Wireless access point configuration method, coordination space reuse method and related equipment

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and an electronic device capable of performing coordinated spatial reuse to wirelessly transmit data on a channel in cooperation with another wireless AP operating an overlapping BSS using the same wireless channel. The device may perform RSSI measurements and generate a per-RU RSSI report containing RSSI measurement information for transmission to another wireless AP. For example, RSSI measurements may be performed by a device based on a power level detected when a TB PPDU transmitted by a wireless STA in response to a trigger frame is received. Based on the per-RU RSSI report, the wireless AP may be configured to transmit data to the associated wireless STA without causing significant interference while another AP that overlaps the BSS is also transmitting, and may schedule frames accordingly for transmission from the associated wireless STA.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of wireless communications. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for spatial reuse in wireless networks. [Background technology]

[0002] Many modern electronic devices use Wi-Fi to wirelessly send and receive data with other electronic devices. When an area is densely populated with Wi-Fi-enabled devices, it can be expected that multiple wireless stations may attempt to send data at the same time. If a wireless device receives signals from two sources of similar strength on the same channel at the same time, the wireless device may not be able to successfully decode either signal. Therefore, the IEEE 802.11 standard provides a distributed coordination function (DCF) for avoiding conflicts.

[0003] Spatial reuse is a transmission technique that can be used when there are multiple access points in the same physical area (e.g., an office building) so that wireless devices of different basic service sets (BSSs) can communicate simultaneously on the same wireless channel based on the detected signal strength of any received overlapping BSS (OBSS) frames. Without spatial reuse, a wireless device will not transmit when another transmission is detected on the channel to avoid collisions, even if the other transmission is sent by a wireless device of another BSS. Therefore, this method is inefficient because each device must wait until the channel is clear before transmitting data. Spatial reuse operation can use an adaptive clear channel assessment (CCA) threshold for any overlapping BSS (OBSS) frame transmissions. BSS color, also known as BSS coloring, is a well-known method for identifying overlapping basic service sets (OBSSs).

[0004] However, existing techniques fail to coordinate the power levels used for OBSS transmissions so that potential interference can be avoided when data is transmitted simultaneously on the same wireless channel. [Summary of the invention]

[0005] What is needed is a method of spatial reuse that can be employed in a multi-AP EHT operation framework and coordinated by APs that are adjacent to each other to configure the transmission power used by the APs to send and receive data on the same wireless channel at the same time. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for coordinated spatial reuse (C-SR) so that multiple APs can operate overlapping BSSs in a more efficient manner to advantageously improve the throughput and reliability of the wireless network. The APs of the OBSS can coordinate the transmission power and / or allowed interference level of downlink and uplink transmissions, respectively, so that frames can be transmitted simultaneously on the same channel without causing significant interference to devices of the overlapping BSSs.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method for configuring a wireless access point for cooperative transmission in a wireless network is disclosed. The method includes: a first wireless AP determines transmission power information for cooperating with a second wireless AP to transmit data based on RSSI measured by the first wireless AP and the second wireless AP; and the first wireless AP transmits a notification frame including the transmission power information to the second wireless AP, wherein the second wireless AP can be used to transmit data on a wireless channel according to the transmission power information.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the method includes: a first wireless AP sends a trigger frame during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) that allocates resource units (RUs) to the first wireless AP for wireless transmission, wherein the trigger frame causes the first wireless STA to send a first TB PPDU in response to the trigger frame, causing the second wireless STA to send a second TB PPDU in response to the trigger frame, wherein the first and second TB PPDUs are received by both the first wireless AP and the second wireless AP, and in response to the trigger frame, the second wireless AP is operable to: measure the RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, generate a per RU RSSI report for the allocated RU, including the measured RSSI for the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, and send the per RU RSSI report to the first wireless AP.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the method includes the first wireless AP sending a second per RU RSSI report including the RSSI measured by the first wireless AP.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the first wireless AP and the second wireless AP may be operable to simultaneously measure and report interference according to OFDMA.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the announcement frame is a control frame.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the announcement frame includes a maximum transmit power, and wherein the second wireless AP transmits the data using a transmit power equal to or less than the maximum transmit power indicated in the announcement frame.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the announcement frame includes a maximum interference signal strength, wherein the second wireless AP is operable to schedule transmissions from associated wireless STAs based on the maximum interference signal strength.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a per-RU RSSI report is generated based on measured signal-to-interference ratios (SIRs) determined for a plurality of wireless STAs.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the first wireless AP and the second wireless AP are configured to transmit data on the same wireless channel using a spatial reuse protocol according to the transmission power information.

[0015] According to different embodiments, a wireless access point (AP) device for transmitting data via a wireless network is disclosed. The wireless AP device includes: a transceiver configured to send and receive data via a wireless network; a memory for storing data; and a processor, which can be used to: measure the RSSI of a first TB PPDU sent by a first wireless STA and the RSSI of a second TB PPDU sent by a second wireless STA, determine the transmission power information for transmission in cooperation with the second wireless AP based on the RSSI measured by the first wireless AP and the RSSI measured by the second wireless AP, and cause the transceiver to send a notification frame including the transmission power information for reception by the second wireless AP, wherein the second wireless AP can send data on a wireless channel according to the transmission power information.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the processor may also be operable to cause the transceiver to send a trigger frame during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) for allocating resource units (RUs) to a wireless AP for wireless transmission, wherein the trigger frame causes a first wireless STA to send a first TB PPDU in response to the trigger frame, causes a second wireless STA to send a second TB PPDU in response to the trigger frame, wherein the first and second TB PPDUs are received by the wireless AP and the second wireless AP, and wherein the second wireless AP may be operable to measure RSSIs of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, generate a per RU RSSI report including the measured RSSIs for the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU measured for the allocated RUs, and send the per RU RSSI report to the first wireless AP.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the announcement frame is a control frame.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the first wireless AP is operable to send a second per RU RSSI report including the RSSI measured by the first wireless AP.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the announcement frame includes a C-SR upper limit threshold transmit power, and wherein the first wireless AP and the second wireless AP are operable to simultaneously transmit data using a wireless channel, wherein the second wireless AP uses a transmit power equal to or less than the C-SR upper limit transmit power indicated in the announcement frame.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the announcement frame includes a C-SR tolerated upper threshold interference signal strength, wherein the second wireless AP is operable to schedule transmissions from associated wireless STAs on the wireless channel according to the C-SR tolerated threshold interference signal strength.

[0021] According to some embodiments, a per-RU RSSI report is generated based on measured signal-to-interference ratios (SIRs) determined for a plurality of wireless STAs.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a method for coordinating spatial reuse is disclosed. The method includes: for an allocated RU, measuring the RSSI of a first TB PPDU sent by a first wireless STA and the RSSI of a second TB PPDU sent by a second wireless STA; generating a per-RU RSSI report including the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU for the measured RU, sending the per-RU RSSI report to a second wireless AP, receiving a notification frame including transmission power information for sending data in cooperation with the second wireless AP based on the per-RU RSSI report, and sending data on a wireless channel in cooperation with the second wireless AP using a spatial reuse protocol according to the transmission power information.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the transmission power information includes a threshold transmit power for downlink communications, wherein transmitting data includes transmitting the A-MPDU in cooperation with the second wireless AP by transmitting the A-MPDU using a transmit power equal to or less than the threshold transmit power.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the transmission power information includes an upper threshold interference level for uplink communications, wherein transmitting data includes scheduling an A-MPDU for transmission based on the upper threshold interference level for transmission by the first wireless STA or the second wireless STA.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the method includes receiving a trigger frame during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) in which a second wireless AP allocates resource units (RUs) for wireless transmission, wherein a first TB PPDU and a second TB PPDU are sent in response to the trigger frame, wherein the second wireless AP receives the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, and the second wireless AP can be used to measure the RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, and calculate transmission power information based on the RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, and based on the RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU, and based on the RSSI report per RU.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention:

[0027] Figure 1 A diagram of exemplary overlapping basic service sets is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 A diagram depicts an exemplary overlapping BSS operating using coordinated spatial reuse based on a calculated interference level when AP1 and AP2 transmit downlink frames simultaneously with the same transmit power in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is an exemplary transmission timing diagram for generating per-RU RSSI reports for C-SR operation in a multi-AP environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 4 is a transmission timing diagram of each shared AP of an AP candidate set for C-SR performing interference measurement and reporting processes during its TXOP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is an exemplary transmission timing diagram for generating simultaneous per-RU RSSI reports by APs for C-SR operation in a multi-AP environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is an exemplary wireless transmission timing diagram for sending data using C-SR according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a shared AP performs CCA to send an A-MPDU during a SIFS period after a SI-FS announcement frame.

[0033] Figure 7 is an exemplary wireless transmission timing diagram for sending data using C-SR according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a shared AP performs CCA during a SIFS period after a C-SR announcement frame to send a trigger frame for a trigger request TB PPDU.

[0034] Figure 8 An exemplary C-SR announcement frame according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes the maximum interference signal strength allowed by the C-SR for transmitting a TBPPDU using the C-SR and the interference signal strength of the AP with which the C-SR is shared.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary computer-implemented process for performing C-SR by a shared AP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.10 is a flow chart of an exemplary computer-implemented process for measuring interference and performing C-SR by a shared AP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.11 is a flow chart of an exemplary computer-implemented process for measuring interference and performing C-SR by a shared AP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.12 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary computer system platform upon which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. [Specific implementation method]

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. Although the subject matter will be described in conjunction with alternative embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter defined by the appended claims.

[0040] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or their equivalents. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects and features of the subject matter.

[0041] Portions of the following detailed description are presented and discussed in terms of the method. Although the present invention is not limited to the drawings (e.g., Figure 9-11 ) discloses its steps and sequence, but these steps and sequence are exemplary. The embodiments are very suitable for performing various other steps or variations of the steps listed in the flowcharts of the drawings of this document, and in a sequence different from the sequence depicted and described in this document.

[0042] Certain portions of the detailed description are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on a computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art of data processing to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. Here, a procedure, a computer-executed step, a logic block, a process, etc., is generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. These steps are steps that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic declarations capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. Mainly for reasons of common usage, it has proven convenient at times to refer to these declarations as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc.

[0043] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the following discussion, it should be understood that throughout the discussion, use of terms such as "measure," "access," "configure," "set," "store," "send," "retransmit," "receive," "generate," "identify," "request," "report," "determine," etc., refers to operations and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0044] Some embodiments may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (e.g., program modules) executed by one or more computers or other devices. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Typically, in various embodiments, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired.

[0045] New technology for coordinated spatial reuse

[0046] As used herein, the term "EHT" generally refers to modern wireless communications (e.g., Wi-Fi) known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT), and is defined in accordance with the IEEE 802.11be standard. The term station (STA) generally refers to an electronic device capable of sending and receiving data with a wireless access point (AP) over a Wi-Fi network.

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and electronic devices for performing coordinated spatial reuse to wirelessly transmit data on a wireless channel in cooperation with another wireless AP that uses the same wireless channel to operate an overlapping BSS. The novel device can perform RSSI measurements and generate an RSSI report for each resource unit (RU) including RSSI measurement information for transmission to another wireless AP. For example, when a TB PPDU sent by a wireless STA in response to a trigger frame is received, RSSI measurements can be performed by the device based on the detected power level. Based on the per-RU RSSI report, the wireless AP can be configured to send data to an associated wireless STA when another AP of the overlapping BSS is also transmitting without causing significant interference, and frames can be scheduled accordingly for transmission from the associated wireless STA. By limiting the transmit power of another AP to a higher threshold, the AP can be prevented from transmitting at a transmit power that will interfere with inter-BSS transmissions.

[0048] about Figure 1 , an exemplary overlapping BSS is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this simple example, the STA communicates with the nearest AP. Specifically, AP1 communicates with STA1 in BSS105, and AP2 communicates with STA2 in BSS110. It will be understood that when AP1 detects a packet sent for BSS110, if the signal strength of the packet sent for BSS110 according to the spatial reuse protocol is lower than the threshold, AP1 can continue to send packets for BSS105. When AP1 and AP2 are configured to perform coordinated spatial reuse (C-SR), AP1 can coordinate the transmit power of AP2 so that AP1 and AP2 can operate simultaneously without causing substantial interference between APs. According to an embodiment, C-SR enables the AP to temporarily reduce the transmit power used for another AP or STA to increase network throughput and the reliability of the entire network.

[0049] Figure 2Depicted are exemplary overlapping BSSs, BSS205 and BSS210, operating on the same wireless channel using C-SR based on measured interference levels according to an embodiment of the present invention. The interference level can be calculated when AP1 and AP2 simultaneously transmit downlink frames with the same transmit power. The "sharing" AP (e.g., AP1) and the requesting "shared" AP (e.g., AP2) measure a received signal strength indicator (Received Signal Strength Indicator), which indicates the received power level of each RU assigned to the AP, and the shared AP sends a per-RU RSSI report frame to the sharing AP with the RSSI measurement results. Specifically, in Figure 2 In the example, the shared AP (AP2) reports the RSSI in each RU RSSI frame. ap2 The shared AP (AP1) is reported to the shared AP, and the shared AP can calculate the interference level (RSSI) caused by the shared AP (e.g., AP2) at the associated STA (STA11) when AP1 and AP2 simultaneously transmit downlink frames using the same transmit power. target –RSSI ap2 ). The coordinated operation of AP1 and AP2 can be initiated by AP1 sending a CS-R notification frame containing transmit power information generated according to the measurement report. AP1 and AP2 can coordinate the transmit power of AP2 or a STA associated with AP2 so that AP1 and AP2 can operate simultaneously without causing substantial interference between APs.

[0050] Interference Measurement Report for Coordinated Spatial Reuse

[0051] Figure 3 An exemplary transmission timing diagram 300 for generating a per-RU RSSI report for C-SR operation in a multi-AP environment according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Figure 3As shown, a shared AP (AP1) uses a trigger frame 305 to request trigger based (TB) physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) 310 and 315 (e.g., buffer status report (BSR), beamforming report (BFR), etc.) from its associated STA. The shared AP specifies one or more shared APs in the AP candidate set to request RSSI measurement on each RU allocated in the user information field of the trigger frame 305. The shared AP and the requested shared AP (AP2) measure the RSSI on the allocated RU, and the shared AP sends a per-RU RSSI report frame with the measurement results for the allocated RU to the shared AP. For the allocated RUs, the measurement and reporting process can occur during the same or different transmission opportunities (TXOPs). According to some embodiments, the shared AP sends a trigger frame that requests per-RU RSSI reports from multiple APs at the same time.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In the example of , AP1 is the TXOP holder and sends a trigger frame 305 that is received by STA11 and STA12 associated with AP1. STA11 and STA12, in response to the trigger frame 305, send a TB PPDU 310 and a TB PPDU 315, respectively, for reception by both AP1 and AP2 for performing RSSI measurements. AP2, in response to the trigger frame 320 sent by AP1, sends a per-RU RSSI report 320 including RSSI measurements performed by AP2 based on the transmission of the TB PPDUs 310 and 315. Based on the per-RU RSSI report 325, when AP1 transmits to STA11 or STA12 according to the spatial reuse protocol, AP1 can determine whether AP2 can also transmit without causing significant interference.

[0053] When the interference and measurement reports are complete, the shared AP can use the appropriate information to compile a SIR table in memory. This table can be used to enable cooperative power management for downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) C-SR operations. AP1 and TXPWR AP2 To control the SIR value. For example, when AP2 sends a frame, it reduces TXPWR AP2 The power level can reduce the interference experienced by AP1 and the STAs associated with AP1. Generally, reducing the transmit power of an AP when transmitting data results in less interference to nearby APs and other wireless devices.

[0054] In the example SIR table below (Table I), TXPWRAP1 is the TX power of AP1, TXPWR AP2 is the TX power of AP2, RSSIS TAi ->AP j It is STA i The signal sent by AP j Each associated wireless STA may be included in the SIR table. For example, STA 11, STA 12, STA 21, and STA 22 are described in Table 1.

[0055]

[0056]

[0057] Table I

[0058] The interference from AP1 to STA 11 is calculated as (TXPWR AP1 -TXPWR AP2 )+(RSSI STA11->AP1 -RSSI STA11->AP2 ). The interference from STA 11 to AP1 is calculated in the same way. The interference from AP2 to STA 11 is calculated as (TXPWR AP2 –TXPWR AP1 )+(RSSI STA11->AP2 –RSSI STA11->AP1 ). Similar calculations are performed for STA 12, STA 21, and STA 22.

[0059] As in Figure 4 As depicted in the transmission timing diagram 400 in FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments, each shared AP of the AP candidate set for C-SR performs interference measurement and reporting procedures during its TXOP. Figure 4 In the example, AP1 and AP2 operate in overlapping BSSs (see Figure 2 ). When the shared AP allows, the shared AP can perform interference measurement and reporting procedures sequentially during the shared AP's TXOP. The first per-RU RSSI report contains the measured RSSI on the shared AP side, and optionally, the second per-RU RSSI report contains the measured RSSI on the shared AP side. Figure 4 In the example of , both measurements are performed during a single TXOP. In the first phase, the RSSI measurement is performed on the shared AP side. In the second phase (optional), the RSSI measurement is performed on the shared AP side.

[0060] In the first phase, AP1 sends a trigger frame 405 which is received by STA11 and STA12. STA11 and STA12 send TB PPDUs 410 and 415, respectively, in response to the trigger frame 405. AP2 receives the TB PDDUs 410 and 415 and performs RSSI measurements of the signal power during reception of the TB PPDUs 410 and 415. The per-RU RSSI report 420 sent by AP2 contains the measured RSSI on the shared AP side and is solicited by the trigger frame 425. The per-RU RSSI report 445 sent by AP1 contains the measured RSSI on the shared AP side in the second phase (optional) and is solicited by the trigger frame 430. As described above with respect to Figure 3 As described, when the interference and measurement reporting cycle is completed, the shared AP can use the interference information to compile a SIR table. This table can be used to enable collaborative power management of downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) C-SR operations of wireless APs. For example, the SIR table can be used to determine the maximum interference signal strength allowed by C-SR (in decibel-miliwatts (dBm)) and the C-SR transmission AP interference signal strength shared by C-SR. The maximum interference signal strength allowed by C-SR is the maximum total interference signal strength configured for the signal that causes interference affecting the shared AP. The C-SR shared AP interference signal strength represents the total interference signal strength (interference affecting the shared AP) caused by transmissions from the shared AP. The scheduling algorithm of the shared AP (e.g., target STA, RU, and modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) uses this information to schedule the transmission of future frames.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the second phase of the interference measurement and reporting process is optionally performed. In the second phase, AP2 sends a trigger frame 430 that is received by STA21 and STA22 (associated with AP2). STA21 and STA22 send TB PPDUs 435 and 440, respectively, in response to the trigger frame 430. AP1 receives the TB PDDUs 435 and 440, and performs RSSI measurements of the signals during the reception of the TB PPDUs 435 and 440, and the measurement results are included in the per-RU RSSI report 445 sent by AP1.

[0062] Figure 5An exemplary transmission timing diagram 500 is depicted for generating simultaneous per-RU RSSI reports for C-SR operation in a multi-AP environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shared AP simultaneously performs interference measurement and reporting procedures with the shared AP in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) manner. When the trigger frame sent by the shared AP includes a request to perform the interference measurement and reporting procedure, the STA associated with the shared AP responds by sending a TB PPDU. Figure 5 As shown, the first per-RU RSSI report contains the RSSI measured at the shared AP side, and the second per-RU RSSI report optionally contains the RSSI measured at the shared AP side.

[0063] In the first phase, in response to the trigger frame 505 sent by AP1, STA11 and STA12 associated with the shared AP1 send TB PPDUs 510 and 515, respectively, for reception by AP1 and AP2. AP1 and AP2 receive the TB PDDUs 510 and 515, and perform RSSI measurements of signal power during reception of the TB PPDUs 510 and 515. Per-RU RSSI report 520 is sent by AP2 and includes the RSSI measured by AP2. In an optional second phase performed simultaneously with the first phase in an OFDMA manner, STA21 and STA22 send TB PPDUs 525 and 530, respectively, in response to the trigger frame 505 sent by AP1. AP1 and AP2 receive the TB PDDUs 525 and 530, and perform RSSI measurements of signal power during reception of the TB PPDUs 525 and 530. Per-RU RSSI report 535 is sent by AP1 and includes the RSSI measured by AP1. As described above with respect to Figure 3 As described above, when interference and measurement reporting is complete, the shared AP can use the interference information to compile a SIR table. This table can be used to enable cooperative power management for downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) C-SR operations.

[0064] Figure 6An exemplary per-RU RSSI report frame format 600 is depicted according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is used to send interference measurement reports used by the coordinated spatial reuse protocol. The RA field of the frame carrying the per-RU RSSI report frame (e.g., TB PPDU) is set to the MAC address of the shared AP that requests RSSI measurement on each RU allocated in the trigger frame. The TA field of the frame carrying the per-RU RSSI report frame is set to the MAC address of the shared AP that sends the per-RU RSSI report frame. The Interference Measurement Dialog Token field 605 in the per-RU RSSI report frame is set to the same value as the Interference Measurement Dialog Token field in the requested trigger frame. The AID associated with the reported RU field 610 is set to the AID associated with the reported RU, which is obtained from the AID12 subfield associated with the reported RU in the request trigger frame. The measured RSSI on the reported RU field 615 is set to the measured RSSI of the corresponding RU associated with the AID indicated in field 610. Fields 610 and 615 are repeated for each reported RU, with the number of reported RUs field 620 indicating how many RUs are reported in the per RU RSSI reporting frame.

[0065] Method for coordinated spatial reuse transmission

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention include devices that can wirelessly transmit according to constraints defined by a shared AP and indicated in a C-SR announcement frame. For example, a C-SR announcement frame can be carried in a control frame. Constraints can be defined based on interference measurement reports (e.g., SIR tables) generated by the shared and / or sharing APs. A shared AP initiates a C-SR transmission by sending a C-SR announcement frame that specifies the following constraints for the shared APs authorized in the C-SR transmission:

[0067] 1. C-SR duration (time unit (TU)).

[0068] 2. C-SR bandwidth (e.g. P20, P40, P80, P160, P240, P320).

[0069] 3. Maximum C-SR transmit power (dBm) of the shared AP.

[0070] 4. C-SR transmit power of the shared AP (dBm).

[0071] When a shared AP schedules a downlink PPDU, the C-SR maximum transmit power of the shared AP is used to limit the interference level caused by the shared AP to the scheduled STAs. When a shared AP schedules a downlink C-SR transmission, the C-SR transmit power of the shared AP is used to calculate the interference level caused by the shared AP to the scheduled STAs.

[0072] Figure 7 7 is an exemplary wireless transmission timing diagram 700 for transmitting data using C-SR according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shared AP performs a clear channel assessment (CCA) during a short inter-frame space (SIFS) after a C-SR announcement frame 705. When both the physical CS and the virtual CS are idle during CCA 710, the shared AP (AP2) may transmit downlink data (e.g., A-MPDU 715) during the C-SR duration using a transmit power less than or equal to the C-SR maximum transmit power of the shared AP indicated in the C-SR announcement frame 705. The shared AP ignores the NAV set by the shared AP. The shared AP (AP1) transmits a downlink A-MPDU 720 while transmitting the A-MPDU 715 according to the spatial reuse protocol without significant interference.

[0073] The C-SR announcement frame may include the maximum interference signal strength allowed by the C-SR (in decibel-milliwatts (dBm)) and the C-SR shared AP interference signal strength for C-SR transmission. The maximum interference signal strength allowed by the C-SR in the C-SR announcement frame represents the maximum total interference signal strength of the signals that cause interference affecting the shared AP. If the maximum interference signal strength allowed by the C-SR is set to 0, the shared AP in the C-SR TXOP cannot request TB PPDUs other than TB PPDUs from the control response frame. The AP interference signal strength of the shared C-SR represents the total interference signal strength (interference affecting the shared AP) caused by transmissions from the shared AP. The scheduling process of the shared AP (e.g., target STA, RU, and modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) uses this information to schedule the transmission of future frames.

[0074] exist Figure 8In the exemplary wireless transmission timing diagram 800, AP1 sends a C-SR announcement frame 805, which includes the maximum interference signal strength allowed by C-SR. The shared AP performs CCA in the SIFS after the C-SR announcement frame 805 TB PPDU. Trigger frames 810 and 815 request uplink TB PPDUs from STA11 and STA21. STA 11 sends TB PPDU 820 and STA 21 sends TB PPDU 825 in response to trigger frames 810 and 815, respectively. The total interference signal strength of the TB PPDUs affecting the shared AP is less than the maximum interference signal strength allowed by C-SR indicated in the C-SR announcement frame, which advantageously prevents substantial interference between APs. STA11 and STA21 can send TB PPDUs 820 and 825 simultaneously on the same channel within the overlapping BSS without causing substantial interference that prevents the sent frames from being successfully decoded.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the UL target RSSI field in the associated trigger frame is set to a value that satisfies the maximum interference signal strength allowed by C-SR. If the total interference level caused by the TB PPDU affecting the shared AP is greater than or equal to the maximum interference signal strength allowed by C-SR, the shared AP will not request a TB PPDU.

[0076] A shared AP may declare an upper limit on the total interference signal strength affecting the shared AP caused by the transmission of the shared AP before receiving the C-SR announcement frame. In this case, the C-SR shared AP interference signal strength in the C-SR announcement frame should be less than or equal to the upper limit declared by the shared AP. If the C-SR shared AP interference signal strength in the C-SR announcement frame is not less than or equal to the upper limit declared by the shared AP, the shared AP does not include the corresponding shared AP in this C-SR transmission.

[0077] Example Methods for Interference Measurement and Spatial Coordinated Reuse

[0078] about Fig. 9 , an exemplary sequence of computer-implemented steps for performing a coordinated spatial reuse process 900 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automated process 900 may be performed by operating a wireless AP ("sharing AP") that overlaps a BSS of another wireless AP ("shared AP") on the same wireless channel.

[0079] In step 905, the first wireless AP (shared AP) determines transmit power information (also referred to as transmission power information) to send data in collaboration with the second wireless AP (shared AP). The transmit power information is determined based on RSSI measurements performed by the first wireless AP and / or the second wireless AP. For example, the RSSI measurement results may be stored in a memory in a SIR table and sent by the second wireless AP to the first wireless AP in a per RU RSSI report. Based on the RSSI measurements, C-SR may be performed by the wireless AP so that data may be sent simultaneously in overlapping BSSs without causing substantial interference between the BSSs.

[0080] In step 910, the first wireless AP sends a frame (e.g., a control frame or an announcement frame) including transmission power information to the second wireless AP. The second wireless AP may send data based on the transmission power information using a spatial reuse protocol to substantially prevent interference between overlapping BSSs. For example, the second wireless AP may send data using a transmission power less than the maximum transmission power indicated in the announcement frame, and may schedule transmissions from associated wireless STAs that are less than the C-SR maximum transmission power of the shared AP indicated in the announcement frame to prevent a large amount of inter-BSS interference. According to some embodiments, the frame is sent so that the total interference signal strength affecting the first wireless AP is less than the indicated C-SR allowed maximum interference signal strength.

[0081] about Fig.10 , depicts an exemplary sequence of computer-implemented steps for performing a coordinated spatial reuse process 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Process 1000 may be performed by operating a wireless AP ("sharing AP") of a BSS that overlaps with a BSS of another wireless AP ("shared AP") on the same wireless channel.

[0082] At step 1005, the RSSI of the TB PPDU transmitted by the first wireless STA and the second wireless STA is measured by the first wireless AP and / or the second wireless AP. The first wireless STA and the second wireless STA are associated with the first wireless AP operating a BSS overlapping with the BSS of the second wireless AP. The TB PPDU is transmitted in response to a trigger frame transmitted by the first wireless AP.

[0083] In step 1010 , the first wireless AP determines, based on the RSSI measured in step 1005 , transmission power information for transmitting data using a spatial reuse protocol in cooperation with a BSS of the second wireless AP.

[0084] In step 1015, the first wireless AP sends a frame (e.g., a control frame or an announcement frame) including transmission power information to the second wireless AP. The second wireless AP transmits data and schedules transmissions from related wireless STAs according to the transmission power information in accordance with the spatial transmission protocol to substantially prevent or mitigate interference between overlapping BSSs. For example, the second wireless AP may be configured to send data using a transmission power equal to or less than the maximum interference strength allowed by the C-SR. The second AP may also schedule transmissions from associated wireless STAs that are lower than the C-SR maximum transmission power of the shared AP. The control frame or announcement frame includes the maximum interference strength allowed by the C-SR and / or the C-SR maximum interference signal strength to prevent a large amount of inter-BSS interference. According to some embodiments, the frame is sent so that the total interference signal strength affecting the first wireless AP is less than the indicated C-SR maximum interference signal strength allowed. By limiting the transmission power to an upper limit, transmissions from adjacent BSSs can be prevented from interfering with transmissions between BSSs.

[0085] about Fig.11 , an exemplary sequence of computer-implemented steps for performing coordinated spatial reuse of a process 1100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process 1100 may be performed by operating a wireless AP ("shared AP") of a BSS that overlaps with a BSS of another wireless AP ("sharing AP") on the same wireless channel.

[0086] In step 1105 , RSSIs of a first TB PPDU transmitted by a first wireless STA and a second TB PPDU transmitted by a second wireless STA are measured.

[0087] In step 1110, a per-RU RSSI report is generated, the report including the RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU measured for the allocated RU.

[0088] At step 1115, a per-RU RSSI report is sent to the wireless AP (shared AP).

[0089] In step 1120, a frame (eg, an advertisement frame) including transmission power information for transmitting data in cooperation with the second wireless AP is received from the second wireless AP.

[0090] In step 1125, data is sent on a wireless channel cooperating with a second wireless AP according to the spatial reuse protocol and according to the transmission power information to substantially prevent or mitigate interference between overlapping BSSs. The data may be downlink data sent by a wireless AP or uplink data sent by a wireless STA of an overlapping BSS. For example, step 1125 may include: sending data using a transmission power less than the maximum transmission power indicated in the announcement frame, and / or scheduling transmissions from associated wireless STAs at a C-SR maximum transmission power of the shared AP indicated in the announcement frame to prevent a large amount of inter-BSS interference. According to some embodiments, data is sent so that the total interference signal strength affecting the first wireless AP is less than the indicated C-SR allowed maximum interference signal strength. By limiting the transmission power to an upper limit, transmissions from adjacent BSSs can be prevented from interfering with transmissions between BSSs.

[0091] Example of a computer controlled system

[0092] Fig.12 An exemplary wireless device 1200 is depicted upon which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. The wireless device 1200 may be, for example, a sharing AP or a shared AP configured to perform coordinated spatial reuse.

[0093] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic system capable of performing coordinated spatial reuse to wirelessly transmit data on a channel in cooperation with another wireless AP that uses the same wireless channel to operate an overlapping BSS. A device can perform RSSI measurements and generate a per-RU RSSI report containing RSSI measurement information for transmission to another wireless AP. For example, RSSI measurements can be performed by a device based on a power level detected when a TB PPDU sent by a wireless STA in response to a trigger frame is received, for example, based on the per-RU RSSI report, the wireless AP can be configured to send data to an associated wireless STA when another AP of the overlapping BSS is also transmitting without causing significant interference, and frames can be scheduled accordingly for transmission from the associated wireless STA.

[0094] The wireless device 1200 includes a processor 1205 for executing computer-readable instructions (e.g., running software applications and / or an operating system). The memory 1210 may include a read-only memory and / or a random access memory, for example, to store applications and data used by the processor 1205 and data received or sent by the transceiver 1215. According to some embodiments, the wireless device 1200 may include more transceivers. The transceiver 1215 communicates with other electronic devices via a wireless network (e.g., WLAN) and generally operates according to IEEE standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ay, IEEE 802.11be, etc.).

[0095] Thus, embodiments of the invention have been described. Although the invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments but rather should be construed in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first wireless access point method for performing cooperative transmission in a wireless network, the method comprising: measuring the RSSI of a first TB PPDU sent by the first wireless STA and a second TB PPDU sent by the second wireless STA for the allocated resource units; Determine transmission power information for performing data transmission in cooperation with the second wireless access point based on the RSSI measured by the first wireless access point and the RSSI measured by the second wireless access point; as well as A notification frame including the transmit power information is sent to the second wireless access point, wherein the second wireless access point is used to send data on a wireless channel according to the transmit power information.

2. The first wireless access point method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first wireless access point sends a trigger frame during a transmission opportunity in which a resource unit is allocated to the first wireless access point for wireless transmission, wherein the trigger frame causes the first wireless STA to send the first TB PPDU in response to the trigger frame, and causes the second wireless STA to send the second TB PPDU in response to the trigger frame, wherein the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU are received by both the first wireless access point and the second wireless access point, and in response to the trigger frame, the second wireless access point may be configured to: measuring RSSIs of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU; generating a per resource unit RSSI report, the per resource unit RSSI report comprising measured RSSIs for the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU for the allocated resource unit; and The per resource unit RSSI report is sent to the first wireless access point.

3. The first wireless access point method according to claim 2, further comprising: The first wireless access point sends a second per-resource unit RSSI report, the second per-resource unit RSSI report including the RSSI measured by the first wireless access point.

4. The first wireless access point method according to claim 3, wherein: The first wireless access point and the second wireless access point are operable to simultaneously measure and report interference in accordance with OFDMA.

5. The first wireless access point method according to claim 1, wherein: The notification frame is a control frame.

6. The first wireless access point method according to claim 1, wherein: The announcement frame includes a maximum transmission power, and wherein the second wireless access point transmits data using a transmission power equal to or less than the maximum transmission power indicated in the announcement frame.

7. The first wireless access point method according to claim 1, wherein: The announcement frame includes a maximum interference signal strength, wherein the second wireless access point is operable to schedule transmissions from an associated wireless STA based on the maximum interference signal strength.

8. The first wireless access point method according to claim 1, wherein: The per resource unit RSSI report is generated based on measured signal-to-interference ratios determined for a plurality of wireless STAs.

9. The first wireless access point method according to claim 1, wherein: The first wireless access point and the second wireless access point are configured to transmit data on the same wireless channel using a spatial reuse protocol according to the transmit power information.

10. A second wireless access point method for performing cooperative transmission in a wireless network, the method comprising: measuring RSSIs of a first TB PPDU sent by a first wireless STA and a second TB PPDU sent by a second wireless STA for the allocated resource units; generating an RSSI report for each RU, the report including the measured RSSI for the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU of the allocated RU; Transmitting the RSSI report of each RU to the first wireless AP; receiving an announcement frame including transmission power information for transmitting data in cooperation with the first wireless AP, wherein the transmission power information is determined based on the RSSI report of each RU and the RSSI measured by the first wireless AP; as well as According to the transmission power information, a spatial reuse protocol is used to cooperate with the first wireless AP to transmit data through a wireless channel.

11. The second wireless access point method according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission power information includes a threshold transmission power for downlink communication, wherein transmitting data includes transmitting the A-MPDU in cooperation with the first wireless AP by transmitting the A-MPDU using a transmission power equal to or less than the threshold transmission power; and / or The transmission power information includes an upper threshold interference level of uplink communication, wherein the transmission data includes: scheduling the A-MPDU for transmission according to the advertised upper threshold interference level for the first wireless STA or the second wireless STA to transmit.

12. The second wireless access point method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: A trigger frame is received during a transmission opportunity in which the first wireless AP allocates resource units for wireless transmission, wherein the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU are transmitted in response to the trigger frame, wherein the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU are received by the first wireless AP, and wherein the first wireless AP is operable to: Measuring RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU; and The transmission power information is calculated based on the RSSI of the first TB PPDU and the second TB PPDU and based on the RSSI report of each RU.

13. A wireless access point device, for transmitting data via a wireless network, the device comprising: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data via the wireless network; Memory for storing data; as well as A processor, characterized in that the processor is capable of executing the steps of any of the preceding claims.

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