Method and apparatus for enhanced bandwidth puncturing

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for enhanced bandwidth puncturing. Some implementations more specifically relate to punctured channel indications that support channel puncturing over bandwidth ranges achievable by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 be amendment and future generations of IEEE 802.11 standards. In some implementations, an access point (AP) can communicate static punctured channel information to each associated wireless station (STA) in its BSS. In some other implementations, a transmit opportunity (TXOP) holder can communicate dynamic punctured channel information to a TXOP responder with which it intends to communicate. Yet further, in some implementations, the TXOP responder can communicate additional punctured channel information to the TXOP holder in response to the dynamic punctured channel information.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on September 14, 2021, with application number 202180062050.0 (international application number PCT / US2021 / 050178) and entitled "Enhanced Bandwidth Puncture".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 079,455, entitled "Enhanced Bandwidth Puncturing," filed September 16, 2020, and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 473,186, also entitled "Enhanced Bandwidth Puncturing," filed September 13, 2021, both of which are assigned to the assignee of this application. All disclosures of the earlier applications are considered part of and are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to enhanced bandwidth puncturing techniques for wireless communications.

[0005] Related technical descriptions

[0006] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can be formed by one or more Access Points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by several client devices (also known as stations (STAs)). The basic building block of a WLAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards is the Basic Service Set (BSS) managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) advertised by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the AP's wireless range to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0007] Channel puncturing is a wireless communication technique that allows wireless communication devices (such as APs or STAs) to transmit and receive wireless communications on a portion of a wireless channel that does not include specific sub-channels (referred to as "punctured sub-channels"). For example, if a wireless communication device detects that a 20MHz sub-channel of a 160MHz wireless channel is occupied, it can use channel puncturing to avoid communicating on the occupied sub-channel while still utilizing the remaining 140MHz bandwidth. Accordingly, channel puncturing allows wireless communication devices to improve or maximize their throughput by utilizing more available spectrum.

[0008] New WLAN communication protocols are being developed to implement enhanced WLAN communication features, such as, for example, increased communication bandwidth (up to at least 320MHz). With increased wireless channel bandwidth, the possibility of interference on one or more sub-channels also increases. For example, a wireless communication device in a given BSS can occupy one or more sub-channels in an overlapping BSS (OBSS) within the 320MHz channel used by the wireless communication device. Therefore, because new WLAN communication protocols can access a wider range of bandwidth, new channel puncturing indicators are needed to efficiently utilize the new available spectrum.

[0009] Overview

[0010] The systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein each have several innovative aspects, and no single aspect is solely responsible for the desired properties disclosed herein.

[0011] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented as a wireless communication method. This method can be performed by a wireless communication device and may include: transmitting to a wireless station (STA) a management frame carrying perforated channel information indicating one or more first perforated sub-channels associated with a wireless channel; and communicating with the STA on portions of the wireless channel excluding at least the one or more first perforated sub-channels.

[0012] In some aspects, the punctured channel information may include a bit map representing a plurality of sub-channels associated with the radio channel, wherein the one or more first punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bit map. In some implementations, each bit of the bit map may represent a corresponding 20 MHz sub-channel. In some implementations, the bit map may be carried in a non-legacy operating element of the management frame.

[0013] In some aspects, the punctured channel information may include a puncturing mode indication indicating whether a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) holder is permitted to indicate one or more second punctured sub-channels to a TXOP responder, wherein the one or more second punctured sub-channels are different from the one or more first punctured sub-channels. In some implementations, the puncturing mode indication may be carried in a non-legacy capability element of the management frame. In some aspects, the puncturing mode indication may further indicate whether the TXOP responder is permitted to indicate one or more third punctured sub-channels to the TXOP holder, wherein the third punctured sub-channels are different from the first and second punctured channels.

[0014] In some aspects, the method may further include receiving from the STA a packet carrying dynamic punctured channel information indicating one or more second punctured sub-channels that are different from the one or more first punctured sub-channels, wherein the portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second punctured sub-channels. In some other aspects, the method may further include: performing a clear channel assessment (CCA) operation indicating one or more second punctured sub-channels that are different from the one or more first punctured sub-channels; and transmitting to the STA a packet carrying dynamic punctured channel information indicating the one or more second punctured sub-channels, wherein the portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second punctured sub-channels.

[0015] In some aspects, the packet may be a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and the dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the Universal Signaling Field (U-SIG) of the PPDU. In other aspects, the packet may be a control frame, and the dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the service field of the control frame. In some implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information may include a bit map representing a plurality of sub-channels of the radio channel, wherein the one or more second punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bit map. In some other implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in five bits of the service field having values ​​mapped to the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0016] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication device. In some implementations, the wireless communication device may include at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code. In some implementations, execution of the processor-readable code by the at least one processor causes the wireless communication device to perform operations including: transmitting a management frame to a STA carrying perforated channel information indicating one or more perforated sub-channels associated with the wireless channel; and communicating with the STA on portions of the wireless channel excluding at least one or more perforated sub-channels.

[0017] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented as a wireless communication method. This method can be performed by a wireless communication device and may include: receiving from an access point (AP) a management frame carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with a wireless channel; and communicating with the AP on portions of the wireless channel excluding at least the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0018] In some aspects, the punctured channel information may include a bit map representing a plurality of sub-channels associated with the radio channel, wherein the one or more first punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bit map. In some implementations, each bit of the bit map may represent a corresponding 20 MHz sub-channel. In some implementations, the bit map may be carried in a non-legacy operating element of the management frame.

[0019] In some aspects, the punctured channel information may include a puncturing mode indication indicating whether the TXOP holder is permitted to indicate one or more second punctured sub-channels to the TXOP responder, wherein the one or more second punctured sub-channels are different from the one or more first punctured sub-channels. In some implementations, the puncturing mode indication may be carried in a non-legacy capability element of the management frame. In some aspects, the puncturing mode indication may further indicate whether the TXOP responder is permitted to indicate one or more third punctured sub-channels to the TXOP holder, wherein the third punctured sub-channels are different from the first and second punctured channels.

[0020] In some aspects, the method may further include receiving from the AP a packet carrying dynamic transperforated channel information indicating one or more second transperforated sub-channels that are different from the one or more first transperforated sub-channels, wherein the portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second transperforated sub-channels. In some other aspects, the method may further include: performing a CCA operation indicating one or more second transperforated sub-channels that are different from the one or more first transperforated sub-channels; and transmitting to the AP a packet carrying dynamic transperforated channel information indicating the one or more second transperforated sub-channels, wherein the portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second transperforated sub-channels.

[0021] In some aspects, the packet may be a PPDU, and the dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the U-SIG field of the PPDU. In other aspects, the packet may be a control frame, and the dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the service field of the control frame. In some implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information may include a bit map representing a plurality of sub-channels of the radio channel, wherein the one or more second punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bit map. In some other implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in five bits of the service field having values ​​mapped to the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0022] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a wireless communication device. In some implementations, the wireless communication device may include at least one processor and at least one memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code. In some implementations, execution of the processor-readable code by the at least one processor causes the wireless communication device to perform operations including: receiving from an AP a management frame carrying perforated channel information indicating one or more perforated sub-channels associated with a wireless channel; and communicating with the AP on portions of the wireless channel excluding at least the one or more perforated sub-channels. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0023] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from this description, the drawings, and the claims. It should be noted that the relative dimensions in the following drawings may not be drawn to scale.

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

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

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

[0027] Figure 3 An example Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) is shown that can be used for communication between an AP and one or more STAs.

[0028] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device is shown.

[0029] Figure 5A A block diagram of an example AP is shown.

[0030] Figure 5B A block diagram of an example STA is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a sequence of example message exchanges between a TXOP holder and a TXOP responder, based on some implementations.

[0032] Figure 7A Example configurations for service fields used in control frames are shown, based on some implementations.

[0033] Figure 7BAnother example configuration for the service fields used in control frames is shown, based on some implementations.

[0034] Figure 7C Another example configuration for the service fields used in control frames is shown, based on some implementations.

[0035] Figure 8A The diagram illustrates a timing diagram of an example bandwidth negotiation operation between an AP and a STA, based on some implementations.

[0036] Figure 8B This shows a timing diagram illustrating another example of bandwidth negotiation operation between an AP and a STA, based on some implementations.

[0037] Figure 9 This shows a timing diagram illustrating another example of bandwidth negotiation operation between an AP and a STA, based on some implementations.

[0038] Figure 10A The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication, based on some implementations.

[0039] Figure 10B The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication, based on some implementations.

[0040] Figure 11A The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication, based on some implementations.

[0041] Figure 11B The flowchart illustrates an example process for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication, based on some implementations.

[0042] Figure 12 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device based on some implementations is shown.

[0043] Figure 13 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device based on some implementations is shown.

[0044] Similar reference numerals and naming conventions in the various figures indicate similar elements. Detailed description

[0045] The following description is directed to certain implementations in order to describe aspects of the innovation of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described implementations can be implemented according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the IEEE 802.15 standard, and as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The described implementation can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the following standards, or those published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP): Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G (New Radio (NR)). The described implementation can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Single User (SU) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), and Multi User (MU) MIMO. The described implementation can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), or Internet of Things (IoT) networks.

[0046] Implementations generally involve channel puncturing in wireless communications, and more specifically, punctured channel indication supporting channel puncturing over bandwidths achievable in IEEE 802.11be revision and future generations according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some aspects, an AP may communicate “static” punctured channel information to each of its associated STAs. Static punctured channel information may indicate one or more channels or subchannels that may be busy or occupied in a relatively constant or consistent manner (e.g., occupied by devices in an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS)). In some other aspects, a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) holder may communicate “dynamic” punctured channel information to a TXOP responder. Dynamic punctured channel information may indicate one or more subchannels to be avoided or excluded from communication between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder (e.g., in addition to the subchannels indicated by the static punctured channel information). Furthermore, in some aspects, a TXOP responder may communicate additional punctured channel information to the TXOP holder in response to dynamic punctured channel information. The additional punctured channel information may indicate one or more additional sub-channels (such as those other than those indicated by static or dynamic punctured channel information) to be avoided or excluded from communication between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder.

[0047] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. By providing static punctured channel information to each device in a given BSS, aspects of this disclosure can ensure that the TXOP holder (and TXOP responder) avoids transmitting wireless communications on portions of the wireless channel that are likely to encounter significant interference. For example, the TXOP holder may puncture one or more sub-channels of the wireless channel when transmitting data to the TXOP responder, thereby avoiding interference to the punctured sub-channels while still utilizing the remaining portion of the available spectrum. Aspects of this disclosure recognize that some channel conditions may change over time, and the channel conditions perceived by the TXOP holder may differ from those perceived by the TXOP responder. For example, the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder can each detect which sub-channels are occupied at any given time, for example, by performing unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) on the wireless channel. By providing dynamic punctured channel information to the TXOP responder, the TXOP holder can dynamically update the sub-channels to be avoided based on the current channel conditions at the time of transmission. By providing the TXOP holder with additional punctured channel information, the TXOP responder can further update the sub-channels to be avoided based on the current channel conditions at either end of the communication link.

[0048] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. Depending on some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (such as a Wi-Fi network) (and will be referred to WLAN 100 below). For example, WLAN 100 may be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard families (such as standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its amendments, including but not limited to 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be). WLAN 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, such as access points (APs) 102 and multiple stations (STAs) 104. Although only one AP 102 is shown, WLAN network 100 may also include multiple APs 102.

[0049] Each STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile handheld device, wireless handheld device, access terminal (AT), user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or subscriber unit, and other possibilities. STA 104 may represent a variety of devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, laptops, tablets, laptops, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices (“remote controllers”), printers, kitchen or other household appliances, key fobs (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), and other possibilities.

[0050] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the corresponding AP 102. Figure 1 Example coverage area 106 of AP 102 is also shown, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of WLAN 100. The BSA can be identified to users by a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and to other devices by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which may be the Media Access Control (MAC) address of AP 102. AP 102 periodically broadcasts a beacon frame (“beacon”) including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 108 with AP 102 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”). For example, the beacon may include an identifier of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with AP 102. AP102 can provide access to external networks to each STA 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication link 108.

[0051] AP 102 and STA 104 function and communicate (via the corresponding communication link 108) in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards, such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its amendments, including but not limited to 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be. These standards define the WLAN radio and baseband protocols used for the PHY and Media Access Control (MAC) layers. AP 102 and STA 104 transmit and receive wireless communications (also referred to hereinafter as “Wi-Fi communications”) to and from each other in the form of Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). AP 102 and STA 104 in WLAN 100 can transmit PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which can be a portion of a spectrum that includes bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technologies, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 60 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, and 700 MHz band. Some implementations of AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other bands that can support both licensed and unlicensed communications, such as the 6 GHz band. AP 102 and STA 104 can also be configured to communicate on other bands, such as shared licensed bands, where multiple operators may have licenses to operate in one or more of the same or overlapping bands.

[0052] Figure 2A An example Protocol Data Unit (PDU) 200 for wireless communication between AP 102 and one or more STAs 104 is shown. For example, PDU 200 can be configured as a PPDU. As shown, PDU 200 includes a PHY preamble 202 and a PHY payload 204. For example, the preamble 202 may include a legacy portion, which itself includes a legacy short training field (L-STF) 206 consisting of two BPSK symbols, a legacy long training field (L-LTF) 208 consisting of two BPSK symbols, and a legacy signal field (L-SIG) 210 consisting of two BPSK symbols. The legacy portion of the preamble 202 can be configured according to the IEEE 802.11a wireless communication protocol standard. In some implementations, the preamble 202 may also include a non-legacy portion, which includes one or more non-legacy fields 212, for example, conforming to IEEE wireless communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be or later wireless communication protocols).

[0053] L-STF 206 generally enables the receiver equipment to perform automatic gain control (AGC) and coarse timing and frequency estimation. L-LTF 208 generally enables the receiver equipment to perform fine timing and frequency estimation, and also enables it to perform initial estimation of the wireless channel. L-SIG 210 generally enables the receiver equipment to determine the duration of the PDU and use the determined duration to avoid transmission over the PDU. For example, L-STF 206, L-LTF 208, and L-SIG 210 can be modulated according to a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation scheme. Payload 204 can be modulated according to a BPSK modulation scheme, a quadrature BPSK (Q-BPSK) modulation scheme, a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation scheme, or another appropriate modulation scheme. Payload 204 may include a PSDU containing a data field (DATA) 214, which in turn may carry higher-level data in the form of, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU).

[0054] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A Example L-SIG 210 in PDU 200. L-SIG 210 includes a data rate field 222, reserved bits 224, a length field 226, parity bits 228, and a tail field 230. The data rate field 222 indicates the data rate (note that the data rate indicated in the data rate field 222 may not be the actual data rate of the data carried in the payload 204). The length field 226 indicates the packet length, for example, in symbols or bytes. The parity bits 228 can be used to detect bit errors. The tail field 230 includes tail bits, which can be used by the receiving device to terminate the operation of the decoder (e.g., the Viterbi decoder). The receiving device can use the data rate and length indicated in the data rate field 222 and the length field 226 to determine the packet duration, for example, in microseconds (μs) or other time units.

[0055] Figure 3An example PPDU 300 is shown that can be used for communication between AP 102 and one or more STAs 104. As described above, each PPDU 300 includes a PHY preamble 302 and a PSDU 304. Each PSDU 304 may represent (or "carry") one or more MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) 316. For example, each PSDU 304 may carry an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU) 306, which includes an aggregation of multiple A-MPDU subframes 308. Each A-MPDU subframe 306 may include an MPDU frame 310 that includes a MAC delimiter 312 and a MAC header 314 preceding the accompanying MPDU 316, which includes the data portion ("payload" or "frame body") of the MPDU frame 310. Each MPDU frame 310 may also include a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field 318 for error detection (e.g., the FCS field may include Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)) and padding bits 320. MPDU 316 may carry one or more MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs) 316. For example, MPDU 316 may carry an aggregated MSDU (A-MSDU) 322, which includes multiple A-MSDU subframes 324. Each A-MSDU subframe 324 contains a corresponding MSDU 330, which is preceded by a subframe header 328 and, in some cases, by padding bits 332.

[0056] Returning to reference MPDU frame 310, MAC delimiter 312 can be used as a marker to indicate the start of the associated MPDU 316 and the length of that associated MPDU 316. MAC header 314 may include multiple fields containing information defining or indicating the characteristics or attributes of the data encapsulated within frame body 316. MAC header 314 includes a duration field indicating the duration from the end of the PPDU to at least the end of the acknowledgment (ACK) or block ACK (BA) of that PPDU to be transmitted by the receiving wireless communication device. The use of the duration field is to preserve the indicated duration of the wireless medium and to enable the receiving device to establish its Network Allocation Vector (NAV). MAC header 314 also includes one or more fields indicating the address of the data encapsulated within frame body 316. For example, MAC header 314 may include a combination of source address, transmitter address, receiver address, or destination address. MAC header 314 may further include a frame control field containing control information. The frame control field may specify the frame type, such as a data frame, control frame, or management frame.

[0057] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 400 is shown. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 400 may be for STA (such as reference) Figure 1Examples of devices in one of the described STAs 104. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 400 may be for an AP (such as reference 104). Figure 1 Example of a device in the described AP 102. Wireless communication device 400 is capable of transmitting (or outputting for transmission) and receiving wireless communications (e.g., in the form of wireless packets). For example, the wireless communication device may be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) and Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) conforming to IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards (such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2016 specification or its amendments, including but not limited to 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, and 802.11be).

[0058] Wireless communication device 400 may be or may include a chip, system-on-a-chip (SoC), chipset, package, or device that includes one or more modems 402 (e.g., a Wi-Fi (compliant with IEEE 802.11) modem). In some implementations, one or more modems 402 (collectively, "modem 402") additionally include a WWAN modem (e.g., a 3GPP 4G LTE or 5G compatible modem). In some implementations, wireless communication device 400 also includes one or more radios 404 (collectively, "radio 404"). In some implementations, wireless communication device 406 further includes one or more processors, processing blocks, or processing elements 406 (collectively, "processor 406") and one or more memory blocks or elements 408 (collectively, "memory 408").

[0059] Modem 402 may include intelligent hardware blocks or devices (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)). Modem 402 is generally configured to implement the PHY layer. For example, modem 402 is configured to modulate packets and output modulated packets to radio 404 for transmission over a wireless medium. Similarly, modem 402 is configured to acquire modulated packets received by radio 404 and demodulate these packets to provide demodulated packets. In addition to modulators and demodulators, modem 402 may further include digital signal processing (DSP) circuitry, automatic gain control (AGC), encoders, decoders, multiplexers, and demultiplexers. For example, when in transmission mode, data acquired from processor 406 is provided to a decoder, which encodes the data to provide encoded bits. The encoded bits are then mapped to points in a modulation constellation (using a selected MCS) to provide modulated symbols. Subsequently, the modulated symbols may be mapped to a number N SS A spatial flow or a number N STS A space-time stream. The modulated symbols in the corresponding space stream or space-time stream can then be multiplexed, transformed via an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) block, and subsequently provided to the DSP circuitry for Tx windowing and filtering. The digital signal can then be provided to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The resulting analog signal can then be provided to an up-converter and ultimately to radio 404. In beamforming implementations, the modulated symbols in the corresponding space stream are pre-coded via a guiding matrix before being provided to the IFFT block.

[0060] In receive mode, the digital signal received from radio 404 is provided to a DSP circuitry system configured to acquire the received signal, for example, by detecting the presence of the signal and estimating the initial timing and frequency offset. The DSP circuitry system is further configured to digitally condition the digital signal, for example, using channel (narrowband) filtering, analog impairment conditioning (such as correcting I / Q imbalance), and applying digital gain to ultimately obtain a narrowband signal. The output of the DSP circuitry system can then be fed to an AGC, configured to use information extracted from the digital signal (e.g., in one or more received training fields) to determine an appropriate gain. The output of the DSP circuitry system is also coupled to a demodulator configured to extract modulated symbols from the signal and, for example, calculate the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) for each bit position of each subcarrier in each spatial stream. The demodulator is coupled to a decoder configured to process the LLR to provide decoded bits. The decoded bits from all spatial streams are then fed to a demultiplexer for demultiplexing. The demultiplexed bits can then be descrambled and provided to the MAC layer (processor 406) for processing, evaluation, or interpretation.

[0061] Radio 404 generally includes at least one radio frequency (RF) transmitter (or “transmitter chain”) and at least one RF receiver (or “receiver chain”), which may be combined into one or more transceivers. For example, the RF transmitter and receiver may include various DSP circuitry systems, each including at least one power amplifier (PA) and at least one low-noise amplifier (LNA). The RF transmitter and receiver may further be coupled to one or more antennas. For example, in some implementations, wireless communication device 400 may include or be coupled to multiple transmit antennas (each with a corresponding transmit chain) and multiple receive antennas (each with a corresponding receive chain). Symbols output from modem 402 are provided to radio 404, which then transmits these symbols via the coupled antennas. Similarly, symbols received via the antennas are acquired by radio 404, which then provides these symbols to modem 402.

[0062] Processor 406 may include intelligent hardware blocks or devices designed to perform the functions described herein, such as, for example, processing cores, processing blocks, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. Processor 406 processes information received via radio 404 and modem 402, and processes information to be output via modem 402 and radio 404 for transmission over a wireless medium. For example, processor 406 may implement a control plane and a MAC layer configured to perform various operations related to the generation and transmission of MPDUs, frames, or packets. The MAC layer is configured to perform or facilitate frame decoding and decoding, spatial multiplexing, space-time block decoding (STBC), beamforming, and OFDMA resource allocation, and other operations or techniques. In some implementations, processor 406 may generally control modem 402 to cause the modem to perform the various operations described above.

[0063] Memory 408 may include tangible storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof. Memory 408 may also store non-transient processor or computer-executable software (SW) code containing instructions that, when executed by processor 406, cause the processor to perform various operations described herein for wireless communication, including the generation, transmission, reception, and interpretation of MPDUs, frames, or packets. For example, the various functions of the components disclosed herein, or the various blocks or steps of the methods, operations, processes, or algorithms disclosed herein, may be implemented as one or more modules of one or more computer programs.

[0064] Figure 5A A block diagram of an example AP 502 is shown. For example, AP 502 could be a reference... Figure 1 The described example implementation of AP 102. AP 502 includes a wireless communication device (WCD) 510 (but AP 502 itself may also be referred to as a wireless communication device, as used herein). For example, wireless communication device 510 may be a reference... Figure 4 An example implementation of the described wireless communication device 400 is described. AP 502 also includes a plurality of antennas 520 coupled to the wireless communication device 510 for transmitting and receiving wireless communications. In some implementations, AP 502 additionally includes an application processor 530 coupled to the wireless communication device 510, and a memory 540 coupled to the application processor 530. AP 502 further includes at least one external network interface 550, which enables AP 502 to communicate with a core network or backhaul network to obtain access to external networks, including the Internet. For example, external network interface 550 may include one or both of a wired (e.g., Ethernet) network interface and a wireless network interface (such as a WWAN interface). Components of the foregoing can communicate directly or indirectly with other components of these components on at least one bus. AP 502 further includes a housing that encloses the wireless communication device 510, the application processor 530, the memory 540, and at least a portion of the antennas 520 and the external network interface 550.

[0065] Figure 5B A block diagram of example STA 504 is shown. For example, STA 504 could be a reference... Figure 1 The example implementation of STA 104 described herein. STA 504 includes wireless communication device 515 (but STA 504 itself may also be referred to as a wireless communication device, as used herein). For example, wireless communication device 515 may be a reference... Figure 4An example implementation of the described wireless communication device 400. STA 504 also includes one or more antennas 525 coupled to the wireless communication device 515 for transmitting and receiving wireless communications. STA 504 additionally includes an application processor 535 coupled to the wireless communication device 515, and a memory 545 coupled to the application processor 535. In some implementations, STA 504 further includes a user interface (UI) 555 (such as a touchscreen or keyboard) and a display 565, which can be integrated with the UI 555 to form a touchscreen display. In some implementations, STA 504 may further include one or more sensors 575 (for example, such as one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors). Components of the foregoing components can communicate directly or indirectly with other components of these components on at least one bus. STA 504 further includes a housing that encloses the wireless communication device 515, the application processor 535, the memory 545, and at least portions of the antenna 525, the UI 555, and the display 565.

[0066] As described above, channel puncturing is a wireless communication technique that enables wireless communication devices (such as APs or STAs) to transmit and receive wireless communications on a portion of a wireless channel that does not include specific sub-channels (referred to as "punctured sub-channels"). For example, if a wireless communication device detects that a 20MHz sub-channel of a 160MHz wireless channel is occupied, it can use channel puncturing to avoid communicating on the occupied sub-channel while still utilizing the remaining 140MHz bandwidth. Accordingly, channel puncturing allows wireless communication devices to improve or maximize their throughput by utilizing more available spectrum. As wireless channel bandwidth increases, the likelihood of interference on one or more sub-channels also increases. Therefore, as new WLAN communication protocols can access a wider range of bandwidth, new channel puncturing indicators are needed to efficiently utilize the new available spectrum.

[0067] Implementations generally involve channel puncturing in wireless communication, and more specifically, punctured channel indication supporting channel puncturing over bandwidths achievable in IEEE 802.11be revision and future generations according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some aspects, an AP may communicate “static” punctured channel information to each of its associated STAs. This static punctured channel information may indicate one or more channels or subchannels that may be busy or occupied in a relatively constant or consistent manner (e.g., occupied by devices in an OBSS). In some other aspects, a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) holder may communicate “dynamic” punctured channel information to a TXOP responder. This dynamic punctured channel information may indicate one or more subchannels to be avoided or excluded from communication between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder (e.g., in addition to the subchannels indicated by the static punctured channel information). Furthermore, in some aspects, a TXOP responder may communicate additional punctured channel information to the TXOP holder in response to this dynamic punctured channel information. The additional punctured channel information may indicate one or more additional sub-channels (such as those other than those indicated by static or dynamic punctured channel information) to be avoided or excluded from communication between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder.

[0068] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. By providing static punctured channel information to each device in a given BSS, aspects of this disclosure can ensure that the TXOP holder (and TXOP responder) avoids transmitting wireless communications on portions of the wireless channel that are likely to encounter significant interference. For example, the TXOP holder may puncture one or more sub-channels of the wireless channel when transmitting data to the TXOP responder, thereby avoiding interference to the punctured sub-channels while still utilizing the remaining portion of the available spectrum. Aspects of this disclosure recognize that some channel conditions may change over time, and the channel conditions perceived by the TXOP holder may differ from those perceived by the TXOP responder. For example, the TXOP holder and TXOP responder can each detect which sub-channels are occupied at any given time, for example, by performing CCA on the wireless channel. By providing dynamic punctured channel information to the TXOP responder, the TXOP holder can dynamically update the sub-channels to be avoided based on the current channel conditions at the time of transmission. By providing the TXOP holder with additional punctured channel information, the TXOP responder can further update the sub-channels to be avoided based on the current channel conditions at either end of the communication link.

[0069] Figure 6Diagram 600 illustrates a sequence of example message exchanges between a Transport Opportunity (TXOP) holder and a TXOP responder, according to some implementation. Figure 6 In the example, the TXOP holder is depicted as STA 610 and the TXOP responder is depicted as AP 620. In other words, STA 610 uses its TXOP to communicate with AP 620 on radio channel 650. In some other implementations, AP 620 can be the TXOP holder and STA 610 can be the TXOP responder. In some implementations, STA 610 can be... Figure 1 and 5B An example of either STA 104 or 504, and AP 620 can be respectively Figure 1 and 5B An example of either AP 102 or 502.

[0070] AP 620 can identify or pinpoint one or more subchannels in radio channel 650 that are frequently used or otherwise occupied by devices (or other sources of interference) outside its BSS. For example, such subchannels may be constantly or continuously occupied by legacy or current devices in the BSS. Because these devices are beyond the AP's control, AP 620 may request devices in its BSS to avoid using the occupied subchannels. In some implementations, AP 620 may transmit static punctured channel information 602 to each device in its BSS to indicate that occupied subchannels should be avoided or punctured when using radio channel 650. In some aspects, static punctured channel information 602 may be carried in one or more management frames broadcast or transmitted by AP 620 to STA 610. Suitable management frames include beacon frames, probe response frames, and association response frames, etc.

[0071] In some implementations, static punctured channel information 602 may include a bit map representing several sub-channels associated with wireless channel 650. For example, each bit of the bit map may represent a corresponding sub-channel of wireless channel 650. A bit value "1" may indicate that the associated sub-channel is to be punctured or avoided, while a bit value "0" may indicate that the associated sub-channel is available for wireless communication. In some aspects, each bit of the bit map may represent a 20 MHz sub-channel. For example, a 16-bit bit map may be used to indicate the puncturing pattern for wireless channels of any size up to and including 320 MHz. In some other aspects, the granularity of the sub-channels associated with the bit map may vary based on the size of the wireless channel. For example, an 8-bit bit map may be used to indicate the puncturing pattern for wireless channels of any size. When the size of the wireless channel is 160 MHz or less, each bit of the bit map may represent a 20 MHz sub-channel. When the size of the wireless channel is greater than 160 MHz, each bit of the bit map may represent a 40 MHz sub-channel.

[0072] In some implementations, AP 620 may add bitmaps to non-legacy (or Very High Throughput (EHT)) operating elements of management frames. Various aspects of this disclosure recognize that adding bitmaps to non-legacy operating elements can increase the overhead of management frames. Such an increase in overhead may be undesirable when no punctured channel to be indicated (e.g., when each bit of the bitmap has a value of "0"). Therefore, in some aspects, when AP 620 does not detect any constant or persistently occupied subchannels, the static punctured channel information 602 can be omitted from any management frame. For example, a bit may be added to a non-legacy operating element to indicate whether the non-legacy operating element carries the static punctured channel information 602. Alternatively or additionally, the static punctured channel information 602 may be added to the management frame as a new information element (IE). For example, the IE may be added to the management frame only if the static punctured channel information 602 is available.

[0073] In some implementations, STA 610 may detect one or more additional occupied sub-channels of wireless channel 650 after receiving static punctured channel information 602 from AP 620. Various aspects of this disclosure further recognize that the condition of wireless channel 650 may change over time, and the static punctured channel information 602 may not take into account such dynamic changes in wireless channel 650. For example, at any given time, STA 610 may detect interference on one or more sub-channels of wireless channel 650, rather than those indicated by the static punctured channel information 602. STA 610 may detect additional occupied sub-channels, for example, by performing CCA on the remaining sub-channels of wireless channel 650. In some implementations, STA 610 may transmit dynamic punctured channel information 604 to AP 620 to indicate additional sub-channels to be avoided or punctured when communicating on wireless channel 650.

[0074] In some implementations, dynamic punctured channel information 604 may be carried in one or more non-legacy PPDUs transmitted from STA 610 to AP 620. As used herein, the term "non-legacy" may refer to IEEE 802.11be revision and future generations of frame formats and communication protocols conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, IEEE 802.11be revision defines a non-legacy (or EHT) PPDU format with a PHY preamble, which includes both legacy and non-legacy portions. The legacy portion of the PHY preamble includes L-STF, L-LTF, and L-SIG. The non-legacy portion of the PHY preamble includes new fields, such as the Universal Signaling Field (U-SIG), which can be used to carry signaling information. For example, U-SIG may include bandwidth and a punctured information subfield with a value representing the channel puncturing mode associated with the PPDU. In some aspects, dynamic punctured channel information 604 may be carried in U-SIG. For example, the bandwidth and information in the punctured information subfield of U-SIG can be used to convey dynamic punctured channel information 604.

[0075] In some other implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information 604 can be carried in one or more Null Data Packet Declaration (NDPA) frames transmitted from STA 610 to AP 620. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard defines a channel probing procedure for null data packet (NDP)-based transmissions. STA 610 can initiate a channel probing operation by transmitting an NDPA frame followed by an NDP to AP 620. The NDPA frame format includes a MAC header, followed by a probing session token, and then several (n) STA information fields. Each STA information field includes a partial BW information subfield carrying information indicating the bandwidth associated with the requested probing response (such as the start resource element (RU) index and end RU index). In some aspects, the dynamic punctured channel information 604 can be carried in the STA information field of the NDPA. For example, information in the partial bandwidth information subfield of the STA information field can be used to convey the dynamic punctured channel information 604.

[0076] In an implementation where the TXOP holder is AP 620, the dynamic punctured channel information 604 can be carried in one or more trigger frames transmitted from AP 620 to STA 610. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard supports trigger-based uplink communication. AP 620 can transmit trigger frames to STA 610 to request the transmission of a trigger-based PPDU. Suitable example trigger frames include Multi-User Request to Transmit (MU-RTS) frames, Multi-User Block Acknowledgment Request (MU-BAR) frames, and Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frames, etc. The trigger frame format includes a MAC header, followed by a common information field, and then a list of user information fields that may include zero or more user information fields. The common information field includes an uplink bandwidth (UL BW) subfield carrying information indicating the bandwidth associated with the PPDU. Each user information field includes an RU allocation subfield carrying information indicating one or more RUs to be allocated to the PPDU. In some aspects, the dynamic punctured channel information 604 can be carried in either the common information field or the user information field of the trigger frame. For example, information in the UL BW subfield or RU allocation subfield can be used to convey dynamic perforated channel information 604.

[0077] Furthermore, in some implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information 604 can be carried in one or more control frames transmitted from STA 610 to AP 620. Suitable example control frames include Request to Send (RTS) frames, Power Saving Polling (PS-POLL) frames, and Block Acknowledgment Request (BAR) frames, etc. The control frame format includes a PHY preamble, followed by a data portion. The data portion includes a service field, followed by a PSDU. The service field carries a scrambler initialization sequence that can be used to synchronize the descrambler of the receiving device (such as AP 620). Various aspects of this disclosure recognize that the service field also includes several remaining bits independent of the scrambler initialization sequence. In existing versions of the IEEE 802.11 standard, the remaining bits in the service field are reserved. In some aspects, the dynamic punctured channel information 604 can be carried in the service field of a control frame. For example, the remaining bits of the service field can be reused to convey the dynamic punctured channel information 604.

[0078] In some implementations, AP 620 may detect one or more additional occupied sub-channels of radio channel 650 after receiving dynamic punctured channel information 604 from STA 610. Aspects of this disclosure further recognize that the channel conditions perceived by STA 610 may differ from those perceived by AP 620. For example, at any given time, AP 620 may be adjacent to interference sources that STA 610 cannot detect. Thus, AP 620 may detect interference on one or more sub-channels of radio channel 650, rather than the interference indicated by static punctured channel information 602 or dynamic punctured channel information 604. AP 620 may detect additional occupied sub-channels, for example, by performing CCA on the remaining sub-channels of radio channel 650. In some implementations, AP 620 may transmit additional punctured channel information 606 to STA 610 to indicate additional punctured sub-channels to be avoided or punctured when communicating on radio channel 650.

[0079] In some implementations, the additional punctured channel information 606 can be carried in a Clear Transmit (CTS) frame transmitted from AP 620 to STA 610. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard defines a control frame format that can be used for bandwidth negotiation between a requesting device (such as STA 610) and a responding device (such as AP 620). As used herein, the term "bandwidth negotiation frame" can refer to any control frame that can be used for bandwidth negotiation. Suitable example bandwidth negotiation frames include RTS frames and CTS frames, etc. During bandwidth negotiation operations, RTS frames can carry bandwidth information indicating the desired bandwidth on which the requesting device wants to transmit subsequent data frames, and CTS frames can carry bandwidth information indicating the available bandwidth available to the requesting device for transmitting these data frames. All aspects of this disclosure recognize that, similar to bandwidth negotiation operations, punctured subchannels can also be negotiated between a TXOP holder and a TXOP responder. For example, the TXOP holder and TXOP responder can reuse bandwidth negotiation frames to negotiate punctured subchannels. In some respects, the additional punctured channel information 606 may be carried in the service field of the CTS frame. For example, the remaining bits of the service field may be used to convey the additional punctured channel information 606 (similar to dynamic punctured channel information 604).

[0080] In some other implementations, the TXOP responder may not negotiate the punctured subchannel with the TXOP holder. In such implementations, AP 620 may not transmit the additional punctured channel information 606 to STA 610. However, in some instances (such as during bandwidth negotiation operations), AP 620 may still transmit a response (such as a CTS frame) to STA 610 after receiving the dynamic punctured channel information 604. If AP 620 cannot support the full range of the subchannel requested by STA 610 (due to interference detected on one or more additional subchannels), AP 620 may indicate in its response to STA 610 that only a specific subband within radio channel 650 is available. For example, if STA 610 transmits an RTS frame requesting a 320MHz channel, AP 620 may respond with a CTS frame indicating that only a 160MHz channel is available. In some aspects, the response from AP 620 may include the dynamic punctured channel information 604 received from STA 610. For example, dynamic punctured channel information 604 may be carried in the CTS frame transmitted from AP 620 to STA 610. In some other respects, the response from AP 620 may not include any punctured channel information. For example, when operating in the 5 GHz band, dynamic punctured channel information 604 may not be present in the CTS frame transmitted from AP 620 to STA 610.

[0081] STA 610 determines the portion of wireless channel 650 to be used for subsequent communication with AP 620 based on the punctured subchannels indicated in static punctured channel information 602, dynamic punctured channel information 604, and additional punctured channel information 606 (if any). In some aspects, the portion of wireless channel 650 available to STA 610 may include the full range of subchannels associated with, adjacent to, or not adjacent to wireless channel 650, excluding any punctured subchannels determined by AP 620 or STA 610. In some other aspects, the portion of wireless channel 650 available to STA 610 may include only a subset of adjacent subchannels spanning a subband of wireless channel 650 (such as those indicated by AP 620 during bandwidth negotiation operation). STA 610 may continue to transmit data 608 to AP 620 on the determined portion of wireless channel 650.

[0082] In some implementations, the BSS can support at least one of several modes of punctured channel control. In a first mode, the punctured subchannel cannot be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder. In other words, only the TXOP holder can determine the punctured subchannel to be used for subsequent communication with the TXOP responder. For example, in the first mode, STA 610 can transmit dynamic punctured channel information 604 to AP 620, but AP 620 may not transmit additional punctured channel information 606 to STA 610. In a second mode, the punctured subchannel can be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder. In other words, the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder can jointly determine the punctured subchannel to be used for subsequent communication between them. For example, in the second mode, STA 610 can transmit dynamic punctured channel information 604 to AP 620, and AP 620 can transmit additional punctured channel information 606 to STA 610.

[0083] In some implementations, AP 620 may transmit a puncturing mode indication 603 to each device in its BSS, indicating which (if any) puncturing channel control mode the BSS supports. For example, puncturing mode indication 603 may include two or more bits that can be used to indicate whether the BSS supports a first mode, a second mode, or neither (the BSS does not support puncturing channel control). In some aspects, puncturing mode indication 603 may be carried in one or more management frames broadcast or transmitted by AP 620 to STA 610. Example suitable management frames include beacon frames, probe response frames, and association response frames, etc. In some implementations, AP 620 may add these two or more bits to the non-legacy (or EHT) capability element of the management frame. Thus, as... Figure 6As shown, the puncturing mode indication 603 can be transmitted together with the static punctured channel information 602 in the same management frame.

[0084] In some other implementations, STA 610 can dynamically select one of the modes supported by AP 620. For example, STA 610 can transmit a puncturing mode selection 605 to AP 620 indicating whether AP 620 can provide STA 610 with additional puncturing channel information 606. In some configurations, STA 610 can support receiving additional puncturing channel information 606 from AP 620, for example, to ensure the highest quality of communication with AP 620. In some other configurations, STA 610 may not support receiving additional puncturing channel information 606 from AP 620, for example, when attempting to maximize its bandwidth utilization. In some aspects, puncturing mode selection 605 can be carried in the service field of a control frame (such as an RTS frame or other bandwidth negotiation frame). For example, one or more of the remaining bits of the service field of the control frame can be reused to convey puncturing mode selection 605. Thus, as Figure 6 As shown, the puncturing mode selection 605 can be transmitted together with the dynamic punctured channel information 602 in the same management frame.

[0085] Figure 7A An example configuration for the service field 700 of a control frame, according to some implementations, is shown. The service field 700 includes a sequence of scrambler initialization bits 702 and several remaining bits 704. (As shown...) Figure 7A As shown, the length of service field 700 is two octets (16 bits); however, the scrambler initialization sequence 702 only represents the first 7 bits of service field 700 (corresponding to bit positions B0-B6). See above for reference. Figure 6 As described, the scrambler initialization sequence 702 can be used to synchronize the descrambler of the receiving device.

[0086] All aspects of this disclosure recognize that the remaining bits 704 of the service field 700 are reserved in an existing (non-HT) PPDU format. More specifically, each bit in the remaining bits 704 is set to a value of "0" in legacy control frames (such as RTS, CTS, PS-POLL, and BAR frames). As used herein, the term "legacy" may refer to frame formats and communication protocols conforming to the IEEE 802.11ax revision of the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some implementations, at least eight bits in the remaining bits 704 may be reused to convey punctured channel information (such as... Figure 6 The dynamic perforated channel information 604 or the additional perforated channel information 606). In Figure 7AIn the example, the punctured channel information is carried in the last eight remaining bits 704 (corresponding to bit positions B8-B15 of the service field 700). However, in a real implementation, any of the remaining bits 704 can be reused to convey the punctured channel information.

[0087] In some implementations, punctured channel information can be represented by a punctured subchannel bitmap. For example, each of bit positions B8-B15 can represent a corresponding subchannel of the wireless channel (where bit position B8 represents the lowest subchannel of the wireless channel, and bit position B15 represents the highest subchannel of the wireless channel). A bit value "1" can indicate that the associated subchannel should be punctured or avoided, while a bit value "0" can indicate that the associated subchannel can be used for wireless communication. In some aspects, the granularity of each subchannel can depend on the size of the wireless channel. For example, when the punctured subchannel bitmap represents a wireless channel greater than 160 MHz, each bit can represent a corresponding 40 MHz subchannel. On the other hand, when the punctured subchannel bitmap represents a wireless channel of 160 MHz or less, each bit can represent a corresponding 20 MHz subchannel.

[0088] Figure 7B Another example configuration for the service field 710 of a control frame, according to some implementations, is shown. The service field 710 includes a sequence of scrambler initialization bits 712 and several remaining bits 714. (As shown...) Figure 7B As shown, the length of the service field 710 is two octets (16 bits); however, the scrambler initialization sequence 712 only represents the first 7 bits of the service field 710 (corresponding to bit positions B0-B6). See above for reference. Figure 6 As described, the scrambler initialization sequence 712 can be used to synchronize the descrambler of the receiving device.

[0089] As referenced above Figure 7A As described, the remaining bits 714 of the service field 710 are reserved in the existing (non-HT) PPDU format. Various aspects of this disclosure further recognize that, according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the primary sub-channel cannot be punctured. Therefore, it may only require 7 bits to represent each of the puncturable sub-channels of the wireless channel. In some implementations, seven bits of the remaining bits 714 can be reused to convey punctured channel information (such as... Figure 6 The dynamic perforated channel information 604 or the additional perforated channel information 606). In Figure 7B In the example, the punctured channel information is carried in the last seven remaining bits 714 (corresponding to bit positions B9-B15 of the service field 710). However, in a real implementation, any of the remaining bits 714 can be reused to convey the punctured channel information.

[0090] In some implementations, punctured channel information can be represented by a punctured subchannel bitmap. For example, each of bit positions B9-B15 can represent a corresponding subchannel of the wireless channel (where bit position B9 represents the lowest subchannel of the wireless channel, and bit position B15 represents the highest subchannel of the wireless channel). A bit value "1" can indicate that the associated subchannel should be punctured or avoided, while a bit value "0" can indicate that the associated subchannel can be used for wireless communication. In some aspects, the granularity of each subchannel can depend on the size of the wireless channel. For example, when the punctured subchannel bitmap represents a wireless channel greater than 160 MHz, each bit can represent a corresponding 40 MHz subchannel. On the other hand, when the punctured subchannel bitmap represents a wireless channel of 160 MHz or less, each bit can represent a corresponding 20 MHz subchannel.

[0091] and Figure 7A Compared to the bit mapping of the perforated subchannel, Figure 7B The bit mapping of the punched subchannel leaves one unused bit out of the remaining 704 bits (such as bit position B8). In some implementations, this unused bit can be reused to convey punching mode information (such as...). Figure 6 The puncturing mode selection is 605. For example, a "0" bit value can indicate that the TXOP holder only supports the first punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel cannot be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder), and a "1" bit value can indicate that the TXOP holder supports the second punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel can be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder). In some other implementations, unused bits may be reserved for future use.

[0092] Figure 7C Another example configuration for the service field 720 of a control frame, according to some implementations, is shown. The service field 720 includes a sequence of scrambler initialization bits 722 and several remaining bits 724. (As shown...) Figure 7C As shown, the length of the service field 720 is two octets (16 bits); however, the scrambler initialization sequence 722 only represents the first 7 bits of the service field 720 (corresponding to bit positions B0-B6). See above for reference. Figure 6 As described, the scrambler initialization sequence 722 can be used to synchronize the descrambler of the receiving device.

[0093] As referenced above Figure 7A As described, the remaining bits 720 of the service field 724 are reserved in the existing (non-HT) PPDU format. In some implementations, five bits of the remaining bits 724 can be reused to convey punctured channel information (such as... Figure 6The dynamic perforated channel information 604 or the additional perforated channel information 606). In Figure 7C In the example, the punctured channel information is carried on five remaining bits 724 that correspond to bit positions B9-B13 of the service field 720. However, in a real implementation, any of the remaining bits 724 can be reused to convey the punctured channel information.

[0094] In some implementations, punctured channel information can be represented by punctured subchannel values ​​(rather than bit mappings). In other words, the combined values ​​of bits in bit positions B9-B13 can represent a known pattern of punctured subchannels (similar to how punctured channel information is conveyed in the bandwidth and punctured information subfields of U-SIG). For example, each 5-bit pattern can be mapped to a unique set of punctured subchannels for a given bandwidth (which can also be indicated by the service field 720). Thus, after determining the bandwidth associated with the punctured channel information, the receiving device can use a lookup table to determine the specific punctured subchannel represented by the punctured subchannel values.

[0095] and Figure 7A Compared to the bit mapping of the perforated subchannel, Figure 7C The perforated subchannel value leaves three unused bits out of the remaining 704 bits (such as bit positions B8, B14, and B15). In some implementations, one of these unused bits (such as the bit in bit position B8) can be reused to convey perforated mode information (such as... Figure 6 The puncturing mode selection is 605. For example, a bit value of "0" can indicate that the TXOP holder only supports the first punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel cannot be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder), and a bit value of "1" can indicate that the TXOP holder supports the second punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel can be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder). The remaining unused bits (in bit positions B14 and B15) can be reserved for future use. In some other implementations, all three unused bits can be reserved for future use.

[0096] Figure 8A The diagram illustrates a timing diagram of an example bandwidth negotiation operation between an AP and a STA, based on some implementations. The APs can be... Figure 1 and 5A An example of AP 102 or 502. STA can be respectively Figure 1 and 5B An example of STA 104 or 504. Figure 8AIn the example, the STA is described as the TXOP holder, and the AP is described as the TXOP responder. However, in other implementations, the AP can be the TXOP holder, and the STA can be the TXOP responder. In some implementations, the STA and AP can operate according to a first punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel cannot be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder).

[0097] At time t0, the STA transmits the copied RTS frame to the AP on a 320MHz channel excluding several punctured sub-channels. Figure 8A In the example, a punctured subchannel can represent one or more occupied subchannels detected by the AP and one or more additional occupied subchannels detected by the STA. In some implementations, the RTS frame may carry punctured channel information indicating punctured subchannels to be avoided or punctured when communicating on a 320MHz channel. For example, punctured channel information may be carried by one or more remaining bits after the scrambler initialization sequence in the service field of the RTS frame (such as reference). Figures 7A-7C (As described).

[0098] The AP receives RTS frames and can interpret one or more bits of the service field to carry punctured channel information. The AP can further determine the punctured sub-channel represented by the received punctured channel information. Figure 8A In the example, the AP may not detect any additional occupied subchannels within the 320MHz channel. Therefore, at time t1, the AP transmits a duplicated CTS frame to the STA on the 320MHz channel excluding the punctured subchannel indicated by the STA. In some implementations, the CTS frame may also carry punctured channel information identifying the same punctured subchannel indicated in the RTS frame. In some other implementations, the CTS frame may not carry any punctured channel information.

[0099] exist Figure 8A In the example, the CTS frame can instruct the AP to support the 320MHz channel (and the perforated subchannel) requested by the STA. The STA receives the CTS frame and continues to transmit data PPDUs to the AP on the portion of the 320MHz channel (excluding the perforated subchannel) at time t2. At time t3, the AP acknowledges the reception of the data PPDU by transmitting an ACK frame back to the STA. Figure 8A As shown, the ACK frame can also be copied on a 320MHz channel excluding the punctured subchannel.

[0100] Figure 8B This diagram illustrates another example of bandwidth negotiation operation 810 between an AP and a STA, based on some implementations. The APs can be... Figure 1and 5A An example of AP 102 or 502. STA can be respectively Figure 1 and 5B An example of STA 104 or 504. Figure 8B In the example, the STA is described as the TXOP holder and the AP is described as the TXOP responder. However, in other implementations, the AP can be the TXOP holder and the STA can be the TXOP responder. In some implementations, the STA and AP can operate in a first punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel cannot be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder).

[0101] At time t0, the STA transmits the copied RTS frame to the AP on a 320MHz channel excluding several punctured sub-channels. Figure 8B In the example, a punctured subchannel can represent one or more occupied subchannels detected by the AP and one or more additional occupied subchannels detected by the STA. In some implementations, the RTS frame may carry punctured channel information indicating punctured subchannels to be avoided or punctured when communicating on a 320MHz channel. For example, punctured channel information may be carried by one or more remaining bits after the scrambler initialization sequence in the service field of the RTS frame (such as reference). Figures 7A-7C (As described).

[0102] The AP receives RTS frames and can interpret one or more bits of the service field to carry punctured channel information. The AP can further determine the punctured sub-channel represented by the received punctured channel information. Figure 8B In the example, the AP can detect several additional occupied sub-channels in the upper 160MHz sub-band of the 320MHz channel. Because the STA does not support punctured channel negotiation, the AP may prevent the STA from using the upper 160MHz sub-band of the 320MHz channel. Therefore, at time t1, the AP transmits a duplicated CTS frame to the STA in the lower 160MHz sub-band. In some implementations, the CTS frame may also carry punctured channel information identifying the same punctured sub-channels indicated in the RTS frame. In some other implementations, the CTS frame may not carry any punctured channel information.

[0103] exist Figure 8BIn the example, a CTS frame could indicate that the AP does not support the 320MHz channel requested by the STA. For instance, a CTS frame could indicate that only the lower 160MHz subband is available for subsequent communication on the radio channel. The STA receives the CTS frame and continues transmitting data PPDUs to the AP on the lower 160MHz subband of the 320MHz channel at time t2. At time t3, the AP acknowledges the reception of the data PPDU by transmitting an ACK frame back to the STA. Figure 8B As shown, the ACK frame can also be copied on the lower 160MHz subband of the 320MHz channel.

[0104] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates another example of bandwidth negotiation operation 900 between an AP and a STA, based on some implementations. The APs can be... Figure 1 and 5A An example of AP 102 or 502. STA can be respectively Figure 1 and 5B An example of STA 104 or 504. Figure 9 In the example, the STA is described as the TXOP holder and the AP is described as the TXOP responder. However, in other implementations, the AP can be the TXOP holder and the STA can be the TXOP responder. In some implementations, the STA and AP can operate according to a second punctured channel control mode (where the punctured subchannel can be negotiated between the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder).

[0105] At time t0, the STA transmits the copied RTS frame to the AP on a 320MHz channel excluding several punctured sub-channels. Figure 9 In the example, a punctured subchannel can represent one or more occupied subchannels detected by the AP and one or more additional occupied subchannels detected by the STA. In some implementations, the RTS frame may carry punctured channel information indicating punctured subchannels to be avoided or punctured when communicating on a 320MHz channel. For example, punctured channel information may be carried by one or more remaining bits after the scrambler initialization sequence in the service field of the RTS frame (such as reference). Figures 7A-7C (As described).

[0106] The AP receives RTS frames and can interpret one or more bits of the service field to carry punctured channel information. The AP can further determine the punctured sub-channel represented by the received punctured channel information. Figure 9In the example, the AP can detect several additional occupied sub-channels in the upper 160MHz subband of the 320MHz channel. Because the STA supports punctured channel negotiation, the AP can allow the STA to use any portion of the 320MHz channel that does not include occupied sub-channels. Thus, at time t1, the AP transmits a duplicated CTS frame to the STA on the 320MHz channel excluding the punctured sub-channels indicated by the STA and the additional punctured sub-channels determined by the AP. In some implementations, the CTS frame may also carry punctured channel information identifying the punctured sub-channels indicated in the RTS frame and the additional punctured sub-channels determined by the AP. In some other implementations, the CTS frame may not carry any punctured channel information.

[0107] exist Figure 9 In the example, the CTS frame can instruct the AP to support the 320MHz channel (and the perforated subchannel) requested by the STA. The STA receives the CTS frame and continues to transmit data PPDUs to the AP at time t2 on the portion of the 320MHz channel (excluding the perforated subchannel determined by the STA and the additional perforated subchannel determined by the AP). At time t3, the AP acknowledges the reception of the data PPDU by transmitting an ACK frame back to the STA. Figure 9 As shown, ACK frames can also be copied on a lower 320MHz channel excluding the perforated subchannel determined by the STA and the additional perforated subchannel determined by the AP.

[0108] Figure 10A The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an example process 1000 for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication according to some implementations. In some implementations, process 1000 may be performed by an AP (such as...) Figure 1 and 5A The wireless communication device that operates or operates within the AP (either AP 102 or 502) performs the operation.

[0109] In some implementations, process 1000 may begin in block 1002 by transmitting a management frame to the STA carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the radio channel. In block 1004, process 1000 continues to communicate with the STA on portions of the radio channel excluding at least the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0110] In some aspects, punctured channel information may include a bitmap representing multiple sub-channels associated with a radio channel, wherein one or more first punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bitmap. In some implementations, each bit of the bitmap may represent a corresponding 20 MHz sub-channel. In some implementations, the bitmap may be carried in a non-legacy operating element of a management frame.

[0111] In some aspects, the punctured channel information may include a puncturing mode indication indicating whether the TXOP holder is permitted to indicate one or more second punctured sub-channels to the TXOP responder, wherein the one or more second punctured sub-channels are different from one or more first punctured sub-channels. In some implementations, the puncturing mode indication may be carried in a non-legacy capability element of a management frame. In some aspects, the puncturing mode indication may further indicate whether the TXOP responder is permitted to indicate one or more third punctured sub-channels to the TXOP holder, wherein the third punctured sub-channels are different from the first and second punctured channels.

[0112] In some aspects, packets carrying dynamic punctured channel information can be received from the STA. In some implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information can indicate one or more second punctured sub-channels that are different from one or more first punctured sub-channels, wherein the radio channel portion further excludes the one or more second punctured sub-channels.

[0113] Figure 10B The diagram illustrates an example process 1010 for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication according to some implementations. In some implementations, process 1010 may be performed by an AP (such as...) Figure 1 and 5A The wireless communication device that operates or operates within the AP (either AP 102 or 502) performs the operation.

[0114] Reference Figure 10A For example, process 1010 may begin in block 1012 after the transmission of the managed frame in block 1002 and before communication with the STA in block 1004. In some implementations, process 1010 may begin in block 1012 to perform a CCA operation indicating one or more second punctured sub-channels that are different from one or more first punctured sub-channels. At block 1014, process 1010 continues to transmit packets to the STA carrying dynamic punctured channel information indicating one or more second punctured sub-channels, wherein the radio channel portion further excludes the one or more second punctured sub-channels.

[0115] In some aspects, the packet may be a PPDU, and dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the U-SIG field of the PPDU. In other aspects, the packet may be a control frame, and dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the service field of the control frame. In some implementations, dynamic punctured channel information may include a bit map representing multiple sub-channels of the radio channel, wherein one or more second punctured sub-channels are indicated by one or more bits of the bit map. In some other implementations, dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in five bits of the service field having values ​​mapped to one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0116] Figure 11A A flowchart illustrating an example process 1100 for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication according to some implementations is shown. In some implementations, process 1100 may be performed by STAs (such as...) Figure 1 and 5B The wireless communication device that operates or operates within the STA (either STA 104 or 504) performs the operation.

[0117] In some implementations, process 1100 may begin in block 1102 by receiving a management frame from the AP carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the wireless channel. In block 1104, process 1100 continues to communicate with the AP on portions of the wireless channel that exclude at least the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0118] In some aspects, punctured channel information may include a bitmap representing multiple sub-channels associated with a radio channel, wherein one or more first punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bitmap. In some implementations, each bit of the bitmap may represent a corresponding 20 MHz sub-channel. In some implementations, the bitmap may be carried in a non-legacy operating element of a management frame.

[0119] In some aspects, the punctured channel information may include a puncturing mode indication indicating whether the TXOP holder is permitted to indicate one or more second punctured sub-channels to the TXOP responder, wherein the one or more second punctured sub-channels are different from one or more first punctured sub-channels. In some implementations, the puncturing mode indication may be carried in a non-legacy capability element of a management frame. In some aspects, the puncturing mode indication may further indicate whether the TXOP responder is permitted to indicate one or more third punctured sub-channels to the TXOP holder, wherein the third punctured sub-channels are different from the first and second punctured channels.

[0120] In some aspects, packets carrying dynamic punctured channel information can be received from the AP. In some implementations, the dynamic punctured channel information can indicate one or more second punctured sub-channels that are different from one or more first punctured sub-channels, wherein the radio channel portion further excludes the one or more second punctured sub-channels.

[0121] Figure 11B The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an example process 1110 for supporting enhanced bandwidth piercing wireless communication according to some implementations. In some other implementations, process 1110 may be performed by STAs (such as...) Figure 1 and 5B The wireless communication device that operates or operates within the STA (either STA104 or 504) performs the operation.

[0122] Reference Figure 11A For example, process 1110 may begin in block 1112 after the reception of the managed frame in block 1102 and before communication with the AP in block 1104. In some implementations, process 1110 may begin in block 1112 to perform CCA operation indicating one or more second punctured sub-channels that are different from one or more first punctured sub-channels. At block 1114, process 1110 continues to transmit packets to the AP carrying dynamic punctured channel information indicating one or more second punctured sub-channels, wherein the radio channel portion further excludes the one or more second punctured sub-channels.

[0123] In some aspects, the packet may be a PPDU, and dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the U-SIG field of the PPDU. In other aspects, the packet may be a control frame, and dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in the service field of the control frame. In some implementations, dynamic punctured channel information may include a bit map representing multiple sub-channels of the radio channel, wherein one or more second punctured sub-channels are indicated by one or more bits of the bit map. In some other implementations, dynamic punctured channel information may be carried in five bits of the service field having values ​​mapped to one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0124] Figure 12 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 1200 according to some implementations is shown. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1200 is configured to perform the actions described above, as referred to in the respective sections. Figure 10A and 10B The described process is either 1000 or 1010. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1200 may be the one described above. Figure 4An example implementation of the described wireless communication device 400. For example, the wireless communication device 1200 may be a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device that includes at least one processor and at least one modem (e.g., a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem or a cellular modem).

[0125] Wireless communication device 1200 includes a receiving component 1210, a communication manager 1220, and a transmitting component 1230. The communication manager 1220 may further include a punctured channel indication component 1222 and a punctured channel avoidance component 1224. A portion of one or more of components 1222 and 1224 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. In some implementations, at least one of components 1222 or 1224 is implemented at least partially as software stored in memory (such as memory 408). For example, a portion of one or more of components 1222 and 1224 may be implemented as non-transient instructions or code executable by a processor (such as processor 406) to perform the function or operation of the respective component.

[0126] The receiving component 1210 is configured to receive RX signals from one or more other wireless communication devices on a wireless channel; the transmitting component 1230 is configured to transmit TX signals to the one or more other wireless communication devices on the wireless channel; and the communication manager 1220 is configured to manage communication with the one or more other wireless communication devices. In some implementations, the punctured channel indication component 1222 transmits a management frame to the STA carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more punctured sub-channels associated with the wireless channel; and the punctured channel avoidance component 1224 communicates with the STA on portions of the wireless channel that exclude at least the one or more punctured sub-channels.

[0127] Figure 13 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 1300 according to some implementations is shown. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1300 is configured to perform the actions described above, as referred to in the respective sections. Figure 11A and 11B The described process 1100 or 1110. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1300 may be the one described above. Figure 4 An example implementation of the described wireless communication device 400. For example, the wireless communication device 1300 may be a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device that includes at least one processor and at least one modem (e.g., a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem or a cellular modem).

[0128] Wireless communication device 1300 includes a receiving component 1310, a communication manager 1320, and a transmitting component 1330. The communication manager 1320 may further include a punctured channel determination component 1322 and a punctured channel avoidance component 1324. A portion of one or more of components 1322 and 1324 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. In some implementations, at least one of components 1322 or 1324 is implemented at least partially as software stored in memory (such as memory 408). For example, a portion of one or more of components 1322 and 1324 may be implemented as non-transient instructions or code executable by a processor (such as processor 406) to perform the function or operation of the respective component.

[0129] The receiving component 1310 is configured to receive an RX signal from one or more other wireless communication devices on a wireless channel; the transmitting component 1330 is configured to transmit a TX signal to the one or more other wireless communication devices on the wireless channel; and the communication manager 1320 is configured to manage communication with the one or more other wireless communication devices. In some implementations, the punctured channel determination component 1322 receives from the AP a management frame carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the wireless channel; and the punctured channel avoidance component 1324 communicates with the AP on portions of the wireless channel that exclude at least the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0130] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0131] 1. A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising:

[0132] Transmitting a management frame to a radio station (STA) carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the radio channel; and

[0133] The STA communicates with the radio channel excluding at least a portion of the first or more perforated subchannels.

[0134] 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the punctured channel information includes a bit map representing a plurality of sub-channels associated with the wireless channel, the one or more first punctured sub-channels being indicated by one or more bits of the bit map.

[0135] 3. The method of any of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein each bit of the bit mapping represents a corresponding 20MHz subchannel.

[0136] 4. The method of any of the items 1-3, wherein the bitmap is carried in the non-legacy operation element of the management frame.

[0137] 5. The method of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the punctured channel information includes an indication of whether the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) holder is permitted to indicate to the TXOP responder a puncturing mode indication of one or more second punctured subchannels, the one or more second punctured subchannels being different from the one or more first punctured channels.

[0138] 6. The method of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the puncturing mode indication further indicates whether the TXOP responder is permitted to indicate one or more third punctured sub-channels to the TXOP holder, the third punctured sub-channels being different from the first punctured channel and the second punctured channel.

[0139] 7. The method of any of Clauses 1-6, wherein the punching mode indication is carried in the non-legacy capability element of the management frame.

[0140] 8. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 7 further includes:

[0141] The STA receives a packet carrying dynamic perforated channel information indicating one or more second perforated sub-channels that are different from the one or more first perforated sub-channels, and this portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second perforated sub-channels.

[0142] 9. The method as described in any of Clauses 1-8, further comprising:

[0143] Perform unobstructed channel assessment (CCA) operations on one or more second perforated sub-channels that are different from the one or more first perforated sub-channels; and

[0144] The STA transmits a packet carrying dynamic perforated channel information indicating the one or more second perforated sub-channels, and this portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second perforated sub-channels.

[0145] 10. The method of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the packet is a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and the Dynamic Perforated Channel Information is carried in the Universal Signaling Field (U-SIG) of the PPDU.

[0146] 11. The method of any of the provisions 1-9, wherein the packet is a control frame and the dynamic punctured channel information is carried in the service field of the control frame.

[0147] 12. The method of any one of clauses 1-9 or 11, wherein the dynamic punctured channel information includes a bit mapping representing a plurality of sub-channels of the wireless channel, the one or more second punctured sub-channels being indicated by one or more bits of the bit mapping, respectively.

[0148] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1-9 or 11, wherein the dynamic punctured channel information is carried on five bits of the service field having a value mapped to the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0149] 14. A wireless communication device, comprising:

[0150] At least one processor; and

[0151] At least one memory communicatively coupled to and storing processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to perform a method as described in any one or more of Clauses 1-13.

[0152] 15. A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising:

[0153] Receive from the access point (AP) a management frame carrying punctured channel information indicating one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the radio channel; and

[0154] The communication with the AP is excluded from at least one or more portions of the first pierced subchannel in the wireless channel.

[0155] 16. The method of Clause 15, wherein the punctured channel information includes a bit map representing a plurality of sub-channels associated with the wireless channel, the one or more first punctured sub-channels being indicated by one or more bits of the bit map.

[0156] 17. The method of any of Clauses 15 or 16, wherein each bit of the bit mapping represents a corresponding 20 MHz subchannel.

[0157] 18. The method of any of 15-17, wherein the bitmap is carried in the non-legacy operation element of the management frame.

[0158] 19. The method of any of Clauses 15-18, wherein the punctured channel information includes an indication of whether a transmission opportunity (TXOP) holder is permitted to indicate to a TXOP responder a puncturing mode indication of one or more second punctured subchannels, the one or more second punctured subchannels being different from the one or more first punctured channels.

[0159] 20. The method of any of Clauses 15-19, wherein the puncturing mode indication further indicates whether the TXOP responder is permitted to indicate one or more third punctured sub-channels to the TXOP holder, the third punctured sub-channels being different from the first punctured sub-channel and the second punctured channel.

[0160] 21. The method of any of Clauses 15-20, wherein the punching pattern indication is carried in the non-legacy capability element of the management frame.

[0161] 22. The method as described in any of Clauses 15-21 further includes:

[0162] The portion of the radio channel receives a packet from the AP carrying dynamic perforated channel information indicating one or more second perforated sub-channels that are different from the one or more first perforated sub-channels, and this portion of the radio channel further excludes the one or more second perforated sub-channels.

[0163] 23. The method as described in any of Clauses 15-22, further comprising:

[0164] Perform open channel assessment (CCA) operations on one or more second perforated sub-channels that differ from the instructions given for the one or more first perforated sub-channels; and

[0165] The AP transmits packets carrying dynamic perforated channel information indicating the one or more second perforated sub-channels, and this portion of the wireless channel further excludes the one or more second perforated sub-channels.

[0166] 24. The method of any of clauses 15-23, wherein the packet is a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and the Dynamic Perforated Channel Information is carried in the Universal Signaling Field (U-SIG) of the PPDU.

[0167] 25. The method of any of clauses 15-23, wherein the packet is a control frame and the dynamic punctured channel information is carried in the service field of the control frame.

[0168] 26. The method of any of clauses 15-23 or 25, wherein the dynamic punctured channel information includes a bit mapping representing a plurality of sub-channels of the wireless channel, the one or more second punctured sub-channels being indicated by one or more bits of the bit mapping, respectively.

[0169] 27. The method of any of clauses 15-23 or 25, wherein the dynamic punctured channel information is carried on five bits of the service field having a value mapped to the one or more first punctured sub-channels.

[0170] 28. A wireless communication device, comprising:

[0171] At least one processor; and

[0172] At least one memory communicatively coupled to and storing processor-readable code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to perform methods as described in any one or more of Clauses 15-27.

[0173] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” or “one or more of” referring to a list of items means any combination of these items, including a single member. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover the following possibilities: only a, only b, only c, a combination of a and b, a combination of a and c, a combination of b and c, and a combination of a, b, and c.

[0174] The various illustrative components, logic, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the implementations disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. This interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been generally described in terms of its functionality and is illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0175] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be granted the broadest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0176] Furthermore, the various features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. Thus, although features may be described above as operating in a particular combination and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from that combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0177] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring the execution of all explained operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of flowcharts or flow diagrams. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the schematically explained example processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any explained operations. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of the various system components in the implementation described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, comprising: One or more memories that store processor-executable code; as well as One or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, and the one or more processors being configured, when executing the code, to cause the wireless communication device to: Transmit or receive a management frame including information elements, said information elements including first perforated channel information indicating one or more first perforated sub-channels associated with a wireless channel; After transmitting or receiving the management frame, a clear channel assessment (CCA) operation is performed on one or more remaining sub-channels of the wireless channel after excluding the one or more first punctured sub-channels; based on the CCA operation, one or more second sub-channels of the wireless channel, different from the one or more first punctured sub-channels, are determined to be associated with interference; as well as According to the execution of the CCA operation, packets are transmitted on portions of the wireless channel that exclude the one or more first punctured sub-channels and simultaneously exclude the one or more second sub-channels, the packets including a field containing punctured channel information indicating that the one or more sub-channels are punctured.

2. The wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information element comprises: Indicate whether the information element omits a bit that indicates an octet of bit mapping associated with the first punctured channel information; as well as The information element indicates the octet of the bit mapping associated with the first punctured channel information, which is indicated by the bits that carry the octet of the information element, and the first punctured channel information indicates the one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the wireless channel.

3. The wireless communication device of claim 2, wherein the bit mapping represents a plurality of sub-channels associated with the wireless channel, and the one or more first punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bit mapping.

4. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the bit mapping is a 16-bit bit mapping and each bit of the bit mapping represents a corresponding 20 MHz subchannel.

5. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein the first bit value of each of the one or more bits of the bit mapping indicates that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is punctured.

6. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the packet includes a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and the punctured channel information is carried in the signal field of the PPDU.

7. The wireless communication device of claim 6, wherein the punctured channel information is carried in the general signal field U-SIG of the PPDU.

8. The wireless communication device of claim 6, wherein the PPDU is an ultra-high throughput EHT PPDU.

9. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the management frame is a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the packet includes a non-legacy PPDU, a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, a trigger frame, a request to transmit (RTS) frame, a power-saving polling (PS-POLL) frame, or a block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame.

11. A method for wireless communication by a wireless communication device, comprising: Transmit or receive a management frame including information elements, said information elements including first perforated channel information indicating one or more first perforated sub-channels associated with a wireless channel; After transmitting or receiving the management frame, a smooth channel assessment (CCA) operation is performed on one or more remaining sub-channels of the wireless channel after excluding the one or more first punctured sub-channels. According to the CCA operation, one or more second sub-channels of the wireless channel, which are different from the one or more first punctured sub-channels, are associated with interference; as well as According to the execution of the CCA operation, packets are transmitted on portions of the wireless channel that exclude the one or more first punctured sub-channels and simultaneously exclude the one or more second sub-channels, the packets including a field containing punctured channel information indicating that the one or more sub-channels are punctured.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the information element comprises: Indicate whether the information element omits a bit that indicates an octet of bit mapping associated with the first punctured channel information; as well as The information element indicates the octet of the bit mapping associated with the first punctured channel information, which is indicated by the bits that carry the octet of the information element, and the first punctured channel information indicates the one or more first punctured sub-channels associated with the wireless channel.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the bit mapping represents a plurality of sub-channels associated with the wireless channel, and the one or more first punctured sub-channels are respectively indicated by one or more bits of the bit mapping.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the bit mapping is a 16-bit bit mapping and each bit of the bit mapping represents a corresponding 20 MHz subchannel.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first bit value of each of the one or more bits of the bit mapping indicates that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel is punctured.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the packet includes a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and the punctured channel information is carried in the signal field of the PPDU.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the punctured channel information is carried in the general signal field U-SIG of the PPDU.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the PPDU is an ultra-high throughput EHT PPDU.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the management frame is a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an association response frame.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the packet includes a non-legacy PPDU, a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, a trigger frame, a request to transmit (RTS) frame, a power-saving polling (PS-POLL) frame, or a block acknowledgment request (BAR) frame.

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