Techniques for channel selection

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A wireless device, such as an access point (AP), may perform a channel selection procedure that indicates that one or more sub-channels of a particular channel are punctured. For example, an AP may generate a plurality of channel efficiency metrics for a plurality of channels. The plurality of channel efficiency metrics may be based on measuring the plurality of channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more of the plurality of channels. The AP may transmit a message on a channel of the plurality of channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channel efficiency metrics. The AP may send a control message including a puncturing bitmap indicating a sub-channel puncturing mode for one or more sub-channels of the channel. A message may be sent on a channel according to a punctured bitmap.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 951,775, entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR CHANNEL SELECTION,” filed by Bandaru et al. on September 23, 2022, which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The following relates to wireless communications, including techniques for channel selection.

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and the like. These systems may be multiple access systems that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless network (e.g., a WLAN, such as a Wi-Fi (i.e., an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) network) may include an access point (AP) that can communicate with one or more stations (STAs) or mobile devices. An AP may be coupled to a network such as the Internet, and may enable mobile devices to communicate via the network (or communicate with other devices coupled to the access point). A wireless device may communicate bidirectionally with a network device. For example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via a DL and a UL. A DL (or forward link) may refer to a communication link from an AP to a station, and a UL (or reverse link) may refer to a communication link from a station to an AP.

[0005] A wireless network such as a WLAN may support one or more operations for channel selection, which may be performed by an AP. For example, an AP may perform an automatic channel selection (ACS) operation (e.g., a process) to determine a channel for communication. Additionally or alternatively, a wireless network may support channel puncturing. For example, a wireless device included in a wireless network may be configured to communicate using one or more puncturing channels, which may include one or more non-contiguous frequency ranges (e.g., a puncturing channel may include one or more sub-channels that are not used for communication). Conventional techniques for communicating using puncturing channels are flawed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described technology relates to an improved method, system, device or apparatus supporting technology for channel selection. In general, the described technology provides for an access point (AP) to perform a channel selection process that illustrates that one or more subchannels of a particular channel are truncated. For example, the AP may generate (e.g., determine) multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels. Multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on measuring multiple channels. Additionally or alternatively, multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on one or more subchannel truncating patterns for one or more channels in multiple channels. Multiple channel efficiency metrics may include channel efficiency metrics and bandwidth efficiency metrics. The AP may send a message on a channel in multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in multiple channel efficiency metrics. In some cases, generating (e.g., determining) multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on a truncating pattern, which may be indicated by a bitmap (e.g., a truncating bitmap).

[0007] A method for wireless communication at an AP is described. The method may include: generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0008] An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: generate a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and send a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0009] An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP is described. The apparatus may include: means for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and means for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an AP is described. The code may include instructions that can be executed by a processor to: generate a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and send a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on the channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0011] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a control message including a truncation bitmap indicating a subchannel truncation pattern for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message may be sent on the channel according to the truncation bitmap.

[0012] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for adjusting a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channels based on a number of subchannels that may be punctured according to a subchannel puncturing pattern for the channel.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the channel efficiency metric may be adjusted by decreasing the channel efficiency metric based on a number of punctured sub-channels of the channel.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: generating a set of multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics for the set of multiple channels; and selecting the channel in the multiple channels based at least in part on the multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics.

[0015] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, generating the set of multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics may include operations, features, components, or instructions for: generating a bandwidth efficiency metric for the channel from the multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics based at least in part on multiple probabilities that corresponding subchannels of the channel are occupied and at least in part on whether one or more corresponding subchannels of the channel are truncated.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the generated bandwidth efficiency metric can be a function of a set of multiple probabilities that a set of multiple subchannels of the channel are available.

[0017] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, generating the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics may include operations, features, components, or instructions for: generating the channel efficiency metric for the channel based on the throughput associated with the channel and the number of basic service sets within the range of the AP.

[0018] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for selecting the channel from the set of multiple channels based on a comparison of the channel efficiency metric for the channel relative to channel efficiency metrics for other channels in the set of multiple channels.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: selecting the channel from the set of multiple channels based on the channel efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for measuring a set of multiple channel metrics, the set of multiple channel metrics including a noise floor metric, a received signal strength indicator, a number of overlapping basic service sets, a spatial reuse parameter, channel utilization, throughput, and transmit power, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on the set of multiple channel metrics.

[0021] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the channel efficiency metric can be a function of the bandwidth of the channel, the throughput of the channel, the number of overlapping basic service sets near the AP, and one or more weighting factors corresponding to the corresponding types of clients.

[0022] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the channel efficiency metric may be based on a frequency location of the punctured sub-channel within a bandwidth of the channel.

[0023] A method for wireless communication at an AP is described. The method may include: generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0024] An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: generate a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and send a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0025] An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP is described. The apparatus may include: means for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and means for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0026] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an AP is described. The code may include instructions that can be executed by a processor to: generate a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and send a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on the channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0027] Some examples of the apparatus may include means for sending a control message including a puncturing bitmap indicating a subchannel puncturing pattern for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message may be sent on the channel according to the puncturing bitmap.

[0028] Some examples of the apparatus may include means for adjusting the channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channels based on a number of subchannels of the channel that may be punctured according to a subchannel puncturing pattern.

[0029] A method for wireless communication at an AP is described. The method may include: generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0030] An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: generate a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and send a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0031] An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP is described. The apparatus may include: means for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and means for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0032] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an AP is described. The code may include instructions that can be executed by a processor to: generate a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels; and send a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on the channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 An example of a wireless local area network supporting techniques for channel selection according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 2 An example of a flow chart supporting techniques for channel selection in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 3 An example of a process flow supporting techniques for channel selection in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A block diagram of a device supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 6A block diagram of a communications manager supporting techniques for channel selection in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 A diagram of a system including a device supporting techniques for channel selection in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting techniques for channel selection in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Some wireless communication systems may support a channel selection process (e.g., automatic channel selection (ACS)) for communicating between wireless devices. For example, a wireless device such as an access point (AP) may perform one or more operations to determine a channel for communicating with other wireless devices (e.g., one or more stations (STA)) (e.g., to determine one or more time-frequency resources for communication). In some cases, performing one or more operations to determine (e.g., select) a channel may enable the wireless device to communicate effectively (e.g., to minimize interference, to increase throughput) when using one or more channels in a channel set. However, the first channel selection process (e.g., implemented by a conventional AP) may not account for one or more punctured channels (e.g., channels including two or more non-adjacent frequency ranges) that may exist in some wireless communication systems (e.g., wireless communication systems operating according to the IEEE 802.11be protocol). In such cases, the AP (e.g., performing the first channel selection process) may not identify that the channel is punctured and may accordingly miscalculate one or more parameters (e.g., metrics) associated with the channel. For example, the AP may overestimate the throughput of the punctured channel. In some cases, the first channel selection process may fail to determine channel metrics (e.g., channel quality metrics) for one or more punctured channels (e.g., the technique used to determine the parameter may not account for channel puncturing). Therefore, performing the first channel selection process in a wireless communication system that supports channel puncturing may limit the ability of the AP to effectively select the best channel, which may reduce throughput. For example, a punctured channel may have a lower throughput when compared to other channels (e.g., other channels that are not punctured), and in such cases, the AP may fail to identify and accurately measure (e.g., account for) the reduced throughput of the punctured channel.

[0041] In some specific implementations of the present disclosure, a wireless device (e.g., an AP) may perform a second channel selection process (e.g., different from the first channel selection process) that describes that one or more subchannels of a particular channel are truncated. For example, the AP may generate multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels. The multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on measuring multiple channels. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on one or more subchannel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the multiple channels. The subchannel puncturing pattern may indicate one or more subchannels of the channel bandwidth that are not available for communication. For example, a 160MHz channel may include a set of eight 20MHz subchannels that are adjacent in frequency, and the subchannel puncturing pattern may indicate that one or more 20MHz subchannels in the eight 20MHz subchannels are punctured. The AP may send a message on a channel in the multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the multiple channel efficiency metrics. Therefore, basing multiple channel efficiency metrics on one or more subchannel puncturing patterns may improve the quality and effectiveness of communication between the AP and the STA. For example, the channel may be associated with a higher throughput when compared to other channels, which may result in improved communication when compared to communication using other channels. In such cases, the AP may select a channel (eg, a channel with a higher throughput) based on determining that one or more other channels may have reduced throughput (eg, due to puncturing).

[0042] Such specific implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. For example, an AP may generate multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels, wherein the multiple channel efficiency metrics are based on measuring multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns. Therefore, generating multiple channel efficiency metrics as described herein can improve communication reliability (e.g., for AP and STA) by illustrating one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns. Additionally or alternatively, an AP may send a message on a channel in a plurality of channels, which may improve channel utilization (e.g., AP and STA may utilize more efficient channels that may be punctured). In some cases, an AP may (e.g., to a STA) send a control message including a puncturing bitmap indicating a sub-channel puncturing pattern. The AP may send one or more messages on a channel according to a puncturing bitmap, which may improve communication reliability. In such cases, a STA may determine to monitor a channel according to a puncturing bitmap, which may increase the likelihood that a message is received by a STA.

[0043] Various aspects of the disclosure are first described in the context of wireless communication systems. Various aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to process flows, device diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts involving techniques for channel selection.

[0044] Figure 1 A wireless local area network (WLAN) 100 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi network) configured according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The WLAN 100 may include an AP 105 and a plurality of associated STAs 115, which may represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, etc.), printers, etc. The AP 105 and associated STAs 115 may represent a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). The various STAs 115 in the network are able to communicate with each other through the AP 105. Also shown is a coverage area 110 of the AP 105, which may represent a basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. Extended network stations (not shown) associated with the WLAN 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that may allow multiple APs 105 to be connected in an ESS.

[0045] WLAN 100 may support a channel selection process for communicating between AP 105 and STA 115. For example, AP 105 may perform one or more operations to determine a channel for communicating with one or more STA 115 (e.g., to determine one or more time-frequency resources for communication). In some cases, performing one or more operations to determine (e.g., select) a channel may enable AP 105 to communicate effectively (e.g., to minimize interference, to increase throughput) when using one or more channels in a channel set. However, a first channel selection process (e.g., implemented by a conventional AP 105) may not account for one or more punctured channels (e.g., channels including two or more non-adjacent frequency ranges) that may exist in WLAN 100. Additionally or alternatively, the first channel selection process may not determine a channel metric (e.g., a channel quality metric) for one or more punctured channels (e.g., a technique for determining a parameter may not account for channel puncturing). Therefore, performing the first channel selection process in WLAN 100 (e.g., which supports channel puncturing) may limit the ability of AP 105 to effectively select a channel, which may reduce throughput.

[0046] In some specific implementations of the present disclosure, the AP 105 may perform a second channel selection process (e.g., different from the first channel selection process) that describes that one or more subchannels of a particular channel are punctured. For example, the second channel selection process may include selecting one or more channels from a second channel set including one or more punctured channels. Therefore, the second channel selection process may include determining one or more channel metrics (e.g., channel quality metrics) for the second channel set (e.g., punctured channels and non-punctured channels). In some cases, the second channel selection process may include determining a metric for the punctured channel (e.g., a channel efficiency metric). In some cases, determining the metric for the punctured channel may be based on a puncturing pattern (e.g., a parameter may be calculated using a weighting based on a puncturing bitmap). In some cases, the second channel selection process may provide one or more potential advantages when compared to the first channel selection process, such as reducing the complexity of selecting one or more channels (e.g., as a result of reduced computational complexity). Additionally or alternatively, the second channel selection process may reduce processing overhead, which may enable some lower-cost devices (e.g., having reduced processing power when compared to conventional devices) to effectively perform the second channel selection process.

[0047] In some cases, AP 105 may consider multiple conditions for puncturing (e.g., static puncturing). For example, AP 105 may consider adjacent wave communication, automatic frequency coordination (AFC), radar non-occupied list (NOL), weather channels (e.g., weather radar channels). Additionally or alternatively, AP 105 may select one or more puncturing channels based on one or more guidelines. For example, AP 105 may select a puncturing channel with a defined or minimum puncturing bandwidth. Additionally or alternatively, AP 105 may select a puncturing channel based on the positioning (e.g., position) of puncturing that reduces or minimizes the impact on bandwidth for some clients (e.g., legacy clients). In some cases, AP 105 may select a puncturing channel based on the throughput or effective throughput of the puncturing channel, which may be indicated by clear channel assessment (CCA) statistics (e.g., parameters). For example, AP 105 may select a puncturing channel with a relatively high throughput or effective throughput when compared to one or more puncturing channels that are not selected.

[0048] Channel puncturing may have different effects on different types of clients (e.g., legacy clients and IEEE 802.11be clients). As described herein, the AP 105 may calculate channel efficiencies for different client types and unify them (e.g., perform an average or other mathematical operation) using weights (e.g., weighting each channel efficiency value based on the client type). In some cases, each weight may be configurable. The AP 105 may assign weights to legacy clients, IEEE 802.11be orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) clients, and IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA clients.

[0049] As described herein, AP 105 may calculate a channel efficiency metric for one or more channels in a channel list. The channel list may include one or more punctured channels that may be punctured according to a puncturing bitmap. As an illustrative example, Equation 1 may be used to calculate a channel efficiency metric (e.g., CH Eff) for a channel (e.g., a punctured channel) having a rank of 100, a channel width of 160 MHz, a puncturing bitmap of P1111101, and weights of 50%, 25%, and 25% (e.g., for legacy clients, IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA clients, and IEEE 802.11be OFDMA clients).

[0050] Ch Eff=(50 / 100)*100*(80 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(140 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(140 / 160)=25+43.75=68.75 (1)

[0051] In Formula 1, the number "(80 / 160)" may correspond to 80 MHz of a 160 MHz channel being truncated. Therefore, 80 MHz of a 160 MHz bandwidth may be available for communication. Similarly, the number "(140 / 160)" may correspond to 20 MHz of a 160 MHz channel being truncated. Therefore, 140 MHz of a 160 MHz bandwidth may be available for communication. Additionally or alternatively, Formula 2 may be used to calculate a channel efficiency metric (e.g., CH Eff) for a channel (e.g., a truncated channel) having a rank of 100, a channel width of 160 MHz, a truncated bitmap of P1011111, and weights of 50%, 25%, and 25% (e.g., for legacy clients, IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA clients, and IEEE 802.11be OFDMA clients).

[0052] Ch Eff=(50 / 100)*100*(40 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(140 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(140 / 160)=12.5+43.75=56.25 (2)

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, Equation 3 can be used to calculate a channel efficiency metric (e.g., CHEff) for a channel (e.g., a punctured channel) with a rank of 100, a channel width of 160 MHz, a puncturing bitmap of P0111111, and weights of 50%, 25%, and 25% (e.g., for legacy clients, IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA clients, and IEEE 802.11be OFDMA clients).

[0054] Ch Eff=(50 / 100)*100*(20 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(140 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(140 / 160)=6.25+43.75=50 (3)

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, Equation 4 can be used to calculate a channel efficiency metric (e.g., CHEff) for a channel (e.g., a punctured channel) with a rank of 100, a channel width of 160 MHz, a puncturing bitmap of P0111011, and weights of 50%, 25%, and 25% (e.g., for legacy clients, IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA clients, and IEEE 802.11be OFDMA clients).

[0056] Ch Eff=(50 / 100)*100*(20 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(60 / 160)+(25 / 100)*100*(120 / 160)=6.25+43.75=34.375 (4)

[0057] As described herein, AP 105 may calculate bandwidth efficiency metrics for one or more channels in the channel list. In some cases, as an alternative to calculating one or more channel load metrics, AP 105 may calculate one or more bandwidth efficiency metrics. In some cases, calculating bandwidth efficiency metrics may reflect dynamic puncturing. The bandwidth efficiency metric may be based on the channel load of each 20MHz channel. Additionally or alternatively, AP 105 may calculate bandwidth efficiency to represent the channel load under different dynamic bandwidth and dynamic puncturing options. Similar to the channel efficiency metric, the bandwidth efficiency metric may be calculated using weighting based on client type. For example, AP 105 may assign weighting to legacy clients, IEEE 802.11be OFDMA clients, and IEEE802.11be non-OFDMA clients. AP 105 may use weighting to unify the bandwidth efficiency of each client type.

[0058] To calculate the bandwidth efficiency metric, the AP 105 may determine (e.g., find) the probability that different bandwidths are idle. To determine the probability that a particular bandwidth is idle, the AP 105 may use the minimum of all probabilities for each subchannel (e.g., each 20 MHz bandwidth) within the channel. In some cases, the minimum probability of the subchannel may correspond to a best-case scenario where the idle time on all channels is aligned to make a stronger comparison between alternatives. In some cases, the AP 105 may calculate one or more channel efficiency metrics based on the probability that different bandwidths (e.g., different subchannels) are idle. In some cases, calculating the bandwidth efficiency metric may provide one or more potential advantages when compared to other calculations (e.g., legacy calculations) for channel selection, such as reducing the complexity of selecting one or more channels (e.g., as a result of reduced computational complexity). Additionally or alternatively, calculating the bandwidth efficiency metric may reduce processing overhead, which may enable some lower-cost devices (e.g., having reduced processing power when compared to conventional devices) to efficiently perform the channel selection process.

[0059] As an illustrative example of a dynamic bandwidth for a legacy client view, a 160 MHz channel may have channel loads of 10%, 10%, 80%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, and 10% per 20 MHz (e.g., starting from a main 20 MHz subchannel). For example, a 160 MHz channel may be split into 8 different 20 MHz subchannels, and each 20 MHz subchannel may have a corresponding channel load, which may be expressed as a percentage. According to an illustrative example described herein, 10% of a first 20 MHz subchannel may be occupied, 10% of a second 20 MHz subchannel may be occupied, 80% of a third 20 MHz subchannel may be occupied, and so on. Additionally or alternatively, example bandwidths may be 160 MHz, 80 MHz, 40 MHz, and 20 MHz. That is, bandwidth efficiency may be calculated (e.g., determined) for a channel combination set, which may include a 160 MHz bandwidth (e.g., an entire 160 MHz channel), an 80 MHz bandwidth, a 40 MHz bandwidth, and a 20 MHz bandwidth. Although specific examples of bandwidths are described for illustrative clarity, any combination of bandwidths may be used. In some cases, the AP 105 may determine a corresponding bandwidth efficiency for each potential bandwidth and then sum the corresponding bandwidth efficiencies to determine the bandwidth efficiency (e.g., total bandwidth efficiency) of the 160 MHz channel.

[0060] As an illustrative example, the probability of an idle channel (e.g., an idle subchannel of a 160 MHz bandwidth) may be 0.9, 0.9, 0.2, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9. For a 160 MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine a minimum probability (e.g., 0.2) from the first set of probabilities (0.9, 0.9, 0.2, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9). For an 80 MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine a minimum probability (e.g., 0.0) from the second set of probabilities (0.7, 0.7, 0.0, 0.7). The second set of probabilities may exclude transmissions corresponding to the first set of probabilities. For a 40 MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine a minimum probability (e.g., 0.7) from the third set of probabilities (0.7, 0.7). The third set of probabilities may exclude transmissions corresponding to the first set of probabilities and the second set of probabilities. For a 20 MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.0) from the fourth probability set (0.0). The fourth probability set may exclude transmissions corresponding to the first set of probabilities, the second set of probabilities, and the third set of probabilities. The AP 105 may then use Equation 5 to calculate the bandwidth efficiency.

[0061] BW Eff=((160 / 160)*(20 / 100))+((80 / 160)*(0 / 100))+((40 / 160)*(70 / 100))+((20 / 160)*(0 / 100))=37.5 (5)

[0062] As an illustrative example of dynamic puncturing for IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA view, a 160 MHz channel may have channel loads of 10%, 10%, 80%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, and 10% per 20 MHz (e.g., starting from the main 20 MHz subchannel). Additionally or alternatively, example bandwidths may be 160 MHz, 160 MHz punctured with 20 MHz, 160 MHz punctured with 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 80 MHz punctured with 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 20 MHz. For a 160 MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine a minimum probability (e.g., 0.2) from a first set of probabilities (0.9, 0.9, 0.2, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9). For 140 MHz bandwidth, AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.7) from the second set of probabilities (0.7, 0.7, P, 0.7, 0.7, 0.7, 0.7, 0.7). For 80 MHz, 40 MHz, and 20 MHz bandwidths, AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.0) from the third set of probabilities (0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0). AP 105 may then use Equation 6 to calculate bandwidth efficiency.

[0063] BW Eff=((160 / 160)*(20 / 100))+((140 / 160)*(70 / 100))+((80 / 160)*(0 / 100))+((40 / 160)*(0 / 100))+((20 / 160)*(0 / 100))=81.25 (6)

[0064] As an illustrative example of dynamic puncturing for IEEE 802.11be OFDMA views, a 160MHz channel may have channel loads of 10%, 10%, 80%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, and 10% per 20MHz (e.g., starting from the main 20MHz subchannel). Additionally or alternatively, example bandwidths (e.g., for the first 80MHz segment) may be 80MHz, 80MHz with 20MHz punctured, 80MHz with 40MHz punctured, 40MHz, and 20MHz. For the 80MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.2) from the first set of probabilities (0.9, 0.9, 0.2, 0.9). For the 60MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.7) from the second set of probabilities (0.7, 0.7, P, 0.7). For 40 MHz and 20 MHz bandwidths, the AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (eg, 0.0) from the third set of probabilities (0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0). The AP 105 may then calculate the bandwidth efficiency using Equation 7 (eg, for the first 80 MHz segment).

[0065] BW Eff=((80 / 80)*(20 / 100))+((60 / 80)*(70 / 100))+((40 / 160)*(0 / 100))+((20 / 160)*(0 / 100))=72.5 (7)

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, example bandwidths (e.g., for the second 80 MHz segment) may be 80 MHz, 80 MHz with 20 MHz punctured, 40 MHz, and 20 MHz. For the 80 MHz bandwidth, the AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.9) from the first set of probabilities (0.9, 0.9, 0.9, 0.9). For the 60 MHz, 40 MHz, and 20 MHz bandwidths, the AP 105 may determine the minimum probability (e.g., 0.0) from the second set of probabilities (0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0). The AP 105 may then calculate the bandwidth efficiency (e.g., for the second 80 MHz segment) using Equation 8.

[0067] BW Eff=((80 / 80)*(90 / 100))+((60 / 80)*(0 / 100))+((0 / 160)*(0 / 100))+((0 / 160)*(0 / 100))=90.0 (8)

[0068] The AP 105 may then average the bandwidth efficiencies for the first 80 MHz and second 80 MHz segments to determine a bandwidth efficiency of 81.25. Additionally or alternatively, the AP 105 may use Equation 9 to calculate the overall bandwidth efficiency.

[0069] BW Eff=(0.5*37.5)+(0.25*81.25)+(0.25*81.25)=59.375 (9)

[0070] Although not in Figure 1 105 , but a STA 115 may be located at the intersection of more than one coverage area 110 and may be associated with more than one AP 105. A collection of a single AP 105 and associated STAs 115 may be referred to as a BSS. An ESS is a collection of connected BSSs. A distribution system (not shown) may be used to connect the APs 105 in an ESS. In some cases, the coverage area 110 of an AP 105 may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The WLAN 100 may include APs 105 of different types (e.g., urban areas, home networks, etc.) with different and overlapping coverage areas 110. Two STAs 115 may also communicate directly via a direct wireless link 125, regardless of whether the two STAs 115 are in the same coverage area 110. Examples of direct wireless links 120 may include Wi-Fi direct connections, Wi-Fi tunneling direct link setup (TDLS) links, and other group connections. The STA 115 and the AP 105 may communicate according to WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical layer and the MAC layer from IEEE 802.11 and versions including, but not limited to, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, 802.11ax, etc. In other specific implementations, peer-to-peer connections or ad hoc networks may be implemented within the WLAN 100.

[0071] In some cases, a STA 115 (or AP 105) may be detected by the central AP 105 but not by other STAs 115 in the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105. For example, one STA 115 may be located at one end of the coverage area 110 of the central AP 105, while another STA 115 may be located at the other end. Therefore, the two STAs 115 may communicate with the AP 105 but may not receive each other's transmissions. This may cause transmission collisions of the two STAs 115 in a contention-based environment (e.g., carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA)) because the STAs 115 may not refrain from transmitting over each other. STAs 115 whose transmissions cannot be identified but are within the same coverage area 110 may be referred to as hidden nodes. CSMA / CA can be supplemented by the exchange of request to send (RTS) packets sent by the transmitting STA 115 (or AP 105) and clear to send (CTS) packets sent by the receiving STA 115 (or AP 105). This can alert other devices within range of the transmitter and receiver not to transmit for the duration of the main transmission. Thus, RTS / CTS can help alleviate the hidden node problem.

[0072] Figure 2 An example of a flowchart 200 supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. One or more aspects of the flowchart 200 may be implemented by one or more aspects of the WLAN 100. For example, as described in reference Figure 1 The described AP 105 may implement (e.g., perform one or more operations of) the flowchart 200 (e.g., as part of a channel selection process). In the following description of the flowchart 200, the operations may occur in an order different from that shown, or the operations may be performed at different times. Some operations may also be excluded from the flowchart 200, or other operations may be added to the flowchart 200.

[0073] At 205, the AP 105 may begin a channel selection operation (e.g., an automatic channel selection (ACS) operation). The channel selection operation may enable the AP 105 to select a channel (e.g., the best channel, a channel that satisfies one or more thresholds) from one or more channel lists for communicating with one or more STAs 115 (e.g., within the coverage area 110). The channel selection operation may be performed based on initializing or powering on the AP 105. In some cases, the channel selection operation may be performed periodically. The channel selection operation may be an example of an ACS operation that may be performed according to one or more aspects of a communication standard (e.g., a protocol) such as IEEE 802.11be. The communication standard may include one or more protocols for communicating using channel puncturing and overlapping 320MHz channels. Therefore, the AP 105 performing the channel selection operation may communicate using channel puncturing and overlapping 320MHz channels. In some cases, the AP 105 may consider the 320MHz overlapping channels as separate channel combinations and determine to use different channel selection operations (e.g., existing algorithms, legacy ACS operations). As used herein, "satisfying a threshold" may refer to a value being greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0074] At 210, the AP 105 may form (e.g., construct, determine, generate, compile, select) a first channel list and a second channel list. Both the first channel list and the second channel list may include one or more punctured channels. The first channel list (e.g., where each channel is 20 MHz bandwidth) may include the number of channels (e.g., all possible channels) for the bandwidth configured by the user. Additionally or alternatively, the first channel list may include punctured channels based on AFC or other regulations (e.g., other protocols for determining whether a subset of channels is accessible by the AP 105). The second channel list may include the first channel list and one or more channels adjacent to the first channel list. The second channel list may be used for scanning. As described herein, the phrase "channel list" may be used interchangeably to refer to the first channel list and the second channel list. For example, the AP 105 may use the first channel list, the second channel list, or both to perform a channel selection operation. In some cases, for a channel list selected for scanning (e.g., channel survey, channel selection operation), the AP 105 may stay on each channel for a configured dwell time and collect statistics (e.g., metrics) for each channel.

[0075] In some cases, AP 105 may be configured to send and receive communications within a bandwidth that can be configured by a user. The bandwidth may include a range of frequencies for wireless communications. In some cases, the bandwidth may include multiple channels. For example, the bandwidth may be a 160MHz bandwidth, which may be divided into 20MHz channels (e.g., subchannels). In some cases, the bandwidth may include one or more censored channels. For example, one or more channels within the bandwidth may include multiple non-adjacent frequency ranges. In such cases, the censored channel may include a first frequency range of 20MHz for communication, a second frequency range of 20MHz that is censored (e.g., not used for communication), and a third frequency range of 20MHz for communication and an additional frequency range that may be censored or used for communication. The first frequency range and the third frequency range may be non-adjacent. In some cases, AP 105 may form a channel list based on a mode (e.g., an operating mode for AP 105).

[0076] At 215, the AP 105 may determine (e.g., calculate) one or more metrics (e.g., internal metrics and external metrics) for each channel included in the channel list. In some cases, in order to measure the one or more metrics for each channel, the AP 105 may use each channel in the channel list to access the STA 115, establish a connection with the STA 115, or otherwise communicate with the STA 115. For example, the AP 105 may send one or more reference signals to the STA 115 on each channel in the channel list. Additionally or alternatively, the STA 115 may send one or more reference signals to the AP 105. The AP 105 may access or otherwise perform communication (e.g., send reference signaling, receive reference signaling) on ​​each channel in the channel list within a duration (e.g., a dwell time). In some cases, the dwell time may be configurable. In some other cases, the dwell time may be a fixed value, such as 300 milliseconds (ms). In some cases, AP 105 may determine one or more metrics for each channel included in the channel list based on reference signaling (e.g., measurements of reference signals received from one or more other APs, one or more STAs, or both, indications of measurements of transmitted reference signals).

[0077] One or more channel metrics may include a noise floor, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), the number of overlapping BSSs (OBSSs), a spatial reuse parameter (SRP), channel utilization, transmit power, channel rank, channel efficiency, and bandwidth efficiency. As described herein, the phrases "channel utilization," "channel load," "channel availability," and "probability of a channel being idle" may be used interchangeably. In some cases, one or more channel metrics may be determined (e.g., calculated) based on one or more other channel metrics (e.g., parameters). For example, the AP 105 may determine (e.g., calculate) a channel rank based on a burr parameter (e.g., for spurious tones), a noise floor, transmit power, or any other metric (e.g., parameter) associated with a channel. The AP 105 may determine a channel rank from a bus device function (BDF) during device initialization. A channel rank may indicate a value (e.g., from 0 to 100) corresponding to the throughput of a channel. For example, a channel rank of 1 may indicate a relatively low throughput when compared to a channel rank of 100. In some cases, a channel rank of 0 may indicate that a channel is unavailable (e.g., blocked). In some cases (e.g., in a legacy network), multiple channel metrics (e.g., noise floor, RSSI, OBSS amount, SRP, channel utilization, transmit power) may be measured for each channel in a channel list that may include one or more punctured channels. In some cases, multiple channel metrics may be measured for each 20 MHz bandwidth included in a scan of a larger bandwidth (e.g., 160 MHz or 320 MHz) (e.g., a channel selection operation). The AP 105 may determine the one or more channel metrics based on the one or more beacons. For example, the AP 105 may perform a beacon processing operation to extract information associated with the one or more punctured channels.

[0078] At 220, the AP 105 may filter (e.g., update) the channel list by removing one or more channels having a noise floor that satisfies a threshold (e.g., a threshold noise floor). For example, if one or more channels have a noise floor greater than a threshold noise floor, the AP 105 may filter the channel list by removing the one or more channels from the channel list. The threshold noise floor may be determined based on a configuration. In some other cases, the threshold noise floor may be based on an average of the corresponding noise floors for each channel in the channel list. In some cases, the threshold noise floor may be a fixed value. In some other cases, the threshold noise floor may be dynamically configured (e.g., based on one or more parameters). As described herein, the phrase "channel list" may be used interchangeably to describe a channel list both before and after one or more filtering operations (e.g., for updating a channel list). For example, the phrase "channel list" may refer to an initial channel list formed by the AP 105 (e.g., at 210), an updated channel list filtered by the AP (e.g., at 220, at 235, at 240, at 245, and at 250). Thus, the interpretation of the phrase "channel list" may depend on the context indicating that the steps of flowchart 200 are being described using the phrase "channel list." For example, a channel list described with reference to a first step (e.g., at 210) may be different from a channel list described with reference to a second step (e.g., at 250).

[0079] At 225, the AP 105 may determine whether a certain number of channels (e.g., primary channels) are available. For example, the AP 105 may determine whether zero primary channels are available. In some cases, the primary channels may be examples of channels used for communication between the AP 105 and the STA 115 (e.g., channels included in the first set of channels). In some cases, the AP 105 may determine whether a certain number of channels (e.g., primary channels) are available based on (e.g., from) a channel list that may be filtered based on a corresponding noise floor of each channel (e.g., at 220). The AP 105 may then determine (e.g., at 225) from the channel list whether zero primary channels are available.

[0080] At 230, if the channel list does not include any available channels, the AP 105 may select one or more channels (e.g., from the channel list) based on the number of OBSSs associated with the one or more channels. In some cases, the AP 105 may select the channel from the channel list based on determining that the channel has a minimum number of OBSSs when compared to other channels included in the channel list. In some other cases, the AP 105 may select one or more channels from the channel list based on determining whether the one or more channels have a corresponding number of OBBSs that is below a threshold number of OBBSs. In some other cases, the AP 105 may select one or more random channels from the channel list.

[0081] At 235, if the channel list includes available channels, the AP 105 may filter (eg, update) the channel list based on the channel efficiency metric for each channel. Some illustrative examples of channel efficiency calculations are provided by reference to Figure 1 1-4 described in further detail. In some cases, AP 105 may remove one or more channels having corresponding channel efficiency metrics that meet the threshold channel efficiency (e.g., corresponding channel efficiency metrics that are lower than the threshold channel efficiency due to channel efficiency differences) from the channel list. The channel efficiency difference may be a range of variation in the channel efficiency value. The threshold channel efficiency may be determined based on a configuration. In some other cases, the threshold channel efficiency may be based on an average value of the corresponding channel efficiency metrics for each channel in the channel list. In some cases, the threshold channel efficiency may be a fixed value. In some other cases, the threshold channel efficiency may be configured dynamically (e.g., based on one or more parameters).

[0082] At 240, AP 105 may filter (e.g., update) the channel list based on the spatial reuse load of each channel. In some cases, AP 105 may remove one or more channels having a corresponding spatial reuse load that satisfies the threshold spatial reuse load (e.g., having a spatial reuse load greater than the threshold spatial reuse load due to a spatial reuse load difference) from the channel list. The spatial reuse load difference may be a range of variation in the spatial reuse load value. The threshold spatial reuse load may be determined based on a configuration. In some other cases, the threshold spatial reuse load may be based on an average value of the corresponding spatial reuse load for each channel in the channel list. In some cases, the threshold spatial reuse load may be a fixed value. In some other cases, the threshold spatial reuse load may be configured dynamically (e.g., based on one or more parameters).

[0083] At 245, the AP 105 may filter (eg, update) the channel list based on the bandwidth efficiency metric for each channel. Some illustrative examples of bandwidth efficiency calculations are provided by reference to Figure 15-9 described in further detail. In some cases, AP 105 may remove one or more channels from the channel list that have a corresponding bandwidth efficiency metric that satisfies the threshold bandwidth efficiency metric (e.g., a corresponding bandwidth efficiency that is greater than the threshold bandwidth efficiency due to a bandwidth efficiency difference). The bandwidth efficiency difference may be a range of variation in the bandwidth efficiency value. The threshold bandwidth efficiency may be determined based on a configuration. In some other cases, the threshold bandwidth efficiency may be based on an average value of the corresponding bandwidth efficiency for each channel in the channel list. In some cases, the threshold bandwidth efficiency may be a fixed value. In some other cases, the threshold bandwidth efficiency may be configured dynamically (e.g., based on one or more parameters).

[0084] At 250, the AP 105 may filter (e.g., update) the channel list based on the transmit power for each channel. For example, the AP 105 may apply a regulatory filter. In some cases, the AP 105 may remove one or more channels from the channel list that have a corresponding transmit power that meets a threshold transmit power (e.g., a corresponding transmit power that is less than the threshold transmit power due to a transmit power difference). The transmit power difference may be a range of variations in transmit power values. The threshold transmit power may be determined based on a configuration. In some other cases, the threshold transmit power may be based on an average value of the corresponding transmit power for each channel in the channel list. In some cases, the threshold transmit power may be a fixed value. In some other cases, the threshold transmit power may be configured dynamically (e.g., based on one or more parameters).

[0085] At 255, the AP 105 may select a channel from the channel list based on the channel efficiency for each channel. In some cases, the AP 105 may select a channel from the channel list based on determining that the channel (e.g., the selected channel) has the highest channel efficiency (e.g., the maximum channel efficiency) when compared to other channels included in the channel list. The AP 105 may communicate with one or more STAs 115 on the channel (e.g., the selected channel). In some cases, selecting a channel from the channel list may enable the AP 105 to improve the quality and efficiency of communication. For example, selecting a channel from the channel list may improve communication performance. At 260, the AP 105 may stop (e.g., terminate) the channel selection operation.

[0086] Figure 3 An example of a process flow 300 that supports techniques for channel selection in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The process flow 300 may implement one or more aspects of the WLAN 100 and the flowchart 200. For example, at 310, the AP 105-b may generate a channel efficiency metric, which may be as described in reference to FIG. Figure 2(e.g., at 215) as an example of a “metric for each channel” as described. At 315, the AP 105-b may adjust the channel efficiency metric. In some cases, the AP 105-b may adjust the channel efficiency metric as described in reference Figure 2 (e.g., at 215) as part of one or more metric calculations described. At 320, the AP 105-b may generate a bandwidth efficiency metric (e.g., as described in reference Figure 2 (e.g., as part of one or more metric calculations described at 215). In some cases, the AP 105-b may select a channel at 325, which may be as described with reference to Figure 2 An example of selecting a channel (eg, based on channel efficiency) is described (eg, at 255).

[0087] The process flow 300 may include the AP 105-b and the STA 115-b, which may be as described in reference Figure 1 105 and STA 115 are described. In the following description of process flow 300, the operations between AP 105-b and STA 115-b may be sent in an order different from the order shown, or the operations may be performed at different times. Some operations may also be excluded from process flow 300, or other operations may be added to process flow 300. Although AP 105-b is shown as performing multiple operations of process flow 300, any wireless device may perform the operations shown. For example, STA 115-b may perform the operations shown.

[0088] At 305, the AP 105-b may measure one or more channels in the channel set. In some cases, the AP 105-b may measure one or more reference signals to determine one or more parameters for the channel. For example, the AP 105-b may receive a reference signal from a STA 115-b (not shown) and may determine a signal quality or power associated with the reference signal. In some cases, the AP 105-b may determine channel quality or any other parameter (e.g., measuring the channel) based on the reference signal (e.g., measuring the reference signal). Additionally or alternatively, one or more metrics (e.g., channel efficiency metrics, bandwidth efficiency metrics) may be based on measuring one or more channels.

[0089] At 310, AP 105-b may generate multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels. In some cases, AP 105-b may select channels from a channel set (e.g., ten different 160MHz channel sets, ten different 320MHz channel sets, or any other channel set). As described herein, the term "set" may be used interchangeably with the phrase "one or more". For example, a set may include one or more items. Thus, AP 105-b may generate a corresponding set of channel efficiency metrics for each channel in the channel set (e.g., for each 160MHz channel, for each 320MHz channel). Multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on measuring multiple channels and based on one or more subchannel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the multiple channels. For example, a channel efficiency metric may be based on the throughput of a channel and the throughput of a channel may be based on a subchannel puncturing pattern for a channel. In some cases, puncturing a channel may change the throughput of the channel. A subchannel puncturing pattern may indicate one or more portions of a channel that are punctured. For example, the subchannel puncturing pattern can be described (e.g., defined) using a puncturing bitmap, wherein each bit of the puncturing bitmap corresponds to a subchannel of a channel. In such cases, a bit set to a value of "0" may indicate that the corresponding subchannel is punctured, and a bit set to a value of "1" may indicate that the corresponding subchannel is not punctured, or vice versa. As an illustrative example, a puncturing bitmap of P1111101 may indicate that the seventh 20MHz subchannel in eight 20MHz subchannels is punctured. Additionally or alternatively, the character "P" may indicate which subchannel is the primary subchannel.

[0090] In some cases, the AP 105-b may generate a channel efficiency metric for a channel based on the throughput of the channel and the number of basic service sets within range of the AP 105-b. Some illustrative examples of channel efficiency calculations for generating channel efficiency metrics are provided by reference to Figure 1 1-4 described in further detail. In some cases, AP 105-b may measure (e.g., generate, determine) multiple channel metrics, including a noise floor metric, a received signal strength indicator, a number of overlapping basic service sets, a spatial reuse parameter, a channel utilization, a throughput, and a transmit power. Multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on multiple channel metrics.

[0091] At 315, AP 105-b may adjust a channel efficiency metric for a channel in a plurality of channels based on the number of subchannels of the channel that are punctured according to the subchannel puncturing pattern. The channel efficiency metric may be adjusted by reducing the channel efficiency metric based on the number of punctured subchannels of the channel (e.g., reducing the channel efficiency in proportion to the puncturing). For example, the channel efficiency metric may be based on the throughput of the channel that may be punctured. AP 105-b may reduce the channel efficiency metric to reflect the reduction of the throughput of the channel by puncturing the channel. For example, AP 105-b may determine a first channel efficiency metric based on a first channel that may not be punctured. AP 105-b may determine a second channel efficiency metric based on reducing the first channel efficiency metric by a certain amount. For example, AP 105-b may reduce the first channel efficiency metric by an amount proportional to the percentage of the punctured channel. That is, a relatively high percentage of the punctured channel may correspond to a relatively high reduction in the first channel efficiency metric. Additionally or alternatively, reducing the channel efficiency metric may be based on reducing the channel level of the punctured channel. For example, an 80 MHz channel may have a rank of 100, while a 60 MHz channel (eg, with 20 MHz of the 80 MHz channel punctured) may have a rank of 75.

[0092] At 320, AP 105-b may generate (e.g., measure, determine) multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics for multiple channels. In some cases, AP 105-b may select a channel from the multiple channels based on the generated bandwidth efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold. In some cases, AP 105-b may generate (e.g., measure, determine) multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics based on multiple probabilities that corresponding subchannels of the multiple channels are occupied and based on whether one or more corresponding subchannels of the multiple channels are truncated. In some cases, the generated bandwidth efficiency metric may be a function of multiple probabilities that multiple subchannels of the channel are available. In some cases, multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics may be based on the corresponding throughput of each of the multiple channels. Additionally or alternatively, multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics may be based on the type of AP 105-b or the type of protocol used for operation at AP 105-b. For example, the bandwidth efficiency metric may be based on whether AP 105-b operates according to the IEEE 802.11be OFDMA protocol (e.g., standard), the IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA protocol, a legacy protocol, or any other protocol. Some illustrative examples of bandwidth efficiency calculations are provided by reference Figure 1 Further details are provided for formulas 5-9.

[0093] At 325, the AP 105-b may select a channel from the plurality of channels based on a comparison of the channel efficiency metric for the channel relative to the channel efficiency metrics for other channels in the plurality of channels. In some cases, the AP 105-b selecting the channel (e.g., at 325) may be as described in reference to Figure 2 In some cases, the AP 105-b may select the channel from the plurality of channels based on a first bandwidth efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold (e.g., being greater than a threshold bandwidth efficiency metric). In some cases, the first bandwidth efficiency metric is a function of a plurality of probabilities that a plurality of subchannels of the channel are available (e.g., based on the probabilities).

[0094] At 330, AP 105-b may send a control message including a puncture bitmap indicating a subchannel puncture pattern for one or more subchannels of a channel. In some cases, the message is sent on the channel according to the puncture bitmap. For example, the channel may be punctured according to the puncture bitmap. Additionally or alternatively, AP 105-b may monitor the control message based on the puncture bitmap. For example, AP 105-b may monitor the channel punctured according to the puncture bitmap. AP 105-b may receive the control message based on monitoring the punctured channel according to the puncture bitmap. In some cases, each bit of the puncture bitmap corresponds to a subchannel of the channel. In such cases, a bit set to a value of "0" may indicate that the corresponding subchannel is punctured, and a bit set to a value of "1" may indicate that the corresponding subchannel is not punctured, or vice versa. As an illustrative example, the puncture bitmap of P1111101 may indicate that the seventh 20MHz subchannel in eight 20MHz subchannels is punctured. Additionally or alternatively, the character "P" may indicate which subchannel is a primary subchannel.

[0095] At 335, the AP 105-b may send a message on a channel in the plurality of channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the plurality of channel efficiency metrics. In some cases, the channel efficiency metric is a function of a bandwidth of the channel, a throughput of the channel, a number of overlapping basic service sets within a vicinity of the AP, and one or more weighting factors corresponding to a respective type of client. As an illustrative example, the type of client may be an IEEE 802.11be OFDM client, an IEEE 802.11be non-OFDMA client, a legacy client, etc. In some cases, the channel efficiency metric may be based on a frequency location of a punctured subchannel within the bandwidth of the channel.

[0096] Figure 4A block diagram 400 of a device 405 supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 405 may be an example of aspects of an AP as described herein. The device 405 may include a receiver 410, a transmitter 415, and a communication manager 420. The device 405 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0097] Receiver 410 may provide means for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for channel selection). The information may be communicated to other components of device 405. Receiver 410 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0098] Transmitter 415 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 405. Transmitter 415 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0099] The communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of the techniques for channel selection as described herein. For example, the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

[0100] In some examples, the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured as or otherwise supports components for performing the functions described in the present disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0101] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functionality of the communication manager 420, the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor (e.g., configured as or otherwise supporting components for performing the functionality described in the present disclosure), a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices.

[0102] In some examples, communication manager 420 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 410, transmitter 415, or both. For example, communication manager 420 may receive information from receiver 410, transmit information to transmitter 415, or integrate with receiver 410, transmitter 415, or both in combination to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0103] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 420 may support wireless communications at the AP. For example, the communication manager 420 may be configured to or otherwise support components for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels. The communication manager 420 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0104] By including or configuring the communication manager 420 according to the examples described herein, the device 405 (e.g., a processor that controls or is otherwise coupled to the receiver 410, the transmitter 415, the communication manager 420, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for performing channel selection processes that indicate that one or more subchannels of a particular channel are truncated. For example, the device 405 may generate multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels. The multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on measuring multiple channels and one or more subchannel truncating patterns for one or more channels in the multiple channels. Basing the multiple channel efficiency metrics on one or more subchannel truncating patterns may result in more efficient use of communication resources. For example, the device 405 may prohibit measuring the truncated portion of the channel. Additionally or alternatively, the device 405 may select a more efficient channel (e.g., a truncated channel) for communication, which may result in more efficient use of communication resources. In some cases, the device 405 may perform a channel selection process that provides one or more potential advantages when compared to a conventional channel selection process, such as reducing the complexity of selecting one or more channels (e.g., as a result of reduced computational complexity). Additionally or alternatively, the channel selection process as described herein may reduce processing overhead, which may enable some lower cost devices (eg, having reduced processing power when compared to conventional devices) to efficiently perform the channel selection process.

[0105] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 505 may be an example of aspects of the device 405 or the AP 115 as described herein. The device 505 may include a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, and a communication manager 520. The device 505 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0106] Receiver 510 may provide means for receiving information (such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to techniques for channel selection). The information may be communicated to other components of device 505. Receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0107] Transmitter 515 may provide means for transmitting signals generated by the other components of device 505. Transmitter 515 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0108] Device 505 or its various components may be examples of components for performing various aspects of the techniques for channel selection as described herein. For example, communication manager 520 may include metric generation component 525, message component 530, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 520 may be an example of various aspects of communication manager 420 as described herein. In some examples, communication manager 520 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise in conjunction with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both. For example, communication manager 520 may receive information from receiver 510, transmit information to transmitter 515, or be integrated with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or a combination of both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0109] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 520 may support wireless communications at the AP. The metric generation component 525 may be configured to or otherwise support components for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels. The message component 530 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0110] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a communication manager 620 supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 620 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 420, the communication manager 520, or both as described herein. The communication manager 620 or its various components can be examples of components for performing various aspects of the techniques for channel selection as described herein. For example, the communication manager 620 can include a metric generation component 625, a message component 630, a control message component 635, an adjustment component 640, a bandwidth component 645, a selection component 650, a measurement component 655, or any combination thereof. Each of these components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0111] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 620 may support wireless communications at the AP. The metric generation component 625 may be configured to or otherwise support components for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels. The message component 630 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0112] In some examples, the control message component 635 may be configured as or otherwise support components for sending a control message including a truncation bitmap that indicates a subchannel truncation pattern for one or more subchannels of a channel, wherein the message is sent on the channel according to the truncation bitmap.

[0113] In some examples, adjustment component 640 may be configured to or otherwise support means for adjusting a channel efficiency metric for a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a number of subchannels of the channel that are punctured according to a subchannel puncturing pattern.

[0114] In some examples, the channel efficiency metric is adjusted by reducing the channel efficiency metric based on a number of punctured sub-channels of the channel.

[0115] In some examples, bandwidth component 645 can be configured or otherwise support components for generating a set of multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics for the set of multiple channels and selecting a channel in the multiple channels based at least in part on the multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics.

[0116] In some examples, bandwidth component 645 may be configured to or otherwise support components for generating a bandwidth efficiency metric for a channel from a set of multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics based on a set of multiple probabilities that corresponding subchannels of the channel are occupied and based on whether one or more corresponding subchannels of the channel are truncated.

[0117] In some examples, the bandwidth efficiency metric generated is a function of a set of multiple probabilities that a set of multiple sub-channels of the channel are available.

[0118] In some examples, to support generation of the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics, metric generation component 625 may be configured as or otherwise support components for generating a channel efficiency metric for a channel based on a throughput associated with the channel and a number of basic service sets within range of the AP.

[0119] In some examples, selection component 650 can be configured or otherwise support means for selecting a channel from the set of multiple channels based on a comparison of a channel efficiency metric for the channel relative to channel efficiency metrics for other channels in the set of multiple channels.

[0120] In some examples, selection component 650 can be configured or otherwise support means for selecting a channel from the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold.

[0121] In some examples, the measurement component 655 may be configured to or otherwise support components for measuring a set of multiple channel metrics, the set of multiple channel metrics including a noise floor metric, a received signal strength indicator, a number of overlapping basic service sets, a spatial reuse parameter, channel utilization, throughput, and transmit power, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on the set of multiple channel metrics.

[0122] In some examples, the channel efficiency metric is a function of the bandwidth of the channel, the throughput of the channel, the number of overlapping basic service sets within the vicinity of the AP, and one or more weighting factors corresponding to the respective types of clients.

[0123] In some examples, the channel efficiency metric is based on the frequency location of the punctured sub-channel within the bandwidth of the channel.

[0124] Figure 7 A diagram of a system 700 including a device 705 supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 may be an example of a device 405, a device 505, or an AP as described herein or include components of these devices. The device 705 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 720, a network communication manager 710, a transceiver 715, an antenna 725, a memory 730, a code 735, a processor 740, and an inter-AP communication manager 745. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 750).

[0125] The network communication manager 710 may manage communications with the core network (eg, via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communication manager 710 may manage the transfer of data communications of client devices such as one or more STAs 115.

[0126] In some cases, the device 705 may include a single antenna 725. However, in some other cases, the device 705 may have more than one antenna 725, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver 715 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 725, wired or wireless links, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 715 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 715 may also include a modem for modulating packets, and providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas 725 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 725. The transceiver 715, or the transceiver 715 and one or more antennas 725 may be examples of transmitters 415, transmitters 515, receivers 410, receivers 510, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0127] The memory 730 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 730 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 735 including instructions that, when executed by the processor 740, cause the device 705 to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 730 may also contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0128] The processor 740 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 740 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 740. The processor 740 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., a memory 730) to enable the device 705 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting techniques for channel selection). For example, the device 705 or a component of the device 705 may include a processor 740 and a memory 730 coupled to or to the processor 740, and the processor 740 and the memory 730 are configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0129] The inter-station communication manager 745 may manage communications with other APs 105 and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs 115 in coordination with other APs 105. For example, the inter-station communication manager 745 may coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to the APs 105 for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communication manager 745 may provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communications between APs 105.

[0130] According to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 720 may support wireless communications at the AP. For example, the communication manager 720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels. The communication manager 720 may be configured to or otherwise support components for sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0131] By including or configuring a communication manager 720 according to an example as described herein, the device 705 may support techniques for performing a channel selection process that illustrates that one or more subchannels of a particular channel are truncated. For example, the device 705 may generate multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels. Multiple channel efficiency metrics may be based on measuring multiple channels and one or more subchannel truncating patterns for one or more channels in the multiple channels. Basing multiple channel efficiency metrics on one or more subchannel truncating patterns may lead to improved communication reliability and more efficient use of communication resources. For example, the device 705 may select a channel (e.g., a truncated channel) for communication based on one or more channel metrics that accurately illustrate channel truncating. In some cases, the device 705 may perform a channel selection process that provides one or more potential advantages when compared to a conventional channel selection process, such as reducing the complexity of selecting one or more channels (e.g., as a result of reduced computational complexity). Additionally or alternatively, the channel selection process as described herein may reduce processing overhead, which may enable some lower-cost devices (e.g., having reduced processing power when compared to conventional devices) to effectively perform the channel selection process.

[0132] Figure 8 800 is a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 800 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 800 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 7The AP performs the described functions. In some examples, the AP can execute instruction sets to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0133] At 805, the method may include generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels. The operations of 805 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 805 may be performed as described in reference Figure 6 The metric generation component 625 is used to perform.

[0134] At 810, the method may include sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics. The operations of 810 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 810 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 6 The message component 630 is executed.

[0135] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 for supporting techniques for channel selection according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 900 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 900 may be implemented by an AP or a component thereof as described in reference to Figures 1 to 7 The AP performs the described functions. In some examples, the AP can execute instruction sets to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the AP can use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

[0136] At 905, the method may include generating a set of multiple channel efficiency metrics for a set of multiple channels, wherein the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics is based on measuring the set of multiple channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels in the set of multiple channels. The operations of 905 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 905 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 6 The metric generation component 625 is used to perform.

[0137] At 910, the method may include sending a control message including a puncturing bitmap indicating a subchannel puncturing pattern for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message is sent on the channel according to the puncturing bitmap. The operations of 910 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 910 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 6 The control message component 635 is used to execute.

[0138] At 915, the method may include sending a message on a channel in the set of multiple channels based on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the set of multiple channel efficiency metrics. The operations of 915 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 915 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 6 The message component 630 is executed. The following provides an overview of various aspects of the present disclosure:

[0139] Aspect 1: A method for performing wireless communications at an AP, the method comprising: generating multiple channel efficiency metrics for multiple channels, wherein the multiple channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on measuring the multiple channels and one or more sub-channel truncation patterns for one or more channels in the multiple channels; and sending a message on a channel in the multiple channels based at least in part on a channel efficiency metric for the channel in the multiple channel efficiency metrics.

[0140] Aspect 2: According to the method described in Aspect 1, the method further includes: sending a control message including a truncation bitmap, wherein the truncation bitmap indicates a subchannel truncation mode for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message is sent on the channel according to the truncation bitmap.

[0141] Aspect 3: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 2, the method further includes: adjusting the channel efficiency metric for the channel among the multiple channels based at least in part on the number of subchannels of the channel truncated according to a subchannel truncation pattern.

[0142] Aspect 4: The method of aspect 3, wherein the channel efficiency metric is adjusted by reducing the channel efficiency metric based at least in part on a number of punctured sub-channels of the channel.

[0143] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising: selecting the channel from the plurality of channels based at least in part on a plurality of bandwidth efficiency metrics for the plurality of channels.

[0144] Aspect 6: A method according to Aspect 5, wherein the bandwidth efficiency metric for the channel among the multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics is at least partially based on multiple probabilities that corresponding subchannels of the channel are occupied and at least partially based on whether one or more corresponding subchannels of the channel are truncated.

[0145] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 5 to 6, wherein the bandwidth efficiency metric is a function of a plurality of probabilities that a plurality of sub-channels of the channel are available.

[0146] Aspect 8: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein generating the multiple channel efficiency metrics also includes: generating the channel efficiency metrics for the channel based at least in part on the throughput associated with the channel and the number of basic service sets within the range of the AP.

[0147] Aspect 9: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 8, the method also includes: selecting the channel from the multiple channels based at least in part on a comparison of the channel efficiency metric for the channel relative to the channel efficiency metrics for other channels in the multiple channels.

[0148] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, the method further comprising: selecting the channel from the plurality of channels based at least in part on the channel efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold.

[0149] Aspect 11: According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 10, the method also includes: measuring multiple channel metrics, the multiple channel metrics including noise floor metrics, received signal strength indicators, the number of overlapping basic service sets, spatial reuse parameters, channel utilization, throughput and transmit power, wherein the multiple channel efficiency metrics are at least partially based on the multiple channel metrics.

[0150] Aspect 12: A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the channel efficiency metric is a function of the bandwidth of the channel, the throughput of the channel, the number of overlapping basic service sets near the AP, and one or more weighting factors corresponding to the corresponding type of client.

[0151] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the channel efficiency metric is based at least in part on the frequency location of the punctured sub-channel within the bandwidth of the channel.

[0152] Aspect 14: An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13.

[0153] Aspect 15: An apparatus for wireless communication at an AP, comprising: at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0154] Aspect 16: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an AP, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0155] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and other implementations are possible. In addition, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0156] The technology described herein can be used for various wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), OFDMA, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. Code division multiple access (CDMA) systems can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 versions are commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. Time division multiple access (TDMA) systems can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system may implement wireless technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc.

[0157] One or more wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, each station may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, each station may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0158] Downlink transmissions described herein may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described herein—including, for example, Figure 1 The WLAN 100 may include one or more carriers, wherein each carrier may be a signal composed of multiple subcarriers (eg, waveform signals of different frequencies).

[0159] The descriptions set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describe example configurations and do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration" and does not mean "better than" or "better than other examples." The specific implementation includes specific details to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0160] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label to distinguish between similar components. Where only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0161] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the specification may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0162] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0163] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium, or sent via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or a combination of any of these items. The features that implement the functions may also be physically located at different locations, including being distributed so that the parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein (including in the claims), the "or" used in the enumeration of items (e.g., enumeration of items with phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive enumeration, so that, for example, the enumeration of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0164] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another.Non-transient storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer.By way of example and not limitation, non-transient computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transient medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code means of instruction or data structure form and can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer or a general or special-purpose processor.Moreover, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media.For example, if software is sent from a website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0165] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but conforms to the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at an access point (AP), the apparatus comprising: processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: generating a plurality of channel efficiency metrics for a plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on measuring the plurality of channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels of the plurality of channels; as well as A message is sent on a channel of the plurality of channels based at least in part on a channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channel efficiency metrics.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A control message is sent including a puncturing bitmap indicating a subchannel puncturing pattern for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message is sent on the channel according to the puncturing bitmap.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channels is adjusted based at least in part on a number of subchannels of the channel that are punctured according to a subchannel puncturing pattern.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the channel efficiency metric is adjusted by reducing the channel efficiency metric based at least in part on a number of punctured subchannels of the channel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The channel of the plurality of channels is selected based at least in part on a plurality of bandwidth efficiency metrics for the plurality of channels.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bandwidth efficiency metric for the channel among the multiple bandwidth efficiency metrics is at least partially based on multiple probabilities that corresponding subchannels of the channel are occupied and at least partially based on whether one or more corresponding subchannels of the channel are truncated.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bandwidth efficiency metric is a function of a plurality of probabilities that a plurality of subchannels of the channel are available.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions for generating the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The channel efficiency metric for the channel is generated based at least in part on a throughput associated with the channel and a number of basic service sets within range of the AP.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The channel is selected from the plurality of channels based at least in part on a comparison of the channel efficiency metric for the channel relative to channel efficiency metrics for other channels in the plurality of channels.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The channel is selected from the plurality of channels based at least in part on the channel efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A plurality of channel metrics are measured, the plurality of channel metrics comprising a noise floor metric, a received signal strength indicator, a number of overlapping basic service sets, a spatial reuse parameter, channel utilization, throughput, and transmit power, wherein the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on the plurality of channel metrics.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel efficiency metric is a function of a bandwidth of the channel, a throughput of the channel, a number of overlapping basic service sets near the AP, and one or more weighting factors corresponding to respective types of clients.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel efficiency metric is based at least in part on a frequency location of a punctured subchannel within a bandwidth of the channel.

14. A method for wireless communication at an access point (AP), the method comprising: generating a plurality of channel efficiency metrics for a plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on measuring the plurality of channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more channels of the plurality of channels; as well as A message is sent on a channel of the plurality of channels based at least in part on a channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channel efficiency metrics.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: A control message is sent including a puncturing bitmap indicating a subchannel puncturing pattern for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message is sent on the channel according to the puncturing bitmap.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channels is adjusted based at least in part on a number of subchannels of the channel that are punctured according to a subchannel puncturing pattern.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the channel efficiency metric is adjusted by reducing the channel efficiency metric based at least in part on a number of punctured sub-channels of the channel.

18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The channel of the plurality of channels is selected based at least in part on a plurality of bandwidth efficiency metrics for the plurality of channels.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein a bandwidth efficiency metric for the channel among the plurality of bandwidth efficiency metrics is based at least in part on a plurality of probabilities that corresponding subchannels of the channel are occupied and at least in part on whether one or more corresponding subchannels of the channel are truncated.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the generated bandwidth efficiency metric is a function of a plurality of probabilities that a plurality of subchannels of the channel are available.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein generating the plurality of channel efficiency metrics further comprises: The channel efficiency metric for the channel is generated based at least in part on a throughput associated with the channel and a number of basic service sets within range of the AP.

22. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The channel is selected from the plurality of channels based at least in part on a comparison of the channel efficiency metric for the channel relative to channel efficiency metrics for other channels in the plurality of channels.

23. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The channel is selected from the plurality of channels based at least in part on the channel efficiency metric for the channel satisfying a threshold.

24. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: A plurality of channel metrics are measured, the plurality of channel metrics comprising a noise floor metric, a received signal strength indicator, a number of overlapping basic service sets, a spatial reuse parameter, channel utilization, throughput, and transmit power, wherein the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on the plurality of channel metrics.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein the channel efficiency metric is a function of a bandwidth of the channel, a throughput of the channel, a number of overlapping basic service sets near the AP, and one or more weighting factors corresponding to respective types of clients.

26. The method of claim 14, wherein the channel efficiency metric is based at least in part on a frequency location of a punctured subchannel within a bandwidth of the channel.

27. An apparatus for wireless communication at an access point (AP), the apparatus comprising: means for generating a plurality of channel efficiency metrics for a plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on measuring the plurality of channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more of the plurality of channels; and Means for transmitting a message on a channel of the plurality of channels based at least in part on a channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channel efficiency metrics.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising: Means for sending a control message including a puncturing bitmap indicating a subchannel puncturing pattern for one or more subchannels of the channel, wherein the message is sent on the channel in accordance with the puncturing bitmap.

29. The apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising: Means for adjusting the channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channels based at least in part on a number of subchannels of the channel that are punctured according to a subchannel puncturing pattern.

30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at an access point (AP), the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: generating a plurality of channel efficiency metrics for a plurality of channels, wherein the plurality of channel efficiency metrics are based at least in part on measuring the plurality of channels and one or more sub-channel puncturing patterns for one or more of the plurality of channels; and A message is sent on a channel of the plurality of channels based at least in part on a channel efficiency metric for the channel of the plurality of channel efficiency metrics.

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