Reduced neighbor report enhancements

Abstract

The invention relates to reduced neighbor report enhancements. A station may use information from a reduced neighbor report to determine which neighboring access points (APs) to scan. The station may receive the reduced neighbor report from the AP. The reduced neighbor report may include one or more parameters related to security, authentication status, or capabilities of the neighbor AP. The station may scan channels for one or more of the neighbor APs based on the security, the verification status, or the capability of the neighbor APs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to wireless communication systems, including generating reduced neighbor reports to improve efficiency in wireless networks. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication technologies use various standards and protocols to send data between access points and wireless communication devices. For example, wireless communication system standards and protocols may include the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs) (commonly referred to within industry organizations as WLANs). ).

[0003] In the 802.11 standard for WLAN, an access point (AP) is a device that creates a wireless local area network (WLAN) or A WLAN is a device that connects to a wired network. An access point (AP) can connect to a wired network (such as Ethernet) and provide wireless access to the network for other devices. A station is a device that can wirelessly connect to an AP to join a WLAN network. A station can be a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or any other device with a WLAN adapter.

[0004] AP and station use Various protocols have been established to improve security on wireless communication networks. For example, simultaneous authentication of peer entities is the core authentication protocol of WPA3-Personal. Alliance-certified devices, including both access points (APs) and non-AP stations (STAs), must support the protocol. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit(s) in a reference number refers to the drawing number that first introduces the element.

[0006] Figure 1 Illustrated according to some embodiments Channel distribution diagram.

[0007] Figure 2 A passive scan timeline and an active scan timeline are illustrated according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 A roaming flow chart of APs with different security modes is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 4 An example of reducing reported BSSs in neighbor reports according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 5 Illustrated are security information bits that may be included in a reduced neighbor report according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 Example values ​​for security mode information for reduced neighbor reports according to some embodiments are illustrated.

[0012] Figure 7 Authentication variables that may be included in a reduced neighbor report are illustrated according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 Network controller verification and AP authentication according to some embodiments are illustrated.

[0014] Fig. 9 Several fields that may be included in a reduced neighbor report are illustrated, which may indicate one or more capabilities of an AP.

[0015] Fig. 10A Illustrated are fields of a reduced neighbor report element according to some embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 10B Illustrated are fields of a reduced neighbor report element according to some embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 10C Illustrated are fields of a reduced neighbor report element according to some embodiments.

[0018] Fig.11 Methods for operation of a station in a wireless local area network according to some embodiments are illustrated.

[0019] Fig.12 Methods for operation of an AP in a wireless local area network according to some embodiments are illustrated.

[0020] Fig.13 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Wireless communication systems (e.g. Abstract: Wi-Fi networks rely on reduced neighbor reports to enhance network performance, interference management, and seamless handoff between access points (APs). Stations (STAs) can rely on reduced neighbor reports to perform out-of-band scans for neighboring APs. This specification outlines a method for generating Wi-Fi reduced neighbor reports that efficiently manages and transmits neighbor AP information to optimize network resources and improve overall system performance.

[0022] The reduced neighbor report may include selected information about neighbor APs to assist the STA when performing out-of-band scanning. In some embodiments, the reduced neighbor report may provide neighbor AP information that can reduce scanning for the STA by providing scanning guidance. This can enhance Wi-Fi network efficiency and facilitate seamless switching between APs.

[0023] STA can use reduced neighbor reports to monitor neighboring access points to evaluate their relevance as potential handover targets. In this process, STA can consider various factors such as signal strength, quality, congestion level, and available capacity. By analyzing these parameters, STA can determine the suitability of neighboring access points.

[0024] When generating a reduced neighbor report, the AP may include information about neighboring APs that can provide guidance for STA out-of-band scanning. For example, the reduced neighbor report may include network identification, signal characteristics, and channel utilization. However, in some In a network, reduced neighbor reports can be improved by including additional information.

[0025] Reduced neighbor reports can provide better guidance for channel selection for the next scan. For example, a STA may need to scan all basic service sets (BSSs) to find the highest security mode BSS. In some embodiments of the present invention, reduced neighbor reports can be used to help select scanned channels based on the AP security mode. In addition, reduced neighbor reports can announce fake / attacker AP information. The STA does not know whether the AP has verified the AP information. Therefore, in some embodiments, the reduced neighbor report may include information indicating whether the information is verified. The goal of the reduced neighbor report is to speed up the scan to associate with the AP. In some embodiments, the reduced neighbor report can be enhanced to help the STA also find the AP for location measurement.

[0026] As described herein, by implementing enhanced reduced neighbor reporting, wireless communication systems can experience enhanced performance and increased system stability. The methods herein can optimize the use of network resources by transmitting neighbor cell information to facilitate efficient handover and Deliver a seamless and uninterrupted user experience within the network. The reduced neighbor reporting method provides management Efficient solution for neighbor cell information in a network. Reduced neighbor report enhancements described herein may include broadcast information for scanning STAs that may reduce scanning time and reduce the number of channels scanned.

[0027] Various embodiments are described with respect to stations (STAs) and access points (APs). However, reference to STAs and APs is provided for illustrative purposes only. The example embodiments may be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection with a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Therefore, STAs and APs as described herein are used to represent any suitable electronic components.

[0028] Figure 1 Illustrated according to some embodiments Channel distribution diagram 100. As shown, each frequency band 104 includes a plurality of channels 102. As shown, the 2.4 GHz frequency band may include three channels, the 5 GHz frequency band may include 25 channels, and the 6 GHz frequency band may include 59 channels.

[0029] In order to determine a new AP to switch to, the STA may scan channels to determine where the AP is located and the quality of the signal from the AP. The total scan time depends on the number of channels scanned by the STA. For example, the total scan time may be equal to the number of channels scanned multiplied by the time to scan the channels. One goal of a wireless communication system is to reduce the time spent scanning. The enhanced reduced neighbor report described herein may be a way to reduce the number of channels scanned, which reduces the scan time.

[0030] For out-of-band scanning, a station (STA) may start scanning for APs on the 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) band. The AP may assist in out-of-band scanning by generating reduced neighbor reports. The AP may identify neighboring APs. This may be done by scanning the environment for Wi-Fi signals. The AP may collect basic information about neighboring APs, such as basic service set identifiers (BSSIDs), SSIDs, channels, and signal strengths. The AP may encode this information into reduced neighbor reports. The AP may broadcast reduced neighbor reports to STAs. This may be done by sending reports in beacon frames or probe response frames.

[0031] A STA may receive beacons and probe responses with reduced neighbor reports. Reduced neighbor reports may help a STA scan (5 GHz and 6 GHz) channels for APs with a desired service set identifier (SSID). For example, reduced neighbor reports may provide pointers to indicate which channels neighboring APs are operating on. Pointers from reduced neighbor reports may be used to reduce the amount of scanning that a STA needs to perform.

[0032] For example, a STA may receive a reduced neighbor report from the AP to which it is currently associated. The STA may parse the reduced neighbor report to obtain the BSSID, SSID, channel, and signal strength of the neighboring AP. The STA may compare the information in the reduced neighbor report with its own preferences (such as SSID, channel, and signal strength). The STA may select the AP that best matches its preferences. The STA may send a request to the selected AP. The selected AP may respond with a full neighbor report or a multilink element containing more detailed information about the AP. The STA uses the information in the full neighbor report to decide whether to roam to the selected AP.

[0033] However, the reduced neighbor report may provide better guidance for channel selection for the next scan. For example, the reduced neighbor report may include additional information that the STA can use to compare against its own preferences to determine candidate APs to scan. Currently, there may be many candidate APs in the reduced neighbor report. A large number of candidate APs makes it more complicated for the STA to determine whether the AP is related to the STA. Therefore, in some embodiments, the AP may include additional information to better describe the AP in the reduced neighbor report. The STA can use the additional information to reduce the number of candidate APs to be scanned.

[0034] For example, security may be a preference that a STA may use to determine the suitability of an AP. However, currently, to obtain this information, a STA may need to scan all BSSs in the reduced neighbor report to find the highest security mode BSS. The additional information in the reduced neighbor report may help select a channel to scan based on the AP security mode.

[0035] Additionally, the reduced neighbor report may announce fake or attacker AP information. STAs currently do not have a mechanism to determine whether the AP has verified the AP information. In some embodiments, enhancements to the reduced neighbor report may provide an indication of whether the AP information is verified.

[0036] Furthermore, the goal of reduced neighbor reporting is to speed up scanning to associate with an AP. However, reduced neighbor reporting can also help discover APs for location measurements. In some embodiments herein, enhancements to reduced neighbor reporting can provide indications of APs for location measurements.

[0037] With these additional enhancements, the number of APs scanned by a STA can be reduced. Reducing the number of APs scanned can reduce the overall scan time. Such a reduction in scan time will improve STA efficiency.

[0038] Figure 2A passive scan timeline 202 and an active scan timeline 204 are illustrated according to some embodiments. As shown on the passive scan timeline 202, passive scanning of a channel may include monitoring for beacon transmissions or probe response transmissions. For example, in some embodiments, a STA may monitor each 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channel for 120 milliseconds (ms), which may give ample time to receive a beacon from an AP on the channel. For a 6 GHz channel, a STA may monitor a probe response for a period of 30 ms per 6 GHz channel to discover an AP on the channel.

[0039] As shown on the active scan timeline 204, the STA may scan each channel for a shorter period of time. For example, the STA may scan 20ms per channel. The STA may send a probe request and then find the AP that responds to the probe request through a probe response or beacon. 6GHz may have active scan restrictions. Reducing neighbor reports may help reduce the number of channels scanned by the STA.

[0040] Figure 3 A roaming flow chart 302 of APs with different security modes is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the first AP 304 may be an ultra-high reliability (UHR) AP supporting Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 3. WPA 3 is a security protocol designed to enhance the security of wireless networks. It is an improvement over its predecessor, WPA 2, and provides stronger encryption, authentication, and key management mechanisms.

[0041] The second AP 306 can support WPA 3 transition mode (TM). WPA 3 TM refers to the features introduced in the WPA 3 security protocol. It is designed to provide backward compatibility for devices that do not support a complete set of security enhancements provided by WPA 3. When the network is configured in WPA 3 TM, it operates as a dual-mode network that can support both WPA 3 and WPA 2 at the same time. This allows devices using older Wi-Fi standards or devices lacking WPA 3 capabilities to still use the WPA 2 security protocol to connect to the network. WPA 3 TM enables network administrators to balance security and compatibility by providing options that support both WPA 2 and WPA 3 at the same time. This ensures that devices that support either security protocol can successfully connect to the network. While providing backward compatibility, WPA 3 TM also focuses on adopting the enhanced security mechanisms of WPA 3 for devices that can utilize it. This ensures that devices that benefit from the improved encryption, authentication, and key management of WPA 3 are not available for WPA 3 devices.

[0042] However, when the second AP 306 communicates with both WPA 3 devices and WPA 2 devices, the WPA 3 devices may be vulnerable. For example, if both the WPA 2 device and the WPA 3 device use the same passcode for the second AP 306, an attacker may be able to use a brute force attack to crack the passcode that passes the WPA 2 device. If the passcode is the same for the WPA 3 devices, the brute force attack will also result in the exposure of those devices.

[0043] As shown, STA 308 may first associate with second AP 306. In the illustrated embodiment, STA 308 is a WPA 3 device. Therefore, STA 308 can roam to first AP 304 with higher security. Some WPA 3 STAs may be configured to be able to roam to APs with higher security levels, but not to roam to APs with lower security levels. For example, a STA may not be allowed to roam from a WPA 3 network to a WPA 3™ network.

[0044] Wi-Fi 7 introduces Multi-Link Device (MLD) support. Figure 4 An example of a BSS 402 that reduces reporting in neighbor reports according to some embodiments is illustrated. A network may include WPA 3 and WPA 3™ APs. In some embodiments, only WPA3 security mode may be allowed in the 6 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands may support WPA3 or WPA-3™ security modes. Wi-Fi 7 accessory APs may have different security modes.

[0045] As shown, AP MLD1 404 may include AP1 on the 2.4 GHz band, AP2 on the 5 GHz band, and AP3 on the 6 GHz band. As shown, AP1 may use WPA 3TM, AP2 may also use WPA 3TM, and AP3 may use WPA 3. A second AP MLD (AP MLD2 406) may include AP4 on the 5 GHz band and AP5 on the 6 GHz band. AP4 may use WPA 3 and AP5 may use WPA 3. AP6 may have a different SSID (SSID2) and may operate on the 5 GHz band using WPA 3TM.

[0046] In some wireless networks, the reduced neighbor report does not have information about the BSS security level. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the reduced neighbor report may not indicate different security levels for AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, AP5, and AP6. In such networks, a STA may detect the AP security mode only by receiving the body of the beacon and probe response frames. This requires link-specific scanning and may add scanning delays and unnecessary scanning of BSSs with lower security modes, even if the STA's end user or the policy followed by the STA does not allow the STA to roam to an AP with a lower security level.

[0047] Thus, in some embodiments, the abbreviated neighbor report may include security mode information. For example, the abbreviated neighbor report may include the security mode of the reported AP. Figure 5 502 illustrates security information bits that may be included in a reduced neighbor report according to some embodiments. Figure 5 The variables may include a first field 504 indicating a security mode, a second field 506 indicating whether the same security mode is used on an extended service set (ESS), a third field 508 indicating whether the same security mode is used on an affiliated AP of the MLD, and a fourth field 510 indicating whether only STAs of WPA2 are available in the network.

[0048] The AP may obtain the neighbor AP and network security mode and include this information in the reduced neighbor report. The STA may receive this information and use it to determine which APs to scan. For example, the STA may choose to scan channels with APs operating in a security mode that the STA can use. For example, if the STA expects to operate on an AP using WPA 3, it may skip channels with APs using WPA 3TM and scan channels with APs using WPA 3. This may reduce scanning delays and STA power consumption.

[0049] As shown, the first field 504 may indicate the security mode of the AP. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first field 504 may be four bits. Other embodiments may have more or less bits. As shown, this bit may be used to indicate the security mode. In some embodiments, a value of zero may indicate that the AP is using opportunistic wireless encryption (OWE) mode, a value of one may indicate that the AP is using WPA, a value of two may indicate that the AP is using WPA 2, a value of three may indicate that the AP is using WPA 3TM, and a value of four may indicate that the AP is using WPA 3. In the illustrated embodiment, values ​​5-15 are reserved. In some embodiments, the WPA mode may be defined as a set of supported authentication and key management (AKM). In the illustrated embodiment, the WPA mode is listed. However, in some embodiments, the highest and lowest AKM may also be signaled.

[0050] The second field 506 may indicate whether the same security mode is used on the ESS. In the illustrated embodiment, the second field 506 may be set to one to indicate that all APs in the ESS have the same security mode. The second field 506 may be set to zero to indicate that all APs do not have the same security mode or it is unknown.

[0051] The third field 508 may indicate whether the same security mode is used on the subordinate APs of the MLD. In the illustrated embodiment, the third field 508 may be set to one to indicate that all APs in the MLD have the same security mode. The third field 508 may be set to zero to indicate that all APs do not have the same security mode or it is unknown.

[0052] The fourth field 510 may indicate whether a WPA2-only STA is in the network. A WPA2 STA may be a security risk for a WPA3-TM network because sometimes WPA3-TM has the same passcode as WPA2 and WPA3, and the WPA2 passcode is easy to crack. Therefore, STAs that want higher security may avoid networks that include WPA2 in WPA3-TM networks. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth field 510 may be set to one to indicate that a WPA2-only STA is operating on the ESS. The fourth field 510 may be set to zero to indicate that there is no WPA 2-only STA on the ESS.

[0053] Thus, the AP may provide the STA with security information about out-of-band signaling using the reduced neighbor report. The STA may use security information from one or more of the variables in the reduced neighbor report to select a channel with an AP to scan. For example, the STA may be interested only in the AP and not in the WPA2 STA. The STA may then scan the channel associated with the AP for which the fourth field 510 is set to zero.

[0054] Figure 6 Example values ​​602 for security mode information for reduced neighbor reports according to some embodiments are illustrated. As shown, the security mode for each of the APs can be set to WPA 3. The illustrated value 602 can be used for AP1. Therefore, the security mode variable 604 can be set to four to indicate that the AP uses WPA 3. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the same security mode on the ESS variable 606 is set to one to indicate that each of the APs on the ESS with AP1 is using the same security mode (e.g., WPA 3). Similarly, the same security mode on the attached AP variable 608 is set to one to indicate that each of the APs on the same MLD (e.g., MLD1 for AP1) is using the same security mode. The value for each of the APs can be included in the reduced neighbor report.

[0055] In addition, there is currently no verification requirement for the reduced neighbor report information. Therefore, the STA may not know whether the reduced neighbor report information is valid. The reported co-located BSS information should be correct because the same physical AP operates the BSS. The reduced neighbor report information of the neighbor BSS information can be obtained through beacon measurements (based on received beacons), as in the Wi-Fi 7 test case. In some embodiments, the reduced neighbor report can provide verification of the information to the STA.

[0056] Figure 7 702 that may be included in a reduced neighbor report according to some embodiments is illustrated. The verification variable 702 may indicate whether the AP that generated the reduced neighbor report has verified the information. In some embodiments, the verification variable 702 may be a bit. The verification variable 702 may be set to one to indicate that the information for the BSS is verified, or may be set to zero if it is not verified.

[0057] Reduced neighbor reporting may use verification variable 702 to signal whether the reported BSS information is verified. This may indicate whether the STA can trust the information. For example, if the reported 6 GHz band AP information is not verified, the STA may not actively scan the 6 GHz channel. In some embodiments, the STA may prioritize scanning verified APs over unverified APs.

[0058] Figure 8Network controller verification 802 and AP authentication 804 according to some embodiments are illustrated. In some cases, network controller verification 802 can be used to determine whether BSS information can be considered verified. For example, if the AP generating the reduced neighbor report is associated with the same network controller as the neighbor AP, the neighbor AP can be verified by the network controller. The AP can indicate the network controller verification to the STA using the reduced neighbor report (e.g., verification variable 702).

[0059] In some embodiments, the network operator may configure the AP to authenticate and associate for verification (e.g., AP authentication 804). In this way, AP1 can verify the AP information of a STA that is currently on AP1 but moves to AP2 and vice versa. AP1 can indicate verification to the STA using reduced neighbor reporting (e.g., verification variable 702).

[0060] In some embodiments, other BSS capabilities may be signaled in reduced neighbor reports. Fig. 9 Several fields 902 are illustrated that may be included in a reduced neighbor report that may indicate one or more capabilities of the AP. Some embodiments may include all of these variables in a reduced neighbor report. Other embodiments may include a subset of these variables in a reduced neighbor report.

[0061] Static APs are suitable for STA location measurement. For STA location measurement, the STA can determine the location by measuring the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the received beacon. However, the current reduced neighbor report does not signal whether the AP is a static AP or a mobile AP. This information will be helpful when selecting an AP for location measurement. Field 902 may include a mobile AP field 904. In some embodiments, the mobile AP field 904 may be one bit. The mobile AP field 904 may signal whether the reported AP is suitable for location measurement. In other words, the mobile AP field 904 may indicate whether the AP is static and powered by the power grid, or whether the AP is a mobile AP and powered by a battery (for example, a phone operating as an AP). Typically, the AP moves slowly. If the mobile AP field 904 is not available, the STA can detect mobile APs in long-term measurements.

[0062] In some embodiments, field 902 may include a client privacy support field 906. In some embodiments, the client privacy support field 906 may be one bit. The client privacy support field 906 may signal whether the AP supports STA privacy enhancement. Privacy support may be independent of the data encryption mode. In some embodiments, the privacy support field 906 may be more than one bit to indicate different privacy levels.

[0063] In some embodiments, field 902 may include a capable positioning / ranging measurement field 908. Capable positioning / ranging measurement field 908 may be three bits. Reduced neighbor reports may use the capable positioning / ranging measurement field 908 to signal whether an AP is available for positioning / ranging measurements. STAs may use this indication to quickly find candidate APs for these operations.

[0064] In some embodiments, field 902 may include a sensing support field 910. Sensing support field 906 may be one bit for signaling. Reduced neighbor reporting may use sensing support field 910 to signal whether the AP is available for sensing purposes under 802.11bf. STAs may use this indication to quickly find candidate APs for these operations.

[0065] The current reduced neighbor report does not contain relevant parameters that help the STA select the next channel to scan. As described herein, multiple parameters can be introduced into the reduced neighbor report to enhance the report.

[0066] For example, Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C 1004. The fields of the reduced neighbor report element 1002 are illustrated in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the reduced neighbor report element 1002 may include one or more neighbor AP information fields 1004. The neighbor AP information field 1004 may include information about neighboring APs. The neighbor AP information field 1004 may include one or more target beacon transmission time (TBTT) information fields 1006. The TBTT information field 1006 may include an ultra high reliability (UHR) parameter 1008. The UHR parameter 1008 may include information about neighboring APs. Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 Although the illustrated embodiment includes nine fields in the UHR parameters 1008, other embodiments may include subsets of these fields.

[0067] The security mode information may help the STA to first scan the APs it can associate to based on security preferences. The verified BSS field may signal whether the BSS information is verified. The mobile AP field may signal whether the AP is suitable for location measurement based on beacon reception. Therefore, out-of-band (OOB) discovery (e.g., reduced neighbor reports) may still be a scanning tool for initial AP discovery. Reduced neighbor reports may also be transmitted for legacy STAs.

[0068] Fig.11A method 1100 for operation of a station in a wireless local area network according to some embodiments is illustrated. The illustrated method 1100 includes receiving 1102 a reduced neighbor report (RNR) from an AP. The RNR may include one or more parameters related to security, authentication status, or capabilities of a neighbor AP. The method 1100 also includes parsing 1104 the RNR to determine the one or more parameters. The method 1100 also includes scanning 1106 channels corresponding to one or more of the neighbor APs based on the one or more parameters related to security, authentication status, or capabilities of the neighbor APs in the RNR.

[0069] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a security mode parameter indicating a security mode of the neighbor AP.

[0070] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in the ESS.

[0071] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in the MLD.

[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether only WPA2 STAs operate on the ESS.

[0073] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the BSS is authenticated.

[0074] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP is a mobile AP or a static AP.

[0075] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports STA privacy enhancement.

[0076] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether a neighbor AP is available for location or ranging measurements.

[0077] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports sensing.

[0078] In some embodiments, method 1100 may also include: comparing one or more parameters from the RNR to a set of preferences for the station; and selecting which of the neighbor APs to scan based on the set of preferences.

[0079] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus including means for performing one or more elements of the method 1100. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a STA (such as the STA 1302, as described herein).

[0080] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 1100. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of a STA (such as memory 1306 of STA 1302, as described herein).

[0081] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus including logical components, modules, or circuits operable to perform one or more elements of the method 1100. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a STA (such as the STA 1302, as described herein).

[0082] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 1100. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a STA (such as STA 1302, as described herein).

[0083] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of method 1100 .

[0084] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product including instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor causes the processor to perform one or more elements of method 1100. The processor may be a processor of a STA (such as processor 1304 of STA 1302, as described herein). These instructions may be located, for example, in a processor and / or on a memory of a STA (such as memory 1306 of STA 1302, as described herein).

[0085] Fig.12 A method 1200 for operation of an AP in a wireless local area network according to some embodiments is illustrated. The illustrated method 1200 includes collecting 1202 information about neighboring APs. The method 1200 includes generating 1204 an RNR. The RNR may include one or more parameters related to the security, authentication status, or capabilities of the neighbor AP. The method 1200 may also include sending 1206 the RNR to a station.

[0086] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a security mode parameter indicating a security mode of the neighbor AP.

[0087] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in the ESS.

[0088] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in the MLD.

[0089] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether only WPA2 STAs operate on the ESS.

[0090] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the BSS is authenticated.

[0091] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP is a mobile AP or a static AP.

[0092] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports STA privacy enhancement.

[0093] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether a neighbor AP is available for location or ranging measurements.

[0094] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports sensing.

[0095] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means for performing one or more elements of the method 1200. The apparatus may be, for example, an AP (such as the AP 1318, as described herein).

[0096] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 1200. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, for example, a memory of an AP (such as memory 1322 of AP 1318, as described herein).

[0097] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logical components, modules, or circuits operable to perform one or more elements of the method 1200. The apparatus may be, for example, an AP (such as the AP 1318, as described herein).

[0098] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 1200. The apparatus may be, for example, an AP (such as AP 1318, as described herein).

[0099] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or associated with one or more elements of method 1200 .

[0100] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product including instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element causes the processing element to perform one or more elements of method 1200. The processor may be a processor of an AP (such as processor 1320 of AP 1318, as described herein). These instructions may be located, for example, in a processor and / or on a memory of an AP (such as memory 1322 of AP 1318, as described herein).

[0101] Fig.13 A system 1300 for performing signaling 1334 between a STA 1302 and an AP 1318 according to embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. The system 1300 may be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. The STA 1302 may be, for example, a UE of the wireless communication system. The AP 1318 may be, for example, an access point of the wireless communication system.

[0102] STA 1302 may include one or more processors 1304. Processor 1304 may execute instructions to perform various operations of STA 1302, as described herein. Processor 1304 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0103] STA 1302 may include memory 1306. Memory 1306 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 1308 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 1304). Instructions 1308 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. Memory 1306 may also store data used by processor 1304 and results calculated by the processor.

[0104] STA 1302 may include one or more transceivers 1310, which may include radio frequency (RF) transmitters and / or receiver circuits that use antenna 1312 of STA 1302 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 1334) to and / or from STA 1302 with other devices (e.g., AP 1318).

[0105] STA 1302 may include one or more antennas 1312 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For implementations with multiple antennas 1312, STA 1302 may take full advantage of the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 1312 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting device and the receiving device to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by STA 1302 may be implemented based on precoding (or digital beamforming) applied at STA 1302, which multiplexes data streams between antennas 1312 based on known or assumed channel characteristics, so that each data stream is received with appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of a receiver associated with the data stream). Certain embodiments may use a single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) approach (where data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) approach (where separate data streams may be directed to separate (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

[0106] In certain embodiments with multiple antennas, STA 1302 may implement analog beamforming techniques whereby the phases of signals transmitted by antennas 1312 are relatively adjusted such that the (joint) transmissions of antennas 1312 may be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0107] STA 1302 may include one or more interfaces 1314. Interfaces 1314 may be used to provide input to or output from STA 1302. For example, STA 1302 that is a UE may include interfaces 1314, such as microphones, speakers, touch screens, buttons, etc., to allow a user of the UE to provide input and / or output to the UE. Other interfaces of such UEs may consist of transmitters, receivers, and other circuits that allow communication between the UE and other devices (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 1310 / antenna 1312 described above), and may communicate according to known protocols (e.g., etc.) to perform the operation.

[0108] STA 1302 may include a reduced neighbor report module 1316. The reduced neighbor report module 1316 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the reduced neighbor report module 1316 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 1308 stored in the memory 1306 and executed by the processor 1304. In some examples, the reduced neighbor report module 1316 may be integrated within the processor 1304 and / or the transceiver 1310. For example, the reduced neighbor report module 1316 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuits) within the processor 1304 or the transceiver 1310.

[0109] The reduced neighbor report module 1316 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 12 The reduced neighbor report module 1316 is configured to decode the reduced neighbor report from the AP 1318 and determine the AP to scan based on the parameters in the reduced neighbor report.

[0110] The AP 1318 may include one or more processors 1320. The processor 1320 may execute instructions to cause various operations of the AP 1318 to be performed, as described herein. The processor 1320 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0111] AP 1318 may include memory 1322. Memory 1322 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions 1324 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by processor 1320). Instructions 1324 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. Memory 1322 may also store data used by processor 1320 and results calculated by the processor.

[0112] AP 1318 may include one or more transceivers 1326, which may include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuits that use antenna 1328 of AP 1318 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 1334) to and / or from AP 1318 with other devices (e.g., STA 1302).

[0113] AP 1318 may include one or more antennas 1328 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments with multiple antennas 1328, AP 1318 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beamsteering, etc., as described.

[0114] The AP 1318 may include one or more interfaces 1330. The interface 1330 may be used to provide input to or output from the AP 1318. For example, an AP 1318 that is a base station may include an interface 1330 consisting of a transmitter, a receiver, and other circuits (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 1326 / antenna 1328 already described) that enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network and / or enables the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, etc., for the purpose of operating, managing, and maintaining the base station or other equipment operably connected to the base station.

[0115] AP 1318 may include a reduced neighbor report module 1332. Reduced neighbor report module 1332 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, reduced neighbor report module 1332 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 1324 stored in memory 1322 and executed by processor 1320. In some examples, reduced neighbor report module 1332 may be integrated within processor 1320 and / or transceiver 1326. For example, reduced neighbor report module 1332 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuits) within processor 1320 or transceiver 1326.

[0116] The reduced neighbor report module 1332 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 1 to 12 The reduced neighbor report module 1332 is configured to generate a reduced neighbor report to send to the STA 1302.

[0117] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, the processor described herein in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples shown herein. For another example, the circuitry associated with the STA or AP described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples shown herein.

[0118] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the above embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, modifications and variations are possible or can be obtained from the practice of various embodiments.

[0119] Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations that may be embodied in machine executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general or special purpose computers (or other electronic devices). A computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic components for performing operations; or may include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0120] It should be appreciated that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments may be combined into a single system, partially combined into other systems, separated into multiple systems, or otherwise divided or combined. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment may be used in one embodiment. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are described only in one or more embodiments, and it should be appreciated that these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. may be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless expressly stated herein.

[0121] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0122] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for the sake of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement both the processes and the apparatus described herein. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for operation of a station in a wireless local area network, the method comprising: receiving a reduced neighbor report (RNR) from an access point (AP), wherein the RNR includes one or more parameters related to security, authentication status, or capabilities of a neighbor AP; parsing the RNR to determine the one or more parameters; as well as Channels corresponding to one or more of the neighbor APs are scanned based on the one or more parameters related to the security, the authentication status, or the capabilities of the neighbor APs in the RNR.

2. The method for operating according to claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a security mode parameter indicating a security mode of the neighbor AP.

3. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in an extended service set (ESS).

4. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in a multi-link device (MLD).

5. The method for operating according to claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether only Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) STAs are operating on an extended service set (ESS).

6. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether a basic service set (BSS) is verified.

7. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP is a mobile AP or a static AP.

8. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports STA privacy enhancement.

9. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP is available for location or ranging measurements.

10. The method for operating as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports sensing.

11. The method for operation according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing the one or more parameters from the RNR to a set of preferences for the station; and selecting which of the neighbor APs to scan based on the set of preferences.

12. A method for operation of an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network, the method comprising: Collect information about neighboring APs; generating a reduced neighbor report (RNR), wherein the RNR includes one or more parameters related to security, authentication status, or capabilities of the neighbor AP; and The RNR is sent to the station.

13. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a security mode parameter indicating a security mode of the neighbor AP.

14. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in an extended service set (ESS).

15. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating that the same security mode is used for all APs in a multi-link device (MLD).

16. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether only Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) STAs are operating on an extended service set (ESS).

17. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether a basic service set (BSS) is verified.

18. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP is a mobile AP or a static AP.

19. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports STA privacy enhancement.

20. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP is available for location or ranging measurements.

21. The method for operating as recited in claim 12, wherein the one or more parameters include a parameter indicating whether the neighbor AP supports sensing.

22. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

24. An apparatus comprising logic components, modules or circuits for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

Images