Punching operation channels in wlan

Abstract

A communication device determines a total bandwidth for an operating channel of a wireless local area network (WLAN), where the total bandwidth spans a plurality of sub-channels. The communication device determines that one or more sub-channels within the total bandwidth will not be used for the operating channel, and generates a packet that includes i) a first sub-field indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second sub-field indicating one or more sub-channels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel. The communication device transmits a packet to inform one or more other communication devices in the WLAN of an operating channel for the WLAN.

Description

[0001] Description of the case

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 201980042877.8 and name “Punching Operation Channel in WLAN” filed on April 30, 2019.

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 668,703, filed on May 8, 2018, entitled “Channel Puncture with Multiple RUs to Single Destination,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to medium access control for transmitting and receiving over multiple communication channels. Background Art

[0006] Over the past two decades, wireless local area networks (WLANs) have grown rapidly, and the development of WLAN standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards, has increased single-user peak data throughput. For example, the IEEE 802.11b standard specifies a single-user peak throughput of 11 megabits per second (Mbps), the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g standards specify a single-user peak throughput of 54 Mbps, the IEEE 802.11n standard specifies a single-user peak throughput of 600 Mbps, and the IEEE 802.11ac standard specifies a single-user peak throughput in the gigabits per second (Gbps) range. The IEEE 802.11ax standard, which is currently under development, significantly improves throughput compared to the IEEE 802.11ac standard. Summary of the invention

[0007] In an embodiment, a method for establishing an operating channel for a wireless local area network (WLAN) includes: determining a total bandwidth of the operating channel at a communication device, wherein the total bandwidth spans a plurality of subchannels; determining at the communication device that one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used for the operating channel; generating a packet at the communication device, the packet comprising i) a first subfield indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel; and transmitting the packet by the communication device to notify one or more other communication devices in the WLAN of the operating channel of the WLAN, the operating channel having a total bandwidth, wherein the indicated one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used.

[0008] In another embodiment, a communication device includes: a network interface device having one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: determine a total bandwidth of an operating channel of a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the total bandwidth spans a plurality of subchannels, determine that one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used for the operating channel, generate a packet comprising i) a first subfield indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel, and transmit the packet to notify one or more other communication devices in the WLAN of the operating channel of the WLAN, wherein the operating channel has a total bandwidth, wherein the indicated one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless local area network (WLAN) operating channels using puncturing, wherein one or more sub-channels within the total bandwidth are unused, according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 According to the embodiment, Figure 1 A block diagram of an example physical layer (PHY) data unit transmitted by a communication device in a WLAN.

[0011] Figure 3A is a diagram of example puncturing operation channels according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3B is a diagram of another example puncturing operation channel according to another embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3C is a diagram of another example puncturing operation channel according to another embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4A is a diagram of an example transmission via a puncturing operation channel according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4B is a diagram of another example transmission via a puncturing operation channel according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4C is a diagram of another example transmission via a puncturing operation channel according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram of an example information element (IE) for conveying operating mode information for a WLAN, according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram of another example IE for conveying operating mode information for a WLAN according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram of another example IE for conveying operating mode information for a WLAN according to another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an example method for establishing an operating channel for a WLAN, according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a diagram of example fields for conveying operating mode change information for a WLAN according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 is a diagram of another example field for conveying operating mode change information for a WLAN according to another embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11A is a diagram of an example IE for reporting capability information to other communication devices in a WLAN according to an embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 11B According to the embodiment Fig.11A Figure 1 is a diagram of an example format of one of the fields of an IE.

[0025] Fig. 11C According to the embodiment Fig.11A FIG. 1 is a diagram of another example format of one of the fields of an IE.

[0026] Fig. 12A is a diagram of example puncturing operation channels according to an embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 12B According to the embodiment Fig. 12A A diagram of an example communication exchange in a puncturing operation channel.

[0028] Fig. 12C According to another embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a diagram of another example communication exchange in a puncturing operation channel.

[0029] Fig.12D According to another embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a diagram of another example communication exchange in a puncturing operation channel.

[0030] Fig.12E According to another embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a diagram of another example communication exchange in a puncturing operation channel.

[0031] Fig.13A is a diagram of example puncturing operation channels according to an embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 13B According to the embodiment Fig.13A A diagram of an example communication exchange in a puncturing operation channel.

[0033] Fig. 13C According to another embodiment Fig.13A FIG. 1 is a diagram of another example communication exchange in a puncturing operation channel.

[0034] Fig.14 is a flow chart of an example method for performing uplink transmission via a puncturing operation channel according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The IEEE 802.11n standard communication protocol, the IEEE 802.11ac standard communication protocol, and the IEEE 802.11ax standard communication protocol (now under development) allow an access point (AP) of a wireless local area network (WLAN) to establish an operating channel comprising a plurality of 20 MHz communication sub-channels (sometimes referred to herein as "component channels") that are aggregated together to form a composite communication channel. For example, an access point (AP) may establish an operating channel by aggregating two adjacent 20 MHz sub-channels to form a 40 MHz composite channel; aggregating four adjacent 20 MHz sub-channels to form an 80 MHz composite channel; or aggregating eight adjacent 20 MHz sub-channels to form a 160 MHz composite channel.

[0036] In the IEEE 802.11n standard communication protocol, only 20 MHz and 40 MHz operating channels are allowed. In the IEEE 802.11ac standard and the IEEE 802.11ax standard communication protocol, only 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz and 160 MHz operating channels are allowed.

[0037] Because only certain bandwidth operating channels are allowed in the IEEE 802.11ac standard and the IEEE 802.11ax standard communication protocol, if one of the 20MHz subchannels of the operating channel becomes busy (e.g., due to being used by a neighboring WLAN) and the AP determines that a smaller bandwidth operating channel is to be established, the AP must change the operating channel to a lower bandwidth operating channel that does not include the busy subchannel. For example, the AP may change the operating channel from a 160MHz composite channel to an 80MHz composite channel; from an 80MHz composite channel to a 40MHz composite channel, or from a 40MHz composite channel to one of the 20MHz subchannels. Because only 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, and 160MHz operating channels are allowed in the IEEE 802.11ac standard and the IEEE 802.11ax standard communication protocol, if one of the 80MHz operating channels becomes busy, the AP reduces the operating channel to 40MHz, thereby reducing the operating channel bandwidth by 40MHz in response to one 20MHz subchannel being busy. Similarly, if one subchannel in the 160 MHz operating channel becomes busy, the AP reduces the operating channel to 80 MHz, thereby reducing the operating channel bandwidth by 80 MHz in response to one 20 MHz subchannel being busy.

[0038] As the density of IEEE 802.11 WLANs increases over time, it becomes increasingly difficult for an AP to find several 20 MHz sub-channels that are free and can be aggregated together to form a larger composite channel. In addition, as government regulatory agencies have allowed IEEE 802.11 WLANs to operate in radio frequency (RF) bands that are also used by other technologies (such as radar systems), this also tends to make it more difficult for an AP to find several 20 MHz sub-channels that are free and can be aggregated together to form a larger composite channel.

[0039] In various embodiments described below, an AP may establish a "punctured" operating channel having a total bandwidth defined by the AP and allowed by the wireless communication protocol, but wherein one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth are not used; and the aggregate bandwidth of the punctured operating channel is greater than the total bandwidth of the next smaller size operating channel allowed by the wireless communication protocol. As an illustrative example, according to an embodiment, an AP may establish a punctured operating channel having a total bandwidth defined by the AP as 80 MHz, but wherein one 20 MHz subchannel within the total bandwidth 80 MHz is not used. As another illustrative example, according to an embodiment, an AP may establish a punctured operating channel having a total bandwidth defined by the AP as 160 MHz, but wherein three 20 MHz subchannels within the total bandwidth 160 MHz are not used. In the above illustrative examples, if one (or two or three) subchannels within the entire composite channel 160 MHz are busy, the AP may establish a punctured operating channel having an aggregate bandwidth greater than 80 MHz. This is in contrast to prior art WiFi systems where the AP is required to switch to an 80 MHz operating channel even if only one 20 MHz sub-channel within the entire 160 MHz composite channel becomes busy.

[0040] Various embodiments of methods for advertising a puncturing operation channel are described below. Additionally, various embodiments of methods for negotiating bandwidth within a puncturing operation channel for a communication exchange are described below. Additionally, various embodiments of methods for selecting transmission parameters (e.g., modulation and coding scheme (MCS), number of spatial streams, etc.) to be used when transmitting in a puncturing operation channel are described below.

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless local area network (WLAN) 110 according to an embodiment. WLAN 110 includes an access point (AP) 114, which includes a host processor 118 coupled to a network interface device 122. Network interface device 122 includes one or more medium access control (MAC) processors 126 (sometimes referred to herein as "MAC processor 126" for brevity), and one or more physical layer (PHY) processors 130 (sometimes referred to herein as "PHY processor 130" for brevity). PHY processor 130 includes multiple transceivers 134, and transceivers 134 are coupled to multiple antennas 138. Although in Figure 1 1 and 2. Three transceivers 134 and three antennas 138 are shown in FIG. 1 , but in other embodiments, AP 114 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) of transceivers 134 and antennas 138. In some embodiments, AP 114 includes more antennas 138 than transceivers 134 and utilizes antenna switching technology.

[0042] In an embodiment, the network interface device 122 is configured to operate within a single RF band at a given time. In another embodiment, the network interface device 122 is configured to operate within multiple RF bands simultaneously. For example, in an embodiment, the network interface device 122 includes multiple PHY processors 130 to facilitate multi-RF band communications, wherein respective PHY processors 130 correspond to respective RF bands. In another embodiment, the network interface device 122 includes a single PHY processor 130, wherein each transceiver 134 includes a respective RF radio corresponding to a respective RF band to facilitate multi-band communications.

[0043] The network interface device 122 is implemented using one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to operate as described below. For example, the MAC processor 126 may be implemented at least in part on a first IC, and the PHY processor 130 may be implemented at least in part on a second IC. As another example, at least a portion of the MAC processor 126 and at least a portion of the PHY processor 130 may be implemented on a single IC. For example, the network interface device 122 may be implemented using a system on chip (SoC), wherein the SoC includes at least a portion of the MAC processor 126 and at least a portion of the PHY processor 130.

[0044] In an embodiment, host processor 118 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown), such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. In an embodiment, host processor 118 may be implemented at least in part on a first IC, and network device 122 may be implemented at least in part on a second IC. As another example, host processor 118 and at least a portion of network interface device 122 may be implemented on a single IC.

[0045] In various embodiments, the MAC processor 126 and / or the PHY processor 130 of the AP 114 are configured to generate data units and process received data units that conform to a WLAN communication protocol, such as a communication protocol conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard or another suitable wireless communication protocol. For example, the MAC processor 126 may be configured to implement MAC layer functions, including MAC layer functions of the WLAN communication protocol, and the PHY processor 130 may be configured to implement PHY functions, including PHY functions of the WLAN communication protocol. For example, the MAC processor 126 may be configured to generate MAC layer data units, such as MAC service data units (MSDUs), MAC protocol data units (MPDUs), etc., and provide the MAC layer data units to the PHY processor 130. The PHY processor 130 may be configured to receive the MAC layer data units from the MAC processor 126, and encapsulate the MAC layer data units to generate PHY data units, such as PHY protocol data units (PPDUs), for transmission via the antenna 138. Similarly, the PHY processor 130 may be configured to receive a PHY data unit, which is received via the antenna 138, and extract a MAC layer data unit encapsulated within the PHY data unit. The PHY processor 130 may provide the extracted MAC layer data unit to the MAC processor 126, which processes the MAC layer data unit.

[0046] PHY data units are sometimes referred to herein as "packets," and MAC layer data units are sometimes referred to herein as "frames."

[0047] According to an embodiment, with respect to generating one or more radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission, the PHY processor 130 is configured to process (which may include modulation, filtering, etc.) data corresponding to the PPDU to generate one or more digital baseband signals and convert the digital baseband signals to one or more analog baseband signals. In addition, the PHY processor 130 is configured to up-convert the one or more analog baseband signals into one or more RF signals for transmission via one or more antennas 138.

[0048] With respect to receiving one or more RF signals, the PHY processor 130 is configured to down-convert the one or more RF signals into one or more analog baseband signals, and convert the one or more analog baseband signals into one or more digital baseband signals. The PHY processor 130 is also configured to process (which may include demodulation, filtering, etc.) the one or more digital baseband signals to generate a PPDU.

[0049] The PHY processor 130 includes an amplifier (e.g., a low noise amplifier (LNA), a power amplifier, etc.), a radio frequency (RF) downconverter, an RF upconverter, multiple filters, one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), one or more discrete Fourier transform (DFT) calculators (e.g., a fast Fourier transform (FFT) calculator), one or more inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) calculators (e.g., an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) calculator), one or more modulators, one or more demodulators, etc.

[0050] The PHY processor 130 is configured to generate one or more RF signals that are provided to the one or more antennas 138. The PHY processor 130 is also configured to receive one or more RF signals from the one or more antennas 138.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the MAC processor 126 is configured to control the PHY processor 130 to generate one or more RF signals, for example by providing one or more MAC layer data units (e.g., MPDUs) to the PHY processor 130, and optionally providing one or more control signals to the PHY processor 130. In an embodiment, the MAC processor 126 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown), such as a RAM, a read ROM, a flash memory, etc. In another embodiment, the MAC processor 126 includes a hardware state machine.

[0052] The PHY processor 130 includes one or more energy sensors 142 (sometimes referred to herein as "energy sensors 142" for brevity) configured to measure energy levels in a communication channel in order to determine whether the communication channel is idle. In an embodiment, the one or more energy sensors 142 include respective energy level sensors corresponding to respective communication channels. In another embodiment, the energy sensor 142 includes a single energy level sensor that is time-sharedly operated to measure energy levels of different communication channels.

[0053] WLAN 110 includes a plurality of client stations 154. Figure 11 , three client stations 154 are shown, but in various embodiments, WLAN 110 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of client stations 154. Client station 154-1 includes a host processor 158 coupled to a network interface device 162. Network interface device 162 includes one or more MAC processors 166 (sometimes referred to herein as "MAC processor 166" for brevity) and one or more PHY processors 170 (sometimes referred to herein as "PHY processor 170" for brevity). PHY processor 170 includes multiple transceivers 174, and transceivers 174 are coupled to multiple antennas 178. Although in Figure 1 1 and 2. Three transceivers 174 and three antennas 178 are shown, but in other embodiments, the client station 154-1 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) of transceivers 174 and antennas 178. In some embodiments, the client station 154-1 includes a greater number of antennas 178 than transceivers 174 and utilizes antenna switching techniques.

[0054] The network interface device 162 is implemented using one or more ICs, and the one or more ICs are configured to operate as described below. For example, the MAC processor 166 can be implemented on at least a first IC, and the PHY processor 170 can be implemented on at least a second IC. As another example, at least a portion of the MAC processor 166 and at least a portion of the PHY processor 170 can be implemented on a single IC. For example, the network interface device 162 can be implemented using a SoC, wherein the SoC includes at least a portion of the MAC processor 166 and at least a portion of the PHY processor 170.

[0055] In an embodiment, host processor 158 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown) such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. In an embodiment, host processor 158 may be implemented at least in part on a first IC, and network device 162 may be implemented at least in part on a second IC. As another example, host processor 158 and at least a portion of network interface device 162 may be implemented on a single IC.

[0056] In various embodiments, the MAC processor 166 and the PHY processor 170 of the client station 154-1 are configured to generate data units and process received data units that conform to the WLAN communication protocol or another suitable communication protocol. For example, the MAC processor 166 can be configured to implement MAC layer functions, including MAC layer functions of the WLAN communication protocol, and the PHY processor 170 can be configured to implement PHY functions, including PHY functions of the WLAN communication protocol. The MAC processor 166 can be configured to generate MAC layer data units such as MSDUs, MPDUs, etc., and provide the MAC layer data units to the PHY processor 170. The PHY processor 170 can be configured to receive MAC layer data units from the MAC processor 166, and encapsulate the MAC layer data units to generate PHY data units such as PPDUs for transmission via the antenna 178. Similarly, the PHY processor 170 can be configured to receive PHY data units, which are received via the antenna 178, and extract the MAC layer data units encapsulated in the PHY data units. The PHY processor 170 may provide the extracted MAC layer data unit to the MAC processor 166, which processes the MAC layer data unit.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the PHY processor 170 is configured to down-convert one or more RF signals received via one or more antennas 178 into one or more baseband analog signals, and convert the analog baseband signals into one or more digital baseband signals. The PHY processor 170 is also configured to process one or more digital baseband signals to demodulate one or more digital baseband signals and generate PPDU. The PHY processor 170 includes an amplifier (e.g., LNA, power amplifier, etc.), an RF down-converter, an RF up-converter, a plurality of filters, one or more ADCs, one or more DACs, one or more DFT calculators (e.g., FFT calculators), one or more IDFT calculators (e.g., IFFT calculators), one or more modulators, one or more demodulators, etc.

[0058] The PHY processor 170 is configured to generate one or more RF signals that are provided to the one or more antennas 178. The PHY processor 170 is also configured to receive one or more RF signals from the one or more antennas 178.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 is configured to control the PHY processor 170 to generate one or more RF signals, for example by providing one or more MAC layer data units (e.g., MPDUs) to the PHY processor 170, and optionally providing one or more control signals to the PHY processor 170. In an embodiment, the MAC processor 166 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown), such as a RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. In an embodiment, the MAC processor 166 includes a hardware state machine.

[0060] The PHY processor 170 includes one or more energy sensors 182 (sometimes referred to herein as "energy sensors 182" for brevity) configured to measure energy levels in a communication channel in order to determine whether the communication channel is idle. In an embodiment, the one or more energy sensors 182 include respective energy level sensors corresponding to respective communication channels. In another embodiment, the energy sensor 182 includes a single energy level sensor that is time-sharedly operated to measure energy levels of different communication channels.

[0061] In an embodiment, each of the client stations 154-2 and 154-3 has the same or similar structure as the client station 154-1. In an embodiment, one or more of the client stations 154-2 and 154-3 has a suitable structure different from the client station 154-1. Each of the client stations 154-2 and 154-3 has the same or different number of transceivers and antennas. For example, according to an embodiment, the client station 154-2 and / or the client station 154-3 each has only two transceivers and two antennas (not shown).

[0062] Figure 2 is a diagram of an example PPDU 200 according to an embodiment, the network interface device 122 ( Figure 1 ) is configured to generate a PPDU 200 and transmit the PPDU 200 to one or more client stations 154 (e.g., client station 1541). According to an embodiment, if the PPDU is transmitted by the client station 154, the network interface device 122 ( Figure 1 ) is also configured to receive and process PPDU200.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the network interface device 162 ( Figure 1 ) is also configured to generate the PPDU 200 and transmit the PPDU 200 to the AP 114. According to an embodiment, if the PPDU is transmitted by the AP 114, the network interface device 162 ( Figure 1) is also configured to receive and process PPDU 200.

[0064] PPDU 200 may occupy a 20 MHz bandwidth or another suitable bandwidth. In other embodiments, a data unit similar to PPDU 200 occupies another suitable bandwidth corresponding to an aggregation of multiple subchannels (eg, each having a 20 MHz bandwidth or another suitable bandwidth).

[0065] PPDU 200 includes a PHY preamble 204 and a PHY data portion 208. In at least some embodiments, PHY preamble 204 may include at least one of a legacy portion 212 and a non-legacy portion 216. In an embodiment, legacy portion 212 is configured to be processed by legacy communication devices (i.e., communication devices operating according to a legacy communication protocol) in WLAN 110, thereby enabling the legacy communication devices to detect PPDU 200 and obtain PHY information corresponding to PPDU 200, such as the duration of PPDU 200. The PHY data portion may include a single MPDU, or may include an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU) composed of multiple MPDUs.

[0066] In an embodiment, the PPDU 200 is a single-user (SU) PHY data unit that is transmitted by one of the client stations 154 to the AP 114 or by the AP 114 to one of the client stations 154. In another embodiment, the PPDU 200 is a downlink multi-user (MU) PHY data unit, where the AP transmits independent data streams to multiple client stations 154 using respective sets of OFDM tones and / or spatial streams assigned to the client stations 154. In another embodiment, the PPDU 200 is an uplink MU PHY data unit, where multiple client stations simultaneously transmit independent data streams to the AP 114 using respective sets of OFDM tones and / or spatial streams assigned to the client stations 154.

[0067] Figure 3A300 is a diagram of an example puncturing operation channel 300 according to an embodiment. The puncturing operation channel 300 includes a plurality of subchannels 304 spanning a total bandwidth 308. Within the total bandwidth 308, one of the subchannels is "punctured", for example, no content is transmitted within one of the subchannels. Although the example puncturing operation channel 300 is shown as spanning a total bandwidth corresponding to four subchannels, according to various embodiments, other puncturing operation channels span a total bandwidth corresponding to other suitable numbers of subchannels (such as 8, 16, 24, 32, etc.). Although the example puncturing operation channel 300 is shown as having one puncturing subchannel, according to various embodiments, other puncturing operation channels include more than one puncturing subchannel according to the total bandwidth, and make the aggregate bandwidth of the puncturing operation channel greater than the total bandwidth of the next smaller size operation channel allowed by the wireless communication protocol. For example, according to an embodiment, if the communication protocol defines 80MHz and 160MHz operation channels, the puncturing operation channel spanning a total bandwidth of 160MHz can have up to three punctured 20MHz subchannels.

[0068] In some embodiments, one subchannel (e.g., subchannel 304-1) within the composite channel is designated as a primary subchannel, while the other subchannels (e.g., subchannels 304-2 and 304-3) are designated as secondary subchannels. In some embodiments, only the secondary subchannels can be punctured, i.e., the primary subchannels cannot be punctured.

[0069] Figure 3B 35 is a diagram of another example puncturing operation channel 350 according to an embodiment. The puncturing operation channel 350 includes a plurality of subchannels 354 spanning a total bandwidth 358. Within the total bandwidth 358, one of the subchannels is "punctured", e.g., nothing is transmitted within one of the subchannels. Although the example puncturing operation channel 350 is shown as spanning a total bandwidth corresponding to eight subchannels, according to various embodiments, other puncturing operation channels span total bandwidths corresponding to other suitable numbers of subchannels (such as 4, 16, 24, 32, etc.). Although the example puncturing operation channel 350 is shown as having one puncturing subchannel, according to various embodiments, other puncturing operation channels include more than one puncturing subchannel based on the total bandwidth, and make the aggregate bandwidth of the puncturing operation channels greater than the total bandwidth of the next smaller size operation channel allowed by the wireless communication protocol.

[0070] In some embodiments, one subchannel (e.g., subchannel 354-1) within the composite channel is designated as a primary subchannel, while the other subchannels (e.g., subchannels 354-2 to 354-7) are designated as secondary subchannels. In some embodiments, only the secondary subchannels can be punctured, i.e., the primary subchannels cannot be punctured.

[0071] Figure 3Cis a diagram of another example punctured operating channel 370 according to an embodiment. The punctured operating channel 370 includes multiple subchannels 374 spanning a total bandwidth 378. The total bandwidth 378 includes two segments 382 separated by a gap 386 in frequency. In an embodiment, the two segments 382 are within the same radio frequency (RF) band.

[0072] In another embodiment, segment 382 is in a different RF band. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now allows wireless local area networks (WLANs) to operate in multiple RF bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band (approximately 2.4 to 2.5 GHz) and the 5 GHz band (approximately 5.170 to 5.835 GHz). Recently, the FCC proposed that WLANs may also operate in the 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz). The current IEEE 802.11 standard protocol only allows WLANs to operate in one RF band at a time. For example, the IEEE 802.11n standard protocol is defined only for operation in the 2.4 GHz band, while the IEEE 802.11ac standard protocol is defined only for operation in the 5 GHz band. The IEEE 802.11ax standard protocol, which is now being developed, will allow WLANs to operate in either the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band, but not simultaneously in both the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.

[0073] Future WLAN protocols currently under development may allow multi-band operation, where the WLAN may use spectrum in multiple RF bands simultaneously. For example, future WLAN protocols may allow spectrum in a first RF band to be aggregated with spectrum in a second RF band to form a composite communication channel, which may be used to transmit packets across the composite communication channel.

[0074] Within the first segment 382-1, one of the subchannels is "punctured", e.g., nothing is transmitted within one of the subchannels. Although the example punctured operating channel 370 is shown as having one punctured subchannel, according to various embodiments, other punctured operating channels include more than one punctured subchannel based on the total bandwidth and such that the aggregate bandwidth of the punctured operating channels is greater than the total bandwidth of the next smaller size operating channel allowed by the wireless communication protocol.

[0075] Although the example puncturing operation channel 370 is shown as having one puncturing sub-channel in the first segment 382 - 1 of the total bandwidth 378 , in other embodiments, the puncturing operation channel 370 additionally or alternatively includes a puncturing sub-channel in the second segment 382 - 2 of the total bandwidth 378 .

[0076] Although the example punctured operating channel 370 is shown as spanning a total bandwidth 378 corresponding to eight subchannels, according to various embodiments, other punctured operating channels span total bandwidths corresponding to other suitable numbers of subchannels, such as 16, 24, 32, etc. Although the segments 382 of the punctured operating channel 370 are shown as including the same number of subchannels, in other embodiments, the segments 382 of the punctured operating channel 370 include different numbers of subchannels.

[0077] In some embodiments, one subchannel (e.g., subchannel 374-1) within the composite channel is designated as a primary subchannel, while the other subchannels (e.g., subchannels 374-2 to 374-7) are designated as secondary subchannels. In some embodiments, only the secondary subchannels can be punctured, i.e., the primary subchannels cannot be punctured.

[0078] Although the example puncturing operation channel 370 is shown as being included in one primary subchannel (e.g., subchannel 374-1) in the first segment 382-1, in another embodiment, another primary channel is also included in the second segment 382-2. In some embodiments in which each segment 382 includes a corresponding primary subchannel, only the secondary subchannels can be punctured, i.e., none of the primary subchannels can be punctured.

[0079] Although the example punctured operating channel 370 is shown as including two segments 382 separated by a gap 386 in frequency, according to other embodiments, other punctured operating channels include three or more segments, where each pair of adjacent segments is separated by a corresponding gap in frequency.

[0080] Although FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Described as a puncturing operation channel, however, in other embodiments, a request to send (RTS), clear to send (CTS) exchange may be used to more temporarily establish a reference channel for a transmission opportunity period (TXOP), depending on the embodiment. Figure 3A-3C For example, a communication device (e.g., AP 114 and client station 154) may use a clear channel assessment process to determine that certain subchannel(s) are busy, and use an RTS / CTS exchange to establish a punctured channel for a TXOP. In an embodiment, a communication device (e.g., AP 114 and client station 154) may use a clear channel assessment process to determine that certain additional subchannels within an already punctured operating channel are busy, and use an RTS / CTS exchange to establish a punctured channel for a TXOP (with punctured additional subchannels).

[0081] Figure 4A4 is a diagram of an example transmission 400 to or from a single client station via a punctured operating channel, according to an embodiment. The transmission 400 occurs via a punctured operating channel that includes a first set of one or more subchannels 404-1, and a second set of one or more subchannels 404-2. The first set of subchannels 404-1 and the second set of subchannels 404-2 are separated in frequency by one or more punctured subchannels.

[0082] Transmission 400 includes: i) a first portion 408-1 transmitted via a first subchannel set 404-1, and ii) a second portion 408-2 transmitted via a second subchannel set 404-2. No signal is transmitted in the perforated subchannel, or at least the transmission signal power in the perforated subchannel is appropriately low (e.g., below -90 dBm, below -100 dBm, etc.) to avoid interference with other WLAN networks or radar systems.

[0083] In some embodiments, transmission 400 is a downlink (DL) single-user (SU) PPDU from AP 114 to client station 154-1. For example, the DL SU PPDU spans a first set of subchannels 404-1 and a second set of subchannels 404-2. In some embodiments, transmission 400 includes a plurality of repeated PPDUs transmitted by AP 114 to client station 154-1 in each of the first set of subchannels 404-1 and the second set of subchannels 404-2, respectively. In an embodiment, each repeated PPDU has a PPDU format defined by a legacy wireless communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11a standard protocol, IEEE 802.11g standard protocol, etc.).

[0084] In an embodiment, transmission 400 is a DL SUPPDU including one or more data frames for client station 154-1, and in at least some cases, client station 154-1 responds to the DL SU PPDU with a UL PPDU including acknowledgment information regarding the one or more data frames.

[0085] In an embodiment, the transmission 400 is a DL SU PPDU including one or more control frames (e.g., an acknowledgement (ACK) frame, a block acknowledgement (BA) frame, a trigger frame, etc.) for the client station 154-1. For example, the AP 114 may transmit the ACK frame or the BA frame in response to an uplink (UL) PPDU from the client station 154-1. As another example, the AP 114 may transmit a trigger frame to the client station 154-1 to prompt the client station 154-1 to transmit a UL PPDU (e.g., a PPDU based on a SU user trigger or as a UL PPDU as part of a multi-user (MU) transmission (e.g., an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission, a MU multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) transmission, etc.).

[0086] In an embodiment, the transmission 400 is a DL MU PPDU in both the first set of subchannels 404 - 1 and the second set of subchannels 404 - 2 , the DL MU PPDU including one or more frames for the client station 154 - 1 .

[0087] In other embodiments, the transmission 400 is a UL SU PPDU from the client station 154-1 to the AP 114. For example, the UL SU PPDU spans the first subchannel set 404-1 and the second subchannel set 404-2. In some embodiments, the transmission 400 includes a plurality of repeated PPDUs transmitted by the client station 154-1 to the AP 114 in each subchannel in the first subchannel set 404-1 and the second subchannel set 404-2, respectively. In an embodiment, each repeated PPDU has a PPDU format defined by a legacy wireless communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11a standard protocol, IEEE 802.11g standard protocol, etc.).

[0088] In an embodiment, transmission 400 is a UL SU PPDU that includes one or more data frames for AP 114, and in at least some cases, AP 114 responds to the UL SU PPDU with a DL PPDU that includes acknowledgment information regarding the one or more data frames.

[0089] In an embodiment, transmission 400 is a UL SU PPDU that includes one or more control frames (eg, ACK frames, BA frames, etc.) for AP 114. For example, client station 154-1 may transmit an ACK frame or a BA frame in response to a DL PPDU from AP 114.

[0090] In an embodiment, the transmission 400 is a UL PPDU that is part of a UL MU transmission, and the transmission 400 includes one or more frames from the client station 154-1 in both the first set of subchannels 404-1 and the second set of subchannels 404-2.

[0091] Figure 4B According to the embodiment Figure 4A FIG. 4 is a diagram of another example transmission 430 to or from multiple client stations using a puncturing operation channel. Transmission 430 is similar to Figure 4A 4. The transmission 430 is similar to the transmission 400, but the transmission 430 is a MIMO transmission via multiple spatial streams. For example, a first portion 434 of the transmission 430 is transmitted to the first client station 154 via a first spatial stream, and a second portion 438 of the transmission 430 is transmitted to the second client station 154 via a second spatial stream.

[0092] Transmission 430 includes: i) a first portion 442-1 transmitted via a first subchannel set 404-1, and ii) a second portion 442-2 transmitted via a second subchannel set 404-2. No signal is transmitted in the perforated subchannel, or at least the transmission signal power in the perforated subchannel is appropriately low (e.g., below -90 dBm, below -100 dBm, etc.) to avoid interference with other WLAN networks or radar systems.

[0093] Figure 4C According to the embodiment Figure 4A FIG. 4 is another example transmission 450 of a puncturing operation channel to or from a single client station. Transmission 450 is Figure 4A 400. Specifically, the transmission 450 includes a plurality of repeated PPDUs 454, which are transmitted in each subchannel of the first subchannel set 404-1 and the second subchannel set 404-2, respectively. In an embodiment, each repeated PPDU has a PPDU format defined by a legacy wireless communication protocol (e.g., IEEE802.11a standard protocol, IEEE 802.11g standard protocol, etc.). In an embodiment, the cyclic shift in each 20 MHz channel of the punctured repeated PPDU 454 is the same as the cyclic shift applied to each 20 MHz channel in the following case: if a similar repeated PPDU is transmitted in an operating channel of the same total bandwidth but without puncturing subchannels.

[0094] Reference again Figure 1, the AP 114 notifies the client station 154 of the operating channel being used in the WLAN 110. For example, according to an embodiment, the AP 114 includes information specifying the operating channel in a MAC management frame such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, etc. for transmission to the client station 154 to notify the client station 154 of the operating channel.

[0095] Figure 5 is a diagram of an example information element (IE) 500 for conveying operating mode information for a WLAN, according to an embodiment. The IE 500 is sometimes referred to herein as an "operating mode notification IE," according to an embodiment. Figure 5 Indicates example lengths of various fields of IE 500 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the fields of IE 500 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, IE 500 includes fields other than Figure 5 Other appropriate fields than those shown, and / or omitted Figure 5 One or more fields as shown.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the AP 114 (e.g., the MAC processor 130) includes the IE 500 in a MAC management frame such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, etc. for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) to notify the other wireless communication devices of information related to the operating channel being used in the WLAN 110. According to an embodiment, upon receiving the IE 500, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) uses the information about the operating channel included in the IE 500 to determine parameters of the operating channel, such as the total bandwidth of the operating channel.

[0097] IE 500 includes an element identifier (ID) field 504 indicating the format of IE 500. For example, element ID field 504 indicates that IE 500 includes an operation mode field 508, and operation mode field 508 has a specific format. For example, element ID field 504 indicates that IE 500 includes operation mode field 508, and operation mode field 508 includes multiple subfields, including subfield 512 indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel. In an embodiment, subfield 512 can be set to indicate one of the following four total bandwidth options: i) 20 MHz, ii) 40 MHz, iii) 80 MHz, or iv) 160 MHz. In other embodiments, subfield 512 can be set to indicate one or more other bandwidth options in addition to i) 20 MHz, ii) 40 MHz, iii) 80 MHz, or iv) 160 MHz.

[0098] In addition, the operating mode field 508 includes a subfield 516, which can be used to indicate whether the operating channel spans i) a continuous 160 MHz bandwidth or ii) two 80 MHz frequency segments separated by a gap in frequency when the subfield 512 indicates a bandwidth of 160 MHz. In other embodiments with other bandwidth options, the subfield 516 is used to indicate whether the operating channel i) is continuous in frequency or ii) includes multiple frequency segments separated by gaps in frequency.

[0099] In an embodiment, IE 500 is formatted so that legacy devices that conform to the IEEE 802.11ac standard (sometimes referred to herein as "11ac devices") can decode and process at least a portion of IE 500. For example, a 11ac device identifies the format of IE 500 using element ID field 504 and processes subfield 512 to determine the total bandwidth of the operating channel.

[0100] Figure 6 is a diagram of another example IE 600 for conveying operating mode information for a WLAN, according to an embodiment. The IE 600 is sometimes referred to herein as a "VHT Operation IE," where "VHT" stands for "Very High Throughput," according to an embodiment. Figure 6 Indicates example lengths of various fields of IE 600 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the fields of IE 600 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, IE 600 includes Figure 6 Other appropriate fields than those shown, and / or omitted Figure 6 One or more fields as shown.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the AP 114 (e.g., the MAC processor 130) includes the IE 600 in a MAC management frame such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, etc., for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) to notify the other wireless communication devices of information related to the operating channel used in the WLAN 110. According to an embodiment, upon receiving the IE 600, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) uses the information about the operating channel included in the IE 600 to determine parameters of the operating channel, such as the total bandwidth of the operating channel.

[0102] The IE 600 includes an element ID field 604 indicating the format of the IE 600. For example, the element ID field 604 indicates that the IE 500 includes a plurality of fields, including a VHT operation information field 608 having a specific format. For example, the element ID field 604 indicates that the IE 600 includes a VHT operation information field 608, and the VHT operation information field 608 includes a plurality of subfields, including a subfield 612 indicating a total bandwidth of an operating channel. In an embodiment, the subfield 612 may be set to indicate one of the following four total bandwidth options: i) 20 MHz or 40 MHz, ii) 80 MHz, iii) 160 MHz (continuous in frequency), or iv) 80+80 MHz (e.g., two 80 MHz segments separated by a gap in frequency). In other embodiments, the subfield 612 may be set to indicate one or more other bandwidth options in addition to i) 20 MHz or 40 MHz, ii) 80 MHz, iii) 160 MHz, or iv) 80+80 MHz.

[0103] In an embodiment, the VHT Operation Information field 608 includes one or more other subfields that indicate the location of the total bandwidth in frequency, or, if the bandwidth includes multiple frequency segments, the location of the frequency segments in frequency. For example, according to an embodiment, at least in some cases, the VHT Operation Information field 608 includes a subfield 616 that indicates the channel center frequency of the operating channel. For example, when the subfield 612 indicates a bandwidth of 80 MHz or 160 MHz (contiguous in frequency), the subfield 616 indicates the channel center frequency of the 80 MHz or 160 MHz operating channel. When the subfield 612 indicates a bandwidth of 80+80 MHz (e.g., two 80 MHz segments separated by a gap in frequency), the subfield 616 indicates the channel center frequency of one of the 80 MHz segments (the first segment). In an embodiment, the VHT Operation Information field 608 includes a subfield 620. When the subfield 612 indicates a bandwidth of 80+80 MHz (eg, two 80 MHz segments separated by a gap in frequency), the subfield 620 indicates a channel center frequency of the other (the second segment) of the 80 MHz segments.

[0104] In an embodiment, IE 600 is formatted so that a 11ac device can decode and process IE 600. For example, a 11ac device identifies the format of IE 600 using element ID field 604 and processes subfield 612 to determine the total bandwidth of the operating channel. Additionally, the 11ac device processes subfield 616 and / or subfield 620 to determine the specific location of the operating channel in frequency.

[0105] Figure 7is a diagram of another example IE 700 for conveying operating mode information for a WLAN, according to an embodiment. The IE 700 is sometimes referred to herein as a "HE Operation IE," where "HE" stands for "High Efficiency," according to an embodiment. Figure 7 Indicates example lengths of various fields of IE 700 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the fields of IE 700 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, IE 700 includes Figure 7 Other appropriate fields than those shown, and / or omitted Figure 7 One or more fields as shown.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the AP 114 (e.g., the MAC processor 130) includes the IE 700 in a MAC management frame such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, etc., for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) to notify the other wireless communication devices of information related to the operating channel used in the WLAN 110. According to an embodiment, upon receiving the IE 700, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) uses the information about the operating channel included in the IE 700 to determine parameters of the operating channel, such as the total bandwidth of the operating channel and which subchannels within the total bandwidth are punctured (if any).

[0107] The IE 700 includes an element ID field 702-1 and an element ID extension field 702-2, which together indicate the format of the IE 700. For example, the element ID field 702-1 and the element ID extension field 702-2 indicate that the IE 700 includes a plurality of fields, including a field 704 having a specific format (sometimes referred to as a "HE operation parameter field"), and optionally includes a field 708 having a specific format (sometimes referred to as a "VHT operation information field"). For example, the element ID field 702-1 and the element ID extension field 702-2 indicate that the IE 700 includes the HE operation parameter field 704, and the HE operation parameter field 704 includes a plurality of subfields, including a subfield 712 indicating whether the IE 700 includes the VHT operation information field 708 and a subfield 716 indicating whether any subchannel in the operation channel is punctured. In addition, the element ID field 702-1 and the element ID extension field 702-2 indicate that if the VHT operation information field 708 is included in the IE 700, the VHT operation information field 708 includes a plurality of subfields, including a subfield 720 indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel. In an embodiment, the subfield 720 may be set to indicate one of four total bandwidth options: i) 20 MHz or 40 MHz, ii) 80 MHz, iii) 160 MHz (continuous in frequency), or iv) 80+80 MHz (e.g., two 80 MHz segments separated by a gap in frequency). In other embodiments, the subfield 720 may be set to indicate one or more other bandwidth options in addition to i) 20 MHz or 40 MHz, ii) 80 MHz, iii) 160 MHz, or iv) 80+80 MHz.

[0108] In an embodiment, the VHT Operation Information field 708 includes one or more other subfields that indicate the location of the total bandwidth in frequency, or, if the bandwidth includes multiple frequency segments, the location of the frequency segments in frequency. For example, according to an embodiment, at least in some cases, the VHT Operation Information field 708 includes a subfield 724 that indicates the channel center frequency of the operating channel. For example, when the subfield 720 indicates a bandwidth of 80 MHz or 160 MHz (contiguous in frequency), the subfield 724 indicates the channel center frequency of the 80 MHz or 160 MHz operating channel. When the subfield 720 indicates a bandwidth of 80+80 MHz (e.g., two 80 MHz segments separated by a gap in frequency), the subfield 724 indicates the channel center frequency of one of the 80 MHz segments (the first segment). In an embodiment, the VHT Operation Information field 708 includes the subfield 724. When the subfield 720 indicates a bandwidth of 80+80 MHz (eg, two 80 MHz segments separated by a gap in frequency), the subfield 728 indicates a channel center frequency of the other (the second segment) of the 80 MHz segments.

[0109] In an embodiment, IE 700 is formatted so that a device that complies with a WLAN protocol (such as the IEEE 802.11ax standard protocol currently under development or a future protocol) can decode and process IE 700. For example, a device that complies with the WLAN protocol identifies the format of IE 700 using element ID field 702-1 and element ID extension field 702-2, and processes fields 704 and 708 to determine i) the total bandwidth of operation, and ii) whether any subchannels are punctured. In addition, the 11ac device processes subfield 724 and / or subfield 728 to determine the specific location of the operating channel on the frequency.

[0110] Field 704 includes subfields that indicate various operating parameters of WLAN 110. For example, field 704 includes subfield 712 that indicates whether IE 700 includes VHT operation information field 708. Field 708 includes subfield 720 that indicates the total bandwidth of the operating channel. Additionally, subfield 724 and / or subfield 728 indicate a specific location in frequency of the operating channel.

[0111] Field 704 also includes a subfield 716 indicating whether any subchannel within the total bandwidth of the operating channel is punctured. In an embodiment, when subfield 716 indicates that one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth of the operating channel are punctured, IE 700 includes a field 760 indicating which subchannels within the total bandwidth of the operating channel are punctured. For example, according to an embodiment, field 760 includes a bitmap indicating which subchannels within the total bandwidth of the operating channel are punctured. In an embodiment where field 760 includes a bitmap, each bit in the bitmap corresponds to a subchannel, and each bit indicates whether the corresponding subchannel is punctured. In an embodiment, when subfield 716 indicates that no subchannels within the total bandwidth of the operating channel are punctured, IE 700 omits field 760.

[0112] In another embodiment, subfield 716 is omitted and IE 700 always includes field 760. In such an embodiment, when no subchannels within the total bandwidth of the operating channel are punctured, field 760 is set to indicate that no subchannels within the total bandwidth of the operating channel are punctured.

[0113] In an embodiment, legacy devices (eg, devices compliant with the IEEE 802.11ac standard, or previous versions of the IEEE 802.11 standard) are unable to decode and process the IE 700 .

[0114] In an embodiment, the network interface device 122 generates (e.g., the MAC processor 130 generates) a MAC management frame including the IE 700, and the network interface device 122 transmits the MAC management frame in the PPDU to notify other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) of the puncturing operation channel. In an embodiment, the network interface device 122 generates (e.g., the MAC processor 130 generates) a MAC management frame to also include the IE 600 (VHT Operation IE), and the network interface device 122 transmits the MAC management frame, which notifies the total bandwidth of the operation channel to the legacy device (e.g., 11ac device).

[0115] Reference now Figure 6 and 7According to an embodiment, because the legacy device (e.g., 11ac device) is not configured to use the puncturing operating channel, the AP 114 transmits a MAC management frame having both IE 700 and IE 600 (VHT operation IE), wherein the total bandwidth indicated by IE 600 (VHT operation IE) is smaller than the total bandwidth indicated by IE 700, and wherein the smaller total bandwidth indicated by IE 600 (VHT operation IE) does not include the puncturing subchannel. For example, according to an embodiment, subfield 612 in IE 600 (VHT operation IE) is set to the maximum continuous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: i) includes the primary subchannels of the puncturing operating channel and ii) does not include any puncturing subchannels; and field 720 in IE 700 (HE operation IE) is set to the total bandwidth of the operating channel, including both the subchannels in the operating state and the puncturing subchannels.

[0116] Reference now Figure 5 , 6 7, according to an embodiment, when the AP 114 transmits a MAC management frame having the IE 600 (VHT operation IE), the IE 600 (VHT operation IE) indicates a smaller total bandwidth than the total bandwidth of the puncturing operation channel, wherein the smaller total bandwidth indicated by the IE 600 (VHT operation IE) does not include the puncturing subchannel; in addition, when the MAC management frame includes both the IE 600 (VHT operation IE) and the IE 700 (HE operation IE), the IE 700 does not include the VHT operation information field 708. On the contrary, according to an embodiment, when the AP 114 transmits a MAC management frame having the IE 700 (HE operation IE) and the IE 700 includes the VHT operation information field 708, the MAC management frame does not include the IE 600 (VHT operation IE). In addition, according to an embodiment, when the AP 114 transmits a MAC management frame with IE 700 (HE operation IE) and IE 700 includes the VHT operation information field 708, the subfield 720 in the IE 700 (HE operation IE) is set to the total bandwidth of the puncturing operation channel. In addition, the IE 500 is always included in the beacon frame, the probe response frame, the association response frame, and the reassociation response frame, and the channel width subfield 512 indicates a smaller total bandwidth that does not include the puncturing subchannel. For example, according to an embodiment, the field 512 in the IE 500 is set to the maximum continuous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: i) includes the primary subchannel of the puncturing operation channel, and ii) does not include any puncturing subchannel.

[0117] In an embodiment, according to an embodiment, when WLAN 110 does not include any legacy stations, AP 114 transmits a MAC management frame with IE 700 (HE operation IE), and IE 700 includes VHT operation information field 708, and the MAC management frame does not include IE 600 (VHT operation IE). In addition, according to an embodiment, subfield 720 in VHT operation information field 708 is set to the total bandwidth of the operating channel, including both operational subchannels and perforated subchannels. In addition, when a device in WLAN 110 sends a PPDU that complies with the IEEE 802.11ac standard (sometimes referred to herein as a "VHT PPDU"), the bandwidth of the VHT PPDU is set to the maximum continuous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: i) includes the primary subchannels of the perforated operating channel, and ii) does not include any perforated subchannels.

[0118] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an example method 800 for establishing an operating channel for a WLAN according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, Figure 1 The AP 114 of the embodiment is configured to implement the method 800. However, the method 800 is described in the context of the AP 114 for illustrative purposes only, and in other embodiments, the method 800 is implemented by another suitable device, such as the client station 154-1 or another suitable wireless communication device.

[0119] At block 804, the AP 114 determines (eg, the network interface device 122 determines, the MAC processor 126 determines, etc.) a total bandwidth for the operating channel. In an embodiment, the total bandwidth spans multiple sub-channels.

[0120] At block 808, the AP 114 determines (eg, the network interface device 122 determines, the MAC processor 126 determines, etc.) that one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth are not to be used for an operating channel.

[0121] At block 812, the AP 114 generates (eg, the network interface device 122 generates) a packet that includes i) a first subfield indicating a total bandwidth for an operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that are not to be used for the operating channel.

[0122] In an embodiment, generating the packet at block 812 includes: the AP 114 generating (e.g., the network interface device 122 generating, the MAC processor 126 generating, etc.) a MAC management frame including i) a first subfield indicating a total bandwidth of an operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that are not to be used for the operating channel; and the AP 114 generating (e.g., the network interface device 122 generating, the PHY processor 130 generating, etc.) a packet to include the MAC management frame. In an embodiment, the MAC management frame includes one of: i) a beacon frame, ii) a probe response frame, iii) an association response frame, or iv) a reassociation response frame.

[0123] At block 816, the AP 114 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 122 transmits) a packet to inform one or more other communication devices in the WLAN of the operating channel of the WLAN. In an embodiment, the transmission packet informs the one or more other communication devices that the operating channel will be used until the AP 114 specifies a change to the operating channel.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the one or more other communication devices are one or client stations 154 ("first protocol devices") configured to operate according to a first communication protocol, and the operating channel is a first operating channel to be used by the one or more first communication devices. In an embodiment, the method 800 also includes: the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 122 determines, the MAC processor 126 determines, etc.) a bandwidth of a second operating channel allowed by a second legacy communication protocol and to be used by one or more legacy client stations 154 in the WLAN, and the one or more legacy client stations 154 operate according to the second legacy communication protocol. According to an embodiment, the bandwidth of the second operating channel i) is continuous in frequency; ii) is within the total bandwidth of the first operating channel; and iii) does not span any subchannel of the one or more subchannels that will not be used for the first operating channel.

[0125] In an embodiment, generating a packet at block 812 includes generating the packet to include i) a third subfield indicating a bandwidth of a second operating channel; and transmitting the packet at block 816 also notifies one or more legacy client stations 154 in the WLAN of the second operating channel of the WLAN.

[0126] In another embodiment, the method 800 further includes: the AP 114 generating (e.g., the network interface device 122 generating, etc.) a second packet including a third subfield indicating a bandwidth of the second operating channel; and the AP 114 transmitting (e.g., the network interface device 122 transmitting, etc.) the second packet to notify one or more legacy client stations 154 in the WLAN of the second operating channel of the WLAN.

[0127] In an embodiment, AP 114 may need to use a Figure 5-Figure 8 After the described techniques establish the operating channel, the operating channel is changed. In some embodiments, to notify the 11ac device of the new operating channel bandwidth, the AP 114 transmits a packet with a MAC management frame having a subfield indicating the new bandwidth of the operating channel, wherein the MAC management frame is formatted according to the IEEE 802.11ac standard. Similarly, two communicating devices in a WLAN can negotiate to use a smaller bandwidth within the operating channel to perform packet exchange. In some embodiments, the negotiation involves transmitting a packet with a MAC management frame having a subfield indicating the new bandwidth within the operating channel to be used for communication exchange, wherein the MAC management frame is formatted according to the IEEE 802.11ac standard.

[0128] Fig. 9 is a diagram of an example field 900 for communicating operating mode change information for a WLAN, according to an embodiment. Field 900 is sometimes referred to herein as a "VHT operating mode field," according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 Indicates example lengths of various subfields of field 900 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the subfields of field 900 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, field 900 includes Fig. 9 Other appropriate subfields than those shown, and / or omitted Fig. 9 One or more subfields as shown.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the AP 114 (e.g., the MAC processor 130) includes the field 900 in a MAC management frame such as a VHT operation mode notification frame (or another suitable MAC management frame) for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) to notify the other wireless communication devices of the change related to the operating channel used in the WLAN 110. According to an embodiment, upon receiving the field 900, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) determines the parameters of the operating channel, such as the total bandwidth of the operating channel, using the information related to the change of the operating channel included in the field 900. The field 900 includes a subfield 904, which indicates the new total bandwidth of the operating channel (or the new bandwidth to be used for subsequent communication exchanges).

[0130] In another embodiment, according to an embodiment, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) includes the field 900 in a MAC management frame such as a VHT operation mode notification frame (or another suitable MAC management frame) for transmission to another wireless communication device (e.g., the AP 114) to notify the other wireless communication device of the smaller bandwidth within the operating channel to be used for subsequent communication exchanges. Upon receiving the field 900, the other communication device (e.g., the MAC processor 130 of the AP 114) uses the information included in the field 900 regarding the change in the operating channel to determine the parameters of the smaller bandwidth to be used for subsequent communication exchanges.

[0131] In an embodiment, field 900 (and packets including field 900) are formatted such that a 11ac device can decode and process field 900. For example, a 11ac device processes field 900 to determine a new total bandwidth for an operating channel.

[0132] In an embodiment, field 900 is used to indicate an operation mode change for VHT PPDU only. In an embodiment, the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904 must be less than or equal to the bandwidth specified in VHT Operation IE 600 ( Figure 6 ) in subfield 612 previously indicated.

[0133] In embodiments where only the HE operation IE 700 is broadcast in the WLAN (e.g., the WLAN does not include any legacy devices), field 900 is used to indicate a change in the operation mode for both: i) VHT PPDUs, and ii) PPDUs compliant with recent IEEE 802.11 standards (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development). In embodiments, the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904 must be less than or equal to the bandwidth indicated in the HE operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 ) in subfield 720. Subsequently, when a device in WLAN 110 sends a VHT PPDU, the bandwidth of the VHT PPDU cannot be greater than i) the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904 or the maximum contiguous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: a) includes the primary subchannel of the puncturing operation channel and b) does not include any puncturing subchannels. In addition, when a device in WLAN 110 sends a PPDU that complies with a recent IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development), the bandwidth of such a PPDU: i) cannot span beyond the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904, and ii) cannot include the HE operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 )'s subfield 760 previously indicated any puncturing subchannels.

[0134] In an embodiment, field 900 is transmitted to another device for indicating a bandwidth to be used for a subsequent communication exchange, and field 900 is used to indicate a change in operation mode for both: i) VHT PPDU, and ii) PPDU compliant with a recent IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development). In an embodiment, the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904 must be less than or equal to the bandwidth indicated in HE Operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 ) in the subfield 720. Subsequently, when the VHT PPDU is transmitted in a subsequent communication exchange, the bandwidth of the VHT PPDU cannot be greater than i) the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904 or the maximum contiguous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: a) includes the primary subchannels of the puncturing operation channel and b) does not include any puncturing subchannels. In addition, when a PPDU conforming to a recent IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development) is transmitted in a subsequent communication exchange, the bandwidth of such a PPDU: i) cannot span beyond the bandwidth indicated by subfield 904, and ii) cannot include the HE operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 )'s subfield 760 previously indicated any puncturing subchannels.

[0135] Fig.10 is a diagram of another example field 1000 for conveying operating mode change information for a WLAN, according to an embodiment. Field 1000 is sometimes referred to herein as an "operating mode control information field" or "OM control information field," according to an embodiment. Fig.10 Indicates example lengths of various subfields of field 1000 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, subfields of field 1000 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, field 1000 includes Fig.10 Other appropriate subfields than those shown, and / or omitted Fig.10 One or more subfields as shown.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the AP 114 (e.g., the MAC processor 130) includes the field 1000 in a MAC management frame or a data frame for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) to notify the other wireless communication devices of a change related to an operating channel used in the WLAN 110. According to an embodiment, upon receiving the field 1000, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) determines parameters of the operating channel, such as a total bandwidth of the operating channel, using the information related to the change of the operating channel included in the field 1000. The field 1000 includes a subfield 1004, which indicates a new total bandwidth of the operating channel (or a new bandwidth to be used for subsequent communication exchanges).

[0137] In another embodiment, according to an embodiment, the client station 154-1 (e.g., the MAC processor 170) includes field 1000 in a MAC management frame such as a VHT operation mode notification frame (or another suitable MAC management frame) for transmission to another wireless communication device (e.g., the AP 114) to notify the other wireless communication device of the smaller bandwidth within the operating channel to be used for subsequent communication exchanges. Upon receiving field 1000, the other communication device (e.g., the MAC processor 130 of the AP 114) uses the information related to the change of the operating channel included in field 900 to determine the parameters of the smaller bandwidth to be used for subsequent communication exchanges.

[0138] In an embodiment, field 1000 (and packets including field 1000 ) are formatted such that devices compliant with recent IEEE 802.11 standards (eg, the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development) are able to decode and process field 1000 .

[0139] In an embodiment, field 1000 is used to indicate an operation mode change for PPDUs that conform only to the latest IEEE 802.11 standards (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development). In an embodiment, the bandwidth indicated by subfield 1004 must be less than or equal to the bandwidth specified in HE Operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 ) in subfield 720.

[0140] In another embodiment, field 1000 is used to indicate a change in the mode of operation for both: i) a VHT PPDU, and ii) a PPDU compliant with a recent IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development). In an embodiment, the bandwidth indicated by subfield 1004 must be less than or equal to the bandwidth specified in HE Operation IE 700 ( Figure 7) in the subfield 720. Subsequently, when the device in the WLAN 110 sends a VHT PPDU, the bandwidth of the VHT PPDU cannot be greater than i) the bandwidth indicated by the subfield 1004 or the maximum continuous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: a) includes the primary subchannel of the punched operation channel and b) does not include any punched subchannel. In addition, when the device in the WLAN 110 sends a PPDU that complies with the most recent IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development), the bandwidth of such a PPDU: i) cannot span more than the bandwidth indicated by the subfield 1004, and ii) cannot include the HE operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 )'s subfield 760 previously indicated any puncturing subchannels.

[0141] In an embodiment, field 1000 is transmitted to another device for indicating a bandwidth to be used for a subsequent communication exchange, and field 1000 is used to indicate a change in operation mode for both: i) VHT PPDU, and ii) PPDU compliant with the latest IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development). In an embodiment, the bandwidth indicated by subfield 1004 must be less than or equal to the bandwidth indicated in HE Operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 ) in the subfield 720. Subsequently, when the VHT PPDU is transmitted in a subsequent communication exchange, the bandwidth of the VHT PPDU cannot be greater than i) the bandwidth indicated by subfield 1004 or the maximum contiguous bandwidth allowed by the IEEE 802.11ac standard, which: a) includes the primary subchannel of the puncturing operation channel and b) does not include any puncturing subchannel. In addition, when a PPDU conforming to a recent IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11ax standard currently under development) is transmitted in a subsequent communication exchange, the bandwidth of such a PPDU: i) cannot span beyond the bandwidth indicated by subfield 1004, and ii) cannot include the HE operation IE 700 ( Figure 7 )'s subfield 760 previously indicated any puncturing subchannels.

[0142] Reference again Figure 1 , communication devices in WLAN 110 exchange capability information that reports the capabilities of each communication device regarding communication parameters such as supported frequency bandwidth, supported modulation and coding scheme (MCS), supported number of spatial streams, etc. According to an embodiment, Fig.11Ais a diagram of an example IE 1100 for reporting capability information to other communication devices in WLAN 110. According to an embodiment, IE 1100 is sometimes referred to herein as a "HE Capability IE." Fig.11A Indicates example lengths of various fields of IE 1100 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the fields of IE 1100 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, IE 1100 includes Fig.11A Other appropriate fields than those shown, and / or omitted Fig.11A One or more fields as shown.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the AP 114 (e.g., the MAC processor 130) includes the IE 1100 in a MAC management frame such as a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, etc., for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the client station 154) to notify the other wireless communication devices of the capabilities of the AP 114. Similarly, according to an embodiment, the client station 154-1 includes the IE 1100 in a MAC management frame such as a probe request frame, an association request frame, a reassociation request frame, etc., for transmission to other wireless communication devices (e.g., the AP 114) to notify the other wireless communication devices of the capabilities of the client station 154-1.

[0144] According to an embodiment, when IE 1100 is received from the first communication device, the second communication device uses (e.g., the network interface device 122 uses, the MAC processor 130 uses, the network interface device 162 uses, the MAC processor 170 uses, etc.) the capability information included in IE1100 to determine the transmission parameters (e.g., MCS, the number of spatial streams, etc.) to be used when transmitting the packet to the first communication device via the puncturing operation channel.

[0145] IE 1100 includes an element ID field 1104 indicating the format of IE 1100. For example, element ID field 1104 indicates that IE 1100 includes field 1108, which indicates a set of MCSs and the number of spatial streams supported by the first communication device and having a specific format. For example, element ID field 1104 indicates that IE 1100 includes field 1108 and indicates that field 1108 has a specific format.

[0146] Fig. 11B According to the embodiment Fig.11A FIG. 1108 is a diagram of an example format of field 1108 . Fig. 11B Indicates example lengths of various subfields of field 1108 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the subfields of field 1108 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, field 1108 includes Fig. 11B Other appropriate subfields than those shown, and / or omitted Fig. 11B One or more subfields as shown.

[0147] Field 1108 includes subfield 1132, which indicates the set of MCSs and the number of spatial streams (Nss) supported by the first communication device when receiving via an operating channel spanning a total bandwidth less than or equal to 80 MHz. Subfield 1136 indicates the set of MCSs and Nss supported by the first communication device when transmitting via an operating channel spanning a total bandwidth less than or equal to 80 MHz. Subfield 1140 indicates the set of MCSs and Nss supported by the first communication device when receiving via an operating channel, the operating channel including the subchannel in two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions. Subfield 1144 indicates the set of MCSs and Nss supported by the first communication device when transmitting via an operating channel, the operating signal including the subchannel in two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions. Subfield 1148 indicates the set of MCSs and Nss supported by the first communication device when receiving via an operating channel, the operating signal including the subchannel in two 80 MHz frequency portions separated in frequency by a gap. Subfield 1152 indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communications device when transmitting via an operating channel, the operating channel comprising a subchannel in two 80 MHz frequency portions separated in frequency by a gap.

[0148] According to an embodiment, when the second communication device is to transmit a PPDU (e.g., a MU PPDU or a SU PPDU) to the first communication device in a sub-channel in two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions of the puncturing operation channel, the second communication device selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, the network interface device 162 selects, the MAC processor 170 selects, etc.) an MCS, and selects Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1140. According to an embodiment, when the second communication device is to transmit a PPDU (e.g., a MU PPDU or a SU PPDU) to the first communication device in a sub-channel in two 80 MHz frequency portions of the puncturing operation channel separated in frequency by a gap, the second communication device selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, the network interface device 162 selects, the MAC processor 170 selects, etc.) an MCS, and selects Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1148.

[0149] According to an embodiment, when the AP 114 is to prompt a triggered-based PPDU from the client station 154 in a sub-channel in two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions of a puncturing operation channel, the AP 114 selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1144, and includes an indication of the selected MCS and the selected Nss in the trigger frame. According to an embodiment, when the AP 114 is to prompt a triggered-based PPDU from the client station 154 in a sub-channel in two 80 MHz frequency portions of a puncturing operation channel separated in frequency by a gap, the AP 114 selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1152, and includes an indication of the selected MCS and the selected Nss in the trigger frame.

[0150] Fig. 11C According to the embodiment Fig.11A FIG. 1170 is another example format 1170 of field 1108 of . Fig. 11C Indicates example lengths of various subfields of field 1170 according to an embodiment. In other embodiments, the subfields of field 1170 have other suitable lengths. In addition, in other embodiments, field 1170 includes Fig. 11C Other appropriate subfields than those shown, and / or omitted Fig. 11C One or more subfields as shown.

[0151] Field 1170 includes subfield 1174, which indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communication device when receiving via an operating channel with a cumulative bandwidth less than or equal to 80 MHz. Subfield 1178 indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communication device when transmitting via an operating channel with a cumulative bandwidth less than or equal to 80 MHz. Subfield 1182 indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communication device when receiving via an operating channel with a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) within two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions. Subfield 1186 indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communication device when transmitting via an operating channel with a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) within two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions. Subfield 1190 indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communications device when receiving via an operating channel having a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) in two 80 MHz frequency portions separated in frequency by a gap. Subfield 1194 indicates the set of MCS and Nss supported by the first communications device when transmitting via an operating channel having a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) in two 80 MHz frequency portions separated in frequency by a gap.

[0152] According to an embodiment, when the second communication device is to transmit a PPDU (e.g., MU PPDU or SU PPDU) to the first communication device in a punctured operation channel having a cumulative bandwidth less than or equal to 80 MHz, the second communication device selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, the network interface device 162 selects, the MAC processor 170 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCS and Nss indicated in field 1174.

[0153] According to an embodiment, when the second communication device transmits a PPDU (e.g., MU PPDU or SU PPDU) to the first communication device in a punctured operation channel having a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) in subchannels in two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions, the second communication device selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, the network interface device 162 selects, the MAC processor 170 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCS and Nss indicated in field 1182. According to an embodiment, when the second communication device transmits a PPDU (e.g., MU PPDU or SUPPDU) to the first communication device in a punctured operation channel having a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) in a sub-channel in two 80 MHz frequency parts of the punctured operation channel separated in frequency by gaps, the second communication device selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, the network interface device 162 selects, the MAC processor 170 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCS and Nss indicated in field 1190.

[0154] According to an embodiment, when the AP 114 is to prompt a trigger-based PPDU from the client station 154 in a puncturing operation channel having a cumulative bandwidth less than or equal to 80 MHz, the AP 114 selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects an Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1178, and includes an indication of the selected MCS and the selected Nss in the trigger frame.

[0155] According to an embodiment, when the AP 114 prompts a triggered-based PPDU from the client station 154 in a puncturing operating channel having a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) in subchannels in two consecutive 80 MHz frequency portions, the AP 114 selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1186, and includes an indication of the selected MCS and the selected Nss in the trigger frame. According to an embodiment, when the AP 114 prompts a triggered-based PPDU from the client station 154 in a puncturing operation channel having a cumulative bandwidth greater than 80 MHz (and less than or equal to 160 MHz) in a sub-channel in two 80 MHz frequency portions of the puncturing operation channel separated in frequency by a gap, the AP 114 selects (e.g., the network interface device 122 selects, the MAC processor 130 selects, etc.) an MCS and selects Nss from the set of MCSs and Nss indicated in field 1194, and includes an indication of the selected MCS and the selected Nss in a trigger frame.

[0156] Reference again Figure 1 , when a communication device in WLAN 110 is to transmit a PPDU via a puncturing operation channel, the communication device can use any idle sub-channel within the puncturing operation channel when transmitting the PPDU. For example, network interface device 122 can use energy sensor 142 to determine which sub-channels within the puncturing operation channel are idle, and then transmit the PPDU via the sub-channels within the puncturing operation channel that are determined to be idle. In an embodiment, if the primary sub-channel within the puncturing operation channel is busy, the PPDU cannot be transmitted; instead, a fallback process is performed in which the network interface device 122 waits for a period of time and then attempts to transmit the PPDU again.

[0157] In addition, the first communication device in WLAN 110 can exchange MAC control frames (such as RTS frames and CTS frames) with one or more second communication devices before transmitting the PPDU to ensure that both the first communication device and the second communication device agree on the set of idle subchannels in the puncturing operation channel. In some embodiments, the RTS / CTS exchange can also be used to reserve at least a portion of the puncturing operation channel for a specific time period (sometimes referred to as a TXOP). After completing the RTS / CTS exchange to determine the set of idle subchannels in the puncturing operation channel, the first communication device can transmit one or more PPDUs to the second communication device via the set of subchannels determined to be idle in the puncturing operation channel.

[0158] Fig. 12A1 is a diagram of an example punctured operating channel 1200 according to an embodiment. The punctured operating channel 1200 includes a plurality of sub-channels 1204. In addition, one or more sub-channels 1208 are not used. Fig. 12A The punctured operating channel 1200 is shown as including seven sub-channels 1204, but in other embodiments, the punctured operating channel 1200 includes other suitable numbers of sub-channels 1204 other than seven. Fig. 12A The punctured operating channel 1200 is shown not using one sub-channel 1208, but in other embodiments, the punctured operating channel 1200 does not use a suitable number of sub-channels 1208 other than one.

[0159] Fig. 12B According to the embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example RTS-CTS communication exchange 1220 for a puncturing operation channel 1200 of FIG. In an embodiment, the RTS-CTS communication exchange 1220 is used to establish a TXOP for a puncturing operation channel.

[0160] In UL transmission 1224, client station 154-1 transmits (eg, network interface device 162 transmits) a plurality of RTS frames 1228 in subchannel 1204 (and transmits nothing in subchannel 1208). Fig. 12B In the scenario shown, the client station 154-1 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that all subchannels 1204 are idle (from the perspective of the client station 154-1), and in response, the client station 154-1 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 162 transmits) a plurality of RTS frames 1228 in the subchannels 1204 (and does not transmit anything in the subchannels 1208).

[0161] When the RTS frame 1228 is received in the subchannel 1204, the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) whether the subchannel 1204 is idle (from the perspective of the AP 114). Fig. 12B In the illustrated scenario, the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 122 determines) that all subchannels 1204 are idle. In response to determining that all subchannels 1204 are idle, the AP 114 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 122 transmits) a DL transmission 1232 including a plurality of CTS frames 1232 in the subchannels 1204 (and does not transmit anything in the subchannel 1208).

[0162] When the CTS frame 1232 is received in the subchannel 1204, the client station 154-1 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that the subchannel 1204 is idle (also from the perspective of the AP 114). The client station 154-1 then transmits (e.g., the network interface device 162 transmits) a PPDU (not shown) to the AP 114 via the subchannel 1204.

[0163] Fig. 12C According to the embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 12 is a diagram of another example RTS-CTS communication exchange 1250 performed by a puncturing operation channel 1200 .

[0164] When the RTS frame 1228 is received in the subchannel 1204, the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that at least the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, and 1204-3 are idle, but one or more of the subchannels 1204-4 through 1204-7 are busy (from the perspective of the AP 114). In response to determining that some of the subchannels 1204 are busy, the AP 114 does not respond to the RTS frame 1228 in any of the subchannels 1204.

[0165] In response to not receiving any CTS in response to the RTS frame 1228, the client station 154-1 determines (eg, the network interface device 162 determines) that at least some of the subchannels 1204 are busy (from the perspective of the AP 114).

[0166] Fig.12D According to the embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is a diagram of another example RTS-CTS communication exchange 1270 for a puncturing operation channel 1200 of FIG. In an embodiment, the RTS-CTS communication exchange 1270 is used to establish a TXOP that uses only a subset of active subchannels in a puncturing operation channel.

[0167] When the RTS frame 1228 is received in the subchannel 1204, the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, 1204-3, 1204-4, 1204-6, and 1204-7 are idle, but the subchannel 1204-5 is busy (from the perspective of the AP 114). In response to determining that the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, 1204-3, 1204-4, 1204-6, and 1204-7 are idle, but the subchannel 1204-5 is busy, the AP 114 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 122 transmits) a DL transmission 1274 including a plurality of CTS frames 1232 in the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, and 1204-3 (corresponding to the first licensed 80 MHz synthetic channel), and does not transmit anything in the subchannel 1208. Additionally, the AP 114 does not transmit (eg, the network interface device 122 does not transmit) anything in subchannels 1204-4 through 1204-7 (corresponding to the second licensed 80 MHz composite channel).

[0168] When the CTS frame 1236 is received in the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, and 1204-3, the client station 154-1 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, and 1204-3 are idle (also from the perspective of the AP 114) (but one or more of the subchannels 1204-4 to 1204-7 are busy from the perspective of the AP 114). The client station 154-1 then transmits (e.g., the network interface device 162 transmits) a PPDU (not shown) to the AP 114 via the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, and 1204-3.

[0169] Fig.12E According to the embodiment Fig. 12A FIG. 1 is another example RTS-CTS communication exchange 1280 performed on a punctured operating channel 1200. In an embodiment, the RTS-CTS communication exchange 1280 is used to establish a TXOP that uses only a subset of active subchannels in the punctured operating channel. In particular, in an embodiment, additional subchannels within the punctured operating channel are punctured for use in the TXOP.

[0170] In UL transmission 1284, client station 154-1 transmits (e.g., network interface device 162 transmits) a plurality of enhanced RTS (E-RTS) frames 1288 in subchannel 1204 (and transmits nothing in subchannel 1208). Fig.12EIn the scenario shown, the client station 154-1 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that all subchannels 1204 are idle (from the perspective of the client station 154-1), and in response, the client station 154-1 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 162 transmits) a plurality of E-RTS frames 1288 in the subchannels 1204 (and transmits nothing in the subchannels 1208). In an embodiment, each E-RTS frame 1288 includes a bitmap that indicates i) subchannels in which the E-RTS frame 1288 was transmitted, and ii) subchannels in which the E-RTS frame 1288 was not transmitted. In an embodiment, each E-RTS frame 1288 includes a bitmap that indicates i) subchannels that are idle from the perspective of the client station 154, and ii) subchannels that are busy from the perspective of the client station 154. In an embodiment, each bit in the bitmap corresponds to a corresponding subchannel in the total bandwidth of the puncturing operation channel. Fig.12E In the scenario shown, the bitmap in each E-RTS frame 1288 indicates that i) all subchannels 1204 are idle from the perspective of the client station 154, and ii) subchannels 1208 are busy from the perspective of the client station 154.

[0171] When the RTS frame 1288 is received in the subchannel 1204, the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) whether the subchannel 1204 is idle (from the perspective of the AP 114). Fig.12E In the illustrated scenario, the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 122 determines) that all subchannels 1204 are idle except for the subchannel 1204-5 that the AP 114 determines (e.g., the network interface device 122 determines) is busy. In response to determining that all subchannels 1204 except for the subchannel 1204-5 are idle, the AP 114 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 122 transmits) a DL transmission 1292 including a plurality of enhanced CTS (E-CTS) frames 1296 in all subchannels 1204 except for the subchannel 1204-5 (and transmits nothing in the subchannel 1208). In an embodiment, each E-CTS frame 1296 includes a bitmap that indicates i) the subchannels in which the E-CTS frames 1296 are transmitted, and ii) the subchannels in which the E-RTS frames 1288 are not transmitted. In an embodiment, each E-CTS frame 1296 includes a bitmap that indicates i) idle subchannels from the perspective of the AP 114, and ii) busy subchannels from the perspective of the AP 114. In an embodiment, each bit in the bitmap corresponds to a corresponding subchannel in the total bandwidth of the puncturing operation channel. Fig.12EIn the scenario shown, the bitmap in each E-CTS frame 1296 indicates that i) from the perspective of the client station 154, subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, 1204-3, 1204-4, 1204-6, and 1204-7 are idle; and ii) from the perspective of the AP 114, subchannel 1204-5 and subchannel 1208 are busy.

[0172] When receiving the E-CTS frame 1296 in the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, 1204-3, 1204-4, 1204-6, and 1204-7, and when processing the bitmap in the CTS frame 1296, the client station 154-1 determines (e.g., the network interface device 162 determines) that the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, 1204-3, 1204-4, 1204-6, and 1204-7 are idle, also from the perspective of the AP 114, but that the subchannel 1204-5 is busy from the perspective of the AP 114. The client station 154-1 then transmits (e.g., the network interface device 162 transmits) a PPDU (not shown) to the AP 114 via the subchannels 1204-1, 1204-2, 1204-3, 1204-4, 1204-6, and 1204-7.

[0173] Fig.13A 13 is a diagram of an example punctured operating channel 1300 according to an embodiment. The punctured operating channel 1300 includes a plurality of sub-channels 1304. In addition, one or more sub-channels 1308 are not used. Fig.13A The punctured operating channel 1300 is shown as including three sub-channels 1204, but in other embodiments, the punctured operating channel 1300 includes other suitable numbers of sub-channels 1304 other than three. Fig.13A The punctured operating channel 1300 is shown not using one sub-channel 1308, but in other embodiments, the punctured operating channel 1300 does not use a suitable number of sub-channels 1308 other than one.

[0174] Fig. 13B According to the embodiment Fig.13A 13. A diagram of an example communication exchange 1320 performed using a puncturing operation channel 1300 of FIG. 13. One or more first communication devices (device 1) transmit a PPDU 1324 to a second communication device (device 2) via the puncturing operation channel 1300. In an embodiment, device 1 is a client station 154-1 and the PPDU 1324 is a UL SU PPDU. In another embodiment, device 1 is a plurality of client stations 154 and the PPDU 1324 is a UL MU transmission.

[0175] In an embodiment, device 1 is AP 114 and PPDU 1324 is a DL SU PPDU. In another embodiment, device 1 is AP 114 and PPDU 1324 is a DL MU PPDU.

[0176] In response to PPDU 1324, device 2 transmits multiple repetitive PPDUs 1332 as part of a transmission 1336 to device 1 via puncturing operation channel 1300. In an embodiment, device 2 is AP 114 and transmission 1336 is a DL transmission. In another embodiment, device 2 is client station 154-1 and transmission 1336 is a UL transmission.

[0177] The duplicate PPDU 1332 includes acknowledgement and / or block acknowledgement information corresponding to the PPDU 1324. For example, according to an embodiment, each PPDU 1332 includes an ACK frame. As another example, according to an embodiment, each PPDU 1332 includes a BlockAck frame.

[0178] Although Fig. 13B The repetitive PPDU 1332 is shown to be transmitted in the same subchannel as the subchannel in which the PPDU 1324 is transmitted, but in other embodiments, one or more PPDUs 1332 are transmitted in only a subset of the subchannels in which the PPDU 1324 is transmitted. In an embodiment, the device 2 determines the subset of subchannels in which to transmit the one or more PPDUs 1332. In another embodiment, the PPDU 1324 specifies (e.g., within a MAC control frame (e.g., a HE control frame) within the PPDU 1324) the subset of subchannels in which to transmit the one or more PPDUs 1332.

[0179] In an embodiment, the PPDU 1332 has a PHY PPDU format that complies with a legacy communication protocol such as the IEEE 802.11a standard or the IEEE 802.11g standard or another suitable legacy protocol. In an embodiment, a cyclic shift is applied to at least some of the PPDUs 1332. In an embodiment, the PPDU 1332 is formatted similarly to the reference 802.11a standard. Figure 4C The described repeated PPDU 454 is transmitted in a manner.

[0180] Fig. 13C According to the embodiment Fig.13A13. Device 1 transmits a PPDU 1324 to device 2 via the puncturing operation channel 1300. In an embodiment, device 1 is client station 154-1 and PPDU 1324 is a UL SU PPDU. In another embodiment, device 1 is multiple client stations 154 and PPDU 1324 is a UL MU transmission.

[0181] In an embodiment, device 1 is AP 114 and PPDU 1324 is a DL SU PPDU. In another embodiment, device 1 is AP 114 and PPDU 1324 is a DL MU PPDU.

[0182] In response to PPDU 1324, device 2 transmits PPDU 1354 to device 1 via puncturing operation channel 1300. In an embodiment, device 2 is AP 114 and transmission 1336 is a DL transmission. In another embodiment, device 2 is client station 154-1 and transmission 1336 is a UL transmission. In an embodiment, PPDU 1354 is a SU transmission to a single device 1. In another embodiment, PPDU 1354 is a MU transmission to multiple devices 1.

[0183] PPDU 1354 includes acknowledgment and / or block acknowledgment information corresponding to PPDU 1324. For example, according to an embodiment, PPDU 1354 includes one or more ACK frames. As another example, according to an embodiment, PPDU 1354 includes one or more BlockAck frames. As another example, according to an embodiment, PPDU 1354 includes a multi-user BlockAck frame.

[0184] Although Fig. 13C PPDU 1354 is shown to be transmitted in the same subchannel as the subchannel on which PPDU 1324 is transmitted, but in other embodiments, PPDU 1354 is transmitted only in a subset of the subchannels on which PPDU 1324 is transmitted. In an embodiment, device 2 determines the subset of subchannels on which to transmit PPDU 1354. In another embodiment, PPDU 1324 specifies (e.g., within a MAC control frame (e.g., HE control frame) within PPDU 1324) the subset of subchannels on which to transmit PPDU 1354.

[0185] In an embodiment in which transmission of repeated PPDUs via a puncturing operation channel is supported by a communication device in WLAN 110, if PPDU 1324 uses space-time block coding (STBC), then the acknowledgment information is transmitted in PPDU 1354 using STBC; on the other hand, if PPDU 1324 does not use STBC, then the acknowledgment information is transmitted in repeated PPDU 1332 ( Fig. 13B ). In an embodiment where transmission of repeated PPDUs via a puncturing operation channel is not supported by communication devices in WLAN 110, the confirmation information is transmitted in PPDU 1354; if PPDU 1324 uses STBC, the confirmation information is transmitted in PPDU 1354 using STBC, and if PPDU 1324 does not use STBC, the confirmation information is transmitted in PPDU 1354 without using STBC.

[0186] In another embodiment, PPDU 1324 specifies (e.g., within a HE control field within PPDU 1324) the format of the PPDU to be used when acknowledging PPDU 1324. For example, in an embodiment, if PPDU 1324 specifies that a repeat PPDU is to be used to acknowledge PPDU 1324, Device 2 transmits the acknowledgement information ( Fig. 13B ); On the other hand, if PPDU 1324 specifies that a repeat PPDU is to be used to confirm PPDU 1324, the confirmation information is transmitted in PPDU 1354 ( Fig. 13C As another example, in an embodiment, if PPDU 1324 specifies that the confirmation should be transmitted using STBC, then device 2 transmits the confirmation information using STBC; on the other hand, if PPDU 1324 specifies that the confirmation should not be transmitted using STBC, then the confirmation information is not transmitted using STBC.

[0187] In another embodiment, PPDU 1324 specifies (e.g., within a HE control field within PPDU 1324) an MCS to be used when acknowledging PPDU 1324. Device 2 then generates and transmits a repeat PPDU 1332 ( Fig. 13B ) or PPDU 1354 using the MCS specified by PPDU 1324 ( Fig. 13C ).

[0188] Fig.14 is a flow chart of an example method 1400 for performing uplink transmission via a puncturing operation channel according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, Figure 1The AP 114 of FIG. 1 is configured to implement the method 1400. However, the method 1400 is described in the context of the AP 114 for illustration purposes only, and in other embodiments, the method 1400 is implemented by another suitable device, such as the client station 154-1 or another suitable wireless communication device.

[0189] In block 1404, the AP 114 generates (e.g., the network interface device 122 generates, the MAC processor 126 generates, etc.) a trigger frame to prompt an uplink transmission from a single client station 154 via a punctured operating channel. In an embodiment, the punctured operating channel has a total bandwidth spanning contiguous subchannels within a single radio frequency (RF) band, and wherein one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth are not used for the operating channel. In an embodiment, the punctured operating channel is established using techniques as described above.

[0190] The trigger frame includes i) a first field to indicate a first resource unit (RU) to be used by a single communication device for uplink transmission, and ii) a second field to indicate a second RU to be used by the single communication device for uplink transmission. In an embodiment, the first RU overlaps at least the first subchannel, the second RU overlaps at least the second subchannel, and one or more unused subchannels are between the first subchannel and the second subchannel (in frequency).

[0191] At block 1408, the AP 114 transmits (e.g., the network interface device 122 transmits) a trigger frame via the puncturing operation channel to prompt an uplink transmission from the single client station 154. In an embodiment, the method 1400 also includes generating a packet including the trigger frame, and transmitting the trigger frame at block 1408 includes transmitting the trigger frame in the packet via the puncturing operation channel.

[0192] In an embodiment, method 1400 also includes generating multiple repetition packets, the multiple repetition packets are formatted according to a legacy communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11a standard protocol, IEEE 802.11g standard protocol, etc.) and each repetition packet includes a trigger frame, and the repetition packets are transmitted respectively via sub-channels in the punching operation channel (and no packet is transmitted in any sub-channel that is not in use).

[0193] At block 1412, the AP 114 receives (e.g., the network interface device 122 receives) an uplink transmission from a single client station via the puncturing operation channel. In an embodiment, the uplink transmission is included in at least a first subchannel and a second subchannel. In an embodiment, the uplink transmission is included in at least a first RU and a second RU.

[0194] In an embodiment, the method 1400 further includes selecting an MCS that the single client station 154 will use for uplink transmissions, and wherein generating the trigger frame at block 1404 includes generating the trigger frame to include an indication of the selected MCS. In an embodiment, selecting the MCS that the single client station 154 will use for uplink transmissions includes using any of the above-described MCS selection techniques.

[0195] In an embodiment, the method 1400 further includes selecting a number of spatial streams that the single client station 154 will use for uplink transmissions, and wherein generating the trigger frame at block 1404 includes generating the trigger frame to include an indication of the selected number of spatial streams. In an embodiment, selecting the number of spatial streams that the single client station 154 will use for uplink transmissions includes using any of the above-described number of spatial stream selection techniques.

[0196] In an embodiment, method 1400 further includes: selecting multiple RUs (including a first RU and a second RU) to be used for uplink transmission by a single communication device based on subchannels included in the puncturing operation channel (excluding subchannels not used in the puncturing operation channel). In an embodiment, the puncturing operation channel includes a primary subchannel, and the first RU is selected to overlap at least with the primary subchannel. In another embodiment, the puncturing operation channel includes a primary subchannel, and the first RU is selected to overlap at least with the primary subchannel, and at least the second RU is selected not to overlap with the primary subchannel.

[0197] In other embodiments, the method 1400 is modified to prompt UL MU transmissions via a punctured operation channel from multiple client stations, wherein the first RU and the second RU correspond to different client stations.

[0198] Embodiment 1: A method for establishing an operating channel for a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: determining a total bandwidth of the operating channel at a communication device, wherein the total bandwidth spans a plurality of subchannels; determining at the communication device that one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used for the operating channel; generating a packet at the communication device, the packet comprising i) a first subfield indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel; and transmitting the packet by the communication device to notify one or more other communication devices in the WLAN of the operating channel of the WLAN, the operating channel having a total bandwidth, wherein the indicated one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used.

[0199] Embodiment 2: The method of embodiment 1, wherein the transmission packet notifies one or more other communication devices that the operating channel will be used until the communication device specifies a change to the operating channel.

[0200] Embodiment 3: A method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein generating a packet comprises: generating a medium access control (MAC) management frame at a communication device, the MAC management frame comprising i) a first subfield indicating a total bandwidth of an operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel; and generating a packet at the communication device to include the MAC management frame.

[0201] Embodiment 4: The method according to embodiment 3, wherein the MAC management frame includes one of the following: i) a beacon frame; ii) a probe response frame; iii) an association response frame; or iv) a reassociation response frame.

[0202] Embodiment 5: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein: the communication device is a first communication device; one or more other communication devices are one or more second communication devices configured to operate according to a first communication protocol; the operating channel is a first operating channel to be used by one or more second communication devices; the method also includes: determining at the first communication device the bandwidth of a second operating channel allowed by a second legacy communication protocol and to be used by one or more third communication devices in the WLAN, the one or more third communication devices operating according to the second legacy communication protocol, wherein the bandwidth of the second operating channel i) is continuous in frequency, ii) is within the total bandwidth of the first operating channel, and iii) does not span any subchannel of one or more subchannels that will not be used for the first operating channel; generating a packet includes: generating a packet to include i) a third subfield indicating the bandwidth of the second operating channel; and transmitting the packet also notifies one or more third communication devices in the WLAN of the second operating channel for the WLAN.

[0203] Embodiment 6: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein: the communication device is a first communication device; one or more other communication devices are one or more second communication devices configured to operate according to a first communication protocol; the operating channel is a first operating channel to be used by one or more second communication devices; the packet is a first packet; and the method also includes: determining at the first communication device the bandwidth of a second operating channel allowed by a second legacy communication protocol and to be used by one or more third communication devices in the WLAN, the one or more third communication devices operating according to the second legacy communication protocol, wherein the bandwidth of the second operating channel i) is continuous in frequency; ii) is within the total bandwidth of the first operating channel; and iii) does not span any subchannel of one or more subchannels that will not be used for the first operating channel, generating a second packet at the first communication device, the second packet including a third subfield indicating the bandwidth of the second operating channel, and transmitting the second packet by the first communication device to notify one or more third communication devices in the WLAN of the second operating channel for the WLAN.

[0204] Embodiment 7: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the packet is a first packet, and wherein the method further comprises: generating a second packet at a communication device; and transmitting, by the communication device, the second packet and a copy of the second packet in sub-channels of an operating channel, respectively, excluding transmission in one or more sub-channels not used for the operating channel.

[0205] Embodiment 8: The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the first packet conforms to a first communication protocol and the second packet conforms to a second legacy communication protocol different from the first communication protocol.

[0206] Embodiment 9: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the packet is a first packet, and wherein the method further comprises: selecting, at a communication device, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for a second packet to be used for transmission via an operating channel, comprising selecting an MCS based on a total bandwidth of the operating channel; generating, at the communication device, a second packet based on the selected MCS; and transmitting the second packet by the communication device via the operating channel.

[0207] Embodiment 10: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the packet is a first packet, and wherein the method further comprises: selecting, at a communication device, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for a second packet to be used for transmission via an operating channel, comprising selecting an MCS based on the number of subchannels used in the operating channel; generating, at the communication device, a second packet based on the selected MCS; and transmitting the second packet by the communication device via the operating channel.

[0208] Embodiment 11: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the packet is a first packet, wherein the communication device is a first communication device, and wherein the method further includes, after transmitting the first packet: generating a request to send (RTS) frame at the first communication device; transmitting the RTS frame by the first communication device to the second communication device via an operating channel, excluding transmission in one or more subchannels not used for the operating channel; receiving a clear to send (CTS) frame from the second communication device at the first communication device via only a subset of the subchannels, via which the RTS frame is transmitted; and after receiving the CTS frame, transmitting a second packet by the first communication device to the second communication device via only a subset of the subchannels, via which the CTS frame is received.

[0209] Embodiment 12: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein generating a packet comprises: generating a packet to include an information element, the information element comprising i) a first subfield indicating a total bandwidth of an operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel, wherein the information element is generated to include i) an element identifier (ID) field and ii) an element ID extension field, the element identifier (ID) field and the element ID extension field together indicating a format of the information element.

[0210] Embodiment 13: The method according to embodiment 12, wherein generating the information element comprises: setting a third subfield of the information element at the communication device to indicate that the information element includes the second subfield.

[0211] Embodiment 14: A method according to embodiment 12, wherein: the second subfield includes a bitmap; the corresponding bits in the bitmap correspond to the corresponding subchannels within the total bandwidth; and the values ​​of the bits in the bitmap indicate whether the corresponding subchannels within the total bandwidth will be used for the operating channel.

[0212] Embodiment 15: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the communication device is an access point.

[0213] Embodiment 16: A method according to any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein: determining the total bandwidth includes determining i) a first frequency segment of the total bandwidth and ii) a second frequency segment of the total bandwidth, wherein the first frequency segment and the second frequency segment are separated by a gap in frequency; generating a packet includes: generating a first subfield to indicate that the total bandwidth includes two frequency segments separated by a gap in frequency; and generating a packet includes generating a packet to include i) a third subfield to indicate a first position of the first frequency segment in frequency, and ii) a fourth subfield to indicate a second position of the second frequency segment in frequency.

[0214] Embodiment 17: A communication device comprises: a network interface device having one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: determine a total bandwidth of an operating channel of a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the total bandwidth spans multiple subchannels, determine that one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used for the operating channel, generate a packet, the packet comprising i) a first subfield indicating the total bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel, and transmit the packet to notify one or more other communication devices in the WLAN of an operating channel for the WLAN, the operating channel having a total bandwidth, wherein the indicated one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth will not be used.

[0215] Embodiment 18: The communication device of embodiment 17, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: transmit a packet to notify one or more other communication devices that an operating channel is to be used until the communication device specifies a change to the operating channel.

[0216] Embodiment 19: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17 or 18, wherein one or more IC devices are configured to: generate a medium access control (MAC) management frame, the MAC frame including i) a first subfield indicating a total bandwidth of an operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel; and generate a packet to include the MAC management frame.

[0217] Embodiment 20: A communication device according to embodiment 19, wherein the MAC management frame comprises one of the following: i) a beacon frame; ii) a probe response frame; iii) an association response frame; or iv) a reassociation response frame.

[0218] Embodiment 21: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein: the communication device is a first communication device; one or more other communication devices are one or more second communication devices configured to operate according to a first communication protocol; the operating channel is a first operating channel to be used by one or more second communication devices; the one or more IC devices are also configured to: determine the bandwidth of a second operating channel allowed by a second legacy communication protocol and to be used by one or more third communication devices in the WLAN, the one or more third communication devices operating according to the second legacy communication protocol, wherein the bandwidth of the second operating channel i) is continuous in frequency; ii) is within the total bandwidth of the first operating channel, and iii) does not span any subchannel of one or more subchannels that will not be used for the first operating channel, generate a packet to include i) a third subfield indicating the bandwidth of the second operating channel, and transmit a packet to also notify one or more third communication devices in the WLAN of the second operating channel for the WLAN.

[0219] Embodiment 22: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein: the communication device is a first communication device; one or more other communication devices are one or more second communication devices configured to operate according to a first communication protocol; the operating channel is a first operating channel to be used by one or more second communication devices; the packet is a first packet; and one or more IC devices are configured to: determine the bandwidth of a second operating channel allowed by a second legacy communication protocol and to be used by one or more third communication devices in the WLAN, the one or more third communication devices operating according to the second legacy communication protocol, wherein the bandwidth of the second operating channel i) is continuous in frequency; ii) is within the total bandwidth of the first operating channel, and iii) does not span any subchannel of one or more subchannels that will not be used for the first operating channel, generate a second packet, the second packet includes a third subfield indicating the bandwidth of the second operating channel, and transmit the second packet to notify one or more third communication devices in the WLAN of the second operating channel for the WLAN.

[0220] Embodiment 23: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein the packet is a first packet, and wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to: generate a second packet; and transmit the second packet and a copy of the second packet in sub-channels of an operating channel, respectively, excluding transmission in one or more sub-channels not used for the operating channel.

[0221] Embodiment 24: A communication device according to embodiment 23, wherein the first packet conforms to a first communication protocol and the second packet conforms to a second legacy communication protocol different from the first communication protocol.

[0222] Embodiment 25: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein the packet is a first packet, and wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to: select a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for a second packet to be used for transmission via an operating channel, including selecting an MCS based on a total bandwidth of the operating channel; generating a second packet based on the selected MCS; and transmitting the second packet via the operating channel.

[0223] Embodiment 26: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein the packet is a first packet, and wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to: select a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for a second packet to be used for transmission via an operating channel, including selecting an MCS based on the number of subchannels used in the operating channel; generate a second packet based on the selected MCS; and transmit the second packet via the operating channel.

[0224] Embodiment 27: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein the packet is a first packet, wherein the communication device is a first communication device, and wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to, after transmitting the first packet: generate a request to send (RTS) frame; transmit the RTS frame to a second communication device via an operating channel, excluding transmission in one or more subchannels not used for the operating channel; receive a clear to send (CTS) frame from the second communication device via only a subset of the subchannels via which the RTS frame is transmitted; and after receiving the CTS frame, transmit a second packet to the second communication device via only a subset of the subchannels via which the CTS frame is received.

[0225] Embodiment 28: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-20, wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to: generate a packet to include an information element, the information element including i) a first subfield indicating a total bandwidth of an operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating one or more subchannels within the total bandwidth that will not be used for the operating channel, wherein the information element is generated to include i) an element identifier (ID) field and ii) an element ID extension field, the element identifier (ID) field and the element ID extension field together indicating the format of the information element.

[0226] Embodiment 29: The communication device according to Embodiment 28, wherein the one or more IC devices are further configured to: set the third subfield of the information element to indicate that the information element includes the second subfield.

[0227] Embodiment 30: A communication device according to embodiment 28, wherein: the second subfield includes a bitmap; the corresponding bits in the bitmap correspond to the corresponding subchannels within the total bandwidth; and the values ​​of the bits in the bitmap indicate whether the corresponding subchannels within the total bandwidth will be used for the operating channel.

[0228] Embodiment 31: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-30, wherein the communication device is an access point.

[0229] Embodiment 32: A communication device according to any one of embodiments 17-31, wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to: determine i) a first frequency segment of a total bandwidth and ii) a second frequency segment of the total bandwidth, wherein the first frequency segment and the second frequency segment are separated by a gap in frequency; and generate a first subfield to indicate that the total bandwidth includes two frequency segments separated by the gap in frequency; and generate a group to include i) a third subfield to indicate a first position of the first frequency segment in frequency, and ii) a fourth subfield to indicate a second position of the second frequency segment in frequency.

[0230] At least some of the various blocks, operations, and techniques described above may be implemented using hardware, a processor executing firmware instructions, a processor executing software instructions, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a processor executing software or firmware instructions, the software or firmware instructions may be stored in any suitable computer-readable memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. The software or firmware instructions may include machine-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform various actions.

[0231] When implemented in hardware, the hardware may include one or more of discrete components, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), and the like.

[0232] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, these specific examples are merely illustrative and not limiting, and changes, additions and / or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for communicating in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: receiving, at a first communication device from a second communication device, a first packet including information specifying: i) a total frequency bandwidth of an operating channel of the WLAN, and ii) one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel; determining, by the first communications device based on information included in the first packet: i) the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN, and ii) the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel; generating, by the first communication device, a second packet including a request to send (RTS) frame; transmitting, by the first communications device, the second packet to initiate a transmission opportunity period (TXOP) for the first communications device to communicate with the second communications device, the second packet being transmitted via a plurality of subchannels included in the operating channel of the WLAN, the plurality of subchannels not including any of the one or more puncturing subchannels; receiving, by the first communications device, a third packet including a clear to send (CTS) frame after transmitting the second packet, the third packet being received via only a subset of the plurality of subchannels; determining, by the first communications device based on reception of the third packet via only the subset of the subchannels, that only the subset of the subchannels is reserved for the transmission opportunity period TXOP initiated by the first communications device; as well as A fourth packet is transmitted by the first communications device to the second communications device via only the subset of the subchannels during the TXOP.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first packet received by the first communications device comprises: i) a first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels of the operating channel; Determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN comprises determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of the first packet; and Determining the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more puncturing subchannels based on the second subfield of the first packet.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first packet received by the first communications device comprises a medium access control (MAC) management frame, wherein the MAC frame comprises: i) the first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) the second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels; Determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN comprises determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of the MAC frame; and Determining the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more puncturing subchannels based on the second subfield of the MAC frame.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The MAC frame included in the first packet is one of: i) a beacon frame, ii) a probe response frame, iii) an association response frame, and iv) a reassociation response frame; Determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN comprises determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of one of: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame; as well as Determining the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more puncturing subchannels based on the second subfield of one of the following: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the first communications device, that one or more unpunctured subchannels for the operating channel are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device; as well as A determination is made by the first communications device that the first communications device does not transmit the second packet via the one or more sub-channels for the operating channel that are not punctured and are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein generating the RTS frame comprises generating the RTS frame to include information specifying: i) a subchannel through which the first communication device will transmit the second packet, and ii) the one or more subchannels through which the first communication device will not transmit the second packet.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein generating the RTS frame comprises generating the RTS frame to include a bitmap, respective bits in the bitmap corresponding to respective subchannels, the bitmap comprising: i) a first set of first bits of subchannels set to a first value to indicate that the first communication device will transmit the second packet through them, and ii) a second set of one or more first bits of the one or more second subchannels set to a second value to indicate that the first communication device will not transmit the second packet through them.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the first packet received by the first communications device comprises a bitmap, wherein respective bits in the bitmap correspond to respective subchannels; as well as Determining the one or more punctured subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more punctured subchannels based on corresponding values ​​of bits in the bitmap included in the first packet.

9. A first communication device, comprising: A wireless network interface device implemented using one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices, wherein the wireless network interface device is configured to: receiving a first packet from a second communication device, the first packet including information specifying i) a total frequency bandwidth of an operating channel of a wireless local area network (WLAN), and ii) one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel, determining, based on the information included in the first packet: i) the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN, and ii) the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel, Generate a Request to Send (RTS) frame, generating a second packet including the RTS frame, controlling the wireless network interface device to transmit the second packet to initiate a transmission opportunity period (TXOP) for the first communication device to communicate with the second communication device, the second packet being transmitted via a plurality of subchannels included in the operating channel of the WLAN, the plurality of subchannels not including any of the one or more puncturing subchannels, receiving a third packet including a clear to send (CTS) frame after transmitting the second packet, the third packet being received via only a subset of the plurality of subchannels, determining, based on reception of the third packet via only the subset of the subchannels, that only the subset of the subchannels are reserved for the transmission opportunity period TXOP initiated by the first communications device, and The wireless network interface device is controlled to transmit a fourth packet to the second communication device via only the subset of the subchannels during the TXOP.

10. The first communication device according to claim 9, wherein: The first packet includes: i) a first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels of the operating channel; and The wireless network interface device is configured as follows: determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN based on the first subfield of the first packet; and The one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel are determined based on the second subfield of the first packet.

11. The first communication device according to claim 10, wherein: The first packet comprises a medium access control (MAC) management frame, wherein the MAC frame comprises: i) the first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) the second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels; and The wireless network interface device is configured as follows: determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN based on the first subfield of the MAC frame, and The one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel are determined based on the second subfield of the MAC frame.

12. The first communication device according to claim 11, wherein: The MAC frame included in the first packet is one of: i) a beacon frame, ii) a probe response frame, iii) an association response frame, and iv) a reassociation response frame; and The wireless network interface device is configured as follows: determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN based on the first subfield of one of: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame, and The one or more punctured subchannels for the operating channel are determined based on the second subfield of one of: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame.

13. The first communication device according to claim 9, wherein the wireless network interface device is further configured to: determining that one or more non-punctured sub-channels of the operating channel are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device; and It is determined that the wireless network interface device does not transmit the second packet via the one or more sub-channels for the operating channel that are not punctured and are not idle from the perspective of the first communication device.

14. A first communication device according to claim 13, wherein the wireless network interface device is configured to generate the RTS frame to include information specifying: i) the subchannels through which the wireless network interface device will transmit the second packet, and ii) the one or more subchannels through which the wireless network interface device will not transmit the second packet.

15. The first communication device of claim 14, wherein the wireless network interface device is configured to generate the RTS frame to include a bitmap, respective bits in the bitmap corresponding to respective subchannels, the bitmap comprising: i) a first set of first bits of the subchannels that are set to a first value to indicate that the wireless network interface device is to transmit the second packet through, and ii) a second set of one or more first bits of the one or more second subchannels that are set to a second value to indicate that the wireless network interface device is not to transmit the second packet through.

16. The first communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The first grouping device includes a bitmap, wherein respective bits in the bitmap correspond to respective subchannels; as well as The wireless network interface device is configured to determine the one or more punctured sub-channels for the operating channel based on corresponding values ​​of bits in the bitmap included in the first packet.

17. A method for communicating in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising: receiving, at a first communication device from a second communication device, a first packet including information specifying: i) a total frequency bandwidth of an operating channel of the WLAN, and ii) one or more punctured subchannels of the operating channel; determining, by the first communications device based on the information included in the first packet: i) the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN, and ii) the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel; receiving, by the first communication device, a second packet from the second communication device, the second packet including a request to send (RTS) frame, the second packet being received via a plurality of subchannels included in the operating channel, the plurality of subchannels not including any of the one or more puncturing subchannels; determining, by the first communications device, that the one or more subchannels of the plurality of subchannels are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device; in response to receiving the second packet, transmitting, by the first communications device, a third packet including a clear to send (CTS) frame, the third packet being transmitted via only a subset of the subchannels and indicating to the second communications device that only the subset of the subchannels are reserved for a transmission opportunity period (TXOP) for the second client station, the subset of only the subchannels excluding the one or more subchannels that are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device; as well as After transmitting the third packet, a fourth packet is received at the first communications device from the second communications device via only the subset of the subchannels.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The first packet received by the first communications device comprises: i) a first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels of the operating channel; Determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN comprises determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of the first packet; and Determining the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more puncturing subchannels based on the second subfield of the first packet.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The first packet received by the first communications device comprises a medium access control (MAC) management frame, wherein the MAC frame comprises: i) the first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) the second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels; Determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN comprises determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of the MAC frame; and Determining the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more puncturing subchannels based on the second subfield of the MAC frame.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The MAC frame included in the first packet is one of: i) a beacon frame, ii) a probe response frame, iii) an association response frame, and iv) a reassociation response frame; Determining the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN comprises determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of one of: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame; as well as Determining the one or more puncturing subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more puncturing subchannels based on the second subfield of one of the following: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame.

21. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein: the first packet received by the first communications device comprises a bitmap, wherein respective bits in the bitmap correspond to respective subchannels; as well as Determining the one or more punctured subchannels for the operating channel includes determining the one or more punctured subchannels based on corresponding values ​​of bits in the bitmap included in the first packet.

22. A first communication device, comprising: A wireless network interface device implemented using one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices, wherein the wireless network interface device is configured to: receiving a first packet from a second communication device, the first packet including information specifying i) a total frequency bandwidth of an operating channel of a wireless local area network (WLAN), and ii) one or more punctured subchannels of the operating channel, determining, based on information included in the first packet: i) the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel of the WLAN, and ii) the one or more puncturing sub-channels for the operating channel, receiving a second packet from the second communication device, the second packet including a request to send (RTS) frame, the second packet being received via a plurality of subchannels included in the operating channel, the plurality of subchannels not including any of the one or more puncturing subchannels, determining that one or more subchannels of the plurality of subchannels are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device, in response to receiving the second packet, controlling the wireless network interface device to transmit a third packet including a clear to send (CTS) frame, the third packet being transmitted via only a subset of the subchannels and indicating to the second communications device that only the subset of the subchannels are reserved for a transmission opportunity period (TXOP) for the second client station, the subset of subchannels excluding the one or more subchannels that are not idle from the perspective of the first communications device, and After transmitting the third packet, a fourth packet is received from the second communications device via only the subset of the subchannels.

23. The first communication device according to claim 22, wherein: The first packet received by the first communications device comprises: i) a first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) a second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels of the operating channel; and The wireless network interface device is configured as follows: determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of the first packet, and The one or more puncturing sub-channels are determined based on the second subfield of the first packet.

24. The first communication device according to claim 23, wherein: The first packet received by the first communications device comprises a medium access control (MAC) management frame, wherein the MAC frame comprises: i) the first subfield indicating the total frequency bandwidth of the operating channel, and ii) the second subfield indicating the one or more punctured subchannels; The wireless network interface device is configured as follows: determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of the MAC frame, and The one or more puncturing sub-channels are determined based on the second subfield of the MAC frame.

25. The first communication device according to claim 24, wherein: The MAC frame included in the first packet is one of: i) a beacon frame, ii) a probe response frame, iii) an association response frame, and iv) a reassociation response frame; The wireless network interface device is configured as follows: determining the total frequency bandwidth based on the first subfield of one of: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame, and The one or more puncturing subchannels are determined based on the second subfield of one of: i) the beacon frame, ii) the probe response frame, iii) the association response frame, and iv) the reassociation response frame.

26. The first communication device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein: the first packet received by the first communications device comprises a bitmap, wherein respective bits in the bitmap correspond to respective subchannels; as well as The wireless network interface device is configured to determine the one or more puncturing sub-channels based on corresponding values ​​of bits in the bitmap included in the first packet.

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