Multi-user RTS frame and multi-user CTS frame for sub-channel selective transmission station

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to multi-user RTS frames and multi-user CTS frames for sub-channel selective transmission sites. During operation, an electronic device (e.g., an access point) may provide a multi-user (MU) request to send (RTS) frame, which transmits an RTS to a second electronic device in a channel associated with the second electronic device, and transmits a second RTS in a second channel associated with a third electronic device. For example, the channel may include a primary channel, and the second channel may include a secondary channel. It should be noted that the third electronic device may include an SST site, and the second electronic device may include a non-SST site. The electronic device may then receive a MU-CTS frame including a clear to send (CTS) in a third channel associated with the third electronic device. In addition, the third channel may be equivalent to the second channel or a subset of the second channel, and / or the third channel may include a CTS receive channel associated with the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described embodiments generally relate to wireless communications between electronic devices, including techniques for using multi-user (MU) request-to-send (RTS) frames and multi-user clear-to-send (CTS) frames for subchannel selective transmission (SST) stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Background Art

[0002] Many electronic devices communicate with each other using wireless local area networks (WLANs), such as those based on communication protocols conforming to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 standard (sometimes referred to as “Wi-Fi”).

[0003] In IEEE 802.11ax, stations (which are sometimes referred to as "clients" or "receiving electronic devices") and access points (which are sometimes referred to as "electronic devices" or "transmitting electronic devices") can set up separate trigger-enabled target wake time (TWT) agreements to schedule when stations operate in subchannel selective transmission (SST) mode. Notably, the TWT settings can signal a secondary channel in which the station (sometimes referred to as an "SST station") operates during a TWT service period (SP). It is noted that an SST station may not have a primary 20 MHz channel in the frequency band used for communication.

[0004] In addition, the MU-RTS frame may trigger the transmission of a MU-CTS frame from one or more stations. The MU-RTS frame may signal or indicate the channel in which the responding station transmits the MU-CTS frame. However, in the existing IEEE 802.11 standard, the channel allocation for MU-CTS transmission always includes the primary 20MHz channel. Therefore, the MU-RTS frame may not be transmitted to the SST station, and the MU-CTS frame may be provided if the entire channel is idle. These constraints may adversely affect communication performance in WLAN. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first set of embodiments, an electronic device that provides a MU-RTS frame is described. The electronic device includes: an antenna node that is communicatively coupled to an antenna; and an interface circuit that communicates with a second electronic device and a third electronic device. During operation, the interface circuit provides a MU-RTS frame that transmits an RTS in a channel associated with the second electronic device and transmits a second RTS in a second channel associated with the third electronic device. Note that the third electronic device includes an SST site and the second electronic device includes a non-SST site. The interface circuit then receives a MU-CTS frame including a CTS in a third channel associated with the third electronic device.

[0006] Additionally, the channel may comprise a primary channel and the second channel may comprise a secondary channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the third channel may be identical to the second channel or a subset of the second channel. Additionally, the third channel may be different from the channel and / or may not overlap with the channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second channel may include a packet detection channel associated with a third electronic device, and the third channel may include a CTS receive channel associated with the electronic device.

[0009] Note that the electronic device may include an access point.

[0010] Furthermore, the electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE 802.11be standard or an IEEE 802.11 standard subsequent to IEEE 802.11be.

[0011] Additionally, the MU-RTS frame may include a user information field specific to the third electronic device.

[0012] In addition, the MU-RTS frame may specify a format type of the CTS. For example, the format type may include an extended CTS (E-CTS).

[0013] In some embodiments, the interface circuit may provide a beacon frame having information specifying a broadcast TWT having an SP associated with at least a third electronic device. For example, the information may specify when to use RTS-CTS signaling before an uplink transmission associated with a third electronic device, or specify when an uplink transmission is triggered by an electronic device.

[0014] Additionally, the interface circuitry may provide a frame addressed to the third electronic device based at least in part on the CTS in the MU-CTS frame.

[0015] Other embodiments provide a second electronic device that performs operations corresponding to at least some of the operations performed by the electronic device.

[0016] Other embodiments provide a third electronic device that performs operations corresponding to at least some of the operations performed by the electronic device.

[0017] Other embodiments provide an integrated circuit (sometimes referred to as a "communication circuit") for use with the electronic device, the second electronic device, or the third electronic device. The integrated circuit can perform at least some of the aforementioned operations.

[0018] Other embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium for use with the electronic device, the second electronic device, or the third electronic device. When the program instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the electronic device, the second electronic device, or the third electronic device, the program instructions can cause the electronic device, the second electronic device, or the third electronic device to perform at least some of the aforementioned operations of the electronic device, the second electronic device, or the third electronic device.

[0019] Other embodiments provide methods. The method includes at least some of the aforementioned operations performed by the electronic device, the second electronic device, or the third electronic device.

[0020] In a second set of embodiments, an electronic device that provides a MU-RTS frame is described. The electronic device includes: an antenna node that is communicatively coupled to an antenna; and an interface circuit that communicates with a second electronic device. During operation, the interface circuit provides a MU-RTS frame, wherein the MU-RTS frame includes an RTS in a packet detection channel associated with a second electronic device, and the second electronic device includes an SST site. The interface circuit then receives a MU-CTS frame, wherein the MU-CTS frame includes a CTS in a second channel associated with the second electronic device.

[0021] Other embodiments provide a second electronic device that performs operations corresponding to at least some of the operations performed by the electronic device.

[0022] Other embodiments provide an integrated circuit (sometimes referred to as a "communication circuit") for use with the electronic device or the second electronic device. The integrated circuit can perform at least some of the operations described above.

[0023] Other embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium for use with an electronic device or a second electronic device. When the program instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the electronic device or the second electronic device, the program instructions can cause the electronic device or the second electronic device to perform at least some of the aforementioned operations of the electronic device or the second electronic device.

[0024] Other embodiments provide methods. The method includes at least some of the aforementioned operations performed by the electronic device or the second electronic device.

[0025] In a third set of embodiments, an electronic device that provides a beacon frame is described. The electronic device includes: an antenna node that is communicatively coupled to an antenna; and an interface circuit that communicates with a second electronic device. During operation, the interface circuit provides the beacon frame, which has information specifying a broadcast TWT, the broadcast TWT having an SP associated with a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device includes an SST site.

[0026] Other embodiments provide a second electronic device that performs operations corresponding to at least some of the operations performed by the electronic device.

[0027] Other embodiments provide an integrated circuit (sometimes referred to as a "communication circuit") for use with the electronic device or the second electronic device. The integrated circuit can perform at least some of the operations described above.

[0028] Other embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium for use with an electronic device or a second electronic device. When the program instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the electronic device or the second electronic device, the program instructions can cause the electronic device or the second electronic device to perform at least some of the aforementioned operations of the electronic device or the second electronic device.

[0029] Other embodiments provide methods. The method includes at least some of the aforementioned operations performed by the electronic device or the second electronic device.

[0030] The purpose of providing this summary is to illustrate some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. It should be understood, then, that the features described above are merely examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope or essence of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent through the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and are only used to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements of the disclosed systems and techniques for intelligently and efficiently managing communications between multiple associated user devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structural elements.

[0032] Figure 1 An exemplary network environment for communication between electronic devices according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 An exemplary method for providing a multi-user (MU) request to send (RTS) frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 An exemplary method for receiving an RTS in a MU-RTS frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 An example of communication between components in an electronic device.

[0036] Figure 5 An exemplary method for providing a MU-RTS frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 An exemplary method for receiving an RTS in a MU-RTS frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 An example of communication between components in an electronic device.

[0039] Figure 8 An exemplary method for providing a beacon frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Fig. 9 An exemplary method for receiving a beacon frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Fig.10 For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 An example of communication between components in an electronic device.

[0042] Fig.11An example of the operation of a sub-channel selective transmission (SST) site according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Fig.12 Examples of operating channels for SST sites and non-SST sites according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0044] Fig.13 An example of a MU-RTS frame that triggers transmission of a MU Clear to Send (CTS) frame is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.14 An example of a MU-RTS frame signaling channel is shown, in which a station transmits a CTS frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.15 An example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Fig.16 An example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Fig.17 An example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Fig.18 An example of transmission protection during transmission to an SST site according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Fig.19 An example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Fig. 20 Examples of listening channels of an SST station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0052] Fig.21 An example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Fig. 22 An example of a MU-RTS frame is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.23 An example of an exchange of a MU-RTS frame and a MU-Extended CTS (E-CTS) frame is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig.24 An example of an exchange of a MU-RTS frame and a MU-CTS frame or a MU-E-CTS frame according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Fig.25 Examples of E-CTS frames according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0057] Fig.26 An example of a broadcast target wake time (TWT) stream is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Fig. 27 Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 1 Examples of electronic devices.

[0059] Note that similar reference numerals refer to corresponding components throughout the drawings. In addition, multiple instances of the same component are referred to by a common prefix that is separated from the instance number by a dash. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Some embodiments include an electronic device (e.g., an access point) that provides a MU-RTS frame. During operation, the electronic device may provide a MU-RTS frame that transmits an RTS in a channel associated with a second electronic device and transmits a second RTS in a second channel associated with a third electronic device. For example, the channel may include a primary channel, the second channel may include a secondary channel, and / or the second channel may include a packet detection channel associated with a third electronic device. Note that the third electronic device may include an SST site, and the second electronic device may include a non-SST site. The electronic device may then receive a MU-CTS frame including a CTS in a third channel associated with the third electronic device. In addition, the third channel may be equivalent to the second channel or a subset of the second channel, and / or the third channel may include a CTS receive channel associated with the electronic device.

[0061] By providing MU-RTS frames, these communication technologies can improve communication performance in a WLAN including a second electronic device and a third electronic device. In addition, the communication technology can increase flexibility when communicating in a WLAN. It should be noted that the communication technology can allow MU-RTS frames to be transmitted to an SST site, which can be able to respond to MU-RTS frames and provide MU-CTS frames even when the entire channel is not idle. In addition, MU-RTS can transmit RTS frames to non-SST sites and SST sites at the same time. Therefore, when using an electronic device, a second electronic device and / or a third electronic device, the communication technology can improve user experience and customer satisfaction.

[0062] It is noted that the communication technology may be used during wireless communication between electronic devices according to a communication protocol, such as a communication protocol compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard (which is sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi). In some embodiments, the communication technology is used with IEEE 802.11be, which is used as an illustrative example in the following discussion. However, the communication technology may also be used with a variety of other communication protocols and may also be used in electronic devices (such as portable electronic devices or mobile devices) that may incorporate a variety of different radio access technologies (RATs) to provide connectivity through different wireless networks that offer different services and / or capabilities.

[0063] The electronic device may include hardware and software to support a wireless personal area network (WPAN) according to a WPAN communication protocol, such as those standardized by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and / or those developed by Apple (Cupertino, California) and known as Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL). In addition, the electronic device may communicate via: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a WLAN, a near field communication (NFC), a cellular telephone or data network (such as using a third generation (3G) communication protocol, a fourth generation (4G) communication protocol (e.g., Long Term Evolution or LTE, Advanced LTE (LTE-A)), a fifth generation (5G) communication protocol, or other currently or future developed advanced cellular communication protocols), and / or another communication protocol. In some embodiments, the communication protocol includes a peer-to-peer communication technology.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electronic device may also operate as part of a wireless communication system, which may include a set of client devices, which may also be referred to as stations or client electronic devices, interconnected to an access point, e.g., as part of a WLAN, and / or to each other, e.g., as part of a WPAN and / or an "ad hoc" wireless network such as Wi-Fi Direct. In some embodiments, a client device may be any electronic device capable of communicating via WLAN technology (e.g., according to a WLAN communication protocol). In addition, in some embodiments, the WLAN technology may include a Wi-Fi (or more generally, a WLAN) wireless communication subsystem or radio component, and the Wi-Fi radio component may implement IEEE 802.11 technology, such as one or more of the following: IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11-2007; IEEE 802.11n; IEEE 802.11-2012; IEEE 802.11-2016; IEEE 802.11ac; IEEE802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ba, IEEE 802.11be, or other currently or future developed IEEE 802.11 technologies.

[0065] In some embodiments, the electronic device may act as a communication hub that provides access to a WLAN and / or to a WWAN, and therefore provides access to a wide variety of services that may be supported by various applications executed on the electronic device. Thus, an electronic device may include an 'access point' that communicates wirelessly with other electronic devices (such as using Wi-Fi) and provides access to another network (such as the Internet) via IEEE802.3 (which is sometimes referred to as 'Ethernet'). However, in other embodiments, the electronic device may not be an access point. As an illustrative example, in the following discussion, an electronic device is or includes an access point.

[0066] In addition, it should be understood that the electronic devices described herein may be configured as multimode wireless communication devices that can also communicate via different 3G and / or second generation (2G) RATs. In these scenarios, multimode electronic devices or UEs may be configured to prefer attaching to LTE networks that give faster data rate throughputs over other 3G traditional networks that give lower data rate throughputs. For example, in some specific implementations, multimode electronic devices are configured to fall back to 3G traditional networks, such as Evolved High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+) networks or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000 Evolved Data Only (EV-DO) networks, when LTE and LTE-A networks are otherwise unavailable. More generally, the electronic devices described herein can communicate with other current or future developed cellular phone technologies.

[0067] In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the terms "wireless communication device," "electronic device," "mobile device," "mobile station," "wireless station," "wireless access point," "station," "access point," and "user equipment (UE)" may be used herein to describe one or more consumer electronic devices that may be capable of performing processes associated with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of an electronic device that wirelessly communicates is presented. Notably, one or more electronic devices 110 (such as a smart phone, a laptop, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or another such electronic device) and an access point 112 may wirelessly communicate in a WLAN using the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol. Thus, the electronic device 110 may be associated with the access point 112 or may have one or more connections with the access point. For example, the electronic device 110 and the access point 112 may wirelessly communicate in the following situations: detecting each other by scanning a wireless channel, transmitting and receiving beacons or beacon frames on a wireless channel, establishing a connection (e.g., by transmitting a connection request), and / or transmitting and receiving packets or frames (packets or frames may include requests and / or additional information such as data as a payload). It is noted that the access point 112 may provide access to a network such as the Internet via an Ethernet protocol, and may be a physical access point or a virtual or "software" access point implemented on a computer or electronic device. In the following discussion, the electronic device 110 is sometimes referred to as a "receiving electronic device."

[0069] As referenced below Fig. 27 As further described, the electronic device 110 and the access point 112 may include subsystems such as a networking subsystem, a memory subsystem, and a processor subsystem. In addition, the electronic device 110 and the access point 112 may include a radio component 114 in the networking subsystem. More generally, the electronic device 110 and the access point 112 may include any electronic device with a networking subsystem (or may be included in any electronic device with a networking subsystem) that enables the electronic device 110 and the access point 112 to respectively communicate wirelessly with another electronic device. This may include transmitting beacons on a wireless channel to enable the electronic devices to make initial contact or detect each other, and then exchanging subsequent data / management frames (such as connection requests) to establish a connection, configure security options (e.g., IPSec), transmit and receive packets or frames via the connection, etc.

[0070] like Figure 1As can be seen in FIG. 1 , wireless signals 116 (represented by jagged lines) are transmitted by one or more radio components 114-1 and 114-2 in electronic device 110-1 and access point 112, respectively. For example, as previously mentioned, electronic device 110-1 and access point 112 may exchange packets or frames using the Wi-Fi communication protocol in a WLAN. Figures 2 to 26 As further shown, the one or more radios 114-1 may receive wireless signals 116 transmitted by the one or more radios 114-2 via one or more links between the electronic device 110-1 and the access point 112. Alternatively, the one or more radios 114-1 may transmit wireless signals 116 that are received by the one or more radios 114-2.

[0071] In some embodiments, the wireless signals 116 are transmitted by one or more radio components 114 in the electronic device 110 and the access point 112, respectively. For example, the one or more radio components 114-1 and 114-3 can receive the wireless signal 116 transmitted by the one or more radio components 114-2 via one or more links between the electronic devices 110-1 and 110-2 and the access point 112.

[0072] It is noted that the one or more radio components 114-1 may consume additional power in the higher power mode. If the one or more radio components 114-1 remain in the higher power mode even when not transmitting or receiving packets or frames, the power consumption of the electronic device 110-1 may be unnecessarily increased. As a result, the electronic device 110 may include a wake-up radio component (WUR) 118 that listens for and / or receives wake-up frames (and / or other wake-up communications) from, for example, the access point 112. When a particular electronic device (such as the electronic device 110-1) receives a wake-up frame, the WUR 118-1 may selectively wake up the radio component 114-1, for example, by providing a wake-up signal that selectively transitions at least one of the one or more radio components 114-1 from a low power mode to a high power mode.

[0073] As mentioned above, the existing IEEE 802.11 standard may not be flexible. For example, the existing IEEE 802.11 standard may not allow MU-RTS frames to be transmitted to the SST station, and may only provide MU-CTS frames when the entire channel is idle.

[0074] To address these challenges, refer to Figures 2 to 26As described, in some embodiments of the disclosed communication technology, the access point 112 may provide a MU-RTS frame to the electronic devices 110-1 and 110-2. The MU-RTS frame may transmit an RTS to the electronic device 110-1 in a channel associated with the electronic device 110-1 (such as a primary channel), and transmit a second RTS in a second channel associated with the electronic device 110-2 (such as a secondary channel). It should be noted that the electronic device 110-1 may include a non-SST site, and the electronic device 110-2 may include an SST site. In response, the electronic device 110-2 may provide a CTS in a MU-CTS frame to the access point 112 in a third channel associated with the electronic device 110-2. The third channel may be equivalent to the second channel or a subset of the second channel. In some embodiments, the third channel may be different from the channel and / or may not overlap with the channel. In addition, the access point 112 may provide a frame addressed to the electronic device 110-2 based at least in part on the CTS in the MU-CTS frame.

[0075] Note that the second channel may include a packet detection channel associated with the third electronic device, and the third channel may include a CTS receive channel associated with the electronic device.

[0076] In addition, the access point 112 may provide a beacon frame having information specifying a broadcast TWT having an SP associated with at least the electronic device 110-2. For example, the information may specify when to use RTS-CTS signaling before an uplink transmission associated with the electronic device 110-2, or when an uplink transmission is triggered by the access point 112.

[0077] In summary, the communication technology may improve communication performance during communication between the electronic device and the second electronic device and / or the third electronic device. For example, the communication technology may increase flexibility when communicating in a WLAN. It should be noted that the communication technology may allow MU-RTS frames to be transmitted to an SST site (such as electronic device 110-2), which may be able to respond to the MU-RTS frame and provide a MU-CTS frame even when the entire channel is not idle. In addition, MU-RTS may transmit RTS frames to non-SST sites (such as electronic device 110-1) and SST sites at the same time.

[0078] It should be noted that the access point 112 and one or more electronic devices (such as electronic devices 110-1 and / or 110-2) may be compatible with IEEE 802.11 standards including trigger-based channel access (such as IEEE 802.11ax). However, the access point 112 and one or more electronic devices may communicate with one or more traditional electronic devices that are not compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard (i.e., channel access based on multi-user triggering is not used). In some embodiments, the access point 112 and the one or more electronic devices use multi-user transmission (such as OFDMA). For example, the one or more radio components 114-2 may provide one or more trigger frames to one or more electronic devices. In addition, in response to receiving the one or more trigger frames, the one or more radio components 114-1 may provide one or more group or block acknowledgments (BA) to the one or more radio components 114-2. For example, the one or more radio components 114-1 may provide one or more group acknowledgments during the associated allocated time slots and / or in the allocated channels in the one or more group acknowledgments. However, in some embodiments, one or more electronic devices in the electronic device 110 may individually provide an acknowledgement to the one or more radio components 114-2. Thus, the one or more radio components 114-1 (and more generally, the radio components 114 in the electronic devices 110-1 and / or 110-2) may provide one or more acknowledgements to the one or more radio components 114-2.

[0079] In the described embodiment, processing packets or frames in one of the electronic device 110 and the access point 112 includes: receiving a wireless signal 116 that encodes the packet or frame; decoding / extracting the packet or frame from the received wireless signal 116 to obtain the packet or frame; and processing the packet or frame to determine information contained in the packet or frame (such as data in a payload).

[0080] Generally speaking, communication via WLAN in communication technology can be characterized by a variety of communication performance metrics. For example, the communication performance metrics may include any / all of the following: RSSI, data rate, data rate of successful communication (sometimes referred to as "throughput"), delay, error rate (such as retry rate or retransmission rate), mean square error of equalized signal relative to equalization target, inter-symbol interference, multipath interference, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), eye width, ratio of the number of bytes successfully transmitted during a time interval (such as, for example, a time interval between 1 second and 10 seconds) to the estimated maximum number of bytes that can be transmitted during the time interval (where the latter is sometimes referred to as the "capacity" of the communication channel or link), and / or the ratio of the actual data rate to the estimated data rate (sometimes referred to as "utilization").

[0081] Although we Figure 1The network environment shown is described as an example, but in alternative embodiments, there may be different numbers and / or types of electronic devices. For example, some embodiments may include more or fewer electronic devices. For example, in other embodiments, different electronic devices may transmit and / or receive packets or frames. In some embodiments, multiple links may be used during communication between electronic devices 110 and / or 112. Therefore, an electronic device in electronic device 110 and / or 112 may perform operations in the communication technology.

[0082] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 200 for providing a MU-RTS frame is presented. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as Figure 1 It should be noted that the communication with the second electronic device and the third electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol.

[0083] During operation, the electronic device may provide a MU-RTS frame (operation 210), wherein the MU-RTS frame transmits an RTS in a channel associated with a second electronic device and transmits a second RTS in a second channel associated with a third electronic device. Note that the second electronic device comprises a non-SST site and the third electronic device comprises an SST site.

[0084] The electronic device may then receive a MU-CTS frame (operation 212), wherein the MU-CTS frame includes a CTS in a third channel associated with a third electronic device.

[0085] In addition, the channel may include a primary channel, and the second channel may include a secondary channel. In addition, the third channel may be equivalent to the second channel or a subset of the second channel. In addition, the third channel may be different from the channel or may not overlap with the channel. In some embodiments, the second channel may include a packet detection channel associated with a third electronic device, and the third channel may include a CTS receive channel associated with the electronic device.

[0086] In some embodiments, the MU-RTS frame may include a user information field specific to the third electronic device. In addition, the MU-RTS frame may specify a format type of the CTS. For example, the format type may include E-CTS.

[0087] In some embodiments, the electronic device optionally performs one or more additional operations (operation 214). For example, the electronic device may provide a beacon frame having information specifying a broadcast TWT having an SP associated with at least a third electronic device. The information may specify when to use RTS-CTS signaling before an uplink transmission associated with the third electronic device, or specify when an uplink transmission is triggered by the electronic device.

[0088] Additionally, the electronic device may provide a frame addressed to a third electronic device based at least in part on the CTS in the MU-CTS frame.

[0089] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 300 for receiving an RTS in a MU-RTS frame is presented. The method may be performed by a third electronic device such as Figure 1 It should be noted that the communication with the electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE802.11 communication protocol.

[0090] During operation, the third electronic device may receive an RTS in a MU-RTS frame in a second channel associated with the third electronic device (operation 310), wherein the MU-RTS frame is associated with (or from) the electronic device, and the MU-RTS includes a second RTS in a channel associated with the second electronic device. The third electronic device may then provide a CTS in a MU-CTS frame in a third channel associated with the third electronic device (operation 312).

[0091] exist Figure 4 , which presents a flow chart illustrating an example of communication between components in the electronic device 110-1, the electronic device 110-2, and the access point 112. During operation, an interface circuit (IC) 410 in the access point 112 may provide a MU-RTS frame 412, wherein the MU-RTS frame 412 may transmit an RTS 414 to the electronic device 110-1 in a channel associated with the electronic device 110-1 and transmit an RTS 416 in a second channel associated with the electronic device 110-2.

[0092] Interface circuitry 418 in electronic device 110-1 may receive RTS 414 in MU-RTS frame 412, and interface circuitry 420 in electronic device 110-2 may receive RTS 416 in MU-RTS frame 412. Interface circuitry 420 may then provide CTS 422 in MU-CTS 424 in a third channel associated with electronic device 110-2. Additionally, after receiving CTS 422 in MU-CTS 424, interface circuitry 410 may provide frame 426 addressed to electronic device 110-2, which may be received by interface circuitry 420.

[0093] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for providing a MU-RTS frame is presented. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as Figure 1It should be noted that the communication with the second electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol.

[0094] During operation, the electronic device may provide a MU-RTS frame (operation 510), wherein the MU-RTS frame includes an RTS in a packet detection channel associated with a second electronic device, and the second electronic device includes an SST station. The electronic device may then receive a MU-CTS frame (operation 512), wherein the MU-CTS frame includes a CTS in a second channel associated with the second electronic device.

[0095] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for receiving an RTS in a MU-RTS frame is presented. The method may be performed by a second electronic device such as Figure 1 It should be noted that the communication with the electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE802.11 communication protocol.

[0096] During operation, the second electronic device may receive an RTS in a MU-RTS frame (operation 610), wherein the MU-RTS frame includes an RTS in a packet detection channel associated with the second electronic device, and the second electronic device includes an SST site. The second electronic device may then provide a CTS in a MU-CTS in a second channel associated with the second electronic device (operation 612).

[0097] exist Figure 7 , which presents a flow chart illustrating an example of communication between components in the electronic device 110-2 and the access point 112. During operation, an interface circuit (IC) 710 in the access point 112 may provide a MU-RTS frame 712, wherein the MU-RTS frame 712 may include an RTS 714 in a packet detection channel associated with the electronic device 110-2.

[0098] After receiving the RTS 714 in the MU-RTS frame 712, the interface circuit 716 in the electronic device 110-2 may provide a CTS 718 in a MU-CTS frame 720 in a second channel associated with the electronic device 110-2. In addition, after receiving the CTS 718 in the MU-CTS 720, the interface circuit 710 may provide a frame 722 addressed to the electronic device 110-2, which may be received by the interface circuit 716.

[0099] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 800 for providing a beacon frame is presented. The method may be performed by an electronic device such as Figure 1It should be noted that the communication with the second electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol.

[0100] During operation, the electronic device may provide the beacon frame (operation 810), the beacon frame having information specifying a broadcast TWT having an SP associated with a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device includes an SST site. The electronic device may then receive a frame associated with (or from) the second electronic device during a given SP in the TWT (operation 812).

[0101] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 900 for receiving a beacon frame is presented. The method may be performed by a second electronic device such as Figure 1 It should be noted that the communication with the electronic device may be compatible with the IEEE 802.11 communication protocol.

[0102] During operation, the second electronic device may receive the beacon frame (operation 910), the beacon frame having information specifying a broadcast TWT having an SP associated with the second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device includes an SST site. The second electronic device may then provide a frame addressed to the electronic device during a given SP in the TWT (operation 912).

[0103] In method 200( Figure 2 )、Method 300( Figure 3 )、Method 500( Figure 5 ), Method 600( Figure 6 ), Method 800( Figure 8 ) and / or some embodiments of method 900 and in some or all of the following figures, there may be additional or fewer operations. In addition, one or more different operations may be included. In addition, the order of the operations may be changed, and / or two or more operations may be combined into a single operation or performed at least partially in parallel.

[0104] exist Fig.10 10-2, which presents a flow chart showing an example of communication between components in the electronic device 110-2 and the access point 112. During operation, the interface circuit (IC) 1010 may provide a beacon frame 1012 having information specifying a broadcast TWT 1014 having a SP associated with the electronic device 110-2. The interface circuit 1016 in the electronic device 110-2 may receive the beacon frame 1012 and may extract the TWT 1014.

[0105] Interface circuit 1010 may then provide trigger frame 1018 to electronic device 110-2, such as during a given SP in TWT 1016. After receiving trigger frame 1018, interface circuit 1016 may provide frame 1020 addressed to access point 112 during a given SP in TWT 1016. The frame may be received by interface circuit 1010.

[0106] Although Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Fig.10 Communication between components in the drawings is illustrated as unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication (eg, lines with single or double arrows), but a given communication operation may generally be unidirectional or bidirectional.

[0107] Now let's discuss this communication technology further. Fig.11 As shown, the figure presents an example of the operation of an SST station (STA). In IEEE 802.11ax, the station and access point (AP) can set up a separate trigger-enabled TWT protocol to schedule the time when the station operates in SST mode. It should be noted that the TWT setting can signal a secondary channel within the access point bandwidth (BW) in which the station operates during the TWT SP. Otherwise, the station can operate in the primary channel.

[0108] also, Fig.12 Examples of operating channels for SST sites and non-SST sites are presented. Note that the SST site may have a fixed 20 MHz or 80 MHz operating bandwidth (sometimes referred to as a "resource unit" or RU) during the TWTSP. In addition, a 20 MHz SST site may operate in any secondary channel. Note that the physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) reception rules are similar to those for the primary 20 MHz channel. In addition, an 80 MHz SST site may operate in a secondary 80 MHz channel. An 80 MHz SST site may not have a primary channel. In some embodiments, an SST site may receive a high-efficiency (HE) MU and a non-high-throughput (HT) repeated PPDU transmitted over the entire 80 MHz channel. However, it is not clear whether an 80 MHz SST site can receive a truncated PPDU or a PPDU with less overlap.

[0109] Fig.13 An example of a MU-RTS frame that triggers the transmission of a CTS frame in IEEE 802.11ax is presented. Note that a MU-RTS frame may trigger the transmission of a MU-CTS frame from one or more stations. The MU-RTS frame may signal or indicate a channel in which a responding station transmits a MU-CTS frame. In addition, Fig.14As shown in FIG. 1 , the figure presents an example of a MU-RTS frame signaling channel in which a station transmits a CTS frame. The channel allocation for MU-CTS transmission always includes the primary 20 MHz channel. Therefore, the MU-RTS frame may not be transmitted to the SST station, and the MU-CTS frame may be provided if the entire channel is idle. Note that Fig.14 The uplink bandwidth subfield indication bytes 1-7 of the resource unit allocation subfield in the MU-RTS trigger frame are shown.

[0110] like Fig.15 As shown, the figure presents an example of the exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames, which can be exchanged with extremely high throughput (EHT) SST stations in the disclosed communication technology. It is noted that the access point can send the MU-RTS frame on the primary channel. In addition, the MU-RTS frame can include at least one associated non-SST station to respond at the primary channel (such as station 1 or STA 1). It is noted that the MU-CTS frame can be transmitted to the 20MHz channel in which the MU-RTS frame is transmitted. In addition, not all access points and stations can sense the clear channel assessment (CCA) at Fig.15 The point coordination function in the frame is idle during the inter-frame space (PIFS). (Refer to the attached Fig.16 , Fig.17 , Fig.19 and Figure 21 to Figure 23 In further described examples, unless otherwise specified, the sensed CCA is idle.)

[0111] However, the MU-RTS frame may also be sent to an SST station (such as STA 2) on one or more channels operating outside the operating bandwidth of the non-SST station (e.g., STA 1). If the SST station responds to the MU-RTS frame in a MU-CTS frame, the access point may transmit to the SST station using a transmission opportunity (TXOP).

[0112] In addition, if Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , which presents an example of a MU-RTS frame and a MU-CTS frame exchange, the access point may receive MU-CTS frames from the SST station only on the secondary channel. If the access point senses that the CCA is idle on the primary channel, the access point may transmit to another station to keep the primary channel busy. This ensures that other stations in the primary channel cannot transmit to the access point. Alternatively, Fig.17As shown, the figure presents an example of the exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames. If the access point senses that the CCA on the primary channel is busy, the access point may: send a PPDU to one or more SST sites, from which the access point receives a MU-CTS frame on one or more channels in the secondary channels; or cancel the TXOP by sending a contention-free (CF) end frame on one or more secondary channels, in which the access point receives a MU-CTS frame. For example, if STA 1 senses that the channel is busy and does not respond to the MU-RTS frame, after receiving the MU-CTS frame, the access point may sense that the primary channel is idle and may send downlink (DL) data to STA 3 and may send DL data to SST STA 2. In addition, if STA 1 senses that the channel is busy and does not respond to the MU-RTS frame, after receiving the MU-CTS frame, the access point may send a CF end frame to SST STA 2. Note that a MU-RTS frame may request responses from multiple stations (thus, each 80 MHz channel may have a different copy or version of the MU-RTS frame), and in general, different stations may respond to the MU-RTS frame independently.

[0113] Note that legacy IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, and IEEE802.11ac stations do not recognize MU-RTS frames. These stations will set a network allocation vector (NAV) for the duration of the TXOP. This NAV prevents these stations from obtaining a TXOP to transmit to the access point. In addition, an IEEE 802.11ax station or an EHT station can be configured to initiate its uplink (UL) enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) transmission using RTS CTS signaling. This prevents these stations from encountering a lack of access points in the primary channel if the access point is transmitting to an SST station. Fig.18 , which presents an example of transmission protection during transmission to an SST site, showing NAV protection in the case of a MU-RTS frame. Fig.18 In the MU-RTS timeout, the MU-RTS timeout may be equal to twice the short interframe space plus the CTS time, twice the slot time, and the preamble duration.

[0114] In addition, if Fig.19 As shown, the figure presents an example of the exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames. In some embodiments, the access point can provide MU-RTS frames through the packet detection channel. It should be noted that if the PPDU is sent to the packet detection channel of the SST station, the SST station can receive the PPDU. By using the packet detection channel, the MU-RTS frame can request EDCA transmission from the SST station.

[0115] The access point may then receive a MU-CTS frame from the SST station if the MU-CTS frame is transmitted to the CTS receive channel. Additionally, if the channel has a single responding station, the station may send an E-CTS frame to the access point. The E-CTS frame may signal or indicate the channel on which the E-CTS frame is transmitted. Note that the access point may control the type of response frame (CTS or E-CTS) provided by the station. The response may be on all requested channels or only on idle channels. Fig.19 In , after downlink data is transmitted to the station, a block acknowledgement (BA) may be transmitted to the access point.

[0116] In addition, if Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the figure presents an example of a listening channel of an SST station, and the packet detection channel of an SST STA may be a channel (similar to the primary 20 MHz channel) in which the SST STA detects PPDUs. Fig.21 As shown, the figure presents an example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames, the access point can configure the channel on which it can receive CTS frames, and if the CTS frame can be transmitted to the CTS receive channel, the SST station can respond with a CTS frame. By default, the packet detection channel and the CTS receive channel can be the same channel. It should be noted that the TWT setting or MU-RTS frame can signal or indicate the channel on which the access point can receive CTS frames from the SST station. In some embodiments, the MU-RTS frame can use a dedicated user information field to carry information. Therefore, the access point can use the packet detection channel of the SST station to configure the bandwidth on which the SST station is required to receive MU-RTS frames and respond with MU-CTS frames.

[0117] like Fig. 22As shown, the figure presents an example of a MU-RTS frame that may use the UL bandwidth field to signal a channel in which a CTS frame is requested to be transmitted. The SST site may use the same value, and the packet detection channel may be the same as the primary channel. In addition, the MU-RTS frame may signal or indicate whether the responder needs to allocate the full bandwidth requested, or whether partial bandwidth allocation is allowed. It may be necessary to transmit the CTS frame on at least a 40 MHz channel so that the access point can transmit on a truncated channel in S80, T80, or Q80. Alternatively, the CTS frame may be transmitted on any idle 20 MHz channel requested to be reserved. Note that the RTS in the first 20 MHz in the MU-RTS may include or specify: an association identifier for STA 1, an uplink bandwidth of 68 (160 MHz), and CTS is transmitted on all channels. In addition, the RTS in the last 20 MHz in the MU-RTS may include or may specify: an association identifier of the SST STA 2, an uplink bandwidth of 64 (80 MHz), and transmission of CTS on all channels.

[0118] The MU-RTS frame and CTS response frame sizes and contents are summarized in Figure 23 to Figure 25 It should be noted that Fig.23 An example of the exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-E-CTS frames is presented, Fig.24 presents an example of an exchange of MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS or MU-E-CTS frames, and Fig.25 An example of an E-CTS frame is presented. In some embodiments, the E-CTS frame may include: a frame control subfield (such as two bytes), a duration subfield (such as two bytes), a receiver address or RA (such as six bytes), a reserved channel (such as two bytes), and a frame check sequence or FCS (such as two bytes).

[0119] IEEE 802.11be allows access points to send MU-RTS frames with different user-specific field values ​​in each 80MHz channel. A station may not detect from the MU-RTS frame whether the station is the only responder of the MU-RTS frame. In addition, the secondary 80MHz MU-RTS frame may contain a user information field for SST stations only. MU-RTS may signal or indicate the type of response frame (CTS or E-CTS). The E-CTS frame may include: frame control, duration, resource allocation, reserved channels (which may indicate unique information for each station) and / or a frame checksum (FCS). Note that some or all responding stations may use the same frame type; some or all CTS frames may have the same format (as specified for MU-RTS frames in IEEE 802.11ax); if multiple stations respond on the same channel or if a HE station responds, a CTS frame may be transmitted. The E-CTS frame may be signaled or indicated based on a 20MHz channel, which is the channel for transmitting E-CTS. Additionally, the access point may instruct the station to set the Reserved Channel field to reserved.

[0120] like Fig.26 As shown, the figure presents an example of broadcasting a TWT stream, and the AP may signal the operating time when DL transmission to the SST site is allowed without transmitting on the primary channel. The associated site may detect that the access point may not be available at these times, even if the associated site detects that the primary channel is idle. During these times, the access point may require additional operations from the associated site. For example, the associated site on the primary channel may be required to receive an RTS frame and transmit a CTS frame before its transmission frame. If they do not receive a CTS frame during this time, these sites may not be expected to reduce their transmission rate. In addition, the associated sites on the primary channel may be required to use triggered access, for example, the site may not be allowed to transmit UL using EDCA during this time. The access point may trigger transmissions from the site. In addition, the access point may have a good chance of obtaining a TXOP on all channels. It should be noted that if the TWT SPs overlap, the most stringent channel access requirements may be used during the overlapping time, for example, only triggered access may be used. In addition, if the site is able to receive on more than two channels, it may be recommended that they monitor the packet detection channel of the SST site.

[0121] In addition, instead of using scheduled SST operations, signaling can be implemented using broadcast TWT or restricted TWT. Broadcast TWT or restricted TWT can be similar to a separate TWT (which can be transmitted or set up using management frames). Both can have setup signaling and can define operating times when transmission can be provided. The access point can transmit a broadcast TWT or restricted TWT stream in a beacon and / or a probe response, such as an ongoing SP schedule. The station can detect the ongoing TWT stream and can check whether the SP schedule has been modified.

[0122] Note that a TWT stream type can be identified by a TWT identifier (ID) that specifies the expected operations and exchanges during the TWT stream. An SST stream may have a new TWT ID. In addition, a new bit may be included to signal the time at which the station uses RTS-CTS signaling before transmitting to the access point. In addition, a broadcast TWT may have multiple SST stations operating with different packet detection channels. The packet detection channel may be signaled in the broadcast TWT. A station may determine the possible bandwidth for access point transmissions during a broadcast TWT SP. Note that TWT SPs may overlap.

[0123] Broadcast TWT signaling may indicate that a station may need to terminate its TXOP prior to the start time of the TWT SP. This allows the access point to have an empty channel when it has a TWT SP scheduled to serve an SST station and the access point has a better chance to obtain a TXOP to transmit to the SST station.

[0124] In addition, the access point beacon may signal that transmissions to the SST station may occur at any time. For example, the SST station may have low-latency traffic, and the access point may need to send the low-latency traffic at any time.

[0125] In some embodiments, a station may request individual TWT stream operation or broadcast TWT stream operation. The access point may allow individual TWT settings or may set up a broadcast TWT stream. In addition, the access point may set up a broadcast TWT stream or a restricted TWT stream to protect SST stations operating in individual TWT streams. Broadcast TWT or restricted TWT may signal the operating requirements for the duration of each TWT stream.

[0126] In summary, an EHT SST station may be able to respond to MU-RTS frames. This capability may simplify access point operation, especially in large bandwidth PPDU transmissions. In some embodiments, access point transmissions to EHT SST stations may have hidden terminal protection via MU-RTS frames and MU-CTS frames.

[0127] It should be noted that the format of the packets or frames transmitted during the communication technology may include more or fewer bits or fields. Alternatively or in addition, the position of the information in these packets or frames may be changed. Therefore, the order of the fields may be changed.

[0128] While the foregoing embodiments illustrate embodiments of communication techniques using sub-bands, in other embodiments, communication techniques may involve simultaneous use of different time slots, and / or a combination of different sub-bands, different frequency bands, and / or different time slots.

[0129] In addition, although the foregoing embodiments show the use of Wi-Fi during the communication technology, in other embodiments of these communication technologies, Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy is used to transmit at least a portion of the information in these communication technologies. In addition, the information transmitted in the communication technology can be transmitted in one or more frequency bands, including: 900MHz frequency band, 2.4GHz frequency band, 5GHz frequency band, 6GHz frequency band, 7GHz frequency band, 60GHz frequency band, Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) frequency band, frequency bands used by LTE, etc.

[0130] As described above, various aspects of the present technology may include collecting and using data available from various sources, for example, to improve or enhance functionality. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, these collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, Twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying information or personal information. The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be used to benefit users.

[0131] The present disclosure envisions that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for the legitimate and reasonable purposes of the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. In addition, such collection / sharing should only be done after receiving the user's informed consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others who have access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards that include specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country for different types of personal data.

[0132] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates providing hardware elements and / or software elements to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology may be configured to allow users to selectively participate in "opt-in" or "opt-out" of collecting personal information data at any time during (for example) registration for a service or thereafter. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0133] In addition, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data between users), and / or other methods when appropriate.

[0134] Thus, while the present disclosure may broadly cover the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may also be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or part of such personal information data.

[0135] Embodiments of electronic devices are now described. Fig. 27 A block diagram of an electronic device 2700 (which may be a cellular phone, a smart watch, an access point, a wireless speaker, an IoT device, another electronic device, etc.) according to some embodiments is presented. The electronic device includes a processing subsystem 2710, a memory subsystem 2712, and a networking subsystem 2714. The processing subsystem 2710 includes one or more devices configured to perform computing operations. For example, the processing subsystem 2710 may include one or more microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable logic devices, and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs).

[0136] The memory subsystem 2712 includes one or more devices for storing data and / or instructions for the processing subsystem 2710 and / or the networking subsystem 2714. For example, the memory subsystem 2712 may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and / or other types of memory. In some embodiments, the instructions for the processing subsystem 2710 in the memory subsystem 2712 include: program instructions or instruction sets (such as program instructions 2722 or operating system 2724), which can be executed by the processing subsystem 2710. For example, ROM can store programs, utilities, or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner, and DRAM can provide volatile data storage and can store instructions related to the operation of the electronic device 2700. It should be noted that one or more computer programs can constitute a computer program mechanism, a computer-readable storage medium, or software. In addition, the instructions in the various modules in the memory subsystem 2712 can be implemented in the following languages: a high-level programming language, an object-oriented programming language, and / or an assembly language or a machine language. Furthermore, the programming language may be compiled or interpreted, e.g., configurable or configured (the two may be used interchangeably in this discussion) to be executed by the processing subsystem 2710. In some embodiments, one or more computer programs are distributed over a network-coupled computer system so that the one or more computer programs are stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

[0137] In addition, the memory subsystem 2712 may include a mechanism for controlling access to the memory. In some embodiments, the memory subsystem 2712 includes a memory hierarchy including one or more caches coupled to memory in the electronic device 2700. In some of these embodiments, one or more of the caches are located in the processing subsystem 2710.

[0138] In some embodiments, the memory subsystem 2712 is coupled to one or more high-capacity mass storage devices (not shown). For example, the memory subsystem 2712 may be coupled to a magnetic disk drive or optical disk drive, a solid-state drive, or another type of mass storage device. In these embodiments, the memory subsystem 2712 may be used by the electronic device 2700 as a fast access storage device for frequently used data, while the mass storage device is used to store less frequently used data.

[0139] The networking subsystem 2714 includes one or more devices configured to couple to and communicate on a wired and / or wireless network (i.e., perform network operations), such as: a control logic component 2716, one or more interface circuits 2718, and a set of antennas 2720 (or antenna elements) in an adaptive array that can be selectively turned on and / or off by the control logic component 2716 to produce a variety of selectable antenna patterns or "beam patterns." Alternatively, instead of the set of antennas, in some embodiments, the electronic device 2700 includes one or more nodes 2708, such as pads or connectors, which can be coupled to the set of antennas 2720. Thus, the electronic device 2700 may or may not include the set of antennas 2720. For example, the networking subsystem 2714 may include a Bluetooth® wireless communication interface. TM networking systems, cellular networking systems (e.g., 3G / 4G / 5G networks such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), universal serial bus (USB) networking systems, IEEE802.12-based (e.g., networking system), an Ethernet networking system and / or another networking system of the standard described in .

[0140] In some embodiments, the networking subsystem 2714 includes one or more radio components, such as a wake-up radio component for receiving wake-up frames and wake-up beacons, and a main radio component for transmitting and / or receiving frames or packets during normal operating mode. The wake-up radio component and the main radio component can be implemented separately (such as using discrete components or separate integrated circuits) or in a common integrated circuit.

[0141] The networking subsystem 2714 includes a processor, a controller, a radio component / antenna, a socket / plug and / or other devices for coupling to each supported networking system, communicating on each supported networking system, and processing data and events of each supported networking system. It should be noted that the mechanism for coupling to the network of each network system, communicating on the network of each network system, and processing data and events on the network of each network system is sometimes collectively referred to as the "network interface" for the network system. In addition, in some embodiments, the "network" or "connection" between electronic devices does not yet exist. Therefore, the electronic device 2700 can use the mechanism in the networking subsystem 2714 to perform simple wireless communication between electronic devices, such as transmitting notification frames, and / or scanning notification frames transmitted by other electronic devices.

[0142] Within electronic device 2700, processing subsystem 2710, memory subsystem 2712, and networking subsystem 2714 are coupled together using bus 2728, which facilitates data transfer between these components. Bus 2728 may include electrical, optical, and / or optoelectronic connections that the subsystems can use to transmit commands and data between each other. Although only one bus 2728 is shown for clarity, different embodiments may include different numbers or configurations of electrical, optical, and / or optoelectronic connections between subsystems.

[0143] In some embodiments, the electronic device 2700 includes a display subsystem 2726 for displaying information on a display, which may include a display driver and a display, such as a liquid crystal display, a multi-touch screen, etc. The display subsystem 2726 may be controlled by the processing subsystem 2710 to display information to a user (e.g., information related to an incoming, outgoing, or active communication session).

[0144] The electronic device 2700 may also include a user input subsystem 2730 that allows a user of the electronic device 2700 to interact with the electronic device 2700. For example, the user input subsystem 2730 may take a variety of forms, such as: buttons, keypads, dials, touch screens, audio input interfaces, visual / image capture input interfaces, input in the form of sensor data, etc.

[0145] The electronic device 2700 may be any electronic device having at least one network interface (or may be included in any electronic device having at least one network interface). For example, the electronic device 2700 may include: a cellular phone or smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a personal or desktop computer, a netbook computer, a media player device, a wireless speaker, an IoT device, an e-book device, Devices, smart watches, wearable computing devices, portable computing devices, consumer electronic devices, vehicles, doors, windows, portals, access points, routers, switches, communication devices, test devices, and any other type of electronic computing device with wireless communication capabilities that may include communicating via one or more wireless communication protocols.

[0146] Although specific components are used to describe the electronic device 2700, in alternative embodiments, different components and / or subsystems may be present in the electronic device 2700. For example, the electronic device 2700 may include one or more additional processing subsystems, memory subsystems, networking subsystems, and / or display subsystems. In addition, one or more of the subsystems may not be present in the electronic device 2700. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the electronic device 2700 may include Fig. 27 In some embodiments, the electronic device may include an analysis subsystem that performs at least some of the operations in the communication technology. Fig. 27 2700, some or all of a given subsystem or component may be integrated into one or more of the other subsystems or components in the electronic device 2700. For example, in some embodiments, the program instructions 2722 are included in the operating system 2724, and / or the control logic component 2716 is included in the one or more interface circuits 2718.

[0147] In addition, the circuits and components in the electronic device 2700 can be implemented using any combination of analog circuits and / or digital circuits, including: bipolar, PMOS and / or NMOS gates or transistors. In addition, the signals in these embodiments can include digital signals with approximately discrete values ​​and / or analog signals with continuous values. In addition, the components and circuits can be single-ended or differential, and the power supply can be unipolar or bipolar.

[0148] The integrated circuit may implement some or all of the functions of the networking subsystem 2714. The integrated circuit may include hardware mechanisms and / or software mechanisms for transmitting wireless signals from the electronic device 2700 and receiving signals from other electronic devices at the electronic device 2700. Except for the mechanisms described herein, radio components are well known in the art and are not described in detail. In general, the networking subsystem 2714 and / or the integrated circuit may include any number of radio components. It should be noted that the radio components in the multiple radio component embodiments function in a manner similar to the single radio component embodiment.

[0149] In some embodiments, the networking subsystem 2714 and / or the integrated circuit includes a configuration mechanism (such as one or more hardware mechanisms and / or software mechanisms) that configures the radio component to transmit and / or receive on a given communication channel (e.g., a given carrier frequency). For example, in some embodiments, the configuration mechanism can be used to switch the radio component from monitoring and / or transmitting on a given communication channel to monitoring and / or transmitting on a different communication channel. (Note that "monitoring" as used herein includes receiving signals from other electronic devices and possibly performing one or more processing operations on the received signals).

[0150] In some embodiments, the output of the process for designing an integrated circuit or a part of an integrated circuit including one or more of the circuits described herein may be a computer-readable medium, such as, for example, a tape or an optical or magnetic disk. The computer-readable medium may be encoded with a data structure or other information describing a circuit that can be physically instantiated as an integrated circuit or a part of an integrated circuit. Although various formats can be used for such encoding, these data structures are usually written in the following formats: Caltech Intermediate Format (CIF), Calma GDS II Data Stream Format (GDSII), Electronic Design Interchange Format (EDIF), Open Access (OA) or Open Source System Interchange Standard (OASIS). A person skilled in the art of integrated circuit design may develop such data structures from the schematic diagrams and corresponding descriptions of the types described in detail above, and encode the data structures on a computer-readable medium. A person skilled in the art of integrated circuit manufacturing may use such encoded data to manufacture an integrated circuit including one or more of the circuits described herein.

[0151] Although the foregoing discussion uses the Wi-Fi communication protocol as an illustrative example, in other embodiments, a variety of communication protocols may be used, and more generally, wireless communication technology may be used. Therefore, communication technology may be used in a variety of network interfaces. In addition, although some of the operations in the foregoing embodiments are implemented in hardware or software, generally speaking, the operations in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented in a variety of configurations and architectures. Thus, some or all of the operations in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in hardware, software, or in both hardware and software. For example, at least some of the operations in the communication technology may be implemented using program instructions 2722, operating system 2724 (such as a driver for an interface circuit in the networking subsystem 2714), or in firmware in an interface circuit in the networking subsystem 2714. Alternatively or in addition thereto, at least some of the operations in the communication technology may be implemented in a physical layer (such as hardware in an interface circuit in the networking subsystem 2714). In some embodiments, the communication technology is implemented at least partially in a MAC layer and / or a physical layer in an interface circuit in the networking subsystem 2714.

[0152] Although examples of numerical values ​​are provided in the foregoing discussion, different numerical values ​​are used in other embodiments. Therefore, the numerical values ​​provided are not intended to be limiting.

[0153] Reference has been made in the foregoing description to “some embodiments.” Note that “some embodiments” describes a subset of all possible embodiments, but does not always specify the same subset of embodiments.

[0154] The foregoing description is intended to enable any person skilled in the art to implement and use the present disclosure, and is provided in the context of a specific application and its requirements. In addition, for the purpose of illustration and description only, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed form. Thus, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the essence and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the discussion of the foregoing embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but will be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: an antenna node configured to be communicatively coupled to an antenna; and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being communicatively coupled to the antenna node, the interface circuit being configured to communicate with a second electronic device and a third electronic device, wherein the electronic devices are configured to: providing, from the interface circuitry, a multi-user MU request to send RTS frame, the MU-RTS frame transmitting an RTS in a channel associated with the second electronic device and transmitting a second RTS in a second channel associated with the third electronic device, wherein the third electronic device comprises a subchannel selective transmission (SST) site and the second electronic device comprises a non-SST site, and wherein the MU-RTS frame comprises one or more user information fields specific to the third electronic device and excludes the one or more user information fields for the second electronic device; as well as At the interface circuit, a MU-CTS frame is received in a third channel associated with the third electronic device, the MU-CTS frame including a CTS, wherein the MU-RTS frame specifies a format type of the CTS and the format type includes an extended CTS, i.e., E-CTS, the E-CTS frame includes a reserved channel field indicating unique information for each site, and the E-CTS frame indicates one or more channels in which the E-CTS frame is transmitted.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a primary channel and the second channel comprises a secondary channel. 3 . The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the third channel is identical to the second channel or is a subset of the second channel. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the third channel is different from the channel and does not overlap with the channel.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second channel comprises a packet detect channel associated with the third electronic device, and the third channel comprises a CTS receive channel associated with the electronic device.

6. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a beacon frame from the interface circuit, the beacon frame having information specifying a broadcast target wake-up time TWT, the broadcast TWT having a service period SP associated with at least the third electronic device.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the information specifies when to use RTS-CTS signaling prior to an uplink transmission associated with the third electronic device, or specifies when the uplink transmission is triggered by the electronic device.

8. A method for providing a multi-user MU request to send an RTS frame, comprising: By electronic equipment: providing the MU-RTS frame, the MU-RTS frame transmitting an RTS in a channel associated with a second electronic device and transmitting a second RTS in a second channel associated with a third electronic device, wherein the third electronic device comprises a subchannel selective transmission (SST) site, and the second electronic device comprises a non-SST site, and wherein the MU-RTS frame comprises one or more user information fields specific to the third electronic device and excludes the one or more user information fields for the second electronic device; and A MU-CTS frame including permission to send a CTS is received in a third channel associated with the third electronic device, wherein the MU-CTS frame specifies a format type of the CTS and the format type includes an extended CTS, i.e., E-CTS, the E-CTS frame includes a reserved channel field indicating unique information for each site, and the E-CTS frame indicates one or more channels in which the E-CTS frame is transmitted.

9. An electronic device, comprising: an interface circuit communicatively coupled to the antenna node, the interface circuit being configured to allow the electronic device to communicate with a second electronic device, wherein the electronic device is configured to: receiving, at the interface circuit, a request-to-send RTS in a multi-user MU request-to-send RTS frame in a channel associated with the electronic device, wherein the MU-RTS frame is associated with the second electronic device, and transmitting a second RTS in a second channel associated with a third electronic device, and wherein the electronic device comprises a subchannel selective transmission (SST) site, and the third electronic device comprises a non-SST site, and wherein the MU-RTS frame comprises one or more user information fields specific to the electronic device and excludes the one or more user information fields for the third electronic device; and A CTS in a MU-clear-to-send CTS frame is provided from the interface circuit in a third channel associated with the electronic device, wherein the MU-RTS frame specifies a format type of the CTS and the format type includes an extended CTS, i.e., E-CTS, the E-CTS frame includes a reserved channel field indicating unique information for each station, and the E-CTS frame indicates one or more channels in which the E-CTS frame is transmitted.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the second channel comprises a primary channel and the channel comprises a secondary channel.

11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the third channel is identical to the channel or is a subset of the channel.

12. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the third channel is different from the second channel and does not overlap with the second channel.

13. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the third channel comprises a CTS receive channel associated with the second electronic device.

14. An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device is configured to receive a beacon frame associated with the second electronic device at the interface circuit, the beacon frame including information specifying a broadcast target wake-up time TWT, the broadcast TWT having a service period SP associated with the electronic device. 15 . The electronic device of claim 14 , wherein the information specifies when RTS-CTS signaling is used by the electronic device prior to uplink transmission, or specifies when the uplink transmission is triggered by the second electronic device.

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