of a wireless communication device; and automatically extending the unavailable window after the end time of the unavailable window indicated by the frame, when the number of unsuccessful transmission (TX) retries reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an exemplary wireless communication device is disclosed. The exemplary wireless communication device includes a network interface circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to generate a first frame, instruct the network interface circuit to transmit the first frame to another wireless communication device, generate a second frame after the first frame has been transmitted, and instruct the network interface circuit to transmit the second frame to the other wireless communication device, wherein the first frame is configured to carry information about an unavailable window of the wireless communication device, and the second frame is configured to carry information indicating adjustment of the unavailable window.

[0009] These and other objectives of the present invention will be self-evident to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system supporting the proposed unavailable window adjustment design according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a first unavailable window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment of a second unavailable window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment of a third unavailable window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment of a fourth unavailable window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment scenario of the fifth unavailable window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating another wireless communication system supporting the proposed unavailable window adjustment design according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the adjustment of a sixth unavailable window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0011] Certain terms are used in the following descriptions and requests that refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that electronics manufacturers may use different names to refer to a component. This document is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but identical functions. In the following descriptions and requests, the terms “comprising” and “including” are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as “including, but not limited to…”. Furthermore, the term “coupled” is intended to indicate an indirect or direct electrical connection. Therefore, if one device is coupled to another device, the connection can be a direct electrical connection or an indirect electrical connection via other devices and connections.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system supporting the proposed unavailable window adjustment design according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system 100 includes a plurality of wireless communication devices 102 and 104. For example, the wireless communication system 100 is a WLAN system, such as a Wi-Fi system, comprising an access point (AP) and a non-AP STA. In one embodiment of the invention, wireless communication device 102 may be a WLAN device acting as an AP, such as a Wi-Fi device, while wireless communication device 104 may be another WLAN device acting as either a non-AP STA or an AP, such as a Wi-Fi device. In another embodiment of the invention, wireless communication device 102 may be a WLAN device acting as a non-AP STA, such as a Wi-Fi device, while wireless communication device 104 may be another WLAN device acting as either an AP or a non-AP STA, such as a Wi-Fi device.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, wireless communication devices (WLAN devices or Wi-Fi devices) 102 / 104 may be multi-link devices (MLDs) supporting multi-link operation (MLO) as specified in the WLAN standard. Therefore, wireless communication devices 102 and 104 may include AP MLDs (having multiple links operating on different frequency bands and capable of simultaneous operation) and non-AP MLDs (having multiple links operating on different frequency bands and capable of simultaneous operation). In one embodiment of the present invention, wireless communication device 102 may be a WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as an AP MLD with multiple affiliated APs, while wireless communication device 104 may be a WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as a non-AP MLD with multiple affiliated non-AP STAs or an AP MLD with multiple affiliated APs. In another embodiment of the present invention, wireless communication device 102 may be a WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as a non-AP MLD with multiple affiliated non-AP STAs, while wireless communication device 104 may be a WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as an AP MLD with multiple affiliated APs or a non-AP MLD with multiple affiliated non-AP STAs. Wireless communication device 102 is associated with wireless communication device 104. In addition, multiple L1-LM links were enabled between wireless communication devices 102 and 104. These devices are Wi-Fi MLDs. Regarding the cases where wireless communication devices 102 and 104 include both non-MLD APs and non-MLD STAs, a link L1 is enabled between wireless communication devices 102 and 104. ).

[0014] For the sake of brevity and simplicity, only two wireless communication devices 102 and 104 are shown in Figure 1. In practice, wireless communication system 100 allows for more than two wireless communication devices in the same Basic Service Set (BSS), including one AP (e.g., AP MLD or non-MLD AP) and more than one non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP MLD or non-MLD STA).

[0015] Wireless communication devices 102 and 104 may have the same or similar circuit structures. As shown in Figure 1, wireless communication device 102 includes a processor 112, a memory 114, a control circuit 116, and a network interface circuit 117, wherein the network interface circuit 117 includes a transmit (TX) circuit 118 and a receive (RX) circuit 120. The memory 114 is configured to store program code. The processor 112 is configured to load and execute the program code to manage wireless communication device 102. The control circuit 116 is configured to control wireless communication with wireless communication device 104. In the case where wireless communication device 102 is an AP (e.g., AP MLD or non-MLD AP) and wireless communication device 104 is a non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP MLD or non-MLD STA), control circuit 116 controls the TX circuit 118 of network interface circuit 117 to handle downlink (DL) traffic between the AP and non-AP STA, and controls the RX circuit 120 of network interface circuit 117 to handle uplink (UL) traffic between the AP and non-AP STA. In another case where wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP MLD or non-MLD STA) and wireless communication device 104 is an AP (e.g., AP MLD or non-MLD AP), control circuit 116 controls the TX circuit 118 of network interface circuit 117 to handle UL traffic between the AP and non-AP STA, and controls the RX circuit 120 of network interface circuit 117 to handle DL traffic between the AP and non-AP STA. It should be noted that the processor 112 and the control circuit 116 can be implemented using separate circuits or integrated into the same circuit, depending on the actual design considerations.

[0016] Wireless communication device 104 includes a processor 122, memory 124, control circuitry 126, and network interface circuitry 127, wherein network interface circuitry 127 includes a TX circuitry 128 and an RX circuitry 130. Memory 124 is configured to store code. Processor 122 is configured to load and execute code to manage wireless communication device 104. Control circuitry 126 is configured to control wireless communication with wireless communication device 102. When wireless communication device 102 is an access point (e.g., an AP MLD or a non-MLD AP) and wireless communication device 104 is a non-AP working terminal (e.g., a non-AP MLD or a non-MLD STA), control circuitry 126 controls the TX circuitry 128 of network interface circuitry 127 to handle uplink traffic between the AP and non-AP STA, and controls the RX circuitry 130 of network interface circuitry 127 to handle downlink traffic between the AP and non-AP STA. In another scenario, wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP STA (e.g., a non-AP MLD or non-MLD STA) and wireless communication device 104 is an AP (e.g., an AP MLD or non-MLD AP). Control circuit 126 controls the TX circuit 128 of network interface circuit 127 to handle downlink traffic between the AP and non-AP STAs, and controls the RX circuit 130 of network interface circuit 127 to handle uplink traffic between the AP and non-AP STAs. It should be noted that processor 122 and control circuit 126 can be implemented using separate circuits or integrated into the same circuit depending on actual design considerations.

[0017] It should be noted that only the elements relevant to the present invention are shown in Figure 1. In practical applications, wireless communication device 102 may include additional elements to achieve the specified function, and / or wireless communication device 104 may include additional elements to achieve the specified function.

[0018] Wireless communication devices 102 and 104 support the proposed unavailable window adjustment design. Wireless communication device 102 (particularly its control circuitry 116) can generate a plurality of Media Access Control (MAC) frames (e.g., Initial Control Response (ICR) 142, Control Response (CRF) 144, and Initial Control Frame (ICF) 146) and instruct network interface circuitry 117 (particularly its TX circuitry 118) to transmit MAC frames (e.g., ICR 142, CRF 144, and ICF 146) to wireless communication device 104, where each MAC frame can be encapsulated in a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). Therefore, wireless communication device 104 (particularly its control circuitry 126) can receive MAC frames (e.g., ICR 142, CRF 144, and ICF 146) via network interface circuitry 127 (particularly its RX circuitry 130). The wireless communication device 104 (in particular, the control circuit 126 of the wireless communication device 104) can generate a plurality of MAC frames (e.g., ICF 134 and ICR 136) and instruct the network interface circuit 127 (in particular, the TX circuit 128 of the network interface circuit 127) to transmit the MAC frames (e.g., ICF 134 and ICR 136) to the wireless communication device 102, wherein each MAC frame can be encapsulated in a PPDU. Therefore, the wireless communication device 102 (in particular, the control circuit 116 of the wireless communication device 102) can receive the MAC frames (e.g., ICF 134 and ICR 136) through the network interface circuit 117 (in particular, the RX circuit 120 of the network interface circuit 117).

[0019] One of ICR 142 and CRF 144 can be configured to carry information about the unavailability window of the wireless communication device 102. For example, one of ICR 142 and CRF 144 can indicate the start time and duration of the unavailability window, as well as the limited TX / RX capability during the unavailability window. ICF 146 can be configured to carry information indicating adjustments to the unavailability window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144. After ICR 142 / CRF 144 carrying the unavailability window information is transmitted, ICF 146 is transmitted to notify the wireless communication device 104 of adjustments to the unavailability window (e.g., extension or truncation of the unavailability window).

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first unavailable window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. To better understand the technical features of the first unavailable window adjustment scenario, it is assumed that wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP working terminal (STA), and wireless communication device 104 is an access point (AP). Wireless communication device 102 responds with ICR 142 after receiving ICF 134 sent by wireless communication device 104. In one embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use ICR 142 to provide an indication of the unavailable window of wireless communication device 102. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use CRF 144 (e.g., a Multiple Working Terminal Block Acknowledgment (MSBA) frame) to provide an indication of the unavailable window of wireless communication device 102. ICF 146 is used to carry information indicating an unavailable window adjustment (e.g., unavailable window extension or unavailable window truncation). Before the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 begins at the start of T1, wireless communication device 102 may be aware that the indicated unavailable window should be extended. Therefore, wireless communication device 102 transmits ICF 146 (e.g., a Block Acknowledgment Request (BAR) frame, Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame, or Multi-User Transmit Request (MURTS) frame) at a point before the start time T1 of the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144, and wireless communication device 104 responds with ICR 136 after receiving the unavailable window adjustment indication carried by ICF 146. For example, ICF 146 may carry information about the updated duration of the unavailable window. Thus, due to the updated duration indicated by ICF 146, the end time T2 of the unavailable window is updated to a new end time T3. It should be noted that a backoff operation must be performed before transmitting ICF 146. In some embodiments of the invention, wireless communication device 102 should take into account the processing delay of its peer device (i.e., wireless communication device 104) when transmitting the unavailable window adjustment indication.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second unavailability window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. To better understand the technical features of the second unavailability window adjustment scenario, it is assumed that wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP working terminal (STA), and wireless communication device 104 is an access point (AP). Wireless communication device 102 responds with ICR 142 after receiving ICF 134 sent by wireless communication device 104. In one embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use ICR 142 to provide an indication of the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use CRF 144 (e.g., an MSBA frame) to provide an indication of the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. ICF 146 is used to carry information indicating an unavailability window adjustment (e.g., unavailability window extension or unavailability window truncation). After the unavailability window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 begins at the start of T1, wireless communication device 102 may realize that the indicated unavailability window should be extended. If wireless communication device 102 with limited TX / RX capabilities can perform TX operations with wireless communication device 104 during the unavailable window, wireless communication device 102 can transmit ICF 146 (e.g., a BAR frame, BSRP frame, or MURTS frame) at a certain point in time within the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144. For example, wireless communication device 102 can transmit ICF 146 to wireless communication device 104 using reduced TX capabilities. As another example, wireless communication device 102 can transmit ICF 146 when not affected by IDC interference. Wireless communication device 104 responds with ICR 136 upon receiving the unavailable window adjustment indication carried by ICF 146. For example, ICF 146 can carry information about the updated unavailable window duration and / or the updated TX / RX capabilities during the unavailable window. Thus, due to the updated duration indicated by ICF 146, the end time T2 of the unavailable window is updated to a new end time T3. Note that a backoff operation must be performed before transmitting ICF 146. In some embodiments of the present invention, when the wireless communication device 102 sends an unavailable window adjustment indication to its peer device (i.e., wireless communication device 104), it should take into account the processing delay of its peer device (i.e., wireless communication device 104).

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a third unavailability window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. To better understand the technical features of the third unavailability window adjustment scenario, it is assumed that wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP working terminal (STA), and wireless communication device 104 is an access point (AP). After receiving an ICF 134 sent from wireless communication device 104, wireless communication device 102 responds with an ICR 142. In one embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use the ICR 142 to provide an indication of the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use a CRF 144 (e.g., an MSBA frame) to provide an indication of the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. The unavailability window information carried by the ICR 142 / CRF 144 may include a specific value to indicate the indefinite duration of the unavailability window. In other words, when the ICR 142 / CRF 144 carrying the unavailability window information is sent, the end time of the unavailability window may be indeterminate. In this embodiment, after the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 begins at time T1, the wireless communication device 102 knows that the unavailable window should be extended to time T3. Since the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 has an indefinite duration, ICF 146 is used to carry information indicating an adjustment to the unavailable window (e.g., termination of the unavailable window). In this embodiment, the wireless communication device 102 uses separate frames ICR 142 / CRF 144 and ICF 146 to indicate the start and end times of the unavailable window, respectively. Therefore, to indicate the termination of the unavailable window, the wireless communication device 102 sends ICF 146 (e.g., a BAR frame, a BSRP frame, or a MURTS frame) after the end time T3 of the unavailable window.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a fourth unavailability window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. To better understand the technical features of the fourth unavailability window adjustment scenario, it is assumed that wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP working terminal (STA), and wireless communication device 104 is an access point (AP). After receiving an ICF 134 sent from wireless communication device 104, wireless communication device 102 responds with an ICR 142. In one embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use the ICR 142 to provide an indication of the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use a CRF 144 (e.g., an MSBA frame) to provide an indication of the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. The unavailability window information carried by the ICR 142 / CRF 144 may include a specific value to indicate the indefinite duration of the unavailability window. In other words, when the ICR 142 / CRF 144 carrying the unavailability window information is sent, the end time of the unavailability window may be indeterminate. In this embodiment, after the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 begins at time T1, the wireless communication device 102 knows that the unavailable window should be shortened to time point T3. Since the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 has an indefinite duration, ICF 146 is used to carry information indicating the adjustment of the unavailable window (e.g., termination of the unavailable window). In this embodiment, the wireless communication device 102 uses separate frames ICR 142 / CRF 144 and ICF 146 to indicate the start and end times of the unavailable window, respectively. Therefore, to indicate the termination of the unavailable window, the wireless communication device 102 sends ICF 146 (e.g., a BAR frame, a BSRP frame, or a MURTS frame) after the end time T3 of the unavailable window.

[0024] Figure 6 is an illustration of a fifth unavailability window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. To better understand the technical features of the fifth unavailability window adjustment scenario, it is assumed that wireless communication device 102 is a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD), wireless communication device 104 is an AP multi-link device (AP MLD), and different links L1 and L2 (labeled as link 0 and link 1) are established between wireless communication devices 102 and 104. After receiving an ICF 134 sent by wireless communication device 104, wireless communication device 102 responds with an ICR 142, wherein the ICR 142 and ICF 134 are transmitted via link 0. In one embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use the ICR 142 to provide information indicating the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 102 can use a CRF 144 (e.g., an MSBA frame) to provide information indicating the unavailability window of wireless communication device 102, wherein the CRF 144 is transmitted via link 0. ICF 146 is used to carry information indicating an adjustment to the unavailable window (e.g., extending or shortening the unavailable window). In this embodiment, after the unavailable window indicated by ICR 142 / CRF 144 begins at time T1, the wireless communication device 102 may realize that the indicated unavailable window should be shortened. Therefore, the wireless communication device 102 sends ICF 146 (e.g., a BAR frame, BSRP frame, or MURTS frame) to the wireless communication device 104 via link 1. Upon receiving the unavailable window adjustment indication carried by ICF 146, the wireless communication device 104 responds with ICR 136, which is transmitted via link 1. ICF 146 may carry information about the duration of the unavailable window update on link 0. In other words, ICF 146 transmitted via link 1 provides a cross-link indication for the adjustment of the unavailable window on link 0. Thus, the end time T2 of the unavailable window on link 0 is updated to a new end time T3 due to the update duration indicated by ICF 146 on link 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, when indicating the update duration of the unavailable window, the wireless communication device 102 should also take into account the cross-link processing latency of its peer device (i.e., the wireless communication device 104).

[0025] Figure 7 is an illustration of another wireless communication system supporting the proposed unavailable window adjustment design according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system 700 includes a plurality of wireless communication devices 702 and 704. For example, the wireless communication system 700 is a WLAN system, such as a Wi-Fi system, comprising an access point (AP) and a non-AP working terminal (STA). In one embodiment of the invention, wireless communication device 702 may be a WLAN device acting as an AP, such as a Wi-Fi device, while wireless communication device 704 may be another WLAN device acting as a non-AP STA or an AP, such as a Wi-Fi device. In another embodiment of the invention, wireless communication device 702 may be a WLAN device acting as a non-AP STA, such as a Wi-Fi device, while wireless communication device 704 may be another WLAN device acting as an AP or a non-AP STA, such as a Wi-Fi device.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, wireless communication devices (WLAN devices or Wi-Fi devices) 702 / 704 may be multi-link devices (MLDs) supporting multi-link operation (MLO) as specified in the WLAN standard. Therefore, wireless communication devices 702 and 704 may include AP MLDs (having multiple links that operate on different frequency bands and are capable of simultaneous operation) and non-AP MLDs (having multiple links that operate on different frequency bands and are capable of simultaneous operation). In one embodiment of the present invention, wireless communication device 702 may be a WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as an AP MLD with multiple affiliated APs, while wireless communication device 704 may be another WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as a non-AP MLD with multiple affiliated non-AP STAs or an AP MLD with multiple affiliated APs. In another embodiment of the present invention, wireless communication device 702 may be a WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as a non-AP MLD with multiple affiliated non-AP STAs, while wireless communication device 704 may be another WLAN device, such as a Wi-Fi device, acting as an AP MLD with multiple affiliated APs or a non-AP MLD with multiple affiliated non-AP STAs. In addition, multiple L1-LM links were enabled between wireless communication devices 702 and 704. For wireless communication devices 702 and 704, which include both non-MLD APs and non-MLD STAs, a link L1 is enabled between wireless communication devices 702 and 704. ).

[0027] For simplicity and clarity, only two wireless communication devices, 702 and 704, are shown in Figure 7. In practice, the wireless communication system 700 allows for more than two wireless communication devices, including one AP (e.g., AP MLD or non-MLD AP) and more than one non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP MLD or non-MLD STA) in the same BSS.

[0028] The main difference between wireless communication devices 102 and 702 is that the control circuit 716 of wireless communication device 702 can generate a plurality of ICFs 712, 714_1-714_N and instruct network interface circuit 117 (specifically, the TX circuit 118 of network interface circuit 117) to send ICFs 712, 714_1-714_N to wireless communication device 704. Therefore, the control circuit 726 of wireless communication device 704 receives ICFs 712, 714_1-714_N through network interface circuit 127 (specifically, the RX circuit 130 of network interface circuit 127). It should be noted that processor 112 and control circuit 716 can be implemented using separate circuits or integrated into the same circuit depending on actual design considerations.

[0029] The main difference between wireless communication devices 104 and 704 is that the control circuit 726 of wireless communication device 704 can generate ICR 722 and CRF 724 and instruct network interface circuit 127 (specifically, the TX circuit 128 of network interface circuit 127) to send ICR 722 and CRF 724 to wireless communication device 702. Therefore, the control circuit 716 of wireless communication device 702 receives ICR 722 and CRF 724 through network interface circuit 117 (specifically, the RX circuit 120 of network interface circuit 117). It should be noted that the processor 122 and control circuit 726 can be implemented using separate circuits or integrated into the same circuit depending on actual design considerations.

[0030] It should be noted that only elements relevant to the present invention are shown in Figure 7. In practice, wireless communication device 702 may include additional elements to achieve the specified function, and / or wireless communication device 704 may include additional elements to achieve the specified function.

[0031] Wireless communication devices 702 and 704 support the proposed unavailability window adjustment design. One of ICR 722 and CRF 724 can be configured to carry information about the unavailability window of wireless communication device 704. For example, ICR 722 / CRF 724 can indicate the start time and duration of the unavailability window, as well as the limited TX / RX capability during the unavailability window. After the end time of the unavailability window indicated by ICR 722 / CRF 724, wireless communication device 702 initiates TX retry attempts using ICFs 714_1-714_N, and automatically extends the unavailability window when the number of unsuccessful TX retry attempts reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., N).

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates a sixth unavailability window adjustment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. To better understand the technical features of the sixth unavailability window adjustment scenario, it is assumed that wireless communication device 702 is an AP MLD and wireless communication device 704 is a non-AP MLD. Wireless communication device 704 responds with ICR 722 after receiving ICF 712 sent from wireless communication device 702. In one embodiment, wireless communication device 704 can use ICR 722 to provide an indication of its unavailability window. In another embodiment, wireless communication device 704 can use CRF 724 (e.g., an MSBA frame) to provide an indication of its unavailability window. The unavailability window indicated by ICR 722 / CRF 724 can start at T1 and end at T2. After the end time of the indicated unavailability window, wireless communication device 702 attempts at at least N unsuccessful TX operations with wireless communication device 704 (which has previously indicated its unavailability window). It is assumed that a predetermined threshold is set to 3 (i.e., When wireless communication device 702 does not receive any ICFs 714_1-714_3 from wireless communication device 704. When a response frame (e.g., an acknowledgment (ACK) frame) is received from the wireless communication device 702, the wireless communication device 702 determines that the conditions for enabling automatic unavailability window extension are met. Therefore, the wireless communication device 702 automatically enables an unavailability window extension with a predetermined duration (starting at T31 and ending at T32). Similarly, after the end time T32 of the unavailability window extended by one automatic unavailability window extension, the wireless communication device 702 attempts to perform at least N unsuccessful TX operations with the wireless communication device 704. When the wireless communication device 702 does not receive any ICFs 714_1-714_3 from the wireless communication device 704... When the wireless communication device 702 receives a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame), it determines that the conditions for enabling automatic unavailability window extension are met. Therefore, the wireless communication device 702 automatically enables another unavailability window extension with a predetermined duration (starting from T33 and ending at T34).

[0033] It should be noted that certain parameters can be negotiated in advance between wireless communication devices 702 and 704. For example, the pre-negotiated parameters may include a predetermined threshold N (i.e., the maximum number of TX retries), a predetermined duration of an unavailability window extension (i.e., the duration of the unavailability window extension), and the maximum allowed duration of the unavailability window extension. In some embodiments of the invention, wireless communication device 702 may check whether the end time T3 of the maximum allowed duration of the unavailability window extension is within the unavailability window extension with the predetermined duration. When it is determined that the end time of the maximum duration is within the unavailability window extension with the predetermined duration (e.g., the latest unavailability window extension starts at T33 and ends at T34), wireless communication device 702 terminates the unavailability window of wireless communication device 704 at the end time T3 of the maximum duration. It should be noted that the TX data rate should not decrease after a failed TX retry.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the wireless communication device experiencing an IDC problem and indicating its unavailability window is a non-AP working terminal (e.g., a non-AP multi-link device (MLD) or a non-MLD working terminal (STA)). However, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the wireless communication device experiencing an IDC problem and indicating its unavailability window can be an access point (e.g., an AP multi-link device (MLD) or a non-MLD access point (AP)). In short, the proposed unavailability window adjustment (e.g., unavailability window extension or unavailability window truncation) can be initiated by an access point (e.g., an AP multi-link device (MLD) or a non-MLD access point (AP)) or a non-AP working terminal (e.g., a non-AP multi-link device (MLD) or a non-MLD working terminal (STA)), depending on actual design considerations. In addition, peer devices can be access points (e.g., AP multi-link devices (MLD) or non-MLD access points (AP)) or non-AP workstations (e.g., non-AP multi-link devices (MLD) or non-MLD workstations (STA)), depending on the actual design considerations.

[0035] 100, 700: Wireless communication systems 102, 104, 702, 704: Wireless communication devices 112, 122: Processor 114, 124: Memory 116, 126, 716, 726: Control circuit 117, 127: Network Interface Circuit 118, 128: Transmit (TX) circuit 120, 130: Receiver (RX) circuit 134, 146, 712, 714_1, 714_2, 714_3, 714_N: Initial Control Frame (ICF) 136, 142, 722: Initial Control Response (ICR) Frames 144, 724: Control Response Frame (CRF) L1, L2, LM: Links AP: Access Point STA: Work Terminal T1, T2, T3, T31, T32, T33, T34: Time points

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: Generate a first frame, wherein the first frame is generated by a first wireless communication device and configured to carry information about the unavailable window of the first wireless communication device; The first frame is sent to the second wireless communication device; a second frame is generated after the first frame is sent, wherein the second frame is configured to carry information indicating the adjustment of the unavailable window; and the second frame is sent to the second wireless communication device.

2. The wireless communication method as described in claim 1, wherein sending the second frame to the second wireless communication device comprises: The second frame is sent at a time point before the start time of the unavailable window.

3. The wireless communication method as described in claim 1, wherein sending the second frame to the second wireless communication device comprises: The second frame is sent at the point in time within the unavailable window.

4. The wireless communication method as described in claim 1, wherein sending the second frame to the second wireless communication device comprises: The second frame is sent at a time after the end time of the unavailable window.

5. The wireless communication method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first frame is configured to carry information indicating an indefinite duration of the unavailable window, and the second frame is configured to carry information indicating the termination of the unavailable window.

6. The wireless communication method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication device is a Wi-Fi multi-link device (MLD), the first frame is transmitted to the second wireless communication device via a first link, and the second frame is transmitted to the second wireless communication device via a second link different from the first link.

7. The wireless communication method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication device is an access point (AP) or a non-AP working terminal (STA), and the first wireless communication device is a non-AP STA.

8. The wireless communication method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication device is an access point (AP) and the second wireless communication device is an AP or a non-AP working terminal (STA).

9. A wireless communication method, comprising: Receive a frame, wherein the frame is received by another wireless communication device and configured to carry information about the unavailable window of the wireless communication device; And after the end time of the unavailable window indicated by the frame, when the number of unsuccessful transmission (TX) retries reaches a predetermined threshold, the unavailable window is automatically extended.

10. The wireless communication method as described in claim 9, wherein automatically extending the unavailability window when the number of unsuccessful TX retries reaches the predetermined threshold includes: When the number of unsuccessful TX retries reaches the predetermined threshold, an unavailability window extension with a predetermined duration is enabled.

11. The wireless communication method as described in claim 10, wherein automatically extending the unavailability window when the number of unsuccessful TX retries reaches the predetermined threshold further comprises: Check if the end time of the maximum allowed duration of the unavailability window is within the unavailability window extension period; And if the maximum duration ends within the unavailable window extension, the unavailable window terminates at the end of the maximum duration.

12. The wireless communication method as described in claim 9, wherein each TX retry attempt is initiated by an initial control frame (ICF) sent to the wireless communication device.

13. The wireless communication method as described in claim 9, wherein the wireless communication device is an access point (AP).

14. The wireless communication method as described in claim 9, wherein the wireless communication device is a non-access point (non-AP) work terminal (STA).

15. A wireless communication device, comprising: A network interface circuit; And a control circuit configured to generate a first frame, instruct the network interface circuit to send the first frame to another wireless communication device, generate a second frame after the first frame is sent, and instruct the network interface circuit to send the second frame to the other wireless communication device, wherein the first frame is configured to carry information about an unavailable window of the wireless communication device, and the second frame is configured to carry information indicating that the unavailable window should be adjusted.

16. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second frame is transmitted at a time point prior to the start time of the unavailable window.

17. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second frame is transmitted at a time point within the unavailable window.

18. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second frame is transmitted at a point in time after the end of the unavailable window.

19. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first frame is configured to carry information indicating an indefinite duration of an unavailable window, and the second frame is configured to carry information indicating the termination of the unavailable window.

20. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the other wireless communication device is a Wi-Fi multi-link device (MLD), a first frame is transmitted to the other wireless communication device via a first link, and a second frame is transmitted to the other wireless communication device via a second link different from the first link.

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