Clear channel assessment

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for clear channel assessment (CCA). In one aspect, a device performs a first clear channel assessment (CCA) check of a primary subchannel of a channel having a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 megahertz (MHz), a plurality of subchannels of the channel collectively spanning the total bandwidth of the channel, the plurality of subchannels including the primary subchannel and one or more secondary subchannels, the primary subchannel and the one or more secondary subchannels each having a bandwidth of 20 MHz, performs a respective second CCA check of each of the one or more secondary subchannels, and transmits a communication on the channel based on a status of the primary subchannel and each of the one or more secondary subchannels, the status based on performing the respective second CCA check or the first CCA check.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) for use when communicating over a wireless channel.

[0002] Related technical descriptions

[0003] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can be formed by one or more wireless access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by multiple client devices (also known as wireless stations (STAs)). The basic building block of a WLAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards is a Basic Service Set (BSS) managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) advertised by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the AP's wireless range to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0004] When a wireless communication device (such as an AP or STA) has data to transmit via a shared wireless communication medium, it can perform a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) as part of a contention process for using that shared medium. The CCA check is used to determine whether the communication channel is idle or busy. More specifically, the CCA check refers to using carrier sensing and energy detection to determine whether a specific frequency range or bandwidth of the wireless communication channel is idle or suitable for transmission (“idle”), or conversely, is being used by another wireless communication device or is otherwise unavailable or unsuitable for transmission (“busy”).

[0005] Overview

[0006] The systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein each have several innovative aspects, and no single aspect is solely responsible for the desired properties disclosed herein.

[0007] One aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication device. The wireless device includes: at least one modem; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one modem; and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to: perform a first clear channel assessment (CCA) check on a primary sub-channel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz, wherein a plurality of sub-channels of the channel share the total bandwidth of the channel, the channel including a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels, each having a bandwidth of 20 MHz; perform a corresponding second CCA check on each of the one or more secondary sub-channels; and enable communication to be transmitted on the channel based on the state of each of the primary sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels, the state being based on the execution of the corresponding first CCA check or the second CCA check.

[0008] Another aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication. The method includes: performing a first clear channel assessment (CCA) check on a primary sub-channel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz, wherein a plurality of sub-channels of the channel collectively span the total bandwidth of the channel, the plurality of sub-channels including a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels, each having a bandwidth of 20 MHz; performing a corresponding second CCA check on each of the one or more secondary sub-channels; and transmitting communication on the channel based on the state of each of the primary sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels, the state being based on either the performance of the corresponding second CCA check or the first CCA check.

[0009] In some respects, the method further involves: determining whether a primary sub-channel is idle based on a first CCA check; and for each of one or more secondary sub-channels, determining whether the corresponding secondary sub-channel is idle based on a corresponding second CCA check performed on the corresponding secondary sub-channel.

[0010] Some of these aspects operate in the following ways: determining whether a primary sub-channel is idle includes: performing a power detection CCA (CCA-ED) check on the primary sub-channel; and for each of one or more secondary sub-channels, determining whether the corresponding secondary sub-channel is idle includes: performing a corresponding CCA-ED check on each of one or more secondary sub-channels.

[0011] Some of these aspects operate in the following way: the CCA-ED check for the primary sub-channel and the corresponding CCA-ED check for each of one or more secondary sub-channels each include a negative 62dBm threshold check.

[0012] Some of these aspects operate in the following ways: determining whether a primary sub-channel is idle further includes: performing a preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check on the primary sub-channel; and for each of one or more secondary sub-channels, determining whether the corresponding secondary sub-channel is idle further includes: performing a corresponding CCA-PD check on each of one or more secondary sub-channels.

[0013] Some of these aspects operate in the following cases: CCA-PD checks on the master and slave channels include a negative 82dBm threshold check.

[0014] Some of these aspects operate when the corresponding CCA-PD check for each of one or more sub-channels includes a threshold of -72 dBm.

[0015] Some of these aspects operate when the channel has a common bandwidth of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz.

[0016] In some aspects, the method further involves generating one or more CCA indication reports based on at least one of a first CCA check and a corresponding second CCA check, the one or more CCA indication reports including an indication of the status of each 20MHz subchannel of the channel.

[0017] Some of these aspects operate when the one or more CCA indication reports include a first CCA report for the primary sub-channel and at least a second CCA report for one or more secondary sub-channels.

[0018] Some of these aspects operate in the following way: transmitting communication on the channel includes using the channel to transmit data based on at least one of determining that the primary sub-channel is idle and determining that one or more secondary sub-channels are idle.

[0019] Some of these aspects operate in the following way: transmitting communication on the channel includes transmitting data on a set of punctures in a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels according to a preamble puncture pattern that matches a corresponding idle value from a first CCA check and a corresponding second CCA check. Some of these aspects operate in the following way: transmitting communication on the channel further includes communicating on a first portion and a second portion of the plurality of sub-channels based on resource unit allocations for the primary sub-channels and one or more secondary sub-channels of the channel. Some of these aspects operate in the following way: the first CCA check has a first CCA threshold of -62 dBm. Some of these aspects operate in the following way: each of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check is performed serially.

[0020] Some of these aspects operate when the first CCA check, the corresponding second CCA check, and the transmission of communication on the channel are performed by the access point (AP) or mobile station (STA) in the wireless network.

[0021] Additional aspects are included in the following detailed description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0023] Details of one or more aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. However, the drawings illustrate only some typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit its scope. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0025] Figure 2A An example Protocol Data Unit (PDU) is shown that can be used for communication between an access point (AP) and one or more stations (STAs).

[0026] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A Example fields in the PDU.

[0027] Figure 3A An example PHY layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) is shown that can be used for communication between an AP and one or more STAs.

[0028] Figure 3B Another example PPDU is shown that can be used for communication between an AP and one or more STAs.

[0029] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device is shown.

[0030] Figure 5A A block diagram of an example access point (AP) is shown.

[0031] Figure 5B A block diagram of an example station (STA) is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the Open Channel Assessment (CCA) configured for wideband channels.

[0033] Figure 7 An example layer of the network interface that can be used to configure a CCA for a wide bandwidth channel is shown, including the physical (PHY) layer and the media access control (MAC) layer, according to some aspects.

[0034] Figure 8 An example CCA indicator is shown, which can be communicated from the PHY layer to the MAC layer for CCA configuration for wide bandwidth channels, based on some aspects.

[0035] Figure 9 The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for wideband channels.

[0036] Figure 10 The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for wideband channels.

[0037] Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting CCA for wide bandwidth channels, based on some examples.

[0038] Figure 12A The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for wideband channels.

[0039] Figure 12B The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for wideband channels.

[0040] Figure 13 The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for wideband channels.

[0041] Figure 14 The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting CCA for wide bandwidth channels, based on some examples.

[0042] Figure 15 The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting CCA for wide bandwidth channels, based on some examples.

[0043] Figure 16 The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting CCA for wide bandwidth channels, based on some examples.

[0044] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating example process 1700 for supporting CCA for a wide bandwidth channel operating at low power transmit levels, based on some examples.

[0045] Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating a sample process supporting CCA is shown.

[0046] Figure 19 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device supporting CCA for wide bandwidth channels is shown, based on some examples.

[0047] Similar reference numerals and naming conventions in the various figures indicate similar elements.

[0048] Detailed description

[0049] The following description is directed to certain specific examples and is intended to illustrate aspects of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. Some or all of the examples described can be applied in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the IEEE 802.15 standard, or as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The described aspects can be implemented in any device, system, or network that transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals using one or more of the following standards, or those published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP): Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G (New Radio (NR)). The described aspects can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Single User (SU) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), and Multi User (MU) MIMO. The described aspects can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), or Internet of Things (IoT) networks.

[0050] The various aspects described herein generally relate to unobstructed channel access (CCA) techniques for wireless communication channels with bandwidths of 240 MHz, 320 MHz, or otherwise greater than 160 MHz (referred to herein as “widebandwidth channels” or “wide-bandwidth channels”). For example, such CCA techniques can be used for extremely high throughput (EHT) communications, which are defined in or will be defined in the IEEE 802.11be revision of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard, or in future versions of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard. Some aspects described herein more specifically relate to extending older CCA techniques (such as those defined in the IEEE 802.11ax revision of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standard) to support widebandwidth channels with bandwidths greater than those supported by older standards (e.g., channels with bandwidths less than or equal to 160 MHz). In some examples, CCA techniques are extended to support one or more secondary bandwidths in addition to the primary 160 MHz or 80 MHz bandwidth. In some such examples, a 320MHz wideband channel can be constructed or configured as a combination of a primary 160MHz bandwidth and one or more secondary bandwidths (e.g., one 160MHz bandwidth or two 80MHz bandwidths). In some other examples, a 240MHz wideband channel can be constructed as a combination of a primary 160MHz bandwidth and secondary 80MHz bandwidths. In some other examples, a 240MHz wideband channel can be constructed as a combination of a primary 80MHz bandwidth and secondary 160MHz bandwidth. Other configurations including different sizes and combinations of primary and secondary bandwidths are also envisioned. In some aspects, the CCA technology used for the primary bandwidth portion can be extended to support CCA checks used for the secondary bandwidth portion.

[0051] Some aspects involve CCA techniques that can be used to efficiently identify idle portions of a wideband channel. In some aspects, portions of a wideband channel can be punctured for transmission based on the CCA results. In some examples, when contention arises for access to a wideband channel, the transmitting device can perform CCA checks at a 20MHz bandwidth granularity; that is, the transmitting device can perform CCA checks on each 20MHz subchannel of the wideband channel. The transmitting device can then generate or fill a bit map where each bit represents the state of the corresponding 20MHz subchannel (e.g., busy or idle). The combination of bits in the bit map collectively indicates the transmission availability of all portions of the wideband channel. In some other examples, the transmitting device can perform CCA checks at a 40MHz bandwidth granularity, such that the transmitting device performs CCA checks on each 40MHz subchannel, and each bit in the resulting bit map represents the state of the corresponding 40MHz subchannel of the wideband channel. In some aspects, the bit map generated based on CCA checks performed on individual subchannels or portions of the wideband channel can then be used to determine the puncturing pattern for subsequent transmissions via that wideband channel.

[0052] In some aspects, a combination of every 20MHz CCA check and every 40MHz CCA check can be performed on wide-bandwidth channels. For example, a wireless communication device can perform a every 20MHz CCA check on a primary 160MHz sub-channel (e.g., segmented) and a every 40MHz CCA check on one or more secondary sub-channels (e.g., performing a 40MHz CCA check on a secondary 160MHz sub-channel of a 320MHz wide-bandwidth channel, or performing a 40MHz CCA check on a secondary 80MHz sub-channel of a 240MHz wide-bandwidth channel). In some examples, other combinations of CCA checks can be performed on other bandwidths (such as 80MHz, 160MHz, or the full-bandwidth channel bandwidth).

[0053] In some examples, CCA checks can be performed sequentially. In other examples, CCA checks can be performed in parallel. In still other examples, based on a specific configuration, some CCA checks can be performed sequentially, and others can be performed in parallel.

[0054] Some aspects further involve the use of multiple master and sub-channels within a single wideband channel. In some examples, the wideband channel can be constructed with 80MHz or 160MHz segments (e.g., sub-channels), where each segment has an associated master sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels. In some examples, the wideband channel is constructed or configured as a combination of a master 160MHz segment and secondary 160MHz segments, where each 160MHz segment is further constructed with one master 20MHz sub-channel and seven secondary 20MHz sub-channels. In some examples, the wideband channel can be constructed with one 80MHz master segment and two secondary 80MHz segments, and each 80MHz segment can be further constructed with one master 20MHz sub-channel and three secondary 20MHz sub-channels. In some other examples, other structures or configurations for the wideband channel and its segments can be used.

[0055] Some aspects involve power thresholds that can be used by wireless communication devices to perform CCA checks on wide-bandwidth channels. In some examples, the wireless communication device may be configured for low-power operation in a low-power indoor (LPI) communication mode. In some examples, the wireless communication device may be configured to perform a duplicate (DUP) mode, a dual-carrier modulation (DCM) mode, or a combination of DUP and DCM modes for low-power operation. In some such examples, the power threshold used when operating in such low-power modes may be lower than the power threshold used when not operating in such low-power modes. For example, a wireless communication device operating in one or more lower power modes (e.g., DUP mode, DCM mode, or DUP and DCM modes) may use a lower power threshold (for performing CCA checks) compared to the power threshold used when not operating in one or more low-power modes.

[0056] The aspects described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the described techniques can be used to achieve wideband channel functionality. In some examples, added signaling indications enable a wider bandwidth channel that exceeds the signaling indications of the CCA (Channel Control Authority) available for managing legacy wireless channels (bandwidth less than or equal to 160 MHz). In some examples, the described techniques (including the use of bit mapping) provide flexibility in puncturing the communication structure or configuration, which improves the spectral efficiency of the available frequency resources of the shared wireless medium used by wireless communication devices. Some such examples can improve frequency resource utilization while improving efficiency, for example, by increasing the bit mapping frequency range from 20 MHz to 40 MHz. Increasing the bit mapping to 40 MHz can improve efficiency when the puncturing pattern is applied to bandwidths of at least 40 MHz and 20 MHz and the bit mapping provides less idle information than the minimum puncturing bandwidth. In some examples involving the use of multiple master and sub-channels in a single wideband channel, puncturing transmission can improve wireless frequency utilization by enabling transmission on the sub-segments of the wideband channel when the master segment is busy.

[0057] In some respects, one or more techniques described herein can be used to increase the transmission rate of a device while reducing the overhead required to perform the transmission. In some respects, one or more techniques can reduce the time and resources used while waiting for a busy channel to become idle. By enabling wideband communication channels, the CCA techniques described herein enable increased throughput for wireless communication. Due to the trade-off between linear bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), CCA techniques can also improve attenuation (RvR) performance at high bit rates. The CCA techniques described herein can use SNR ratio trade-offs to improve device performance. In some examples, the CCA techniques described herein for wideband channels allow for trade-offs between spectral efficiency and complexity or communication overhead. The CCA techniques described herein can further enable flexibility in selecting operating bandwidth (e.g., due to support for puncturing), which can allow partial use of the wideband channel when a portion of the wideband channel is being used by other devices.

[0058] Figure 1A block diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. Depending on some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (such as a Wi-Fi network) (and will be referred to WLAN 100 below). For example, WLAN 100 may be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard families (such as standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be). WLAN 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, such as access points (APs) 102 and multiple stations (STAs) 104. Although only one AP 102 is shown, WLAN 100 may also include multiple APs 102.

[0059] Each STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile handheld device, wireless handheld device, access terminal (AT), user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or subscriber unit and other examples. STA 104 may represent a variety of devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, laptop computers, tablet computers, laptop devices, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices (“remote controllers”), printers, kitchen or other household appliances, key fobs (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), and other examples.

[0060] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the corresponding AP 102. Figure 1An example coverage area 106 of AP 102 is shown, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of WLAN 100. The BSA can be identified to users by a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and to other devices by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which may be the Media Access Control (MAC) address of AP 102. AP 102 periodically broadcasts a beacon frame (“beacon”) including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 108 with AP 102 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”). For example, the beacon may include an identifier of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with AP 102. AP 102 can provide access to external networks to each STA 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication link 108.

[0061] In order to establish a communication link 108 with AP 102, each STA 104 is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations (“scanning”) on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform a passive scan, STA 104 listens for beacons transmitted by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals (referred to as Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) (measured in units of time (TU), where one TU can be equal to 1024 microseconds (μs)). To perform an active scan, STA 104 generates probe requests and transmits these probe requests sequentially on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from AP 102. Each STA 104 can be configured to identify or select an AP 102 to associate with based on scan information obtained through passive or active scanning, and perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 108 with the selected AP 102. At the end of the association operation, AP 102 assigns an Association Identifier (AID) to STA 104, which AP 102 uses to track STA 104.

[0062] As wireless networks become increasingly prevalent, STA 104 can have the opportunity to choose from one of many BSSs within its range or from multiple APs 102 that together form an Extended Service Set (ESS) (comprising multiple connected BSSs). The extended network station associated with WLAN 100 can be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that allows multiple APs 102 to be connected in such an ESS. Thus, STA 104 can be covered by more than one AP 102 and can be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. After being associated with an AP 102, STA 104 can also be configured to periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 can perform a "roaming" scan to find another AP 102 with more suitable network characteristics, such as a larger Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0063] In some scenarios, STA 104 can form a network without AP 102 or other equipment besides STA 104 itself. An example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). Ad hoc networks are alternatively referred to as mesh networks or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. In some scenarios, ad hoc networks can be implemented within a larger wireless network, such as WLAN 100. In such cases, while STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other via communication link 108 through AP 102, STA 104 can also communicate directly with each other via direct wireless link 110. Two STA 104 can communicate via direct communication link 110 regardless of whether the two STA 104 are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such ad hoc systems, one or more STA 104 can assume the role played by AP 102 in the BSS. Such STA 104 can be referred to as the group owner (GO) and can coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless links 110 include Wi-Fi Direct connections, connections established using Wi-Fi Tunneling Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

[0064] AP 102 and STA 104 function and communicate (via the corresponding communication link 108) in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards, such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be. These standards define the WLAN radio and baseband protocols used for the PHY and Media Access Control (MAC) layers. AP 102 and STA 104 transmit and receive wireless communications (hereinafter also referred to as "Wi-Fi communication") to and from each other in the form of PHY Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) (or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) PDUs). AP 102 and STA 104 in WLAN 100 can transmit PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which can be a portion of the spectrum including bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technologies, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 60 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, and 900 MHz band. Some implementations of AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other bands, such as the 6 GHz band, that can support both licensed and unlicensed communication. AP 102 and STA 104 can also be configured to communicate on other bands, such as shared licensed bands, where multiple operators may have licenses to operate in one or more of the same or overlapping bands.

[0065] Each frequency band may include multiple sub-bands or frequency channels. For example, PPDUs conforming to revisions of the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be standards can be transmitted in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands, where each band is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Thus, these PPDUs are transmitted on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but larger channels can be formed through channel bonding. For example, PPDUs can be transmitted on physical channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0066] Each PPDU is a composite structure comprising a payload in the form of a PHY preamble and a PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble can be used by the receiving equipment to decode subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is transmitted over bonded channels, the preamble field may be copied and transmitted in each of the multiple component channels. The PHY preamble may include both a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). The legacy preamble can be used for packet detection, automatic gain control, and channel estimation, among other purposes. The legacy preamble is also generally used to maintain compatibility with legacy equipment. The format, decoding, and information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble are based on the specific IEEE 802.11 protocol to be used to transmit the payload.

[0067] Figure 2A An example Protocol Data Unit (PDU) 200 for wireless communication between AP 102 and one or more STAs 104 is shown. For example, PDU 200 can be configured as a PPDU. As shown, PDU 200 includes a PHY preamble 202 and a PHY payload 204. For example, the preamble 202 may include a legacy portion, which itself includes a legacy short training field (L-STF) 206 consisting of two BPSK symbols, a legacy long training field (L-LTF) 208 consisting of two BPSK symbols, and a legacy signal field (L-SIG) 210 consisting of two BPSK symbols. The legacy portion of the preamble 202 can be configured according to the IEEE 802.11a wireless communication protocol standard. Prefix 202 may also include a non-legacy portion, which includes one or more non-legacy fields 212, for example, conforming to IEEE wireless communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be or later wireless communication protocols).

[0068] L-STF 206 generally enables the receiver equipment to perform coarse timing and frequency tracking, as well as automatic gain control (AGC). L-LTF 208 generally enables the receiver equipment to perform fine timing and frequency tracking, and also to perform initial estimation of the radio channel. L-SIG 210 generally enables the receiver equipment to determine the duration of the PDU and use the determined duration to avoid transmission over the PDU. For example, L-STF 206, L-LTF 208, and L-SIG 210 can be modulated according to a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation scheme. Payload 204 can be modulated according to a BPSK modulation scheme, a quadrature BPSK (Q-BPSK) modulation scheme, a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation scheme, or another appropriate modulation scheme. Payload 204 may include a PSDU containing a data field (DATA) 214, which in turn may carry higher-level data in the form of, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU).

[0069] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A Example L-SIG 210 in PDU 200. L-SIG 210 includes a data rate field 222, reserved (R) bits 224, a length field 226, parity bits 228, and a tail field 230. The data rate field 222 indicates the data rate (note that the data rate indicated in the data rate field 212 may not be the actual data rate of the data carried in the payload 204). The length field 226 indicates the packet length, for example, in symbols or bytes. The parity bits 228 can be used to detect bit errors. The tail field 230 includes tail bits, which can be used by the receiving device to terminate the operation of the decoder (e.g., the Viterbi decoder). The receiving device can use the data rate and length indicated in the data rate field 222 and the length field 226 to determine the packet duration, for example, in microseconds (μs) or other time units.

[0070] Figure 3A An example PPDU 300 is shown that can be used for wireless communication between an AP and one or more STAs. The PPDU 300 can be used for SU, OFDMA, or MU-MIMO transmissions. The PPDU 300 can be formatted as a High Efficiency (HE) WLAN PPDU according to the IEEE 802.11ax revision of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard. The PPDU 300 includes a PHY preamble comprising a legacy portion 302 and a non-legacy portion 304. The PPDU 300 may further include a PHY payload 306 (e.g., in the form of a PSDU including a data field 324) after the preamble.

[0071] The legacy portion 302 of the preamble includes L-STF 308, L-LTF 310, and L-SIG 312. The non-legacy portion 304 includes a repetition of L-SIG (RL-SIG) 314, a first HE signal field (HE-SIG-A) 316, a short HE training field (HE-STF) 320, and one or more long HE training fields (or symbols) (HE-LTF) 322. For OFDMA or MU-MIMO communication, the second portion 304 further includes a second HE signal field (HE-SIG-B) 318 encoded separately from HE-SIG-A 316. HE-STF 320 can be used for timing and frequency tracking and AGC, and HE-LTF 322 can be used for more refined channel estimation. Similar to L-STF308, L-LTF 310, and L-SIG 312, in instances involving the use of bonded channels, the information in RL-SIG 314 and HE-SIG-A 316 can be copied and transmitted in each component 20MHz channel. In contrast, the content in HE-SIG-B 318 can be unique for each 20MHz channel and for the target-specific STA 104.

[0072] RL-SIG 314 indicates to HE-compatible STA 104 that PPDU 300 is an HE PPDU. AP 102 can use HE-SIG-A316 to identify multiple STAs 104 and notify them that the AP has scheduled UL or DL ​​resources for them. For example, HE-SIG-A 316 may include a resource allocation subfield indicating the resource allocation for the identified STA 104. HE-SIG-A 316 can be decoded by each HE-compatible STA 104 served by AP 102. For MU transmissions, HE-SIG-A 316 further includes information that can be used by each identified STA 104 to decode the associated HE-SIG-B 318. For example, HE-SIG-A 316 may indicate the frame format (including the location and length of HE-SIG-B 318), available channel bandwidth, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and other examples. HE-SIG-A 316 may also include HE WLAN signaling information that can be used by STA 104 other than the identified STA 104.

[0073] HE-SIG-B 318 may carry STA-specific scheduling information, such as, for example, STA-specific (or "user-specific") MCS values ​​and STA-specific RU allocation information. In the context of DL MU-OFDMA, this information enables the corresponding STA 104 to identify and decode the corresponding Resource Unit (RU) in the associated data field 324. Each HE-SIG-B 318 includes a common field and at least one STA-specific field. The common field may indicate RU allocations (including RU assignments in the frequency domain) for multiple STAs 104, indicating which RUs are allocated for MU-MIMO transmissions and which RUs correspond to MU-OFDMA transmissions, as well as the number of users in the allocation and other examples. The common field may be encoded with common bits, CRC bits, and tail bits. The user-specific field is assigned to a specific STA 104 and can be used to schedule a specific RU and indicate that scheduling to other WLAN devices. Each user-specific field may include multiple user block fields. Each user block field may include two user fields, which contain information about the corresponding RU payload in the two corresponding STA decoding data fields 324.

[0074] Figure 3B Another example PPDU 350 for wireless communication between an AP and one or more STAs is shown. The PPDU 350 can be used for SU, OFDMA, or MU-MIMO transmissions. The PPDU 350 can be formatted as an Extremely High Throughput (EHT) WLAN PPDU according to the IEEE 802.11be revision of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard, or it can be formatted as a PPDU of any later (post-EHT) version conforming to a new wireless communication protocol (conforming to future IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards or other wireless communication standards). The PPDU 350 includes a PHY preamble comprising a legacy portion 352 and a non-legacy portion 354. The PPDU 350 may further include a PHY payload 356 (e.g., in the form of a PSDU including a data field 374) after the preamble.

[0075] The legacy portion 352 of the preamble includes L-STF 358, L-LTF 360, and L-SIG 362. The non-legacy portion 354 of the preamble includes RL-SIG 364 and signal fields associated with various wireless communication protocol versions following RL-SIG 364. For example, the non-legacy portion 354 may include a general signal field 366 (referred to herein as "U-SIG 366") and an EHT signal field 368 (referred to herein as "EHT-SIG 368"). One or both of U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG 368 may be configured for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry information related to that version. The non-legacy portion 354 further includes an additional short training field 370 (referred to herein as "EHT-STF 370," but may also be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry information related to that version) and one or more additional long training fields 374 (referred to herein as "EHT-LTF 372," but may be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry information related to that version). EHT-STF 370 can be used for timing and frequency tracking and AGC, and EHT-LTF 372 can be used for more refined channel estimation. Similar to L-STF 358, L-LTF 360, and L-SIG 362, in instances involving the use of bonded channels, the information in U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG 368 can be copied and transmitted in each component 20MHz channel. In some implementations, EHT-SIG 368 may additionally or alternatively carry information different from that carried in the primary 20MHz channel in one or more non-primary 20MHz channels.

[0076] EHT-SIG 368 may include one or more jointly encoded symbols and may be encoded in a different block than the block in which U-SIG 366 is encoded. EHT-SIG 368 may be used by the AP to identify multiple STAs 104 and to notify those STAs that the AP has scheduled UL or DL ​​resources for them. EHT-SIG 368 may be decoded by each compatible STA 104 served by AP 102. EHT-SIG 368 may generally be used by the receiving device to interpret the bits in data field 374. For example, EHT-SIG 368 may include RU allocation information, spatial flow configuration information, and per-user signaling information (such as MCS) and other examples. EHT-SIG 368 may further include a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) (e.g., 4 bits) and a tail (e.g., 6 bits) that may be used for binary convolutional codes (BCC). In some implementations, EHT-SIG 368 may include one or more code blocks, each containing a CRC and a tail. In some aspects, each code block may be encoded individually.

[0077] EHT-SIG 368 can carry STA-specific scheduling information, such as, for example, user-specific MCS values ​​and user-specific RU allocation information. EHT-SIG 368 can generally be used by the receiving device to interpret the bits in data field 374. In the context of DL MU-OFDMA, this information enables the corresponding STA 104 to identify and decode the corresponding RU in the associated data field 374. Each EHT-SIG 368 may include a common field and at least one user-specific field. The common field may indicate the RU distribution across multiple STAs 104, indicate RU assignment in the frequency domain, indicate which RUs are allocated for MU-MIMO transmissions and which RUs correspond to MU-OFDMA transmissions, and the number of users in the allocation, among other examples. The common field may be encoded with common bits, CRC bits, and tail bits. The user-specific field is assigned to a specific STA 104 and can be used to schedule specific RUs and indicate this scheduling to other WLAN devices. Each user-specific field may include multiple user block fields. Each user block field may include, for example, two user fields containing information for the two corresponding STAs to decode their respective RU payloads.

[0078] The presence of RL-SIG 364 and U-SIG 366 ensures compatibility with EHT or later versions. STA 104 indicates that PPDU 350 is an EHT PPDU or a PPDU of any later (post-EHT) version that conforms to a new wireless communication protocol (compliant with the future IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard). For example, U-SIG 366 can be used by the receiving device to interpret bits in one or more of EHT-SIG 368 or data field 374.

[0079] Access to a shared wireless medium is typically managed by a Distributed Coordination Function (DCF). With DCF, there is generally no centralized master device allocating time and frequency resources for the shared wireless medium. Instead, a wireless communication device (such as AP102 or STA 104) must wait for a specific time and then contend for access to the wireless medium before being permitted to transmit data. In some aspects, wireless communication devices can be configured to implement DCF using Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CA) (CSMA / CA) technology and timing intervals. Before transmitting data, the wireless communication device can perform Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) and determine the appropriate wireless channel to be idle. CCA includes physical (PHY-level) carrier sensing and virtual (MAC-level) carrier sensing. Physical carrier sensing is performed by measuring the received signal strength of a valid frame, which is then compared to a threshold to determine if the channel is busy. For example, if the received signal strength of the detected preamble is higher than a threshold, the medium is considered busy. Physical carrier sensing also includes energy detection. Energy detection involves measuring the total energy received by the wireless communication device regardless of whether the received signal represents a valid frame. If the total detected energy exceeds a threshold, the medium is considered busy. Virtual carrier sensing is accomplished using a network allocation vector (NAV), which is an indicator of the time when the medium may next become idle. The NAV is reset each time a valid frame not addressed to the wireless communication device is received. The NAV effectively serves as the elapsed time before the wireless communication device can contend for access, even if no symbols are detected or even if the detected energy is below the relevant threshold.

[0080] As described above, DCF is implemented using time intervals. These time intervals include slot time (or “slot interval”) and inter-frame spacing (IFS). Slot time is the basic unit of timing and can be determined based on one or more of the transmit-receive turnaround time, channel listening time, propagation delay, and MAC processing time. Measurements for channel listening are performed for each slot. The entire transmission can begin at the slot boundary. Different variations of IFS exist, including Short IFS (SIFS), Distributed IFS (DIFS), Extended IFS (EIFS), and Arbitrated IFS (AIFS). For example, DIFS can be defined as the sum of SIFS and twice the slot time. The values ​​of slot time and IFS can be provided by appropriate standard specifications, such as a standard in the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard family (such as standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be).

[0081] When the NAV reaches 0, the wireless communication device performs physical carrier sensing. If the channel remains idle within a suitable IFS (e.g., DIFS), the wireless communication device initiates a backoff timer, which represents the duration for which the device must detect that the medium is idle before allowing the device to transmit. Each time the medium is detected to be idle during the corresponding time slot interval, the backoff timer is decremented by one time slot. If the channel remains idle until the backoff timer expires, the wireless communication device becomes the owner (or "owner") of the transmission opportunity (TXOP) and can begin transmitting. TXOP is the duration for which the wireless communication device can transmit frames on the channel after winning contention for the wireless medium. On the other hand, if one or more carrier sensing mechanisms indicate that the channel is busy, the MAC controller within the wireless communication device will deny transmission.

[0082] Each time a wireless communication device generates a new PPDU for transmission in a new TXOP, it randomly selects a new backoff timer duration. The available distribution of numbers that can be randomly selected for the backoff timer is called the contention window (CW). When the backoff timer expires, if the wireless communication device transmits the PPDU but the medium is still busy, a collision may occur. If there is too much additional energy on the wireless channel, resulting in a poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), communication may be corrupted or otherwise fail to be received successfully. In such instances, the wireless communication device may fail to receive confirmation of the transmitted PDU within the timeout interval. The MAC can then exponentially increase the CW (e.g., double it) and randomly select a new backoff timer duration from the CW before each retransmission attempt for the PPDU. Before each retransmission attempt, the wireless communication device can wait for the duration of the DIFS and, if the medium remains idle, proceed to initiate a new backoff timer. There are different CW and TXOP durations for each of the following four access categories (AC): Voice (AC_VO), Video (AC_VI), Background (AC_BK), and Best Effort (AC_BE). These different durations and access categories allow for prioritization of specific types of traffic within the network.

[0083] Some APs and STAs can be configured to implement spatial reuse techniques. For example, APs and STAs configured to communicate using IEEE 802.11ax or 802.11be can be configured with BSS colors. APs associated with different BSSs can be associated with different BSS colors. If an AP or STA detects a radio packet from another wireless communication device during access contention, the AP or STA can apply different contention parameters based on whether the radio packet was transmitted or received by another wireless communication device within its BSS, or from a wireless communication device in an overlapping BSS (OBSS) (as determined by the BSS color indication in the preamble of the radio packet). For example, if the BSS color associated with the radio packet is the same as the BSS color of the AP or STA, the AP or STA can use a first Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) detection threshold when performing CCA on the wireless channel. However, if the BSS color associated with the radio packet is different from the BSS color of the AP or STA, the AP or STA can use a second RSSI detection threshold instead of the first RSSI detection threshold when performing CCA on the radio channel. The second RSSI detection threshold is greater than the first RSSI detection threshold. In this way, the requirement to win contention is relaxed when interference transmissions are associated with the OBSS.

[0084] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 400 is shown. In some aspects, the wireless communication device 400 can be for STAs (such as those mentioned above). Figure 1 Examples of devices in one of the STAs 104 described above. In some aspects, the wireless communication device 400 may be for an AP (such as those described above). Figure 1 Example of a device in the described AP 102). Wireless communication device 400 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device can be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) and Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) conforming to IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards (such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its amendments, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be).

[0085] The wireless communication device 400 may be or may include a chip, system-on-a-chip (SoC), chipset, package, or device comprising one or more modems 402 (e.g., a Wi-Fi (compliant with IEEE 802.11) modem). In some aspects, the one or more modems 402 (collectively, "modem 402") additionally include a WWAN modem (e.g., a 3GPP 4G LTE or 5G compatible modem). In some aspects, the wireless communication device 400 also includes one or more processors, processing blocks, or processor 404 (collectively, "processor 404") coupled to the modem 402. In some aspects, the wireless communication device 400 additionally includes one or more radios 406 (collectively, "radio 406") coupled to the modem 402. In some aspects, the wireless communication device 400 further includes one or more memory blocks or elements (collectively, "memory 408") coupled to the processor 404 or the modem 402.

[0086] Modem 402 may include intelligent hardware blocks or devices (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and other examples). Modem 402 is generally configured to implement the PHY layer, and in some implementations also implements a portion of the MAC layer (e.g., the hardware portion of the MAC layer). For example, modem 402 is configured to modulate packets and output modulated packets to radio 406 for transmission over a wireless medium. Similarly, modem 402 is configured to acquire modulated packets received by radio 406 and demodulate these packets to provide demodulated packets. In addition to modulators and demodulators, modem 402 may further include digital signal processing (DSP) circuitry, automatic gain control (AGC) circuitry, decoders, decoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers. For example, when in transmission mode, data obtained from processor 404 may be provided to encoders, which encode the data to provide decoded bits. Subsequently, the decoded bits may be mapped to several (N) SS (N) spatial flows for spatial reuse or several (N) STS( ) space-time streams for space-time block decoding (STBC). The decoded bits in each stream can then be mapped (using the selected MCS) to points in the modulation constellation to provide modulated symbols. The modulated symbols in the corresponding space stream or space-time stream can be multiplexed, transformed via an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) block, and then fed to the DSP circuitry (e.g., for Tx windowing and filtering). The digital signal can then be fed to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The resulting analog signal can then be fed to an upconverter and ultimately to radio 406. In implementations involving beamforming, the modulated symbols in the corresponding space stream are pre-coded via a guiding matrix before being fed to the IFFT block.

[0087] When in receive mode, the DSP circuitry is configured to acquire a signal including modulated symbols received from radio 406, for example, by detecting the presence of the signal and estimating initial timing and frequency offsets. The DSP circuitry is further configured to digitally condition the signal, for example, using channel (narrowband) filtering and analog impairment conditioning (such as correcting I / Q imbalance), and by applying digital gain to ultimately obtain a narrowband signal. The output of the DSP circuitry can then be fed to an AGC, which is configured to use information extracted from the digital signal (e.g., in one or more received training fields) to determine an appropriate gain. The output of the DSP circuitry is also coupled to a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the modulated symbols upon receiving multiple spatial or space-time streams. The demultiplexed symbols can be provided to a demodulator, which is configured to extract symbols from the signal and, for example, calculate the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) for each bit position of each subcarrier in each spatial stream. The demodulator is coupled to a decoder, which is configured to process the LLR to provide decoded bits. The decoded bits can then be descrambled and provided to the MAC layer (processor 404) for processing, evaluation, or interpretation.

[0088] Radio 406 generally includes at least one radio frequency (RF) transmitter (or “transmitter chain”) and at least one RF receiver (or “receiver chain”), which may be combined into one or more transceivers. For example, each of the RF transmitter and receiver may include various analog circuitry systems, including at least one power amplifier (PA) and at least one low-noise amplifier (LNA), respectively. The RF transmitter and receiver may further be coupled to one or more antennas. For example, in some aspects, wireless communication device 400 may include or be coupled to multiple transmitting antennas (each with a corresponding transmitting chain) and multiple receiving antennas (each with a corresponding receiving chain). Symbols output from modem 402 are provided to radio 406, which then transmits these symbols via the coupled antennas. Similarly, symbols received via the antennas are acquired by radio 406, which then provides these symbols to modem 402.

[0089] Processor 404 may include intelligent hardware blocks or devices designed to perform the functions described herein, such as, for example, processing cores, processing blocks, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. Processor 404 processes information received via radio 406 and modem 402, and processes information to be output via modem 402 and radio 406 for transmission over a wireless medium. For example, processor 404 may implement a control plane and at least a portion of a MAC layer configured to perform various operations related to the generation, transmission, reception, and processing of MPDUs, frames, or packets. In some aspects, the MAC layer is configured to: generate MPDUs for delivery to a PHY layer for decoding, and receive decoded information bits from the PHY layer for processing as MPDUs. The MAC layer may be further configured to allocate time and frequency resources, for example, for OFDMA, or other operations or techniques. In some respects, processor 404 can generally control modem 402 to enable the modem to perform the various operations described above.

[0090] Memory 408 may include tangible storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof. Memory 408 may also store non-transient processor or computer-executable software (SW) code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 404, cause the processor to perform various operations described herein for wireless communication, including the generation, transmission, reception, and interpretation of MPDUs, frames, or packets. For example, the various functions of the components disclosed herein, or the various blocks or steps of the methods, operations, processes, or algorithms disclosed herein, may be implemented as one or more modules of one or more computer programs.

[0091] Figure 5A A block diagram of an example AP 502 is shown. For example, AP 502 could be a reference... Figure 1 The described example implementation of AP 102. AP 502 includes a wireless communication device (WCD) 510 (but AP 502 itself may also be referred to as a wireless communication device, as used herein). For example, wireless communication device 510 may be a reference... Figure 4 An example implementation of the described wireless communication device 400 is described. AP 502 also includes a plurality of antennas 520 coupled to the wireless communication device 510 for transmitting and receiving wireless communications. In some aspects, AP 502 additionally includes an application processor 530 coupled to the wireless communication device 510, and a memory 540 coupled to the application processor 530. AP 502 further includes at least one external network interface 550, which enables AP 502 to communicate with a core network or backhaul network to obtain access to external networks, including the Internet. For example, external network interface 550 may include one or both of a wired (e.g., Ethernet) network interface and a wireless network interface (such as a WWAN interface). Components of the foregoing components may communicate directly or indirectly with other components of these components on at least one bus. AP 502 further includes a housing that encloses the wireless communication device 510, application processor 530, memory 540, and at least a portion of the antennas 520 and external network interface 550.

[0092] Figure 5B A block diagram of example STA 504 is shown. For example, STA 504 could be a reference... Figure 1 The example implementation of STA 104 described herein. STA 504 includes wireless communication device 515 (but STA 504 itself may also be referred to as a wireless communication device, as used herein). For example, wireless communication device 515 may be a reference... Figure 4An example implementation of the described wireless communication device 400. STA 504 also includes one or more antennas 525 coupled to the wireless communication device 515 for transmitting and receiving wireless communications. STA 504 additionally includes an application processor 535 coupled to the wireless communication device 515, and a memory 545 coupled to the application processor 535. In some aspects, STA 504 further includes a user interface (UI) 555 (such as a touchscreen or keyboard) and a display 565, which can be integrated with the UI 555 to form a touchscreen display. In some aspects, STA 504 may further include one or more sensors 575 (for example, such as one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors). Components of the foregoing components can communicate directly or indirectly with other components of these components on at least one bus. STA 504 further includes a housing that encloses the wireless communication device 515, the application processor 535, the memory 545, and at least portions of the antenna 525, the UI 555, and the display 565.

[0093] As described above, frequency bands (such as 6.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands) can have channels defined within those bands. These values ​​describe the frequency range around a given frequency value, which is a portion of the band identified by a specific frequency number. Each band can have a uniform sub-channel bandwidth (such as 20 MHz), which is used to cover the total bandwidth associated with a given band. As mentioned above, some WLAN devices are able to transmit at higher bandwidths by concurrently using multiple sub-channels (referred to as "channel bonding"), allowing these devices to use sub-channels efficiently with shared signaling overhead. By increasing the number of sub-channels bonded to a channel, channels with larger bandwidths (referred to as wideband channels) can be created. Such wideband channels can be made more efficient by limiting the signaling used and improving the signaling efficiency of the band. As channel bandwidth increases, the complexity of channel access and contention for the channel with other devices may also increase. In addition to the fundamental issues of implementing a structure that enables wideband channels, larger channel bandwidths can lead to complexities regarding both the limitation of transmission power and the fairness of sharing access to band resources among different devices.

[0094] Legacy systems include support for smaller bandwidth channels in various Open Channel Assessment (CCA) modes. A full CCA in such modes involves energy detection and preamble detection CCA checks across a given combination of channel bandwidths to determine whether the channel is busy or idle, and random backoff when the CCA generates an idle indication. These legacy CCA modes can include non-punctured transmission modes with poor spectral efficiency and less flexibility in choosing operating bandwidth. Legacy CCA modes can also include per-20MHz punctured transmission modes. Per-20MHz punctured transmission modes allow for improved spectral efficiency but use hardware resources and have the additional overhead of more complex preamble forms in transmission. Third modes include trigger-based PPDU modes. Third modes can include per-20MHz bit mapping and Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS) CCA checks. Third modes can include enhanced distributed channel access on each 20MHz sub-channel and use only the energy detection threshold without the preamble detection CCA threshold, although third modes are not qualified as a standalone full CCA check for normal channel contention and access.

[0095] The aspects described in this paper address the above-mentioned issues generally related to CCA mode and operation, in order to enable wireless communication using a wide-bandwidth channel with a bandwidth equal to or greater than 240 MHz.

[0096] Figure 6 The text explains various aspects of widebandwidth channels based on examples and the Open Channel Assessment (CCA) configured for widebandwidth channels. Figure 6 In the example, wideband channel 600 has a total bandwidth of 320 MHz, which is generated by the binding or aggregation of 16 smaller 20 MHz bandwidth sub-channels (shown as sub-channels 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, and 625). Although in Figure 6 The channel mapping shown is depicted as adjacent channels, but in some respects, the combined sub-channels constituting the wideband channel 600 may include non-adjacent sub-channels.

[0097] The 320MHz wideband channel 600 can be segmented in several ways to define at least one primary sub-channel and at least one secondary channel. Figure 6In this configuration, subchannel 610 is configured as the first primary subchannel 627. All other subchannels are secondary subchannels. Subchannels can also be grouped using the bandwidth of multiple subchannels. As shown, grouping can include a 40MHz bandwidth 630, an 80MHz bandwidth 635, and a 160MHz bandwidth 640. The bandwidth including the 20MHz primary subchannel is designated as the primary bandwidth, and the bandwidth excluding the primary subchannel is designated as the secondary bandwidth. For example, subchannels 610 and 611 constitute a 40MHz primary bandwidth, and subchannels 612 and 613 constitute a 40MHz secondary bandwidth. The remaining additional subchannel pairs in the configuration shown also constitute a secondary 40MHz bandwidth. For example, subchannels 614 and 615 constitute an additional secondary 40MHz bandwidth.

[0098] Similar to the 40MHz bandwidth, sub-channels 610, 611, 612, and 613 constitute the main 80MHz bandwidth, and the remaining three groups of the four sub-channels each constitute a secondary 80MHz bandwidth. The main 160MHz bandwidth of the 160MHz bandwidth 640 is composed of the bandwidths of the first eight sub-channels 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, and 617. The remaining sub-channels constitute the secondary 160MHz bandwidth of the 320MHz wideband channel 600.

[0099] The CCA technique in this disclosure can be performed by any type of WLAN device (including AP or STA). The following describes CCA operation implemented using a serial CCA check, based on several examples. Several alternative examples are further described below. In each respect, when performing the CCA procedure, the wireless communication device (or its PHY layer) initiates the CCA operation by performing a CCA check on the bandwidth to be checked via the CCA check for the wideband channel 600, or on the primary sub-channel 627 defined in the channel list. The CCA check can indicate whether the primary sub-channel is busy or idle. An idle state can also be referred to as a "clear" state. A busy state can also be referred to as a "occupied" state.

[0100] If the CCA check metric on the primary sub-channel is below the signal detection threshold, an idle value is assigned to that sub-channel. The CCA check may include an energy detection threshold that can identify signals other than 802.11 signals, and a preamble detection threshold specifically for checking IEEE 802.11 signals. Examples of various signals and signal detection thresholds are shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below. In some implementations, if the CCA check detects a signal via energy detection or a packet via packet detection on the primary sub-channel 627, an indication that the wideband channel 600 is busy is generated. For serial CCA checks, the CCA process may stop and return an indication that the wideband channel is busy. The PHY layer performing the CCA check may send such an indication to the MAC layer.

[0101] Otherwise, if the primary subchannel 627 is open, the PHY layer can perform a CCA check on the secondary subchannel (e.g., the secondary 20MHz bandwidth subchannel 611). If subchannel 611 is open, the CCA process has already marked the primary 40MHz bandwidth as open and proceeds to perform a CCA check on the secondary 40MHz bandwidth, which is part of the primary 80MHz bandwidth. If the secondary 40MHz bandwidth is open, the secondary 80MHz bandwidth, which is part of the primary 160MHz bandwidth, undergoes a CCA check. At this point, a CCA has been performed on the 160MHz bandwidth. CCA can be extended beyond 160MHz bandwidth to bandwidths greater than or equal to 240MHz in various ways. In one example, it can then be performed on... Figure 6 The secondary 160MHz bandwidth shown performs CCA checks, therefore the last two CCA checks in the CCA process include CCA checks on both bandwidths of the 160MHz bandwidth 640. If the secondary 160MHz bandwidth is open, then the 320MHz wideband channel 600 is idle and available for use by the wireless communication device performing CCA (e.g., for transmission).

[0102] In the example above, if a signal exceeding the CCA threshold is detected at any point during any CCA check, the 320MHz wideband channel is marked as busy, and a contention backoff timer can be started before a subsequent CCA. In such a scenario, the PHY layer of the wireless communication device can send an indication to the MAC layer that the 320MHz wideband channel 600 is busy, and the MAC layer can handle subsequent contention operations, such as managing the timer, initiating a subsequent CCA to be performed by the PHY layer, or other operations.

[0103] The above example illustrates one possible aspect of extending CCA to wide-bandwidth channels. In some implementations supporting wide-bandwidth channels, the CCA process uses only a single additional CCA operation as described above to extend from the first 160MHz bandwidth channel (the primary 160MHz bandwidth channel) to the secondary 160MHz bandwidth channel. In some other implementations supporting 320MHz bandwidth channels (such as channel 600), if the secondary 80MHz bandwidth channel is open, the PHY layer can extend CCA to include additional checks on the remaining bandwidth using the additional secondary 80MHz bandwidth. Examples of these additional checks are described below, such as using per-20MHz CCA checks, per-40MHz CCA checks, and one or more secondary primary sub-channels, each with an associated secondary primary bandwidth.

[0104] As mentioned above, the CCA check performed as part of the CCA process includes CCA thresholds used to determine whether a specific portion of a wideband channel is busy or idle. Table 1 below illustrates a set of example CCA thresholds that can be used in some of the aspects described herein.

[0105]

[0106] Table 1

[0107] Table 1 lists thresholds that can be used to perform physical carrier sensing on a master or sub-channel or bandwidth, based on several factors. Example thresholds are described in decibel-milliwatt (dBm). Other threshold units may be used in other examples. The examples in Table 1 are illustrative and other thresholds may be used in other instances or applications. For example, the signal detection threshold for a wide-bandwidth channel with a bandwidth of 240 MHz could be -71 dBm. In another example, the signal detection threshold for a wide-bandwidth channel with a bandwidth of 320 MHz could be -70 dBm.

[0108] Table 2 below shows a threshold chart used when performing physical carrier sensing (PD detection) over one or more bandwidths.

[0109]

[0110] Table 2

[0111] While Table 2 includes illustrative examples, other thresholds may be used in other instances or applications. For example, the signal detection threshold for a secondary 80MHz bandwidth could be -69dBm. The packet detection threshold for a Level 3 80MHz bandwidth channel and a Level 4 80MHz bandwidth channel could be -56dBm. If a secondary 160MHz bandwidth channel is defined, the signal detection threshold for that secondary channel could be -66dBm (and the packet detection threshold could be -53dBm). Besides having different CCA thresholds, in some aspects, CCA checks on the secondary bandwidth can include less than full random backoff when an idle indication of the secondary bandwidth is identified. Based on the examples described herein, some aspects may use SIFS CCA checks, Point Coordination Function (PCF) Inter-Frame Space (PIFS) CCA checks, or other such checks without full random backoff.

[0112] In some aspects, packet start-of-carriage (CCA) checks are performed on the primary 20MHz sub-channel and each 20MHz sub-channel until the total bandwidth of the channel reaches 320MHz. In some aspects, PD checks have a primary 20MHz detection threshold equal to or greater than -82 dBm. In some aspects, CCA is defined for non-primary 20MHz detection, where a threshold for packet detection (e.g., PD) is defined for each sub-channel of the channel (e.g., 16 20MHz sub-channels in a 320MHz channel). In some aspects, for PD checks, the CCA threshold for non-primary CCA checks is detected as equal to or greater than -72 dBm. In some aspects, for each primary and non-primary 20MHz sub-channel ED check, the CCA threshold is equal to or greater than -62 dBm. In some aspects, for the WLAN signal level captured on each 20MHz of the channel, a per-20MHz sub-channel check is performed with a single threshold of -72 dB.

[0113] In various aspects, the set of CCA thresholds used by the wireless communication device can be stored in the device's memory and compared with measurements acquired as part of a specific CCA check for CCA operation as described herein. In some aspects, these CCA thresholds can be implemented by a network interface as described below.

[0114] Figure 7 An example layer of a network interface is shown, including a Physical (PHY) layer 710 and a Media Access Control (MAC) layer 720. According to the various examples described herein, the PHY layer 710 and MAC layer 720 can be used for CCA configuration for a wideband channel. The PHY layer 710 can communicate one or more CCA indicators to the MAC layer 720 to indicate whether the wideband channel is available (“idle” or “open”) or unavailable (“busy”). In some aspects, the PHY layer 710 can perform CCA on the wideband channel in response to a CCA trigger indicator provided to the PHY layer 710 from the MAC layer 720. The MAC layer 720 can manage data from the upper layer 730 to the PHY layer 710 (to be transmitted), or can pass data received from the PHY layer 710 to the upper layer 730. The upper layer 730 can be part of a network interface 705 or can be part of a host device in which the network interface 705 is installed.

[0115] Figure 8 An example Open Channel Assessment (CCA) indicator is shown, which can be communicated from the PHY layer to the MAC layer based on some aspects and can be used to configure CCA for wide bandwidth channels. Figure 8Specifically, an example CCA indicator 860 is shown that can be communicated from the PHY layer to the MAC layer. The primary indicator 862 (which may be referred to as the primary 20 or primary sub-channel indicator) indicates whether the primary 20MHz bandwidth channel is busy. The secondary indicator 864 (which may be referred to as the secondary 20 or secondary sub-channel indicator) indicates whether the secondary channel is busy. The secondary 40 indicator 866 indicates whether the secondary 40MHz bandwidth channel is busy. The secondary 80 indicator 868 indicates whether the secondary 80MHz bandwidth channel is busy. The 20-bit mapping indicator 869 may include bits used to indicate the busy / idle status of each 20MHz sub-channel of the primary 160MHz of a wide-bandwidth channel, or each 20MHz sub-channel of the entire wide-bandwidth channel with a bandwidth greater than or equal to 240MHz.

[0116] In some respects, the example CCA indicators above can be extended to include additional types of indicators. For example, additional sub-bandwidth indicators, such as the Level 3 80 indicator 872 and the Level 4 80 indicator 874, can be added. These indicators can allow independent signaling for multiple sub-bandwidths, such as a configuration with three sub-80MHz bandwidths. Similarly, the Sub-160 indicator 882 can indicate that a sub-160MHz bandwidth channel is busy. The extended per-20-bit mapping indicator 892 can include additional bits to indicate the busy or idle state of each 20MHz sub-channel beyond the first 160MHz portion of the wide-bandwidth channel. Similarly, the per-40-bit mapping 893 and the extended per-40-bit mapping 894 can include bits to indicate the busy or idle state of each 40MHz sub-channel in different portions of the wide-bandwidth channel (such as channel 600). Using multiple bit mapping indicators can allow different portions of the wide-bandwidth channel to have different per-bandwidth CCA checks. For example, as described below, in some aspects, the primary 160MHz bandwidth can undergo CCA checks every 20MHz, and the secondary 160MHz bandwidth can undergo CCA checks every 40MHz. When some CCA checks are not used in certain portions of the widebandwidth channel, it allows the per-bandwidth bit mapping to be configured for structures smaller than the total bandwidth of the widebandwidth channel to prevent redundancy, reduce overhead, and improve signaling efficiency. The above indicators are examples, and additional configurations of the indicators can be used to match specific CCAs and associated CCA checks for specific aspects.

[0117] Figure 9 The text explains various aspects of wideband channels based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for wideband channels. Figure 9 It shows the relationship with Figure 6 The same 320MHz wide bandwidth channel 600, but as Figure 9 The CCA configuration applied to channel 600, as explained in the document, includes multiple primary channels. (Except as in...) Figure 6 Neutron channel 610 is designated as the first primary sub-channel 627, in addition to Figure 9 In this context, subchannel 618 is designated as secondary master subchannel 928. Assigning secondary master subchannel 928 allows the portions of the 320MHz wideband channel 600 with master and subchannels to operate independently as segments 641. Figure 9 In this configuration, the primary 160MHz bandwidth operates using the first primary sub-channel 627 as the primary segment of segment 641. The secondary 160MHz bandwidth operates using the secondary primary sub-channel 928 as the secondary segment of segment 641. Although not shown, the secondary segments may subsequently include secondary primary bandwidths at each bandwidth range, including a 40MHz bandwidth 630 and an 80MHz bandwidth 635. As described above, the 160MHz bandwidth of the wide-bandwidth channel can be configured with CCA checks for each primary bandwidth. By assigning secondary primary sub-channels, the above-described process can be performed on the primary 160MHz segment to identify the idle or busy state of the primary segment, and the same set of checks can subsequently be performed on the secondary 160MHz segment. The secondary 160MHz checks may involve CCA checks on each of the secondary primary sub-channel 928, the secondary 40MHz bandwidth, and the secondary 80MHz bandwidth, resulting in a CCA check for the entire secondary 160MHz segment.

[0118] Figure 10 The text explains various aspects of wide-bandwidth channels based on examples, and the CCA configuration for wide-bandwidth channels. Specifically, Figure 10 Explained and Figure 9 The CCA configuration is similar to the CCA configuration, but it has multiple secondary master channels (1028). As mentioned above... Figure 9 In this context, each bandwidth of the master and sub-channels can be operated as an independent segment. This differs from... Figure 9 The two segments 641, Figure 10 This includes three segments (642): a primary 160MHz segment and two secondary 80MHz segments. In some examples, the second secondary segment may be referred to as a tertiary segment. Some examples can operate using three secondary primary channels and four segments. In such examples, the third secondary segment may be referred to as a quaternary segment.

[0119] With the above-mentioned targeting Figure 10Regarding some aspects of the described configuration, as mentioned above, CCA checks can be performed on the primary 160MHz segment, where an initial CCA check is performed on the bandwidth of the first primary sub-channel 627, followed by serial CCA checks on the secondary bandwidths from 20MHz to 80MHz to cover the entire 160MHz of the primary segment. The same pattern can then be followed for each secondary segment, where an initial CCA check is performed on the primary 20MHz bandwidth, and serial CCA checks are performed on the associated secondary 20MHz and secondary 40MHz bandwidths, thereby covering the entire 80MHz segment.

[0120] Configuring CCA with multiple master and sub-channels allows each segment in segment 641 or 642 to independently perform its associated CCA check. Due to the independence of the CCA checks, although CCA checks within a segment are performed serially, in some respects, CCA checks for different segments can be performed independently or in parallel. Figure 10 In one example, CCA checks for sub-channels 610, 618, and 622 can be performed in parallel. If the CCA check for sub-channel 618 produces a busy value, but sub-channels 610 and 622 each return an idle result, the sub-segment including sub-channel 618 is assigned a busy value. However, CCA checks for the sub-bandwidths in the other segments, including sub-channels 610 and 622, continue until each segment is identified as idle or busy. Idle segments can then be used for transmission, while busy segments can have timers applied before a subsequent set of CCA checks. By defining segments as master-sub-channels so that a widebandwidth channel comprises multiple master-sub-channels, higher spectral efficiency can be achieved by using portions of the widebandwidth channel when some, but not all, of the bandwidth within a channel is busy and used by other devices.

[0121] Such use of a portion of a channel can be referred to as puncturing, where a portion of the total bandwidth is "punctured" to allow use of that portion of the channel. An alternative using multiple master and sub-channels is to signal the puncturing mode in the PPDU preamble, as detailed below, particularly regarding... Figure 13 and 14 A more detailed description. Figure 9 and 10 Examples of this approach can improve the performance of wireless communication devices by implementing puncturing without incurring the signaling overhead required to notify the puncturing mode, at the cost of additional overhead associated with the use of the master sub-channel.

[0122] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1100 for CCA (Clean Air Delivery Rate) using wide bandwidth channels, based on several aspects, is shown. The operation of process 1100 can be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, process 1100 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as those referenced above). Figure 4The described wireless communication device 400) performs the procedure. In some aspects, the process 1100 can be performed by an AP (such as those described above, referred to separately). Figure 1 and 5A (As described in AP 102 and 502) or STA (such as those mentioned above, refer to respectively) Figure 1 and 5B The described STA 104 or 504) is used to execute.

[0123] In some aspects, at block 1102, the wireless communication device performs one or more first CCA checks on a main segment of a wideband channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 240 MHz. In some aspects, each of the one or more first CCA checks is performed serially. The wideband channel includes multiple sub-channels that collectively span the total bandwidth of the wideband channel. The wideband channel also includes a main segment and one or more sub-segments. The main segment of the wideband channel includes a first main sub-channel. In some aspects, the CCA checks may be performed by the device's PHY, as described herein. The one or more CCA checks may include a complete CCA check or a mixture of different types of CCA checks (including PIFS, SIFS, or other checks). Other aspects of such CCA checks are described below.

[0124] In some aspects, in block 1104, the wireless communication device performs a corresponding second CCA check on one or more sub-segments of a wideband channel. The one or more sub-segments include one or more sub-master channels. As mentioned above, in some aspects, the corresponding second CCA check may be a full CCA check or may include different types of CCA checks.

[0125] In some respects, one or more first CCA checks include a full CCA check of the first primary subchannel and a Point Coordination Function (PCF) Inter-Frame Space (PIFS) check of one or more secondary subchannels in multiple subchannels of each segment of the wide bandwidth channel.

[0126] In some aspects, the total bandwidth of the wideband channel is 320MHz. In some such aspects, the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 160MHz, one or more sub-segments include sub-segments with a sub-segment bandwidth of 160MHz, and each of the plurality of sub-channels has a corresponding sub-channel bandwidth of 20MHz.

[0127] In some aspects, the first CCA check in one or more first CCA checks over a total bandwidth of 320 MHz has a first CCA threshold of -70 dBm. In some such aspects, the second CCA check in a corresponding second CCA check over a sub-segment bandwidth of 160 MHz has a second CCA threshold of -73 dBm. Some such aspects further include performing a third CCA check on the first primary sub-channel, the third CCA check having a third CCA threshold of -62 dBm.

[0128] In some aspects, the total bandwidth of the wideband channel is 240 MHz. In some such aspects, the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 160 MHz, one or more sub-segments include a sub-segment with a sub-segment bandwidth of 80 MHz, and each of the plurality of sub-channels has a corresponding sub-channel bandwidth of 20 MHz. In some aspects, the first CCA check in one or more first CCA checks of the total bandwidth of 240 MHz has a first CCA threshold of -71 dBm. In some aspects, the second CCA check in the corresponding second CCA check of the 80 MHz sub-segment bandwidth has a second CCA threshold of -76 dBm. In some aspects, process 1100 may further include: a third CCA check of the first main sub-channel. The third CCA check may have a third CCA threshold of -62 dBm.

[0129] In some aspects, one or more first CCA checks include a CCA check for each 20MHz bandwidth of the main segment. In some aspects, one or more first CCA checks include a CCA check for each subchannel of the main segment, a CCA check for each 40MHz bandwidth of the main segment, a CCA check for each 80MHz bandwidth of the main segment, and a 160MHz CCA check for the main segment. In some such aspects, corresponding second CCA checks include a CCA check for each subchannel of one or more sub-segments, a CCA check for each 40MHz bandwidth of one or more sub-segments, and a full-bandwidth CCA check for each sub-segment of one or more sub-segments.

[0130] In some aspects, at block 1106, the wireless communication device determines whether a primary segment is idle based on one or more first CCA checks. In some aspects, this determination may be based on processing multiple CCA check values. In some aspects, the determination is based on whether all CCA checks on the associated segment are identified as idle by the CCA check for that segment. In some aspects, a single busy value from multiple CCA checks may cause the segment to be busy in the absence of any additional perforation configuration for the segment.

[0131] In some respects, in box 1108, the wireless communication device determines whether one or more sub-segments are idle based on a corresponding second CCA check. As mentioned above, the specific CCA configuration will determine how the CCA measurement is used in conjunction with the associated CCA threshold and whether the CCA checks are performed serially or in parallel. The following example relates to... Figure 15 and 16 Additional details and examples are provided for confirmation.

[0132] In some aspects, in box 1110, the wireless communication device performs wideband channel access operations based on determining whether a primary segment is idle and determining whether one or more secondary segments are idle. Such wideband channel access operations can be contention operations, such as a random backoff timer before performing additional CCA checks. Based on these determinations and associated CCA checks, such wideband channel access operations can also be transmissions using some or all of the wideband channel. Additional details and examples of wideband channel access operations are provided below.

[0133] In some instances, the main segment has a bandwidth of 160 MHz and includes multiple sub-channels. In some examples, one or more sub-segments share a common bandwidth of 80 MHz. In some examples, one or more sub-segments share a common bandwidth of 160 MHz.

[0134] In some aspects, the additional box may include generating one or more CCA indication reports based on at least one of one or more first CCA checks and corresponding second CCA checks. The one or more CCA indication reports include indications of the status of a first primary sub-channel of the primary segment and at least one of one or more secondary primary sub-channels. In some such aspects, the wideband channel access operation of box 1110 is performed based on one or more CCA indication reports. In some examples, the one or more CCA indication reports include a first CCA report for the primary segment and at least a second CCA report for one or more secondary segments.

[0135] In some aspects, wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting data using the wideband channel based on a first CCA report and a second CCA report. In some aspects, wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting data using the wideband channel based on at least one of determining that a primary segment is idle and determining that one or more secondary segments are idle. In some aspects, wideband channel access operation includes: suppressing data transmission on the wideband channel during a backoff period in response to determining that a primary segment is busy and determining that one or more secondary segments are busy (e.g., idling transmission, stopping transmission, or transferring data to a different channel).

[0136] In some aspects, the backoff period of wideband channel access operation includes a joint backoff period shared by multiple sub-channels. In some such aspects, the joint backoff period of wideband channel access operation of block 1110 includes a random backoff time and an inter-frame interval time. In some such operations, the backoff period includes a first backoff period for a first primary sub-channel and one or more secondary primary sub-channels, and at least one second backoff period for multiple secondary sub-channels among the multiple sub-channels, the at least one second backoff period being different from the first backoff period.

[0137] In some respects, wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting data on at least one of the one or more sub-segments of the wideband channel based on determining that the main segment is busy and determining that at least one of the one or more sub-segments is idle, and suppressing data transmission on the main segment.

[0138] In some aspects, wideband channel access operation includes transmitting data on a set of punctures in a main segment and one or more sub-segments according to a preamble puncturing pattern that matches a corresponding idle value from one or more first CCA checks and a corresponding second CCA check. In some such aspects, the wideband channel access operation of block 1110 further includes communicating on a first portion and a second portion of the plurality of sub-channels based on resource unit allocation for the main segment and one or more sub-segments of the wideband channel.

[0139] In some respects, using sub-segments with associated secondary master-sub-channels allows wideband channels to reuse legacy CCA patterns. Using legacy patterns allows for CCA for wideband channels that reuse existing signaling and schemes (including CCA indications, preamble puncturing patterns, and RU allocation tables). It can also reuse existing CCA reporting formats by sending multiple CCA reports for different segments with master-sub-channels in the wideband channel, while improving spectral efficiency by simply using multiple legacy channels with the same total bandwidth as the wideband channel.

[0140] In some aspects, one or more first CCA checks include a first CCA check for a first primary sub-channel, a third plurality of CCA checks for the secondary sub-channels of the primary segment, one or more second CCA checks for each secondary primary sub-channel of one or more secondary segments, and a fourth plurality of CCA checks for the secondary sub-channels of one or more secondary segments. In some such aspects, the third plurality of CCA checks are performed in parallel after the first CCA check identifies an idle value for the first primary sub-channel.

[0141] In some aspects, one or more first CCA checks include multiple first CCA checks, and corresponding second CCA checks include multiple second CCA checks. In some aspects, the multiple first CCA checks include a primary channel CCA check that generates an indication of an idle value for a first primary sub-channel, and the multiple second CCA checks include at least one secondary primary channel CCA check that generates at least one indication of an idle value for one or more secondary primary sub-channels.

[0142] Figure 12A The text explains various aspects of a wideband channel 1250 based on some examples, as well as the CCA configured for the wideband channel. The wideband channel 1250 in... Figure 6 , 9 In section 10, a wideband channel with a total bandwidth of 320MHz is described. Section 1250, a 240MHz wideband channel, is an example of a wideband channel with a different total bandwidth. Given a bandwidth configuration, the maximum equal division of the 240MHz bandwidth is three 80MHz bandwidths, which can be defined as a primary 80MHz bandwidth (P80), a secondary 80MHz bandwidth (S80), and a third 80MHz bandwidth (T80).

[0143] The 240MHz wideband channel comprises 12 sub-channels 1260, 1261, 1262, 1263, 1264, 1265, 1266, 1267, 1268, 1269, 1270, and 1271, each with a 20MHz bandwidth. Different CCA configurations can then be used to perform checks on different bandwidths (including 40MHz bandwidth 1280, 80MHz bandwidth 1285, or other such bandwidths in different configurations). As described above, different configurations can also operate in conjunction with segments (such as segments 1290 and 1291) or other configurations to perform CCA checks on the total bandwidth of such wideband channels. In some aspects, the described configurations can include CCA checks on a primary 80MHz bandwidth and a secondary 160MHz bandwidth, a primary 80MHz bandwidth and two secondary 80MHz bandwidths, a primary 160MHz bandwidth and a secondary 80MHz bandwidth, or any other such configuration. In some respects, a 240MHz wideband channel can be implemented in the same frequency range as a 320MHz wideband channel, but with a perforation bandwidth of 1276, as illustrated in Figure 12. In such respects, the four sub-channels 622, 623, 624, and 625 of the 320MHz wideband channel 600 are replaced with the perforation bandwidth 1276 to create a 240MHz wideband channel 1250. In other respects, a 240MHz wideband channel can be implemented without such a perforation bandwidth 1276. In any of the examples described herein, the CCA operation and CCA check modes described for a 320MHz wideband channel can be applied to a 240MHz wideband channel by adjusting the CCA checks at some bandwidths to match the configuration of a specific channel. CCA checks can be performed not only on the 240MHz wideband channel but also on any other wideband channel with a different total bandwidth. For example, if the CCA process performs serial CCA checks at each level for the primary sub-channel and then for subsequent secondary bandwidths to cover the entire 320MHz wideband channel, the same operational structure can be performed, where the CCA checks are replicated across some bandwidths based on a specific channel configuration. For example, in a 240MHz wideband channel 1250 with a single primary sub-channel, the last two CCA checks could be used for the two secondary 80MHz bandwidths. Similarly, in a 240MHz wideband channel with segments 1290, independent CCA operations can be performed on the primary 160MHz segment and the secondary 80MHz segment, similar to the above for... Figure 9The described CCA check operation can be performed on a 240MHz wideband channel configured with three 80MHz segments and three associated master sub-channels. Any CCA operation described herein can be applied in this manner to a wideband channel with a given total bandwidth. Similarly, although the examples described herein are discussed with regard to a minimum sub-channel of 20MHz, configurations with different sub-channel bandwidths (such as 10MHz or 40MHz) are possible.

[0144] Figure 12B The explanation covers various aspects of the wideband channel 1250 based on some examples and the CCA configured for the wideband channel. Figure 12B Channel 1250 is configured as a 240MHz wideband channel with a perforation bandwidth of 1277 at the lower end of the frequency range. Figure 12A Compared to the higher frequency configuration with a punch-hole bandwidth of 1276, in Figure 12B In this configuration, punctured bandwidth 1277 replaces sub-channels 1260, 1261, and 1262, and channels 1272, 1273, 1274, and 1275 exist, along with non-punctured bandwidth 1276. This configuration results in the main segment of segment 1291 having an 80MHz bandwidth. Furthermore, as... Figure 12B The 240MHz wideband channel 1250 configured in the diagram does not have a 160MHz main bandwidth because the 80MHz portion that would normally be a 160MHz main bandwidth will be subjected to puncturing bandwidth 1277. Segment 1291, as shown, includes an 80MHz main segment and a 160MHz sub-segment.

[0145] Given a perforation bandwidth of 1277, the P80 bandwidth consists of sub-channels 1264, 1265, 1266, and 1267; the S80 bandwidth consists of sub-channels 1268, 1269, 1270, and 1271; and the T80 bandwidth consists of channels 1272, 1273, 1274, and 1275. Different configurations can be used to construct a 240MHz bandwidth for CCA checks based on combinations of 160MHz and 80MHz, combinations of 80MHz bandwidths, or any other such CCA check configuration described herein as applied to a total bandwidth of 240MHz.

[0146] Figure 13 The text explains various aspects of wide-bandwidth channels and the CCA configuration for them, using some examples. As mentioned above, some aspects can be configured to generate a bit map for the entire range of the wide-bandwidth channel, rather than generating a set of hierarchical CCA checks at the increased sub-bandwidth. Figure 13The 320MHz wideband channel 600 is explained, illustrating a 40MHz bit mapping 1335 that can be generated by CCA checks in some aspects. Bit mapping 1335 includes values ​​1310, 1311, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, and 1317. In some aspects, each value can be 1 or 0, indicating the idle or busy state of the associated bandwidth. Bit mappings for a specific bandwidth can convey information about complex puncturing patterns to improve spectral efficiency and increase channel utilization, at the cost of additional CCA checks and signaling overhead. While performing CCA checks at the lowest configured bandwidth allows for maximum channel utilization, the total bandwidth of a wideband channel (such as channel 600) is 320MHz, so every 20MHz of information can result in excessive overhead. Some aspects allow puncturing to be used at higher bandwidth ranges (such as 40MHz or 80MHz). In such aspects, constraining CCA checks to be performed on a certain bandwidth or a larger bandwidth can improve resource utilization efficiency. Constraints can be created, for example, by reducing the number of CCA checks when generating bit maps or partial bit maps of idle and busy values ​​for wide-bandwidth channels.

[0147] The additional examples described herein can be used for different bit mappings. In some aspects, wireless communication devices can perform CCA checks at each 20MHz bandwidth of a wideband channel, with a full CCA check performed on the primary sub-channel and a shortened check (such as PIFS or SIFS) performed on the secondary channel. Various puncturing patterns can then be defined and used for transmission on a portion of a wideband channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 240MHz, some of which span more than 160MHz in the wideband channel. Other such aspects can have the same features as described above. Figure 13 The described configuration of similar CCA checks on a 40MHz, 80MHz, or any other similar set is used to generate a bit map for CCAs used in wide-bandwidth channels.

[0148] Although Figure 13The diagram illustrates bandwidth configurations for each 40MHz bandwidth of the entire wideband channel, allowing some CCA configurations to focus on 40MHz CCA checks per 40MHz bandwidth to flexibly provide support for 40MHz-based puncturing modes. However, other aspects can define combinations of such checks at different bandwidths for a single wideband channel. In some aspects, a 20MHz check per 20MHz bandwidth can be configured, with a 40MHz CCA check per 20MHz bandwidth configured for bandwidths outside the main 160MHz bandwidth. As described above, such configurations can use legacy CCA check operations to generate a power 20MHz bitmap for the main 160MHz bandwidth, and subsequently generate separate 40MHz bitmaps per 20MHz bandwidth by using 40MHz CCA checks on bandwidths outside the main 160MHz bandwidth. Other similar CCA configurations can include different combinations of CCA checks for different portions of the wideband channel, including creating multiple bitmaps at different frequencies, and generating one or more CCA indication reports to support different CCA check configurations.

[0149] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1400 for CCA (Clean Air Delivery Rate) in a wide bandwidth channel is shown. The operation of process 1400 can be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, process 1400 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as those referenced above). Figure 4 The described wireless communication device 400) performs the procedure. In some aspects, the process 1400 can be performed by an AP (such as those described above, referred to separately). Figure 1 and 5A (As described in AP 102 and 502) or STA (such as those mentioned above, refer to respectively) Figure 1 and 5B The described STA 104 or 504) is used to execute.

[0150] In some aspects, at block 1402, the wireless communication device performs at least a first unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) check on a first bandwidth of a wideband channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 240 MHz, multiple sub-channels sharing the total bandwidth of the wideband channel, the first bandwidth having a value greater than or equal to 40 MHz and being separate from the main sub-channels of the wideband channel, and each CCA check performed on the first bandwidth is performed on a bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz. In some aspects, the first CCA check is performed on an intermediate bandwidth, where a smaller bandwidth (such as a 20 MHz sub-channel) can be used for transmission if the entire channel is idle. Using CCA checks on bandwidths greater than or equal to 40 MHz can reduce overhead while supporting puncturing modes at bandwidths of 40 MHz or greater.

[0151] In some respects, in box 1404, the wireless communication device performs one or more CCA checks on multiple sub-channels constituting a wide bandwidth channel.

[0152] In some respects, in block 1406, the wireless communication device determines whether the wideband channel is idle based on a first CCA check and one or more CCA checks. As described above in process 1100, the determination in block 1406 can use various determination operations in different aspects, such as Figure 15 and 16 Those specific operations.

[0153] In some aspects, at block 1408, the wireless communication device performs a wideband channel access operation based on determining whether the wideband channel is idle. If the wideband channel is busy, the wideband channel access operation may be a contention operation. If the wideband channel is idle, the wideband channel access operation may be a transmission. In some aspects, the wideband access operation may be punctured, which performs subsequent contention operations on the busy portion of the wideband channel while transmitting on a set of bandwidths matching the puncturing pattern.

[0154] In some respects, the wideband channel includes a primary 40MHz bandwidth and multiple secondary 40MHz bandwidths.

[0155] In some respects, one or more CCA checks include a CCA check on the primary 40MHz bandwidth and a corresponding CCA check on each of the multiple secondary 40MHz bandwidths.

[0156] In some respects, wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting on a first subset of multiple sub-40MHz bandwidths according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches a set of idle values ​​from a portion of one or more CCA checks on a first set of multiple sub-40MHz bandwidths.

[0157] In some respects, wideband channel access operation includes: communicating on the main sub-channel and at least a first 80MHz bandwidth according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches one or more idle values ​​generated by one or more CCA checks.

[0158] In some aspects, the wideband channel is segmented into a main segment and one or more sub-segments. In some aspects, the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 160 MHz. In some aspects, the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 80 MHz, wherein the wideband channel does not include the main 160 MHz bandwidth, and the total bandwidth of the wideband channel is 240 MHz. In some aspects, one or more CCA checks include multiple first CCA checks on each 20 MHz bandwidth of the main segment, and wherein the first bandwidth is in one or more sub-segments. In some aspects, one or more CCA checks include multiple second CCA checks on each 40 MHz bandwidth of one or more sub-segments other than the first bandwidth.

[0159] In some aspects, one or more CCA checks include multiple first CCA checks for each 20 MHz bandwidth of a primary segment, and the first bandwidth is in one or more sub-segments. In some such aspects, one or more CCA checks include multiple second CCA checks for each 40 MHz bandwidth of one or more sub-segments other than the first bandwidth. In some aspects, the physical (PHY) layer of the wireless communication device is constrained (e.g., device operation is restricted) such that the wireless communication device does not perform any CCA checks on any portion of the wideband channel less than 40 MHz. Some aspects further involve generating a per-40 MHz bit mapping indicating busy or idle values ​​for each 40 MHz bandwidth of the wideband channel. Some aspects further operate in a manner where one or more CCA checks include CCA checks for a 40 MHz bandwidth of the wideband channel, and where a set of low-power CCA thresholds includes a second threshold of -82 dBm for the 40 MHz bandwidth.

[0160] In some aspects, the PHY layer of this wireless communication device is constrained so that the device does not perform any CCA checks on any portion of the wideband channel less than 40 MHz. Some of these aspects further involve generating a 40 MHz bit mapping indicating the busy or idle value for each 40 MHz bandwidth of the wideband channel.

[0161] In some respects, one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for a 40 MHz bandwidth of a wide bandwidth channel, and one set of low-power CCA thresholds includes a second threshold of -82 dBm for the 40 MHz bandwidth.

[0162] In some respects, when no wireless preamble is detected and the sub-channel has a 20MHz bandwidth, the second CCA check for the sub-channel with a bandwidth different from the first has an energy detection threshold of -62dBm.

[0163] In some respects, when no wireless preamble is detected, the second CCA check of the first bandwidth has an energy detection threshold of negative 59 dBm.

[0164] In some respects, when no wireless preamble is detected, the second CCA check for a wide-bandwidth channel with a secondary 160MHz bandwidth has an energy detection threshold of -53dBm.

[0165] In some respects, the physical (PHY) layer of the wireless communication device is constrained so that the wireless communication device does not perform any CCA checks on any portion of the wide bandwidth channel less than 40 MHz.

[0166] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1500 for CCA (Computer-Assisted Communication) in wide bandwidth channels, supported by several aspects, is shown. Process 1500 can be implemented by wireless communication devices (such as those mentioned above). Figure 4 The process 1500 is performed by the described wireless communication device 400. In some aspects, the process 1500 may be performed by a wireless communication device operating as an AP or STA (such as STA 104, AP 102, AP 502, STA 504, or network interface 705 described above) or operating within an AP or STA. For example, the process 1500 may be for... Figure 6 The example aspect is the process of performing a CCA check on a wide-bandwidth channel 600 configured in the document. In some aspects, the process can be performed more than 1500 times on a single wide-bandwidth channel. For example, a wide-bandwidth channel configured with multiple master and sub-channels can have the process 1500 performed on each segment having a separate master and sub-channel. Figure 10 The configuration described herein can, for example, execute process 1500 three times, once for each segment with a separate master-sub-channel. In various respects, these multiple iterations of process 1500 can be executed serially or in parallel, or in a combination of serial and parallel operations in an interleaved manner.

[0167] In some aspects, at box 1502, the wireless communication device performs a CCA check on the primary and secondary channels of a wide-bandwidth channel. For example, the primary and secondary channel could be a first 20MHz primary and secondary channel. During the CCA check on the primary 20MHz bandwidth secondary channel, the PHY layer can compare detection metrics (such as energy) with detection thresholds (such as signal detection thresholds or packet detection thresholds) to determine whether the secondary channel is idle or busy. Examples of thresholds for different primary and secondary channel bandwidths are provided in the table above.

[0168] In some aspects, in block 1504, the wireless communication device determines whether the primary sub-channel is idle. If the primary sub-channel is not idle (meaning a signal or packet has been detected during the CCA check in block 1502), then process 1500 proceeds to block 1522, where the PHY layer sends a CCA indication (with a busy indicator for the primary sub-channel) to the MAC layer. Otherwise, if the primary sub-channel is idle (meaning no signal or packet was detected during the CCA check in block 1502), then process 1500 proceeds to block 1506.

[0169] In some respects, in box 1506, the wireless communication device performs a CCA check on the sub-bandwidth (starting with the minimum sub-bandwidth (e.g., a sub-20MHz bandwidth) in the decomposition of the wide-bandwidth channel). During the CCA check on the sub-20MHz bandwidth, the PHY layer can compare the detection metric of the sub-bandwidth (such as energy) with a detection threshold (such as a signal detection threshold or a packet detection threshold) to determine whether the bandwidth is idle or busy. Examples of thresholds for different sub-bandwidths are provided in the table above.

[0170] In some aspects, in box 1508, the wireless communication device determines whether the secondary bandwidth is idle. If the secondary bandwidth is not idle (meaning a signal or packet has been detected during the CCA check in box 1506), then process 1500 proceeds to box 1522. In box 1522, the PHY layer may send a CCA indication (with a busy indicator for the secondary bandwidth) to the MAC layer. Otherwise, if the secondary bandwidth is idle (meaning no signal or packet was detected during the CCA check in box 1506), then process 1500 proceeds to box 1510.

[0171] In some respects, in box 1510, the wireless communication device determines whether an additional sub-bandwidth is defined for the widebandwidth channel. If so, process 1500 returns to box 1506 to perform one or more additional CCA checks on the larger sub-bandwidth defined for the widebandwidth channel. For example, the next maximum sub-bandwidth could be a sub-40MHz bandwidth—twice the size of the minimum sub-bandwidth. Continuing this pattern, the next maximum sub-bandwidth (after the 40MHz bandwidth) could be a sub-80MHz bandwidth, and so on. In some respects, the maximum sub-bandwidth could be a sub-160MHz bandwidth. If no other sub-channel is defined, process 1500 proceeds to box 1520. In box 1520, the PHY layer can send an idle indicator to the MAC layer to indicate that the widebandwidth channel is available for the transmitter.

[0172] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1600 for CCA (Compatibility Communication) of a wide bandwidth channel is shown. As described above regarding process 1500, process 1600 can be communicated by wireless communication devices (such as those referenced above). Figure 4The process 1600 is performed by the described wireless communication device 400. In some aspects, the process 1600 may be performed by a wireless communication device operating as an AP or STA (such as STA 104, AP 102, AP 502, STA 504, or network interface 705 described above) or operating within an AP or STA. For example, the process 1600 may be for... Figure 13 An example aspect of the process of performing CCA checks using the wide bandwidth channel 600 configured in the example.

[0173] In some respects, in block 1602, the wireless communication device performs a CCA check on the primary and secondary channels of a wide-bandwidth channel. As mentioned above, if multiple primary and secondary channels exist, the system can be configured to perform CCA checks on different primary and secondary channels serially or in parallel, because in some respects, a busy result from one primary secondary channel will not preclude performing a CCA check on another primary secondary channel of the wide-bandwidth channel. During a CCA check on a primary 20MHz bandwidth secondary channel, the wireless communication device can compare an energy or preamble detection value measured as part of the CCA check with a detection threshold to determine whether the secondary channel is idle or busy. Examples of thresholds for different primary and secondary channel bandwidths are provided in the table above.

[0174] In some aspects, in box 1604, the wireless communication device determines whether the master sub-channel is idle. If the master sub-channel is not idle (meaning a signal or packet has been detected during the CCA check in box 1602), then process 1600 proceeds to box 1622, where the wireless communication device generates an indication that the segment associated with the master sub-channel is busy. Otherwise, if the master sub-channel is idle (meaning no signal or packet was detected during the CCA check in box 1602 or the detection is below the CCA threshold), then process 1600 proceeds to box 1606.

[0175] In some respects, in box 1606, the wireless communication device performs CCA checks on multiple sub-bandwidths. These CCA checks can, for example, use a set of CCA thresholds from Table 2 above. These sub-bandwidth checks in box 1606 can be performed serially or in parallel, because performing subsequent CCA checks does not necessarily depend on the results of previous CCA checks. In contrast, in Figure 15In the example, any busy result generates a busy indicator. Conversely, process 1600 generates a bitmap of the result from box 1606. The CCA check operation in box 1606 can differ from the CCA check operation in box 1602. While the CCA check operation in box 1602 can be a full CCA check associated with a large random backoff time after a busy result, the CCA check for the sub-bandwidth can be a CCA check with a shorter backoff time after a busy result. For example, in some aspects, the CCA check in box 1606 can be based on Point Coordination Function (PCF) Inter-Frame Space (PIFS), Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS), or another such CCA check different from a full check. Such PIFS checks or other CCA checks can allow for shorter delays before the device performs subsequent checks on the bandwidth and allow devices occupying a portion of the wide bandwidth channel to occupy more of the channel over time if the portions of the wide bandwidth channel are punctured.

[0176] In some aspects, instead of automatically performing a CCA check for each sub-bandwidth, the CCA check of the operation in block 1602 can be compared with available puncturing patterns. In some such aspects, a CCA check will be performed for a given sub-bandwidth, as long as it can be part of a puncturing pattern that includes other sub-bandwidths that have not yet returned a busy value. In such aspects, if a sub-bandwidth has not yet undergone a CCA check, but given that it is possible for a previous CCA check not to include remaining puncturing patterns for that particular sub-bandwidth, block 1606 can return a busy indication. In some aspects, in block 1620, a bitmap indicator is generated and sent as part of a CCA indication report, which shows the results of all CCA checks as part of process 1600. In some aspects, such a bitmap is generated regardless of whether the device is capable of transmission. In other aspects, if no puncturing pattern is available for transmission due to the lack of a set of idle values ​​matching the available puncturing patterns, block 1606 can generate an indication that the wideband channel or a portion of the wideband channel associated with the master sub-channel from block 1602 is busy.

[0177] The above is described in the context of the initial CCA check of the master and sub-channels. Figure 16 In some respects, an initial check can be performed on the main bandwidth, which is greater than the bandwidth of the main sub-channel. In other respects, for example, a full CCA check can be performed on the main 40MHz bandwidth. If the main 40MHz bandwidth is idle, a serial or parallel check is performed on the secondary 40MHz bandwidth of the wide-bandwidth channel. Serial or parallel checks can be used to generate a bit-map per 40MHz, which can reduce the complexity of CCA in some respects.

[0178] The examples above can be used for devices operating in different modes with different thresholds. For example, Tables 1 and 2 can be used as a first set of CCA thresholds for wireless communication devices in a first operating mode. In some aspects, devices can operate in a second mode different from the first mode (such as a low-power indoor (LPI) mode). In some such aspects, as part of low-power operation, wireless communication devices can operate in duplicate (DUP) mode, which reduces spectral efficiency and also reduces transmission power. Such low transmission power modes can be used to meet power spectral density (PSD) limits applied to some frequency bands. Dual-carrier mode (DCM) can also reduce transmission power. In some aspects, DUP and DCM can be used together to achieve communication in a low-power configuration. In some such aspects, the AP can be configured to operate below a total power threshold (such as 5 dBm / MHz), and non-AP STAs can be configured to operate at power below -1 dBm / MHz. Using DUP and DCM modes for low-power transmission can reduce power usage in some of these operating environments. Table 3 illustrates a set of example CCA thresholds that can be used in one such aspect of a low-power environment.

[0179] Low power bandwidth CCA threshold Any signal in the main 20MHz -62dBm Detection of the start of WLAN signal in the main 20MHz BW -82dBm Detection of the start of WLAN signal in the main 40MHz BW -82dBm Detection of the start of WLAN signal in the main 80MHz BW -82dBm Detection of the start of WLAN signal in the main 160MHz BW -79dBm Detection of the start of WLAN signal in 320MHz or 160+160MHz BW -76dBm

[0180] Table 3

[0181] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1700 for CCA (Continuous Communication Access Control) of a wide bandwidth channel operating at low power transmit levels, based on several aspects, is shown. The operation of process 1700 can be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, process 1400 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as those referenced above). Figure 4 The described wireless communication device 400) performs the procedure. In some aspects, the process 1700 can be performed by an AP (such as those described above, referred to separately). Figure 1 and 5A (As described in AP 102 and 502) or STA (such as those mentioned above, refer to respectively) Figure 1 and 5B The STA 104 or STA 504 described herein shall be used to perform this action.

[0182] In some aspects, at box 1702, the wireless communication device is configured to operate in a replication mode for low-power transmission over a wide-bandwidth channel. The replication mode involves at least a portion of the wide-bandwidth channel with a bandwidth greater than 20 MHz. Multiple sub-channels of the wide-bandwidth channel collectively span the total bandwidth of the wide-bandwidth channel. As described herein, in various aspects, the configuration may include a dual-carrier mode configuration or other configurations for low-power transmission. In some aspects, such a mode may be combined with a replication mode.

[0183] In some aspects, at box 1704, the wireless communication device performs one or more Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) checks on a wide-bandwidth channel using a set of low-power CCA thresholds, based on configuring the wireless communication device to operate in dual-carrier mode. The wide-bandwidth channel is associated with a first set of CCA thresholds different from the set of low-power CCA thresholds, which are used when the wireless communication device is not operating in a replicated mode for low-power transmission. In other aspects, the CCA check can be performed according to any CCA configuration described herein for the wide-bandwidth channel, while also enabling low-power transmission if some or all of the wide-bandwidth channels are idle and available to the wireless communication device.

[0184] In some respects, in box 1706, the wireless communication device determines whether the wideband channel is idle based on one or more CCA checks. In some respects, this determination is as follows: Figure 15 , Figure 16 Performed as described in the document, or as otherwise described in this document to determine the idle or busy state.

[0185] In some aspects, at block 1708, the wireless communication device performs a wideband channel access operation based on determining whether the wideband channel is idle. As described above, the wideband channel access operation will depend on the result of determining whether the wideband channel is idle. If some or all of the wideband channel is idle, the wideband channel access operation may be a transmission. If some or all of the wideband channel is busy, the wideband channel access may include further CCA operations, such as performing additional CCA checks in a subsequent operation set to determine whether the previously busy portion of the wideband channel has become idle and available for use before a timer.

[0186] In some respects, in addition to the replication mode used for low-power transmission, the wireless communication device is further configured for dual-carrier mode.

[0187] In some respects, one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for a 20 MHz bandwidth of each of the multiple sub-channels, and a set of low-power CCA thresholds includes a threshold of -82 dBm for a 20 MHz bandwidth of each of the multiple sub-channels.

[0188] In some respects, one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for an 80 MHz bandwidth of a wide bandwidth channel, and a set of low-power CCA thresholds includes a second threshold of -82 dBm for the 80 MHz bandwidth.

[0189] In some respects, one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for a 40 MHz bandwidth of a wide bandwidth channel, and a set of low-power CCA thresholds includes a second threshold of -82 dBm for the 40 MHz bandwidth.

[0190] Additionally, aspects of CCA for low-power transmission using wide-bandwidth channels can be integrated with any of the CCA configurations and processes described above. Process 1700 can be implemented using process 1100 or process 1400 as described above, and any of the aspects described above for those processes. Similarly, any configuration for CCA checking or the examples above can further include process 1700, either as part of a process for a standalone mode or as part of a process such as in process 1700 and Figure 17 The aspects of process integration for low-power modes described herein. In various examples, these different aspects may include other operations performed in parallel or serially as described in the box, and the described operations may also include repetitive and intermediary operations not specifically described in some examples.

[0191] Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1800 for CCA (Continuous Communication Action) of a channel with 20MHz subchannels, based on several aspects, is shown. In some aspects, process 1800 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as those referenced above). Figure 4 The described wireless communication device 400) performs the procedure. In some aspects, the process 1800 can be performed by an AP (such as those described above, referred to separately). Figure 1 and 5A (As described in AP 102 and 502) or STA (such as those mentioned above, refer to respectively) Figure 1 and 5B The STA 104 or STA504 described herein shall be used to perform this action.

[0192] For example, regarding the above. Figure 6 , 12AAs described in 12B, a channel (e.g., channel 600, channel 1250, etc.) may have associated 20MHz sub-channels. In some aspects, a 20MHz primary sub-channel (e.g., sub-channel 1260) may be used in conjunction with secondary 20MHz sub-channels (e.g., sub-channels 1261-1271) to cover the entire channel. By performing CCA on a per-20MHz sub-channel basis, all available 20MHz bandwidth of the channel can be used (e.g., via puncturing), even if portions of the channel (e.g., some secondary 20MHz sub-channels) are occupied or identified as busy by CCA checks on the channel (e.g., on a per-20MHz basis). Procedure 1800 explains aspects of per-20MHz CCA, which can be used to improve device and system operation by increasing bandwidth utilization and avoiding unused 20MHz sub-channels when portions of the channel are in use but other 20MHz sub-channels are available.

[0193] In some aspects, in box 1802, the wireless communication device performs a first open channel assessment (CCA) check on the main sub-channel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz, wherein multiple sub-channels of the channel together span the total bandwidth of the channel, the channel including a main sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels, each having a bandwidth of 20 MHz.

[0194] In some respects, in block 1804, the wireless communication device performs a corresponding second CCA check on one or more sub-channels of the channel. As described above, by performing CCA operation on the 20MHz sub-channel, spectral efficiency can be improved, for example, by using 20MHz of a 40MHz bandwidth, wherein the first sub-20MHz sub-channel in the 40MHz bandwidth is identified as busy by CCA, but another 20MHz sub-channel in the 40MHz bandwidth is identified as available.

[0195] In some aspects, in block 1806, the wireless communication device performs channel access operations by transmitting communication on the channel based on the state of each of the primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels. This state is based on performing a CCA check. In some aspects, channel access (e.g., communication or other actions) is based on determining whether the primary sub-channel is idle and whether one or more secondary sub-channels are idle. Similar to the access operations described above, the access operation of block 1806 can be a contention operation when the wideband channel is busy, and can be a transmission, a punctured transmission, or other such operations when the wideband channel is idle. By performing CCA on a 20MHz basis, CCA information can be used for any combination of the 20MHz sub-channels of the channel as part of the channel access operation of block 1806.

[0196] In some of these aspects, the wireless communication device determines whether a primary sub-channel is idle based on a first CCA check, and also determines whether one or more secondary sub-channels are idle based on a corresponding second CCA check. In some aspects, instead of performing different CCA checks on different bandwidths or sub-channels of different bandwidths by performing CCA only on a 20MHz basis (e.g., per 20MHz segment or sub-channel), additional CCA checks are used. However, as mentioned above, this removes the overhead associated with CCA checks on different bandwidths (e.g., 40MHz CCA, 80MHz CCA, etc.) and improves spectral efficiency.

[0197] Figure 19 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 1900 supporting CCA for wide bandwidth channels is shown, according to some aspects. In some aspects, the wireless communication device 1900 is configured to perform one or more of the above-described processes or CCA configurations. These configurations may include, as in Figure 9 and 10 The CCA configuration with one or more secondary master channels described in the document and Figure 11 Related processes 1100 Figure 13 The configuration of a set of CCA checks at the intermediate bandwidth of the associated bit mapping for wide bandwidth channels and Figure 14 The associated process 1400, and any other CCA configuration or process described herein. Wireless communication device 1900 may be the above reference. Figure 4 Example aspects of the described wireless communication device 400. For example, the wireless communication device 1900 may be a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device including at least one modem (e.g., a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem or a cellular modem (such as modem 402)), at least one processor (such as processor 404), at least one radio (such as radio 406), and at least one memory (such as memory 408). In some aspects, the wireless communication device 1900 may be used in STAs (such as those described above, respectively referred to). Figure 1 and 5B The device in one of the described STAs 104 and 504. In some other aspects, the wireless communication device 1900 may be a STA that includes such a chip, SoC, chipset, package or device and at least one antenna (such as antenna 525).

[0198] In some respects, the CCA operations described herein can be integrated with standardized communication system operations. For example, the 20MHz CCA described in Procedure 1800 can be integrated with the IEEE 802.11 standard. Example standard texts describing such aspects are described below:

[0199] 36.3.19.6CCA Sensitivity

[0200] 36.3.19.6.1 Overview

[0201] Compare the thresholds in this clause with the signal level at each receiving antenna.

[0202] 36.3.19.6.2 CCA sensitivity for CCA-ED operating categories

[0203] For operational categories requiring CCA Energy Detection (CCA-ED), if CCA-ED detects a busy channel, the PHY should indicate a busy medium condition. CCA-ED is required in some frequency bands to improve spectrum sharing. The behavioral categories indicating CCA-ED are given in Table D-2 (Behavioral Restrictions). The operational categories requiring the corresponding CCA-ED behavioral categories are given in E.1 (Country Information and Operational Categories). The PHY of a STA operating within an operational category requiring CCA-ED should operate in conjunction with the CCA-ED.

[0204] If the received signal strength exceeds the CCA-ED threshold given by dot11OFDMEDThreshold (.11OFDM threshold) for the primary 20MHz channel and dot11OFDMEDThreshold for each non-primary 20MHz sub-channel, then CCA-ED should detect a channel busy condition. The CCA-ED threshold for the operating category requiring CCA-ED is subject to the criteria in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0205] For EHT TB PPDU transmissions, for each of the 20MHz sub-channels requiring CCA, if the received signal strength exceeds the CCA-ED threshold given by dot11OFDMEDThreshold, then CCA-ED should detect a busy channel condition. The CCA-ED threshold used for the operating category requiring CCA-ED is limited by the criteria in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0206] For transmissions carrying frames including the BQR control subfield (see 9.2.4.6a (a variant of the control subfield A)), if the received signal strength exceeds the CCA-ED threshold given by dot11OFDMEDThreshold for the primary 20MHz channel and dot11OFDMEDThreshold for each non-primary 20MHz channel (if present), then CCA-ED should detect a busy channel condition. The CCA-ED threshold for the operating category requiring CCA-ED is limited by the criteria in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0207] Note—The requirement to detect channel busy conditions, as stated in 36.3.19.6.3 (CCA Sensitivity for the Primary 20MHz Channel) and 36.3.19.6.4 (CCA Sensitivity per 20MHz), is a mandatory energy detection requirement on all Clause 36 (Extremely High Throughput (EHT) PHY Specification) receivers. Support for CCA-ED is an additional requirement, particularly relating to the sensitivity described in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0208] 36.3.19.6.3 CCA Sensitivity of Occupying the Main 20MHz Channel

[0209] An EHT STA with a W MHz operating channel width should detect the start of a PPDU with a probability >90%, the PPDU occupying at least the primary 20MHz channel in the previously idle W MHz operating channel width, and should issue a PHY-CCA indication with a busy STATUS parameter during the aCCATime period (see 21.4.4 (VHT PHY)) if one of the following conditions is met:

[0210] • When operating in the 5 or 6 GHz band, the start of a non-HT PPDU as defined in 17.3.10.6 (CCA Requirements) and when operating in the 2.4 GHz band, the start of a non-HT PPDU as defined in 18.4.6 (CCA Implementation). • The start of an HT PPDU as defined in 19.3.19.5 (CCA Sensitivity).

[0211] • For the start of non-HT replicas, VHT HE, or EHT PPDUs, the power measured for them in the main 20MHz channel is equal to or greater than -82dBm.

[0212] • If the operating channel width is greater than 20MHz, the channel list parameter exists and is set to {master}. The CCA signal should remain busy during the PPDU duration (do not issue PHY-CCA. indication primitives with the STATUS parameter set to idle) unless it receives the CCARESET. request primitive before the end of the PPDU (e.g., during a space reuse operation as described in 35.xx (Space Reuse Operation)).

[0213] For any signal exceeding a threshold of 20 dB above the minimum modulation and coding rate sensitivity (-82 + 20 = -62 dBm) in the primary 20 MHz channel within the aCCTatime period after the signal arrives at the receiver antenna, the receiver should issue a PHY-CCA. indication primitive with the STATUS parameter set to busy. If the operating channel width is greater than 20 MHz, the channel list parameter exists and should be set to {primary}. After this indication and while the threshold continues to be exceeded, the receiver should not issue a PHY-CCA. indication primitive with the STATUS parameter set to idle or a change in the channel list parameter.

[0214] 36.3.19.6.4 CCA sensitivity per 20MHz

[0215] —If the operating channel width is greater than 20MHz and the PHY issues the PHY-CCA indication primitive, the PHY should set a 20-bit mapping to indicate the busy / idle status of each 20MHz subchannel. A 20MHz subchannel is busy if at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0216] —A signal exists on the 20MHz subchannel that is equal to or higher than the threshold of –62dBm at the receiver antenna. The PHY should indicate that the 20MHz subchannel is busy during the aCCATime period after the signal begins, and should continue to indicate that the 20MHz subchannel is busy as long as the threshold continues to be exceeded.

[0217] —For non-HT, HT_MF, HT_GF, VHT, HE, or EHT PPDUs, the power measured for them within this 20MHz subchannel is equal to or greater than max(-72dBm, OBSS_PDlevel) at the receiver antenna. The PHY should indicate that the 20MHz subchannel is busy with a probability >90% during the aCCAMidTime period (see 36.3 (EHT PHY)).

[0218] —Note—After receiving a trigger frame in which the CS Required subfield in the Common Info field is set to 1, the EHT PHY only needs to detect a signal equal to the -62dBm threshold, because other conditions require more time than the expected response time is available.

[0219] The OBSS_PDlevel is defined in 35.xx.xx (Adjustments to OBSS PD and Transmit Power) and is applied to the equations to define the detection level in this sub-clause if the EHT STA follows the procedures in 35.xx.xx (General Operation with Non-SRG OBSS PD Level) or 35.xx.xx (General Operation with SRG OBSS PD Level) and has ignored 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz inter-BSS PPDUs. It applies to any sub-channel within the PPDU bandwidth of the inter-BSS PPDU and during the RXTIME (Receive Time) of the inter-BSS PPDU. Otherwise, the OBSS_PD level is not applied to the equations to define the detection level in this sub-clause.

[0220] 27.3.20.6 CCA Sensitivity

[0221] 27.3.20.6.1 Overview

[0222] Compare the thresholds in this clause with the signal level at each receiving antenna.

[0223] 27.3.20.6.2 CCA sensitivity for CCA-ED operating categories

[0224] For operational categories requiring CCA Energy Detection (CCA-ED), if CCA-ED detects a busy channel, the PHY should indicate a busy medium condition. CCA-ED is required in some frequency bands to improve spectrum sharing. The behavioral categories indicating CCA-ED are given in Table D-2 (Behavioral Restrictions). The operational categories requiring the corresponding CCA-ED behavioral categories are given in E.1 (Country Information and Operational Categories). The PHY of a STA operating within an operational category requiring CCA-ED should operate in conjunction with the CCA-ED.

[0225] If the received signal strength exceeds the CCA-ED threshold given by dot11OFDMEDThreshold for the primary 20MHz channel and dot11OFDMEDThreshold for each non-primary 20MHz sub-channel, then CCA-ED should detect a busy channel condition. The CCA-ED threshold for the operating category requiring CCA-ED is subject to the criteria in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0226] For EHT TB PPDU transmissions, for each of the 20MHz sub-channels requiring CCA, if the received signal strength exceeds the CCA-ED threshold given by dot11OFDMEDThreshold, then CCA-ED should detect a busy channel condition. The CCA-ED threshold used for the operating category requiring CCA-ED is limited by the criteria in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0227] For transmissions carrying frames including the BQR control subfield (see 9.2.4.6a (a variant of the control subfield A)), if the received signal strength exceeds the CCA-ED threshold given by dot11OFDMEDThreshold for the primary 20MHz channel and dot11OFDMEDThreshold for each non-primary 20MHz channel (if present), then CCA-ED should detect a busy channel condition. The CCA-ED threshold for the operating category requiring CCA-ED is limited by the criteria in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0228] Note—The requirement to detect channel busy conditions, as stated in 27.3.20.6.3 (CCA Sensitivity of the Primary 20MHz Channel) and 27.3.20.6.4 (CCA Sensitivity of Signals Not Occupying the Primary 20MHz Channel), is a mandatory energy detection requirement on all Clause 27 (High-Efficiency (HE)PHY Specification) receivers. Support for CCA-ED is an additional requirement relating to the sensitivity described in D.2.5 (CCA-ED Threshold).

[0229] 27.3.20.6.3 CCA Sensitivity of the Main 20MHz Channel

[0230] An EHT STA with a W MHz operating channel width should detect the start of a PPDU with a probability >90%, the PPDU occupying at least the primary 20MHz channel in the previously idle W MHz operating channel width, and should issue a PHY-CCA indication with the STATUS parameter set to busy during the aCCATime period (see 21.4.4 (VHT PHY)) if one of the following conditions is met:

[0231] • When operating in the 5 or 6 GHz band, the start of a non-HT PPDU as defined in 17.3.10.6 (CCA Requirements) and when operating in the 2.4 GHz band, the start of a non-HT PPDU as defined in 18.4.6 (CCA Implementation). • The start of an HT PPDU as defined in 19.3.19.5 (CCA Sensitivity).

[0232] • For the start of non-HT replicas, VHT HE, or EHT PPDUs, the power measured for them in the main 20MHz channel is equal to or greater than -82dBm.

[0233] • If the operating channel width is greater than 20MHz, the channel list parameter exists and is set to {master}. The CCA signal should remain busy during the PPDU duration (do not issue a PHY-CCA. indication primitive with the STATUS parameter set to idle) unless it receives a CCARESET. request primitive before the end of the PPDU (e.g., during a space reuse operation as described in 26.10 (Space Reuse Operation)).

[0234] • For any signal exceeding a threshold equal to 20 dB above the minimum modulation and coding rate sensitivity (-82 + 20 = -62 dBm) in the primary 20 MHz channel within the aCCTatime period after the signal arrives at the receiver antenna, the receiver should issue a PHY-CCA. instruction primitive to set the status parameter to busy. If the operating channel width is greater than 20 MHz, the channel list parameter exists and should be set to {primary}. After this instruction and while the threshold continues to be exceeded, the receiver should not issue a PHY-CCA. instruction primitive with the STATUS parameter set to idle or a change in the channel list parameter.

[0235] 27.3.20.6.5 CCA sensitivity per 20MHz

[0236] If the operating channel width is greater than 20MHz and the PHY issues the PHY-CCA.indication primitive, the PHY should set a 20-bit mapping to indicate the busy / idle status of each 20MHz subchannel. A 20MHz subchannel is busy if at least one of the following conditions exists in an otherwise idle 40MHz, 80MHz, 80+80MHz, or 160MHz channel:

[0237] —A signal exists on the 20MHz subchannel that is equal to or higher than the threshold of –62dBm at the receiver antenna. The PHY should indicate that the 20MHz subchannel is busy during the aCCATime period after the signal begins, and should continue to indicate that the 20MHz subchannel is busy as long as the threshold continues to be exceeded.

[0238] —A non-HT, HT_MF, HT_GF, VHT, HE, or EHT PPDU exists at the receiver antenna at a level equal to or greater than max(–72dBm, OBSS_PDlevel). The PHY should indicate that the 20MHz subchannel is busy with a probability of >90% during the aCCAMidTime period (see 27.4.4 (EHT PHY)).

[0239] —Note—After receiving a trigger frame in which the CS Required subfield in the Common Info field is set to 1, the EHT PHY only needs to detect a signal equal to the -62dBm threshold, because other conditions require more time than the expected response time is available.

[0240] The OBSS_PDlevel, defined in 26.10.2.4 (Adjustments to OBSS PD and Transmit Power), is applied to the equations to define the detection level in this sub-clause if the EHT STA follows the procedures in 26.10.2.2 (General Operations Using Non-SRG OBSS PD Levels) or 26.10.2.3 (General Operations Using SRG OBSS PD Levels) and has omitted 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 80+80MHz inter-BSS PPDUs. It applies to any sub-channel within the PPDU bandwidth of the inter-BSS PPDU and during the RXTIME of the inter-BSS PPDU. Otherwise, the OBSS_PD level is not applied to the equations to define the detection level in this sub-clause.

[0241] In other respects, in addition to the example languages ​​mentioned above, other standard implementations based on the descriptions provided in this document may also be used.

[0242] Wireless communication device 1900 may include a CCA determination module 1902, a CCA indication module 1904, a PHY service protocol module 1906, a channel list module 1908, a DUP module 1910, and a DCM module 1912. A portion of one or more of modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, and 1912 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, the CCA indication module 1904 may be implemented at least partially by one or more modems (e.g., a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem). In some aspects, at least some of modules 1902, 1904, 1906, and 1908 are implemented at least partially as software stored in memory. For example, portions of one or more of modules 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908, 1910, and 1912 may be implemented as non-transient instructions (or "code") executable by at least one processor to perform the function or operation of the respective module.

[0243] CCA determination module 1902 can be configured to determine the idle or busy state of at least one primary channel and at least one secondary channel. The determination of the primary and secondary channels can be based on the decomposition of the widebandwidth channel by channel list module 1908. As described herein, CCA checks as part of a specific CCA can be implemented using different configurations, including CCA checks on multiple primary and secondary channels of a single widebandwidth channel, serial CCA checks on different bandwidths, or CCA checks at intermediate bandwidths to generate a bit map. In some aspects, CCA determination module 1902 can be used to configure and manage a set of CCA checks for a specific widebandwidth channel.

[0244] The CCA indication module 1904 can be configured to generate CCA indications sent from the PHY layer to the MAC layer. For example, the CCA indication may include an indicator (such as...) Figure 4 (One of those indicators).

[0245] The PHY service protocol module 1906 can be configured to receive CCA triggers from the MAC layer and initiate CCA operations performed by the CCA determination module 1902. The PHY service protocol module 1906 can also be configured to provide the MAC layer with CCA indications generated by the CCA indication module 1904. The PHY service protocol module 1906 enables cross-layer communication between the MAC layer and the PHY layer.

[0246] The channel list module 1908 can be configured to determine the primary and secondary channels associated with the wideband channel. For example, the channel list module 1908 can determine how to segment the various parts of the wideband channel, and then cause the CCA determination module 1902 to perform CCA on the parts determined by the channel list module 1908.

[0247] The DUP module 1910 can be configured to implement transmission over a wide bandwidth channel in a replicated PPDU mode for low-power transmission. The DUP module 1910 can manage protocol and communication operations to implement this mode and the associated low-power transmission as part of the wireless communication device 1900.

[0248] DCM module 1912 can be configured to implement transmission over a wide bandwidth channel in a dual-carrier mode for low-power transmission. DUP module 1910 can manage protocol and communication operations to implement this mode and the associated low-power transmission as part of wireless communication device 1900. In some examples, DUP module 1910 and DCM module 1912 can be implemented together or can operate together to allow simultaneous DUP and DCM transmissions in DUP+DCM mode. According to the various examples described herein, such modes can further utilize CCA for the wide bandwidth channel to achieve low-power transmission.

[0249] As used herein, “or” is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense unless otherwise expressly indicated. For example, “a or b” could include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” or “one or more of” refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover the following examples: only a, only b, only c, a combination of a and b, a combination of a and c, a combination of b and c, and a combination of a, b, and c.

[0250] The various illustrative components, logic, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. This interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been generally described in terms of its functionality and is illustrated in the aforementioned illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0251] Various modifications to the aspects described in this disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be granted the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0252] The various features described in the context of separate aspects in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single aspect. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single aspect may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple aspects. Thus, although features may be described above as operating in a particular combination and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from that combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0253] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring the execution of all explained operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of flowcharts or diagrams. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the schematically explained example processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any explained operations. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of the various system components in the aspects described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all aspects, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0254] The explanatory aspects of this disclosure include:

[0255] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising: performing one or more first unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) checks on a main segment of a wideband channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 240 MHz, wherein multiple sub-channels of the wideband channel share the total bandwidth of the wideband channel, the wideband channel including a main segment and one or more sub-segments, the main segment including a first main sub-channel; performing corresponding second CCA checks on one or more sub-segments of the wideband channel, the one or more sub-segments including one or more secondary main sub-channels; determining whether the main segment is idle based on one or more first CCA checks; determining whether one or more sub-segments are idle based on corresponding second CCA checks; and performing a wideband channel access operation based on determining whether the main segment is idle and determining whether one or more sub-segments are idle.

[0256] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein the main segment has a bandwidth of 160 MHz and includes multiple sub-channels.

[0257] Aspect 3: The method of any of Aspects 1-2, wherein one or more sub-segments have a common bandwidth of 80 MHz.

[0258] Aspect 4: The method of any of Aspects 1-2, wherein one or more sub-segments have a common bandwidth of 160 MHz.

[0259] Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 1-4 further includes: generating one or more CCA indication reports based on at least one of one or more first CCA checks and corresponding second CCA checks, the one or more CCA indication reports including indications of the status of a first primary sub-channel of the primary segment and at least one of one or more secondary primary sub-channels; and wherein wideband channel access operation is performed based on the one or more CCA indication reports.

[0260] Aspect 6: The method of Aspect 5, wherein the one or more CCA instruction reports include a first CCA report for the main segment and at least a second CCA report for one or more sub-segments.

[0261] Aspect 7: The method of aspect 6, wherein the wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting data using the wideband channel based on a first CCA report and a second CCA report.

[0262] Aspect 8: The method of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the wideband channel access operation includes: using the wideband channel to transmit data based on at least one of determining that a primary segment is idle and determining that one or more secondary segments are idle.

[0263] Aspect 9: The method of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the wideband channel access operation includes: suppressing data transmission on the wideband channel during a backoff period in response to determining that a primary segment is busy and determining that one or more secondary segments are busy.

[0264] Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, wherein the backoff period of the wideband channel access operation includes a joint backoff period shared by multiple sub-channels.

[0265] Aspect 11: The method of aspect 10, wherein the joint backoff period of the wideband channel access operation includes random backoff time and inter-frame interval time.

[0266] Aspect 12: The method of aspect 9, wherein the backoff period of the wideband channel access operation includes a first backoff period for a first primary sub-channel and one or more secondary primary sub-channels, and at least one second backoff period for a plurality of secondary sub-channels among a plurality of sub-channels, the at least one second backoff period being different from the first backoff period.

[0267] Aspect 13: The method of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting data on at least one of the one or more sub-segments of the wideband channel based on determining that the main segment is busy and determining that at least one of the one or more sub-segments is idle, and suppressing the transmission of data on the main segment.

[0268] Aspect 14: The method of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the wideband channel access operation includes: transmitting data on a set of punctures in a main segment and one or more sub-segments according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches a corresponding idle value from one or more first CCA checks and a corresponding second CCA check.

[0269] Aspect 15: The method of aspect 14, wherein the wideband channel access operation further includes: communicating on a first portion of the plurality of subchannels and a second portion of the plurality of subchannels based on resource unit allocation for a main segment and one or more sub-segments of the wideband channel.

[0270] Aspect 16: The method of any of Aspects 1-15, wherein one or more first CCA checks include a full CCA check of the first primary sub-channel and a Point Coordination Function (PCF) Inter-Frame Space (PIFS) check of one or more secondary sub-channels in a plurality of sub-channels of each segment of the wide bandwidth channel.

[0271] Aspect 17: The method of aspect 1, wherein the total bandwidth of the wideband channel is 320MHz.

[0272] Aspect 19: The method of aspect 17, wherein the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 160 MHz, one or more sub-segments include sub-segments with a sub-segment bandwidth of 160 MHz, and each of the plurality of sub-channels has a corresponding sub-channel bandwidth of 20 MHz.

[0273] Aspect 19: The method of aspect 19, wherein the first CCA check in one or more first CCA checks of a total bandwidth of 320 MHz has a first CCA threshold of negative 70 dBm.

[0274] Aspect 20: The method of aspect 19, wherein the second CCA check in the corresponding second CCA check for the sub-segment bandwidth of 160 MHz has a second CCA threshold of negative 73 dBm.

[0275] Aspect 21: The method of aspect 20 further includes: performing a third CCA check on the first primary sub-channel, the third CCA check having a third CCA threshold of negative 62 dBm.

[0276] Aspect 22: The method of aspect 1, wherein the total bandwidth of the wideband channel is 240MHz.

[0277] Aspect 23: The method of aspect 22, wherein the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 160 MHz, one or more sub-segments include a sub-segment with a sub-segment bandwidth of 80 MHz, and each of the plurality of sub-channels has a corresponding sub-channel bandwidth of 20 MHz.

[0278] Aspect 24: The method of aspect 23, wherein the first CCA check in one or more first CCA checks of a total bandwidth of 240 MHz has a first CCA threshold of negative 71 dBm.

[0279] Aspect 25: The method of aspect 24, wherein the second CCA check in the corresponding second CCA check for the sub-segment bandwidth of 80 MHz has a second CCA threshold of negative 76 dBm.

[0280] Aspect 26: The method of aspect 25 further includes: performing a third CCA check on the first primary sub-channel, the third CCA check having a third CCA threshold of negative 62 dBm.

[0281] Aspect 27: The method of Aspect 1, wherein one or more first CCA checks include a CCA check for each 20 MHz bandwidth of the main segment.

[0282] Aspect 28: The method of any of Aspects 1-23, wherein one or more first CCA checks include a CCA check for each subchannel of the main segment, a CCA check for each 40 MHz bandwidth of the main segment, a CCA check for each 80 MHz bandwidth of the main segment, and a 160 MHz CCA check for the main segment.

[0283] Aspect 29: The method of aspect 28, wherein the corresponding second CCA check includes a CCA check for each subchannel of one or more sub-segments, a CCA check for each 40MHz bandwidth of one or more sub-segments, and a full-bandwidth CCA check for each sub-segment of one or more sub-segments.

[0284] Aspect 30: The method of aspect 1, wherein each of the one or more first CCA checks is performed serially.

[0285] Aspect 31: The method of any of Aspects 1-23, wherein one or more first CCA checks include a first CCA check for a first primary sub-channel, a third plurality of CCA checks for a secondary sub-channel of a primary segment, one or more second CCA checks for each secondary primary sub-channel of one or more secondary segments, and a fourth plurality of CCA checks for the secondary sub-channels of one or more secondary segments.

[0286] Aspect 32: The method of aspect 31, wherein a third plurality of CCA checks are performed in parallel after the first CCA check identifies the idle value of the first primary sub-channel.

[0287] Aspect 33: The method of any of Aspects 1-23, wherein one or more first CCA checks comprise a plurality of first CCA checks, and wherein a corresponding second CCA check comprises a plurality of second CCA checks.

[0288] Aspect 34: The method of aspect 33, wherein a plurality of first CCA checks include a primary channel CCA check that generates an indication of an idle value for a first primary sub-channel, and wherein a plurality of second CCA checks include at least one secondary primary channel CCA check that generates at least one indication of an idle value for one or more secondary primary sub-channels.

[0289] Aspect 35: A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising: performing at least a first unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) check on a first bandwidth of a wideband channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 240 MHz, wherein a plurality of subchannels share the total bandwidth of the wideband channel, the first bandwidth having a value greater than or equal to 40 MHz and being separate from a main subchannel of the wideband channel, each CCA check performed on the first bandwidth being performed on a segment of the bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz; performing one or more CCA checks on the plurality of subchannels constituting the wideband channel; determining whether the wideband channel is idle based on the first CCA check and one or more CCA checks; and performing a wideband channel access operation based on determining whether the wideband channel is idle.

[0290] Aspect 36: The method of aspect 35, wherein the wide bandwidth channel includes a primary 40MHz bandwidth and multiple secondary 40MHz bandwidths.

[0291] Aspect 37: The method of aspect 36, wherein one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for the primary 40MHz bandwidth and a corresponding CCA check for each of the plurality of secondary 40MHz bandwidths.

[0292] Aspect 38: The method of aspect 37, wherein the wide bandwidth channel access operation includes: transmitting on a first subset of multiple sub-40MHz bandwidths according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches a set of idle values ​​from a portion of one or more CCA checks on a first set of multiple sub-40MHz bandwidths.

[0293] Aspect 39: The method of aspect 35, wherein the wide bandwidth channel access operation includes: communicating on the main sub-channel and at least a first 80 MHz bandwidth according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches one or more idle values ​​generated by one or more CCA checks.

[0294] Aspect 40: The method of aspect 35, wherein the wideband channel is segmented into a main segment and one or more sub-segments.

[0295] Aspect 41: The method of aspect 40, wherein the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 160 MHz.

[0296] Aspect 42: The method of aspect 41, wherein one or more CCA checks include multiple first CCA checks for each 20 MHz bandwidth of the main segment, and wherein the first bandwidth is in one or more sub-segments.

[0297] Aspect 43: The method of aspect 42, wherein one or more CCA checks include multiple second CCA checks for each 40MHz bandwidth of one or more sub-segments in addition to the first bandwidth.

[0298] Aspect 44: The method of aspect 40, wherein the main segment has a main segment bandwidth of 80 MHz, wherein the wide bandwidth channel does not include the main 160 MHz bandwidth, and the total bandwidth of the wide bandwidth channel is 240 MHz.

[0299] Aspect 45: The method of aspect 44, wherein one or more CCA checks include multiple first CCA checks for each 20 MHz bandwidth of the main segment, and wherein the first bandwidth is in one or more sub-segments.

[0300] Aspect 46: The method of aspect 45, wherein one or more CCA checks include multiple second CCA checks for each 40MHz bandwidth of one or more sub-segments in addition to the first bandwidth.

[0301] Aspect 47: The method of aspect 35, wherein when no wireless preamble is detected, a second CCA check for a sub-channel with a bandwidth different from the first bandwidth has an energy detection threshold of negative 62 dBm, wherein the sub-channel has a bandwidth of 20 MHz.

[0302] Aspect 48: The method of aspect 35, wherein when no wireless preamble is detected, the second CCA check of the first bandwidth has an energy detection threshold of negative 59 dBm.

[0303] Aspect 49: The method of aspect 35, wherein when no wireless preamble is detected, the second CCA check for the secondary 160MHz bandwidth of the wide bandwidth channel has an energy detection threshold of negative 53dBm.

[0304] Aspect 50: The method of aspect 35, wherein the physical (PHY) layer of the wireless communication device is constrained such that the wireless communication device does not perform any CCA check on any portion of the wide bandwidth channel less than 40 MHz.

[0305] Aspect 51: The method of aspect 50 further includes: generating a 40MHz bit mapping indicating a busy or idle value for each 40MHz bandwidth of the wide bandwidth channel.

[0306] Aspect 52: A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising: configuring the wireless communication device to operate in a replication mode for low-power transmission on a wideband channel with a bandwidth greater than 20 MHz, wherein a plurality of sub-channels of the wideband channel together span the total bandwidth of the wideband channel; performing one or more Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) checks on the wideband channel using a set of low-power CCA thresholds based on configuring the wireless communication device to operate in a dual-carrier mode, the wideband channel being associated with a first set of CCA thresholds different from the first set of low-power CCA thresholds, the first set of CCA thresholds being used when the wireless communication device is not operating in the replication mode for low-power transmission; determining whether the wideband channel is idle based on the one or more CCA checks; and performing a wideband channel access operation based on determining whether the wideband channel is idle.

[0307] Aspect 53: The method of aspect 52, wherein, in addition to the replication mode for low-power transmission, the wireless communication device is further configured for dual-carrier mode.

[0308] Aspect 54: The method of aspect 52, wherein one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for a 20 MHz bandwidth of each of a plurality of sub-channels, and wherein a set of low-power CCA thresholds includes a threshold of -82 dBm for a 20 MHz bandwidth of each of the plurality of sub-channels.

[0309] Aspect 55: The method of aspect 54, wherein one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for an 80 MHz bandwidth of a wide bandwidth channel, and a set of low-power CCA thresholds including a second threshold of negative 82 dBm for the 80 MHz bandwidth.

[0310] Aspect 56: The method of aspect 54, wherein one or more CCA checks include a CCA check for a 40 MHz bandwidth of a wide bandwidth channel, and a set of low-power CCA thresholds including a second threshold of negative 82 dBm for the 40 MHz bandwidth.

[0311] Aspect 57: A wireless communication device comprising: at least one modem; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one modem; and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code configured, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, to perform a method as described in any of Aspects 1-56 above.

[0312] Aspect 58: A mobile station comprising: at least one modem; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one modem; at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code configured, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, to perform a method as described in any of Aspects 1-56 above; at least one transceiver coupled to the at least one modem; at least one antenna coupled to the at least one transceiver to wirelessly transmit signals output from the at least one transceiver and wirelessly receive signals for input to the at least one transceiver; and a housing enclosing at least a portion of the at least one modem, the at least one processor, the at least one memory, the at least one transceiver, and the at least one antenna.

[0313] Aspect 59: A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising: performing a first open channel assessment (CCA) check on a primary subchannel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz, wherein a plurality of subchannels of the channel together span the total bandwidth of the channel, the plurality of subchannels including a primary subchannel and one or more secondary subchannels, each of the primary subchannel and the one or more secondary subchannels having a bandwidth of 20 MHz; performing a corresponding second CCA check on each of the one or more secondary subchannels; and transmitting communication on the channel based on the state of each of the primary subchannel and the one or more secondary subchannels, the state being based on the performance of the corresponding second CCA check or the first CCA check.

[0314] Aspect 60: The method of aspect 59 further includes: determining whether a primary sub-channel is idle based on a first CCA check; and for each of one or more secondary sub-channels, determining whether the corresponding secondary sub-channel is idle based on a corresponding second CCA check performed on the corresponding secondary sub-channel.

[0315] Aspect 61: The method of aspect 60, wherein determining whether a primary sub-channel is idle includes: performing a power detection CCA (CCA-ED) check on the primary sub-channel; and wherein determining whether a corresponding sub-channel is idle for each of one or more secondary sub-channels includes: performing a corresponding CCA-ED check on each of the one or more secondary sub-channels.

[0316] Aspect 62: The method of aspect 61, wherein the CCA-ED check for the primary sub-channel and the corresponding CCA-ED check for each of one or more secondary sub-channels each include a negative 62 dBm threshold check.

[0317] Aspect 63: The method of aspect 60, wherein determining whether the primary sub-channel is idle further comprises: performing a preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check on the primary sub-channel; and wherein determining whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle for each of the one or more sub-channels further comprises: performing a corresponding CCA-PD check on each of the one or more sub-channels.

[0318] Aspect 64: The method of aspect 63, wherein the CCA-PD check of the primary sub-channel includes a negative 82dBm threshold check.

[0319] Aspect 65: The method of aspect 64, wherein the corresponding CCA-PD check for each of one or more sub-channels includes a threshold of negative 72 dBm.

[0320] Aspect 66: The method of any of Aspects 60-65, wherein the channel has a common bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz.

[0321] Aspect 67: The method of any of Aspects 60 to 66 further includes: generating one or more CCA indication reports based on at least one of a first CCA check and a corresponding second CCA check, the one or more CCA indication reports including indications of the status of each 20MHz subchannel of the channel.

[0322] Aspect 68: The method of aspect 67, wherein the one or more CCA indication reports include a first CCA report for the primary sub-channel and at least a second CCA report for one or more secondary sub-channels.

[0323] Aspect 69: The method of any of Aspects 60-68, wherein transmitting communication on the channel comprises: using the channel to transmit data based on at least one of determining that a primary sub-channel is idle and determining that one or more secondary sub-channels are idle.

[0324] Aspect 70: A method of any of Aspects 60-69, wherein transmitting communication on the channel comprises: transmitting data on a set of punctures in a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches a corresponding idle value from a first CCA check and a corresponding second CCA check.

[0325] Aspect 71: The method of aspect 70, wherein transmitting communication on the channel further comprises: communicating on a first portion of the plurality of sub-channels and a second portion of the plurality of sub-channels based on resource unit allocation for a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels of the channel.

[0326] Aspect 72: The method of aspect 71, wherein the first CCA check has a first CCA threshold of negative 62 dBm.

[0327] Aspect 73: The method of aspect 72, wherein each of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check is performed serially.

[0328] Aspect 74: The method of any of Aspects 60-73, wherein: the first CCA check, the corresponding second CCA check, and the transmission of communication on the channel are performed by an access point (AP) or a mobile station (STA) in a wireless network.

[0329] Aspect 75: A wireless communication device comprising: at least one modem; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one modem; and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code, the processor-readable code being configured, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, to: perform a first open channel assessment (CCA) check on a primary subchannel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz, wherein a plurality of subchannels of the channel together span the total bandwidth of the channel, the channel including a primary subchannel and one or more secondary subchannels, each of the primary subchannel and the one or more secondary subchannels having a bandwidth of 20 MHz; perform a corresponding second CCA check on each of the one or more secondary subchannels; and enable communication to be transmitted on the channel based on the state of each of the primary subchannel and the one or more secondary subchannels, the state being based on the execution of the corresponding first CCA check or the second CCA check.

[0330] Aspect 76: A wireless communication device as described in aspect 75, wherein the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to: determine whether a primary subchannel is idle based on a first CCA check; and for each of one or more secondary subchannels, determine whether the corresponding secondary subchannel is idle based on a corresponding second CCA check performed on the corresponding secondary subchannel.

[0331] Aspect 77: A wireless communication device as described in Aspect 76, wherein, in order to determine whether the primary sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to perform a power detection CCA (CCA-ED) check on the primary sub-channel; and wherein, for each of one or more sub-channels, in order to determine whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to perform a corresponding CCA-ED check on each of the one or more sub-channels.

[0332] Aspect 78: A wireless communication device as described in Aspect 77, wherein the CCA-ED check for the primary sub-channel and the corresponding CCA-ED check for each of one or more secondary sub-channels each include a negative 62 dBm threshold check.

[0333] Aspect 79: A wireless communication device as described in Aspect 76, wherein, in order to determine whether the primary sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to perform a preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check on the primary sub-channel; and wherein, for each of one or more sub-channels, in order to determine whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to perform a corresponding CCA-PD check on each of the one or more sub-channels.

[0334] Aspect 80: Wireless communication equipment as in aspect 79, wherein the preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check for the master sub-channel includes a negative 82dBm threshold.

[0335] Aspect 81: Wireless communication device as in aspect 80, wherein the channel has a common bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz or 320 MHz.

[0336] Aspect 82: A wireless communication device as described in aspect 80, wherein the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is further configured to generate one or more CCA indication reports based on at least one of a first CCA check and a corresponding second CCA check, the one or more CCA indication reports including indications of the status of each 20MHz subchannel of the channel.

[0337] Aspect 83: A wireless communication device as described in aspect 82, wherein the one or more CCA indication reports include a first CCA report for a primary sub-channel and at least a second CCA report for one or more secondary sub-channels.

[0338] Aspect 84: A wireless communication device of any of Aspects 75-83, wherein, in order for the communication to be transmitted on the channel, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to enable data to be transmitted using the channel based on at least one of determining that the primary sub-channel is idle and determining that one or more secondary sub-channels are idle.

[0339] Aspect 85: A wireless communication device of any of Aspects 75-84, wherein, in order for the communication to be transmitted on the channel, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to transmit data on a set of punctures in a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches a corresponding idle value from a first CCA check and a corresponding second CCA check.

[0340] Aspect 86: A wireless communication device as described in aspect 85, wherein, in order for the communication to be transmitted on the channel, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to transmit data on a first portion of the plurality of sub-channels and a second portion of the plurality of sub-channels based on the allocation of resource units for a primary sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels of the channel.

[0341] Aspect 87: A wireless communication device as described in aspect 88, wherein a first CCA check has a first CCA threshold of negative 62 dBm, and wherein each of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check is performed serially.

[0342] Aspect 88: A wireless communication device as described in any of Aspects 75-87, wherein the wireless communication device is an access point (AP) or a mobile station (STA).

[0343] Aspect 89: A method according to any of the operations in aspects 1-56 above.

[0344] Aspect 90: A computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the device, cause the device to perform any of the operations of aspects 1-56 above.

[0345] Aspect 91: An apparatus includes one or more means for performing any of the operations described in aspects 1-56 above.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising: A first open channel assessment (CCA) check is performed on the main sub-channel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 240 MHz, wherein multiple sub-channels of the channel together span the total bandwidth of the channel, the multiple sub-channels including the main sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels, each having a bandwidth of 20 MHz; Perform a corresponding second CCA check on each of the one or more sub-channels; as well as Communication is transmitted on the channel based on the state of each of the primary sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels, the state being based on performing the corresponding second CCA check or the first CCA check. The first CCA check is a full CCA check associated with a large random backoff time after a busy result, and the second CCA check is a CCA check, in addition to the full CCA check, that has a shorter random backoff time after a busy result. Transmitting the communication on the channel includes: transmitting data on the puncturing set of the main sub-channel and the one or more sub-channels according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches the corresponding idle value from the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The first CCA check is used to determine whether the master sub-channel is idle; as well as For each of the one or more sub-channels, it is determined whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle based on the corresponding second CCA check performed on the corresponding sub-channel.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether the master sub-channel is idle includes: Energy detection CCA (CCA-ED) check of the primary and secondary channels; and Determining whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle for each of the one or more sub-channels includes: performing a corresponding CCA-ED check for each of the one or more sub-channels.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the CCA-ED check for the primary sub-channel and the corresponding CCA-ED check for each of the one or more secondary sub-channels each include a negative 62 dBm threshold check.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein determining whether the master sub-channel is idle further comprises: The preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check is performed on the master sub-channel; and For each of the one or more sub-channels, determining whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle further includes: performing a corresponding CCA-PD check on each of the one or more sub-channels.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the CCA-PD check of the master sub-channel includes a negative 82 dBm threshold check.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the corresponding CCA-PD check for each of the one or more sub-channels includes a threshold of -72 dBm.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel has a common bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz or 320 MHz.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: One or more CCA indication reports are generated based on at least one of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check, the one or more CCA indication reports including indications of the status of each 20 MHz sub-channel of the channel.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more CCA indication reports include a first CCA report for the primary sub-channel and at least a second CCA report for the one or more secondary sub-channels.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the communication over the channel comprises: The channel is used to transmit data based on at least one of determining that the primary sub-channel is idle and determining that one or more secondary sub-channels are idle.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the communication over the channel further comprises: Communication is performed on the first portion and the second portion of the plurality of sub-channels based on the allocation of resource units for the main sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels of the channel.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first CCA check has a first CCA threshold of negative 62 dBm.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check is performed serially.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first CCA check, the corresponding second CCA check, and the transmission of the communication on the channel are performed by an access point (AP) or a mobile station (STA) in a wireless network.

16. A wireless communication device, comprising: At least one modem; At least one processor, the at least one processor being communicatively coupled to the at least one modem; as well as At least one memory, communicatively coupled to and storing processor-readable code, the processor-readable code being configured, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, to: A first unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) check is performed on the main sub-channel of a channel with a total bandwidth greater than or equal to 40 MHz, wherein multiple sub-channels of the channel together span the total bandwidth of the channel, the channel including the main sub-channel and one or more secondary sub-channels, each having a bandwidth of 20 MHz; Perform a corresponding second CCA check on each of the one or more sub-channels; as well as Communication is transmitted on the channel based on the state of each of the primary sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels, the state being based on performing a corresponding first CCA check or second CCA check. The first CCA check is a full CCA check associated with a large random backoff time after a busy result, and the second CCA check is a CCA check, in addition to the full CCA check, that has a shorter random backoff time after a busy result. In order for the communication to be transmitted on the channel, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to transmit data on the punctured set of the primary sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels according to a precode puncturing pattern that matches a corresponding idle value from the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check.

17. The wireless communication device of claim 16, wherein the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, the processor-readable code being configured, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, to: Based on the first CCA check, it is determined whether the master sub-channel is idle; and For each of the one or more sub-channels, it is determined whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle based on the corresponding second CCA check performed on the corresponding sub-channel.

18. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, To determine whether the primary sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to: perform a power detection CCA (CCA-ED) check on the primary sub-channel; and For each of the one or more sub-channels, in order to determine whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to perform a corresponding CCA-ED check for each of the one or more sub-channels.

19. The wireless communication device of claim 18, wherein the CCA-ED check for the primary sub-channel and the corresponding CCA-ED check for each of the one or more secondary sub-channels each include a negative 62 dBm threshold check.

20. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, To determine whether the primary sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to: perform a preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check on the primary sub-channel; and For each of the one or more sub-channels, in order to determine whether the corresponding sub-channel is idle, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to perform a corresponding CCA-PD check for each of the one or more sub-channels.

21. The wireless communication device of claim 19, wherein the preamble detection CCA (CCA-PD) check of the master sub-channel includes a negative 82 dBm threshold.

22. The wireless communication device of claim 19, wherein the channel has a common bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz or 320 MHz.

23. The wireless communication device of claim 19, wherein the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, the processor-readable code being further configured, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, to: One or more CCA indication reports are generated based on at least one of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check, the one or more CCA indication reports including indications of the status of each 20 MHz sub-channel of the channel.

24. The wireless communication device of claim 23, wherein the one or more CCA indication reports include a first CCA report for the primary sub-channel and at least a second CCA report for the one or more secondary sub-channels.

25. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 16, wherein, In order for the communication to be transmitted on the channel, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to enable data to be transmitted using the channel based on at least one of determining that the primary sub-channel is idle and determining that one or more secondary sub-channels are idle.

26. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 16, wherein, In order for the communication to be transmitted on the channel, the at least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and stores processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor in conjunction with the at least one modem, is configured to transmit data on a first portion of the plurality of sub-channels and a second portion of the plurality of sub-channels based on resource unit allocation for the primary sub-channel and the one or more secondary sub-channels of the channel.

27. The wireless communication device of claim 26, wherein the first CCA check has a first CCA threshold of negative 62 dBm, and wherein each of the first CCA check and the corresponding second CCA check is performed serially.

28. The wireless communication device of claim 16, wherein the wireless communication device is an access point (AP) or a mobile station (STA).

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