Distributed wireless local area network scanning for low latency applications

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for distributed wireless local area network (WLAN) scanning for low latency applications. More specifically, some aspects relate to a first wireless communication device, such as a station, that partitions a set of channels to be scanned into different subsets for scanning by one or more connected wireless communication devices adjacent to the wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device may indicate one or more of the subsets of channels for scanning to a connected wireless communication device in proximity to the first wireless communication device, and the first wireless communication device may receive a result of scanning the subsets of channels from the connected wireless communication device.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 18 / 164,500, filed by SINGH et al. on February 3, 2023, entitled “DISTRIBUTED WIRELESS LOCAL AREANETWORK SCAN FOR LOW LATENCY APPLICATIONS,” which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The following content covers wireless communications, including distributed wireless local area network (WLAN) scanning for low-latency applications. Background Art

[0004] A WLAN can be composed of one or more wireless access points (APs), which provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by multiple client devices (also called wireless stations (STAs)). The fundamental building block of a WLAN that complies with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards is the Basic Service Set (BSS) managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) advertised by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the AP's wireless range to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0005] After a STA has established a communication link with an AP, it can identify a different AP to which it should connect. The STA can scan a channel set to identify channels on which the STA can connect to different APs. Scanning a channel set consumes the STA's time and resources. In low-latency communications, the time it takes for a STA to scan a channel set may affect low-latency communications, and insufficient time may be available to scan the channel set. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The systems, methods and devices of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0007] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses for supporting distributed wireless local area network (WLAN) scanning for low-latency applications. Generally, the described technology provides for a first wireless communication device (such as a station (STA)) to divide a channel set to be scanned into different subsets for scanning by one or more connected wireless communication devices adjacent to the first wireless communication device. In response to a trigger condition for scanning the channel set, the STA can divide the channel set into channel subsets. The first wireless communication device can send control signaling indicating one or more channel subsets in the channel subsets to the wireless communication devices adjacent to the first wireless communication device for scanning, and the first wireless communication device can receive results of scanning the channel subsets from the wireless communication devices adjacent to the STA.

[0008] A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device is described. The method may include: in response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels; and receiving at least one result of the scan of the channel subset from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0009] An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device 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: in response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, send control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels; and receive at least one result of the scan of the channel subset from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0010] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device is described. The apparatus may include: means for transmitting control signaling to a second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels from a set of channels in response to detecting that the second wireless communication device, communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link, is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device; and means for receiving at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0011] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: in response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, send control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels; and receive at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0012] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, detecting that a second wireless communication device may be within a threshold proximity may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication that a measured received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value associated with a transmission from the second wireless communication device satisfies a threshold level.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a request to scan a set of channels from an access point (AP), and sending control signaling to a second wireless communication device in response to a trigger condition including a request to scan a set of channels.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for communicating with the AP on a second wireless communication link, the channel set being associated with the second wireless communication link, and in response to identifying that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP may be below a threshold level, the triggering condition comprising identifying that the signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link may be below a threshold level, and the channel set being associated with the second wireless communication link.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein further include operations, features, means, or instructions for scanning a second subset of channels of the set of channels, the second subset of channels being different from the subset of channels.

[0016] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, in response to detecting that the third wireless communication device is communicating with the first wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link, the third wireless communication device may be within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, respond to a trigger condition and send to the third wireless communication device second control signaling instructing the third wireless communication device to scan a third subset of channels of the set of channels, the third subset of channels being different from the first subset of channels, and receive at least one result of the scan of the third subset of channels from the third wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0017] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a channel set includes at least two of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, and a 6 GHz channel set, a channel subset includes one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set, a second channel subset includes a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set, and a third channel subset includes a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, communicating with a second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link may include operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating with the second wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval including a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the second subset of channels including scanning the second subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for identifying a channel in the set of channels to initiate a connection process in response to at least one result of scanning the subset of channels.

[0020] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the second wireless communication device may be a wearable device.

[0021] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, at least one result of scanning the subset of channels includes a respective RSSI value associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

[0022] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a set of channels may be associated with communications between a first wireless communication device and an AP.

[0023] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving an indication of a number of wireless communication devices communicating with the first wireless communication device within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, the number of channels in the channel subset being responsive to the number of wireless communication devices.

[0024] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: responding to at least one result of scanning the channel subset and sending third control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth channel subset of the channel set, and receiving at least one result of scanning the fourth channel subset from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0025] A method of wireless communication at a second wireless communication device is described. The method may include receiving control signaling from a first wireless communication device that is in communication with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and is within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communication between the first wireless communication device and an AP; scanning the subset of channels; and transmitting at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0026] An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device 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: receive control signaling from a first wireless communication device that is in communication with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and is within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communication between the first wireless communication device and an AP; scan the subset of channels; and transmit at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0027] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device is described. The apparatus may include: means for receiving control signaling from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an AP; means for scanning the subset of channels; and means for transmitting at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0028] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive control signaling from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an AP; scan the subset of channels; and transmit at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0029] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, communicating with the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link may include operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating with the first wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval including a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the subset of channels including scanning the subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

[0030] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, scanning the subset of channels may include operations, features, units, or instructions for identifying a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the subset of channels, at least one result of scanning the subset of channels including a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

[0031] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the subset of channels includes at least one of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, or a 6 GHz channel set.

[0032] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the second wireless communication device may be a wearable device.

[0033] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the transmission of at least one result of scanning the channel subset and receiving third control signaling from the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth channel subset of the channel set, and sending at least one result of scanning the fourth channel subset to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0034] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system is shown that includes an access point supporting distributed wireless local area network (WLAN) scanning for low-latency applications, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device.

[0037] Figure 3 An example of a timing diagram illustrating communications between an AP supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 An example of a process flow is shown to support communications between a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device that supports distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications.

[0039] Figure 5 An example of a timing diagram illustrating communications between a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications is shown.

[0040] Figure 6 An example of a channel list diagram supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications is shown.

[0041] Figure 7 An example of a process flow is shown to support communications between an access point supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device.

[0042] Figure 8 An example of a process flow is shown to support communications between at least two wireless communication devices that support distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications.

[0043] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A block diagram of an example device that supports a method of distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications and that may be a first wireless communication device or a second wireless communication device is shown.

[0044] Figure 11 A block diagram of a communication manager that supports a method of distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications and that can support communications at a first wireless communication device and communications at a second wireless communication device is shown.

[0045] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a system including a device supporting a method of distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications and supporting communication at a first wireless communication device and communication at a second wireless communication device is shown.

[0046] Figure 13 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications using a first wireless communication device is shown.

[0047] Figure 14 A flow chart illustrating a method of supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications using a second wireless communication device is shown.

[0048] The same reference numbers and names in different drawings indicate the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] For the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present disclosure, the following description is directed to some specific examples. However, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some or all of the examples in the described examples can be implemented in any device, system or network capable of performing the following operations: according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, IEEE 802.15 standards, standards such as those defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) or by one or more of the Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G or 5G (New Radio (NR)) standards promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) etc., to send and receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The described examples may be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following techniques or methods: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA), Rate Division Multiple Access (RSMA), Multi-User Shared Access (MUSA), Single User (SU) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), and Multi-User (MU)-MIMO. The described examples may also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN), or an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0050] A wireless communication device (e.g., a station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN)) can communicate with an access point (AP) via a channel (e.g., a 2 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz wireless communication link). The wireless communication device can also communicate with a wearable wireless communication device (hereinafter referred to as a wearable device) in an extended personal audio network (XPAN) via a wireless communication link (e.g., a 5 GHz or 6 GHz wireless communication link). Example wearable devices may include earbuds, smart glasses, cameras, or smart watches. The communication link of the XPAN may be a 5 GHz or 6 GHz wireless communication link for reduced latency and / or high throughput applications, such as streaming audio for gaming applications.

[0051] A wireless communication device may identify that the wireless communication device should connect to a different AP. For example, the wireless communication device may roam and change physical locations. The wireless communication device may identify a new AP to connect to by scanning a set of channels, for example based on received signal strength indicator (RRSI) measurements, to identify a channel on which the wireless communication device should connect to a different AP. In communications between the wireless communication device and a wearable-type device requiring low latency, the time it takes for the wireless communication device to scan the set of channels may affect low-latency communications, and insufficient time may be available to scan the set of channels.

[0052] Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a wireless communication device operating in a WLAN that divides a set of channels to be scanned into subsets of channels. The wireless communication device may send an indication of the subset of channels to a wearable device for scanning by the wearable device. The wearable device may scan the subset of channels, and the wireless communication device may scan another subset of channels. Thus, by dividing the scanning responsibility between the wireless communication device and the wearable device, the set of channels may be scanned in less time. In some examples, the wireless communication device may send the subset of channels to multiple wearable devices within proximity of the wireless communication device for scanning by the multiple wearable devices.

[0053] The wearable device may report measurement results, such as RSSI, of the scanned channel subset at the wearable device to the wireless communication device. Since the wearable device may be within a threshold proximity of the wireless communication device, the RSSI measured at the wearable device may be sufficiently similar to the measurement results, such as RSSI, that would be at the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may identify a channel and AP to connect to based on the measurements for the channel subset reported by the wearable device and the measurements from the scan of the channel subset performed by the wireless communication device. In some examples, when the signal strength of the communication link between the wireless communication device and the AP is below a threshold level, the wireless communication device may send an indication of the channel subset to the wearable device for the wearable device to scan.

[0054] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, a wireless communication device that can divide scanning responsibilities between a wireless communication device and a wearable type device can perform additional functions while the wearable type device is scanning a subset of channels, which can improve the efficiency of the wireless communication device. In some examples, by dividing scanning responsibilities between the wireless communication device and the wearable type device, the wireless communication device can perform scanning more efficiently and in less time, thereby reducing latency. In some examples, the wearable type device can perform scanning during idle periods, thereby performing scanning more efficiently. In some examples, dividing scanning responsibilities between the wireless communication device and the wearable type device can allow the wireless communication device to connect to a new AP more quickly to achieve seamless roaming, and to connect to the new AP in less time than would be possible under traditional scanning techniques.

[0055] Aspects of the present disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to wireless communication systems, timing diagrams, channel list diagrams, and process flows. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts related to distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications.

[0056] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. According to some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) such as a Wi-Fi network (and will be referred to as WLAN 100 hereinafter). For example, the WLAN 100 may be a network that implements at least one of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards, such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or its amendments, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, 802.11bd, 802.11be, 802.11bf, and the 80 2.11 amendment associated with Wi-Fi 8. The WLAN 100 may include a plurality of wireless communication devices, such as a wireless AP 102 and a plurality of wireless STAs 104. Although Figure 1 Only one AP 102 is shown in FIG. 1 , but the WLAN 100 may also include multiple APs 102 . Figure 1The AP 102 shown in the figure can represent various types of APs, including but not limited to enterprise-class APs, single-band APs, dual-band APs, standalone APs, software-enabled APs (soft APs), and multi-link APs. The coverage area and capacity of cellular networks (such as LTE, 5G NR, etc.) can be further improved by small cells supported by APs acting as micro base stations. In addition, private cellular networks can also be established by using wireless area networks of small cells.

[0057] Each of the STAs 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a mobile device, a mobile handset, a wireless handset, an access terminal (AT), a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), or a subscriber unit, etc. The STAs 104 may represent various devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, Chromebooks, extended reality (XR) headsets, wearable devices, display devices (e.g., TVs (including smart TVs), computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo equipment, remote control devices (“remote controls”), printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other home appliances, key cards (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and vehicles, etc. The various STAs 104 in the network can communicate with each other via the AP 102.

[0058] A single AP 102 and a set of associated STAs 104 may be referred to as a basic service set (BSS), which is managed by the corresponding AP 102. Figure 1 An example coverage area 108 of an AP 102 is shown, which may represent a basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. A BSS may be identified or indicated to users by a service set identifier (SSID), and to other devices by a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which may be the media access control (MAC) address of the AP 102. The AP 102 may periodically broadcast a beacon frame ("beacon") including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within wireless range of the AP 102 to "associate" or re-associate with the AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 106 (hereinafter also referred to as a "Wi-Fi link") with the AP 102. For example, the beacon may include an identification or indication of a primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with the AP 102. The AP 102 may provide access to external networks to the respective STAs 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication links 106.

[0059] To establish a communication link 106 with an AP 102, each of the STAs 104 is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations ("scans") on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (e.g., the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform a passive scan, the STAs 104 listen for beacons transmitted by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals known as target beacon transmission times (TBTTs) (measured in time units (TUs), where one TU may be equal to 1024 microseconds (μs)). To perform an active scan, the STAs 104 generate and sequentially transmit probe requests on each channel to be scanned and listen for probe responses from the APs 102. Each STA 104 may identify, determine, or select an AP 102 with which to associate based on the scan information obtained through the passive or active scan, and perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. The AP 102 assigns an association identifier (AID) to the STA 104 at the end of the association operation, and the AP 102 uses the association identifier to track the STA 104.

[0060] As wireless networks become increasingly ubiquitous, a STA 104 may have the opportunity to select one of many BSSs within the STA's range, or to select from multiple APs 102 that collectively form an extended service set (ESS) comprising multiple connected BSSs. Extended network stations associated with a WLAN 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that allows multiple APs 102 to be connected in such an ESS. In this way, a STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may associate with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. In addition, after associating with an AP 102, a STA 104 may also periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 with which to associate. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a "roaming" scan to find another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics, such as a greater received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0061] In some cases, STAs 104 may form a network without an AP 102 or other devices other than the STAs 104 themselves. One example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). An ad hoc network may alternatively be referred to as a mesh network or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some cases, an ad hoc network may be implemented within a larger wireless network such as WLAN 100. In such an example, while STAs 104 may be able to communicate with each other via AP 102 using communication link 106, STAs 104 may also communicate directly with each other via direct wireless communication link 110. In addition, two STAs 104 may communicate via direct wireless communication link 110 regardless of whether the two STAs 104 are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such an ad hoc system, one or more of the STAs 104 may assume the role previously held by the AP 102 in the BSS. Such STAs 104 may be referred to as group owners (GOs) and may coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of the direct wireless communication link 110 include a Wi-Fi direct connection, a connection established by using a Wi-Fi Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) link, and other P2P group connections.

[0062] The AP 102 and the STA 104 may function and communicate (via corresponding communication links 106) in accordance with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. These standards define WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the PHY and MAC layers. The AP 102 and the STA 104 send and receive wireless communications (hereinafter also referred to as "Wi-Fi communications" or "wireless packets") to and from each other in the form of PHY protocol data units (PPDUs). The AP 102 and the STA 104 in the WLAN 100 may send PPDUs over an unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum that includes frequency bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technology, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 60 GHz band, the 3.6 GHz band, and the 900 MHz band. Some examples of the AP 102 and the STA 104 described herein may also communicate in other frequency bands that may support both licensed and unlicensed communications, such as the 5.9 GHz and 6 GHz bands. The AP 102 and STAs 104 may also communicate on other frequency bands, such as shared licensed bands, where multiple operators may have licenses to operate in the same or overlapping frequency band or bands.

[0063] A first wireless communication device (such as STA 104) operating in WLAN 100 can communicate with AP 102 via a channel over communication link 106. The first wireless communication device (such as STA 104) can also communicate with a second wireless communication device (such as a wearable device, which may be another STA 104) in an XPAN via a wireless communication link. Example wearable devices include earbuds, smart glasses, a camera, or a smartwatch. The first wireless communication device (such as STA 104) can choose to scan a set of channels, for example, to connect to different APs 102. The first wireless communication device can divide the set of channels to be scanned into channel subsets. The first wireless communication device can indicate the channel subsets to a second wireless communication device (such as a wearable device) for the second wireless communication device to scan. The second wireless communication device can scan the channel subsets, and in some examples, the first wireless communication device can scan another channel subset. Thus, by dividing the scanning responsibilities, the channel set can be scanned in a shorter time. The second wireless communication device can report measurement results, such as RSSI, of the scanned channel subsets to the first wireless communication device. Because the second wireless communication device may be within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, the RSSI measured at the second wireless communication device may be sufficiently similar to the measurement (e.g., RSSI) that would be taken at the first wireless communication device (e.g., based on channel coherence of a first channel between the first wireless communication device and the AP 102 and a second channel between the second wireless communication device and the AP 102). The first wireless communication device may identify a channel and an AP 102 to connect to based on the measurements for the subset of channels reported by the second wireless communication device and the measurements from the scan of the subset of channels performed by the first wireless communication device.

[0064] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 is shown, which includes an access point supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device. The wireless communication system 200 may include an AP 202 (which may be a wireless access point as described herein). Figure 1 102) and the first wireless communication device 204 (which may be an example of an AP 102 as described herein) Figure 1 The wireless communication system 200 may represent communications between a first wireless communication device 204 and an AP 202 over a communication link 206, which may be as described herein. Figure 1 An example of a communication link 106.

[0065] The channel of communication link 206 can be a 2 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz link. The first wireless communication device 204 can communicate with the second wireless communication device 210-a and the third wireless communication device 210-b in XPAN. The first wireless communication device 204 can communicate with the second wireless communication device 210-a over wireless communication link 215, and the first wireless communication device 204 can communicate with the third wireless communication device 210-b over wireless communication link 220. In some examples, communication link 215 and wireless communication link 220 can be 5 GHz or 6 GHz links for reduced latency and / or high-throughput applications, such as streaming audio for gaming applications. In some examples, communication link 215 and communication link 220 can be Bluetooth links. In some examples, the second wireless communication device 210-a can communicate with the third wireless communication device 210-b over wireless link 225, such as a Bluetooth link.

[0066] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 204 may be a mobile handheld device. The second wireless communication device 210-a and the third wireless communication device 210-b may be wearable wireless communication devices. In some examples, more than two wearable wireless communication devices may communicate with the first wireless communication device 204. Example wearable wireless communication devices include earbuds, smart glasses, cameras, or smart watches. The second wireless communication device 210-a and the third wireless communication device 210-b may be physically proximate to the first wireless communication device 204.

[0067] In some examples, based on a triggering condition, the first wireless communication device 204 may identify that the first wireless communication device 204 should scan a set of channels (e.g., to connect to a different AP 202). For example, the triggering condition may be that the first wireless communication device 204 has changed physical location, or the triggering condition may be traffic conditions present at the AP 202. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may receive a request from the AP 202 to scan a set of channels, and the triggering condition may be the request. The first wireless communication device 204 may identify a new AP 202 to connect to by scanning the set of channels. In some examples, communications between the first wireless communication device 204 and the second wireless communication device 210-a, and between the first wireless communication device 204 and the third wireless communication device 210-b, may require low latency. However, the time taken by the first wireless communication device to scan the set of channels may impact low-latency communications, or insufficient time may be available to scan the set of channels. In some examples, the first wireless communication device 204 may share the scanning of the set of channels with the second wireless communication device 210-a and the third wireless communication device 210-b. For example, the first wireless communication device 204 may scan a subset of channels, the second wireless communication device 210 - a may scan another subset of channels, and the third wireless communication device 210 - b may scan yet another subset of channels.

[0068] Figure 3 An example of a timing diagram 300 is shown, illustrating communications between an AP, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications. Aspects of the timing diagram 300 can implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100 and the wireless communication system 200. For example, the timing diagram 300 illustrates timing for communications between the first wireless communication device 204 and the AP 202 of the wireless communication system 200, and for communications between the first wireless communication device 204 and the second and third wireless communication devices 210-a and 210-b.

[0069] Figure 3 A timing diagram 300 is shown for time division multiplexing (TDM) between communication link 206, communication link 215, and communication link 220. In some examples, for example Figure 3 In the example shown, the first wireless communication device 204 may be a mobile handheld device that implements ultra-low latency (ULL) gaming applications. The second wireless communication device 210-a and the third wireless communication device 210-b may be wearable type devices. Figure 3In the illustrated example, the second wireless communication device 210 - a may be a left earbud device, and the third wireless communication device may be a right earbud device.

[0070] In some examples, during a ULL gaming application, the first wireless communication device 204 can communicate with the AP 202 via the communication link 206. The communication link 206 can carry basic traffic or WLAN STA traffic for the gaming application. Figure 2 , communication link 206 may be referred to as infrastructure link 306. Communication link 215 and communication link 220 may carry XPAN services. Figure 3 , communication link 215 and communication link 220 may be referred to as XPAN link 315. The XPAN link may carry audio for both the left and right earbuds.

[0071] TDM can be implemented using a target wake-up time (TWT) with a service interval (SI) of 4 milliseconds (ms) or 8 ms, and a service period (SP) of 2 ms or 4 ms, respectively. Figure 3 In an example, the TWT SI 320 may be 4 ms and the TWT SP 325 may be 2 ms. Thus, the XPAN link 315 may be active for the first 2 ms duration and the base link 306 may be active for the second 2 ms duration. In some examples, the TWT SI 320 may include periodic service periods (referred to as XPAN active periods 330) and periodic idle periods (referred to as XPAN inactive periods 335) for the left and right earbuds (the second wireless communication device 210-a and the third wireless communication device 210-b). During the XPAN active periods 330, the first wireless communication device 204 may send left audio to the left earbud and right audio to the right earbud, respectively, and the left and right earbuds may send block acknowledgments (BAs) via the XPAN link 315. The left and right earbuds may send voice backchannel (VBC) messages to the first wireless communication device 204, and the first wireless communication device 204 may send BAs via the XPAN link 315. After the block acknowledgement, the first wireless communication device 204 and the left and right earbuds may perform a random backoff (RBO) procedure. The XPAN link 315 may be idle during the XPAN inactivity period 335. An inactivity time (ITO) may monitor inactivity, and when the ITO exceeds a threshold, the handset may switch from XPAN (e.g., XPAN link 315) to the infrastructure link 306.

[0072] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 204 may receive periodic or aperiodic requests from the AP 202 to perform a scan on a set of channels during a 2 ms service period (XPAN inactivity period 335). However, the first wireless communication device 204 may not have enough time to complete the scan of the channels during the 2 ms time interval because the first wireless communication device 204 may be transmitting gaming traffic on the XPAN link 315. Additionally, if the scan dwell time on a channel increases significantly, the overall scan time may be affected. Therefore, the first wireless communication device 204 scanning a set of channels (e.g., 2 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz channels) with limited available time may affect scan performance and may affect roaming because roaming scans may be required during gaming applications.

[0073] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 204 may be a mobile handheld device that implements another application different from the gaming application. In this example, the second wireless communication device 210-a may be a left earbud device, and the third wireless communication device 210-b may be a right earbud device. During the application, the first wireless communication device 204 may communicate with the AP 202 via the infrastructure link 306, and the infrastructure link 306 may carry infrastructure services or WLAN STA services for the application. The XPAN link 315 may carry XPAN services for the application, such as audio for the left and right earbuds. Similar to Figure 3 For example, XPAN link 315 may have an XPAN active period 330 and an XPAN inactive period 335 .

[0074] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 is shown for supporting communications between a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device that supports distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications. The process flow may include a first wireless communication device 404, which may be an example of the first wireless communication device 204, a left earbud 410-a, which may be an example of the second wireless communication device 210-a, and a right earbud 410-b, which may be an example of the third wireless communication device 210-b.

[0075] In some examples, to address the potential lack of time to perform a channel scan, the first wireless communication device 404 can divide the channel set for scanning into channel subsets. The first wireless communication device 404, the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a), and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) can perform scans on different channel subsets. Thus, by dividing the scanning responsibility between the devices, the channel set can be scanned in less time. In some examples, the channel set can be divided into channel subsets based on the channel groups associated with the channels. For example, a channel subset can include 2 GHz band channels, another channel subset can include 5 GHz band channels, and yet another channel subset can include 6 GHz band channels. In some examples, a subset can include 2 GHz band channels, another subset can include 5 GHz band active or passive channels, and yet another subset can include 6 GHz band preferred scan channels (PSC) or non-PSC channels. In some examples, the channel set can be associated with the communication link 206 with the AP 202.

[0076] In some examples, the device under test (DUT) or the first wireless communication device 404 can prepare a vendor-specific action frame, such as a scan offload request, which can include a subset of channels to be scanned by the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) or the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b). For example, the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) can receive a subset of channels, while the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) can receive another subset of channels. In some examples, the scan capabilities of the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) can be negotiated with the first wireless communication device 404 using an association request frame and an association response frame via a vendor information element.

[0077] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 404 may be a dual-band simultaneous (DBS) device, and therefore, the first wireless communication device 404 may perform scanning on one of the channel subsets in parallel with the TWT operation. In some examples, the first wireless communication device 404 may be a non-DBS device that may not be able to perform scanning in parallel with the TWT operation, and in this example, all channels in the channel set may be offloaded for scanning to the second wireless communication device (e.g., the left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b). The second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) may perform scanning on the channel subset when they are not in a TWT SP period. That is, the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) may be idle when the XPAN link 315 may be idle, such as Figure 3A scan of the subset of channels is performed during the illustrated XPAN inactivity period 335. The results of the scan of the subset of channels may include a respective RSSI value associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

[0078] In some examples, the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) can be in proximity to the first wireless communication device 404 to provide accurate scanning results. Wearable devices such as the left earbud 410-a and the right earbud 410-b can often be located near a mobile handheld device such as the first wireless communication device 404. Therefore, the RSSI measured at the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) can be sufficiently similar to the RSSI that would be measured at the first wireless communication device 404. In some examples, the first wireless communication device 404 can identify whether the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) are located nearby. For example, the first wireless communication device 404 can receive an indication that the measured RRSI value associated with a transmission from the second wireless communication device (left earbud 410-a) and / or the third wireless communication device (right earbud 410-b) meets a threshold level.

[0079] Figure 4 An example process flow is shown for the first wireless communication device 404 to partition a set of channels for scanning into subsets of channels. In some examples, a TWT SI can include periodic service periods and periodic idle periods. Figure 4 The diagram shows at 430 a periodic service period or XPAN active period when the XPAN link 315 may be active. Figure 4 The diagram of FIG. 435 shows periodic idle periods or XPAN inactivity when the XPAN link 315 may be inactive. At 440, the first wireless communication device 404 may communicate with the user via a communication channel such as Figure 2 Basic links such as the communication link 206 shown in FIG. Figure 2 An AP such as AP 202 shown in FIG. 1 receives a scan request. In some examples, the scan request may include a request to scan a set of channels, for example, the request may indicate a set of channels to be scanned. In another example, the trigger condition for scanning a set of channels may be a condition related to a condition such as Figure 2 The signal strength associated with an infrastructure link, such as the communication link 206 shown in FIG, is below a threshold level.

[0080] At 445, the first wireless communication device 404 may transmit a scan request action to the left earbud 410-a indicating a first subset of channels (Channel List A). At 450, the first wireless communication device 404 may transmit a scan request action to the right earbud 410-b indicating a second subset of channels (Channel List B). In some examples, the scan request action transmission occurs during a periodic idle period or during XPAN inactivity. At 455, the left earbud 410-a may perform a scan on the requested subset of channels (Channel List A). At 460, the right earbud 410-b may perform a scan on the requested subset of channels (Channel List B). At 465, the left earbud 410-a may transmit a scan response or scan results corresponding to the first subset of channels (Channel List A) to the first wireless communication device 404. At 470, the left earbud 410-a may transmit a scan response or scan results corresponding to the second subset of channels (Channel List B) to the first wireless communication device 404. Using the results of scanning the subset of channels, the first wireless communication device 404 can identify a channel to initiate communication with, for example, Figure 2 The connection process of the basic link of AP 202 is shown in FIG.

[0081] Figure 5 An example of a timing diagram 500 is shown, illustrating communications between a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications. Aspects of the timing diagram 500 may implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100 and the wireless communication system 200. For example, the timing diagram 500 illustrates TWT for communications with a left earbud 510-a, which may be an example of the second wireless communication device 210-a, and a right earbud 510-b, which may be an example of the third wireless communication device 210-b of the wireless communication system 200.

[0082] In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 may have a TWT with a service interval of 4 milliseconds (ms) and a service period of 2 ms. The XPAN link may be active within 2 ms. When the underlying link 506 may be active, the XPAN link may be inactive within 2 ms. In some examples, the TWT SI may include periodic service periods (referred to as XPAN active periods 530) and periodic idle periods (referred to as XPAN inactive periods 535) for the left earbud 510-a and the right earbud 510-b. During the XPAN active period 530, the left earbud 510-a and the right earbud 510-b may receive audio data, and the left earbud 510-a and the right earbud 510-b may send an acknowledgment (e.g., BA) via the XPAN link 515. During the XPAN inactive period 535, the XPAN link 515 may be idle, and the underlying link 506 may be active. In some examples, the left earbud 510-a and the right earbud 510-b may scan a subset of channels. For example, during the XPAN inactivity period 535, the left earbud 510-a may scan channel list A and the right earbud 510-b may scan channel list B, as described herein with reference to Figure 4 described.

[0083] Figure 6 An example of a channel list diagram 600 supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications is shown. The channel list diagram 600 can implement or be implemented by aspects of the WLAN 100 and the wireless communication system 200. For example, the channel list diagram 600 shows a subset of channels that can be scanned by a first wireless communication device 604, a second wireless communication device (left earbud 610-a), and a third wireless communication device (right earbud 610-b) of the wireless communication system 200. The first wireless communication device 604, the second wireless communication device (left earbud 610-a), and the third wireless communication device (right earbud 610-b) can be examples of the first wireless communication device 204, the second wireless communication device 210-a, and the third wireless communication device 210-b of the wireless communication system 200.

[0084] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 604 may have a set of channels (channel list) for scanning. The first wireless communication device 604 may identify how to divide the channel set into subsets after detecting available wearable-type devices near the first wireless communication device 604. Figure 6 An example channel list diagram 600 is shown for a left earbud 610 - a and a right earbud 610 - b detected within proximity of a first wireless communication device 604 .

[0085] For the example shown, the channel set can be divided into seven channel subsets. In other examples, the number of subsets can be at least the number of wearable devices adjacent to the first wireless communication device 604. Each channel subset can include a similar number of channels to scan or a different number of channels to scan. Figure 6 As shown in , the channel set is divided into seven subsets: list 1 615 , list 2a 620 , list 2b 625 , list 3a 630 , list 3b 635 , list 4a 640 , and list 4b 645 .

[0086] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 604 can send List 2a 620 to the left earbud 610-a via an XPAN link and List 2b 625 to the right earbud 610-b. In another example, the first wireless communication device 604 can send the scan list to the second wireless communication device via another communication link, which can be a different technology than the underlying link between the first wireless communication device and the AP, such as a Bluetooth link. After the left earbud 610-a sends the scan results for List 2a 620 to the first wireless communication device 604, the first wireless communication device 604 can send List 3a 630 to the left earbud 610-a. Similarly, after the right earbud 610-b sends the scan results for List 2b 625 to the first wireless communication device 604, the first wireless communication device 604 can send List 3b 635 to the right earbud 610-b. This process continues until all channel subsets have been scanned.

[0087] In some examples, after the first wireless communication device 604 receives scan results for one of the channel subsets, the first wireless communication device 604 can recalculate the channel subset or create a new channel list minus the channels for which it has already received results. In some examples, the left earbud 610-a can send scan results faster than the right earbud 610-b, and the first wireless communication device 604 can send the channel subset to the left earbud 610-a but not to the right earbud 610-b. In some examples, the left earbud 610-a and the right earbud 610-b can coordinate with each other to scan the channel subset. For example, the left earbud 610-a can send the channel subset to the right earbud 610-b via a communication link (such as a Bluetooth link) between the left earbud 610-a and the right earbud 610-b, and the right earbud 610-b can scan the channel subset. Additionally, the left earbud 610 - a may send the scan results to the right earbud 610 - b , which may be forwarded by the right earbud 610 - b to the first wireless communication device 604 .

[0088] Figure 7An example of a process flow 700 is shown that supports communications between an access point supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a third wireless communication device. The process flow includes a first wireless communication device 704 and an AP 702, which may be examples of the first wireless communication device 204 and the AP 102 as described herein. The process flow includes a left earbud 710-a and a right earbud 710-b, which may be examples of the first wireless communication device 204 and the AP 102 as described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 700. The following description of process flow 700 illustrates an example of a left earbud 510-a or 610-a and a right earbud 510-b or 610-b. In the following description of process flow 700, operations between AP 702, first wireless communication device 704, left earbud 710-a, and right earbud 710-b may be performed in a different order than the example shown, or the operations performed may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from process flow 700, and other operations may be added to process flow 700.

[0089] At 715, the first wireless communication device 704 may receive a request to scan a set of channels from the AP 702. At 720, the first wireless communication device 704 may scan a set of channels as described above. Figure 6 At 725, the first wireless communication device 704 may communicate with the left earbud 710-a and the right earbud 710-b during the XPAN active service period of the TWT SI. For example, the first wireless communication device 704 may send audio data to the left earbud 710-a and the right earbud 710-b.

[0090] At 730, the first wireless communication device 704 may send a public action frame with a subset of channels to the left earbud 710-a. At 735, the first wireless communication device 704 may send a public action frame with another subset of channels to the left earbud 710-a. At 740, the first wireless communication device 704 may scan the subset of channels. At 745, the left earbud 710-a may scan the subset of channels. At 750, the right earbud 710-b may scan the subset of channels. At 755, the left earbud 710-a may send the results of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device 704. At 760, the right earbud 710-b may send the results of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device 704. The results of the scan of the subset of channels may be the respective RSSIs associated with each channel in the subset of channels. At 765, the first wireless communication device 704 may send the complete scan results for the set of channels to the AP 702. As a result of the complete scan results, the first wireless communication device 704 may connect to a new AP or determine that the signal strength of the communication link with the AP 702 is below a threshold level.

[0091] Figure 8 An example of a process flow 800 is shown for supporting communication between at least two wireless communication devices supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications. The process flow includes a first wireless communication device 804, which may be an example of the first wireless communication device 204 or the STA 104 as described herein. The process flow includes a second wireless communication device 810, which may be an example of the second wireless communication device 210-a or the STA 104 as described herein. For example, the second wireless communication device 810 may be a wearable device (e.g., the earbuds 510-a, 510-b, 610-a, 610-b, 710-a, or 710-b as described herein). In the following description of process flow 800, operations between the first wireless communication device 804 and the second wireless communication device 810 may be presented in a different order than the example shown, or operations performed by the first wireless communication device 804 and the second wireless communication device 810 may be performed in a different order or at different times. Some operations may also be omitted from process flow 800, and other operations may be added to process flow 800.

[0092] At 815, the first wireless communication device 804 can send control signaling to the second wireless communication device 810 for the second wireless communication device 810 to scan a subset of channels in the set of channels. The second wireless communication device 810 can communicate with the first wireless communication device 804 over a wireless communication link. In some examples, the first wireless communication device can detect that the second wireless communication device 810 is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device 804. The first wireless communication device can send the control signal in response to a trigger condition associated with scanning the set of channels by the first wireless communication device 804.

[0093] At 820, the second wireless communication device 810 can scan the subset of channels. In some examples, the second wireless communication device 810 can identify a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the subset of channels. At 825, the first wireless communication device 804 can receive the results of the scan of the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device 810 over the wireless communication link. In some examples, the results of the scan of the subset of channels can include a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

[0094] At 830, the first wireless communication device 804 may receive an indication that a measured RSSI value associated with a transmission from the second wireless communication device 810 satisfies a threshold level. In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 may use the received indication that a measured RSSI value associated with a transmission from the second wireless communication device 810 satisfies the threshold level to detect that the second wireless communication device 810 is within a threshold proximity.

[0095] At 835, the first wireless communication device 804 may identify a channel in the set of channels to initiate a connection procedure (eg, for a basic link with the AP 102). The first wireless communication device 804 may identify the channel using the results of scanning the subset of channels.

[0096] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 may receive a request from an access point to scan a set of channels. The set of channels may be associated with communications between the first wireless communication device 804 and the access point. In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 may communicate with the access point over a second wireless communication link. The first wireless communication device 804 may identify that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device 804 and the access point is below a threshold level. The triggering condition may include the signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link being below a threshold level. The set of channels may be associated with the second wireless communication link.

[0097] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 may scan a second subset of channels of the channel set that is different from the first subset of channels. In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 may detect that a third wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device 804 may send second control signaling to the third wireless communication device instructing the third wireless communication device to scan a third subset of channels of the channel set. The third subset of channels is different from the first subset of channels and the second subset of channels. The first wireless communication device 804 may receive results of scanning the third subset of channels from the third wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0098] In some examples, the channel set may include at least two of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, and a 6 GHz channel set. The channel subset may include one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set. The second channel subset may include a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set. The third channel subset may include a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set.

[0099] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 can communicate with the second wireless communication device 810 during a periodic service period according to a service interval. The service interval can include a periodic service period and a periodic idle period. Scanning the second subset of channels can include scanning the second subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

[0100] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 can receive an indication of the number of wireless communication devices within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device that are communicating with the first wireless communication device. The number of channels within the channel subset can be responsive to the number of wireless communication devices. In some examples, the second wireless communication device 810 can be a wearable device.

[0101] In some examples, the first wireless communication device 804 can respond to the results of scanning the channel subset and send third control signaling to the second wireless communication device 810 for the second wireless communication device 810 to scan a fourth channel subset of the channel set. The first wireless communication device 804 can receive the results of scanning the fourth channel subset from the second wireless communication device 810.

[0102] Figure 9A block diagram 900 of a device 905 is shown that supports a method for distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications and can be an example of a first wireless communication device or a second wireless communication device. The device 905 can be an example of aspects of a STA as described herein. The device 905 can include a receiver 910, a transmitter 915, and a communication manager 920. The device 905 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0103] Receiver 910 may provide a means for receiving information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications). The information may be delivered to other components of device 905. Receiver 910 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0104] The transmitter 915 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 905. For example, the transmitter 915 may transmit information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications). In some examples, the transmitter 915 may be co-located with the receiver 910 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 915 may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

[0105] The communication manager 920, the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be examples of means for performing various aspects of distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications as described herein. For example, the communication manager 920, the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or various combinations thereof, or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more functions described herein.

[0106] In some examples, the communication manager 920, the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or various combinations or components thereof can be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware can include a processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, a microcontroller, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting means for performing the functions described in this disclosure. In some examples, a processor and a memory coupled to the processor can be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., by executing instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 920, receiver 910, transmitter 915, 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 920, receiver 910, transmitter 915, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., configured or otherwise supporting units for performing the functionality described in this disclosure).

[0108] In some examples, the communication manager 920 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or cooperating with the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or both. For example, the communication manager 920 can receive information from the receiver 910, send information to the transmitter 915, or be integrated in conjunction with the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0109] According to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 920 can support wireless communications at a first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 920 can be configured to or otherwise support means for sending control signaling to a second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels in response to detecting that the second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device. The communication manager 920 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0110] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 920 can support wireless communications at a second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 920 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving control signaling from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device on a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point. The communication manager 920 can be configured to or otherwise support means for scanning the subset of channels. The communication manager 920 can be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0111] By including or configuring the communication manager 920 according to the examples described herein, the device 905 (e.g., a processor that controls the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, the communication manager 920, or a combination thereof or is otherwise coupled to the receiver 910, the transmitter 915, the communication manager 920, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for reducing processing, reducing power consumption, and more efficiently utilizing communication resources.

[0112] Figure 10 A block diagram 1000 is shown of a device 1005 that supports a method for distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications. The device 1005 can be an example of a first wireless communication device or a second wireless communication device. The device 1005 can be an example of aspects of the device 905 or STA 104 as described herein. The device 1005 can include a receiver 1010, a transmitter 1015, and a communication manager 1020. The device 1005 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0113] Receiver 1010 may provide a means for receiving information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications). The information may be passed to other components of device 1005. Receiver 1010 may utilize a single antenna or a group of multiple antennas.

[0114] The transmitter 1015 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 1005. For example, the transmitter 1015 may transmit information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications). In some examples, the transmitter 1015 may be co-located with the receiver 1010 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 1015 may utilize a single antenna or a group of multiple antennas.

[0115] Device 1005 or its various components may be examples of means for performing various aspects of distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications as described herein. For example, communication manager 1020 may include scan request transmission manager 1025, scan result reception manager 1030, scan request reception manager 1035, scan manager 1040, scan result transmission manager 1045, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 1020 may be an example of various aspects of communication manager 920 as described herein. In some examples, communication manager 1020 or its various components may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, transmit) using or otherwise cooperating with receiver 1010, transmitter 1015, or both. For example, communication manager 1020 may receive information from receiver 1010, transmit information to transmitter 1015, or be integrated with receiver 1010, transmitter 1015, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

[0116] According to examples disclosed herein, a communication manager 1020 can support wireless communications at a first wireless communication device. A scan request transmission manager 1025 can be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting control signaling to a second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels in response to detecting that the second wireless communication device, communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link, is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device. A scan result reception manager 1030 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving at least one result of scanning the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0117] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1020 can support wireless communications at a second wireless communication device. A scan request reception manager 1035 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving control signaling from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point. A scan manager 1040 can be configured to or otherwise support means for scanning the subset of channels. A scan result transmission manager 1045 can be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting at least one result of scanning the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0118] Figure 11Block diagram 1100 of a communication manager 1120 is shown, which supports a method for distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications and can support communications at a first wireless communication device and communications at a second wireless communication device. Communication manager 1120 can be an example of aspects of communication manager 920, communication manager 1020, or both as described herein. Communication manager 1120 or its various components can be examples of units for performing various aspects of distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications as described herein. For example, communication manager 1120 can include a scan request send manager 1125, a scan result receive manager 1130, a scan request receive manager 1135, a scan manager 1140, a scan result send manager 1145, a distance manager 1150, an access point communication manager 1155, a trigger condition manager 1160, a scan request send manager 1165, a connection process manager 1170, a periodic service period manager 1175, or any combination thereof. Each of these components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0119] According to examples disclosed herein, a communication manager 1120 may support wireless communications at a first wireless communication device. A scan request transmission manager 1125 may be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting control signaling to a second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels in response to detecting that the second wireless communication device, communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link, is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device. A scan result reception manager 1130 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving at least one result of scanning the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0120] In some examples, to support detecting that a second wireless communication device is within a threshold proximity, distance manager 1150 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving an indication that a measured RSSI value associated with a transmission from the second wireless communication device satisfies a threshold level.

[0121] In some examples, the scan request reception manager 1135 can be configured as or otherwise support a unit for receiving a request to scan a set of channels from an access point, wherein the control signaling is sent to the second wireless communication device in response to a trigger condition including the request to scan the set of channels.

[0122] In some examples, access point communication manager 1155 can be configured to or otherwise support means for communicating with the access point over a second wireless communication link, the set of channels being associated with the second wireless communication link. In some examples, trigger condition manager 1160 can be configured to or otherwise support means for identifying that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point is below a threshold level, the trigger condition comprising identifying that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link is below a threshold level and the set of channels being associated with the second wireless communication link.

[0123] In some examples, scan manager 1140 may be configured or otherwise support means for scanning a second subset of channels of the set of channels, the second subset of channels being different from the subset of channels.

[0124] In some examples, the channel set includes at least two of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, and a 6 GHz channel set. In some examples, the channel subset includes one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set. In some examples, the second channel subset includes a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set. In some examples, the third channel subset includes a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set.

[0125] In some examples, to support communication with a second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link, the periodic service period manager 1175 may be configured as or otherwise support means for communicating with the second wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval comprising a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the second channel subset comprises scanning the second channel subset during the periodic idle period.

[0126] In some examples, scan request transmission manager 1165 can be configured to or otherwise support means for, in response to detecting that a third wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, responding to a trigger condition and transmitting second control signaling to the third wireless communication device, the second control signaling instructing the third wireless communication device to scan a third subset of channels of the set of channels, the third subset of channels being different from the first subset of channels. In some examples, scan result reception manager 1130 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving at least one result of scanning the third subset of channels from the third wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0127] In some examples, the connection process manager 1170 can be configured as or otherwise support means for identifying a channel in the set of channels to initiate a connection process in response to at least one result of scanning the subset of channels.

[0128] In some examples, the second wireless communication device is a wearable device.

[0129] In some examples, at least one result of scanning the subset of channels includes a respective RSSI value associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

[0130] In some examples, the set of channels is associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and the access point.

[0131] In some examples, distance manager 1150 can be configured as or otherwise support means for receiving an indication of a number of wireless communication devices within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device that are communicating with the first wireless communication device, the number of channels within the channel subset being responsive to the number of wireless communication devices.

[0132] In some examples, scan request transmission manager 1165 can be configured or otherwise support means for responding to at least one result of scanning the channel subset and transmitting, to the second wireless communication device, third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth subset of channels of the channel set. In some examples, scan result reception manager 1130 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving at least one result of scanning the fourth subset of channels from the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0133] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1120 can support wireless communications at a second wireless communication device. A scan request reception manager 1135 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving control signaling from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point. A scan manager 1140 can be configured to or otherwise support means for scanning the subset of channels. A scan result transmission manager 1145 can be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting at least one result of scanning the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0134] In some examples, to support communication with a first wireless communication device over a wireless communication link, the periodic service period manager 1175 may be configured as or otherwise support means for communicating with the first wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval comprising a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the channel subset comprising scanning the channel subset during the periodic idle period.

[0135] In some examples, to support scanning of a channel subset, scan manager 1140 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for determining a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the channel subset, at least one result of scanning the channel subset including a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the channel subset.

[0136] In some examples, the channel subset includes at least one of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, or a 6 GHz channel set.

[0137] In some examples, the second wireless communication device is a wearable device.

[0138] In some examples, scan request reception manager 1135 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving, in response to the transmission of at least one result of scanning the channel subset and from the first wireless communication device, third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth subset of channels of the channel set. In some examples, scan result transmission manager 1145 can be configured or otherwise support means for transmitting at least one result of scanning the fourth subset of channels to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

[0139] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a system 1200 is shown that includes a device 1205 that supports a method for distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications and can support communications at a first wireless communication device and communications at a second wireless communication device. Device 1205 can be an example of, or include components of, device 905, device 1005, or a STA as described herein. Device 1205 can include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 1220, an I / O controller 1210, a transceiver 1215, an antenna 1225, a memory 1230, code 1235, and a processor 1240. These components can be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (such as operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, or electrically) via one or more buses, such as bus 1245.

[0140] I / O controller 1210 can manage input and output signals for device 1205. I / O controller 1210 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 1205. In some cases, I / O controller 1210 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 1210 can utilize an operating system, such as or another known operating system. In some other cases, I / O controller 1210 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 1210 may be implemented as part of a processor (e.g., processor 1240). In some cases, a user may interact with device 1205 via I / O controller 1210 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 1210.

[0141] In some cases, the device 1205 may include a single antenna 1225. However, in some other cases, the device 1205 may have more than one antenna 1225, which may be capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously. The transceiver 1215 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 1225, a wired or wireless link, as described herein. For example, the transceiver 1215 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1215 can also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to one or more antennas 1225 for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from one or more antennas 1225. The transceiver 1215 or the transceiver 1215 and one or more antennas 1225 can be examples of the transmitter 915, the transmitter 1015, the receiver 910, the receiver 1010, or any combination thereof, or components thereof, as described herein.

[0142] Memory 1230 may include RAM and ROM. Memory 1230 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 1235, which includes instructions that, when executed by processor 1240, cause device 1205 to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, memory 1230 may contain BIOS, etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0143] The processor 1240 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 1240 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 1240. The processor 1240 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 1230) to cause the device 1205 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications). For example, the device 1205 or a component of the device 1205 may include a processor 1240 and a memory 1230 coupled to or coupled to the processor 1240, the processor 1240 and the memory 1230 being configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0144] According to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1220 can support wireless communications at a first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 1220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for sending control signaling to a second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels in response to detecting that the second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device. The communication manager 1220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0145] Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 1220 can support wireless communications at a second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 1220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving control signaling from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device on a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, the control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point. The communication manager 1220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for scanning the subset of channels. The communication manager 1220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for transmitting at least one result of the scan of the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0146] By including or configuring the communication manager 1220 according to the examples as described herein, the device 1205 can support techniques for improved communication reliability, reduced latency, an improved user experience related to reduced processing, reduced power consumption, more efficient use of communication resources, improved coordination between devices, longer battery life, and improved utilization of processing power.

[0147] Figure 13 A flow chart illustrating a method 1300 for supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications using a first wireless communication device is shown. The operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a STA or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a STA or its components as described herein. Figures 1 to 12 The STA described herein performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the STA may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described herein.

[0148] At 1305, the method may include, in response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in the channel set. The operations of 1305 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1305 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 11 The described scan request is sent to the manager 1125 for execution.

[0149] At 1310, the method may include receiving at least one result of scanning the channel subset from the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link. The operations of 1310 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1310 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 11 The described scan results are received by the manager 1130 for execution.

[0150] Figure 14 A flow chart illustrating a method 1400 for supporting distributed WLAN scanning for low-latency applications using a second wireless communication device is shown. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a STA or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by a STA or its components as described in reference to FIG. Figures 1 to 12 The STA described herein performs the functions described herein. In some examples, the STA may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the STA to perform the functions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the functions described herein.

[0151] At 1405, the method may include receiving, from a first wireless communication device communicating with a second wireless communication device on a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point. The operations of 1405 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be performed as described with reference to Figure 11 The described scan request is received by the manager 1135 for execution.

[0152] At 1410, the method may include scanning a subset of channels. The operations of 1410 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1410 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 11 The described scan manager 1140 is executed.

[0153] At 1415, the method may include sending at least one result of scanning the channel subset to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be performed as described in reference to Figure 11 The described scan results are sent to the manager 1145 for execution.

[0154] The following provides an overview of various aspects of the disclosure:

[0155] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising: in response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a channel set; and receiving at least one result of the scanning of the channel subset from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0156] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein detecting that the second wireless communication device is within the threshold proximity comprises receiving an indication that a measured RSSI value associated with a transmission from the second wireless communication device satisfies a threshold level.

[0157] Aspect 3: The method according to any of Aspects 1 to 2 further includes: receiving a request to scan a channel set from an AP, and the control signaling is sent to the second wireless communication device in response to a trigger condition including a request to scan a channel set.

[0158] Aspect 4: The method according to any of Aspects 1 to 3 further includes: communicating with an AP on a second wireless communication link, the channel set being associated with the second wireless communication link; and in response to identifying that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP is lower than a threshold level, the trigger condition includes identifying that the signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link is lower than the threshold level, and the channel set being associated with the second wireless communication link.

[0159] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising: scanning a second channel subset of the channel set, the second channel subset being different from the channel subset.

[0160] Aspect 6: A method according to Aspect 5, wherein the channel set includes at least two of a 2GHz channel set, a 5GHz channel set, and a 6GHz channel set, the channel subset includes one of a 2GHz channel set, a 5GHz channel set, or a 6GHz channel set, the second channel subset includes a different one of the 2GHz channel set, the 5GHz channel set, or the 6GHz channel set, and the third channel subset includes a different one of the 2GHz channel set, the 5GHz channel set, or the 6GHz channel set.

[0161] Aspect 7: A method according to any of Aspects 5 to 6, wherein communicating with a second wireless communication device on a wireless communication link includes: communicating with the second wireless communication device during a periodic service period based on a service interval, the service interval including a periodic service period and a periodic idle period; and scanning the second channel subset includes scanning the second channel subset during the periodic idle period.

[0162] Aspect 8: The method according to any aspect of Aspects 1 to 7 further includes: in response to detecting that a third wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, in response to a trigger condition and to the third wireless communication device, sending a second control signaling for instructing the third wireless communication device to scan a third channel subset of the channel set, the third channel subset being different from the channel subset; and receiving at least one result of scanning the third channel subset from the third wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0163] Aspect 9: The method according to any of aspects 1 to 8, further comprising: identifying a channel in the set of channels to initiate a connection process in response to at least one result of scanning the subset of channels.

[0164] Aspect 10: The method according to any of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the second wireless communication device is a wearable device.

[0165] Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 to 10, wherein at least one result of scanning the subset of channels comprises a respective RSSI value associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

[0166] Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the set of channels is associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and the AP.

[0167] Aspect 13: The method according to any item of Aspects 1 to 12 also includes: receiving an indication of the number of wireless communication devices that communicate with the first wireless communication device within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, and the number of channels in the channel subset is responsive to the number of wireless communication devices.

[0168] Aspect 14: The method according to any item of Aspects 1 to 13 further includes: in response to at least one result of scanning the channel subset and sending a third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth channel subset of the channel set; and receiving at least one result of scanning the fourth channel subset from the second wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0169] Aspect 15: A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising: receiving control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a channel set associated with communication between the first wireless communication device and an AP from a first wireless communication device that communicates with the second wireless communication device on a wireless communication link and is within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device; scanning the subset of channels; and sending at least one result of scanning the subset of channels to the first wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0170] Aspect 16: A method according to Aspect 15, wherein communicating with the first wireless communication device on the wireless communication link includes: communicating with the first wireless communication device during a periodic service period based on a service interval, the service interval includes a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the channel subset includes scanning the channel subset during the periodic idle period.

[0171] Aspect 17: A method according to any of Aspects 15 to 16, wherein scanning the channel subset includes: identifying a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the channel subset, and at least one result of scanning the channel subset includes a corresponding RSSI associated with each channel in the channel subset.

[0172] Aspect 18: The method according to any of aspects 15 to 17, wherein the channel subset includes at least one of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, or a 6 GHz channel set.

[0173] Aspect 19: The method according to any of aspects 15 to 18, wherein the second wireless communication device is a wearable device.

[0174] Aspect 20: The method according to any of Aspects 15 to 19 further includes: in response to the transmission of at least one result of scanning the channel subset and from the first wireless communication device, receiving third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth channel subset of the channel set; and sending at least one result of scanning the fourth channel subset to the first wireless communication device on the wireless communication link.

[0175] Aspect 21: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, 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 the method of any of Aspects 1 to 14.

[0176] Aspect 22: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising at least one means for performing the method of any of aspects 1 to 14.

[0177] Aspect 23: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any of aspects 1 to 14.

[0178] Aspect 24: An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, 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 the method of any of Aspects 15 to 20.

[0179] Aspect 25: An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising at least one means for performing the method of any of Aspects 15 to 20.

[0180] Aspect 26: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method of any of aspects 15 to 20.

[0181] 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 that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0182] The techniques described herein can be used in various wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000 and Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). CDMA2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. Versions of IS-2000 are often referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is often referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system may implement radio 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, and others.

[0183] One or more wireless communication systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, stations may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0184] 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 and Figure 2 The WLANs 100 and 200 may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal composed of multiple subcarriers (eg, waveform signals at different frequencies).

[0185] The description set forth herein, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all examples that can be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "having advantages over other examples." For the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques, the detailed description includes specific details. However, these techniques can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0186] In the drawings, similar parts or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number.

[0187] 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 that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0188] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, 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 embodiment, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A 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, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0189] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or a combination of any of these. Features that implement the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, the term "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items ending with a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, such that, for example, 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 set of closed conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 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."

[0190] Computer readable medium includes non-transitory computer storage medium and communication medium, and communication medium includes any medium that promotes that computer program is transferred from one place to another place.Non-transitory storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer.As an example and not limitation, non-transitory computer readable medium can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device or can be used for carrying or storing desired program code unit in instruction or data structure form and any other non-transitory medium that can be accessed by general or special-purpose computer or general or special-purpose processor.In addition, any connection is suitably referred to as computer readable medium.For example, if software is sent from website, server or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, 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.

[0191] As used herein, the terms "determine" or "determining" include a wide variety of actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), identifying, inferring, determining, measuring, etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include receiving (such as receiving information or receiving an indication), accessing (such as accessing data stored in a memory), sending (such as sending information), etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, obtaining, choosing, establishing, and other such similar actions.

[0192] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including individual members. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to encompass: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc. As used herein, unless expressly indicated otherwise, "or" is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, "a or b" can include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b.

[0193] As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, the phrase "based on" is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, "based on" can be used interchangeably with "based at least in part on," "associated with," or "in accordance with," unless expressly stated otherwise. Specifically, unless the phrase indicates "based solely on 'a'" or an equivalent in context, whether "based on 'a'" or "based at least in part on 'a'" can be based on 'a' alone or on a combination of 'a' and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

[0194] The various illustrative components, logic, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. The interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been generally described in terms of functionality and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0195] Various modifications to the examples described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles, and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0196] In addition, various features described in this specification in the context of separate examples may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple examples individually or in any suitable subcombination. Thus, although features may be described above as functioning in a particular combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from that combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variations of the subcombination.

[0197] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring these operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all of the operations shown, to achieve the desired result. In addition, the accompanying drawings can schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart or a flow diagram. However, other operations not depicted can be combined in the example processes schematically shown. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any of the illustrated operations. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of the various system components in the examples described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Claims

1. A first wireless communication device, comprising: at least one memory; as well as at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: In response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels; as well as At least one result of scanning the subset of channels is received from the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

2. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: An indication is received that a measured received signal strength indicator value associated with the transmission from the second wireless communication device satisfies a threshold level, the detecting of the second wireless communication device within the threshold proximity comprising receiving the indication.

3. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: receiving a request from an access point to scan the set of channels; The control signaling is sent to the second wireless communication device in response to a trigger condition including the request to scan the channel set.

4. The first wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: communicating with an access point over a second wireless communication link, the set of channels being associated with the second wireless communication link; as well as identifying that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point is below a threshold level, the triggering condition comprising identifying that the signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link is below the threshold level and the set of channels is associated with the second wireless communication link.

5. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: A second subset of channels of the set of channels is scanned, the second subset of channels being different from the subset of channels. The first wireless communication device according to claim 5 , wherein: The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: in response to detecting that a third wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending second control signaling to the third wireless communication device instructing the third wireless communication device to scan a third subset of the set of channels, the third subset of channels being different from the first subset of channels; as well as At least one result of scanning the third subset of channels is received from the third wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

7. The first wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein: The channel set includes at least two of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, and a 6 GHz channel set. The channel subset includes one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set, The second channel subset includes a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set, and The third channel subset includes a different one of the 2 GHz channel set, the 5 GHz channel set, or the 6 GHz channel set.

8. The first wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one processor is operable to cause the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link, and is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: Communicating with the second wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval comprising a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the second subset of channels comprises scanning the second subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

9. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: Responsive to at least one result of scanning the subset of channels, a channel in the set of channels is identified to initiate a connection process.

10. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein The second wireless communication device is a wearable device.

11. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one result of scanning the subset of channels includes a respective received signal strength indicator value associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

12. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein The set of channels is associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point.

13. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: An indication of a number of wireless communication devices communicating with the first wireless communication device within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device is received, the number of channels within the subset of channels being responsive to the number of wireless communication devices.

14. The first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is further operable to cause the first wireless communication device to: In response to at least one result of scanning the channel subset, sending, to the second wireless communication device, third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth channel subset of the channel set; as well as At least one result of scanning the fourth subset of channels is received from the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

15. A second wireless communication device, comprising: at least one memory; as well as at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, the at least one processor operable to cause the second wireless communication device to: receiving, from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels from a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point; Scanning the channel subset; as well as At least one result of scanning the subset of channels is transmitted to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

16. The second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one processor is further operable to cause the second wireless communication device to: Communicating with the first wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval comprising a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the subset of channels comprises scanning the subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

17. The second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one processor is further operable to cause the second wireless communication device to: A respective received signal strength indicator associated with each channel in the subset of channels is identified, at least one result of scanning the subset of channels including the respective received signal strength indicator associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

18. The second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein: The channel subset includes at least one of a 2 GHz channel set, a 5 GHz channel set, or a 6 GHz channel set.

19. The second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein: The second wireless communication device is a wearable device.

20. The second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein The at least one processor is further operable to cause the second wireless communication device to: receiving, in response to the transmission of at least one result of scanning the subset of channels and from the first wireless communication device, third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth subset of channels of the set of channels; as well as At least one result of scanning the fourth subset of channels is transmitted to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

21. A method for wireless communication performable at a first wireless communication device, comprising: In response to detecting that a second wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending control signaling to the second wireless communication device for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels in a set of channels; as well as At least one result of scanning the subset of channels is received from the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The detecting that the second wireless communication device is within the threshold proximity comprises: An indication is received that a measured received signal strength indicator value associated with the transmission from the second wireless communication device satisfies a threshold level.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: communicating over a second wireless communication link with an access point, the set of channels being associated with the second wireless communication link; as well as identifying that a signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point is below a threshold level, the triggering condition comprising identifying that the signal strength associated with the second wireless communication link is below the threshold level and the set of channels is associated with the second wireless communication link.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: A second subset of channels of the set of channels is scanned, the second subset of channels being different from the subset of channels.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: in response to detecting that a third wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link is within a threshold proximity of the first wireless communication device, sending third control signaling to the third wireless communication device instructing the third wireless communication device to scan a third subset of the set of channels, the third subset of channels being different from the first subset of channels; as well as At least one result of scanning the second subset of channels is received from the third wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein Communicating with the second wireless communication device over the wireless communication link includes: Communicating with the second wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval comprising a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the second subset of channels comprises scanning the second subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

27. A method for wireless communication performable at a second wireless communication device, comprising: receiving, from a first wireless communication device communicating with the second wireless communication device over a wireless communication link and within a threshold proximity of the second wireless communication device, control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a subset of channels from a set of channels associated with communications between the first wireless communication device and an access point; Scanning the channel subset; as well as At least one result of scanning the subset of channels is transmitted to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein Communicating with the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link includes: Communicating with the first wireless communication device during a periodic service period according to a service interval, the service interval comprising a periodic service period and a periodic idle period, and scanning the subset of channels comprising scanning the subset of channels during the periodic idle period.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein Scanning the channel subset includes: A respective received signal strength indicator associated with each channel in the subset of channels is identified, at least one result of scanning the subset of channels including the respective received signal strength indicator associated with each channel in the subset of channels.

30. The method of claim 27, further comprising: receiving, in response to the transmission of at least one result of scanning the subset of channels and from the first wireless communication device, third control signaling for the second wireless communication device to scan a fourth subset of channels of the set of channels; as well as At least one result of scanning the fourth subset of channels is transmitted to the first wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

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