Dynamic spectrum access mode based on station capability

Abstract

A dynamic spectrum access mode based on station capabilities is provided by classifying functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network, identifying interference caused by external signaling devices to channels in the wireless network, calculating an impact factor of the interference based on proximity of the external signaling devices to the wireless network, patterns of the external signaling devices, and an extent of overlap of frequencies used by the external signaling devices and the wireless network, and allocating network resources for a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network to communicate with the given AP via one of multi-link communication or preamble puncturing based on the impact factor of the interference in response to identifying the given STA paired with the given AP, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multi-link communication and preamble puncturing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein provide improved bandwidth utilization based on the ability of devices to access shared wireless networks. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless networks (especially publicly accessible networks), various devices typically have different capabilities and can each run different versions of hardware or software. The wireless communication standards used by these devices (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 series of "Wi-Fi" standards) generally provide backward compatibility between different devices, allowing devices running newer versions to communicate with those running older versions. However, as communication standards advance, devices using newer standards often have additional features that devices using older standards lack. Attached Figure Description

[0003] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features described above, the present disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be described in more detail with reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings illustrate typical embodiments and should not be considered limiting; other equivalent embodiments may be contemplated.

[0004] Figure 1 A network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 Different possible multi-link operations in a wireless network according to embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated.

[0006] Figure 3 Channel allocation according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for providing a site-capability-based dynamic spectrum access mode according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 Hardware of a computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to denote common elements in the figures where possible. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Overview

[0011] One embodiment of this disclosure is a method comprising: classifying the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; identifying interference caused by external signaling devices to channels used by the wireless network; calculating an interference impact factor based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the mode (or duty cycle) of the external signaling device, and the degree of overlap of the frequencies used by the external signaling device and the wireless network; and, in response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, allocating network resources based on the interference impact factor to supply the given STA with the ability to communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

[0012] One embodiment of this disclosure is a system comprising: a processor; and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure procedures to perform operations including: classifying the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; identifying interference caused by external signaling devices to channels used by the wireless network; calculating an interference impact factor based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the duty cycle (or pattern) of the external signaling device, and the degree of overlap of frequencies used by the external signaling device and the wireless network; and, in response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, allocating network resources based on the interference impact factor to supply the given STA with the ability to communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

[0013] One embodiment of this disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform operations including: classifying the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; identifying interference caused by external signaling devices to channels used by the wireless network; calculating an interference impact factor based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the duty cycle (or mode) of the external signaling device, and the degree of overlap of frequencies used by the external signaling device and the wireless network; and, in response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, allocating network resources based on the interference impact factor to supply the given STA with the ability to communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

[0014] The following operations provide a dynamic spectrum access mode based on site capabilities: classifying the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; identifying interference caused by external signaling devices to channels in the wireless network; calculating the interference impact factor based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the mode of the external signaling device, and the degree of frequency overlap between the external signaling device and the wireless network; and, in response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, allocating network resources based on the interference impact factor to supply the given STA with the ability to communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

[0015] Example Implementation

[0016] This disclosure relates to dynamic spectrum access to allow for greater bandwidth utilization in a network environment. User equipment (UEs) and access points (APs) in the environment are evaluated to determine the relevant signaling capabilities of the devices and whether different access modes would provide better or more efficient use of available bandwidth. Depending on the capabilities of the UEs and APs in the environment (e.g., what the UEs and APs can or cannot perform) and the sources of contention for available bandwidth, multi-link operation or preamble punching operation can be biased for selection when scheduling communications. Because users may delay deploying devices with the latest capabilities, classifying the capabilities of the actual devices connected to or providing the network and biasing network operation based on these capabilities allows network providers to more efficiently allocate bandwidth and channel allocations, preparing for known sources of interference and competing signaling devices.

[0017] Figure 1 A network environment 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 In this environment 100, one or more access points (APs) 110a-d (generally or collectively referred to as AP 110) provide a wireless network 120 to various mobile stations (STAs) 130a-b (generally or collectively referred to as STA 130). In various embodiments, the wireless network 120 is a cellular or Wi-Fi-based network provided to users in public or private locations. In various embodiments, the wireless network 120 includes a network controller 140 that communicates with the APs 110 to coordinate network management between the APs 110, although the APs 110 may also manage the network between them, thus the network controller 140 is omitted in some embodiments.

[0018] AP 110 can provide wireless communication sessions in wireless network 120 according to various radio access technologies (RATs) and communication standards, such as, but not limited to, various series, substandards and derivatives of "Wi-Fi" networks according to the IEEE 802.11 standard; cellular networks, including various generations and subtypes, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G New Radio (5GNR) networks; Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) networks, etc. (Reference) Figure 5 Example hardware that can be included in the AP110 is discussed in more detail.

[0019] STA 130 may include any computing device capable of wirelessly connecting to one or more APs 110. Example STA 130 may include, but is not limited to: smartphones, feature phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. In various embodiments, STA 130 may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), client equipment (CD), user device, or endpoint. References Figure 5 Example hardware that can be included in the STA 130 is discussed in more detail.

[0020] Network controller 140 (if included) may include any computing device or cloud-based service configured to interface with two or more APs 110 to coordinate how spectrum and services are shared within environment 100. Network controller 140 may be located on a separate computing device connected to the individual APs 110 via wired or wireless communication; may be included in a “central” or “command” AP 110; or may be provided in an ad hoc arrangement, negotiating network management among a set of two or more APs 110. Therefore, any operation attributable to network controller 140 in the examples given in this disclosure may also, or alternatively, be attributable to one or more APs 110. Reference Figure 5 Example hardware that can be included in the network controller 140 is discussed in more detail.

[0021] In addition to members of wireless network 120, various external signaling devices 150a-c (generally or collectively referred to as external signaling devices 150) may consume or compete for the bandwidth used by wireless network 120. For example, devices in adjacent wireless networks under different parties' control may seek to use some or all of the bandwidth used by wireless network 120 based on the same set of communication standards (e.g., as part of an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS)). These devices using the same communication standards may include: a managed neighbor 150a in a shared or cooperative network with which network controller 140 may negotiate access to shared spectrum or to pre-plan when other networks will use shared spectrum; or a malicious AP 150b that does not coordinate with network controller 140 to access shared spectrum (e.g., allowing network controller 140 to react to the spectrum usage choices of malicious AP 150b).

[0022] Among external signaling devices using the same family of communication standards as wireless network 120, various existing signaling devices 150c with higher priority or conventional access rights to the spectrum may use the shared spectrum (for communication or other purposes) according to different signaling standards. For example, a weather station may use some or all of the bandwidth used by wireless network 120 for Doppler signals (e.g., a different transmission standard than wireless network 120). In various embodiments, network controller 140 may comply with existing users who have higher priority access to the shared bandwidth. When complying with access to existing signaling devices 150c (e.g., weather stations), where conventional communication standards have higher priority access to the shared portion of the spectrum, network controller 140 relinquishes or yields those portions of the spectrum to external signaling devices 150, allowing existing signaling devices 150c full access to the shared channel for at least a given period of time.

[0023] Figure 2 Different possible multi-link operations in a wireless network 120 according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0024] The illustration shows a first STA 130a performing simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) multilink communication with a first AP 110a. In this STR multilink communication arrangement, STA 130 is capable of transmitting uplink traffic to the associated AP 110 on a first channel and simultaneously receiving downlink traffic from AP 110 on a second channel. Although two channels are shown, in various embodiments, a pair of STAs 130 and AP 110 with STR capability can use more than two channels for STR multilink communication, with varying numbers of uplink or downlink channels.

[0025] The diagram illustrates a second STA 130b and a third STA 130c engaging in non-STR multilink communication with a first AP 110a. In a non-STR multilink communication arrangement, STA 130 uses two or more channels to communicate with the associated AP 110, but participates in unidirectional communication. For example, the second STA 130b uses two or more channels simultaneously for uplink communication (but no channels for downlink communication), while the third STA 130c uses two or more channels simultaneously for downlink communication (but no channels for uplink communication). In various embodiments, STA 130s participating in non-STR multilink communication may be able to perform STR multilink communication, but are scheduled for non-STR communication in a given time slot by the associated AP 110 (e.g., due to traffic queuing); however, some STA 130s participating in non-STR multilink communication may only be able to perform unidirectional multilink communication. Although two channels are shown, in various embodiments, a pair of STA130 and AP 110 with non-STR capability can use more than two channels for non-STR multilink communication, with a variety of uplink or downlink channels.

[0026] A fourth STA 130d is shown participating in Enhanced Single Radio (ESR) communication, wherein the fourth STA 130 dynamically switches between communicating with one of the first AP 110a and the second AP 110b at a given time. The fourth STA 130d is within range of two or more APs 110 and, in various embodiments, can send uplink communication to one or more APs 110 and receive downlink communication from one or more APs 110. Each AP 110 associates one channel with the STA 130. Although two channels are shown with two associated APs 110, in various embodiments, an ESR-capable STA 130 can communicate with two or more APs 110 (and associated channels) for ESR communication, with various numbers of uplink or downlink channels.

[0027] Figure 3Channel allocation according to embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated, including preamble puncturing, multi-link communication, or full-channel allocation. A macro channel 310 spans the frequency band from λ0 to λ4, while four WeChat channels 320a-d (generally or collectively referred to as WeChat channels 320) span the frequency bands from λ0 to λ1, λ1 to λ2, λ2 to λ3, and λ3 to λ4. When combined, WeChat channels 320 occupy the same bandwidth as macro channel 310. For example, an 80 MHz macro channel 310 has the same bandwidth as four 20 MHz WeChat channels 320a-d. When overlapping, WeChat channels 320 occupy the same frequency band as macro channel 310, but can be described as different named channels. For example, four WeChat channels 320a-d can be defined on channels 52, 56, 60, and 64, while macro channel 310 is defined on channel 58 (to cover all channels 52, 56, 60, and 64).

[0028] As used in this paper, the lowest frequency channel 320 in a set of channels 320 can be referred to as the main channel, and the other channels 320 can be referred to as auxiliary channels. In the current example, the first channel 320a will be the main channel, and the second to fourth sub-channels 320b-d will be auxiliary channels.

[0029] When used individually, each WeChat channel 320 can be assigned to a different STA 130, or to a single STA 130 for multi-link operation. Each transmission on WeChat channel 320 includes various overhead components (e.g., header fields, checksum fields) and payload data, just as transmissions on macro channel 310 do. Accordingly, because macro channel 310 includes a set of overhead components for the same amount of bandwidth as the collective WeChat channels 320 in the same frequency band, macro channel 310 can provide higher data throughput efficiency. However, compared to the associated macro channel 310, WeChat channel 320 can offer greater flexibility in channel allocation and (potentially) for interference mitigation or avoidance.

[0030] In various embodiments, AP 110 can change the width of the channel allocated for communication to STA 130 frame by frame, such that STA 130 can initially use macro channel 310 and switch to one or more micro channels 320 when interference 330 is detected between λ0 and λ4. Depending on the frequency traversed by interference 330, the duration or frequency of observation of interference 330, and the capabilities of AP 110 and STA 130, various different spectrum allocations can be considered when the channel allocation changes from macro channel 310 to micro channel 320.

[0031] When AP 110 and STA 130 support multi-link communication, AP 110 can allocate multiple WeChat channels 320 for communication with STA 130. For example, when interference 330 is located in the second WeChat channel 320b, AP 110 can allocate one or more of the remaining WeChat channels 320 to STA 130. For example, when AP 110 and STA 130 do not support multi-link communication, AP 110 can allocate one of the following to STA 130: a first idle frame 340a (generally or collectively referred to as idle frame 340) in the first WeChat channel 310a, a second idle frame 340b in the third WeChat channel 320c, or a third idle frame 340c in the fourth WeChat channel. When AP 110 and STA 130 support multi-link communication, AP 110 can allocate one or more idle frames 340 to STA 130. In various embodiments, the idle frame 340 can be allocated for uplink or downlink communication, and (if supported) when two or more idle frames are allocated, some idle frames can be used for uplink while some idle frames can be used for downlink communication simultaneously.

[0032] In various embodiments, depending on the frequency filtering capabilities of STA 130, some idle frames 340 may be unavailable, even without interference. Therefore, when guard frequencies, filters, or channel spacing require preventing the use of channels adjacent to each other, or channels adjacent to interference 330, the capabilities of STA 130 can effectively allow interference 330 to infiltrate adjacent frequency bands. For example, STA 130 may use a filter that cannot distinguish interference 330 in the second channel 320b from adjacent channels 320, which may not be usable with idle frames 340, even though interference 330 does not overlap with the associated channels 320. However, the affected STA 130 can still communicate using the fourth channel 320d because the STA 130's filter has sufficient discretion to prevent leakage from the second channel 320b to the fourth channel 320d.

[0033] When AP 110 and STA 130 support preamble puncturing, instead of falling back to using WeChat channel 320, AP 110 can allow STA 130 to transmit on the main channel and any auxiliary channel that does not overlap with interference 330, such as a coherent punctured frame 350. For example, when interference 330 overlaps with the frequency used by the second WeChat channel 320b, AP 110 can assign a punctured frame 350 to STA 130, which omits frequencies λ1 to λ2 but includes frequencies from λ0 to λ1 and λ2 to λ4. While interference overlapping with the second WeChat channel 320b has been discussed, preamble puncturing can also be used when overlapping different auxiliary channels or more than one auxiliary channel 302.

[0034] Once the interference is no longer present, AP 110 can return to allocating full frame 360 ​​covering macro channel 310.

[0035] Therefore, the network controller 140 monitors the external signaling device 150 to identify when interference 330 is generated and which channels are affected by interference 330, as part of determining whether to use punched frames 350 for STAs 130 that can benefit from preamble punching.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 400 for providing a dynamic spectrum access mode based on site capabilities, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 400 begins at block 410, where network controller 140 classifies the capabilities of member devices in wireless network 120. In various embodiments, AP 110, as a member of wireless network 120, is classified based on whether it supports multilink operation (including STR, non-STR, or ESR-supported multilink communication), preamble puncturing, both multilink operation and preamble puncturing, or neither. Similarly, network controller 140 classifies STA 130 connected to AP 110, wherein STA 130 is classified based on whether it is capable of STR multilink communication, non-STR multilink communication, ESR communication, or preamble puncturing, or a combination thereof.

[0037] At block 420, network controller 140 identifies external interference to wireless network 120, such as external interference that may be caused by various external signaling devices 150 on one or more channels used by wireless network 120. In various embodiments, network controller 140 identifies the source of interference as a radio device from an OBSS using the same or compatible communication standard as wireless network 120 (as managed neighbor 150a or malicious AP 150b), or as a high-priority existing signaling device 150c using a signaling standard different from AP 110 (e.g., a Doppler weather station). Network controller 140 identifies the characteristics of the interference generated by various sources, indicating the affected channel, the duration and signal strength of the interference, the frequency of observed interference (e.g., the period / frequency of the interference), etc.

[0038] At box 430, network controller 140 calculates the impact factor of interference on the operation of STA 130 within wireless network 120. The impact of the interference can vary depending on which channels are affected, the frequency of these channel impacts, and how well each STA 130 can resolve the interference. For example, interference on a primary channel may prevent STA 130 from using preamble puncturing, while interference on a secondary channel may prevent STA 130 from using the secondary channel but still allow preamble puncturing (as long as the affected channel is avoided). In another example, a first STA 130a may be specified (e.g., by the manufacturer) to use a signal spacing of at least 20 MHz, making 20 MHz channels adjacent to the vulnerable 20 MHz channel unavailable (although without interference), while a second STA 130b, specified to use a lower signal spacing, may be able to use those adjacent channels. Thus, the impact factor identifies the portion of bandwidth available to each STA 130.

[0039] In addition to identifying the bandwidth allocation schemes of individual STA 130s, the impact factor also assesses the overall impact of one or more interference sources on the collective(s) of STA 130s in the wireless network 120. Therefore, the overall impact of interference on the wireless network 120 may result in either preamble puncturing or multilink operation, which is better for overall network stability if applied only to signaling operations of STA 130s, but worse for a non-majority share of STA 130s individually. Thus, the impact factor identifies the number of STA 130s supporting different communication formats (e.g., STR or non-STR multilink communication with ESR or no multilink communication, multilink communication with preamble puncturing), allowing the network controller 140 to allocate channels based on which group of STA 130s has more members. In various embodiments, a given STA 130 may belong to two or more groups (e.g., capable of both multilink operation and preamble puncturing), and therefore, for the purpose of determining the relative size of the different potential groups of STA 130s, the given STA 130 will be counted as a member of two groups.

[0040] At box 440, network controller 140 biases the operation of wireless network 120 based on interference and calculated impact factors to provide high-bandwidth communication. When operating in a potentially interference-prone environment, the biased operation seeks to allocate available bandwidth for maximum use by STA 130. To this end, operation during interference-free periods is biased to facilitate an easy and rapid transition to operation during interference-prone periods.

[0041] For example, if interference is known to affect the main channel, network controller 140 can bias channel allocation during interference-free periods to avoid using full frames 360 on macro channel 310, since preamble puncturing is unavailable in the presence of interference 330. Alternatively, when STA 130 cannot perform preamble puncturing (due to a lack of functionality or channel separation specifications of STA 130), network controller 140 can bias channel allocation to assign individual STA 130 to a set of channels unaffected by interference, so that in the presence of interference 330, individual STA 130 can resolve to continue transmitting using idle frames 340 in a subset of unaffected microchannels 320.

[0042] In another example, if interference is known to affect the secondary channel (and the channel separation specification of STA 130 allows the use of adjacent channels), network controller 140 can bias channel allocation during interference-free periods to use full frames 360 in macro channel 310, since using a single macro channel 310 is generally more bandwidth-efficient than using the equivalent bandwidth of WeChat channel 320. Therefore, upon detection of interference 330, the designated STA 130 can switch from using full frames 360 in macro channel 310 to using punctured frames 350 (which circumvent one or more WeChat channels 320 affected by interference 330).

[0043] Therefore, by biasing the network channel allocation of each STA 130 based on the functionality of each STA 130 and the characteristics of interference 330 in the wireless network 120, the network controller 140 can switch the STA 130 between an interference-free operating mode and an interference-mitigation operating mode (with a lower switching effect), thereby improving the efficiency of the wireless network 120 (e.g., requiring less channel reallocation) and improving the use of available bandwidth in the environment 100.

[0044] At box 450, in the presence of interference, network controller 140 allocates network resources to the radios in AP 110 and STA 130 based on biases for multilink operation or preamble puncturing. Therefore, network controller 140 allocates network resources based on the impact factor of interference 330 for each STA 130 to communicate with its associated AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing. Network resources may include various time frames indicating which channels and operating modes STA 130 will use when interference is detected (or anticipated), and which channels and operating modes STA 130 will use when interference is not detected (or anticipated).

[0045] For example, a first STA 130a capable of operating in preamble puncturing mode can be assigned a macro channel 310 to use a full frame 360 ​​for a first time period, and switch to using punctured frames 350 when interference 330 is anticipated or detected. Conversely, a second STA 130b capable of operating in multilink mode can be assigned the same channel as the one assigned to STA 130a (at different times), and use multiple WeChat channels 320 to send or receive data using multiple idle frames 340 (whether in STR mode or non-STR mode), and stop using these channels when interference 330 is present on one or more WeChat channels 320, but continue to use non-overlapping WeChat channels 320.

[0046] Network controller 140 applies a bias to the allocation of available channels based on an impact factor, thereby mitigating the effects of interference while providing high-bandwidth communication. Method 400 may end at block 450 and may be repeated at predefined time intervals in response to changes in the source of interference, changes in the joining or leaving of STA 130 into or out of wireless network 120, or changes in the deployment of AP 110.

[0047] Figure 5 The hardware of a computing device 500 is shown, which may include, for example, an AP 110, STA 130, or network controller 140 as described herein. The computing device 500 includes a processor 510, memory 520, and a communication interface 530. The processor 510 can be any processing element capable of performing the functions described herein. The processor 510 represents a single processor, multiple processors, a processor with multiple cores, or a combination thereof. The communication interface 530 facilitates communication between the computing device 500 and other devices. The communication interface 530 represents a wireless communication antenna (omnidirectional and directional), various manipulation mechanisms for the antenna, and various wired communication ports including output and input pins to a microcontroller. The memory 520 may be volatile or non-volatile memory and may include RAM, flash memory, cache, disk drives, and other computer-readable storage devices. Although shown as a single entity, the memory 520 may be divided into different memory storage elements, such as RAM and one or more hard disk drives.

[0048] As shown in the figure, memory 520 includes various instructions executable by processor 510 to provide operating system 521 to manage various functions of computing device 500, and one or more application programs 522 to provide various functions to users of computing device 500, including one or more of the functions and functionalities described in this disclosure.

[0049] Various embodiments have been referenced in this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements is considered for implementing and practicing the considered embodiments, regardless of whether different embodiments are involved. Furthermore, when elements of an embodiment are described in the form of "at least one of A and B," it should be understood that embodiments including only element A, only element B, and including both elements A and B are all considered. Moreover, while the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited in the claims. Similarly, references to "the invention" should not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0050] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, all of which are generally referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, the embodiments may take the form of computer program products embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0051] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0052] Computer program code used to perform the operations of the various embodiments of this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(e.g., Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(e.g., the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). This program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet through an Internet service provider).

[0053] Aspects of this disclosure have been described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments presented in this disclosure. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0054] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to operate in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in the boxes of flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0055] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment to produce a computer-implemented process. Thus, the instructions that execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment provide a process for implementing the function / action specified in the boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0056] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specific logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in the boxes may appear in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, depending on the functions involved, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of boxes in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specific function or action, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0057] In view of the foregoing, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing a dynamic spectrum access mode, comprising: Classify the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; Identify interference caused by external signaling devices to the channels used by the wireless network; The interference impact factor is calculated based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the mode of the external signaling device, and the degree of overlap of the frequencies used by the external signaling device and the wireless network. as well as In response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, network resources are allocated based on the interference impact factor so that the given STA can communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the functions of the STAs, the allocation of channels in the wireless network is biased so that a first group of STAs that cannot perform multi-link operation or preamble puncturing are provided to a first group of channels that are not affected by the interference, and a second group of STAs that can perform one or more of multi-link operation and preamble puncturing are provided to a second group of channels that are at least partially affected by the interference.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The allocation of channels in the wireless network is biased to provide multi-link operation to a first group of STAs capable of enhanced single radio (ESR) multi-link communication via preamble puncturing, and to provide preamble puncturing to a second group of STAs supporting multi-link communication via multi-link communication.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Identify a first number of STAs that support simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) or non-STR multilink communication, and a second number of STAs that support enhanced single radio (ESR) or do not support multilink communication; as well as When the first quantity is higher than the second quantity, the allocation of the channel is biased for preamble punching, or when the second quantity is higher than the first quantity, the allocation of the channel for multi-link communication is biased.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The impact factor identifies a portion of the available bandwidth in the given channel as it changes over time when the given channel is affected by the interference, wherein the portion of the available bandwidth is identified as including or excluding the primary channel used for multi-link operation.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The AP is classified as one of the following: Supports both multi-link operation and preamble punching; Supports either multi-link operation or preamble punching; and It does not support multi-link operation or preamble punching; and The STA is classified as at least one of the following: It is capable of simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) multi-link communication; Capable of non-STR multilink communication; It is capable of enhanced single radio (ESR) communication to dynamically switch between communications with two or more APs; Capable of punching preambles; as well as It does not support multi-link operation or preamble punching.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The external signaling device includes at least one of the following: Radio devices from the Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS) that are classified as one of the following: Relative to the managed neighbors in the shared network of the wireless network; or Malicious APs not included in the shared network; or Existing high-priority equipment using a different signaling standard than the AP.

8. A system for providing dynamic spectrum access modes, comprising one or more processors configured to perform operations, said operations including: Classify the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; Identify interference caused by external signaling devices to the channels used by the wireless network; The interference impact factor is calculated based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the duty cycle of the external signaling device, and the degree of overlap between the frequencies used by the external signaling device and the wireless network. as well as In response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, network resources are allocated based on the interference impact factor so that the given STA can communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The operation also includes: Based on the functions of the STAs, the allocation of channels in the wireless network is biased so that a first group of STAs that cannot perform multi-link operation or preamble puncturing are provided to a first group of channels that are not affected by the interference, and a second group of STAs that can perform one or more of multi-link operation and preamble puncturing are provided to a second group of channels that are at least partially affected by the interference.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The operation also includes: The allocation of channels in the wireless network is biased to provide multi-link operation to a first group of STAs capable of enhanced single radio (ESR) multi-link communication via preamble puncturing, and to provide preamble puncturing to a second group of STAs supporting multi-link communication via multi-link communication.

11. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The operation also includes: Identify a first number of STAs supporting simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) or non-STR multilink communication, and a second number of STAs supporting enhanced single radio (ESR) or not supporting multilink communication; and When the first quantity is higher than the second quantity, the allocation of the channel is biased for preamble punching, or when the second quantity is higher than the first quantity, the allocation of the channel for multi-link communication is biased.

12. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The impact factor identifies a portion of the available bandwidth in the given channel as it changes over time when the given channel is affected by the interference, wherein the portion of the available bandwidth is identified as including or excluding the primary channel used for multi-link operation.

13. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The AP is classified as one of the following: Supports both multi-link operation and preamble punching; Supports either multi-link operation or preamble punching; and It does not support multi-link operation or preamble punching; and The STA is classified as at least one of the following: It is capable of simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) multi-link communication; Capable of non-STR multilink communication; It is capable of enhanced single radio (ESR) communication to dynamically switch between communications with two or more APs; Capable of punching preambles; as well as It does not support multi-link operation or preamble punching.

14. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The external signaling device includes at least one of the following: Radio devices from the Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS) that are classified as one of the following: Relative to the managed neighbors in the shared network of the wireless network; or Malicious APs not included in the shared network; or Existing high-priority equipment using a different signaling standard than the AP.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform operations, the operations including: Classify the functions of access points (APs) and mobile stations (STAs) in a wireless network; Identify interference caused by external signaling devices to the channels used by the wireless network; The interference impact factor is calculated based on the proximity of the external signaling device to the wireless network, the duty cycle of the external signaling device, and the degree of overlap between the frequencies used by the external signaling device and the wireless network. as well as In response to identifying a given STA paired with a given AP in the wireless network, network resources are allocated based on the interference impact factor so that the given STA can communicate with the given AP via either multilink communication or preamble puncturing, wherein both the given STA and the given AP are classified as capable of both multilink communication and preamble puncturing.

16. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein, The operation also includes: Based on the functions of the STAs, the allocation of channels in the wireless network is biased so that a first group of STAs that cannot perform multi-link operation or preamble puncturing are provided to a first group of channels that are not affected by the interference, and a second group of STAs that can perform one or more of multi-link operation and preamble puncturing are provided to a second group of channels that are at least partially affected by the interference.

17. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The operation also includes: The allocation of channels in the wireless network is biased to provide multi-link operation to a first group of STAs capable of enhanced single radio (ESR) multi-link communication via preamble puncturing, and to provide preamble puncturing to a second group of STAs supporting multi-link communication via multi-link communication.

18. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The operation also includes: Identify a first number of STAs supporting STR or non-STR multilink communication, and a second number of STAs supporting ESR or not supporting multilink communication; and When the first quantity is higher than the second quantity, the allocation of the channel is biased for preamble punching, or when the second quantity is higher than the first quantity, the allocation of the channel for multi-link communication is biased.

19. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The impact factor identifies a portion of the available bandwidth in the given channel as it changes over time when the given channel is affected by the interference, wherein the portion of the available bandwidth is identified as including or excluding the primary channel used for multi-link operation.

20. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The AP is classified as one of the following: Supports both multi-link operation and preamble punching; Supports either multi-link operation or preamble punching; and It does not support multi-link operation or preamble punching; and The STA is classified as at least one of the following: It is capable of simultaneous transmit and receive (STR) multi-link communication; Capable of non-STR multilink communication; It is capable of enhanced single radio (ESR) communication to dynamically switch between communications with two or more APs; Capable of punching preambles; as well as It does not support multi-link operation or preamble punching.

21. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The external signaling device includes at least one of the following: Radio devices from the Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS) that are classified as one of the following: Relative to the managed neighbors in the shared network of the wireless network; or Malicious APs not included in the shared network; or Existing high-priority equipment using a different signaling standard than the AP.

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