Channel scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for scanning enhancement of next generation Wi-Fi channels are described. In general, the described technology provides that an access point AP (105) or a station STA (115) can identify a discovery channel subset from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The discovery channel can be designated for discovery signaling for device association. The AP (105) can transmit discovery information for associating with the STA (115) on a discovery channel in the discovery channel subset. In some examples, the AP (105) can receive a probe request from a STA (115) operating in an active scanning mode, and can transmit the discovery information in a probe response. In some examples, the AP (105) can transmit the discovery information to the STA (115) operating in a passive scanning mode in a periodic signal (such as a beacon). The AP (105) can receive an association request and associate with the STA (115).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application filed on August 23, 2019, with application number 201980053951.6 (international application number PCT / US2019 / 047827), and invention name “Scanning Enhancement for Next Generation Wi-Fi Channels”.

[0002] Cross-references

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 548,571, entitled “SCANNING ENHANCEMENTS FOR NEXT GENERATION WI-FI CHANNELS,” filed by ASTERJADHI et al. on August 22, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 722,773, entitled “SCANNING ENHANCEMENTS FOR NEXT GENERATION WI-FI CHANNELS,” filed by ASTERJADHI et al. on August 24, 2018, which are assigned to the assignee of this application. Technical Field

[0004] The following relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels. Background Art

[0005] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and the like. These systems may be multiple access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a Wi-Fi (i.e., an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) network) may include an access point (AP) that communicates with one or more stations (STAs) or mobile devices. An AP may be coupled to a network (such as the Internet) and may enable mobile devices to communicate via the network (or to communicate with other devices coupled to the access point). A wireless device may communicate bidirectionally with a network device. For example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via a downlink and an uplink. A downlink (or forward link) may refer to a communication link from an AP to a STA, and an uplink (or reverse link) may refer to a communication link from a STA to an AP.

[0006] In some examples, the wireless device may operate on the next generation 6 GHz band. The STA may discover an AP operating on the 6 GHz band via active or passive scanning. However, the available spectrum within the 6 GHz band may be divided into a large number of channels (e.g., 64 20 MHz channels). Current Wi-Fi discovery procedures typically involve the STA scanning all available channels in the band to discover and connect to the AP. However, the large number of channels available in next generation bands (such as the 6 GHz band) may make it impractical or inefficient for the STA to scan each channel. Scanning each channel may increase system latency and power consumption while reducing the user experience. Improvements to Wi-Fi discovery technology are desired. Summary of the invention

[0007] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support scanning enhancements for next-generation Wi-Fi channels. In general, the described technology provides that an access point (AP) or a station (STA) can identify a discovery channel subset from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The discovery channel can be designated for discovery signaling for device association. The AP can transmit discovery information to the station on a discovery channel in the discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the access point. In some examples, the AP can receive a probe request from a STA operating in an active scanning mode on one of the discovery channels, and can transmit the discovery information in a probe response. In some examples, the AP can transmit the discovery information to a STA operating in a passive scanning mode in a periodic signal (such as a beacon). The AP can receive an association request from the STA, and can associate with the STA based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0008] A method of wireless communication at an access point is described. The method may include: identifying a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and transmitting discovery information to a station on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0009] An apparatus for wireless communication at an access point is described. The apparatus may include a first interface, a second interface, and a modem coupled to the first interface and the second interface. In some examples, the modem may be in communication with a transmitter via the first interface and may output one or more messages for transmission via the first interface, as described below. The modem may also be in communication with a receiver via the second interface and may obtain messages via the second interface. The modem may be configured to: identify a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and transmit discovery information to a station on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0010] Another apparatus for wireless communication at an access point is described. The apparatus may include means for: identifying a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and transmitting discovery information to a station on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0011] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an access point is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for the following operations: identifying a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and transmitting discovery information to a station on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the channels in the set of channels include a discovery channel in the subset of discovery channels.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an association request from a station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associating with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the subset of channels is discovered to include a set of contiguous channels in the set of channels.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the discovery channel subset includes a set of non-contiguous channels with a non-unit periodicity. The discovery channel subset may include a 20 megahertz (MHz) channel, and the non-unit periodicity may include a periodicity of 4 channels.

[0016] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for receiving a probe request from a station, wherein transmitting the discovery information may be based on receiving the probe request, and wherein the discovery information includes a probe response.

[0017] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: identifying one or more neighbor access points; and including a neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points in the probe response.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, at least one of the one or more neighbor access points may be co-located with the reporting access point.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: identifying a first group of access points within a first bandwidth including a set of channels corresponding to a basic service set (BSS); and identifying a second group of access points operating outside the first bandwidth including a set of channels corresponding to the BSS, wherein a neighbor access point report includes the first group of access points and the second group of access points.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for randomly selecting a time for transmitting a probe response from a minimum channel time for transmitting a probe response on a channel in the channel set, wherein the channels in the channel set include a discovery channel in the discovery channel subset.

[0021] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for the following actions: randomly selecting a resource unit (RU) of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access frame, wherein the probe response or an association response corresponding to the probe request may be output on the selected resource unit via the first interface. In some examples, the RU may be a broadcast RU carried on a downlink multi-user physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU).

[0022] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: generating a fast initial link setup (FILS) discovery frame; and broadcasting the FILS discovery frame.

[0023] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the FILS discovery frame may be broadcast periodically.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for randomly selecting a time for transmitting a FILS discovery frame on a channel in the channel set from a minimum channel time, wherein the channels in the channel set include a discovery channel in a discovery channel subset.

[0025] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for receiving a first broadcast probe request from a second station operating in an active scanning mode, wherein generating a FILS discovery frame and broadcasting the FILS discovery frame may be based on the first broadcast probe request.

[0026] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: identifying one or more neighbor access points; and including a neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points in a FILS discovery frame.

[0027] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a management frame including a message integrity check (MIC) to the second access point.

[0028] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: detecting a neighbor access point report transmitted by a second access point; determining a number of neighbor access points indicated by the neighbor access point report; and generating a management frame with a periodicity that may be based on the number of neighbor access points.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: identifying stations that may be located within the geographic coverage area of ​​the access point and may also be within the geographic coverage area of ​​a second access point, where the second access point may be outside the geographic coverage area of ​​the access point; and configuring the identified stations to propagate management information to the second access point.

[0030] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a trigger frame to the identified station.

[0031] A method of wireless communication at a station is described. The method may include: identifying a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and receiving discovery information from an access point on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0032] An apparatus for wireless communication at a station is described. The apparatus may include a first interface, a second interface, and a modem coupled to the first interface and the second interface. In some examples, the modem may be in communication with a transmitter via the first interface and may output one or more messages for transmission via the first interface, as described below. The modem may also be in communication with a receiver via the second interface and may obtain messages via the second interface. The modem may be configured to: identify a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and receive discovery information from an access point on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0033] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a station is described. The apparatus may include means for: identifying a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and receiving discovery information from an access point on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0034] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a station is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor for the following operations: identifying a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band; and receiving discovery information from an access point on a channel in the set of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point.

[0035] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the channels in the set of channels include a discovery channel in the subset of discovery channels.

[0036] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for transmitting an association request to an access point based on discovery information transmitted on a discovery channel, and associating with the access point based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0037] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the subset of channels is discovered to include a set of contiguous channels in the set of channels.

[0038] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the subset of channels is discovered to include a set of non-contiguous channels having a non-unit periodicity.

[0039] Some examples of methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for scanning a subset of discovery channels, wherein receiving discovery information on the discovery channels may be based on the scanning.

[0040] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for transmitting a probe request to an access point on a channel in the channel set, wherein the channels in the channel set include a discovery channel in the discovery channel subset, and wherein receiving the discovery information may be received in a probe response based on the probe request.

[0041] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for broadcasting a probe request when operating in an active scanning mode, and wherein receiving discovery information from an access point for determining whether to associate with the access point includes receiving a probe response from a neighboring access point in response to the probe request, the probe response including a neighbor access point report corresponding to the access point.

[0042] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the probe response may be received as one or more of an ACK frame or an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) frame.

[0043] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for: receiving an ACK frame based on a probe request; refraining from transmitting a second probe request within a minimum channel time for transmitting on a discovery channel; and receiving a probe response during the minimum channel time.

[0044] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for identifying a minimum channel time for transmitting a probe request to an access point on a discovery channel, wherein outputting the probe request further includes outputting the probe request via the first interface before expiration of the minimum channel time.

[0045] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for broadcasting a probe request when operating in an active scanning mode, and wherein receiving discovery information from an access point for determining whether to associate with the access point includes receiving a probe response from a neighboring access point in response to the probe request, the probe response including a neighbor access point report corresponding to the access point.

[0046] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, at least one of the one or more neighbor access points indicated in the neighbor access point report may be co-located with the reporting access point.

[0047] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, apparatus, or instructions for receiving a propagation configuration message from an access point, reconfiguring to a management information propagation mode, receiving management information from the access point, and transmitting the management information to a second access point.

[0048] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the propagated configuration message includes a trigger frame.

[0049] Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, devices, or instructions for identifying a restricted access mode based on one or more channel access rules, determining that unsolicited management frames may not be allowed on the radio frequency spectrum band based on the restricted access mode, and waiting to receive a random access resource unit (RU) from the station or transmitting a probe request on a second radio frequency spectrum band based on the restricted access mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0051] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0052] Figure 3 An example of a channel designation scheme supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0053] Figure 4 An example of a channel designation scheme supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0054] Figure 5 An example of a process flow supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0055] Figure 6 An example of a process flow supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0056] Figure 7An example of a process flow supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0057] Figure 8 and 9 A block diagram of a device supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Fig.10 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Fig.11 A diagram of a system including a device supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi channels is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] Fig.12 and 13 A block diagram of a device supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] Fig.14 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] Fig.15 A diagram of a system including a device supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi channels is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figures 16 to 20 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] In some examples, the wireless communication system may support communications on one or more frequency bands. For example, the wireless communication system may support communications using the next generation 6 GHz frequency band. There may be a large number of channels available for use in the next generation 6 GHz frequency band or other frequency bands.

[0065] In some examples, access to the 6 GHz band may be restricted or controlled. Scanning all available channels may result in inefficient system and power usage. For example, if a STA performs active or passive scanning on all available channels in a wideband, the system latency and power consumption of the STA may increase. For example, for some applications (e.g., virtual reality or augmented reality applications, real-time voice, video, and gaming applications, or industrial Internet of Things (I-IOT) applications), the system latency may be so large that the quality of service requirements cannot be consistently met. This increased scanning may also result in increased power consumption at each device.

[0066] Additionally, access to the 6 GHz band may be limited to passive scanning to avoid uncontrolled or unlimited probe requests on the 6 GHz band that may cause channel pollution. Legacy Wi-Fi devices may not be able to operate on channels within the 6 GHz band, and legacy procedures for channel access may not apply.

[0067] In some examples, to avoid channel contamination from multiple STAs, system latency, excessive power consumption at the STAs, a subset of available channels may be designated as discovery channels, while the remaining channels may be designated for normal operations (such as traffic delivery). This may result in a smaller percentage of time spent scanning by STAs served by the AP in the geographic coverage area, and increased throughput.

[0068] The discovery channel subset may be contiguous, or equidistantly spaced and non-contiguous. For example, the subset may be located in a specific portion of the available bandwidth. The discovery channel may be located, for example, in the lowest portion of the available bandwidth (e.g., channels 1 to 8). In some examples, the discovery channels may be equidistantly spaced and located at standardized locations, or the locations of the discovery channels may be provided by a third party. The intervals of the discovery channels may have a non-unit periodicity. For example, the discovery channel may have a periodicity of 4 and may be located at channel 1, channel 5, channel 9, channel 13, etc. Alternatively, the discovery channel may have a periodicity of 8 and may be located at channel 1, channel 9, channel 17, etc. The discovery channel may similarly have a periodicity of 1 channel, 16 channels, 32 channels, etc. A higher discovery channel periodicity may result in less scanning latency through fewer discovery channels, and higher efficiency through more non-discovery channels.

[0069] As described in more detail below, utilizing a discovery channel for discovery and association can improve system throughput, increase system efficiency, and reduce power consumption at each device. A device can identify a designated discovery channel and can use the discovery channel to perform various aspects of the discovery and association procedures.

[0070] Aspects of the present disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described by and with reference to channel assignment schemes and process flows. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described by and with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow diagrams related to scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels.

[0071] In general, the described technology provides that an access point (AP) or a station (STA) can identify a discovery channel subset from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. A discovery channel may be designated for discovery signaling for device association. The AP may transmit a discovery frame including discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the access point. In some examples, the discovery frame may be a FILS discovery frame, a broadcast probe response, or a beacon frame. In some examples, the AP may receive a probe request from a STA operating in an active scanning mode, and may transmit discovery information in a probe response. In some examples, the AP may transmit discovery information to a STA operating in a passive scanning mode in a periodic signal such as a beacon. The AP may receive an association request from the STA, and may associate with the STA based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0072] Figure 1 An example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) 100 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi network) supporting configuration for distributed resource units (RUs) according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The WLAN 100 may include an AP 105 and a plurality of associated STAs 115, which may represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, etc.), printers, etc. The AP 105 and associated STAs 115 may represent a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). The various STAs 115 in the network are able to communicate with each other through the AP 105. Also shown is a geographic coverage area 110 of the AP 105, which may represent a basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. An extended network station (not shown) associated with the WLAN 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that may allow multiple APs 105 to be connected in an ESS. These APs 105 and STAs 115 may communicate using distributed RUs.

[0073] Although not in Figure 1100 is shown in the figure, but the STA 115 may be located at the intersection of more than one geographic coverage area 110 and may be associated with more than one AP 105. A single AP 105 and an associated set of STAs 115 may be referred to as a BSS. An extended service set (ESS) is a set of connected BSSs. A distribution system (not shown) may be used to connect the APs 105 in the ESS. In some cases, the geographic coverage area 110 of the AP 105 may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The WLAN 100 may include APs 105 of different types (e.g., urban areas, home networks, etc.) with different and overlapping geographic coverage areas 110. Two STAs 115 may also communicate directly via a direct wireless link 125, regardless of whether the two STAs 115 are in the same geographic coverage area 110. Examples of direct wireless links 120 may include Wi-Fi direct connections, Wi-Fi tunneling direct link establishment (TDLS) links, and other group connections. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may communicate according to WLAN radio and baseband protocols for physical and medium access control (MAC) layers from IEEE 802.11 and its various versions, including but not limited to 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, 802.11ax, etc. In other implementations, peer-to-peer connections or ad hoc networks may be implemented within the WLAN 100.

[0074] In some cases, a STA 115 (or AP 105) may be detected by a central AP 105, but may not be detected by other STAs 115 in the geographic coverage area 110 of the central AP 105. For example, one STA 115 may be at one end of the geographic coverage area 110 of the central AP 105, while another STA 115 may be at the other end. Thus, the two STAs 115 may communicate with the AP 105, but may not receive each other's transmissions. This may cause conflicting transmissions of the two STAs 115 in a contention-based environment (e.g., CSMA / CA) because each STA 115 may not suppress transmissions over each other. STAs 115 whose transmissions cannot be identified but are within the same geographic coverage area 110 may be referred to as hidden nodes. CSMA / CA may be supplemented by exchanging a request to send (RTS) packet transmitted by a sender STA 115 (or AP 105) and a clear to send (CTS) packet transmitted by a receiver STA 115 (or AP105). This can alert other devices within range of the sender and receiver not to transmit during the duration of the primary transmission. Thus, RTS / CTS can help alleviate the hidden node problem.

[0075] In some systems, WLAN 100 can support multi-user communication on a given channel bandwidth. For example, the channel bandwidth can be divided into several RUs, each of which can contain a predefined number of tones or subcarriers. Each of these RUs can be assigned to a device for communication. For example, AP 105 can allocate one or more RUs to STA 115 for communication. STA 115 can receive downlink data on the allocated RU, or can transmit uplink data on the allocated RU. Pilot signals can be sent together with data to improve the reception reliability of data. WLAN 100 can support many different RUs and bandwidth sizes. For example, WLAN 100 can support distributed RUs for RUs containing 26 tones, 52 tones, 106 tones, etc., and can support channel bandwidths across 20 megahertz (MHz), 40MHZ, 80MHz, 160MHz, etc. In some cases, smaller RUs can be used as building blocks to construct larger RUs. For example, the tones assigned to a RU containing 52 tones may correspond to the physical tones for two logical RUs having 26 tones each.

[0076] In some examples, AP 105 or STA 115 can identify a discovery channel subset from a channel set in a radio frequency spectrum band. The discovery channel can be designated for discovery signaling for device association. AP 105 can transmit discovery information to STA on a discovery channel in the discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with an access point. In some examples, AP 105 can receive a probe request from a STA 115 operating in an active scanning mode, and can transmit discovery information in a probe response. In some examples, AP 105 can transmit discovery information to STA 115 operating in a passive scanning mode in a periodic signal (such as a beacon). AP 105 can receive an association request from STA 115, and can associate with STA based on the association request and the discovery channel. The advantage of transmitting discovery information for determining whether to associate with an access point of a discovery channel and receiving a probe request from STA 115 is that channel pollution from multiple STAs, system latency, and excessive power consumption at STAs can be avoided, resulting in increased battery life and improved user experience.

[0077] Figure 2 An example of a WLAN 200 that supports scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the WLAN 200 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100 and may include an AP 105-a and a STA 115-a, which may be referenced to Figure 1 Examples of corresponding devices described.

[0078] In some examples, the AP 105-a can communicate with one or more STAs 115-a within the geographic coverage area 110-a. In some examples, the AP 105-a and the STA 115-a can communicate on a frequency band (e.g., a 6 GHz band) having multiple available channels (e.g., channel 205, channel 210, channel 215, etc.). In some examples, the STA 115-a can be capable of scanning each available channel. In some examples, each of the channels 205, 210, 215 and other available channels within the frequency band can be undeveloped channels (i.e., no legacy devices utilize undeveloped channels).

[0079] Performing active or passive scanning on all available channels may result in inefficient use of spectrum and power. If STA 115-a and other STAs 115 in geographic coverage area 110-a perform active or passive scanning on each of channels 205, 210, 215 and other available channels, system latency may increase. For example, STA 115-a may perform a scan with a total scan time of up to 1.2 seconds, where the minimum channel time (e.g., the minimum amount of time a device will wait to determine whether a channel is idle) is equal to 20ms. If each STA 115 in geographic coverage area 110-a performs such active or passive scanning on all available channels (e.g., all 64 available channels in the 6GHz band), the scan will take up a large percentage of the time, leaving less time for normal operation and traffic delivery. This excessive scanning time may result in increased latency and reduced system efficiency. For example, for some applications (e.g., virtual reality or augmented reality applications, real-time voice, video and gaming applications, or Industrial Internet of Things (I-IOT) applications), system latency may be so great that quality of service requirements cannot be consistently met. This increased scanning may also result in increased power consumption at STA 115-a.

[0080] In some examples, a subset of available channels may be designated as discovery channels, while the remaining channels may be designated for normal operations (such as traffic delivery). For example, channel 205 may be designated as a discovery channel, while channels 210 and 215 may be designated for traffic delivery and other non-discovery operations. This may result in a smaller percentage of time spent scanning for STAs 115-a served by AP 105-a in geographic coverage area 110-a, and increased throughput.

[0081] The discovery channel subset may be contiguous, or equidistantly spaced and non-contiguous. For example, the subset may be located in a specific portion of the available bandwidth. The discovery channel may be located, for example, in the lowest portion of the available bandwidth (e.g., channels 1 to 8). In some examples, the discovery channels may be equidistantly spaced and located at standardized locations, or the locations of the discovery channels may be provided by a third party. The intervals of the discovery channels may have a non-unit periodicity. For example, the discovery channel may have a periodicity of 4 and may be located at channel 1, channel 5, channel 9, channel 13, etc. Alternatively, the discovery channel may have a periodicity of 8 and may be located at channel 1, channel 9, channel 17, etc. The discovery channel may similarly have a periodicity of 1 channel, 16 channels, 32 channels, etc. A higher discovery channel periodicity may result in less scanning latency through fewer discovery channels, and higher efficiency through more non-discovery channels.

[0082] As about Figures 3 to 7 As described in more detail, using a discovery channel for discovery and association can improve system throughput, increase system efficiency, and reduce power consumption at each device. For example, a STA may be able to quickly discover an AP by scanning only a discovery channel without assistance from the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band. The STA may determine whether to associate with the AP based on scanning a discovery channel or based on receiving a probe response from the AP. For example, the AP may indicate a non-discovery channel from the available bandwidth for receiving discovery information. The device may identify the specified discovery channel and may use the discovery channel to perform various aspects of the discovery and association procedures.

[0083] Figure 3 An example of a channel designation scheme 300 that supports scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the channel designation scheme 300 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100.

[0084] In some examples, a subset of available channels within the total available bandwidth 305 may be designated as discovery channels. Available bandwidth 305 may include, for example, 1280 MHz within a 6 GHz channel. Discovery channels may be contiguous or non-contiguous. In the case where discovery channels are non-contiguous, they may be equally spaced between other system channels at a specific periodicity. Different periodicities may correspond to different maximum scan times and different ratios between discovery channels and other system channels. For example, a discovery channel periodicity of 1 channel (i.e., each of the 64 available channels is a discovery channel) may have a maximum scan time of 1280 ms, and a system (SYS) ratio of 0% (e.g., the percentage of channels with no active scan activity reserved for post-association traffic). A discovery channel periodicity of 4 channels (e.g., 16 of the 64 available channels are discovery channels) may have a maximum scan time of 320 ms and a SYS ratio of 75%. A discovery channel periodicity of 8 channels (e.g., 8 of the 64 available channels are discovery channels) may have a maximum scan time of 160 ms and a SYS ratio of 87.5%. A discovery channel periodicity of 16 channels (e.g., 4 of the 64 available channels are discovery channels) may have a maximum scan time of 80 ms and a SYS ratio of 93.5%. A discovery channel periodicity of 32 channels (e.g., 2 of the 64 available channels are discovery channels) may have a maximum scan time of 40 ms and a SYS ratio of 98.3%.

[0085] A higher discovery channel periodicity with fewer discovery channels can result in less scan latency. More non-discovery channels can result in higher system efficiency. In some examples, discovery channels can be evenly spaced with other system channels. In one illustrative example, the discovery channel can have a periodicity of 4. Thus, channel 1, channel 5, channel 9, channel 13, etc. can be designated as discovery channels. In another illustrative example, the discovery channel periodicity can be 8 channels, so that channel 1, channel 9, channel 17, etc. can be designated as discovery channels.

[0086] The AP may be configured to meet the discovery channel periodicity. For example, the AP may be configured to operate with sufficient bandwidth to cover at least one discovery channel. For example, if the discovery channel periodicity is 4 channels (e.g., 80 MHz for 4 20 megahertz (MHz) channels), the AP may be configured to operate with at least 80 MHz. Similarly, if the discovery channel periodicity is 8 channels (e.g., 160 MHz for 8 20 MHz channels), the AP may be configured to operate with at least 160 MHz. If the discovery channel periodicity is 16 channels, the AP may be configured to operate with at least 320 MHz, and so on. In some examples, if the AP is not configured to cover at least one discovery channel, the AP may delegate a neighbor AP to cover the discovery channel. For example, if the AP is configured to operate with 80 MHz, but the discovery channel periodicity is 8 channels, the AP may delegate a neighbor AP that includes a discovery channel in its operating bandwidth, and the neighbor AP may perform the discovery procedure on behalf of the AP. In such examples, each AP may include a neighbor report information element containing neighbor AP information, thereby allowing an AP to transmit discovery information to a STA, the discovery information including discovery information about all neighbor APs. In some examples, an AP may operate with dual radios. One radio may operate in a discovery channel and the other radio may operate in a non-discovery channel. Figure 4 The AP configuration that satisfies the periodicity of the discovery channel is further described in detail.

[0087] Figure 4 An example of a channel designation scheme 400 that supports scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the channel designation scheme 400 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100.

[0088] In some examples, the AP 105 may be configured to operate within a total available bandwidth 405. The total available bandwidth 405 may be 1280 MHz in the 6 GHz band. The total available bandwidth 405 may include multiple channels. Some channels may be designated as discovery channels, while the remaining system channels may be non-discovery channels designated for post-association transmissions.

[0089] The AP 105 may be configured with an operating bandwidth for a particular BSS. For example, the AP 105-c may be configured with a BSS operating bandwidth 410, the AP 105-d may be configured with a BSS operating bandwidth 415, and the AP 105-e may be configured with a BSS operating bandwidth 420. The operating bandwidth of each AP 105 may include a primary channel and one or more secondary channels. The discovery channel may be a primary channel or a secondary channel.

[0090] like Figure 4As illustrated, the AP 105-c may be configured with a BSS operating bandwidth 410, which may be, for example, 160 MHz covering 8 channels, e.g., channel 9 through channel 16. If the discovery channel periodicity is 8 channels, then at least one discovery channel (e.g., channel 8) will be included in the BSS operating bandwidth 410. Even if the BSS operating bandwidth 410 is lower or higher, it will still include a discovery channel because the discovery channel periodicity is 8 channels.

[0091] The AP 105-d may be configured with a BSS operating bandwidth 415, which may be, for example, 80 MHz covering 4 channels (e.g., channels 9 to 12). If the discovery channel periodicity is 8 channels, the BSS operating bandwidth 415 may or may not include one discovery channel. The AP 105-d may set the BSS operating bandwidth 415 to include one discovery channel. In the illustrative example, the BSS operating bandwidth 415 may include discovery channel 9.

[0092] The AP 105-e may be configured with a BSS operating bandwidth 420, which may be 80 MHz covering 4 channels that may be different from the channels covered by the BSS operating bandwidth 415. The BSS operating bandwidth 420 may cover, for example, channels 13 to 12. However, channels 13 to 12 may not all be discovery channels. The AP 105-e may delegate neighboring APs to report on its behalf. The AP 105-e may indicate to the AP 105-d, for example, that the AP 105-e delegates the AP 105-d to send discovery information about the AP 105-e to the STAs served by the AP 105-e. That is, when configured to act as a delegated AP 105, the AP 105-d (which has a discovery channel included in the BSS operating bandwidth 415) may include the AP 105 neighbor report when transmitting its own discovery information. Thus, the discovery information transmitted by AP 105-d may include discovery information about AP 105-d and neighbor AP 105 reports including discovery information about AP 105-e. In such an example, a STA receiving discovery information from AP 105-d on channel 9 may also receive discovery information about AP 105-e.

[0093] The discovery channel can be a primary channel or a secondary channel. The primary channel can be a 20MHz channel, and the secondary channels can be aggregated to the primary channel to form a wide channel to improve throughput. The primary channel, which is separate from the discovery channel, can depend on the discovery channel. Alternatively, the primary channel can be a discovery channel.

[0094] In an illustrative example, the BSS operating bandwidth 410 for the AP 105-c may have a primary channel (e.g., channel 10) that is inconsistent with the discovery channel (e.g., channel 9). In such a case, the primary channel may be dependent on the discovery channel. In such an example, post-association operations may be performed independently of pre-association operations. Pre-association operations may be performed on the discovery channel, while post-association procedures may be performed on the primary channel (e.g., channel 10). This scenario may be useful for low latency applications that may be performed by extremely high throughput (EHT) devices.

[0095] In another illustrative example, the BSS operating bandwidth 415 for the AP 105-d may have a primary channel (e.g., channel 9) that coincides with the discovery channel. In such an example, all STAs served by the AP 105-d may contend for access to the same channel (e.g., the primary channel, i.e., channel 9). Such an example may be utilized by a high efficiency (HE) device. Such an example may be the simplest option because contention occurs in the same channel.

[0096] In some cases, the AP 105 may operate its BSS according to the baseline. For example, EDCA-based contention may occur on the primary channel. Passive and active scanning may be performed in the discovery channel. If the primary channel and the discovery channel are independent channels, the AP 105 may use an additional enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) backoff counter for the discovery channel. In some examples, the AP 105 may count down in the primary channel, but may send a transmission of the discovery channel. For example, the AP 105 may duplicate the transmission, puncture the preamble, transmit a downlink multi-user (MU) physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU), etc. The FILS discovery frame (which may be referred to as an FD frame) or any management frame (e.g., a beacon frame) that has been scheduled for delivery may be transmitted with or included in the probe response, and may be sent in a downlink SU PPDU or a downlink MU PPDU in the discovery channel (e.g., in a broadcast RU). For example, in a multi-user system, the RU in the downlink MU PPDU may carry a management frame. A DL MU PPDU may have several RUs, and each RU may carry a MAC protocol data unit (MPDU). The MPDU may be broadcast or individually addressed (e.g., determined based on an identifier associated with the RU). The RU carrying a discovery frame (e.g., an FD frame or a broadcast probe response) may be located on a subchannel corresponding to a discovery channel. The remaining RUs may carry individually addressed frames for other STAs 115 that are already associated with the AP 105. A downlink MU PPDU may be transmitted on an RU that falls on a discovery channel. The AP 105 may transmit PPDUs for STAs associated with the AP 105 on other RUs. Transmitting FILS frames with an increased frequency may have minimal impact on medium efficiency.

[0097] If any other subchannel is busy at the transmission time, a PPDU with a punctured preamble may be sent. In some examples, the AP 105 may determine whether to transmit a FILS discovery frame, a probe response, or a beacon frame before the transmission time for sending such a signal. That is, the AP 105 may determine which type of frame or signal to transmit before a periodic beacon transmission or before a probe response triggered by a probe request.

[0098] Active and passive scanning procedures using the discovery channel will be Figure 5-7 Describe in more detail.

[0099] Figure 5An example of a process flow 500 for supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the process flow 500 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100. The process flow 500 may include the AP 105 and the STA 115-a, which may be reference Figure 1 and 2 Examples of corresponding devices described.

[0100] In some examples, STA 115-b may use an active scanning mode to perform an association procedure. At 505-a, STA 115-b may identify a discovery channel subset from the set of available channels. Similarly, at 505-a and 505-b, APs 105-f and 105-g may identify a discovery channel for transmitting and receiving discovery and association signaling. In some examples, STA 115-b and APs 105-f and 105-g may select a discovery channel from the discovery channel subset for discovery and association signaling. The discovery channel may be located within the BSS operating bandwidth of AP 105, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 4 discussed in more detail.

[0101] At 510, STA 115-b may transmit a probe request. In some examples, the probe request may be broadcast. In such examples, AP 105-g may receive the probe request 510, and AP 105-f may receive the same probe request at 515. STA 115-b may transmit the probe request on the discovery channel identified at 505-c. Non-discovery channels may be reserved for post-association signaling at 555. In some examples, before transmitting the probe request at 510, STA 115-b may wait for the minimum channel time for transmitting the probe request on the discovery channel to expire. In some examples, the minimum channel time may be configured by AP 105-g, or may be pre-configured and known at STA 115-b. In some cases, the minimum channel time may be different for each discovery channel.

[0102] During the discovery procedure, one or more APs 105 (such as AP 105-f or AP 105-g) may transmit an indication to a STA 115 (such as STA 115-b). The indication may be included in a probe response 525. The indication may indicate to STA 115-b whether pre-association signaling is allowed on the 6 GHz band. The indication may indicate whether post-association signaling is allowed on the 6 GHz band. In some examples, a bit or field of a downlink signal (e.g., a probe response at 525) may carry the indication. The bit or field may indicate that STA 115-b is allowed to transmit a management frame to AP 105-g in the pre-association state. Similarly, a bit or field of a downlink signal (e.g., a probe response at 525 or an association response at 540) may indicate a post-association access mode. The post-association access mode may indicate whether access is controlled by AP 105 and EDCA-based access is not allowed. That is, the indication of the access mode may indicate whether the STA 115-b is allowed to perform EDCA-based access or whether it must wait for the AP 105-g to allow access.

[0103] In some examples, the AP 105-g may indicate a restricted access mode that includes times during which the STA 115-b may be allowed to access the 6 GHz band. For example, in a pre-association scenario or a post-association scenario, EDCA-based access may be allowed during some time windows and not allowed during other time windows. In some examples, the STA 115-b may be expected to be awake and access may be controlled by the AP 105-g. During other time windows, the STA 115-b may enter an idle mode (e.g., a sleep mode or a doze mode) and may not perform any access procedures (e.g., no EDCA-based access and no restricted or controlled access). In some examples, an indication of the access mode may be included in a downlink signal (such as a probe response at 525 or an association response at 540). In some examples, the STA 115-b and the AP 105-g may be preconfigured to meet a specific access mode.

[0104] In some examples, a discovery frame (e.g., a FILS discovery frame at 620 or 640) sent on a discovery channel may include a maximum transmit power. In some examples, the discovery frame may be a FILS discovery frame, a broadcast probe response, or a beacon frame. The maximum transmit power may be based on (e.g., may satisfy) one or more regulatory requirements. For pre-association and post-association scenarios, the maximum transmit power may be communicated to STA 115-c.

[0105] In some examples, the AP 105-g may receive the discovery frame and determine whether to associate with the AP 105-g. For example, the discovery frame may be an unsolicited FD frame, or a broadcast beacon frame, such as a Figure 6 More detailed description. Figure 6 In the non-limiting illustrative example shown, AP 105-g may receive a probe request at 510 and may transmit a probe response at 525. In some examples, STA 115-b may receive the probe response at 525 and may determine whether to associate with AP 105-g based at least in part on the received probe response. In some examples, STA 115-b may determine not to associate with AP 105-g after receiving the probe response at 525. In such a case, by using the discovery channel, STA 115-b may not expend too much power or over-congest the 6 GHz band before discovering AP 105-g. However, in other cases, STA 115-b may transmit an association request at 535 based on the probe response at 525.

[0106] The probe response may include a neighbor AP 105 report that includes discovery information about all neighbor APs 105 known to AP 105-g (including both APs 105 operating within the BSS bandwidth and APs 105 without BSS bandwidth). In such an example, the probe response at 525 may include a neighbor AP 105 report indicating discovery information about AP 105-f. The probe response may be in response to the probe request received at 510 and may include discovery information. AP 105-g may transmit a probe response on one of the discovery channels at 505-c. Upon receiving the probe response at 525, STA 115-b may determine whether to associate with AP 105-g. In some cases, STA 115-b may transmit an association request at 535. AP 105-g may receive the association request at 535 and may transmit an association response at 540. Both the association request and the association response may be transmitted on the discovery channel. Such a process may be performed, for example, by STA 115-b as a HE STA 115.

[0107] At 545, the AP 105-g may associate with the STA 115-b, and at 550, the STA 115-b may associate with the AP 105-g based on the association request and association response and the discovery channel. At 555, the STA 115-b and the AP 105-g may perform post-association operations (e.g., transmit data traffic).

[0108] In some examples, STA 115-b may be an EHT STA 115. In such examples, STA 115-b may transmit a probe request at 510 without waiting for the minimum channel time to expire (e.g., STA 115 may be allowed to send a probe request before the minimum channel time). AP 105-g may transmit a probe response at 525 within the minimum channel time. In some examples, the probe requests transmitted at 510 and 515 may be broadcast. The probe request may include a minimum set of information elements. The minimum set of information elements may only include information sufficient to query AP 105.

[0109] In some examples, the probe response may be an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) frame transmitted on a resource unit (RU). That is, both AP 105-g and AP 105-f may receive the probe request at 510 and 515, respectively. Both may prepare responses by randomly selecting RUs. RUs may be selected from the timing within the minimum channel time of the discovery channel. Both AP 105-f and AP105-g may generate a PPDU for transmitting a probe response. AP 105-f and AP 105-g may transmit their respective PPDUs on a randomly selected RU, which may then contain a FILS discovery frame and a probe response. The randomly selected RU may carry a FILS discovery frame and may be located on a subchannel of the discovery channel. In some cases, the probe response may be located on different subchannels. STA 115-b may therefore receive a probe response from AP 105-g at 525 and receive a probe response from AP105-f at 530.

[0110] In another example, both AP 105-g and AP 105-f may receive the probe request at 510 and 515, respectively, and may generate an acknowledgment (ACK) signal. For example, AP 105-g may transmit an ACK signal at 520 in response to the probe request at 510. After receiving the ACK signal, STA 115-b may refrain from transmitting or suppress the transmission of any subsequent probe request within the duration of the minimum channel time. During the time period when no subsequent probe request is transmitted, STA 115-b may wait for a response from any AP 105 (e.g., AP 105-f and AP 105-g) that has received the probe request. That is, STA 115-b may wait for the minimum channel time to provide AP 105 with sufficient time to respond to the probe request.

[0111] Each AP 105 may monitor the discovery channel for a probe response corresponding to the received probe request, including a neighbor AP 105 report. For example, AP 105-f may receive a probe request at 515. AP 105-f may be able to transmit a probe response at 530. However, AP 105-f may monitor the discovery channel to determine whether another AP 105 has responded to STA 115-b and has included an AP 105 neighbor report in the probe response. In an illustrative example, AP 105-g may transmit a probe response including a neighbor AP 105 report at 525. The neighbor AP 105 report may include discovery information about AP 105-f. AP 105-f may detect the probe response at 525, determine that the neighbor AP 105 report includes discovery information about AP 105-f, and may refrain from transmitting a probe response at 530. In some examples, AP 105-f and AP 105-g may be part of the same enterprise deployment, and coordination across APs 105 may be based at least in part on the enterprise deployment. In some examples, AP 105-f may identify a number of APs 105 that include neighbor AP 105 reports. If the number of APs 105 that include neighbor AP 105 reports exceeds a threshold, and if the number of neighbor AP 105 reports that include discovery information about AP 105-f exceeds a second threshold (e.g., if at least one of the N neighbor AP 105 reports includes discovery information about AP 105-f), then AP 105-f may refrain from transmitting FILS discovery frames.

[0112] STA 115-b may receive the probe response at 525 and may also receive discovery information about AP 105-f. However, if AP 105-f does not detect a neighbor AP 105 report, or if AP 105-f detects a neighbor AP 105 report but it does not include discovery information about AP 105-f, then AP 105-f will transmit a probe response at 530. Similarly, if AP 105-g detects a probe response at 530 (including a neighbor AP 105 report with discovery information about AP 105-g) before AP 105-g transmits the probe response at 525, then AP 105-g may refrain from transmitting the probe response at 525. In some examples, transmitting the probe response at 525 or transmitting the probe response at 530 may occur during a minimum channel time after the ACK signal at 520. In some examples, the probe response may include an indication of whether the probe response is an OFDMA frame or an ACK signal.

[0113] about Figure 6 Passive scanning procedures utilizing the discovery channel are further described.

[0114] Figure 6 An example of a process flow 600 for supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the process flow 600 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100. The process flow 600 may include the AP 105 and the STA 115-a, which may be reference Figure 1 and 2 Examples of corresponding devices described.

[0115] In some examples, STA 115-c may use a passive scanning mode to perform the association procedure. At 605-a, STA 115-c may identify a discovery channel subset from the set of available channels. Similarly, at 605-a and 605-b, APs 105-h and 105-i may identify a discovery channel for transmitting and receiving discovery and association signaling. In some examples, STA 115-b and APs 105-h and 105-i may select a discovery channel from the discovery channel subset for discovery and association signaling. The discovery channel may be located within the BSS operating bandwidth of AP 105, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 4 discussed in more detail.

[0116] At 610, the AP 105-I may generate a discovery frame. In some examples, the discovery frame may be a FILS discovery frame, a broadcast probe response, or a beacon frame. Figure 6 In the illustrative and non-limiting example shown, the discovery frame may be a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) discovery frame for transmission on a discovery channel. The FILS discovery frame may be included in a management frame (such as a beacon frame) that has been scheduled for delivery.

[0117] The STA 115-c may scan the discovery channel for a minimum channel time at 615. After the minimum channel time, the STA 115-c may determine whether to stay on the channel, wait for the beacon or another beacon, or move to another channel.

[0118] At 620, AP 105-i may transmit a FILS discovery frame. In some examples, AP 105-i may transmit a FILS discovery frame as part of a periodic beacon. AP 105-i may periodically transmit a beacon at a first time 620, a second time 640, etc. Passive scanning may rely on a management frame, which may be sent in a beacon signal according to a target beacon transmission time (TBTT). FILS discovery frames may be transmitted once per TBTT. AP 105-i may sometimes broadcast a probe response. In such a case, STA 115-c may receive a beacon including a FILS discovery frame at 620. STA 115-c may determine, at least in part based on a channel access rule set, that it is to associate with AP 105-I, and may transmit an association request at 645. AP 105-i may receive an association request at 645, and may transmit an association response at 650. In some examples, the association request and the association response may be transmitted on a discovery channel. AP 105-i may associate with STA 115-c at 655, and STA 115-c may associate with AP 105-i at 660. The periodic generation and transmission of management frames may be performed at longer intervals to increase the scanning time. This may affect discovery waiting time, roaming, etc. Shorter intervals may reduce system efficiency (e.g., may take up hundreds of microseconds of air time). Scanning may be enhanced by reducing the air time occupied by scanning and reducing the transmission interval. STA 115-c may perform a baseline passive scan. STA 115-c may scan beacons, FILS discovery frames, and probe responses, but any of these signals may include only the IEs necessary for discovery. AP 105-I may remove any obsolete IEs and use inheritance rules when transmitting discovery frames, probe responses, or beacons.

[0119] During the discovery procedure, one or more APs 105 (such as AP 105-h or AP 105-i) may transmit an indication to STA 115 (such as STA 115-c). The indication may be included in the FILS discovery frame at 620 or 640. The indication may indicate to STA 115-c whether pre-association signaling is allowed on the 6GHz band. The indication may indicate whether post-association signaling is allowed on the 6GHz band. In some examples, a bit or field of a downlink signal (e.g., a FILS discovery frame at 620 or 640) may carry the indication. The bit or field may indicate that STA 115-c is allowed to transmit a management frame to AP 105-i in the pre-association state. Similarly, a bit or field of a downlink signal (e.g., a FILS discovery frame at 620 or 640) may indicate a post-association access mode. The post-association access mode may indicate that access is controlled by the AP 105 and EDCA-based access is not allowed, or that EDCA-based access is allowed and the access is not controlled by the AP 105. That is, the indication of the access mode may indicate whether the STA 115-c is allowed to perform EDCA-based access or whether it must wait for the AP 105-i to allow access.

[0120] In some examples, the AP 105-i may indicate a restricted access mode including a time during which the STA 115-c may be allowed to access the 6 GHz band. For example, in a pre-association scenario or a post-association scenario, EDCA-based access may be allowed during some time windows and not allowed during other time windows. In some examples, the STA 115-c may be expected to be awake and access may be controlled by the AP 105-i. During other time windows, the STA 115-c may enter an idle mode (e.g., a sleep mode or a doze mode) and may not perform any access procedures (e.g., no EDCA-based access and no restricted or controlled access). In some examples, an indication of the access mode may be included in a downlink signal (such as a FILS discovery frame at 620 or 640). In some examples, the STA 115-c and the AP 105-i may be preconfigured to meet a specific access mode.

[0121] In some examples, the discovery frame also carries one or more access rules. For example, the access rules may indicate whether STA 115 is allowed to send frames (e.g., probe requests or association requests) to AP 105 on the 6 GHz band. Based on this information (and the mechanism announced by AP 105 in the discovery frame), STA 115 will either send a request frame on the 6 GHz band (e.g., when EDCA-based access is allowed), or exchange frames on another band or channel (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band) or wait for a trigger frame with random access resource units on the 6 GHz band (if EDCA-based access is disabled on the 6 GHz band). Moreover, in some examples, STA 115 may decide to select AP 105 based at least in part on the access categories allowed by the AP (e.g., post-association access rules).

[0122] In some examples, the FILS discovery frame at 620 or 640 may include a maximum transmit power. The maximum transmit power may be based on (eg, may satisfy) one or more regulatory requirements. For both pre-association and post-association scenarios, the maximum transmit power may be communicated to the STA 115-c.

[0123] To improve coordination and system efficiency, strict rules for coordination between APs 105 may be implemented. For example, an AP 105-i may include a message integrity check (MIC) in a management frame and may transmit the management frame to another AP 105 or a STA 115-c. As described in more detail below, an AP 105 may be required to include a neighbor AP 105 report that includes discovery information about a neighbor AP 105 in a transmitted frame (such as a probe response or beacon). The neighbor AP 105 report may include IEs that satisfy the inheritance rules. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency of generation of management frames (e.g., the frequency of generated FILS discovery frames (such as those transmitted at 620 and 640)) may be determined based at least in part on the number of APs 105 that include discovery information about the AP 105 in the neighbor AP 105 report. That is, the frequency with which the AP 105 - i generates and transmits management frames may be proportional to the number of neighbor APs 105 (eg, AP 105 - h ) that include discovery information about the AP 105 - i in their neighbor AP 105 reports.

[0124] In some examples, AP 105-i or AP 105-h may transmit a FILS discovery frame in an event-based manner. For example, AP 105-i may operate in a passive scanning mode, thereby periodically transmitting a beacon. STA 115-c may operate in an active scanning mode and may transmit a probe request at 625. In some examples, the probe request may be broadcast and received by AP 105-i at 625 and received by AP 105-h at 630. The probe request may trigger all receiving APs 105 to generate a probe response. In some examples, AP 105-i may transmit a FILS discovery frame at 640 in response to the probe request received at 625. AP 105-i may include a FILS discovery frame in response to the probe request at a previously scheduled time (e.g., discovery information for STA 115-c may be included in a previously scheduled periodic beacon). In some examples, the AP 105 - i may transmit a probe response to the STA 115 - c in response to the probe request received at 625 , regardless of whether the timing of the probe response corresponds to the periodic timing of the transmitted beacons.

[0125] To reduce system congestion, an AP 105 that detects that a neighbor AP 105 report is being transmitted to a STA 115 in response to a probe request may suppress the transmission of the probe request. For example, the AP 105-i may operate in a passive scanning mode and may periodically transmit a FILS discovery frame on a discovery channel. The AP 105-i may receive a probe request at 625, which may trigger a probe response from the AP 105-i and any other receiving AP 105. The AP 105-i may monitor the discovery channel to detect a probe response from another AP 105. In some cases, the AP 105-h may receive a broadcast probe request at 630 and may transmit a probe response at 635. The probe response may include a neighbor AP 105 report, which may include discovery information about the AP 105-i and any other known AP 105. The AP 105-i may detect a neighbor report included in the probe response from the AP 105-h at 635 and may determine that it includes discovery information about the AP 105-i. In such an instance, the AP 105 - i may refrain from transmitting, at 640 , a probe response including a FILS discovery frame.

[0126] In some examples, the PPDU may carry some BSS information. Block (ACK) frames may be generated frequently. In some examples, the BSS information may be hidden in the service field of such a frame (e.g., in one or more of the 8 most significant bits (MSBs) of the service field). In some examples, a new control response frame may be generated to carry BSS information. The HE or next generation PPDU may use a BSS color obtained as a hash of a service set identifier (SSID), a basic service set identifier (BSSID), other identifiers, etc. In some examples, the 9 reserved bits of the HE-based triggered (TB) PPDU used to carry the SSID hash may be used to carry BSS information. In some cases, it is possible to rotate the hashed SSID indicated in the message to the receiving STA 115. Information indicating the next TBTT may also be included in signaling, such as a management frame (e.g., BSS information signaling or a block ACK frame). For example, a management frame may include a target time at which the AP 105 intends to provide complete BSS information (e.g., in a beacon, FILS, etc.).

[0127] Figure 7 An example of a process flow 700 for supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the process flow 700 may implement aspects of the WLAN 100 and may include the AP 105-a and the STA 115-a, which may be reference Figure 1 The process flow 700 may include an AP 105 and a STA 115-a, which may be referenced Figure 1 and 2 Examples of corresponding devices described.

[0128] In some examples, STA 115-d may be EHT STA 115. STA 115-d may operate, for example, in a passive scanning mode, as described with respect to Figure 6Described in more detail. In some examples, AP 105-j may entrust STA 115-d to propagate information. For example, AP 105-j and AP 105-k may not be able to communicate with each other (e.g., both APs 105 may not be located within the geographic coverage area of ​​another AP 105). However, both AP 105-j and AP 105-k may be able to communicate with STA 115-d. As described above, in order to improve coordination and system efficiency, strict rules for coordination between APs 105 may be implemented. AP 105 may be required to include a neighbor AP 105 report, which includes discovery information about neighbor AP 105 in a transmitted frame (such as a probe response or beacon). In some examples, the frequency of generation of management frames (e.g., the frequency of generated FILS discovery frames) may be determined at least in part based on the number of APs 105 that include discovery information about AP 105 in a neighbor AP 105 report. That is, the frequency with which the AP 105 - i generates and transmits management frames may be proportional to the number of neighbor APs 105 (eg, AP 105 - h ) that include discovery information about the AP 105 - i in their neighbor AP 105 reports.

[0129] In these and other situations, AP 105-j may transmit information including neighbor AP 105 reports and other information (e.g., scanning information, BSS restrictions, requirements, etc.) to other APs to improve coordination and system efficiency. However, in some examples, one or more APs 105 (e.g., AP 105-k) may not be able to communicate with AP 105-j. In such examples, AP 105-j may identify STA 115-d in communication with AP 105-j and AP 105-k at 705. AP 105-j may configure STA 115-d to act as a propagator STA 115-d. In some examples, AP 105-j may transmit a trigger frame to STA 115-d at 710. The trigger frame may initially configure STA 115-d as a propagator STA 115. In some examples, STA 115-d may have been previously configured to operate in a propagation mode, but the propagation mode may be turned off. That is, the trigger frame may turn on a previously configured broadcast mode so that the STA 115-d is aware of the management information expected at 720. In such examples, the STA 115-d may be preconfigured with the broadcast mode, or may have been previously configured by the STA 115-j during a handover procedure, association procedure, or other signaling.

[0130] At 720, the AP 105-j may transmit management information to the STA 115-d for propagation to the AP 105-k. The management information may include neighbor AP 105 reports, scanning information, BSS restrictions, requirements, and other management information. At 725, the STA 115-d may propagate the management information to the AP 105-k. The AP 105-j and the AP 105-k may utilize the propagated management information to improve neighbor AP 105 reports, determine the frequency for generating management frames, and may take other actions to improve system efficiency.

[0131] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 of a device 805 supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 805 may be an example of aspects of an AP as described herein. The device 805 may include a receiver 810, a communication manager 815, and a transmitter 820. The device 805 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). In some examples, the communication manager 815 may be implemented by a modem. The communication manager 815 may communicate with the transmitter 820 via a first interface. The communication manager 815 may output a signal for transmission via the first interface. The communication manager 815 may interface with the receiver 810 via a second interface. The communication manager 815 obtains a signal (e.g., a signal transmitted from the AP 105) via the second interface. In some examples, the modem may implement the techniques and methods described herein via the first interface and the second interface. Such techniques may result in improved efficiency, increased computing resources, longer lasting batteries at the device, and overall system efficiency. Implementing the described techniques with a modem may avoid channel contamination from multiple STAs, system latency, and excessive power consumption at the STA, thereby increasing battery life and improving the user experience.

[0132] The receiver 810 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device. The receiver 810 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The receiver 810 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0133] The communication manager 815 may: identify a discovery channel subset designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band, transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP, receive an association request from the station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associate with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel. The communication manager 815 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1110 described herein.

[0134] The communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0135] The communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be physically located in various locations (including being distributed) so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 815 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components (including, but not limited to, input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof).

[0136] The transmitter 820 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 820 may be co-located with the receiver 810 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 820 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The transmitter 820 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0137] Fig. 9 A block diagram 900 of a device 905 supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 905 may be an example of aspects of the device 805 or STA 115 as described herein. The device 905 may include a receiver 910, a communication manager 915, and a transmitter 935. The device 905 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0138] The receiver 910 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device. The receiver 910 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The receiver 910 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0139] The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 815 as described herein. The communication manager 915 may include a discovery channel identifier 920, a discovery information manager 925, and an association manager 930. The communication manager 915 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1110 described herein.

[0140] The discovery channel identifier 920 may identify a discovery channel subset designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The discovery information manager 925 may transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. The discovery information manager 925 may: identify a restricted access mode based at least in part on the one or more channel access rules; determine that unsolicited management frames are not allowed on the radio frequency spectrum band based at least in part on the restricted access mode; and wait to receive a random access resource unit (RU) from the station or transmit a probe request on a second radio frequency spectrum band based at least in part on the restricted access mode.

[0141] The association manager 930 may receive an association request from a station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associate with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0142] The transmitter 935 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 935 may be co-located with the receiver 910 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 935 may be a reference Fig.11 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1120 are described. The transmitter 935 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0143] Fig.10A block diagram 1000 of a communication manager 1005 supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1005 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 815, the communication manager 915, or the communication manager 1110 described herein. The communication manager 1005 may include a discovery channel identifier 1010, a discovery information manager 1015, an association manager 1020, a probe request manager 1025, a neighbor AP identifier 1030, a neighbor AP report manager 1035, a probe response manager 1040, an ACK manager 1045, a FILS discovery frame manager 1050, a MIC manager 1055, a management frame manager 1060, a STA identifier 1065, and an information dissemination manager 1070. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0144] The discovery channel identifier 1010 may identify a subset of discovery channels, from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band, that are designated for discovery signaling for device association.

[0145] In some cases, the discovery channel subset includes a group of contiguous channels in the set of channels.

[0146] In some cases, the discovery channel subset includes a set of non-contiguous channels having non-unit periodicity.

[0147] The discovery information manager 1015 may transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP.

[0148] The association manager 1020 may receive an association request from a station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel. In some examples, the association manager 1020 may associate with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0149] The probe request manager 1025 may receive a probe request from a station, wherein transmitting discovery information is based on receiving the probe request, and wherein the discovery information includes a probe response. In some examples, the probe request manager 1025 may receive a second probe request from the station. In some examples, the probe request manager 1025 may receive a first broadcast probe request from a second station operating in an active scanning mode, wherein generating a FILS discovery frame and broadcasting a FILS discovery frame are based on the received first broadcast probe request. In some examples, the probe request manager 1025 may receive a second broadcast probe request from the second station. In some examples, the probe request manager 1025 may determine that the number of access points transmitting neighbor access point responses exceeds a threshold number, wherein the probe response including a neighbor access point report from the neighbor access point is one of the identified number of access points, and wherein suppressing the transmission of the probe request is based at least in part on the probe response including the neighbor access point report and the determination.

[0150] The neighbor AP identifier 1030 may identify one or more neighbor access points. In some examples, the one or more neighbor access points may be co-located. In some examples, the neighbor AP identifier 1030 may identify a first set of access points within an available bandwidth including a set of channels corresponding to a basic service set (BSS); and identify a second set of access points operating outside of an available bandwidth including a set of channels corresponding to the BSS, wherein the neighbor access point report includes the first set of access points and the second set of access points. In some examples, the neighbor AP identifier 1030 may determine a number of neighbor access points indicated by the neighbor access point report.

[0151] The neighbor AP report manager 1035 may include in the probe response a neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points.

[0152] In some examples, the neighbor AP report manager 1035 can detect a probe response including a neighbor access point report from a neighbor access point, the probe response corresponding to the second probe request. In some examples, the neighbor AP report manager 1035 can detect a neighbor access point report transmitted by the second access point.

[0153] The probe response manager 1040 may randomly select a time for transmitting a probe response from a minimum channel time for transmitting a probe request on a discovery channel. In some examples, the probe response manager 1040 may randomly select a resource unit (RU) of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access frame. In some examples, a probe response or an association response corresponding to an association request is transmitted on the selected resource unit.

[0154] In some examples, the probe response manager 1040 may identify a minimum channel time for transmitting a probe response on the discovery channel, wherein transmitting the probe response is based on the identified minimum channel time.In some examples, the probe response manager 1040 may detect a probe response corresponding to the second probe request transmitted by a neighbor access point.

[0155] In some examples, the probe response manager 1040 may refrain from transmitting a duplicate probe response corresponding to the second probe request based on the detection.In some examples, the probe response manager 1040 may refrain from transmitting a probe response corresponding to the second broadcast probe request based on the detection.

[0156] The ACK manager 1045 may transmit an ACK signal based on the probe request. In some examples, the ACK manager 1045 may transmit an ACK signal based on the second probe request. The FILS discovery frame manager 1050 may generate a fast initial link establishment (FILS) discovery frame. In some examples, the FILS discovery frame manager 1050 may broadcast a FILS discovery frame. In some examples, the FILS discovery frame manager 1050 may randomly select a time for transmitting a FILS discovery frame on a discovery channel from a minimum channel time. In some examples, the FILS discovery frame manager 1050 may identify one or more neighbor access points, and may include a neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points in the FILS discovery frame.

[0157] In some cases, FILS discovery frames are broadcast periodically.

[0158] The MIC manager 1055 may transmit a management frame including a message integrity check (MIC) to the second access point.

[0159] Management frame manager 1060 may generate management frames with a periodicity based on the number of neighbor access points.

[0160] The STA identifier 1065 may identify stations that are within the geographic coverage area of ​​the access point and that are also within the geographic coverage area of ​​a second access point, where the second access point is outside the geographic coverage area of ​​the access point.

[0161] The information dissemination manager 1070 may configure the identified stations to disseminate the management information to the second access point.In some examples, the information dissemination manager 1070 may transmit a trigger frame to the identified stations.

[0162] Fig.11A diagram of a system 1100 including a device 1105 supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1105 may be an example of a device 805, a device 905, or an AP as described herein or include components thereof. The device 1105 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communication manager 1110, a network communication manager 1115, a transceiver 1120, an antenna 1125, a memory 1130, a processor 1140, and an inter-station communication manager 1145. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1150).

[0163] The communication manager 1110 can: identify a discovery channel subset designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band, transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with an AP, receive an association request from the station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associate with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0164] The network communication manager 1115 may manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communication manager 1115 may manage the delivery of data communications for client devices (such as one or more STAs 115).

[0165] The transceiver 1120 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1120 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1120 may also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from an antenna.

[0166] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1125. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 1125, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions concurrently.

[0167] Memory 1130 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 1130 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1130 may include, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0168] The processor 1140 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 1140 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1140. The processor 1140 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support scanning enhancements for next-generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels).

[0169] The inter-station communication manager 1145 may manage communications with other APs 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs 115 in cooperation with other APs 105. For example, the inter-station communication manager 1145 may coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to STAs 115 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communication manager 1145 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between APs 105.

[0170] Fig.12 A block diagram 1200 of a device 1205 supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1205 may be an example of various aspects of a STA as described herein. The device 1205 may include a receiver 1210, a communication manager 1215, and a transmitter 1220. The device 1205 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). In some examples, the communication manager 1215 may be implemented by a modem. The communication manager 1215 may communicate with the transmitter 1220 via a first interface. The communication manager 1215 may output a signal for transmission via the first interface. The communication manager 1215 may interface with the receiver 1210 via a second interface. The communication manager 1215 may obtain a signal (e.g., a signal transmitted from the STA 115) via the second interface. In some examples, the modem may implement the techniques and methods described herein via the first interface and the second interface. Such techniques may result in improved efficiency, increased computing resources, longer lasting batteries at the device, and overall system efficiency. Implementing the described techniques with a modem may avoid channel contamination from multiple STAs, system latency, and excessive power consumption at the STA, thereby increasing battery life and improving the user experience.

[0171] The receiver 1210 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device. The receiver 1210 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1520 are described. The receiver 1210 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0172] The communication manager 1215 may: identify a discovery channel subset designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band, receive discovery information from an AP on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP, transmit an association request to an access point based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associate with the access point based on the association request and the discovery channel. The communication manager 1215 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1510 described herein.

[0173] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0174] The communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be physically located in various locations (including being distributed) so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 1215 or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components (including, but not limited to, input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof).

[0175] The transmitter 1220 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter 1220 may be co-located with the receiver 1210 in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter 1220 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1520 are described. The transmitter 1220 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0176] Fig.13 A block diagram 1300 of a device 1305 supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1305 may be an example of aspects of the device 1205 or STA 115 as described herein. The device 1305 may include a receiver 1310, a communication manager 1315, and a transmitter 1335. The device 1305 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0177] Receiver 1310 may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device. Receiver 1310 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1520 are described. The receiver 1310 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0178] The communication manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215 as described herein. The communication manager 1315 may include a discovery channel identifier 1320, a discovery information manager 1325, and an association manager 1330. The communication manager 1315 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1510 as described herein.

[0179] The discovery channel identifier 1320 may identify a subset of discovery channels, from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band, that are designated for discovery signaling for device association.

[0180] The discovery information manager 1325 may receive discovery information from the AP on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP.

[0181] The association manager 1330 may transmit an association request to the access point based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associate with the access point based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0182] Transmitter 1335 may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, transmitter 1335 may be co-located with receiver 1310 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 1335 may be a reference Fig.15 Examples of various aspects of the transceiver 1520 are described. The transmitter 1335 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of antennas.

[0183] Fig.14A block diagram 1400 of a communication manager 1405 supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 1405 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 1215, the communication manager 1315, or the communication manager 1510 described herein. The communication manager 1405 may include a discovery channel identifier 1410, a discovery information manager 1415, an association manager 1420, a probe request manager 1425, an ACK manager 1430, a probe response manager 1435, propagation 1440, and an information propagation manager 1445. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0184] The discovery channel identifier 1410 can identify a discovery channel subset designated for discovery signaling for device association from a channel set in a radio frequency spectrum band. In some cases, the discovery channel subset includes a group of contiguous channels in the channel set. In some cases, the discovery channel subset includes a group of non-contiguous channels with non-unit periodicity.

[0185] The discovery information manager 1415 may receive discovery information from the AP on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. In some examples, the discovery information manager 1415 may scan the discovery channel subset, wherein receiving discovery information on the discovery channel is based on the scan.

[0186] The association manager 1420 may transmit an association request to the access point based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel. In some examples, the association manager 1420 may associate with the access point based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0187] The probe request manager 1425 may transmit a probe request to an access point on a discovery channel, wherein the received discovery information is received in a probe response based on the probe request. In some examples, the probe request manager 1425 may refrain from transmitting a second probe request within a minimum channel time for transmitting on the discovery channel. In some examples, identifying the minimum channel time for transmitting a probe request to an access point on the discovery channel includes transmitting the probe request before the minimum channel time expires. In some examples, the probe request manager 1425 may broadcast a probe request when operating in an active scanning mode.

[0188] The ACK manager 1430 may receive an ACK frame based on the probe request. In some cases, the probe response may be an ACK frame or an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) frame.

[0189] The probe response manager 1435 may receive a probe response during the minimum channel time. In some examples, receiving discovery information from an AP for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP includes: receiving a probe response in response to a probe request from a neighboring access point, the probe response including a neighbor access point report corresponding to the access point.

[0190] Broadcast 1440 may receive a broadcast configuration message from an access point.

[0191] The information dissemination manager 1445 may reconfigure a device (such as a STA) to enter a management information dissemination mode. In some examples, the information dissemination manager 1445 may receive management information from an access point. In some examples, the information dissemination manager 1445 may transmit the management information to a second access point. In some cases, the dissemination configuration message includes a trigger frame.

[0192] Fig.15 A diagram of a system 1500 including a device 1505 supporting scanning enhancements for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 1505 may be an example of a device 1205, a device 1305, or a STA as described herein or include components thereof. The device 1505 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communication manager 1510, an I / O controller 1515, a transceiver 1520, an antenna 1525, a memory 1530, and a processor 1540. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1545).

[0193] The communication manager 1510 can: identify a discovery channel subset designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band, receive discovery information from an AP on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP, transmit an association request to an access point based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel, and associate with the access point based on the association request and the discovery channel.

[0194] I / O controller 1515 can manage input and output signals for device 1505. I / O controller 1515 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 1505. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 can utilize an operating system, such as Or another known operating system. In other cases, I / O controller 1515 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 1515 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device 1505 via I / O controller 1515 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1515.

[0195] The transceiver 1520 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the transceiver 1520 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1520 may also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to an antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from an antenna.

[0196] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 1525. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 1525, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions concurrently.

[0197] Memory 1530 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1530 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1530 may include, among other things, BIOS, which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0198] The processor 1540 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 1540 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 1540. The processor 1540 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support scanning enhancements for next-generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels).

[0199] Fig.16 A flowchart illustrating a method 1600 for supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by the AP described herein or its components. For example, the operations of the method 1600 may be implemented by reference to Figures 8 to 11In some examples, the AP may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0200] At 1605, the AP may identify a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of 1605 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be described by reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery channel identifier is performed.

[0201] At 1610, the AP may transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. The operations of 1610 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery information manager is used to perform.

[0202] Fig.17 A flow chart illustrating a method 1700 for supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by the AP described herein or its components. For example, the operations of the method 1700 may be implemented by reference to Figures 8 to 11 In some examples, the AP may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0203] At 1705, the AP may identify a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of 1705 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be described by reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery channel identifier is performed.

[0204] At 1710, the AP may receive a probe request from a station, wherein transmitting discovery information is based on receiving the probe request, and wherein the discovery information includes a probe response. The operations of 1710 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described probe request manager is executed.

[0205] At 1715, the AP may transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. The operations of 1715 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1715 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery information manager is used to perform.

[0206] At 1720, if the STA determines to associate with the AP, the AP may receive an association request from the station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel. The operations of 1720 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1720 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described association manager is implemented.

[0207] At 1725, the AP may associate with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel. The operations of 1725 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1725 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described association manager is implemented.

[0208] Fig.18 A flowchart illustrating a method 1800 for supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by the AP described herein or its components. For example, the operations of the method 1800 may be implemented by reference to Figures 8 to 11 In some examples, the AP may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0209] At 1805, the AP may identify a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of 1805 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be described by reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery channel identifier is performed.

[0210] At 1810, the AP may generate a fast initial link setup (FILS) discovery frame. The operations of 1810 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described FILS discovery frame manager is performed.

[0211] At 1815, the AP may transmit discovery information to the STA on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. The operations of 1815 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1815 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described discovery information manager is used to perform.

[0212] At 1820, the AP may broadcast a FILS discovery frame. The operations of 1820 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1820 may be described by reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described FILS discovery frame manager is performed.

[0213] At 1825, if the STA determines to associate with the AP, the AP may receive an association request from the station based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel. The operations of 1825 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1825 may be described by reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described association manager is implemented.

[0214] At 1830, the AP may associate with the station based on the association request and the discovery channel. The operations of 1830 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1830 may be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 The described association manager is implemented.

[0215] Fig.19 A flowchart illustrating a method 1900 for supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by a STA or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1900 may be implemented by reference to Figures 12 to 15 In some examples, the STA may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0216] At 1905, the STA may identify a subset of discovery channels designated for discovery signaling for device association from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of 1905 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1905 may be described by reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described discovery channel identifier is performed.

[0217] At 1910, the STA may receive discovery information from the AP on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. The operations of 1910 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1910 may be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described discovery information manager is used to perform.

[0218] Fig. 20 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2000 for supporting scanning enhancement for next generation Wi-Fi in undeveloped channels according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 2000 may be implemented by a STA or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2000 may be implemented by reference to Figures 12 to 15 In some examples, the STA may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0219] At 2005, the STA may identify a subset of discovery channels designated for device association discovery signaling from a set of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band. The operations of 2005 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2005 may be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described discovery channel identifier is performed.

[0220] At 2010, the STA may transmit a probe request to the access point on a discovery channel, wherein the received discovery information is received in a probe response based on the probe request. The operations of 2010 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2010 may be described by reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described probe request manager is executed.

[0221] At 2015, the STA may receive discovery information from the AP on a discovery channel in the identified discovery channel subset for determining one or more channel access rules or whether to associate with the AP. The operations of 2015 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operations of 2015 may be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described discovery information manager is used to perform.

[0222] At 2020, if the STA determines to associate with the AP, or if the STA is allowed to transmit management frames under the channel access rules, the STA may transmit an association request to the access point based on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel. The operations of 2020 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operations of 2020 may be described by reference to Figures 12 to 15The described association manager is implemented.

[0223] At 2025, the STA may associate with the access point based on the association request and the discovery channel. The operations of 2025 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2025 may be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15 The described association manager is implemented.

[0224] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0225] The technology described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 versions are often referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is often referred to as CDMA20001xEV-DO, high rate packet data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. A TDMA system can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system may implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and the like.

[0226] One or more wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each station may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, each station may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0227] Downlink transmissions described herein may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described herein, such as including Figure 1 and 2The WLAN 100 and WLAN 200 may include one or more carriers, wherein each carrier may be a signal composed of multiple subcarriers (eg, waveform signals of different frequencies).

[0228] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or that fall within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not mean "better than" or "better than other examples." This detailed description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0229] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number that distinguishes between the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description may apply to any of the similar components having the same first reference number regardless of the second reference number.

[0230] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0231] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0232] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, each function may be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted therefrom as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations fall within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or any combination thereof executed by a processor. The features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that the various parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein (including in the claims), the "or" used in the enumeration of items (e.g., enumeration of items with phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive enumeration, so that, for example, the enumeration of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Similarly, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as citing a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0233] Computer readable medium includes both non-transient computer storage medium and communication medium, and it includes any medium that facilitates computer program to transfer from one place to another place.Non-transient storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transient computer readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used to carry or store instruction or data structure form of desired program code means and can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor any other non-transient medium.Any connection is also properly referred to as computer readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave, then this coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are just included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc as used herein include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0234] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be granted the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at an access point, comprising: First interface; Second interface; as well as a modem coupled to the first interface and the second interface, wherein the modem is configured to: identifying a subset of discovery channels from a plurality of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band that are designated for discovery signaling for device association; as well as outputting discovery information on a channel of the plurality of channels to a station via the first interface for determining whether to associate with the access point, wherein the modem is further configured to: detecting a neighbor access point report transmitted by a second access point; determining a number of neighbor access points indicated by the neighbor access point report; and A management frame including a message integrity check (MIC) is output via the first interface.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The channel of the plurality of channels comprises a discovery channel of the subset of discovery channels.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: obtaining an association request from the station via the second interface based at least in part on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel; and Associating with the station is performed based at least in part on the association request and the discovery channel.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The discovery channel subset includes a group of contiguous channels among the plurality of channels.

5. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The discovery channel subset includes a set of non-contiguous channels having non-unit periodicity.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that Each channel in the discovery channel subset comprises a 20 megahertz (MHz) channel, and wherein the non-unit periodicity comprises 4 channels.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: A probe request is obtained from the station via the second interface, wherein transmitting the discovery information is based at least in part on receiving the probe request, and wherein the discovery information includes a probe response.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: identifying one or more neighbor access points; and A neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points is included in the probe response.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that At least one of the one or more neighbor access points is co-located with the reporting access point.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: identifying a first set of access points within a first bandwidth including the plurality of channels corresponding to a basic service set (BSS); as well as A second set of access points operating outside of the first bandwidth is identified, wherein the neighbor access point report includes the first set of access points and the second set of access points.

11. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: A time for transmitting the probe response is randomly selected from channel times for transmitting the probe response on the channel of the plurality of channels, wherein the channel of the plurality of channels includes a discovery channel in the subset of discovery channels.

12. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: A resource unit (RU) of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access frame is randomly selected, wherein the probe response or an association response sent in response to the probe request is output on the selected resource unit via the first interface.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The RU is a broadcast RU carried on a downlink multi-user physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU).

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: generating a fast initial link setup (FILS) discovery frame; and The FILS discovery frame is output for broadcasting via the first interface, wherein the FILS discovery frame is broadcast periodically.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: A first broadcast probe request is obtained from a second station operating in an active scanning mode via the second interface, wherein generating the FILS discovery frame and broadcasting the FILS discovery frame are based at least in part on the first broadcast probe request.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: identifying one or more neighbor access points; and A neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points is included in the FILS discovery frame.

17. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Outputting the discovery information further includes outputting a broadcast message including the discovery information for transmission.

18. An apparatus for wireless communication at a station, comprising: First interface; Second interface; as well as a modem coupled to the first interface and the second interface, wherein the modem is configured to: identifying a subset of discovery channels from a plurality of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band that are designated for discovery signaling for device association; as well as obtaining discovery information from an access point on a channel among the plurality of channels via the second interface for determining whether to associate with the access point, wherein the modem is further configured to: identifying a restricted access mode based at least in part on the discovery information; determining, based at least in part on the restricted access mode, that unsolicited management frames are not permitted over the radio frequency spectrum band; as well as Waiting to receive a random access resource unit (RU) or transmitting a probe request on a second radio frequency spectrum band based at least in part on the restricted access mode.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The channel of the plurality of channels comprises a discovery channel of the subset of discovery channels.

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: outputting an association request to the access point via the first interface based at least in part on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel; and Associating with the access point is performed based at least in part on the association request and the discovery channel.

21. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The discovery channel subset includes a group of contiguous channels among the plurality of channels.

22. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The discovery channel subset includes a set of non-contiguous channels having non-unit periodicity.

23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that Each channel in the discovery channel subset comprises a 20 megahertz (MHz) channel, and wherein the non-unit periodicity comprises 4 channels.

24. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: The subset of discovery channels is scanned, wherein receiving the discovery information on the discovery channels is based at least in part on the scanning.

25. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: Outputting a probe request to the access point via the first interface on the channel of the plurality of channels, wherein the channel of the plurality of channels comprises a discovery channel in the subset of discovery channels, and wherein receiving the discovery information is received in a probe response based at least in part on the probe request.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: outputting the probe request for broadcast via the first interface when operating in an active scanning mode; and Receiving the discovery information from the access point for determining whether to associate with the access point includes: receiving a probe response in response to the probe request from a neighboring access point, the probe response including a neighbor access point report corresponding to the access point.

27. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The probe response is received as one or more of an acknowledgement (ACK) frame or an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) frame.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: obtaining, via the second interface, an acknowledgment (ACK) frame based at least in part on the probe request; refraining from transmitting a second probe request within a minimum channel time for transmitting on the discovery channel; as well as The probe response is obtained via the second interface during the minimum channel time.

29. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: A minimum channel time for transmitting the probe request to the access point on the discovery channel is identified, wherein outputting the probe request further comprises outputting the probe request via the first interface prior to expiration of the minimum channel time.

30. The device of claim 25, wherein: The modem is further configured to: outputting the probe request for broadcast via the first interface when operating in an active scanning mode; and Receiving the discovery information from the access point for determining whether to associate with the access point includes: receiving a probe response in response to the probe request from a neighboring access point, the probe response including a neighbor access point report corresponding to the access point.

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that At least one or more neighbor access points indicated in the neighbor access point report are co-located with the reporting access point.

32. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The modem is further configured to: obtaining a propagation configuration message from the access point via the second interface; Reconfigured to manage information dissemination mode; obtaining management information from the access point via the second interface; as well as The management information is output to a second access point via the first interface.

33. The device according to claim 32, characterized in that The propagated configuration message includes a trigger frame.

34. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that Obtaining the discovery information further includes obtaining a broadcast message including the discovery information.

35. A method for wireless communication at an access point, comprising: identifying a subset of discovery channels from a plurality of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band that are designated for discovery signaling for device association; as well as transmitting discovery information on a channel of the plurality of channels to a station for determining whether to associate with the access point, Wherein the method further comprises: detecting a neighbor access point report transmitted by a second access point; determining a number of neighbor access points indicated by the neighbor access point report; and Output management frames including the Message Integrity Check (MIC).

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: The channel of the plurality of channels comprises a discovery channel of the subset of discovery channels.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The discovery channel subset includes a set of non-contiguous channels having non-unit periodicity.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein: The discovery information is located on a first resource unit (RU) in a set of RUs on a subchannel associated with the discovery channel, wherein the set of RUs is carried on a downlink multi-user physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU).

39. The method of claim 36, wherein: Further including: receiving an association request from the station based at least in part on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel; as well as Associating with the station is performed based at least in part on the association request and the discovery channel.

40. The method of claim 35, wherein: Further including: A probe request is received from the station, wherein transmitting the discovery information is based at least in part on receiving the probe request, and wherein the discovery information includes a probe response.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein: Further including: identifying one or more neighbor access points; as well as A neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points is included in the probe response.

42. The method of claim 35, wherein: Further including: Generates Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) discovery frames; as well as The FILS discovery frame is broadcasted.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein: The FILS discovery frame is broadcast periodically.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein: Further including: identifying one or more neighbor access points; as well as A neighbor access point report indicating the identified one or more neighbor access points is included in the FILS discovery frame.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein: Further including: A first broadcast probe request is received from a second station operating in an active scanning mode, wherein generating the FILS discovery frame and broadcasting the FILS discovery frame are based at least in part on the received first broadcast probe request.

46. ​​The method of claim 35, wherein: Further including: A management frame including a message integrity check (MIC) is transmitted to the second access point.

47. A method for wireless communication at a station, comprising: identifying a subset of discovery channels from a plurality of channels in a radio frequency spectrum band that are designated for discovery signaling for device association; as well as receiving discovery information from an access point on a channel among the plurality of channels for determining whether to associate with the access point, Wherein the method further comprises: identifying a restricted access mode based at least in part on the discovery information; determining, based at least in part on the restricted access mode, that unsolicited management frames are not permitted on the radio frequency spectrum band; and Waiting to receive a random access resource unit (RU) or transmitting a probe request on a second radio frequency spectrum band based at least in part on the restricted access mode.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein: The channel of the plurality of channels comprises a discovery channel of the subset of discovery channels.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein: The discovery channel subset includes a set of non-contiguous channels having non-unit periodicity.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein: Further including: The subset of discovery channels is scanned, wherein receiving the discovery information on the discovery channels is based at least in part on the scanning.

51. The method of claim 48, wherein: Further including: transmitting an association request to the access point based at least in part on the discovery information transmitted on the discovery channel; as well as Associating with the access point is performed based at least in part on the association request and the discovery channel.

52. The method of claim 48, wherein: Further including: A probe request is transmitted to the access point on the discovery channel, wherein receiving the discovery information is received in a probe response based at least in part on the probe request.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein: Further including: A minimum channel time for transmitting the probe request to the access point on the discovery channel is identified, wherein transmitting the probe request further comprises transmitting the probe request before expiration of the minimum channel time.

54. The method of claim 52, wherein: Further including: receiving a propagation configuration message from the access point; Reconfigured to manage information dissemination mode; receiving management information from the access point; as well as The management information is transmitted to the second access point.

55. The method of claim 52, wherein: The probe response is received as one or more of: an acknowledgement (ACK) frame or an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) frame.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein: Further including: receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) frame based at least in part on the probe request; refraining from transmitting a second probe request within a minimum channel time for transmitting on the discovery channel; as well as The probe response is received during the minimum channel time.

57. The method of claim 47, wherein: Further including: Broadcasts probe requests when operating in active scanning mode; as well as Receiving the discovery information from the access point for determining whether to associate with the access point includes: receiving a probe response in response to the probe request from a neighboring access point, the probe response including a neighbor access point report corresponding to the access point.

Images