Bss color classing in wlan infrastructure

Abstract

Embodiments herein describe techniques to use BSS coloring to convey performance parameters to client devices. IEEE 802.11ax introduced BSS colors to help address interference between BSSs operating in the same channel or in partially overlapping channels in a certain frequency band. BSS colors are typically assigned randomly. However, in embodiments herein, BSS colors can still be relied upon to help address co-channel interference as intended by IEEE 802.11ax, but can also convey performance parameters to client devices. An AP can utilize BSS colors to convey (or encode) performance parameters to a receiving client device, such as radio frequency (RF) conditions, quality of service (QoS) conditions, or network policies in response to expected (or future) conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to using basic service set (BSS) coloring to communicate information about access points (APs) or wireless channels to client devices. Background Technology

[0002] A BSS comprises at least one AP (Access Point) and one or more endpoints (referred to herein as client devices) conducting wireless communication. IEEE 802.11ax (i.e., Wi-Fi 6) compliant radios can use BSS color values ​​to distinguish BSSs when other radios are transmitting on the same channel in the same frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz). If the BSS color of a received frame is the same as that of the receiving network device, it is considered a frame transmission within the same BSS. In other words, the sending radio belongs to the same BSS as the receiving network device. If a detected frame has a different BSS color than that of the receiving network device, the client device considers the frame to be an inter-BSS frame from an overlapping BSS. In this way, using color helps APs and client devices identify overlapping BSSs where network devices in other BSSs are within wireless communication range.

[0003] An AP often overlaps with one or more other BSSs (i.e., the AP is within the transmission range of one or more devices that define other BSSs and uses the same channels as those devices). This can lead to color conflicts, which occur when the AP receives frames from a radio device associated with an overlapping BSS using the same color. To eliminate color conflicts, if the AP detects an overlapping BSS using the same color, it can change its BSS color (and the colors of all other client devices within the same BSS). Attached Figure Description

[0004] To enable a detailed understanding of the features described above, a more specific description of the present disclosure, which is briefly summarized above, can be provided with reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate typical embodiments and should not be considered limiting; other equally effective embodiments are contemplated.

[0005] Figure 1 One embodiment illustrates a wireless network that uses BSS coloring to communicate performance parameters to client devices.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a flowchart, according to one embodiment, for communicating AP performance parameters to a client device using BSS coloring.

[0007] Figure 3 is a flowchart for using BSS coloring to communicate multiple performance parameters of an AP to a client device, according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is a graphical representation of using color and shade of BSS coloring to represent multiple performance parameters, according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 illustrates a color spectrum for encoding performance parameters into BSS colors, according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 is a flowchart for encoding different performance parameters into BSS colors at different times, according to one embodiment.

[0011] To facilitate an understanding of this description, like reference characters are used to identify like elements throughout the several figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment can be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] One embodiment presented in the disclosure is a method comprising identifying a value of a first performance parameter associated with at least one of an access point (AP) or a wireless channel, selecting a basic service set (BSS) color for the BSS based on the value of the first performance parameter using a color spectrum, wherein the color spectrum maps multiple values of the first performance parameter to respective values of the BSS color, and wirelessly transmitting the BSS color from the AP to a client device, wherein the client device is configured to interpret the BSS color to identify the value of the first performance parameter.

[0014] One embodiment presented in the disclosure is an AP comprising a processor and a memory including a program configured to perform operations when executed by the processor. The operations comprise identifying a value of a first performance parameter associated with at least one of the AP or a wireless channel, selecting a BSS color for a BSS based on the value of the first performance parameter using a color spectrum, wherein the color spectrum maps multiple values of the first performance parameter to respective values of the BSS color, and wirelessly transmitting the BSS color to a client device.

[0015] One embodiment presented in this disclosure is a wireless device comprising a processor and a memory comprising a program configured to perform operations when executed by the processor. The operations comprise receiving a first wireless packet from an AP, wherein the first wireless packet comprises a BSS color selected to represent a value of a first performance parameter, identifying the value of the first performance parameter from the BSS color using a color map, wherein the color map maps a plurality of values of the first performance parameter to respective values of the BSS color, and determining an action to take in response to identifying the value of the first performance parameter.

[0016] Example Embodiments

[0017] Embodiments herein describe techniques for using BSS coloring to communicate performance parameters to client devices. IEEE 802.11ax introduced BSS colors to help address interference between BSSs operating in the same channel or in partially overlapping channels in a certain frequency band. The BSS colors are typically assigned randomly. In embodiments disclosed herein, the BSS colors are not assigned randomly, but can still be relied upon to help address co-channel interference as intended by IEEE 802.11ax, while also communicating performance parameters to client devices. In other words, instead of randomly selecting a BSS color, an AP can utilize the BSS color to communicate (or encode) a performance parameter, such as a radio frequency (RF) condition, a quality of service (QoS) condition, or a network policy in response to an anticipated (or future) condition.

[0018] In one embodiment, the BSS color values correspond to respective values of the performance parameter. For example, if the performance parameter is a load on the AP or channel, a green BSS color indicates a light load, a yellow BSS color indicates a medium load, and a red BSS color indicates a heavy load. While actual colors are described herein, in IEEE 802.11ax, the BSS colors are 6-bit values (e.g., 0-63). Each of these BSS color values can be mapped to a different value of the performance parameter. Thus, instead of randomly selecting a different BSS color value, an AP (or central controller) can select the BSS color value that best represents the value of the performance parameter (assuming that the BSS color value is not currently being used by a neighboring BSS)

[0019] In another embodiment, the 64 different BSS color values can be divided into separate buckets, each bucket having sub-values, which are referred to as shades. For example, the 64 BSS color values can be divided into eight buckets or colors, each having eight shades - for example, a bucket of green has eight different shades of green, a bucket of blue has eight different shades of blue, a bucket of orange has eight different shades of orange, and so on. The color bucket can represent a first performance parameter, while the shades in the bucket can represent different second performance parameters. For example, the eight color buckets can each represent a different value of a first performance parameter (e.g., load on the AP or channel), while each shade represents a different value of a second performance parameter (e.g., likelihood of detecting radar on the channel). Using the color spectrum, the client device can identify the values of the first and second performance parameters from the BSS color. In this way, a single BSS color value can represent values of multiple performance parameters.

[0020] In another embodiment, the performance parameters represented by the BSS color can vary. For example, at time 1, the BSS color transmitted by the AP can represent values of a first set of performance parameters (where a set can be one or more), but at time 2, the BSS color represents values of a second set of performance parameters. The AP and the client device can be synchronized to know which parameters are currently represented by the BSS color, so that the BSS color value can be properly selected and interpreted.

[0021] Figure 1 A wireless network 100 using BSS coloring to communicate performance parameters 110 to a client device 130 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. The wireless network 100 includes an AP 105 that communicates with a client device 130 (e.g., a wireless device). The AP 105 transmits wireless packets (e.g., beacons) to the client device 130 that include a BSS color 120 in the header of the packet. In one embodiment, each BSS in the wireless network 100 is assigned its own BSS color 120 by the AP 105 or by a central controller 150. If the client device 130 or the AP 105 detects that a BSS has the same color as its BSS, the AP 105 or the central controller 150 can select a different BSS color 120. Thus, the BSS color 120 can vary to avoid BSSs using the same channel or partially overlapping channels having the same BSS color.

[0022] In addition, the AP 105 includes a color selector 115 (e.g., a software application, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof) to change the value of the BSS color 120 in response to the performance parameter 110. That is, a particular value of the BSS color 120 can map to a particular value of the performance parameter 110. In this way, the BSS color 120 has a dual function: (i) to help resolve co-channel interference (when BSSs on the same channel or overlapping channels use different BSS color values); and (ii) to represent the value of the performance parameter 110. In Figure 1 In particular, the color selector 115 includes a color map 125 that maps values of the performance parameter 110 to values of the BSS color 120. Once the value of the performance parameter 110 is known, the color selector 115 uses the color map 125 to identify the corresponding value of the BSS color 120.

[0023] The client devices 130 also store the same color map 125 in their memory. Thus, when a client device 130 receives a wireless packet with the BSS color 120, a controller 135 (e.g., a processing element) in the client device 130 can use the color map 125 to correlate the value of the BSS color 120 to the value of the performance parameter 110. In this way, the AP 105 (or the central controller 150) can select the BSS color 120 to represent the value of the performance parameter 110. Any client device 130 that receives the BSS color 120 can then use its own color map 125 to identify the value of the performance parameter 110. In this way, the BSS color 120 provides a sideband communication channel to convey the value of the performance parameter 110 to the client devices 130 so that the devices 130 can make intelligent decisions.

[0024] The performance parameter 110 can be any information that the AP 105 (or central controller 150) wishes to convey to the client devices 130. Some non-limiting types of performance parameters 110 include RF conditions of the wireless channel or AP, QoS conditions, or network policies in response to expected (or future) conditions. The RF conditions can include the load or available bandwidth of the AP 105 or the channel used by the BSS or AP 105. For example, the higher the value of the BSS color 120, the more likely that the load on the AP 105 is higher, and vice versa. Because multiple BSSs on the same channel can have the same performance parameter value, multiple BSS colors 120 can be mapped to the same value of the performance parameter. For example, BSS color values 0-8 can represent very light load, BSS color values 9-15 represent light load, BSS color values 16-23 represent light to medium load, BSS color values 24-31 represent medium load, and so on. Thus, if two BSSs using the same channel have the same performance value (e.g., medium load), they can use different BSS colors but still represent the same value of the performance parameter (e.g., BSS color values 24 and 25 both correspond to an AP with medium load).

[0025] In one embodiment, the available BSS colors are ranked based on a capacity index of the radios in the AP. The radio capacity index (e.g., RF condition) can be measured by isolating the sum of total Wi-Fi plus non-Wi-Fi contention, which represents the total contention at the service channel of the radio. When available, a time window based average can be considered to avoid spikes and represent the average contention in the wireless network. This number is then subtracted from the total available capacity at the radio. In this way, the color value represented by the BSS color can translate to an expression of the quality of the spectrum measured at the radio over time. The lower the color value, the lower the quality of the spectrum, and vice versa. In one embodiment, the resulting color value is discrete in nature. Color changes can occur at (configurable / predetermined) thresholds to ensure color stability while allowing color changes when conditions change significantly.

[0026] Example QoS conditions that can be used as performance parameters include a measure of voice or video QoS of the AP 105 or channel. Examples of policies and key performance indicators (KPIs) of the network can include steering policies, where the central controller 150 or AP 105 steers clients to desired AP(s). For example, when a user enters a stadium, the central controller 150 can predict that the user (and their client device 130) will pass through APs that serve the entrance to the stadium and eventually settle down in a seat section served by a different AP. The APs 105 can advertise BSS color values that steer clients to the APs at the seat section rather than using the APs at the entrance (as the load on these APs is expected to be high).

[0027] In another example, a policy can indicate that the load on an AP sharply increases at a certain time of day (e.g., due to a regularly scheduled meeting). The central controller 150 or AP 105 can use BSS colors to preemptively steer clients away from that AP to a neighboring AP (e.g., fifteen minutes before the meeting starts), in anticipation that the load on that AP will increase in the near future. In this way, the performance parameters 110 can be part of the policies of the wireless network 100.

[0028] In another example, sites that are susceptible to higher radar hit rates are assigned a BSS color ranking to indicate the likelihood of radar presence in the corresponding channel. APs that are more susceptible to radar interference advertise lower BSS color values, while wireless devices that are capable of advanced radar detection algorithms and Dual Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) capabilities advertise higher BSS color values. The same logic can be applied to any other type of interferer or KPI. For example, BSS coloring can also be used to advertise consistent peak load times and BSSs that have high or low variation in their load.

[0029] Figure 2is a flowchart of a method 200 for communicating performance parameters of an AP to client devices using BSS coloring, according to one embodiment. At block 205, a central controller distributes a color map to client devices and APs. In one embodiment, the central controller provides the color map to the APs, which in turn provide the color map to their associated client devices or roaming client devices. As described above, the color map allows the APs to select a BSS color to represent a particular value of a performance parameter. On the other hand, the color map allows the client devices to interpret or decode the BSS color in a received wireless packet to identify the value of the performance parameter. Thus, in this embodiment, the color map in the AP and the associated client devices should be the same (or at least use the same color mapping) so that the performance parameter can be accurately represented by the BSS color.

[0030] At block 210, a color selector evaluates the performance parameter at the AP. As described above, the performance parameter can include, for example, RF conditions, QoS conditions, or network policies in response to expected conditions. The color selector identifies a particular value of the performance parameter, which is then used to select a BSS color.

[0031] In one embodiment, the performance parameter is a long-term view of the RF or QoS conditions of a channel or AP. For example, IEEE 802. lie introduces an information element, QoS Basic Service Set (QBSS), which is the area served by an AP. The AP can send beacons that use a dot-plot number to represent the current load. This dot-plot number is updated frequently (e.g., every five seconds), and thus, can not accurately represent the actual load on the AP. A client device searching for a new AP to join can switch between channels and identify the current load of the AP by receiving these special beacons. However, if the client device bases its decision on whether to associate with the AP (e.g., join its BSS) on this dot-plot number, it can make a poor decision because the load on the AP can fluctuate greatly. Thus, relying on the dot-plot number can be a poor indicator of the actual RF and QoS conditions of the AP or channel.

[0032] In contrast, the performance parameter described herein can be generated using a more historical approach (e.g., considering performance data, such as RF or QoS conditions over a longer period of time). That is, the color selector can re-evaluate the performance parameter every 1-5 minutes to determine whether the BSS color should be changed. In this way, the method 200 can be used to provide a more accurate view of the performance of the AP or channel to roaming client devices when compared to the dot-plot number described in IEEE 802. lie.

[0033] At block 215, the color selector uses the performance parameter to select a BSS color. In one embodiment, the color selector identifies a particular value of the performance parameter. The color selector then uses this value to index into a color map to identify a BSS color value that corresponds to this value of the performance parameter. In this way, the color map associates values of the performance parameter with corresponding values of BSS colors.

[0034] In one embodiment, the color selector ensures that the selected BSS color is not being used by another BSS in the same channel or in a partially overlapping channel. If so, the color selector can select the next closest BSS color value that is not being used. Thus, the BSS color value can not precisely represent the performance parameter, but given that there are 64 different BSS color values (providing significant granularity for representing the performance parameter), selecting the next available BSS color value can not result in a substantial loss of accuracy. In another embodiment, a particular value of the performance parameter can correspond to a range of BSS color values in the color map. In this case, the color selector can select one of the unused BSS color values in the range.

[0035] At block 220, the AP sends the selected BSS color to the client devices. Any client devices currently using the channel can receive the BSS color from the AP, whether or not the client device is currently associated with the AP or in the same BSS as the AP.

[0036] As noted above, the color selector in the AP can re-evaluate the performance parameter every so often - e.g., every 1-5 minutes - and select a different BSS color if its value has changed. Client devices in the same BSS as the AP will detect that the BSS color has changed and change their BSS color accordingly to match the new BSS color value sent by the AP. However, the AP can select a new BSS color at intervals much smaller than 1-5 minutes or much larger than 1-5 minutes.

[0037] In addition, the method 200 is compatible with IEEE 802.1 lax, in which the color selector in the AP can change the BSS color when a collision occurs with another BSS in the same or overlapping channel having the same BSS color. In this case, when another BSS color is selected due to the collision, the color selector can still select a new BSS color value that best represents the value of the performance parameter.

[0038] At block 225, the client device determines an action to take in response to interpreting the BSS color using the color map. That is, after receiving the BSS color, the client device can use the color map received at block 205 to interpret or decode the BSS color to identify the value of the performance parameter it represents. The client device can then use this value to make a more informed decision. For example, if the client device is currently scanning channels in a frequency band to determine the best AP to associate with, the client device can use the value of the performance parameter to determine whether to associate with the corresponding AP that broadcast the BSS color. In another example, the client device can already be part of the same BSS as the AP. However, the AP can send a new BSS color, which triggers the client device to roam to a different AP or BSS. For example, the new BSS color can indicate that the QoS conditions of the AP have fallen below a minimum QoS threshold required by an application executing on the client device. The client device can then start roaming and evaluate the BSS colors advertised by neighboring APs to determine whether their QoS conditions are better - i.e., meet its minimum QoS threshold.

[0039] Additionally, the information learned by the client device from interpreting the BSS color can be combined with other information to determine what action to take. For example, the client device can also use the spot count provided by IEEE 802.1 le in combination with the value of the performance parameter represented by the BSS color to decide what action to take.

[0040] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method 300 for using BSS coloring to communicate multiple performance parameters of an AP to a client device, according to one embodiment. At block 305, a color selector identifies at least two performance parameters to be represented by a BSS color. For example, a first performance parameter can be RF conditions, while a second performance parameter can be QoS conditions or based on network policy. The method 300 discusses various techniques for using a single BSS color value to represent values of multiple performance parameters.

[0041] At block 310, the color selector selects a color that represents the first performance parameter. For example, the BSS color value can be divided into different color buckets (e.g., BSS color values 0-7 are a first color bucket, BSS color values 8-15 are a second color bucket, BSS color values 16-23 are a third color bucket, etc.). Each color bucket can correspond to a different value(s) of the first performance parameter. For example, assume there are 8 color buckets, each of which can represent a different load on the AP. If the performance parameter and color buckets can be expressed in numerical values, the color selector can select the color bucket that is closest to the actual value of the performance parameter.

[0042] At block 315, the color selector selects a shade within the selected color (e.g., the selected color bucket) that represents the second performance parameter. For example, if the 64 BSS color values are divided into eight colors (or color buckets), then each color can have eight shades. The eight shades can represent eight different values of the second performance parameter. The color selector can select the shade in the selected color bucket that best represents the value of the second performance parameter.

[0043] Figure 4 is a graphical representation of using BSS coloring to represent multiple performance parameters according to one embodiment. As shown, the rows are different colors or color buckets. Each color can represent a different value of the first performance parameter. That is, color A can represent a first extreme value of the first performance parameter, while color N represents an opposite extreme value of the first performance parameter. The colors between color A and color N can represent intermediate values, which can vary linearly or non-linearly. The color selector can select the color that best represents the value of the first performance parameter.

[0044] Figure 4 The columns in are different shades of the colors (or color buckets). Each shade can represent a different value of the second performance parameter. That is, the leftmost shade in a row can represent a first extreme value of the second performance parameter, while the rightmost shade in the same row represents an opposite extreme value of the second performance parameter. The intermediate shades can represent intermediate values, which can vary linearly or non-linearly. The color selector can select the shade that best represents the value of the second performance parameter.

[0045] In one embodiment, the same shades in different rows represent the same value of the second performance parameter. That is, whether color A or color N is selected, the corresponding shades in the rows correspond to the same value of the second performance parameter. For example, the leftmost shade in the color A row corresponds to the same value of the second performance parameter as the leftmost shade in the color B or N row. The second shade from the left in the color A row corresponds to the same value of the second performance parameter as the second shade from the left in the color B or N row, and so on. In this way, Figure 4 The color mapping shown in can independently represent values of two different performance parameters.

[0046] Figure 4Each box 410 in the diagram represents a unique BSS color value. Each BSS color represents a unique combination of values ​​for the first and second performance parameters. For example, the BSS color values ​​of boxes 410A and 410B represent the same value for the first performance parameter (because they are in the same row—i.e., the same color), but different values ​​for the second performance parameter (because they are in different columns)—i.e., different shades of 405. Conversely, the BSS color values ​​of boxes 410B and 410C represent the same value for the second performance parameter because they are assigned the same shade of 405—i.e., in the same column—but different values ​​for the first performance parameter because they are assigned to different rows—i.e., different colors or color buckets. In this way, BSS color values ​​can each represent different combinations of values ​​for multiple performance parameters.

[0047] In addition, although Figure 4 The diagram illustrates BSS color values ​​representing two independent performance parameters, but this scheme can be further subdivided so that each BSS color can represent the value of three performance parameters. For example, the shade 405 in each row can be further subdivided to represent a third performance parameter. For instance, each row (or color) could have four shades instead of... Figure 4 The example shows eight shades. Additionally, each of these four shades corresponds to two sub-shades, thus each row or each color has four shades, and each shade has two sub-shades. In this example, the value of the second performance parameter can be represented by the four shades in each row. The value of the third performance parameter can then be represented by the two sub-shades of each shade. For example, the third performance parameter could be whether a particular function or feature of the AP is active or inactive. One sub-shade in each shade indicates that the particular function is active, while the other sub-shade indicates that the feature is inactive. The trade-off is that the system loses granularity in representing the value of the second performance parameter (e.g., from eight potential values ​​to four values), but the value of the third performance parameter can thus be represented independently of the values ​​of the first and second performance parameters.

[0048] In addition, utilizing Figure 4 The examples presented are merely some instances of assigning BSS color values ​​to represent multiple performance parameters. While specific examples of representing two and three performance parameters have been described, other assignments can be used, where each BSS color value can represent the value of four or more performance parameters.

[0049] Returning to method 300, in block 320, the color picker uses the color and its shade to select the BSS color. (As mentioned above...) Figure 5As mentioned above, each box 410 can represent a unique BSS color value, which in turn represents values for a plurality of performance parameters. By identifying the color and shade corresponding to the values of the first and second performance parameters, the color selector can use the color map to identify the BSS color.

[0050] At block 325, the AP transmits the BSS color to the client device. The BSS color can be transmitted using a special or generic wireless packet (e.g., a beacon). In one embodiment, the BSS color is included in a predetermined bit position in the packet header. In IEEE 802.1 lax, the BSS color is represented by a six-bit value in the header, although embodiments are not limited to this implementation.

[0051] At block 330, the client device uses the color map to identify the values of the at least two parameters. This color map can include the same mapping in the color map used by the AP when selecting the BSS color. Thus, the client device can accurately decode the BSS color to identify the values of the performance parameters.

[0052] Figure 5 A color map 500 for mapping performance parameters to BSS colors is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 6 The arrangement of the color map 500 that can be preferred by a client device in order to decode or interpret a received BSS color is illustrated. The color map 500 includes two columns, with the left column listing various BSS colors that can be transmitted by an AP (and received by a client device). The map 500 can include as many rows as there are possible BSS color values. The right column includes corresponding values for the first and second performance parameters.

[0053] As illustrated, each BSS color 505 corresponds to a first performance value 510 and a second performance value 515. A client device can use a received BSS color value to index into the left column to identify a particular row in the color map 520. Once the BSS color 505 is identified, the client device can select the corresponding first and second performance values 510, 515 in the same row. In this way, the client device can interpret or decode a received BSS color to identify values for a plurality of performance parameters using the color map 500. For example, if a received BSS color matches BSS color 505B, the client device knows that this color represents a first performance value 510B for the first performance parameter and a second performance value 515B for the second performance parameter.

[0054] ​is a flowchart of a method 600 for encoding different performance parameters into a BSS color at different times according to one embodiment. At block 605, the AP transmits a BSS color that represents a first set of performance parameters, where a set is one or more performance parameters. That is, the AP can use the method 200 or 300 to select a BSS color to represent the value(s) of the first set of performance parameters.

[0055] At block 610, the client device identifies the first set of performance parameters using the first color map. That is, the client device can use the same color map (or the same color mapping) that the AP used when selecting the BSS color. In this way, the client device can accurately identify the value of the first set of performance parameters identified by the AP.

[0056] At block 615, the AP determines whether to transmit information about a different parameter. In one embodiment, the AP uses a predefined schedule to identify time periods corresponding to different performance parameters. For example, during a first time period, the AP transmits a BSS color that represents a first set of performance parameters, during a second time period that occurs after the first time period, the AP transmits a BSS color that represents a second set of performance parameters, during a third time period that occurs after the second time period, the AP transmits a BSS color that represents a third set of performance parameters, and so on. Additionally, this schedule can be shared by the AP and the client device so that the client device knows which set of performance parameters is currently being represented by the BSS color. In this way, the AP and the client device can synchronize to transmit different sets of performance parameters. Additionally, the time periods can be any desired length. For example, the time periods in the schedule can be 1 to 10 minutes in length.

[0057] If the AP determines not to transmit information about a different parameter (e.g., the first time period has not expired), the method 600 continues to block 620, where the AP updates the first set of parameters. For example, the color selector can measure or reevaluate the first set of parameters to determine whether its value has changed.

[0058] At block 625, the color selector updates the BSS color (assuming the value of the first set of parameters has changed). The method 600 then returns to block 605 to transmit the updated BSS color (or the same BSS color if the value of the first set of parameters has not changed).

[0059] However, if the first time period has expired and the AP decides to transmit information about a different parameter, the method 600 proceeds from block 615 to block 630, where the AP selects a BSS color using a value from a second set of performance parameters. That is, the AP switches to the second time period in which it transmits a BSS color to represent the second set of performance parameters.

[0060] In one embodiment, the AP uses a different color map to identify the BSS color representing the second set of performance parameters than the color map used to identify the BSS color representing the first set of performance parameters. In other words, when switching between time periods, the AP also switches between different color maps (or to different portions of the same color map), so the AP can select a BSS color representing the second set of performance parameters.

[0061] At block 635, the AP transmits the BSS color to the client device. At block 640, the client device uses the same color map (or the same color mapping) that the AP used when selecting the BSS color at block 630 - e.g., the second color map - to identify the second set of performance parameters. The client device can follow the same predefined schedule as the AP (e.g., their clocks are synchronized) so that the client device knows which set of performance parameters the BSS color currently represents.

[0062] However, in another embodiment, rather than the AP and the client device following the same predefined schedule, the AP can transmit metadata in the packet (or in a separate packet) indicating which set of performance parameters the BSS color is representing. Using this metadata, the client device can select the appropriate color map to use when interpreting the BSS color. In this way, the method 600 provides the AP with the technique of transmitting different sets of performance parameters at different times. The client device can use the predefined schedule or the metadata provided by the AP, for example, to identify what color map to use to interpret the BSS color.

[0063] In the present disclosure, reference is made to various embodiments. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, any combination of described features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, when an embodiment is described as comprising at least one of A, B, and C, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiment can include A alone; B alone; C alone; as well as any combination of A, B, and C. Additionally, although some embodiments disclosed herein can achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a given embodiment achieves one or more of those advantages does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the appended claims, unless otherwise explicitly stated. Similarly, reference to "the invention" does not mean a single invention having multiple embodiments; rather, reference to "the invention" means the subject matter claimed by at least one of the appended claims, whether or not other claims are presented along with the claim or otherwise with respect to the same subject matter. Also, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including" and the like can be used herein without alone meaning that the noted numerical range is exhaustive of the suitable range of values, but rather the terms means that the noted range is included as well as other like ranges not explicitly stated.

[0064] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, embodiments can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that can all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, embodiments can take the form of a computer program product on one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied in the medium.

[0065] Any appropriate programming language can be used to implement the computer program code, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., as well as conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0066] The computer program code can also be implemented in, or by, hardware components such as ASICs. The embodiments are not limited by the computer program code in this regard.

[0067] The computer program code can also be implemented in, or by, hardware components such as ASICs. The embodiments are not limited by the computer program code in this regard.

[0068] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0069] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0070] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0071] In light of the foregoing, a scope of the present disclosure is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: Identify the value of a first performance parameter associated with at least one of the access point (AP) or the wireless channel; Using a color map, a BSS color is selected based on the value of the first performance parameter, wherein the color map maps multiple values ​​of the first performance parameter to corresponding values ​​of the BSS color; and The BSS color is wirelessly transmitted from the AP to a client device, wherein the client device is configured to interpret the BSS color to identify the value of the first performance parameter.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The client device uses a color map defined in the color spectrum used by the AP to identify the value of the first performance parameter.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first performance parameter is based at least in part on the radio frequency conditions of the AP or the wireless channel, the quality of service conditions of the AP or the wireless channel, or the strategy of the wireless network in response to the expected conditions.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Identify the value of a second performance parameter associated with at least one of the AP or the wireless channel. The BSS color is also selected based on the value of the second performance parameter.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, Selecting the BSS color includes: A first color is selected from a plurality of colors based on the value of the first performance parameter, wherein each of the plurality of colors includes a plurality of shades; and Based on the value of the second performance parameter, a first shade is selected from multiple shades corresponding to the first color; and The BSS color is selected based on the first color and the first shade.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determine to send information about the second performance parameter instead of the first performance parameter; Identify the value of a second performance parameter associated with at least one of the AP or the wireless channel; and The BSS color is selected for the BSS based on the value of the second performance parameter using a second color spectrum, wherein the second color spectrum maps multiple values ​​of the second performance parameter to corresponding values ​​of the BSS color.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The determination to send information about the second performance parameter is based on a predefined schedule that indicates a first time period for sending information about the first performance parameter and a second time period for sending information about the second performance parameter.

8. An access point (AP), comprising: processor; as well as Includes memory for a program configured to perform operations when executed by the processor, the operations including: Identify the value of a first performance parameter associated with at least one of the AP or the wireless channel; Using a color spectrum, a BSS color is selected for the BSS based on the value of the first performance parameter, wherein the color spectrum maps multiple values ​​of the first performance parameter to corresponding values ​​of the BSS color; and The BSS color is wirelessly transmitted to the client device.

9. The AP as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The BSS colors are compatible with IEEE 802.11ax.

10. The AP as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein, The first performance parameter is based at least in part on the radio frequency conditions of the AP or the wireless channel, the quality of service conditions of the AP or the wireless channel, or the strategy of the wireless network in response to the expected conditions.

11. The AP as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The operation also includes: Identify the value of a second performance parameter associated with at least one of the AP or the wireless channel. The BSS color is also selected based on the value of the second performance parameter.

12. The AP as claimed in claim 11, wherein, Selecting the BSS color includes: A first color is selected from a plurality of colors based on the value of the first performance parameter, wherein each of the plurality of colors includes a plurality of shades; and Based on the value of the second performance parameter, a first shade is selected from multiple shades corresponding to the first color; and The BSS color is selected based on the first color and the first shade.

13. The AP as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The operation also includes: Determine to send information about the second performance parameter instead of the first performance parameter; Identify the value of a second performance parameter associated with at least one of the AP or the wireless channel; and The BSS color is selected for the BSS based on the value of the second performance parameter using a second color spectrum, wherein the second color spectrum maps multiple values ​​of the second performance parameter to corresponding values ​​of the BSS color.

14. The AP as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The determination to send information about the second performance parameter is based on a predefined schedule that indicates a first time period for sending information about the first performance parameter and a second time period for sending information about the second performance parameter.

15. A wireless device, comprising: processor; as well as Includes memory for a program configured to perform operations when executed by the processor, the operations including: Receive a first wireless packet from the AP, the first wireless packet including a BSS color selected to represent the value of a first performance parameter; The value of the first performance parameter is identified from the BSS color using a color spectrum, wherein the color spectrum maps multiple values ​​of the first performance parameter to corresponding values ​​of the BSS color; and The action to be taken is determined in response to the identification of the value of the first performance parameter.

16. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein, The color spectrum corresponds to the color spectrum used by the AP to select the BSS color.

17. The wireless device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein, The first performance parameter is based at least in part on the radio frequency conditions of the AP or wireless channel, the quality of service conditions of the AP or wireless channel, or the strategy of the wireless network in response to the expected conditions.

18. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein, The operation includes: The value of the second performance parameter is identified from the BSS color using the color spectrum.

19. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein, The operation includes: A second wireless packet is received from the AP, the second wireless packet including the BSS color, wherein the BSS color is selected to represent the value of a second performance parameter; and The value of the second performance parameter is identified from the BSS color using a second color spectrum, wherein the second color spectrum maps multiple values ​​of the second performance parameter to corresponding values ​​of the BSS color.

20. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein, The first wireless packet is received during a first time period defined by a predefined schedule for sending information about the first performance parameter, and the second wireless packet is received during a second time period defined by the predefined schedule for sending information about the second performance parameter.

21. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with a computer instruction program for execution by one or more processors to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 to be performed.

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