Transitioning between multi-link and single-link modes on a transmission opportunity (TXOP) basis

Abstract

Techniques for wireless communications are disclosed. In an aspect, an access point (AP) communicates with at least one wireless station (STA) and supports multiple communication devices and communication modes over a communication medium, establishes a single-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and at least one communication device of the multiple communication devices over a single link, establishes a multi-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and the at least one communication device over a multi-link, and dynamically transitions between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination related to a best delivery mode for a next period.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 030,770, filed May 27, 2020, entitled “A METHOD TO TRANSITION BETWEEN MULTI-LINK AND SINGLE-LINK MODE ON A TXOP BASIS,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 330,257, filed May 25, 2021, entitled “TRANSITIONING BETWEEN MULTI-LINK AND SINGLE-LINK MODE ON A TRANSMISSION OPPORTUNITY (TXOP) BASIS,” both of which have been assigned to the assignee of this application and are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Public background

[0004] 1. Public domain

[0005] The various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communications.

[0006] 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0007] Wireless communication systems have undergone several generations of development, including first-generation analog radiotelephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital radiotelephone service (including transitional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data radio service with Internet capabilities, and fourth-generation (4G) service (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

[0008] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard (known as New Radio (NR)) demands higher data transmission speeds, a greater number of connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGC), the 5G standard is designed to provide tens of megabits per second (Mbps) of data rate to each of tens of thousands of users, and 1 gigabits per second (Gbps) to dozens of employees on an office floor. It should support hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections to support large-scale sensor deployments. Therefore, 5G mobile communication should have significantly improved spectral efficiency compared to the current 4G standard. Furthermore, signaling efficiency should be improved and latency significantly reduced compared to the current standard.

[0009] Overview

[0010] The following is a simplified overview relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, this overview should not be considered an exhaustive overview relating to all aspects of the conception, nor should it be considered to identify key or decisive elements relating to all aspects of the conception or to depict the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the sole purpose of the following overview is to present, in a simplified form, certain concepts relating to one or more aspects of the mechanism disclosed herein before the detailed description given below.

[0011] In one aspect, a wireless communication method performed by an access point (AP) includes: communicating with at least one wireless station (STA) and supporting multiple communication devices and communication modes on a communication medium; establishing a single-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and at least one of the multiple communication devices via a single link; establishing a multi-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and the at least one communication device via multiple links; and dynamically switching between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination related to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period.

[0012] In one aspect, an access point (AP) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: communicate with at least one radio station (STA) via the at least one transceiver and support multiple communication devices and communication modes on a communication medium; establish a single-link communication mode with the at least one radio STA and at least one of the multiple communication devices via a single link; establish a multi-link communication mode with the at least one radio STA and the at least one communication device via multiple links; and dynamically switch between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination relating to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period.

[0013] In one aspect, an access point (AP) includes: means for communicating with at least one wireless station (STA) and supporting multiple communication devices and communication modes on a communication medium; means for establishing a single-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and at least one of the multiple communication devices via a single link; means for establishing a multi-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and the at least one communication device via multiple links; and means for dynamically switching between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination relating to an optimal delivery mode for the next time period.

[0014] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by an access point (AP), cause the AP to: communicate with at least one wireless station (STA) and support multiple communication devices and communication modes on the communication medium; establish a single-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and at least one of the multiple communication devices via a single link; establish a multi-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and the at least one communication device via multiple links; and dynamically switch between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination relating to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period.

[0015] Other objectives and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to help describe various aspects of this disclosure, and the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the aspects.

[0018] Figure 1 Example wireless communication systems based on various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Example wireless network architectures based on various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0020] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C It is a simplified block diagram of several examples of components that can be adopted in user equipment (UE), access points, and network entities and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0021] Figure 4 Example wireless communication methods based on various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0022] Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating an extension of the Spatial Multiplexing Power Saving (SMPS) mode in downlink scenarios according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the extension of SMPS mode in uplink scenarios according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0024] Detailed description

[0025] Various aspects of this disclosure are provided below in the description and accompanying drawings of various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects may be designed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, elements well-known in this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0026] The terms “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than the others. Similarly, the term “aspects of this disclosure” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and arts. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the following description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, many aspects are described in the form of sequences of actions performed by elements of, for example, computing devices. It will be appreciated that the various actions described herein can be performed by special-purpose circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequences of actions described herein can be considered to be fully embodied in any form of non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions that, upon execution, will cause an associated processor of the device to perform the functions described herein. Thus, various aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in several different forms, all of which are contemplated to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, for each aspect described herein, a corresponding form of any such aspect may be described herein as, for example, "logic configured to perform the described actions."

[0029] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT) unless otherwise stated. Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset positioning device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT”, “Client Equipment”, “Wireless Equipment”, “Subscriber Equipment”, “Subscriber Terminal”, “Subscriber Station”, “User Terminal” or “UT”, “Mobile Equipment”, “Mobile Terminal”, “Mobile Station”, or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with the core network via the RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to external networks (such as the Internet) and other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UE, such as through a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., based on the IEEE 802.11 standard), and so on.

[0030] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs to communicate with a UE, depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an Access Point (AP), Network Node, B-Node, Evolved B-Node (eNB), Next Generation eNB (ng-eNB), New Radio (NR) B-Node (also referred to as gNB or gNodeB), etc. A base station may primarily be used to support radio access by the UE, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections with the supported UE. In some systems, the base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions, while in others, it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which the UE can signal to the base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the base station can signal to the UE is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) may refer to an uplink / reverse traffic channel or a downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0031] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP) or multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be located in the same place. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be a base station antenna corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical TRPs located in the same place, the physical TRP may be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or in the case of beamforming at the base station). When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical TRPs not located in the same place, the physical TRP may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, physical TRPs not located in the same place may be the serving base station from which the UE receives measurement reports and neighboring base stations from which the UE is measuring its reference radio frequency (RF) signal. Since a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, references to transmissions from or receptions at a base station should be understood as references to the specific TRP of that base station.

[0032] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support the UE's radio access (e.g., it may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections regarding the UE), but may instead transmit reference signals to the UE for measurement, and / or receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning tower (e.g., in the case of transmitting signals to the UE) and / or as a location measurement unit (e.g., in the case of receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0033] An “RF signal” refers to an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transmits information across the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of individual RF signals through a multipath channel, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same RF signal transmitted on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal,” where the context clearly indicates that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0034] Figure 1An example wireless communication system 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure is described. The wireless communication system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labeled "BS") and various UEs 104. Base station 102 may include macrocell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macrocell base station may include an eNB and / or an ng-eNB (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network), or a gNB (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and the small cell base station may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0035] Each base station 102 can collectively form a RAN and interface with the core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC)) via a backhaul link 122, and access one or more location servers 172 (e.g., location management function (LMF) or secure user plane positioning (SUPL) location platform (SLP)) via the core network 170. The location server 172 can be part of the core network 170 or located outside the core network 170. Among other functions, the base station 102 can also perform functions related to one or more of the following: transmitting user data, radio channel cryptography and decoding, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (such as handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of alarm messages. Base stations 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / 5GC) through backhaul link 134 (which can be wired or wireless).

[0036] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 110. In one aspect, one or more cells can be supported by base station 102 in each geographical coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a frequency resource, it is referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.) and can be associated with identifiers (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Enhanced Cell Identifier (ECI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI), etc.) to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access to different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or others). Since cells are supported by specific base stations, the term “cell” can refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station supporting that logical communication entity, depending on the context. Additionally, since the TRP is typically the physical transmission point of a cell, the terms "cell" and "TRP" are used interchangeably. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographical coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station, in the sense that the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a portion of a geographical coverage area 110.

[0037] While the geographic coverage areas 110 of adjacent macrocell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in handover areas), some geographic coverage areas 110 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' ("SC" labeled "small cell") may have geographic coverage areas 110' that substantially overlap with the geographic coverage areas 110 of one or more macrocell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macrocell base stations may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that provide service to a restricted group known as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG).

[0038] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink compared to the uplink).

[0039] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 communicating with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-speak (LBT) procedure to determine whether the channel is available before communication.

[0040] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by WLAN AP 150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in unlicensed spectrum can enhance access network coverage and / or increase access network capacity. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0041] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180, which can operate in mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with the UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW extends down to a 3 GHz frequency with a 100 mm wavelength. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW RF bands has high path loss and relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 can utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Accordingly, it will be understood that the foregoing explanations are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the aspects disclosed herein.

[0042] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing RF signals in a specific direction. Conventionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). Using transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thus providing the receiving device with a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that generates a beam of RF waves, which can be "guided" to different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that radio waves from the separate antennas add together in the desired direction to increase radiation, while simultaneously canceling each other out in the undesired direction to suppress radiation.

[0043] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, meaning they appear to the receiver (e.g., the UE) to have the same parameters regardless of whether the transmit antennas of the network node are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters of the second reference RF signal on the second beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. Therefore, if the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of type QCL D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0044] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, a receiver may increase the gain setting of an antenna array and / or adjust the phase setting of the antenna array in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Thus, when a receiver is referred to as beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is higher than the beam gain in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain of all other receive beams available to the receiver in that direction. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0045] The transmit and receive beams can be spatially correlated. Spatial correlation means that the parameters of the second beam (e.g., the transmit or receive beam) used for the second reference signal can be derived from information about the first beam (e.g., the receive or transmit beam) of the first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam based on the parameters of the receive beam to transmit an uplink reference signal (e.g., a probe reference signal (SRS)) to that base station.

[0046] Note that, depending on the entity forming the "downlink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, then the downlink beam is a receive beam for receiving downlink reference signals. Similarly, depending on the entity forming the "uplink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink receive beam, while if a UE is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink transmit beam.

[0047] In 5G, the spectrum in which wireless nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 180, UEs 104 / 182) operate is divided into several frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). The mmW band generally includes the FR2, FR3, and FR4 frequency ranges. Thus, the terms "mmW" and "FR2" or "FR3" or "FR4" are generally used interchangeably.

[0048] In multi-carrier systems (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the "primary carrier," "anchor carrier," "primary serving cell," or "PCell," and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as "secondary carriers," "secondary serving cells," or "SCell." In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE 104 / 182 and on the cell in which UE 104 / 182 performs an initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates an RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all shared control channels as well as control channels that vary from UE to UE, and can be a carrier on a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2), which can be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. Secondary carriers may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals. For example, signaling information and signals that vary from UE to UE may not be present in the secondary carrier, since both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 within a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Since a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier that a base station is using for communication, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0049] For example, still refer to Figure 1 One of the frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and other frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180 can be secondary carriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception on multiple carriers allows the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two 20MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in twice the data rate (i.e., 40MHz) compared to the data rate obtained from a single 20MHz carrier.

[0050] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a UE 164, which can communicate with a macrocell base station 102 on a communication link 120 and / or with an mmW base station 180 on an mmW communication link 184. For example, the macrocell base station 102 may support PCells and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the examples, any of the UEs being explained (for simplicity) Figure 1 A single UE 104 (shown as a single UE) may receive signal 124 from one or more Earth-orbiting spacecraft (SV) 112 (e.g., satellites). In one aspect, SV 112 may be part of a satellite positioning system that allows UE 104 to use as an independent source of location information. Satellite positioning systems typically include transmitter systems (e.g., SV 112) positioned such that a receiver (e.g., UE 104) can determine its location on or above the Earth based at least in part on positioning signals (e.g., signal 124) received from these transmitters. Such transmitters typically transmit signals marked with a set number of repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) codes. While transmitters are typically located in SV 112, they may sometimes be located at ground-based control stations, base stations 102, and / or other UEs 104. UE 104 may include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signal 124 from SV 112 to derive geographic location information.

[0052] In satellite positioning systems, the use of signal 124 can be amplified through various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), which may be associated with or otherwise enabled to work with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example, SBAS may include augmentation systems that provide integrity information, differential correction, etc., such as, for example, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Navigation Coverage Service (EGNOS), Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), GPS-assisted Geographic Augmentation Navigation or GPS and Geographic Augmentation Navigation System (GAGAN), etc. Therefore, as used herein, a satellite positioning system may include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems.

[0053] On one hand, SV 112 may additionally or alternatively be part of one or more non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). In the NTN, SV 112 is connected to an earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to elements in the 5G network, such as the modified base station 102 (without a ground antenna) or network nodes in the 5GC. This element will then provide access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately to entities outside the 5G network, such as internet web servers and other user equipment. In this way, UE 104 can receive communication signals (e.g., signal 124) from SV 112 as a replacement or supplement to receiving communication signals from ground base station 102.

[0054] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs (such as UE 190) that are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as "side links"). Figure 1 In the example, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with a UE 104 connected to a base station 102 (e.g., UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity from this link), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity from this link). In one example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can use any known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D)). (etc.) to support.

[0055] Figure 2AExample wireless network architecture 200 is explained. For example, 5GC 210 (also known as Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be functionally considered as control plane (C-plane) functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane (U-plane) functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), which operate collaboratively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect gNB 222 to 5GC 210, specifically to user plane function 212 and control plane function 214, respectively. In an additional configuration, ng-eNB 224 can also connect to 5GC 210 via NG-C 215 to control plane function 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane function 212. Furthermore, ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 may have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more ng-eNBs 224 and one or more gNBs 222. The gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 (or both) may communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0056] Another optional aspect may include location server 230, which can communicate with 5GC 210 to provide location assistance to UE 204. Location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. Location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for UE 204, which UE 204 can connect to via the core network, 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not explained). Furthermore, location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, it may be external to the core network (e.g., a third-party server, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or a business server).

[0057] Figure 2B Another example wireless network architecture, 250.5GC 260, was explained (which can correspond to...). Figure 2AThe 5GC 210 in the document can be functionally viewed as a control plane function (provided by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264) and a user plane function (provided by the User Plane Function (UPF) 262), which operate collaboratively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, session management (SM) message transmission between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein) and session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, short message service (SMS) message transmission between UE 204 and short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). AMF 264 also interacts with the authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE 204, and receives an intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In cases where authentication is based on the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves security material from the AMF. The AMF 264 also includes Security Context Management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF, which it uses to derive a key that varies depending on the access network. The AMF 264's functionality also includes: location service management for regulatory services, location service message transmission between the UE 204 and the Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230), location service message transmission between the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, EPS bearer identifier allocation for interoperability with the Evolved Packet System (EPS), and UE 204 mobility event notification. Additionally, the AMF 264 supports functionality for non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0058] The functions of UPF 262 include: acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable), acting as an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session point interconnecting to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., strobing, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (Service Data Flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport-level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. UPF 262 may also support the transmission of location service messages between UE 204 and a location server (such as SLP 272) on the user plane.

[0059] The functions of SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, traffic bootstrapping configuration at UPF 262 for routing traffic to the correct destination, partial control of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface used by SMF 266 to communicate with AMF 264 is called the N11 interface.

[0060] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which can communicate with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, the 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not explained). SLP 272 supports similar functionality to LMF 270, but while LMF 270 can communicate with AMF 264, NG-RAN 220, and UE 204 on the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols designed to convey signaling messages but not voice or data), SLP 272 can communicate with UE 204 and external clients on the user plane (e.g., using protocols designed to carry voice and / or data, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP). Figure 2B (Not shown in the image) Communication.

[0061] User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect 5GC 260 (and in particular UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively) to one or more gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 in NG-RAN 220. The interface between gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and AMF 264 is referred to as the "N2" interface, while the interface between gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and UPF 262 is referred to as the "N3" interface. The gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 of NG-RAN 220 can communicate directly with each other via backhaul connection 223, which is referred to as the "Xn-C" interface. One or more of gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 can communicate with one or more UEs 204 on a radio interface, which is referred to as the "Uu" interface.

[0062] The functionality of gNB 222 is divided between gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) 226 and one or more gNB Distributed Units (gNB-DU) 228. The interface 232 between gNB-CU 226 and one or more gNB-DU 228 is referred to as the "F1" interface. gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes base station functions such as transmitting user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and session management, in addition to those functions specifically allocated to gNB-DU 228. More specifically, gNB-CU 226 manages the radio resource control (RRC), serving data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of gNB 222. gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that manages the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, while a cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. Therefore, UE 204 communicates with gNB-CU 226 via RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, and with gNB-DU 228 via RLC, MAC, and PHY layers.

[0063] Figure 3A , 3B The explanation of 3C refers to UE 302 (which may correspond to any UE described herein), access point 304 (which may correspond to any base station / access point described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any network function described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent of UE 302). Figure 2A and 2B The NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure (such as a private network) depicted herein includes several example components (represented by corresponding boxes) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It will be appreciated that these components can be implemented in different types of devices (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), etc.) in various implementations. The illustrated components can also be incorporated into other devices in a communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Furthermore, a given device may include one or more of these components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0064] UE 302 and access point 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.) for communicating via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as NR networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356 for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB)) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., a time / frequency resource set in a specific spectrum) via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 each include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and each includes one or more receivers 312 and 352 for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0065] In at least some cases, UE 302 and access point 304 each further include one or more short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. The short-range radio transceivers 320 and 360 can be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide access via at least one designated RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, etc.). A means for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.) such as PC5, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), Wireless Access in Vehicle Environments (WAVE), Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.). Short-range transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, short-range transceivers 320 and 360 each include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively. As specific examples, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be WiFi transceivers, transceiver and / or Transceivers, NFC transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0066] In at least some cases, UE 302 and access point 304 also include satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. When satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, BeiDou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. When satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 may be communication signals originating from a 5G network (e.g., carrying control and / or user data). Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378, respectively. Satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 may request information and operations from other systems as appropriate, and in at least some cases perform calculations to determine the respective locations of UE 302 and access point 304 using measurements obtained by any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm.

[0067] Access point 304 and network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) for communicating with other network entities (e.g., other access point 304, other network entity 306). For example, access point 304 may use one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other access point 304 or network entity 306 on one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, network entity 306 may use one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more access points 304 on one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or to communicate with other network entities 306 on one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0068] Transceivers can be configured to communicate over wired or wireless links. A transceiver (whether wired or wireless) includes a transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and a receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). In some implementations, the transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., implementing the transmitter and receiver circuitry in a single device), in some implementations it may include separate transmitter and receiver circuitry, or in other implementations it may be implemented in a different manner. The transmitter and receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., in some implementations, network transceivers 380 and 390) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. Wireless transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as antenna arrays, which permit the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, access point 304) to perform transmit beamforming as described herein. Similarly, wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as antenna arrays, which permit the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, access point 304) to perform receive beamforming as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter and receiver circuitry may share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366) such that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than both simultaneously. Wireless transceivers (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include network listening modules (NLMs) for performing various measurements.

[0069] As used herein, various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) can generally be characterized as "transceiver," "at least one transceiver," or "one or more transceivers." Thus, whether a particular transceiver is a wired or wireless transceiver can be inferred from the type of communication performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers typically involves signaling via a wired transceiver, while wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and an access point (e.g., access point 304) typically involves signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0070] UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that can be used in conjunction with operations as disclosed herein. UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 each include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless communication, and for providing other processing functionality. Processors 332, 384, and 394 can therefore provide means for processing, such as means for determining, means for calculating, means for receiving, means for transmitting, means for indicating, etc. In one aspect, processors 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry systems, or various combinations thereof.

[0071] UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 include memory circuitry that respectively implements memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Memories 340, 386, and 396 thus provide means for storage, means for retrieval, means for maintenance, etc. In some cases, UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 may respectively include communication managers 342, 388, and 398. Communication managers 342, 388, and 398 may be hardware circuitry as part of or coupled to processors 332, 384, and 394, which, when executed, cause UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other respects, communication managers 342, 388, and 398 may be external to processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, communication managers 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which, when executed by processors 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), enable UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. Figure 3A The possible locations of the communication manager 342 are described. The communication manager 342 may be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 310, memory 340, one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or may be a stand-alone component. Figure 3B The possible locations of the communication manager 388 are described. The communication manager 388 may be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 350, memory 386, one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or may be a stand-alone component. Figure 3C The possible locations of the communication manager 398 are explained. The communication manager 398 may be, for example, part of one or more network transceivers 390, memory 396, one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or may be a stand-alone component.

[0072] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting motion and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or satellite signal receivers 330. As an example, sensors 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Furthermore, sensors 344 may include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, sensor 344 may use a combination of multi-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors to provide the ability to calculate position in two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

[0073] Additionally, UE 302 includes a user interface 346, which provides means for providing instructions to the user (e.g., audible and / or visual instructions) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when the user actuates sensing devices such as keypads, touchscreens, microphones, etc.). Although not shown, access point 304 and network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0074] Referring more specifically to one or more processors 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 may be provided to processor 384. One or more processors 384 may implement functionality for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. One or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)) broadcasting, RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0075] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 implement Layer 1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer-1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) decoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The decoded and modulated symbols can then be split into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator can be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. These channel estimates can be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 302 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0076] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to one or more processors 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 302, they can be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. This frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. Symbols on each subcarrier, along with a reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation points most likely to have been transmitted by access point 304. These soft decisions can be based on a channel estimate calculated by a channel estimator. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by access point 304 over the physical channel. This data and control signals are then provided to one or more processors 332 that implement Layer 3 (L3) and Layer 2 (L2) functionality.

[0077] In the uplink, one or more processors 332 provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the core network. One or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0078] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with downlink transmissions performed by access point 304, one or more processors 332 provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0079] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator from the reference signal or feedback transmitted from access point 304 can be used by transmitter 314 to select appropriate coding and modulation schemes and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by transmitter 314 can be provided to different antennas 316. Transmitter 314 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0080] Uplink transmissions are handled at access point 304 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides that information to one or more processors 384.

[0081] In the uplink, one or more processors 384 provide demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from UE 302. IP packets from the one or more processors 384 can be provided to the core network. The one or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0082] For convenience, UE 302, access point 304 and / or network entity 306 are in Figure 3A , 3BThe components shown in 3C are various and can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it will be understood that the components described may have different functionalities in different designs. Specifically, Figures 3A to 3C The various components are optional in the replacement configuration, and various aspects include configurations that can vary due to design choices, cost, equipment usage, or other considerations. For example, in Figure 3A In this scenario, a specific implementation of UE 302 may omit WWAN transceiver 310 (e.g., wearable devices, tablets, PCs, or laptops may have Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth capabilities but no cellular capabilities), or it may omit short-range wireless transceiver 320 (e.g., cellular only), or it may omit satellite signal receiver 330, or it may omit sensor 344, etc. In another example, in Figure 3B In such cases, a particular implementation of access point 304 may omit WWAN transceiver 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi "hotspot" access point without cellular capabilities), or short-range wireless transceiver 360 (e.g., cellular only), or satellite receiver 370, etc. For the sake of brevity, explanations of various alternative configurations are not provided herein, but will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0083] Various components of UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306 can be communicatively coupled to each other on data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392, respectively. In one aspect, data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 can form or be part of the communication interfaces of UE 302, access point 304, and network entity 306, respectively. For example, when different logical entities are implemented in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality are incorporated into the same access point 304), data buses 334, 382, ​​and 392 can provide communication between them.

[0084] Figure 3A , 3B The various components of 3C can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3CThe components can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by that circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by the processor and / or memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by the processor and / or memory components of access point 304 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Furthermore, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by the processor and / or memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed "by the UE," "by the access point," "by the network entity," etc. However, as will be appreciated, such operations, actions, and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, access point 304, network entity 306, etc., such as processors 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, memories 340, 386, and 396, communication managers 342, 388, and 398, etc.

[0085] In some designs, network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, network entity 306 may be a network operator or operation different from the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that may be configured to communicate with UE 302 via access point 304 or independently of access point 304 (e.g., on a non-cellular communication link, such as WiFi).

[0086] Various aspects of this disclosure provide techniques for scheduling and coordinating multiple access points (multiple APs) in wireless local area networks (WLANs). According to this disclosure, various aspects offer numerous technical advantages.

[0087] In some implementations, the AP may pair each of one or more first wireless devices with one or more corresponding second wireless devices in a manner that minimizes interference between uplink data transmission from the first wireless device and downlink data transmission to the second wireless device. In some implementations, the AP may select or group each pair of first and second wireless devices for concurrent uplink and downlink communication with the AP based on: a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value measured by one or more first wireless devices, an RSSI value measured by one or more second wireless devices, a Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) value determined based on the measured RSSI value, the path loss of the one or more first wireless devices relative to the path loss of the one or more second wireless devices, or any other suitable value or parameter.

[0088] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following technical advantages. By allowing the AP to concurrently receive uplink data from one or more first wireless devices (or concurrently transmit downlink data to one or more second wireless devices with at least a portion of the downlink data being transmitted to one or more paired second wireless devices), the media utilization and data throughput of the wireless network associated with the AP can be increased (e.g., compared to a wireless network formed by a half-duplex AP) without configuring or modifying the first or second wireless devices to operate as full-duplex devices.

[0089] Furthermore, the AP's ability to transmit downlink data to other wireless devices on a second channel (which may be different from the first channel) and simultaneously receive uplink data from some wireless devices on the first channel allows the AP to use multiple different channels or communication links available to the wireless network to communicate with the corresponding client devices, which can also increase the data throughput of the wireless network. In some implementations, the AP can use multi-link aggregation (MLA) technology to aggregate multiple channels or sub-channels used for one or both of uplink and downlink transmissions. Moreover, because the AP can select pairs of wireless devices for concurrent uplink and downlink communication based on one or more of RSSI values, SINR values, or other indicators of interference between uplink and downlink channels, various aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein can be used to reduce cross-interference associated with multi-link aggregation.

[0090] The term "full-duplex communication" can refer to an AP simultaneously transmitting downlink data to one or more second wireless devices on a second wireless channel and receiving uplink data from one or more first wireless devices on a first wireless channel, wherein the first and second wireless channels can be the same wireless channel or different wireless channels. Specifically, in some implementations, the first and second wireless channels can be the same wireless channel or wireless link (such that the first and second wireless channels span similar frequency ranges). In other implementations, the first and second wireless channels may be located in different frequency bands (e.g., the first wireless channel is located in the 5 GHz band and the second wireless channel is located in the 6 GHz band). In some other implementations, the first and second wireless channels may be located in different portions of the same frequency band (e.g., the first wireless channel is located in the lower part of the 5 GHz band and the second wireless channel is located in the upper part of the 5 GHz band, the first wireless channel is located in the lower part of the 2.4 GHz band and the second wireless channel is located in the upper part of the 2.4 GHz band, etc.). In some implementations, each of the first and second wireless devices may include filtering capabilities sufficient to isolate the first and second wireless channels from each other.

[0091] Various implementations generally involve facilitating concurrent uplink and downlink communication by one or more APs associated with a wireless network. Some implementations particularly involve receiving uplink data from one or more first wireless devices (such as one or more STAs) concurrently with transmitting downlink data (or at least a portion thereof) to one or more second wireless devices (such as one or more other STAs), while allowing the first and second wireless devices to operate as half-duplex devices. Similarly, some other implementations particularly involve transmitting downlink data to one or more second wireless devices concurrently with receiving uplink data (or at least a portion thereof) from one or more first wireless devices, while allowing the first and second wireless devices to operate as half-duplex devices. In some implementations, the AP can reuse portions of the wireless medium initially allocated to one or more first wireless devices for uplink transmission by reallocating these portions of the wireless medium for downlink transmission to one or more second wireless devices. In some aspects, the AP can duplex portions of the wireless medium occupied by relatively low data rate uplink transmissions and can concurrently transmit relatively high data rate downlink communication to the second STAs with at least a portion of the uplink data received from the first wireless devices.

[0092] A WLAN may include one or more access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless medium for use by several client devices. Each AP, corresponding to a Basic Service Set (BSS), periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable compatible client devices within the AP's wireless range to establish and maintain a communication link with the WLAN. Multiple APs may be connected together to form an Extended Service Set (ESS). WLANs operating according to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards are commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, and client devices communicating with APs in a Wi-Fi network are referred to as wireless STAs. Many APs and STAs can operate on several different frequencies, including, for example, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz.

[0093] A WLAN (also known as a Wi-Fi network) may include an access point (AP) and multiple associated STAs that can communicate via a wireless link. Multiple STAs can represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, laptops, tablets, laptops, display devices (e.g., televisions, computer monitors), printers, etc.

[0094] As described above, the communication device (e.g., UE 302, access point 304) may include a receiver (e.g., receivers 322, 362), a communication manager (e.g., communication managers 342, 388, 398), and a transmitter (e.g., transmitters 324, 364). The communication device may also include a processor (e.g., processors 332, 384). Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses, such as data buses 334, 382).

[0095] As described above, the receiver can receive information such as packets, user data, and / or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to multi-access point scheduling in a wireless local area network). The information can be transmitted to other components of the device. The receiver can be a transceiver (e.g., transceivers 320, 350). The receiver can utilize a single antenna, an antenna array, or any type of antenna array setup (e.g., antennas 326, 366).

[0096] In one example scenario, when operating in single-link mode, at least two antennas are switched to a single link upon transitioning to that mode. In another scenario, both of the at least two antennas are mapped to the same single link. In yet another scenario, when operating in multi-link mode, one of the at least two antennas is mapped to each of the multiple links.

[0097] The communication manager (e.g., communication managers 342, 388) may: win a transmission opportunity (TxOP) on a wireless channel based on a contention-based procedure (e.g., LBT, CCA); transmit a first resource assignment to at least a second AP during the first part of the TxOP for coordinated communication between the second AP and at least a first STA during the second part of the TxOP; transmit an instruction to at least the second AP to initiate the second part of the TxOP; and initiate coordinated communication between the first AP and at least a second STA associated with the first AP during the second part of the TxOP based on the instruction.

[0098] The communication manager can also receive resource assignments from the first AP during a first portion of a TxOP reserved for communication conducted by the first AP, for scheduling coordinated communication on a second portion of the TxOP. It can also transmit a scheduling instruction to at least one STA associated with the second access point, which schedules a subset of resources in the second portion of the TxOP for the coordinated communication indicated in the resource assignment; receive an indication of the start of the second portion of the TxOP; and initiate coordinated communication between the second AP and the at least one STA during the second portion of the TxOP based on the indication.

[0099] In some cases, the communication manager can also configure a Multi-AP Physical Protocol Data Unit (MAPPPDU) for transmission to schedule coordinated communication with at least one STA. It can also transmit the MAPPPDU transmission upon receiving an indication of the start of the second portion of a TxOP. It then communicates with the STA based on the MAPPPDU transmission, transmits an indication to at least a second AP of the start of the second portion of a TxOP reserved for communication by the first AP, initiates coordinated communication between the first AP and at least one STA associated with the first AP during the second portion of the TxOP based on the indication, receives the indication of the start of the second portion of a TxOP reserved for communication by the first AP, and initiates coordinated communication between the second AP and at least one STA during the second portion of the TxOP based on the indication.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication manager or its sub-components can be implemented in hardware, processor-executable code (e.g., software or firmware), or any combination thereof. If implemented in processor-executable code, the functionality of the communication manager or its sub-components can be performed by a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, 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 this disclosure.

[0101] The communication manager or its subcomponents may be physically located at various locations, including being distributed such that parts of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the communication manager or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the communication manager or its subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, transceivers, network servers, another computing device, one or more other components described in this disclosure, or combinations thereof.

[0102] The transmitter can transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter may be co-located with the receiver in a transceiver module. The transmitter can utilize a single antenna, an antenna array, or any type of antenna array setup.

[0103] In some examples, the communication manager may be a wireless modem, implemented as a component of a separate chipset or system-on-a-chip (SoC); and the receiver and transmitter may include analog components (e.g., amplifiers, filters, phase shifters, antennas, etc.) for facilitating the reception and transmission of wireless signals. The communication manager can acquire and decode signals wirelessly received from the receiver via the receiving interface. The communication manager can also output signals for the transmitter to wirelessly transmit over the transmitting interface.

[0104] According to various aspects of this disclosure, the communication device can support multi-access point scheduling in a wireless local area network. The communication device may include a receiver, a communication manager, and a transmitter. The device may also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). The coupling of the communication device can be wired, wireless, or any combination thereof.

[0105] The receiver can receive information in many different forms and formats. Examples include packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to multi-access point scheduling in a wireless LAN). The information can be passed to other components of the device.

[0106] The communication manager may include a channel contention manager, a resource assignment manager, a multi-AP transmission manager, a coordinated communication manager, and a scheduling manager. The channel contention manager can win contention-based procedures (e.g., CCA, LBT) to obtain the TxOP of the wireless channel.

[0107] The resource assignment manager may transmit a first resource assignment to at least a second AP during the first part of a TxOP for coordinated communication between the second AP and at least a first STA during the second part of the TxOP. In some cases, the resource assignment manager may receive a resource assignment from the first AP during the first part of a TxOP, which is reserved for communication conducted by the first AP, for scheduling coordinated communication on the second part of the TxOP.

[0108] In some cases, the resource allocation manager may transmit to at least a second AP an indication of the start of a second portion of a TxOP reserved for communication conducted by the first AP. In some cases, the resource allocation manager may receive an indication of the start of a second portion of a TxOP reserved for communication conducted by the first AP.

[0109] The multi-AP transmission manager can transmit an indication of the start of the second part of a TxOP to at least a second AP. In some cases, the multi-AP transmission manager can receive an indication of the start of the second part of a TxOP.

[0110] The coordination communication manager can initiate coordinated communication between a first AP and at least a second STA associated with the first AP during the second part of the TxOP based on a received instruction. In some cases, the coordination communication manager can initiate coordinated communication between the second AP and the at least one STA during the second part of the TxOP based on the instruction. In some cases, the coordination communication manager can transmit a MAP PPDU transmission upon receiving an instruction to begin the second part of the TxOP and communicate with the STA based on the MAP PPDU transmission.

[0111] The scheduler may transmit a scheduling instruction to at least one STA associated with the second AP, which schedules a subset of resources of the second portion of the TxOP for the coordinated communication indicated in the resource assignment. In some cases, the scheduler may configure MAP PPDU transmissions for scheduling coordinated communication with at least one STA.

[0112] The transmitter can transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter may be co-located with the receiver in a transceiver module.

[0113] As described above, the communication manager may include a channel contention manager, a resource assignment manager, a multi-AP transmission manager, a coordinated communication manager, a resource mapping component, a scheduling manager, and a sub-channel resource manager. Each of these modules may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). The channel contention manager can win contention-based procedures to obtain the TxOP of a wireless channel.

[0114] The resource allocation manager may transmit a first resource allocation to at least a second AP during the first part of a TxOP for coordinated communication between the second AP and at least a first STA during the second part of the TxOP. In some examples, the resource allocation manager may transmit to at least a second AP an indication of the start of the second part of the TxOP reserved for communication conducted by the first AP. In some examples, the resource allocation manager may transmit a second resource allocation to a third AP based on a first scheduling indicator for coordinated communication between the third AP and at least a third STA during the second part of the TxOP.

[0115] In some examples, the resource assignment manager may configure resource assignment in a Single User Physical Protocol Data Unit (SU PPDU) format. In some examples, the resource assignment manager may transmit resource assignments for coordinated communication between a second AP and at least a first STA, and between a third AP and at least a third STA. In some examples, the resource assignment manager may configure resource assignments to include the AP identifier of at least the second AP and the corresponding resources for the second portion of the TxOP. The multi-AP transmission manager may transmit an indication to at least the second AP of the start of the second portion of the TxOP.

[0116] In some examples, the resource allocation manager may receive from the first AP, during the first portion of a TxOP reserved for communication conducted by the first AP, a resource allocation for scheduling coordinated communication on the second portion of that TxOP. In some examples, the resource allocation manager may receive an indication of the start of the second portion of the TxOP reserved for communication conducted by the first AP, and may also receive an indication of the start of the second portion of that TxOP.

[0117] In some examples, the multi-AP transmission manager may receive a first scheduling indicator from a second AP based on a first resource assignment. In some examples, the multi-AP transmission manager may receive a second scheduling indicator from a third AP based on a second resource assignment.

[0118] An AP and its associated STA can be represented as a BSS or ESS. Individual STAs in the network can communicate with each other via the AP. Extended network stations associated with a WLAN can connect to wired or wireless distribution systems that allow multiple APs to be connected within an ESS. An AP can coordinate with one or more neighboring APs to provide coordinated communication during TxOP.

[0119] WLAN Protocol Data Units (PDUs) can be transmitted over different RF bands. Some examples may include multiple sub-bands or frequency channels. In one example, the RF band may have a bandwidth of 80 MHz, and each sub-band or channel may have a bandwidth of 20 MHz. Note that different bandwidths and frequencies can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0120] Transmissions to and from communication devices can include control information in a header sent before data transmission. The information provided in the header is used by the receiving device to decode subsequent data. Legacy preambles can be used for packet detection, automatic gain control, channel estimation, and other applications. Legacy preambles can also be used to maintain compatibility with legacy equipment.

[0121] In some aspects, wireless communication systems can be configured to support multi-user (MU) transmissions, where multiple access points (APs) perform wireless communication with their associated wireless STAs during a transit-time period (TxOP). For example, a first AP (e.g., a master AP) may obtain or otherwise acquire access to a channel to obtain a TxOP. The channel TxOP may have available resources beyond what the master AP needs to perform its wireless communication. Accordingly, the master AP may generally transmit or otherwise signal to (e.g., slave APs or neighboring APs) indications of the availability of these resources during the TxOP. The second APs may generally use unused resources to perform wireless communication during the TxOP.

[0122] In one example, the primary AP (e.g., the first AP) may obtain or otherwise acquire access to a shared or unlicensed radio spectrum band to obtain a TxOP. The primary AP may execute LBT procedures to obtain access to the channel to obtain a TxOP. In some aspects, the channel may be a wideband channel, and / or the TxOP may have a duration such that the available resources for use during the TxOP are greater than the resources required for the primary AP to operate.

[0123] The first AP may send a request to the second AP to participate in multi-user (MU) transmission during the first part of the TxOP. The TxOP can be adjusted in various ways. For example, the TxOP can be adjusted to increase its duration or to adjust the access priority.

[0124] The primary AP may transmit or otherwise provide an indication to its neighboring APs of a request (or invitation to participate) in MU transmissions during TxOP. In another scenario, one or more of these neighboring APs (e.g., one or more second APs, which may also be referred to as slave APs) may receive the participation request and determine that it has communications to exchange with its associated wireless STA. Each of these one or more neighboring APs may (based on the data available for communication) determine what resources it needs to transmit that data during TxOP.

[0125] Accordingly, each of the one or more neighboring APs may respond by transmitting or otherwise providing an indication of its intention to participate in the MU transmission to the master AP. Generally, the indication of participation intention may also carry or otherwise convey an indication of the resources that the neighboring AP is requesting for the MU transmission. The master AP may transmit or otherwise provide an indication of a trigger signal that carries or otherwise conveys an indication of resources (e.g., resource granting or allocation) available for use by the neighboring AP(s) during the MU transmission. The master AP and the neighboring AP(s) may participate in the MU transmission with their respective wireless STAs.

[0126] Each of these access points (APs) in the communication network can contend for access to the wireless channel during a contention / countdown window. In some cases, the first AP may be able to contend for channel access first and win the medium. Other APs may attempt to access the channel before the first AP wins the contention, but ultimately they may not win the contention.

[0127] During the first part of the TxOP, the AP may receive from the second AP an indication of its intention to participate in the MU transmission during the second part of the TxOP, the indication including the second AP's resource request for participation in the MU transmission. The AP may transmit a trigger signal to the second AP during the initial period of the second part of the TxOP to indicate a set of one or more resources for the second AP during the MU transmission. The AP may participate in the MU transmission in conjunction with the second AP and during the second part of the TxOP.

[0128] In some aspects of this disclosure, multi-AP scheduling is provided, wherein a first AP can obtain channel access to obtain a TxOP and can coordinate with at least a second AP to allow both the first and second APs to transmit and receive wireless communications during the TxOP. In a further aspect of this disclosure, a Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) for multi-AP coordination is provided, the PPDU carrying information related to scheduling and transmission resources for coordinating concurrent transmissions performed by multiple APs. In yet another further aspect of this disclosure, a technique for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is provided, wherein multiple APs can use one or more wireless channels to communicate concurrently with one or more associated STAs.

[0129] In some scenarios, a first AP may obtain channel access to acquire a TxOP and may coordinate with at least a second AP to allow both the first and second APs to transmit and receive wireless communications during the TxOP. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the first AP may be referred to as the TxOP owner or leading AP. In some scenarios, upon acquiring channel access (e.g., after a successful contention-based channel access procedure), the first AP may initiate a scheduling phase with the second AP to schedule resources within the TxOP for both the first and second APs. Following this scheduling phase, the first AP may initiate a multi-AP coordinated transmission phase during which both the first and second APs may communicate with one or more associated STAs.

[0130] IEEE 802.11be's Multilink Operation (MLO) mode supports the transmission of PPDUs on more than one link. However, due to bandwidth / channel separation and filter performance, there may be various limitations regarding how PPDUs are transmitted on each of these links.

[0131] Three example transmission modes will be considered. The first transmission mode considered is the basic mode, which involves multi-primary transmission with a single link. In this scenario, the STA / AP counts down between two links. Transmission is sent only on the link that wins the medium. Other links are blocked due to interference within the equipment exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., greater than -62dBm). The resulting aggregation gain is not obtained during this operating mode.

[0132] The second transmission mode under consideration is a synchronous mode, which includes a STA and an AP performing a time countdown on both links. PPDU start / end can occur independently on each link. An example scenario is when the device can support simultaneous Tx / Rx (e.g., on 2.4GHz and 5GHz operating modes). However, aggregating these two example 5GHz and 6GHz operating modes would require costly RF filters and may not be a feasible implementation for many client-side devices.

[0133] The third transmission mode under consideration is the synchronous PPDU mode, which involves a STA / AP performing a time countdown on both links. If the first link wins the right to transmit on the transmission medium, both links can transmit PPDUs simultaneously. In this mode, the aggregation of these two example 5GHz and 6GHz operating modes will not require costly RF filters. This mode also provides gains in both latency and aggregation.

[0134] In one example, a first AP can obtain channel access to obtain a TxOP and can coordinate with at least a second AP to allow both the first and second APs to transmit and receive wireless communications during the TxOP. In a further aspect of this disclosure, a PPDU for multi-AP coordination is provided, which may carry information related to scheduling and transmission resources for coordinating concurrent transmissions performed by multiple APs.

[0135] In another example, a first AP may acquire channel access to obtain a TxOP and may coordinate with at least a second AP to allow both the first and second APs to transmit and receive wireless communications during the TxOP. The first AP may be referred to as the TxOP owner (or leading AP). In some cases, the first AP acquires channel access by following a successful contention-based channel access procedure. It may also initiate a scheduling phase with the second AP to schedule resources within the TxOP for both the first and second APs. Following this scheduling phase, the first AP may initiate a multi-AP coordinated transmission phase during which both the first and second APs may communicate with one or more associated STAs.

[0136] In another scenario, the AP multi-link device (MLD) is configured to operate in two ways: 1) 320MHz operating bandwidth in 6GHz operating mode, and 2) 160MHz operating bandwidth in 5GHz operating mode. In another scenario (non-AP MLD), there is a capability supporting: 1) a multi-link operation (MLO) mode with 160MHz operating bandwidth in both 5GHz and 6GHz operating modes; or 2) a single-link mode with 320MHz operating bandwidth in 6GHz operating mode. Compared to the 5GHz operating mode, the 6GHz operating mode has a higher probability of being idle most of the time.

[0137] Another scenario is that a non-AP MLD can operate in single-link mode with a 320MHz operating bandwidth in 5GHz operating mode, while operating with a 160MHz operating bandwidth in 5GHz operating mode.

[0138] In one aspect, techniques for enabling dynamic switching between single-link and multi-link modes are disclosed to achieve optimal overall performance of both operating modes.

[0139] Figure 4An example wireless communication method 400 according to various aspects of this disclosure has been described. More specifically, method 400 allows for dynamic switching between single-link and multi-link communication modes based on triggering events. The use of both single-link and dual-link is a hybrid operating mode that can also be used with extremely high throughput (EHT) networks. In one aspect, method 400 can be performed by an AP (e.g., any AP described herein).

[0140] At 410, the AP communicates with at least one wireless station (STA) and supports multiple communication devices (e.g., other STAs, other APs, etc.) and communication modes on the communication medium. In one aspect, operation 410 can be performed by one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or communication manager 388, any one or all of which can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0141] At 420, the AP establishes a single-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and at least one of the plurality of communication devices via a single link. In one aspect, operation 420 may be performed by one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or communication manager 388, any one or all of which may be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0142] At 430, the AP establishes a multi-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and the at least one communication device via a multi-link connection. In one aspect, operation 430 may be performed by one or more short-range wireless transceivers 360, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or communication manager 388, any one or all of which may be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0143] At 440, the AP dynamically switches between single-link and multi-link communication modes based on a determination relating to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period. In one aspect, operation 440 can be performed by one or more short-range transceivers 360, one or more processors 384, memory 386, and / or communication manager 388, any one or all of which can be considered as means for performing the operation.

[0144] As will be understood, the technical advantage of method 400 is that it increases the media utilization and data throughput of the wireless network associated with the AP.

[0145] Figure 5 This is a diagram 500 illustrating an extension of the Spatial Multiplexing Power Saving (SMPS) mode in a downlink scenario according to various aspects of this disclosure. In the downlink scenario, such as Figure 5As explained in the text, the SMPS mode has been extended to include the following additional features. The STA uses a 160MHz operating bandwidth to listen to both links. When the AP wins the 320MHz operating bandwidth in 6GHz operating mode, the AP sends a Request to Send (RTS) / Clear to Send (CTS) to cause the STA to retune both radios to operate on 320MHz, 6GHz.

[0146] The AP then transmits an RTS on 320MHz, and the STA retunes its link and transmits a CTS on 320MHz. If the RTS duration is insufficient for the STA to respond, a padded RTS or another control frame (such as a trigger frame, e.g., MU RTS) may be present to perform a similar operation. The AP will disable the second link while the first link remains active.

[0147] When the AP wins 160MHz of operating bandwidth in 5GHz or 6GHz operating mode, it will follow Maximum Lifetime Minimum Resource (MLMR) operation. It can also implement a synchronous PPDU / endtime alignment mechanism.

[0148] Figure 6 This is illustration 600 illustrating the extension of SMPS mode in uplink scenarios according to various aspects of this disclosure. In uplink scenarios, such as Figure 6 As explained, the SMPS mode has been expanded to include the following additional features. The STA will perform a random backoff (RBO) procedure in both 5GHz and 6GHz operating modes. If the STA wins at 6GHz, it will retune its radio frequency (RF) to gain access to both links at 6GHz and will also transmit RTS over a 320MHz operating bandwidth.

[0149] If the STA wins at 5 GHz, the synchronous PPDU / UL aggregation procedure is used to follow the current MLMR procedure.

[0150] It also supports the following functionalities: The ability to switch between single-link and multi-link PPDUs has been added from the STA. Extensions to RTS, such as the RTS apostrophe (RTS') or control frames, have been added to support the transition to single-link PPDU mode. Furthermore, after RTS' / CTS switching, 5GHz is disabled when providing PPDUs with an operating bandwidth of 320MHz in single-link 6GHz operating mode.

[0151] The one or more wireless communication systems described herein can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each STA can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different STAs can be approximately time-aligned. For asynchronous operation, each STA can have different frame timing, and transmissions from different STAs may not be time-aligned. The techniques described herein can be used for both synchronous and asynchronous operation.

[0152] In the detailed description above, it can be seen that different features are grouped together in the various examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention to have more features than those explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, aspects of this disclosure may include fewer features than those of the individual example clauses disclosed. Therefore, the appended clauses should thus be considered as incorporated into this description, where each clause may be a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in its respective clause to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspects of that dependent clause are not limited to that specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses may also include combinations of aspects of the dependent clause with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any feature combined with other dependent and independent clauses. The aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations unless explicitly stated or readily inferred that a particular combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor). Furthermore, it is intended that aspects of a clause may be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause is not directly subordinate to that independent clause.

[0153] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0154] Clause 1. A wireless communication method comprising: communicating between an access point (AP) and a station (STA) and supporting multiple communication devices and communication modes on a communication network; establishing a single-link communication mode with the STA and the communication devices; establishing a multi-link communication mode with the same STA and the same communication device; and dynamically switching between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a triggering event.

[0155] Clause 2. The method as described in Clause 1, wherein the triggering event is a detection of a transmission opportunity (TxOP).

[0156] Clause 3. The method described in Clause 2, wherein the TxOP includes a mechanism for increasing the duration of the TxOP.

[0157] Clause 4. The method as described in any one of Clauses 2 to 3, wherein the TxOP includes a mechanism for adjusting access priority.

[0158] Clause 5. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein one of the supported communication modes is the Spatial Multiplexed Power Source (SMPS) mode.

[0159] Clause 6. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein during the downlink (DL) channel, the STA listens on at least two communication links.

[0160] Clause 7. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the selected frequency is an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz in 5 GHz operating mode.

[0161] Clause 8. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the selected frequency is a 320MHz operating bandwidth in 6GHz operating mode.

[0162] Clause 9. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the single-link mode is a 320MHz operating bandwidth in a 6GHz operating mode.

[0163] Clause 10. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the multi-link communication mode is a 320MHz operating bandwidth in 6GHz operating mode plus another 160MHz operating bandwidth in 5GHz operating mode.

[0164] Clause 11. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the AP attempts to win the use of the selected channel.

[0165] Clause 12. The method as described in Clause 11, wherein the AP disables the second communication link while the first communication link is active.

[0166] Clause 13. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the AP sends a Request to Send / Clear Send (RTS / CTS) message to enable the STA to retune the communication equipment to operate on a shared frequency.

[0167] Clause 14. The method as described in Clause 13, wherein the AP transmits an RTS over a 320MHz operating bandwidth, and the STA retunes its communication link and subsequently transmits a CTS over a 320MHz operating bandwidth.

[0168] Clause 15. The method of any one of Clauses 13 to 14, wherein if the duration of the RTS is not a sufficient time delay for the STA to respond, a padded RTS is used to provide the sufficient time delay.

[0169] Clause 16. The method as described in Clause 15, wherein the trigger frame is used to provide the sufficient time delay.

[0170] Clause 17. The method as described in Clause 15, wherein the MU RTS command is used to provide the sufficient time delay.

[0171] Clause 18. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein if the AP wins 160 MHz of operating bandwidth in 5 GHz operating mode or 6 GHz operating mode, then the Maximum Lifetime Minimum Resource (MLMR) operation is performed.

[0172] Clause 19. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) implements a PPDU / end-time alignment mechanism.

[0173] Clause 20. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the SMPS mode is extended during uplink (UL) communication.

[0174] Clause 21. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 20, wherein the STA performs random backoff (RBO) on two of at least two frequencies.

[0175] Clause 22. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 21, wherein two of the at least two operating bandwidths are 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

[0176] Clause 23. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 22, wherein if the STA wins at 6 GHz, the STA will retune the radio frequency (RF) to obtain both communication links on the 6 GHz operating mode and subsequently transmit a request to send (RTS) on the 320 MHz operating bandwidth.

[0177] Clause 24. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 23, wherein if the STA wins in 5GHz operating mode, the MLMR procedure is performed.

[0178] Clause 25. The method as described in Clause 24, wherein the Maximum Lifetime Minimum Resource (MLMR) operation uses a synchronous PPDU / UL aggregation procedure.

[0179] Clause 26. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein an extension of the RTS is used to transform to a single-link PPDU.

[0180] Clause 27. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the extension of the RTS apostrophe (RTS') is used to transform to a single-link PPDU.

[0181] Clause 28. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the extension of the control frame is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

[0182] Clause 29. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 28, wherein the 5GHz operating mode link is disabled when the PPDU is provided with an operating bandwidth of 320MHz in single-link 6GHz operating mode.

[0183] Clause 30. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 29, wherein a link is disabled after an RTS apostrophe (RTS') / CTS exchange.

[0184] Clause 31. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 30, wherein, when operating in a single-link communication mode, at least two antennas are switched to the single link upon transition to the single-link communication mode.

[0185] Clause 32. The method as described in Clause 31, wherein the at least two antennas are mapped to the same single link.

[0186] Clause 33. The method of any one of Clauses 31 to 32, wherein, when operating in a multi-link mode, one of the at least two antennas is mapped to each link of the multi-link.

[0187] Clause 34. An apparatus comprising: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the memory, the at least one transceiver, and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 33.

[0188] Clause 35. An apparatus for performing a method pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 33.

[0189] Clause 36. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 33.

[0190] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0191] Clause 1. A wireless communication method performed by an access point (AP), comprising: communicating with at least one wireless station (STA) and supporting a plurality of communication devices and communication modes on a communication medium; establishing a single-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and at least one of the plurality of communication devices via a single link; establishing a multi-link communication mode with the at least one wireless STA and the at least one communication device via multiple links; and dynamically switching between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination relating to an optimal delivery mode for the next time period.

[0192] Clause 2. The method as described in Clause 1, wherein the optimal delivery mode for the next time period is determined based on the antenna availability associated with the single link and the multiple links.

[0193] Clause 3. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the optimal delivery mode for the next time period is determined based on the radio capabilities associated with the single link and the multiple links and the probability of winning the communication medium.

[0194] Clause 4. The method as described in Clause 3, wherein the radio capability includes whether the selected frequency of the single-link communication mode or the multi-link communication mode is an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz in 5 GHz operating mode.

[0195] Clause 5. The method as described in any one of Clauses 3 to 4, wherein the radio capability includes whether the selected frequency of the single-link communication mode or the multi-link communication mode is a 320MHz operating bandwidth in a 6GHz operating mode.

[0196] Clause 6. The method described in Clause 5 further includes: attempting to win the use of the selected frequency.

[0197] Clause 7. The method as described in any one of Clauses 5 to 6, wherein the single-link communication mode is the 320MHz operating bandwidth in the 6GHz operating mode.

[0198] Clause 8. The method as described in any one of Clauses 5 to 7, wherein the multi-link communication mode is the 320MHz operating bandwidth in the 6GHz operating mode plus another 160MHz operating bandwidth in the 5GHz operating mode.

[0199] Clause 9. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the next time period includes one or more transmission opportunities (TxOPs).

[0200] Clause 10. The method as described in Clause 9, wherein the dynamic transition between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode comprises: increasing the duration of the one or more TxOPs.

[0201] Clause 11. The method as described in any one of Clauses 9 to 10, wherein the dynamic transition between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode comprises: adjusting the access priority of the one or more TxOPs.

[0202] Clause 12. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is a Spatial Multiplexed Power Source (SMPS) mode.

[0203] Clause 13. The method as described in Clause 12 further includes: extending the SMPS mode during uplink communication with the at least one wireless STA.

[0204] Clause 14. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 13 further comprises: disabling one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode, while the other of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is active.

[0205] Clause 15. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 14 further comprises: sending a Request to Send (RTS) message or a Clear to Send (CTS) message to enable the at least one wireless STA to retune its radio frequency (RF) to operate on a shared frequency.

[0206] Clause 16. The method of Clause 15 further comprises: providing the sufficient time delay using a padded RTS, a trigger frame, or a multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) command, based on the fact that the duration of the RTS is not a sufficient time delay for the at least one wireless STA to respond.

[0207] Clause 17. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 16 further comprises: transmitting a control signal on a 320 MHz operating bandwidth; and receiving a CTS on the 320 MHz operating bandwidth based on the STA retuning radio frequency (RF).

[0208] Clause 18. The method as described in Clause 17, wherein the control signal includes MU-RTS or RTS.

[0209] Clause 19. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 18 further comprises: performing Maximum Lifetime Minimum Resource (MLMR) operation based on the AP winning an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz in 5 GHz operating mode or 6 GHz operating mode.

[0210] Clause 20. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 19 further includes: implementing a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) / end time alignment mechanism.

[0211] Clause 21. The method of Clause 20 further comprises: based on the at least one wireless STA gaining access to the communication medium at 6 GHz and retuning the radio frequency (RF) to switch the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode to a 6 GHz operating mode while receiving RTS over an operating bandwidth of 320 MHz.

[0212] Clause 22. The method as described in Clause 21 further comprises: performing MLMR procedures based on the at least one wireless STA winning access to the communication medium in 5GHz operating mode.

[0213] Clause 23. The method as described in Clause 22, wherein the MLMR procedure uses a synchronous PPDU / uplink aggregation procedure.

[0214] Clause 24. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 23, wherein an extension of the RTS is used to transform to a single-link PPDU.

[0215] Clause 25. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 24, wherein an extension of the RTS apostrophe (RTS') is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

[0216] Clause 26. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the extension of the control frame is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

[0217] Clause 27. The method as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 26, wherein the 5GHz operating mode link is disabled when the PPDU is provided with an operating bandwidth of 320MHz in single-link 6GHz operating mode.

[0218] Clause 28. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 27, wherein one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is disabled after an RTS apostrophe or CTS exchange.

[0219] Clause 29. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 28, wherein, when operating in the single-link communication mode, at least two antennas of the AP are switched to the single link upon transition to the single-link communication mode.

[0220] Clause 30. The method as described in Clause 29, wherein at least two antennas are mapped to the single link.

[0221] Clause 31. The method of any one of Clauses 29 to 30, wherein, when operating in the multi-link communication mode, one of the at least two antennas is mapped to each link of the multi-link.

[0222] Clause 32. An apparatus comprising: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the memory, the at least one transceiver, and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 31.

[0223] Clause 33. An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 31.

[0224] Clause 34. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 31.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0226] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above in a generalized manner in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0227] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (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. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative embodiments, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0228] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Example storage media are coupled to a processor so that the processor can read and write information from / to the storage medium. In alternatives, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). In alternatives, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0229] In one or more examples, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on or through a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A storage medium may be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer. Similarly, any connection is also legitimately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then such coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used in this article, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0230] Although the foregoing disclosure illustrates illustrative aspects of this disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions in the method claims according to the aspects of this disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of this disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, pluralism is also contemplated unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method performed by an access point (AP), comprising: It can communicate with at least one radio station (STA) and support multiple communication devices and communication modes on the communication medium; A single-link communication mode is established with at least one wireless STA and at least one of the plurality of communication devices through a single link; A multi-link communication mode is established with at least one wireless STA and at least one communication device through multiple links; The system dynamically switches between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination related to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period. as well as Send a Request to Send (RTS) message or a Clear to Send (CTS) message to enable the at least one wireless STA to retune its radio frequency (RF) to operate on a shared frequency.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the optimal delivery mode for the next time period is determined based on antenna availability associated with the single link and the multiple links.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the optimal delivery mode for the next time period is determined based on the radio capabilities associated with the single link and the multiple links and the probability of winning the communication medium.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the radio capability includes whether the selected frequency of the single-link communication mode or the multi-link communication mode is an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz in a 5 GHz operating mode.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the radio capability includes whether the selected frequency of the single-link communication mode or the multi-link communication mode is a 320MHz operating bandwidth in a 6GHz operating mode.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: Try to win the use of the selected frequency.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the single-link communication mode is the 320MHz operating bandwidth in the 6GHz operating mode.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the multi-link communication mode is the 320MHz operating bandwidth in the 6GHz operating mode plus another 160MHz operating bandwidth in the 5GHz operating mode.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the next time period includes one or more transmission opportunities (TxOPs).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the dynamic transition between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode comprises: Increase the duration of the one or more TxOPs.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the dynamic transition between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode comprises: Adjust the access priority of the one or more TxOPs.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is a Spatial Multiplexed Power Source (SMPS) mode.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The SMPS mode is extended during uplink communication with the at least one wireless STA.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: One of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is disabled, while the other of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is active.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Since the duration of the RTS is not a sufficient time delay for the at least one wireless STA to respond, the sufficient time delay is provided using a padded RTS, a trigger frame, or a multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) command.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Send control signals over a 320MHz operating bandwidth; as well as CTS is received on the 320MHz operating bandwidth based on the retuned radio frequency (RF) of the at least one wireless STA.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the control signal includes MU-RTS or RTS.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Based on the AP's ability to gain 160MHz of operating bandwidth in either 5GHz or 6GHz operating mode, it performs Maximum Lifetime Minimum Resource (MLMR) operation.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Implement a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) or end-time alignment mechanism.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Based on the at least one wireless STA gaining access to the communication medium at 6 GHz and retuning the radio frequency (RF) to switch the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode to the 6 GHz operating mode while receiving RTS on the 320 MHz operating bandwidth.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: The MLMR procedure is executed based on the at least one wireless STA gaining access to the communication medium in 5GHz operating mode.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the MLMR procedure uses a synchronous PPDU or an uplink aggregation procedure.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the extension of RTS is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the extension of RTS prime (RTS') is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the extension of the control frame is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein, When PPDU is provided with an operating bandwidth of 320MHz in single-link 6GHz operating mode, the 5GHz operating mode link is disabled.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is disabled after RTS prime or CTS exchange.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein, When operating in the single-link communication mode, at least two antennas of the AP are switched to the single link when transitioning to the single-link communication mode.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least two antennas are mapped to the single link.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein, When operating in the multi-link communication mode, one of the at least two antennas is mapped to each link of the multi-link system.

31. An access point (AP), comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: It communicates with at least one wireless station (STA) via the at least one transceiver and supports multiple communication devices and communication modes on the communication medium; A single-link communication mode is established with at least one wireless STA and at least one of the plurality of communication devices through a single link; A multi-link communication mode is established with at least one wireless STA and at least one communication device through multiple links; The system dynamically switches between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination related to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period. Sending a Request to Send (RTS) message or a Clear to Send (CTS) message via the at least one transceiver enables the at least one wireless STA to retune its radio frequency (RF) to operate on a shared frequency.

32. The AP of claim 31, wherein the optimal delivery mode for the next time period is determined based on antenna availability associated with the single link and the multiple links.

33. The AP of claim 31, wherein the optimal delivery mode for the next time period is determined based on the radio capabilities associated with the single link and the multiple links and the probability of winning the communication medium.

34. The AP of claim 33, wherein the radio capability includes whether the selected frequency of the single-link communication mode or the multi-link communication mode is an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz in a 5 GHz operating mode.

35. The AP of claim 33, wherein the radio capability includes whether the selected frequency of the single-link communication mode or the multi-link communication mode is a 320MHz operating bandwidth in a 6GHz operating mode.

36. The AP of claim 35, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Try to win the use of the selected frequency.

37. The AP of claim 35, wherein the single-link communication mode is the 320MHz operating bandwidth in the 6GHz operating mode.

38. The AP of claim 35, wherein the multi-link communication mode is the 320MHz operating bandwidth in the 6GHz operating mode plus another 160MHz operating bandwidth in the 5GHz operating mode.

39. The AP of claim 31, wherein the next time period includes one or more transmission opportunities (TxOPs).

40. The AP of claim 39, wherein the at least one processor is configured to dynamically switch between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode, comprising the at least one processor being configured to: Increase the duration of the one or more TxOPs.

41. The AP of claim 39, wherein the at least one processor is configured to dynamically switch between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode, comprising the at least one processor being configured to: Adjust the access priority of the one or more TxOPs.

42. The AP of claim 31, wherein one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is a Spatial Multiplexed Power Source (SMPS) mode.

43. The AP of claim 42, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The SMPS mode is extended during uplink communication with the at least one wireless STA.

44. The AP of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: One of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is disabled, while the other of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is active.

45. The AP of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Since the duration of the RTS is not a sufficient time delay for the at least one wireless STA to respond, the sufficient time delay is provided using a padded RTS, a trigger frame, or a multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) command.

46. ​​The AP of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Control signals are transmitted over a 320MHz operating bandwidth via the at least one transceiver; and CTS is received via the at least one transceiver over the 320MHz operating bandwidth based on the at least one wireless STA retuning radio frequency (RF).

47. The AP of claim 46, wherein the control signal includes MU-RTS or RTS.

48. The AP of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Based on the AP's ability to gain 160MHz of operating bandwidth in either 5GHz or 6GHz operating mode, it performs Maximum Lifetime Minimum Resource (MLMR) operation.

49. The AP of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Implement a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) or end-time alignment mechanism.

50. The AP of claim 49, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: Based on the at least one wireless STA gaining access to the communication medium at 6 GHz and retuning the radio frequency (RF) to switch the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode to the 6 GHz operating mode, the RTS is received via the at least one transceiver over an operating bandwidth of 320 MHz.

51. The AP of claim 50, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: The MLMR procedure is executed based on the at least one wireless STA gaining access to the communication medium in 5GHz operating mode.

52. The AP of claim 51, wherein the MLMR procedure uses a synchronous PPDU or an uplink aggregation procedure.

53. The AP of claim 31, wherein the extension of RTS is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

54. The AP of claim 31, wherein the extension of RTS prime (RTS') is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

55. The AP of claim 31, wherein the extension of the control frame is used to transition to a single-link PPDU.

56. The AP as claimed in claim 31, wherein, When PPDU is provided with an operating bandwidth of 320MHz in single-link 6GHz operating mode, the 5GHz operating mode link is disabled.

57. The AP of claim 31, wherein one of the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode is disabled after RTS prime or CTS exchange.

58. The AP as claimed in claim 31, wherein, When operating in the single-link communication mode, at least two antennas of the AP are switched to the single link when transitioning to the single-link communication mode.

59. The AP of claim 58, wherein at least two antennas are mapped to the single link.

60. The AP as claimed in claim 58, wherein, When operating in the multi-link communication mode, one of the at least two antennas is mapped to each link of the multi-link system.

61. An access point (AP), comprising: A means for communicating with at least one wireless station (STA) and supporting multiple communication devices and communication modes on a communication medium; A means for establishing a single-link communication mode with at least one wireless STA and at least one of the plurality of communication devices via a single link; A means for establishing a multi-link communication mode with at least one wireless STA and at least one communication device via multiple links; A means for dynamically switching between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination related to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period; A means for sending a Request to Send (RTS) message or a Clear to Send (CTS) message to enable the at least one wireless STA to retune its radio frequency (RF) for operation on a shared frequency.

62. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by an access point (AP), cause the AP to: It can communicate with at least one radio station (STA) and support multiple communication devices and communication modes on the communication medium; A single-link communication mode is established with at least one wireless STA and at least one of the plurality of communication devices through a single link; A multi-link communication mode is established with at least one wireless STA and at least one communication device through multiple links; The system dynamically switches between the single-link communication mode and the multi-link communication mode based on a determination related to the optimal delivery mode for the next time period. Send a Request to Send (RTS) message or a Clear to Send (CTS) message to enable the at least one wireless STA to retune its radio frequency (RF) to operate on a shared frequency.

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