Access point, terminal and communication method

Abstract

An access point according to the present invention is provided with: a control circuit that performs relay operation control on at least one of a first terminal that performs uplink transmission and a second terminal that performs relay of uplink transmission; and a reception circuit that receives a signal transmitted by an uplink in accordance with the control of the relay operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to access points, terminals, and communication methods. Background Technology

[0002] The requirements specification is being planned as a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11be (hereinafter also referred to as "11be") standard of the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard (e.g., also referred to as "Ultra High Reliability (UHR)").

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Non-patent literature

[0005] Non-patent literature 1: IEEE 802.11-22 / 1919r1, Considerations on UHR PAR

[0006] Non-patent literature 2: IEEE 802.11-23 / 0042r0, Thought for Range Extension in UHR

[0007] Non-patent document 3: IEEE P802.11be / D3.0, January 2023

[0008] Non-patent document 4: IEEE Std 802.11ax-2021 Summary of the Invention

[0009] However, the control methods for signal transmission in wireless communications such as wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) have not been fully studied.

[0010] The non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure help to provide access points, terminals, and communication methods that can improve the efficiency of transmission control in wireless communication.

[0011] An access point according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes: a control circuit for controlling at least one of a first terminal performing uplink transmission and a second terminal relaying the uplink transmission; and a receiving circuit for receiving the uplink transmission signal according to the control of the relay operation.

[0012] It should be noted that these general or specific methods can be implemented by systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or by any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, for example, the efficiency of transmission control in wireless communication can be improved.

[0014] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be illustrated by the specification and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by the various embodiments and the features described in the specification and drawings, but not necessarily all of them need to be provided in order to obtain one or more of the same features. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an action sent using the downlink (DL) of a Relay.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the Triggered Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) Sharing Mode contained in a Multi-User Request-To-Send Trigger frame (MU-RTS Trigger frame).

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of a terminal (STA: Station).

[0018] Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of an Access Point (AP).

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of STA.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of AP.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0024] Figure 10This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format for trigger dependent user information.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of a MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format for Special User Info and User Info.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a format for representing user information.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of the format of a Relay Control element.

[0032] Figure 18 This is an example diagram of the formatting of the Relay control element.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0035] Figure 21 This is an example diagram of the formatting of the Relay control element.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0037] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of a Relay control element.

[0039] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0040] Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of a trigger frame.

[0041] Figure 27 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a format for representing user information.

[0042] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0043] Figure 29 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of a Relay control element.

[0044] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0045] Figure 31 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0046] Figure 32 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0047] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0048] Figure 34 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0049] Figure 35 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of a Relay control element.

[0050] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0051] Figure 37 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0052] Figure 38 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay action.

[0053] Figure 39 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a format for representing user information.

[0054] Figure 40 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of a Relay control element. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Low latency is required in UHR. Additionally, as a use case for UHR, its use in factories or warehouses is being investigated (e.g., see Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0057] In factories or warehouses, one use case for UHRs, there may be many locations where radio waves cannot reach due to shielding from equipment or shelves. Additionally, factories or warehouses often contain noise (interference waves), which can further narrow the range of radio waves. Relay (e.g., relay control) can be applied as a way to extend the communication range.

[0058] As an example of a downlink (DL) transmission method using Relay, a proposal is made Figure 1 The application of triggered transmission opportunity (TXOP) sharing is shown (e.g., see non-patent document 2). Triggered TXOP sharing is, for example, by... Figure 2 The “Triggered TXOPsharing Mode subfield” in the Common Info field of the Multi User (MU) - Request to Send (RTS) Trigger frame is specified (e.g., see Non-Patent Document 3).

[0059] For example, Non-Patent Document 2 illustrates an example of relaying a data transfer (DL) from an access point (e.g., also called a base station, hereinafter referred to as an "AP") to a terminal (e.g., called a Station (STA), or a non-AP STA, hereinafter referred to as "STA") via a relaying STA (hereinafter referred to as a "relay STA").

[0060] Non-patent document 2 discloses a relay method for DL ​​transmission from AP to STA, but does not study a relay method for uplink (UL) transmission from STA to AP.

[0061] In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, a method for improving the efficiency of relay transmission in UL transmission is described.

[0062] [Structure of a wireless communication system]

[0063] One embodiment of the wireless communication system disclosed herein may include, for example, at least one AP200 and multiple STA100s (or, may also include an AP). For example, STA100 and AP200 perform relay communication or control of relay communication.

[0064] Figure 3This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of STA100, a portion of an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 In the STA100 shown, the control unit (e.g., corresponding to the control circuit) controls the relay operation for other terminals (relay target STAs described later) that are performing uplink transmissions based on control information from the AP200. The transmission unit (e.g., corresponding to the transmission circuit) transmits (e.g., forwards) the uplink transmission signals from the other terminals to the AP200.

[0065] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of an AP200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 In the AP200 shown, the relay operation of at least one of a first terminal (e.g., the relay target STA described later) performing uplink transmission and a second terminal (e.g., the relay STA described later) performing uplink transmission relay is controlled. A receiving unit (e.g., a receiving circuit) receives the uplink transmitted signal.

[0066] [Structure example of STA100]

[0067] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of STA100.

[0068] Figure 5 The STA100 shown may include, for example, a wireless transceiver unit 101, a received data packet decoding unit 102, a relay control unit 103, a control signal generation unit 104, and a transmitted data packet generation unit 105.

[0069] also, Figure 5 At least one of the received data packet decoding unit 102, relay control unit 103, control signal generation unit 104, and transmitted data packet generation unit 105 shown may be included Figure 3 In the control unit shown, Figure 5 The wireless transceiver unit 101 shown can be included in Figure 3 In the sending section shown.

[0070] Furthermore, STA100 can be either a relaying STA (hereinafter referred to as "relay STA") or a relay target STA (hereinafter referred to as "relay target STA"). In this case, both the relay STA and the relay target STA can be equipped with [the following]. Figure 5 The structure shown. Additionally, for example, the relay target STA may not have... Figure 5 The structure of the Relay control unit 103 in the structure shown.

[0071] exist Figure 5In this configuration, the wireless transceiver unit 101 receives wireless signals via an antenna and performs wireless reception processing on the received signals. The wireless transceiver unit 101 outputs the processed received signal (received data packet) to the received data packet decoding unit 102 and the relay control unit 103. Furthermore, the wireless transceiver unit 101 performs wireless transmission processing on the transmission data packet input from the transmission data packet generation unit 105 and transmits the processed signal (e.g., a wireless signal) via the antenna.

[0072] The receive data packet decoding unit 102 decodes the received data packets input from the wireless transceiver unit 101, outputs the decoded data (e.g., output data), and outputs the decoded control information to the Relay control unit 103 and the control signal generation unit 104.

[0073] The Relay control unit 103 controls the relay operation based on the received data packets input from the wireless transceiver unit 101 and the control information input from the received data packet decoding unit 102. Furthermore, examples of relay control within the Relay control unit 103 will be described later. The Relay control unit 103 outputs information related to relay control (e.g., referred to as "Relay control information") to the control signal generation unit 104 and the transmit data packet generation unit 105.

[0074] The control signal generation unit 104 generates a control signal based on at least one of the following: input data, control information input from the receive data packet decoding unit 102, relay control information input from the relay control unit 103, and the internal state of the STA100, and outputs the control signal to the transmit data packet generation unit 105.

[0075] The data packet generation unit 105 generates a data packet based on at least one of the input data, the relay control information input from the relay control unit 103, and the control signal input from the control signal generation unit 104, and outputs the generated data packet to the wireless transceiver unit 101.

[0076] [Structure example of AP200]

[0077] Figure 6 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of AP200. AP200 can, for example, be in... Figure 5 The structure of STA100 shown includes a newly added scheduling unit 201.

[0078] also, Figure 6 At least one of the scheduling unit 201, the receive data packet decoding unit 102, the relay control unit 103, the control signal generation unit 104, and the transmit data packet generation unit 105 shown may be included. Figure 4 In the control unit shown, Figure 6 The wireless transceiver unit 101 shown can be included in Figure 4 In the receiving section shown.

[0079] exist Figure 6 In this process, the scheduling unit 201 schedules the STA 100 based, for example, on at least one of the input data, control information input from the receive data packet decoding unit 102, and the internal state of the AP 200. The scheduling unit 201 outputs information related to the control of transmit data packet generation in the transmit data packet generation unit 105 and the relay control in the relay control unit 103 to the relay control unit 103 and the control signal generation unit 104.

[0080] The above describes the structural examples of STA100 and AP200.

[0081] As an example, STA100 can be a relay communication device (e.g., referred to as a relay STA or relay equipment). Additionally, another STA100 can be a communication terminal (e.g., referred to as a relay target STA) that communicates with AP200 via a relay communication device. Furthermore, AP200 can, for example, be an "AP communication device" that communicates with a communication terminal via a relay communication device.

[0082] In another example, AP200 can act as a relay communication device. Additionally, STA100 can act as a communication terminal communicating with another AP200 via the relay communication device. Furthermore, another AP200 can act as an AP communication device communicating with a communication terminal via the relay device. Here, the AP communication devices and the AP200 acting as a relay communication device can, for example, form (or participate in) an AP group (e.g., called an AP coordination group, seamless roaming AP group, mobile domain, SMD AP MLD (Single Mobility Domain AP Multi-Link Device), mesh group, etc.) by performing an establishment step. AP200s belonging to the AP group can share information related to STA100 with each other. In addition, information related to STA100 may include, for example, association-related information (Association ID (AID)), security-related information (e.g., status information or context information), service-related information (e.g., Traffic Identifier (TID), buffer status, etc.), or measurement information in STA100 (e.g., signal strength / quality of the target (serving) AP and neighboring APs).

[0083] In another example, the relay communication device may be equipped with the functions of STA100 (e.g., Figure 5 ) and the functions of AP200 (e.g., Figure 6 The relay communication device has the following structure. The STA100 function of the relay communication device is called a "logical STA," and the AP200 function of the relay communication device is called a "logical AP." For example, a logical STA can communicate with another AP200 (e.g., an AP communication device), and a logical AP can communicate with another STA100 (e.g., a communication terminal), thereby realizing relay communication between the AP communication device and the communication terminal. A logical AP can form (or participate in) an AP group with other APs. Furthermore, the relay communication device may, for example, have a relay control function. The relay control function, for example, exchanges transmit / receive data and control information for relaying between the functions of STA100 (logical STA) and AP200 (logical AP). For example, the relay control function may be part of a Medium Access Control (MAC) function. Alternatively, the relay control function can exchange transmit / receive data with logical STAs and logical APs through a MAC Service Access Point (SAP), and exchange control information with logical STAs and logical APs through a MAC Sublayer Management Entity (MLME) SAP. This relay control function can also be referred to as a higher layer (e.g., Higher layer, Upperlayer) or a station management entity (SME).

[0084] Furthermore, the situation where communication devices and communication terminals communicate through a relay communication device can be referred to as "relay communication". In addition, a relay communication device can be a structure that only performs relay communication without performing communication other than relay communication, or a structure that performs communication by switching between two types of communication, or a structure that performs multiplexed communication between the AP communication device and at least one of the other STAs, as well as relay communication.

[0085] The following describes examples of methods for trunk communication and trunk communication control performed by STA100 and AP200 (e.g., methods 1 to 10).

[0086] The following description illustrates, as an example, the relay communication between AP200 (e.g., denoted as AP) and two STA100s (e.g., denoted as STA1 and STA2). For example, STA1 is the "relay STA", STA2 is the "relay target STA", and STA1 relays the UL communication between STA2 and AP.

[0087] (Method 1)

[0088] Figure 7 An example of relay communication in Method 1 is shown.

[0089] exist Figure 7 In this process, STA1 (relay STA) and STA2 (relay target STA) are associated with (or connected to) the AP. According to the AP's Relay instruction, STA1 (relay STA) relays (or forwards, transmits) the UL data sent from STA2 (relay target STA) to the AP.

[0090] Additionally, in relay operations, regarding the relay target STA identifier used to identify STAs (e.g., relay STAs and relay target STAs), if the relay target STA is associated with the sending source AP indicated by the Relay, the sending source AP may assign an AID; if the relay target STA is not associated with the sending source AP indicated by the Relay, an identifier used to identify unassociated STAs (e.g., unassociated STA identifier (USID)) may be assigned.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, if a relay target STA is associated with an AP that is different from the transmitting source AP indicated by the Relay, the AP associated with the relay target STA may also assign an AID to the relay target STA.

[0092] An example of a relay target STA being associated with an AP different from the sending source AP could be an instance where the relay STA has the functions of both STA100 and AP200, and the relay target STA is associated with the relay STA. In this instance, the relay STA can function as AP200, assigning an AID to the relay target STA associated with it.

[0093] As described above, when an AID is assigned as the identifier of a relay target STA by an AP different from the sending source AP (e.g., including cases where it is a relay STA (e.g., has the function of AP200)), the AP different from the sending source AP can negotiate with the sending source AP to assign an AID that is not duplicated with other STA100s to the relay target STA.

[0094] Furthermore, in cases where a relay operation involves multiple AP200 subordinate STA100s, the AID and an identifier (e.g., BSSID or BSS color) representing the AP200 associated with the STA or the basic service set (BSS) to which the STA100 belongs can be combined for STA identification.

[0095] Furthermore, the identifier used to identify the relay STA can be assigned following the same steps as the relay target STA. For example, if the relay STA is associated with the sending source AP indicated by the relay, the sending source AP assigns an AID to the relay STA; if the relay STA is not associated with the sending source AP indicated by the relay, the sending source AP assigns a USID to the relay STA. Additionally, if the relay STA is associated with an AP other than the sending source AP indicated by the relay, the AP associated with the relay STA can assign an AID to the relay STA. Alternatively, an ID can be defined separately to represent the relay STA, in addition to the AID.

[0096] Figure 7 The “Relay Indication” shown is a frame (or control information) sent to request (or solicit, prompt) the relay target STA to transmit data. A Relay Indication frame can be, for example, a trigger frame or a new control frame (e.g., called a “Relay Control frame”). Furthermore, at least one of the AP and the relay STA can also use a frame based on the Reverse Direction protocol to request the relay target STA to transmit data, instead of a Relay Indication.

[0097] When the Relay indicator frame is a trigger frame, it can be defined and used as a "Relay Trigger frame" as a variant of the trigger frame for relay control, or an existing trigger frame (e.g., a Basic Trigger frame or a MU-RTS trigger frame) can be used, or a frame that extends an existing trigger frame can be used.

[0098] exist Figure 7 During this process, the AP sends a relay instruction (control information) to at least one of STA1 (relay STA) and STA2 (relay target STA) regarding relay actions.

[0099] STA1 (relay STA) can forward the relay instruction to STA2 (relay target STA) upon receiving it from the AP. Figure 7 The example shown illustrates STA1 forwarding a relay instruction to STA2, but the AP can also directly send a relay instruction to STA2. In this case, STA1 may not need to forward the relay instruction.

[0100] When STA2 (the target STA) receives a Relay instruction from a relay STA or AP, it sends UL data (Data) to the AP. If STA2 does not hold UL data, it can send a QoS null frame as a UL response.

[0101] When STA1 (relay STA) receives UL data from STA2, it sends a response signal (e.g., Ack) to STA2. Additionally, STA1 forwards (or relays) the UL data from STA2 to the AP.

[0102] When the AP receives UL data from STA1, it sends a response signal (e.g., Ack) to STA1.

[0103] In this way, the AP controls the relay actions of the target relay STA and the relay STA performing UL transmission. For example, the AP sends a relay instruction regarding relay actions to both the target relay STA and the relay STA, and the relay STA forwards the relay instruction to the target relay STA. Then, based on the relay instruction sent by the AP, the target relay STA sends UL data destined for the AP, and the relay STA relays the UL data, thus realizing UL transmission using relay.

[0104] exist Figure 7 The relay indication may include information related to the interval from which relay-related data or control information can be transmitted (e.g., the TXOP interval, hereinafter referred to as the "Relay transmission interval"). The AP can wait to receive data from the relay STA within the Relay transmission interval, can allow data transmission after receiving data from the relay STA within the Relay transmission interval, and can control whether or not data can be transmitted based on the type of data received from the relay STA. Furthermore, if the AP, as the TXOP holder, does not detect a signal within a specified time after sending the relay indication, it may revoke its transmission right and begin transmitting to other STAs. Additionally, the specified time may be, for example, a period longer than the Short Interframe Space (SIFS) (e.g., PIFS or DIFS).

[0105] Furthermore, for example, all IFSs within the time frame following the receipt of the Relay instruction (e.g., within the Relay transmission interval) can be set to SIFS.

[0106] In addition, STA1 (relay STA) can save data received from STA2 (relay target STA), for example, if forwarding to AP fails, it can retransmit to AP.

[0107] <About Encryption and Decryption>

[0108] In addition, Figure 7 In the example of the relay action shown, the following encryption and decryption can be applied to the transmitted data sent from STA2 (relay target STA) to AP via STA1 (relay STA). For example, the encryption or decryption processing of signals transmitted by UL can differ depending on whether a relay action is performed or not.

[0109] For example, the information used for encryption by the relay target STA (sending side) (e.g., the value of the address field contained in the MAC header information) can be replaced from the value of the MAC header of the actual transmitted frame with the "MAC header information used by the relay STA when sending the frame to the AP". In this way, the AP (receiving side) can decrypt the encrypted data.

[0110] Alternatively, for example, instead of replacing the information used for encryption by the relay target STA, the AP can change the information used to decrypt encrypted data. For instance, the relay target STA uses the MAC header of the actual transmitted frame to encrypt data. The AP can replace the MAC header information used to decrypt encrypted data (e.g., the value of the address field, etc.) from the MAC header of the actual received frame with the MAC header information used by the relay target STA when sending frames to the relay STA.

[0111] Alternatively, for example, instead of replacing the information used for encryption by the relay target STA, the actions of the relay STA can be changed. For instance, the relay STA could set the MAC header information (e.g., the value of the address field) to "the MAC header information used by the relay target STA when sending frames to the AP." Within the relay transmission interval specified by the Relay instruction, the relay STA forwards data whose address field in the MAC header indicates "the sending address is the relay target STA, and the receiving address is the AP."

[0112] Alternatively, for example, instead of replacing the information used for encryption by the relay target STA, the relay STA can send the encapsulated data itself. For instance, the relay STA can construct a frame that is sent directly to the AP and encapsulate the entire frame received from the relay target STA (e.g., the signal including the header) into the payload of a data frame. Alternatively, the AP can identify the received data within the relay transmission interval specified by the relay instruction as a relay frame and decrypt the frame extracted from the payload as if it were "a frame sent directly from the sending source (STA)".

[0113] The above explains the encryption and decryption of transmitted data.

[0114] Furthermore, although the description describes the case where data is transmitted from the target relay STA to the AP via the relay STA (e.g., UL communication), it is not limited to this. The above-described relay communication can also be applied to cases where data is transmitted from the AP to the target relay STA via the relay STA (e.g., DL communication). In this case, the operation can be configured to replace "target relay STA" with "AP" and "AP" with "target relay STA".

[0115] In addition, although Figure 7 The document describes the scenario where a relay STA immediately sends an Ack after receiving data from a target relay STA, but this is not the only possibility. For example, a relay STA can also send an Ack to the target relay STA after receiving an Ack from the AP. Therefore, the target relay STA can determine that the AP received the data successfully by receiving the Ack from the relay STA.

[0116] In addition, Figure 7 In the relay action example shown, the data transmitted from the relay target STA to the AP via the relay STA can be controlled as follows. For example, the transmission control of UL can differ when a relay action is performed versus when no relay action is performed.

[0117] For example, a relay target STA can set (or limit) the amount of data transmitted in a relay action to the amount of data that can be forwarded within the relay transmission interval specified by the relay instruction issued by the AP.

[0118] Alternatively, for example, the relay STA can forward data from the relay target STA if it can forward the data within the relay transmission interval, and not forward the data if it cannot forward the data.

[0119] Alternatively, for example, the relay STA may forward data that can be forwarded within the relay transmission interval (e.g., a portion of the data in the Aggregate-MAC Service Data Unit (A-MSDU)), but not data that cannot be forwarded.

[0120] In this way, data forwarding can be performed within the relay transmission interval during relay operations. Furthermore, by forwarding data within the relay transmission interval, the time from transmission by the relay target STA to reception by the AP can be shortened, achieving low-latency transmission.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, through a Relay instruction (or a Relay Control element described later), the AP can specify whether data forwarding is allowed within the Relay transmission interval, and can also specify the type of data (e.g., access category (AC) or TID) to be transmitted by the relay target STA. In this way, the AP can control the data forwarded using the Relay, such as prioritizing the transmission of data that needs to be transmitted with low latency.

[0122] exist Figure 7 In the relay action example shown, if the relay STA (STA1) does not forward data within the relay transmission interval, the relay STA may notify the AP of the reception status (e.g., successful reception or reception failure) from the relay target STA (STA2). Furthermore, reception failure may include the relay target STA's transmission failure (e.g., failure to transmit due to carrier sensing). Alternatively, if the relay STA does not receive a signal from the relay target STA after a specified time (e.g., SIFS interval) after sending a relay instruction to the relay target STA, it may determine that the relay target STA has failed to transmit.

[0123] As a method of notifying reception status, for example, a "Relay State frame" can be defined and sent by the relay STA to the AP. Alternatively, the relay STA can also send at least one of, for example, Ack and NDP, instead of the Relay State frame.

[0124] For example, it could be, such as Figure 8 As shown, if a relay STA (STA1) does not detect a signal from a relay target STA (STA2) within a time period longer than SIFS (e.g., PIFS or DIFS) after sending a Relay Instruction to the target STA (STA2), it determines that the reception status is failed and sends an NDP to the AP. The AP can determine "reception status = failure" if it receives an NDP after sending the Relay Instruction.

[0125] In addition, for example, it could be, such as Figure 9As shown, if a relay STA (STA1) receives data from a target STA (STA) within a SIFS interval (or a shorter interval than PIFS or DIFS) after sending a Relay indication to the target STA (STA2), it sends an Ack indicating "reception status = success" to the AP, in addition to the Ack sent to the target STA. The AP can determine "reception status = success" upon receiving the Ack after sending the Relay indication. Alternatively, the relay STA may not send an Ack to the AP. In this case, the AP can receive the Ack sent by the relay STA to the target STA and determine "reception status = success". For example, by not sending... Figure 9 The Ack sent to the AP shown can reduce Ack transmissions and increase throughput.

[0126] As described above, when no data forwarding occurs within the Relay transmission interval, the relay STA notifies the AP of the reception status, and the AP can then control subsequent actions as follows.

[0127] For example, if the reception status is determined to be "successful," the AP sends a transmission request (or forwarding request) to the relay STA. The relay STA can respond to the transmission request from the AP, for example, by... Figure 9 The data of the relay target STA shown is sent to the AP. Furthermore, for example, if the reception status is determined to be "failed", the AP can resend the relay instruction sent to the relay source STA (e.g., Figure 7 (The actions shown). In this way, when "receive status = success", it is not necessary to send data from the source STA to the relay STA, thereby improving throughput.

[0128] Alternatively, for example, after receiving an Ack or NDP from a relay STA, the AP can transmit it to other STAs if it can do so within the relay's transmission range. This method can improve throughput.

[0129] Furthermore, if the relay target STA does not hold UL data, it can send a QoS empty frame as a UL response. This prevents actions such as "not responding because there is no data to send."

[0130] In addition, although Figure 7 The example relay action shown illustrates the action of relay STA (STA1) sending an Ack for data transmission to relay target STA (STA2), but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be done as follows: Figure 10As shown, the relay STA does not send an Ack. In this case, if the relay STA sends data (data forwarded to the AP) after a specified time elapsed from the start of data transmission (e.g., after the SIFS interval), the target relay STA determines that the relay STA has successfully received the data. Alternatively, if the data sent by the relay STA is the same as the data sent by the target relay STA, or if it is an Ack or NDP sent to the AP, the target relay STA determines that the relay STA has successfully received the data.

[0131] Furthermore, whether a relay STA needs to send an Ack can be determined (or indicated) by the AP or the relay STA, or it can be specified in the specification. For example, the AP can notify (or control) the relay STA via relay indication whether or not to send an Ack (e.g., whether the relay STA sends a response signal for UL data from the target relay STA), or the relay STA can determine whether or not to send an Ack based on the type of the target relay STA (e.g., whether it supports or does not support the relay action of method 1 (e.g., a legacy terminal)).

[0132] This reduces Ack transmissions and increases throughput.

[0133] (Method 2)

[0134] In Method 2, we will explain the case where the Relay instruction is included in the “MU-RTS trigger frame” in the action example of Method 1.

[0135] Figure 11 An example of action is shown where the Relay instruction is included in the MU-RTS trigger frame.

[0136] exist Figure 11 In the MU-RTS trigger frame (denoted as MU-RTS) sent to the relay STA (STA1), the AP can include the specification of the relay action, as well as control information related to the relay action (e.g., relay indication) such as the ID of the relay STA (STA1) and the ID of the relay target STA (STA2).

[0137] For example, as an example of specifying a Relay action, one could use... Figure 2 The reserved (e.g., value = 3) field in the TXOP shared mode subfield of the general information field within the MU-RTS trigger frame defines the specification of the Relay action.

[0138] In addition, the AID of the relay STA can be specified, for example, by using the AID12 of the user information within the MU-RTS trigger frame.

[0139] Furthermore, the ID of the relay target STA can be specified, for example, by reserving or triggering relevant user information within the MU-RTS trigger frame (e.g., AID). Additionally, the AID of the relay target STA can be defined as "Destination AID" (or "Destination AID"). Furthermore, the ID of the relay target STA can be specified using multiple pieces of user information.

[0140] exist Figure 11 In response to a MU-RTS trigger frame from the AP, STA1 (relay STA) sends a Clear to Send (CTS) message to the AP. STA1 can send the CTS to the AP, for example, by including it in a non-HT or non-HT duplicate PHY Protocol Data Unit (PPDU).

[0141] In addition, STA1 can forward the MU-RTS trigger frame to STA2 (the relay target STA) after sending CTS.

[0142] Furthermore, the relay STA can modify a portion of the MU-RTS trigger frame forwarded to the relay target STA from the MU-RTS trigger frame received from the AP. For example, the relay STA can change the value of the TXOP shared mode subfield from 3 to 1 or 2, change AID12 in the user information to the target AID, or delete the target AID in the user information or trigger related user information. This allows the format of the MU-RTS trigger frame sent to the relay target STA to be set to be the same as the existing MU-RTS trigger format, enabling the relay target STA to perform existing STA actions.

[0143] Furthermore, the relay STA can either forward the user information within the MU-RTS trigger frame received from the AP to the relay target STA as is, or it can forward it after modifying a portion of it (e.g., AID12 within the user information). Thus, when the relay target STA's AID12 within the user information is the relay target STA's AID, it can identify itself as the relay target STA and perform actions unique to that STA (e.g., replacing the information used for encryption as shown in Method 1, or actions related to the relay STA not needing to send an Ack). Moreover, by changing the AID12 within the user information to the relay target STA's AID, the relay target STA can determine that this trigger is for that STA based on the AID12 within the user information, and when the target AID within the user information is the relay target STA's AID, it can determine that the STA is the relay target STA.

[0144] Alternatively, if the relay STA forwards the user information within the MU-RTS trigger frame received from the AP as is, the relay STA's AID may be pre-notified to the target relay STA. In this case, the target relay STA may continue decoding processing if the AID12 in the user information is that of the pre-notified relay STA.

[0145] exist Figure 11 In this scenario, STA2 (the target STA) sends a CTS to STA1 in response to a MU-RTS trigger frame from STA1 (the relay STA). STA2 may, for example, include the CTS in a non-HT or non-HT repeated PPDU and send it to the relay STA. STA2 may also send, for example, UL data after sending the CTS.

[0146] about Figure 11 Subsequent actions, such as sending and receiving data, Ack, and NDP as shown in Method 1, can be performed.

[0147] In this way, by including the Relay instruction in the MU-RTS trigger frame, existing CTS transmission actions can be implemented, thus reducing interference from sources such as transmissions from hidden terminals.

[0148] In addition, Figure 11 In the Relay action shown using MU-RTS trigger frames, it can be done as follows: Figure 12As shown, the AP sends a CTS (e.g., "CTS-to-self") before sending the MU-RTS trigger frame (e.g., just before transmission). Existing STAs, upon receiving a CTS-to-self, will prohibit transmission during the TXOP period. In contrast, a relay target STA, upon receiving a CTS-to-self, for example, if it determines it is a relay target STA based on an MU-RTS trigger frame received during the TXOP period, may be allowed to transmit during the CTS-to-self-based TXOP period. In this case, the relay STA can, for example, set the MU-RTS trigger frame sent to the relay target STA to TXOP shared mode subfield = 3 and not specify the target AID for determining whether it is a relay target STA. That is, the relay target STA can determine it is a relay target STA even if the TXOP shared mode subfield = 3 and the target AID is not specified. Therefore, even if the AP sends a CTS-to-self, relay operations can still be performed.

[0149] <Format Example>

[0150] The format example in Method 2 is explained.

[0151] For MU-RTS trigger frames sent from AP to relay STA, the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame format can be applied (e.g., see Non-Patent Document 3). Figure 13 An example format is shown for specifying the target AID (e.g., the AID of the relay target STA) in the trigger-related user information included in the user information within the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, a target AID can be specified using multiple user information instead of using... Figure 13 The format example shown is as follows. For example, it can be like this: Figure 14 As shown, in addition to special user information, multiple ( Figure 14 In the example, there are 2 user information entries. The AID12 in each user information entry specifies the AID of the relay STA and the AID of the relay target STA, respectively.

[0153] Or, for example, it can also be like Figure 15As shown, the target AID is specified in the "U-SIG Disregard And Validate" field of the special user information, and the AID of the relay STA is specified in AID12 within the subsequent user information. Furthermore, considering that U-SIG might be received by STAs other than the communication target (e.g., STAs containing overlapping BSS (OBSS)), repurposing U-SIG Disregard and Validate for other purposes is not preferred. However, since the CTS in response to MU-RTS is sent within a non-HT or non-HT repeated PPDU that does not contain U-SIG, U-SIG Disregard and Validate can be repurposed for relay control.

[0154] Furthermore, for example, the AP can pre-notify both the relay STA and the target relay STA of the ID corresponding to the target AID (e.g., "Destination Short ID" (e.g., 6 bits)). In this case, it can replace... Figure 13 The format example shown, and as Figure 16 As shown, at least a portion of the user information is reserved ( Figure 16 The target short ID is specified in 6 bits. For example, the target short ID can be associated with the AID of an STA (a candidate for the target AID) that is a potential candidate for a relay target STA, among the possible values ​​of the AID. Alternatively, a new element (e.g., a "RelayControl element") can be used to inform the target AID and the target short ID. Figure 17 This shows an example of the format for a Relay control element. For example, as shown below. Figure 17 As shown, the Relay control element can be set to: ElementID = 255, ElementID extension = 114, and the ID notification in the Relay control element can be set to type = 0. Furthermore, multiple combinations of target AID and target short ID can also be notified through the Relay control element.

[0155] In addition, it can also replace Figure 13 The format example shown adopts the following method: the AP pre-assigns an AID (hereinafter referred to as "Relay AID") representing the combination of the relay STA and the relay target STA, and notifies the relay STA and the relay target STA of the Relay AID through the Relay control element. Figure 18The format example of a Relay control element that shows the notification Relay AID, the AID of the relay STA (referred to as the "Relay Point AID"), and the AID of the relay target STA (the target AID) is shown. In this case, the Relay AID can be specified in AID12 of the user information within the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame sent to the relay STA and the relay target STA. The relay STA continues to decode when AID12 within the user information is the Relay AID, in addition to the case where AID12 within the user information is the AID of this STA. When AID12 within the user information is the Relay AID, the relay STA can recognize that this STA is a relay STA based on the Relay control element. In addition, the relay target STA continues to decode when AID12 within the user information is the Relay AID, in addition to the case where AID12 within the user information is the AID of this STA. When AID12 within the user information is the Relay AID, the relay target STA can recognize that this STA is a relay target STA based on the Relay control element.

[0156] In the above example, the case of using the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame format is described, but other formats different from the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame format can also be applied. For example, the format of MU-RTS (for example, Figure 2 the trigger where the "Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode subfield = 0" shown) can be applied.

[0157] <Notification method of Relay control element>

[0158] Next, the operation example in which the AP notifies the Relay control element in the above format example is described. In addition, a new frame can be used to notify the Relay control element. For example, a beacon can be used. In addition, when using a new frame, for example, the Relay control element can be notified in the Relay setup phase (relay setup phase), and the Relay operation of Method 1 or Method 2 can be performed in the Relay transmission phase (relay transmission phase).

[0159] Figure 19 The operation example of using a new frame (for example, referred to as the "Relay Control frame") is shown. The Relay control frame can contain the Relay control element. The AP notifies the Relay control frame to the relay STA (STA1). The relay STA, for example, sends an Ack to the AP after receiving the Relay control frame from the AP.

[0160] In addition, it can also replace Figure 19 The Relay control frame shown is an example of an action where the relay STA responds to the AP (e.g., using a "Relay Control Request Frame" and a "Relay Control Response Frame"). Figure 20 This illustrates an example of the relay establishment phase when a relay STA replies to an AP. It could be that, in... Figure 20 In the Relay control request frame, for example, a notification Figure 17 or Figure 18 The Relay control element shown (Type=0) notifies in the Relay control response frame. Figure 21 The Relay control element shown (type=1). Figure 21 The relay control element shown can be configured such that, when a relay STA is able to transmit and receive with the target STA, it notifies the AP that it is able to transmit and receive with the target STA (e.g., Dest Enable Flag = 1); and when it is unable to transmit and receive with the target STA, it notifies the AP that it is unable to transmit and receive with the target STA (e.g., Dest Enable Flag = 0). Therefore, the AP can implement the relay transmission phase for STAs with Dest Enable Flag = 1.

[0161] Furthermore, for example, the path loss between the relay STA and the target relay STA can be notified instead of the target enable flag. Additionally, the path loss can be set to the maximum value when transmission and reception between the relay STA and the target relay STA are impossible. In this case, the AP can use the STA with the lowest path loss (excluding the maximum value) as the relay STA to perform the relay transmission phase. Thus, the AP can select the optimal relay STA.

[0162] Furthermore, when the relay target STA is configured or in a state that uses information contained in the Relay control element, for example, it can be as follows: Figure 22 As shown, the relay STA forwards a Relay control element (type=0) to the relay target STA to replace... Figure 20 The Relay setup phase is shown. In this case, it could be that the relay STA, upon not receiving an Ack from the target relay STA, sends a Relay control element to the AP containing a target enable flag set to 0 (e.g., ...). Figure 21The relay control response frame is a Relay control response frame. Furthermore, for example, in a situation where communication between the relay STA and the target relay STA is impossible, the relay STA can send a Relay control response frame with the target enable flag set to 0 directly to the AP without forwarding the Relay control element (type=0) to the target relay STA.

[0163] This section illustrates an example of actions used in the Relay setup phase with a new frame, but it could also be done as follows: Figure 23 The diagram shows that the relay control element is included in the beacon, rather than in a new frame. To identify the relay STA via the beacon (broadcast transmission), for example, it can be... Figure 17 The Relay control element shown contains the AID (Relay Point ID) of the relay STA. Figure 24 It shows in Figure 17 The Relay control element shown here includes a new example of the relay point ID format.

[0164] (Method 3)

[0165] In Method 3, the case in which the MU-RTS trigger frame forwarded from the relay STA to the relay target STA in the Relay action described in Method 2 is replaced with other frames (e.g., the basic trigger frame).

[0166] Frames forwarded from a relay STA to a relay target STA are not limited to basic triggers; for example, they can also be frames requesting the relay target STA to send data to the relay STA. Frames requesting the relay target STA to send data to the relay STA can be, for example, frames containing information requesting the relay target STA to send frames based on a reverse protocol, or new control frames (e.g., P2P grant frames).

[0167] Figure 25 An example of changing the MU-RTS trigger frame to a basic trigger frame is shown.

[0168] exist Figure 25 In this process, STA1 (relay STA) receives the MU-RTS trigger frame from the AP and sends a CTS in response. The actions up to this point can be, for example, the same actions as in method 2.

[0169] After sending CTS, STA1 (relay STA) sends a basic trigger frame to STA2 (relay target STA). Figure 26 An example of the format of a basic trigger frame is shown. Figure 27 An example of the format of user information contained in a basic trigger frame is shown (e.g., see Non-Patent Document 4).

[0170] For example, to set the destination of the basic trigger frame sent by STA1 to STA2, you can... Figure 26 The RA field (representing the destination) is set with the MAC address or broadcast address of the relay target STA (STA2). Figure 27 The AID12 field in the user information shown is set to the AID of the relay target STA.

[0171] In addition, reservations can be made within the basic trigger frame (e.g., Figure 27 The reserved section (shown in the diagram) specifies a field indicating whether a basic trigger frame is being sent from a relay STA to a relay target STA (e.g., called the "Relay Flag"). For example, the Relay Flag could be set to 1 when it is a basic trigger frame being sent from a relay STA to a relay target STA, and set to 0 when it is not.

[0172] exist Figure 25 In this configuration, STA2 (the target relay STA) does not send a CTS when it receives a basic trigger frame from STA1 (the relay STA). Alternatively, when the Relay flag in the basic trigger frame is 1, STA2 is allowed to transmit within the TXOP interval specified by the CTS sent by STA1 to the AP in response to the MU-RTS from the AP, and sends a UL response. For example, when STA2 holds UL data to be transmitted in its buffer, it can send a data frame as a UL response.

[0173] Upon receiving a UL response (e.g., a data frame), STA1 can send an Ack to STA2 and forward the data frame to the AP. The AP can receive the data frame forwarded from STA1 and send an Ack back to STA1.

[0174] Thus, a flag indicating that the frame is a trigger frame sent to the relay target STA is added to the basic trigger frame sent from the relay STA to the relay target STA, thereby enabling the relay target STA to send a UL response.

[0175] (Method 4)

[0176] In Method 4, the case where the MU-RTS trigger frame sent from the AP to the relay STA is set as the basic trigger frame in the Relay action described in Method 3 is explained.

[0177] Figure 28 An example of the action is shown when changing the MU-RTS trigger frame to a basic trigger frame.

[0178] exist Figure 28In the example action shown, the AP sends a basic trigger frame as a trigger to specify a relay action to STA1 (relay STA). In the basic trigger frame sent by the AP to the relay STA, for example... Figure 26 In the format shown, the address of STA1 (relay STA) can be set in the RA field, and the AID of STA2 (relay target STA) can be set in AID12 in the user information.

[0179] exist Figure 28 In this scenario, STA1 does not send a CTS when it receives a basic trigger frame from the AP. Alternatively, if the RA field in the basic trigger frame specifies the address of STA1, and the AID12 in the user information specifies an AID that is different from both the AID of STA1 and the AID corresponding to the special user information, STA1 determines that STA1 is a relay STA, and the relay target STA is specified by AID12 in the user information.

[0180] Subsequent actions can be the same as those in Method 3, and there is no need to set the Relay flag as described in Method 3.

[0181] In this way, relay actions can be performed even when the relay target STA is a terminal that does not perform actions corresponding to the relay instruction (e.g., a traditional terminal).

[0182] Furthermore, the determination (or confirmation) of the relay STA can be limited, for example, to the case where the user information contained in the basic trigger frame is only one. Alternatively, the determination (or confirmation) of the relay STA can be limited to the case where the AID12 in the user information matches the AID of the relay target STA notified by the Relay control element described in Method 2. In this case, the Relay control element can be set as follows: Figure 29 The format shown only contains the AID (Target AID) of the relay target STA.

[0183] Furthermore, the user information in the basic trigger frame sent by the AP can have the structure of the special user information described in Method 2. In this way, it can be determined that the basic trigger frame is a trigger instructing the relay STA to perform a relay action.

[0184] Furthermore, although it is explained that the AID12 in the user information is set to the AID of the relay target STA in the basic trigger frame sent by the AP, it is not limited to this. For example, the Relay AID described in method 2 can be used instead of the AID of the relay target STA.

[0185] (Method 5)

[0186] Method 2 describes an action example where the AP acts as a relay indicator, sending a MU-RTS trigger frame to the relay STA, and the relay STA forwards the MU-RTS trigger to the relay target STA. However, when the relay target STA directly receives the MU-RTS trigger sent from the AP, the forwarding of the MU-RTS trigger frame from the relay STA to the relay target STA is unnecessary.

[0187] In addition, instances where the relay target STA directly receives MU-RTS triggered by the AP include, for example, instances where "AP's transmit power > STA's transmit power", instances where the relay target STA can directly receive signals from the AP in DL but cannot directly transmit signals to the AP in UL, or instances where the relay target STA can transmit and receive signals with the AP in both DL and UL, but uses Relay in order to use a higher modulation and coding scheme (MCS) to transmit UL data.

[0188] In this scenario, whether the relay target STA needs to forward the MU-RTS trigger frame can be determined based on whether it can receive the MU-RTS trigger frame sent from the AP. For example, if the relay target STA does not receive the Relay indication from the AP, the Relay indication is forwarded from the relay STA to the relay target STA; conversely, if the relay target STA receives the Relay indication from the AP, the Relay indication is not forwarded from the relay STA to the relay target STA.

[0189] Figure 30 This illustrates an example of the actions taken by a relay target STA when it receives a MU-RTS trigger frame sent from an AP. Figure 31 This example illustrates the action taken when a relay target STA does not receive a MU-RTS trigger frame sent from an AP.

[0190] exist Figure 30 and Figure 31 In this process, the AP can send MU-RTS trigger frames to both STA1 (relay STA) and STA2 (relay target STA) to identify the relay STA and the relay target STA.

[0191] For example, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the AP can, as described in Method 2, notify STA1 and STA2 in advance of information related to the relay STA and the target relay STA. For example, the AP can follow... Figure 22 The method shown will Figure 24 The Relay control element shown notifies STA1 and STA2, and can also notify from... Figure 24The Relay control element for the target short ID has been removed from the format.

[0192] After notifying the relay control element, the AP sends a MU-RTS trigger frame instructing the relay to take action. Similar to method 2, the MU-RTS trigger frame sets the relay STA's AID in AID12 within the user information and adds the target STA's AID (target AID) format.

[0193] It is possible that when the AID12 in the user information of the MU-RTS trigger frame received from the AP specifies the AID of STA1, and the received MU-RTS trigger frame indicates the relay action, STA1 (relay STA) determines that STA1 is a relay STA.

[0194] It is possible that when the AID12 in the user information of the received MU-RTS trigger frame is the AID of STA1 (relay STA), STA2 (relay target STA) continues to decode the received MU-RTS trigger frame, and when the target AID specified by the received MU-RTS trigger frame is the AID of STA2, it determines that STA2 is the relay target STA.

[0195] For example, it could be, such as Figure 30 As shown, when both STA1 (relay STA) and STA2 (relay target STA) receive the MU-RTS trigger frame from the AP, both STA1 and STA2 send a CTS after SIFS. Then, STA2 can send UL data after SIFS from CTS, for example, as described in Method 1. Alternatively, when STA1 receives UL data after SIFS from CTS, it can determine that the relay target STA has already received the MU-RTS trigger from the AP, and therefore does not need to forward the MU-RTS trigger frame to the relay target STA. Afterwards, STA1 can, for example, forward the UL data to the AP in the same way as in Method 1.

[0196] In addition, for example, it could be, such as Figure 31As shown, when STA1 (relay STA) receives a MU-RTS trigger frame from the AP, but STA2 (relay target STA) does not receive a MU-RTS trigger frame from the AP, STA1 sends a CTS after SIFS. Then, if STA1 does not detect a signal for a longer period than the start time of data transmission (e.g., a longer period than SIFS (e.g., PIFS or DIFS)) after the relay target STA sends the CTS, it determines that the relay target STA has not received a MU-RTS trigger from the AP, and forwards the MU-RTS trigger frame to STA2 in the same manner as in method 2 or method 3. Afterwards, STA1 and STA2 can perform data transmission, reception, and forwarding in the same way as in method 1.

[0197] In this way, the relay STA can detect whether the target STA has started transmitting data by attempting to detect the signal during the PIFS or DIFS period. If the target STA has not started transmitting data, the relay STA will forward the trigger to the target STA; otherwise, it will not forward the trigger to the target STA. In this way, unnecessary trigger forwarding can be prevented, thereby improving throughput.

[0198] Furthermore, while the format of specifying the relay STA in the AID12 within the user information of the MU-RTS trigger frame sent by the AP is described, it is not limited to this. Alternatively, the format of specifying the target relay STA in the AID12 within the user information and adding the relay STA's AID instead of the target AID can also be used. In this case, the relay STA can continue decoding when it receives an MU-RTS trigger frame whose AID12 within the user information specifies the target relay STA's AID. If the ID of the relay STA specified by the MU-RTS trigger frame is the ID of this STA, it is determined that this STA is a relay STA. Furthermore, the target relay STA can be determined to be the target relay STA when the AID12 within the user information is the STA's AID and the MU-RTS trigger frame indicates relay action. Additionally, the target relay STA can, for example, perform the existing actions when receiving the MU-RTS trigger frame without determining (or confirming) its status as a target relay STA. Thus, even if the target relay STA is a terminal that does not perform actions corresponding to the relay indication (e.g., a conventional terminal), relay action can still be performed.

[0199] Furthermore, although the example of the action specified by AID12 in the user information of the MU-RTS trigger frame sent by the AP for the relay STA or relay target STA has been described, the AP can also notify in advance. Figure 18The Relay control element shown in the diagram notifies the Relay ID via AID12 in the user information of the MU-RTS trigger frame.

[0200] (Method 6)

[0201] In Method 6, the case where the MU-RTS trigger frames sent from the AP to the relay STA and from the relay STA to the relay target STA are set as basic trigger frames in the Relay action described in Method 5 is explained.

[0202] Figure 32 and Figure 33 An example of the action is shown when changing the MU-RTS trigger frame to a basic trigger frame.

[0203] exist Figure 32 and Figure 33 In this process, the AP can send basic trigger frames to both STA1 (relay STA) and STA2 (relay target STA) to identify the relay STA and the relay target STA.

[0204] For example, such as Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, the AP can, as described in Method 2, notify STA1 and STA2 in advance of information related to the relay STA and the target relay STA. For example, the AP can follow... Figure 22 The method shown will include Figure 18 The Relay control element of the Relay AID shown here notifies STA1 and STA2.

[0205] After notifying the Relay control element, the AP sends a basic trigger frame instructing the Relay to take action. This basic trigger frame could be formatted as having the broadcast address set in the RA field and the Relay ID set in the AID12 field within the user information.

[0206] When STA1 (relay STA) specifies the following Relay ID in the user information of the basic trigger frame received from AP, it can be determined that STA1 is a relay STA. The Relay ID is the Relay ID of the relay point AID corresponding to STA1 shown in the Relay control element.

[0207] When STA2 (relay target STA) specifies the following Relay ID in the user information of the received basic trigger frame, it can be determined that STA2 is a relay target STA. The Relay ID is the Relay ID of the target AID that is STA2 as shown in the Relay control element.

[0208] For example, it could be, such as Figure 32 As shown, when both STA1 (relay STA) and STA2 (relay target STA) receive a basic trigger frame from the AP, both STA1 and STA2 perform data transmission and reception as described in Method 1 after SIFS from receiving the basic trigger frame. If the relay STA receives data after SIFS from receiving the basic trigger frame, it can determine that the relay target STA has already received the basic trigger from the AP, and therefore there is no need to forward the basic trigger frame to the relay target STA. Afterwards, STA1 can, for example, forward the data to the AP in the same manner as in Method 1.

[0209] In addition, for example, it could be, such as Figure 33 As shown, when STA1 (relay STA) receives a basic trigger frame from the AP, but STA2 (relay target STA) does not receive a basic trigger frame from the AP, if STA1 does not detect a signal for a longer period than the time it takes for the relay target STA to receive the basic trigger frame and begin data transmission (e.g., a longer period than SIFS (e.g., PIFS or DIFS)), it determines that the relay target STA has not received the basic trigger from the AP and forwards the basic trigger frame to STA2 in the same manner as in method 4. Afterwards, STA1 and STA2 can perform data transmission, reception, and forwarding in the same way as in method 1.

[0210] In this way, the relay STA can detect whether the target STA has started transmitting data by attempting to detect the signal during the PIFS or DIFS period. The relay STA will trigger forwarding if the target STA has not started transmitting data, and will not forward the trigger to the target STA if it has started transmitting data. This method prevents unnecessary forwarding, thereby improving throughput.

[0211] Furthermore, while the format for specifying the Relay AID in AID12 within the user information of the basic trigger frame sent by the AP is described, it is not limited to this; the format for setting the AID of the relay target STA in AID12 within the user information can also be used. In this case, the relay STA can determine that it is a relay target STA when the AID12 within the user information of the received basic trigger frame specifies its own AID; and it can determine that it is a relay STA when the AID12 specified in the user information is the target AID (the AID of the relay target STA) that corresponds to the relay point AID shown in the Relay control element. Additionally, the relay target STA can, for example, perform existing actions when receiving a basic trigger frame without being identified as a relay target STA. In this case, the format of deleting the Relay ID from the Relay control element can be applied, or the Relay control element can be notified to the relay STA without notifying the relay target STA. In this way, the AID of the relay target STA is specified in AID12 within the user information, so that the relay action can be performed even if the relay target STA is a terminal that does not perform actions corresponding to the relay instruction (e.g., a traditional terminal).

[0212] (Method 7)

[0213] In the relay actions described in methods 1 to 6, the AP can simultaneously issue transmit / receive instructions to multiple STAs (including STAs that do not perform relay actions) (e.g., triggered transmission as shown in methods 2 to 6). In this case, the forwarding triggered by the relay action and the UL transmission from other STAs may be performed simultaneously, which may be affected by interference.

[0214] For example, in method 7, the transmission band of the trigger (e.g., Relay indication) forwarded by the relay STA to the relay target STA can be different from the transmission band of the signal transmitted by other STAs in UL. This prevents interference caused by the triggering of forwarding during relay operations.

[0215] For example, Figure 34 This illustrates an example of an action in which, in addition to the relay action using the basic trigger frame described in methods 4 and 6, the basic trigger sent by the AP also includes a UL transmission instruction for other STAs (e.g., STA1).

[0216] exist Figure 34In addition to the relay indication described in methods 4 and 6 when STA2 is a relay STA and STA3 is a relay target STA, the AP also sends a basic trigger frame containing user information instructing STA1 to transmit UL data. At this time, the transmission frequency band of the UL data assigned to the relay target STA (STA3) can be set to a different frequency band than the transmission frequency band of the UL data assigned to STA1.

[0217] In this scenario, STA2 (relay STA) can forward the basic trigger to STA3 within the transmission band of the UL data of the relay target STA specified by the basic trigger frame sent by the AP. In other words, the transmission band of the basic trigger frame forwarded from the relay STA can be set within the transmission band of the UL data of the relay target STA.

[0218] In this way, by setting the frequency band used for forwarding the basic trigger frame in the transmission frequency band of the relay target STA, the frequency band used for forwarding the basic trigger frame can be a different frequency band from the transmission frequency band of STA1, thereby suppressing the interference of the forwarding of the basic trigger on the UL data of STA1.

[0219] In addition, Figure 34 In this configuration, the transmission frequency band for UL data targeting the relay target STA, specified by the basic trigger frame sent by the AP, can be set (or restricted) to include the primary channel (primary CH) band of the relay target STA. For example, the AP can... Figure 35 The Relay control element shown pre-specifies the primary channel of the relay target STA for both the relay STA and the relay target STA. The primary channel specified by the Relay control element can also be a primary channel that is switched within the TXOP range specified by the Relay instruction. Therefore, the relay target STA can perform the same signal detection action for the primary channel on the forwarded basic trigger frame as existing methods.

[0220] Furthermore, for example, the transmission frequency band for UL data of the relay target STA can be allocated in 20MHz increments, in conjunction with the allocation of preamble. In this way, by allocating the transmission frequency band for UL data in 20MHz increments, other STAs ( Figure 34 The frequency band of the preamble in the UL transmitted data of STA1 is different from the frequency band of the preamble in the basic trigger frame being forwarded, thereby suppressing the interference effect.

[0221] In addition, Figure 35In this context, type=1 indicates the Relay control element specifying the primary channel, Relay AID indicates the Relay AID notified through the Relay control element (type=0), and Channel Number indicates the primary channel number of the relay target STA. Furthermore, although... Figure 35 The example shown is of specifying the primary channel using the Relay control element (type=1), but the format of adding a channel number can also be applied to the Relay control element (type=0).

[0222] also, Figure 34 The UL transmission step described in Method 4 is shown as an example, but the UL transmission step can also be any of the steps in Methods 1 to 3 and Methods 5 to 7.

[0223] (Method 8)

[0224] Method 8 describes the method for collecting and sending Buffer Status Reports (BSRs) in the Relay action described in Methods 1 through 7.

[0225] For example, such as Figure 36 As shown, the AP sends a frame requesting a BSR from STA2 (the relay target STA) (e.g., BSR Polling (BSRP)). Furthermore, in a BSRP, multiple other STAs can be included as destinations (e.g., STAs that do not perform relay actions). Figure 36 STA (not shown in the text)

[0226] STA1 (relay STA) receives frames (e.g., BSRPs) from the AP and sends frames notifying of a BSR request from the AP for STA2 (e.g., BSRPs with at least STA2 as the destination). Alternatively, other control frames (e.g., buffer status request frames, P2P buffer status request frames, etc.) can be used instead of BSRPs.

[0227] STA2 (relay destination STA), for example, when receiving a BSRP, sends a PPDU containing a BSR to STA1. At this time, the AP can be specified via the destination address, etc.

[0228] STA1 receives a PPDU containing a BSR sent from STA2 and forwards the PPDU to the AP.

[0229] When the BSR notifies the AP of data transmission from the relay target STA to the AP, the AP can, for example, perform... Figure 36 The UL transmission steps (Relay action) are shown below. Furthermore, Figure 36 The UL transmission step described in Method 4 is shown as an example, but the UL transmission step can also be any of the steps in Methods 1 to 3 and Methods 5 to 7.

[0230] (Method 9)

[0231] Method 9 describes a method for collecting and sending BSRs in the Relay action described in Methods 1 through 7, which is different from Method 8.

[0232] For example, such as Figure 37 As shown, STA1 (relay STA) sends a frame (e.g., BSRP) to STA2 (relay target STA) requesting the transmission of information related to whether or not data has been transmitted (e.g., BSR). Alternatively, other control frames (e.g., buffer status request frames, P2P buffer status request frames, etc.) can be used instead of BSRP. Furthermore, the information related to whether or not data has been transmitted may include, for example, the amount of data, the desired bandwidth (BW), TID, AC, etc.

[0233] STA2 (the relay target STA), for example, upon receiving a BSRP, sends a PPDU to STA1 containing information related to whether data has been transmitted (e.g., a BSR). The BSR may contain buffer information related to either data destined for the relay STA or data transmitted to the AP via the relay STA (e.g., being relayed). For example, the BSR may distinguish individual data points by TID or destination address (e.g., AID).

[0234] For example, STA1 may receive BSRP from AP and respond by including at least one of the buffer information related to the data sent from STA1 (relay STA) to AP and the buffer information related to the data sent from STA2 (relay target STA) to AP via relay STA in the BSR.

[0235] When the AP is notified via BSR that there is data to be transmitted from a relay STA or a relay target STA to the AP, the AP can perform, for example... Figure 37 The UL transmission steps (Relay action) are shown below. Furthermore, Figure 37 The UL transmission step described in Method 4 is shown as an example, but the UL transmission step can also be any of the steps in Methods 1 to 3 and Methods 5 to 7.

[0236] (Method 10)

[0237] In Method 1, it is explained that... Figure 10 The example shown illustrates an action to delete a cut-off Ack transmission. This action can also be applied to DL data transmissions using Relay actions. For instance, it can be used when... Figure 1 In the DL sending method of the Relay action shown, the Ack sending is deleted.

[0238] Figure 38 This example demonstrates how to remove the Ack transmission action when using the DL transmission method of Relay.

[0239] It is possible Figure 38 As shown, the Ack sent from STA1 to AP after AP sends PPDU1 will be deleted.

[0240] The AP can detect whether STA1 has started transmitting PPDU2 after SIFS from receiving PPDU1 by attempting to detect the signal within a specified time (e.g., PIFS or DIFS) after PPDU1 is transmitted. For example, STA1 successfully receiving PPDU1 and transmitting PPDU2 in response is equivalent to STA1 successfully receiving PPDU1 and transmitting an Ack in response. Therefore, the AP's detection of whether PPDU2 transmission has started is equivalent to the AP's detection of Ack reception. Thus, when the AP detects the start of PPDU2 transmission, it can consider that it has received the Ack for PPDU1. In this way, Acks sent from STA1 to the AP can be deleted, preventing unnecessary Ack transmissions and thus improving throughput.

[0241] In addition, Figure 38 For example, sometimes although STA2 can transmit and receive both DL and UL, a relay is used to transmit DL data at a higher MCS. In this case, such as... Figure 38 As shown, the AP can receive the Ack sent by STA2, making the action of STA1 forwarding STA2's Ack to the AP unnecessary. In this case, the action of STA1 forwarding STA2's Ack to the AP can be removed, and the AP can simply receive STA2's Ack. In this way, unnecessary Ack forwarding can be prevented, thereby improving throughput.

[0242] Furthermore, the AP can instruct STA1 whether the Ack from STA2 needs to be forwarded. For example, when a relay action is applied because a higher MCS is required (e.g., when an Ack from STA2 can be received), the AP can instruct STA1 that the Ack from STA2 does not need to be forwarded. Additionally, for example, it can... Figure 38 The TXOP share trigger's reserved information field or user information is assigned to an indication of the Ack that does not require forwarding STA2.

[0243] In addition, the AP can notify STA1, or STA2, of the fact that DL data has been sent with a Relay action applied. This notification can be made, for example, by using a reservation (e.g., value = 3) in the TXOP share mode subfield of the trigger included in the TXOP share trigger, or by using the Relay control element described above.

[0244] The above explains methods 1 through 10.

[0245] As described above, in this embodiment, AP200 controls the relay operations of the relay target STA performing UL transmission and the relay STA performing UL transmission relay, and receives the UL transmitted signals. In this way, UL transmission relay from STA100 to AP200 can be achieved. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the efficiency of transmission control in wireless communication can be improved.

[0246] The above describes the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0247] Furthermore, methods 2 through 9 describe action examples using MU-RTS trigger frames or basic trigger frames, but the type of trigger frame is not limited to these; other triggers can also be used. For example, a new trigger (e.g., a "Relay trigger frame") can be used. For instance, in a Relay trigger frame, the trigger type subfield value can be set to 9. In this case, the format of the Relay trigger frame can be the same as the MU-RTS trigger frame or basic trigger frame shown in methods 2 through 9. This avoids the situation where, in action examples involving adding trigger-related user information, the structure only adds trigger-related user information in a specific mode using the same trigger.

[0248] Furthermore, while methods 1 through 9 illustrate action examples of UL transmission using Relay, methods 1 through 9 can also be applied to DL transmission using Relay. In this case, the AP can specify DL / UL transmission of data to both the relay STA and the target relay STA (one-way). Additionally, besides one-way transmission, bidirectional DL / UL transmission can also be specified. For example, when specifying DL transmission, [the following steps can be performed]. Figure 1 Alternatively, the DL sending method described in Method 10 can be used. For example, a reservation included in the trigger or a Relay control element can be used to specify DL / UL sending. Figure 39 It shows in Figure 16The MU-RTS-triggered user information reservation shown now includes a data transmission direction indicator (e.g., "DL / UL mode") and a format example of whether or not to forward Ack (e.g., "Ack Send") as shown in Methods 1 and 10. Figure 39 In this context, the DL / UL mode can be, for example, "0: DL transmission, 1: UL communication, 2: bidirectional communication". Furthermore, in... Figure 39 In this context, an Ack message can be sent as, for example, "0: Ack needs to be forwarded, 1: Ack does not need to be forwarded". Furthermore, Figure 40 It shows in Figure 18 The Relay control element shown has added the above-mentioned DL / UL mode and Ack transmission format example.

[0249] Furthermore, in methods 1 through 9, for example, when the relay target STA performs a relay action to transmit at a higher MCS, the relay target STA can receive the trigger sent by the AP. Therefore, the action of the relay STA forwarding the trigger to the relay target STA becomes unnecessary. When the relay target STA can receive the trigger sent from the AP, the AP can instruct the relay STA not to forward the trigger. For example, it can be... Figure 39 and Figure 40 The “Ack Send” shown can be used as a flag to indicate whether “Ack or not indication needs to be forwarded”, and also as a flag to indicate whether “trigger or not indication needs to be forwarded” (for example, “Ack Send” can be changed to “Ack and trigger Send”). A flag indicating whether “trigger or not indication needs to be forwarded” can also be added to the trigger or relay control element.

[0250] Furthermore, in methods 1 to 10, the frequency bands for transmission and reception between the AP and the relay STA and the frequency bands for transmission and reception between the relay STA and the target relay STA can be different. For example, the frequency band for transmission and reception between the relay STA and the target relay STA can be changed (or set) to include the main channel of the target relay STA. In the MLD configuration, the link for transmission and reception between the AP and the relay STA and the link for transmission and reception between the relay STA and the target relay STA can be different.

[0251] Furthermore, the field (or subfield) used for notifying control information in the above embodiment is only one example; other fields or subfields can also be used. Additionally, the number of bits used for notifying control information in each field or subfield is only one example; other numbers of bits can also be used.

[0252] Furthermore, the value of the control information notified in the above embodiments (e.g., AID, Element ID, Element ID Extension, Type value, etc.) is only one example and may be other values.

[0253] Furthermore, the signal format described in the above embodiments is only one example. It may also be another structure in which at least one of the following has been added or deleted: other fields have been added or deleted. It may also be another structure in which at least one of the following has been added or deleted: other subfields have been added or deleted.

[0254] Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate a case based on the format specified in IEEE 802.11 as an example, the format of an embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to the IEEE 802.11 format.

[0255] This disclosure can be implemented in software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. The functional blocks used in the above embodiments are implemented partially or wholly as LSIs (Large Scale Integration), and the processes described in the above embodiments can also be controlled partially or wholly by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI can be composed of individual chips, or it can be composed of a single chip containing some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may also include data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, an LSI may also be referred to as an "IC (Integrated Circuit)," "System LSI," "Super LSI," or "Ultra LSI."

[0256] The method of integrating LSIs is not limited to LSIs; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or special-purpose processors. Alternatively, LSIs can be used to fabricate programmable FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), or reconfigurable processors that allow for reconfiguration of the connections or settings of the circuit blocks within the LSI. This disclosure can also be implemented for digital or analog processing.

[0257] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or the emergence of other derivative technologies lead to integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, these technologies could also be used to integrate functional blocks. There are also possibilities for applications such as biotechnology.

[0258] This disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of devices, apparatuses, and systems with communication capabilities (collectively referred to as "communication devices"). A communication device may also include a wireless transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The wireless transceiver may also include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, or perform the functions of these units. The wireless transceiver (transmitting unit, receiving unit) may also include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may also include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or similar devices. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include: telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablet computers, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, laptops, etc.), cameras (digital cameras, digital camcorders, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, e-book readers, remote health / telemedicine (remote healthcare / medical prescription) devices, vehicles or transportation vehicles with communication capabilities (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the various devices described above.

[0259] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable devices, but also include all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems that cannot be carried or fixed. Examples include: smart home devices (home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or meters, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and all other "things" that can exist on the IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0260] In addition to data communication via cellular systems, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) systems, and communication satellite systems, communication also includes data communication via a combination of these systems.

[0261] In addition, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers or sensors that are connected or linked to a communication device performing the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, it includes a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device to perform the communication functions of the communication device.

[0262] In addition, the communication device includes infrastructure equipment that communicates with or controls the various devices described above (not limited to these), such as base stations, access points, and all other devices, equipment, and systems.

[0263] An access point according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes: a control circuit for controlling at least one of a first terminal performing uplink transmission and a second terminal relaying the uplink transmission; and a receiving circuit for receiving the uplink transmission signal according to the control of the relay operation.

[0264] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a transmitting circuit is further included, which transmits control information related to the relay operation.

[0265] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control information is included in at least one of a trigger frame, a control frame, and an element.

[0266] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control information is forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0267] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the uplink transmission control differs when the relay action is performed versus when the relay action is not performed.

[0268] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the encryption or decryption processing of the signals transmitted on the uplink differs when the relay operation is performed versus when the relay operation is not performed.

[0269] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control information includes an instruction for uplink transmission to a terminal other than the first terminal, wherein the first transmission frequency band of the control information forwarded by the second terminal to the first terminal is different from the second transmission frequency band of the signal transmitted by the other terminal in the uplink transmission.

[0270] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control information specifies a third transmission frequency band for the uplink transmission performed by the first terminal, wherein the first transmission frequency band is set within the third transmission frequency band.

[0271] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the first terminal does not receive the control information from the access point, the control information is forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal; when the first terminal receives the control information from the access point, the control information is not forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0272] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control information is used to control whether the control information is forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0273] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control information is used to control whether the second terminal sends a response signal to the signal sent from the uplink of the first terminal.

[0274] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a terminal comprising: a control circuit that controls a relay operation of another terminal performing uplink transmission based on control information from an access point; and a transmission circuit that, in accordance with the control of the relay operation, transmits the uplink transmission signal from the other terminal to the access point.

[0275] In a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure, an access point performs the following steps: controlling at least one of a first terminal that performs uplink transmission and a second terminal that relays the uplink transmission; and receiving the uplink transmission signal according to the control of the relay operation.

[0276] In a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure, a terminal performs the following steps: based on control information from an access point, controls a relay action for other terminals that are transmitting uplink data; and according to the control of the relay action, transmits the uplink transmission signal from the other terminals to the access point.

[0277] The entire contents of the specification, drawings and abstract of the specification contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-118346, filed on July 20, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0278] Industrial applicability

[0279] One embodiment of this disclosure is useful for wireless communication systems.

[0280] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0281] 100 STA

[0282] 101 Wireless Transceiver Unit

[0283] 102 Receive Data Packet Decoding Unit

[0284] 103 Relay Control Department

[0285] 104 Control Signal Generation Unit

[0286] 105 Data Packet Generation Department

[0287] 200 AP

[0288] 201 Dispatch Department

Claims

1. An access point, characterized in that, have: The control circuit controls at least one of the first terminal performing uplink transmission and the second terminal relaying the uplink transmission; and The receiving circuit receives the signal transmitted by the uplink according to the control of the relay operation.

2. The access point as described in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a transmitting circuit that transmits control information related to the relay action.

3. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control information is contained in at least one of the trigger frame, control frame, and element.

4. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control information is forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal.

5. The access point as described in claim 1, wherein, The uplink transmission control differs when the relay action is performed versus when the relay action is not performed.

6. The access point as described in claim 1, wherein, The encryption or decryption processing of the signals transmitted on the uplink differs when the relay action is performed versus when the relay action is not performed.

7. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control information includes instructions for uplink transmission to terminals other than the first terminal. The first transmission frequency band of the control information forwarded by the second terminal to the first terminal is different from the second transmission frequency band of the uplink signal transmitted by the other terminal.

8. The access point as described in claim 7, wherein, The control information specifies a third transmission frequency band for the uplink transmission performed by the first terminal. The first transmission frequency band is set within the third transmission frequency band.

9. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, When the first terminal does not receive the control information from the access point, the control information is forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal. When the first terminal receives the control information from the access point, the control information is not forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal.

10. The access point as described in claim 9, wherein, The control information is used to control whether the control information is forwarded from the second terminal to the first terminal.

11. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control information is used to control whether the second terminal sends a response signal to the signal sent from the uplink of the first terminal.

12. A terminal, characterized in that, have: The control circuit, based on control information from the access point, controls the relay actions of other terminals transmitting uplink data; and The transmitting circuit, under the control of the relay action, transmits the uplink signal from the other terminal to the access point.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The access point performs the following steps: Controlling the relay operation of at least one of the first terminal performing uplink transmission and the second terminal relaying the uplink transmission; and According to the control of the relay action, the signal sent by the uplink is received.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The terminal performs the following steps: Based on control information from the access point, control relay actions for other terminals performing uplink transmissions; and According to the control of the relay action, the signal sent from the uplink of the other terminal is sent to the access point.

Images