Enhancement of request transmission and allowed transmission exchange

Abstract

The present disclosure provides enhanced methods, components, devices, and systems for Request to Transmit (RTS) and Clear to Transmit (CTS) exchanges. A first wireless device may receive a beacon frame indicating a first frame in which the first wireless device monitors a first channel, the first frame scheduling communications via one or more channels. A first wireless device may receive a first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and a puncturing mode of a plurality of available puncturing modes for the channel bandwidth. The puncturing pattern may be associated with a first subset of a set of a plurality of channels of a channel bandwidth. The first wireless device may transmit a second frame to the second wireless device indicating that the second subset of channels are available, and may receive one or more data packets via the second subset of channels.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 458,746, filed August 30, 2023, entitled “Enhancements to request to send and clear to send exchanges,” which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, to enhancements to request-to-transmit (RTS) and consent-to-transmit (CTS) exchanges. Background Technology

[0004] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can be formed by one or more wireless access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by multiple client devices (also known as wireless stations (STAs)). The basic building block of a WLAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard family is the Basic Service Set (BSS) managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) advertised by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the AP's wireless range to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0005] In some WLANs, a first wireless device (such as a STA or AP) and a second wireless device (such as a STA or AP) may exchange Request to Transmit (RTS) frames and Allow to Transmit (CTS) frames. RTS and CTS frames can be frames carried within a Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). For example, the Physical Layer Convergence Process (PLCP) Service Data Unit (PSDU) of a PPDU may include an RTS or CTS frame. The RTS or CTS frame may include bandwidth information associated with communication (such as data exchange) between the first and second wireless devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein each have several innovative aspects, and no single aspect is solely responsible for the desired properties disclosed herein.

[0007] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a first wireless device. The method may include: receiving a beacon frame instructing the first wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; receiving a first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth; transmitting at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and receiving one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device. The first wireless device may include a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code. The processing system may be configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive a beacon frame instructing the first wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; receive a first frame from a second wireless device instructing the first frame to indicate a channel bandwidth and to indicate a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth; transmit at least one second frame to the second wireless device instructing the at least one second frame to indicate that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and receive one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device. The first wireless device may include: components for receiving a beacon frame instructing the first wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; components for receiving the first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth; components for transmitting at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and components for receiving one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors for: receiving a beacon frame instructing a first wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; receiving a first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth; transmitting at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and receiving one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0011] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the first channel may be associated with a second channel bandwidth that may be less than the bandwidth of the first channel.

[0012] The methods described herein, examples of the first wireless device, and some examples of non-transitory computer-readable media may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: monitoring a first frame of a first channel based on the beacon frame; and monitoring one or more data packets of a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels based on the at least one second frame.

[0013] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

[0014] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the first frame indicates a first spatial stream quantity (NSS) associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

[0015] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the at least one second frame indicates that the second NSS is available and that the one or more data packets can be received via the second NSS.

[0016] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the punching pattern indicates that the first channel can be punched.

[0017] The methods described herein, examples of the first wireless device, and some examples of nontransitory computer-readable media may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing a free channel assessment (CCA) for each of the plurality of channels based on a first frame, wherein a second subset of the plurality of channels may be based on the CCA.

[0018] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a first wireless device. The method may include: transmitting a beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; transmitting to the second wireless device the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth; receiving from the second wireless device at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and transmitting one or more data packets to the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0019] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device. The first wireless device may include a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code. The processing system may be configured to cause the first wireless device to: transmit a beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; transmit a first frame to the second wireless device indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth; receive at least one second frame from the second wireless device indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0020] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device. The first wireless device may include: components for transmitting a beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; components for transmitting the first frame to the second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth; components for receiving at least one second frame from the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and components for transmitting one or more data packets to the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0021] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors for: transmitting a beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; transmitting to the second wireless device the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth; receiving from the second wireless device at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and transmitting one or more data packets to the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0022] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the first channel may be associated with a second channel bandwidth that may be less than the bandwidth of the first channel.

[0023] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

[0024] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the first frame indicates a first NSS associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

[0025] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the at least one second frame indicates that the second NSS is available and that the one or more data packets can be transmitted via the second NSS.

[0026] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the punching pattern indicates that the first channel can be punched.

[0027] Details of one or more specific embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Note that the relative dimensions in the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 An example Protocol Data Unit (PDU) is shown that can be used for communication between a wireless access point (AP) and one or more wireless stations (STA).

[0030] Figure 3 An example physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit (PPDU) capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 A hierarchical format of an example PPDU that can be used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown.

[0032] Figures 5-8 An example of an enhanced signaling diagram supporting request-to-transmit (RTS) and allow-to-transmit (CTS) exchanges is shown.

[0033] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Examples of enhanced RTS and CTS frames that support RTS and CTS switching are shown.

[0034] Figure 10 An example of an enhanced process flow that supports RTS and CTS exchange is shown.

[0035] Figure 11 A block diagram of an enhanced example wireless communication device supporting RTS and CTS switching is shown.

[0036] Figures 12-14 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by or at a first wireless device that supports RTS and CTS exchange is shown.

[0037] The same reference numerals and names in various figures indicate the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following description refers to certain specific examples in order to illustrate the innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some or all of the examples described can be applied in Bluetooth systems that meet the requirements of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, IEEE 802.15, or Bluetooth as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). ® This can be implemented in any device, system, or network that transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the following standards, or those published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP): Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G (New Radio (NR)). The described examples can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), Rate Split Multiple Access (RSMA), Multi-User Shared Access (MUSA), Single-User (SU) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), and Multi-User (MU) MIMO (MU-MIMO). The described examples can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of the following networks: Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN), or Internet of Things (IoT).

[0039] In some WLANs, wireless devices (such as wireless stations (STAs) or wireless access points (APs)) may exchange Request to Transmit (RTS) frames and Allow to Transmit (CTS) frames. RTS and CTS frames establish bandwidth for wireless communication during a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) between the wireless devices. For example, a first wireless device may send an RTS frame to a second wireless device indicating a first bandwidth. In some cases (such as static bandwidth negotiation), the second wireless device may send a CTS frame only if the full first bandwidth is available at the second wireless device. In other cases (such as dynamic bandwidth negotiation), if the primary channel of the first bandwidth is available, the second wireless device may send a CTS frame indicating a second bandwidth smaller than the first bandwidth (such as indicating that a secondary channel of the first bandwidth is busy). In such cases, the second wireless device may perform a Free Channel Assessment (CCA) on each channel within the bandwidth supported by the second wireless device before receiving the RTS frame (such as during a Point Coordination Function Inter-Frame Interval (PIFS)). In some examples, ultra-high reliability (UHR) wireless devices can support relatively large bandwidths (such as 480MHz, 640MHz) relative to the bandwidth associated with RTS or CTS frames. Furthermore, for UHR wireless devices supporting large bandwidths, performing CCA on all channels within the large bandwidth before receiving RTS frames can consume significant processing resources. Therefore, enhancements to RTS or CTS signaling can benefit greater flexibility, reduced power consumption, and increased throughput for wireless communication over large bandwidths.

[0040] In some specific embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless devices exchanging RTS frames or CTS frames may support bandwidth extension or dynamic puncturing of RTS frames or CTS frames. For example, a first wireless device may send an RTS frame to a second wireless device that includes a channel bandwidth and a puncturing pattern for that channel bandwidth. The puncturing pattern may indicate a first subset of channels available at the first wireless device within the channel bandwidth. The second wireless device may send a CTS frame to the first wireless device, and this CTS frame may indicate a second subset of channels available at the second wireless device within the channel bandwidth. The second subset of channels may be the same as the first subset of channels (e.g., to acknowledge the RTS frame) or may be different from the second subset of channels (e.g., to overwrite the RTS frame). The first wireless device may send data (such as one or more data packets) to the second wireless device via the second subset of channels based on the CTS frame.

[0041] By dynamically punching channels in the channel bandwidth using RTS or CTS frames, the described technique supports reduced interference and efficient resource utilization in wireless communication. For example, by indicating a first subset of channel bandwidth in the RTS frame, a first wireless device can achieve communication on any available channel in the channel bandwidth, thereby improving resource utilization while reducing interference or data loss associated with other channels that may be busy. Furthermore, by enabling a second wireless device to indicate a second subset of channel bandwidth in the CTS frame, the described technique supports increased flexibility and more efficient utilization of channel bandwidth resources. For example, if one or more channels in the first subset may be unavailable at the second wireless device, the second wireless device can indicate the portion of the first subset that is available at the second device. Therefore, instead of waiting for the first subset of channels to become available at the second wireless device or otherwise delaying communication, the first wireless device can transmit data to the second wireless device via the second subset of channels, which supports reduced power consumption, reduced latency, and increased spectral efficiency.

[0042] In some examples, the receiving radio device receiving the RTS frame can perform CCA after receiving the RTS frame, and CCA can be used to determine whether each channel indicated by the RTS frame is available or busy. For example, the receiving radio device can perform CCA during the short inter-frame interval (SIFS) between receiving the RTS frame and transmitting the CTS frame, instead of performing CCA during the PIFS before receiving the RTS frame. By performing CCA during SIFS instead of PIFS, the receiving radio device can support more accurate and up-to-date indication of the CCA status of the channels associated with the RTS frame. Furthermore, the receiving radio device can monitor one or more primary channels before receiving the RTS frame, instead of monitoring the larger channel bandwidth supported by the receiving radio device, which can support reduced power consumption and reduced processing at the receiving radio device. In some specific implementations, RTS / CTS switching can support non-primary channel access. For example, the receiving radio device can receive RTS frames or transmit CTS frames on one or more non-primary channels, which can improve spectrum efficiency by utilizing resources that might otherwise be unused. In some aspects of this disclosure, the switching of RTS and CTS frames can support dynamic indication of the number of spatial streams (NSS) used for communication. Therefore, the described techniques enable wireless devices to dynamically indicate which spatial streams are available (and which are reserved for other communication protocols), which can support reduced power consumption, more efficient allocation of communication resources, and increased throughput.

[0043] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. Depending on some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (such as a Wi-Fi network). For example, the wireless communication network 100 may be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard families (such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, 802.11bd, 802.11be, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn). In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a cellular radio access network (RAN), such as a 5G RAN or 6G RAN implementing one or more cellular protocols (such as those specified in one or more 3GPP standards). In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 may include a WLAN that operates in an interoperable or converged manner with one or more cellular RANs to provide greater or enhanced network coverage to wireless communication devices within the wireless communication network 100, or to enable these devices to connect to the core of the cellular network, such as to access network management capabilities and functionality provided by the cellular network core.

[0044] Wireless communication network 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, such as at least one wireless access point (AP) 102 and any number of wireless stations (STA) 104. Although Figure 1 Only one AP 102 is shown, but the wireless communication network 100 may include multiple APs 102. AP 102 may be or represent various different types of network entities, including but not limited to home networking APs, enterprise APs, single-band APs, dual-band synchronous (DBS) APs, tri-band synchronous (TBS) APs, standalone APs, non-standalone APs, software-enabled APs (software APs), and multi-link APs (also known as AP multi-link devices (MLDs)), as well as cellular (such as 3GPP, 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G) base stations or other cellular network nodes (such as Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), gNB, Transmit Receive Point (TRP)) or another type of equipment or apparatus included in the radio access network (RAN), including open RAN (O-RAN) network entities such as central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs).

[0045] Each STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile phone, wireless phone, access terminal (AT), user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or subscriber unit, etc. STA 104 can represent a variety of devices such as mobile phones, other handheld or wearable communication devices, netbooks, laptops, tablets, laptops, Chromebooks, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), or extended reality (XR) wireless headsets or other peripherals, wireless earbuds, other wearable devices, display devices (such as TVs, computer monitors, or video game consoles), video game controllers, navigation systems, music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices, printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other home appliances, remote keys (such as those for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and vehicles, etc.

[0046] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STA 104s may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the respective AP 102. Figure 1 Additionally, an example coverage area 108 of AP 102 is shown, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of wireless communication network 100. The BSA can be identified by STA 104 and other devices via a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which may be the Media Access Control (MAC) address of AP 102. AP 102 may periodically broadcast beacon frames (“beacons”) including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 106 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”) with AP 102. For example, the beacon may include an identifier or indication of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102, and a Timing Synchronization Function (TSF) for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with AP 102. AP 102 can provide access to external networks to each STA 104 in the wireless communication network 100 via the corresponding communication link 106.

[0047] To establish a communication link 106 with AP 102, each STA 104 is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations (“scans”) on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform a passive scan, STA 104 listens for beacons transmitted by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals (referred to as the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT)). To perform an active scan, STA 104 generates probe requests and transmits these requests sequentially on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from AP 102. Each STA 104 can identify, determine, detect, or select an AP 102 to associate with based on the scanning information obtained through passive or active scanning, and performs authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. The selected AP 102 assigns an association identifier (AID) to STA 104 at the end of the association operation, and AP 102 uses the association identifier (AID) to track STA 104.

[0048] As wireless networks become increasingly prevalent, STA 104 may have the opportunity to choose from one of many BSSs within its range or from multiple APs 102 that together form an Extended Service Set (ESS) (comprising multiple connected BSSs). For example, wireless communication network 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system capable of connecting multiple APs 102 in such an ESS. Therefore, STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. Additionally, after associating with an AP 102, STA 104 may periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, STA 104 moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a “roaming” scan to find another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics, such as a larger Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0049] In some examples, STA 104 can form a network without AP 102 or any other equipment besides STA 104 itself. An example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). Ad hoc networks may also be referred to as mesh networks or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. In some examples, ad hoc networks can be implemented within a larger network, such as wireless communication network 100. In such examples, while STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other via communication link 106 through AP 102, STA 104 can also communicate directly with each other via direct wireless communication link 110. Additionally, two STA 104 can communicate via direct communication link 110, regardless of whether the two STA 104 are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such ad hoc systems, one or more STAs among STA 104 can assume the role played by AP 102 in the BSS. Such STA 104 can be referred to as the group owner (GO) and can coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established by using Wi-Fi Tunneling Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

[0050] In some networks, AP 102 or STA 104, or both, can support applications associated with high throughput or low latency requirements, or provide lossless audio to one or more other devices. For example, AP 102 or STA 104 can support applications and use cases associated with ultra-low latency (ULL), such as ULL gaming, or streaming lossless audio and video to one or more personal audio devices (such as peripherals) or AR / VR / MR / XR headsets. In scenarios where a user uses two or more peripherals, AP 102 or STA 104 can support extended personal audio networks that enable communication with these two or more peripherals. Additionally, AP 102 and STA 104 can support additional ULL applications with ULL and high throughput requirements, such as cloud-based applications (such as VR cloud gaming).

[0051] As indicated above, in some implementations, AP 102 and STA 104 may operate and communicate according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards (via the corresponding communication link 106). These standards define WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical (PHY) layer and MAC layer. AP 102 and STA 104 transmit and receive wireless communications to and from each other in the form of PHY Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) (also referred to below as "Wi-Fi communication" or "wireless packets").

[0052] Each PPDU is a composite structure comprising a PHY preamble and a payload in the form of a PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble can be used by the receiving device to decode subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is transmitted on a bound channel or a wideband channel, the preamble field may be copied and transmitted in each of the multiple component channels. The PHY preamble may include both a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). The legacy preamble can be used for other purposes such as packet detection, automatic gain control, and channel estimation. The legacy preamble is also typically used to maintain compatibility with legacy equipment. The format, decoding, and information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble are associated with the specific IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol to be used to transmit the payload.

[0053] AP 102 and STA 104 in the WLAN wireless communication network 100 can transmit PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum including frequency bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technologies, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, 45 GHz band, and 60 GHz band. Some examples of AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other frequency bands that can support both licensed and unlicensed communication. For example, AP 102 or STA 104, or both, may also be able to communicate on licensed operating frequency bands, where multiple operators may have corresponding licenses to operate in the same or overlapping frequency ranges. Such licensed operating bands may be mapped to or associated with the following frequency ranges: FR1 (410MHz-7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz-24.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz-71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz-114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz-300 GHz).

[0054] Each of these frequency bands may include multiple sub-bands and frequency channels (also referred to as sub-channels). For example, PPDUs conforming to revisions of the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and 802.11bn standards may be transmitted on one or more of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands, each of which is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Therefore, these PPDUs are transmitted on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but larger channels can be formed through channel bonding. For example, PPDUs may be transmitted on physical channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0055] Punching is a wireless communication technique that enables wireless communication devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) to transmit and receive wireless communications on a portion of a wireless channel that excludes one or more specific sub-channels (hereinafter also referred to as "punched sub-channels"). Specifically, punching can be used to exclude one or more sub-channels from the transmission of a PPDU (including signaling of the preamble) to avoid interference from static sources (such as existing systems) or to avoid interference of a more dynamic nature (such as interference associated with transmissions by other wireless communication devices in an Overlapping BSS (OBSS)). The transmitting device (such as AP 102 or STA 104) can punch the sub-channels on which interference exists and substantially extend the data of the PPDU to cover the remaining portion of the channel's bandwidth. For example, if the transmitting device determines (such as detecting, identifying, probing, or calculating) one or more 20MHz sub-channels of a wide-bandwidth wireless channel in association with contention operations, it implements punching to avoid communication on these unavailable sub-channels while still utilizing the remaining portion of that bandwidth. Therefore, puncturing allows transmitting devices to increase or maximize throughput by utilizing as much available spectrum as possible, and in some cases, reduce latency. Static puncturing, in particular, enables the continuous use of wideband channels in environments or deployments where there may not be enough available contiguous spectrum, such as in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

[0056] In some examples, the AP 102 or STA 104 of the wireless communication network 100 can achieve extremely high throughput (EHT) or other features conforming to current and future generations of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards, such as the IEEE 802.11be and 802.11bn revisions, to provide additional capabilities superior to other previous systems, such as high-efficiency (HE) systems or other legacy systems. For example, the IEEE 802.11be revision introduces a 320MHz channel, which is twice the width of the channel achievable by the IEEE 802.11ax revision. Therefore, the AP 102 or STA 104 can use the 320MHz channel to achieve twice the throughput and network capacity, as well as rate and range gains at high data rates due to the trade-off between linear bandwidth and logarithmic SNR. EHT and newer wireless communication protocols (such as those known as the IEEE 802.11bn standard revision or related protocols) support flexible operating bandwidth enhancements, such as broadened operating bandwidths or finer-grained operation relative to older operating bandwidths. For example, EHT systems can allow communication across operating bandwidths of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 240MHz, and 320MHz. EHT systems can support various bandwidth modes, such as a continuous 240MHz bandwidth mode, a continuous 320MHz bandwidth mode, a non-contiguous 160+160MHz bandwidth mode, or a non-contiguous 80+80+80+80 (or "4x80") MHz bandwidth mode.

[0057] In some examples where the wireless communication device (such as AP 102 or STA 104) operates in a continuous 320MHz bandwidth mode or a 160+160MHz bandwidth mode, the signal used for transmission may be generated by two different transmit chains of the wireless communication device, each with or associated with a 160MHz bandwidth (and each transmit chain coupled to a different power amplifier). In some other examples, two transmit chains may be used to support a 240MHz / 160+80MHz bandwidth mode by puncturing the 320MHz / 160+160MHz bandwidth mode with one or more 80MHz sub-channels. For example, the signal used for transmission may be generated by two different transmit chains of the wireless communication device, each with a 160MHz bandwidth, one of which outputs a signal with 80MHz sub-channels punctured within it. In some other examples where the wireless communication device can operate in a continuous 240MHz bandwidth mode or a non-continuous 160+80MHz bandwidth mode, the signal used for transmission may be generated by three different transmit chains of the wireless communication device, each with an 80MHz bandwidth. In some other examples, the signal used for transmission may be generated by four or more different transmission chains of a wireless communication device, each with a bandwidth of 80 MHz.

[0058] In discontinuous examples, the operating bandwidth can span one or more completely different sets of subchannels. For example, a 320 MHz bandwidth can be continuous and located in the same 6 GHz band, or it can be discontinuous and located in different bands or different regions within a band (such as partially located in the 5 GHz band and partially located in the 6 GHz band).

[0059] In some examples, AP 102 or STA 104 may benefit from operability enhancements associated with EHT and the next-generation IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards. For example, AP 102 or STA 104 attempting to gain access to the wireless medium of wireless communication network 100 may perform techniques such as CCA operations based on EHT enhancements (such as increased bandwidth, puncturing, or refinement of carrier sensing and signal reporting mechanisms), which may include modifications to existing rules, structures, or signaling implemented for legacy systems.

[0060] Figure 2 An example protocol data unit (PDU) 200 capable of wireless communication between a wireless access point (AP) and one or more wireless STAs is shown. For example, the AP and STA can be reference... Figure 1Examples of AP 102 and STA 104 are described. PDU 200 can be configured as a PPDU. As shown, PDU 200 includes a PHY preamble 202 and a PHY payload 204. For example, preamble 202 may include a legacy portion, which itself includes a legacy short training field (L-STF) 206 consisting of two symbols, a legacy long training field (L-LTF) 208 consisting of two symbols, and a legacy signal field (L-SIG) 210 consisting of two symbols. The legacy portion of preamble 202 may be configured according to the IEEE 802.11a wireless communication protocol standard. Preamble 202 may also include a non-legacy portion, which includes one or more non-legacy fields 212, for example, conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard family.

[0061] L-STF 206 generally enables receiving devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) to perform coarse timing and frequency tracking, as well as automatic gain control (AGC). L-LTF 208 generally enables receiving devices to perform fine timing and frequency tracking, and also to perform initial estimation of the radio channel. L-SIG 210 generally enables receiving devices to determine (such as acquire, select, identify, detect, detect, calculate, or operate) the duration of the PDU and use the determined duration to avoid transmission over the PDU. The legacy portion of the preamble can be modulated according to binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation schemes, including L-STF 206, L-LTF 208, and L-SIG 210. The payload 204 can be modulated according to a BPSK modulation scheme, a quadrature BPSK (Q-BPSK) modulation scheme, a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation scheme, or another suitable modulation scheme. Payload 204 may include a PSDU containing a data field (DATA) 214, which in turn may carry higher-level data in the form of, for example, MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU).

[0062] Figure 3 An example physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit (PPDU) 350 capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown. For example, the AP and STA can be reference... Figure 1Examples of AP 102 and STA 104 are described below. As shown, PPDU 350 includes a PHY preamble (which includes a legacy portion 352 and a non-legacy portion 354) and a payload 356 (which includes a data field 374). The legacy portion 352 of the preamble includes L-STF 358, L-LTF 360, and L-SIG 362. The non-legacy portion 354 of the preamble includes a repetition of L-SIG (RL-SIG) 364 and multiple wireless communication protocol version-related signal fields following RL-SIG 364. For example, the non-legacy portion 354 may include a general signal field 366 (referred to herein as "U-SIG 366") and an EHT signal field 368 (referred to herein as "EHT-SIG 368"). The presence of RL-SIG 364 and U-SIG 366 ensures compatibility with EHT or later versions. STA 104 indicates that PPDU 350 is an EHT PPDU or a PPDU conforming to a new wireless communication protocol (conforming to future IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards). One or both of U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG 368 can be constructed as other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT that are associated with a revision of the IEEE standards family and carry version-related information. For example, U-SIG 366 can be used by receiving devices such as AP102 and STA 104 to interpret bits in one or more of EHT-SIG 368 or data field 374. Similar to L-STF 358, L-LTF 360, and L-SIG 362, in instances involving the use of bound channels, the information in U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG 368 can be repeated and transmitted in each of the component 20MHz channels.

[0063] The non-legacy portion 354 also includes an additional short training field 370 (referred to herein as "EHT-STF 370," though it can also be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry version-related information) and one or more additional long training fields 372 (referred to herein as "EHT-LTF 372," though they can also be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry version-related information). EHT-STF 370 can be used for timing and frequency tracking as well as AGC, while EHT-LTF 372 can be used for more refined channel estimation.

[0064] EHT-SIG 368 can be used by AP 102 to identify one or more STAs 104 and notify those STAs that AP 102 has scheduled uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) resources for them. EHT-SIG 368 can be decoded by each compatible STA 104 served by AP 102. EHT-SIG 368 can generally be used by the receiving device to interpret the bits in data field 374. For example, EHT-SIG 368 may include resource element (RU) allocation information, spatial flow configuration information, and per-user (such as STA-specific) signaling information. Each EHT-SIG 368 may include a common field and at least one user-specific field. In the context of OFDMA, the common field may indicate the RU distribution across multiple STAs 104, indicate RU assignment in the frequency domain, indicate which RUs are allocated for MU-MIMO transmission and which RUs correspond to OFDMA transmission, and the number of users in the allocation, etc. The user-specific field is assigned to a specific STA 104 and carries STA-specific scheduling information, such as user-specific MCS values ​​and user-specific RU allocation information. This information enables the corresponding STA 104 to identify and decode the corresponding RU in the associated data field 374.

[0065] Figure 4 A hierarchical format of an example PPDU capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown. For example, the AP and STA can be references. Figure 1Examples of AP 102 and STA 104 described. As described, each PPDU 400 includes a PHY preamble 402 and a PSDU 404. Each PSDU 404 may represent (or "carry") one or more MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) 416. For example, each PSDU 404 may carry an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU) 406, which includes an aggregation of multiple A-MPDU subframes 408. Each A-MPDU subframe 406 may include an MPDU frame 410 that includes a MAC delimiter 412 and a MAC header 414 preceding the accompanying MPDU 416, which includes the data portion ("payload" or "frame body") of the MPDU frame 410. Each MPDU frame 410 may also include a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field 418 for error detection (such as a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field) and padding bits 420. MPDU 416 may carry one or more MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs) 416. For example, MPDU 416 may carry an aggregated MSDU (A-MSDU) 422, which comprises multiple A-MSDU subframes 424. Each A-MSDU subframe 424 contains a corresponding MSDU 430, which is preceded by a subframe header 428 and, in some cases, followed by padding bits 432.

[0066] Returning to reference MPDU frame 410, MAC delimiter 412 can be used as a marker to indicate the start of associated MPDU 416 and the length of associated MPDU 416. MAC header 414 may include multiple fields containing information defining or indicating the characteristics or attributes of the data encapsulated within frame body 416. MAC header 414 includes a duration field indicating the duration from the end of the PPDU to at least the end of the acknowledgment (ACK) or block ACK (BA) to be sent by the receiving wireless communication device for that PPDU. The use of the duration field is to reserve the radio medium for the indicated duration and to enable the receiving device to establish its Network Allocation Vector (NAV). MAC header 414 also includes one or more fields indicating the address of the data encapsulated within frame body 416. For example, MAC header 414 may include a combination of source address, transmitter address, receiver address, or destination address. MAC header 414 may also include a frame control field containing control information. The frame control field may specify the frame type, such as a data frame, control frame, or management frame.

[0067] Access to a shared wireless medium is typically managed by a Distributed Coordination Function (DCF). With DCF, there is generally no centralized master device allocating time and frequency resources for the shared wireless medium. Instead, a wireless communication device (such as an AP102 or STA 104) can wait for a specific time before being granted permission to transmit data and subsequently contend for access to the wireless medium. DCF is implemented using time intervals, including time slot times (or “time slot intervals”) and inter-frame spaces (IFS) (i.e., time slots). IFS provides priority access for control frames used for proper network operation. Transmission can begin at time slot boundaries. Different variations of IFS exist, including SIFS, PIFS, Distributed IFS (DIFS), Extended IFS (EIFS), and Arbitrated IFS (AIFS). Values ​​for time slot times and IFS can be provided by appropriate standard specifications, such as one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family.

[0068] In some examples, wireless communication devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) can implement DCF using Carrier-Sensed Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CA) (CSMA / CA) technology. According to this technology, the wireless communication device can perform CCA before transmitting data and can determine (such as identifying, detecting, probing, calculating, or operating) whether the relevant wireless channel is idle. CCA includes both physical (PHY-level) carrier sensing and virtual (MAC-level) carrier sensing. Physical carrier sensing is accomplished by measuring the received signal strength of a valid frame, which is then compared to a threshold to determine whether the channel is busy (such as identifying, detecting, probing, calculating, or operating). For example, if the received signal strength of the detected preamble is higher than a threshold, the medium is considered busy. Physical carrier sensing also includes energy detection. Energy detection involves measuring the total energy received by the wireless communication device, regardless of whether the received signal represents a valid frame. If the detected total energy is higher than a threshold, the medium is considered busy.

[0069] Virtual carrier sensing is implemented using a virtual carrier sense (NAV), which effectively serves as the elapsed time before a wireless communication device can contend for access, even in the absence of detected symbols or even when the detected energy is below a relevant threshold. The NAV is reset each time a valid frame not addressed to the wireless communication device is received. When the NAV reaches 0, the wireless communication device performs physical carrier sensing. If the channel remains idle for the appropriate in-flight safety (IFS), the wireless communication device initiates a backoff timer, which represents the elapsed time during which the device senses the medium is idle before allowing transmission. If the channel remains idle until the backoff timer expires, the wireless communication device becomes the owner (or "owner") of the transmission opportunity (TXOP) and can begin transmission. The TXOP is the elapsed time during which the wireless communication device can transmit frames on the channel after it has "won" contention for the wireless medium. The TXOP duration can be indicated in the U-SIG field of the PPDU. Conversely, if one or more carrier sensing mechanisms in the carrier sensing mechanism indicate that the channel is busy, the MAC controller within the wireless communication device will deny transmission.

[0070] Each time a wireless communication device generates a new PPDU for transmission in a new TXOP, it randomly selects a new backoff timer duration. The available distribution of numbers that can be randomly selected for the backoff timer is called the contention window (CW). Different CW and TXOP durations exist for each of the following four access classes (AC): Voice (AC_VO), Video (AC_VI), Background (AC_BK), and Best Effort (AC_BE). This allows for prioritizing specific types of traffic within the network.

[0071] In some other examples, wireless communication devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) may contend for access to the wireless medium of WLAN 100 according to an Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) procedure. Random channel access mechanisms (such as EDCA) can provide a greater probability of high-priority traffic gaining medium access than low-priority traffic. Wireless communication devices using EDCA can classify data into different access categories. Each AC can be associated with a different priority level and can be assigned a different range of random backoff (RBO), making higher-priority data more likely to win TXOPs (e.g., by assigning a lower RBO to higher-priority data and a higher RBO to lower-priority data). Although EDCA increases the probability that low-latency data traffic will gain access to the shared wireless medium during a given contention period, the unpredictable outcome of medium access contention operations may prevent low-latency applications from achieving specific levels of throughput or meeting specific latency requirements.

[0072] Some APs and STAs (such as references) Figure 1 The described AP 102 and STA 104 implement techniques for spatial reuse involving coordinated communication schemes. According to such techniques, AP 102 can contend for access to a radio medium to gain control of that medium for use in the TXOP. The AP that wins the contention (also referred to hereinafter as the "sharing AP") can select one or more other APs (also referred to hereinafter as the "shared AP") to share the TXOP's resources. The sharing AP and the shared APs can be located close to each other such that at least some of their radio coverage areas at least partially overlap. Some examples may specifically involve coordinated AP TDMA or OFDMA techniques for sharing time or frequency resources of the TXOP. To share the time or frequency resources of the TXOP, the sharing AP can divide the TXOP into multiple time segments or frequency segments, each time segment or frequency segment including a corresponding time or frequency resource representing a portion of the TXOP. The sharing AP can allocate the time or frequency segment to itself or to one or more of the shared APs. For example, each shared AP can use a portion of the TXOPs assigned by the shared AP to perform uplink or downlink communication with its associated STA.

[0073] In some examples of such TDMA technologies, each of the multiple sections of the TXOP includes a set of time resources that do not overlap with any time resources of any other section of the TXOP. In such examples, scheduling information may include indications of the time resources associated with each section of the TXOP among the multiple time resources. For example, scheduling information may include indications of time segments of the TXOP (such as indications of one or more time slots or sets of symbol periods associated with each section of the TXOP), such as for use in multi-user TDMA.

[0074] In some examples of OFDMA technology, each of the multiple sections of a TXOP includes a set of frequency resources that do not overlap with any frequency resources of any other section. In such examples, scheduling information may include indications of the frequency resources associated with each section of the TXOP. For example, scheduling information may include indications of bandwidth portions of a radio channel (such as indications of one or more sub-channels or resource elements associated with each section of the TXOP), such as for use in multi-user OFDMA.

[0075] In this manner, the acquisition of TXOPs by a shared AP enables communication between one or more additional shared APs and their respective BSSs with appropriate power control and link adaptation. For example, the sharing AP can limit the transmit power of a selected shared AP so that interference from the selected AP does not prevent the STA associated with the TXOP owner from successfully decoding packets transmitted by the shared AP. Such techniques can be used to reduce latency because other APs can transmit and receive data according to conventional CSMA / CA or Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) techniques without waiting to win contention for the TXOP. Additionally, by enabling a group of APs 102 associated with different BSSs to participate in a coordinated AP transmission session, during which the group of APs can share at least a portion of a single TXOP acquired by any of the participating APs, such techniques can increase throughput on the BSSs associated with the participating APs and also improve throughput fairness. Furthermore, through the appropriate selection of shared APs and the scheduling of their respective time or frequency resources, media utilization can be maximized or otherwise increased, while packet loss caused by OBSS interference is minimized or otherwise reduced. Various implementations can achieve these and other advantages without requiring the sharing AP or the AP being shared to know about the STA 104 associated with other BSSs, without requiring pre-assigned or dedicated master APs or pre-assigned AP groups, and without requiring backhaul coordination between APs participating in TXOP.

[0076] In some examples where the signal strength or interference level associated with the selected AP is relatively low (e.g., less than a given value), or when the decoding error rate of the selected AP is relatively low (e.g., less than a threshold), the start time of communication between different BSSs can be synchronized. Conversely, when the signal strength or interference level associated with the selected AP is relatively high (e.g., greater than a given value), or when the decoding error rate of the selected AP is relatively high (e.g., greater than a threshold), the start time can be offset from each other by a time period associated with decoding the preamble of the radio packet and determining whether the radio packet is an intra-BSS packet or an OBSS packet based on the decoded preamble. For example, the time period between the transmission of an intra-BSS packet and the transmission of an OBSS packet can allow the corresponding AP (or its associated STA) to decode the preamble of the radio packet and obtain the BSS color value carried in the radio packet to determine whether the radio packet is an intra-BSS packet or an OBSS packet. In this way, each of the participating APs and its associated STAs can be able to receive and decode intra-BSS packets in the presence of OBSS interference.

[0077] In some examples, a shared AP may perform polling of a set of unmanaged or non-co-managed APs that support coordinated reuse to identify candidates for future space reuse opportunities. For example, a shared AP may send one or more space reuse polling frames to determine one or more space reuse criteria and select one or more other APs as part of the shared APs. Based on the polling, the shared AP may receive responses from one or more of the polled APs. In some specific examples, the shared AP may send a Coordinating AP TXOP Indication (CTI) frame to other APs, indicating the time and frequency of resources for a shareable TXOP. The shared AP may select one or more candidate APs upon receiving a Coordinating AP TXOP Request (CTR) frame from the corresponding candidate AP, indicating that the corresponding AP expects to participate in the TXOP. The polling response or CTR frame may include power indications, such as received (RX) power or RSSI measured by the corresponding AP. In some other examples, the shared AP may directly measure potential interference with services (such as UL transmission) supported at one or more APs and select the shared APs based on the measured potential interference. A shared AP typically selects another AP to participate in coordinated space reuse, allowing it to still protect its own outgoing traffic and transmissions from STAs in its BSS (these transmissions may be referred to as primary transmissions). Resources can then be allocated to the selected AP during TXOP, as described above.

[0078] Retransmission protocols such as Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) can also provide performance gains. HARQ protocols can support both transmitting and receiving wireless communication devices (such as reference ciphers). Figure 1 The various HARQ signaling between AP 102 and STA 104, as well as the signaling between the PHY and MAC layers, described herein, improve retransmission operations in WLAN. HARQ uses a combination of error detection and error correction. For example, HARQ transmission may include adding error detection bits to the data to be transmitted using error detection (ED) codes such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). The error detection bits can be used by the receiving device to determine whether the receiving device has correctly decoded the received HARQ transmission. In some examples, forward error correction (FEC) codes, such as low-density parity check (LDPC) decoding schemes that systematically encode information bits to produce parity bits, can be used to encode the raw data (information bits) to be transmitted. The transmitting device may send both the raw information bits and the parity bits to the receiving device in a HARQ transmission. The receiving device may be able to use the parity bits to correct errors in the information bits, thereby avoiding retransmission.

[0079] Implementing the HARQ protocol in a WLAN improves the reliability of data transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device. The HARQ protocol supports the establishment of a HARQ session between two devices. Once a HARQ session is established, if the receiving device cannot correctly decode a first HARQ transmission received from the transmitting device (and cannot correct errors), the receiving device can send a HARQ feedback message (such as a negative acknowledgment (NACK)) to the transmitting device, indicating that at least a portion of the first HARQ transmission was not correctly decoded. This type of HARQ feedback message may differ from the traditional block ACK feedback message type associated with regular ARQ. In response to receiving a HARQ feedback message, the transmitting device can send a second HARQ transmission to the receiving device to convey at least a portion that further assists the receiving device in decoding the first HARQ transmission. For example, the transmitting device may include some or all of the original information bits, some or all of the original parity bits, and other different parity bits in the second HARQ transmission. The combined HARQ transmissions can be processed for decoding and error correction, making it possible to obtain the complete signal associated with the HARQ transmission.

[0080] In some examples, the receiving device can control whether to continue the HARQ process or revert to a non-HARQ retransmission scheme (such as the Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) protocol). By allowing the device to dynamically switch between ARQ and HARQ protocols during frame exchange, such switching reduces feedback overhead and increases retransmission flexibility. Some implementations also allow the multiplexing of ARQ-based and HARQ-based communications.

[0081] Including APs and STAs with multiple antennas (such as reference antennas) Figure 1 The described AP 102 and STA 104 can support various diversity schemes. For example, spatial diversity can be used by one or both of the transmitting devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) or receiving devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) to improve transmission robustness. For example, to implement a transmit diversity scheme, the transmitting devices can redundantly transmit the same data on two or more antennas.

[0082] The AP 102 and STA 104, which include multiple antennas, also support Space-Time Block Decoding (STBC). Using STBC, the transmitting device also transmits multiple copies of the data stream across multiple antennas to increase the likelihood of correctly decoding the data by utilizing various received versions of the data. More specifically, the data stream to be transmitted is encoded in blocks, which are distributed across spaced antennas and over time. Generally, when the number of transmitting antennas... Exceeding the number of spatial flows STBC can be used at this time. A spatial flow can be mapped to a quantity The spacetime stream, which is then mapped to One sending chain.

[0083] The AP 102 and STA 104, which include multiple antennas, also support spatial multiplexing, which can be used to improve the spectral efficiency of transmission and the resulting throughput. To achieve spatial multiplexing, the transmitting device divides the data stream into numerous... These are separate, independent spatial streams. These spatial streams are then encoded individually and transmitted via multiple... The transmitting antennas transmit in parallel.

[0084] The AP 102 and STA 104, which include multiple antennas, also support beamforming. Beamforming generally refers to directing transmitted energy in the direction of a target receiver. Beamforming can be used in single-user (SU) environments (e.g., to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) or multi-user (MU) environments (e.g., to enable MU-MIMO transmission (also known as spatial division multiple access (SDMA))). In the MU-MIMO context, beamforming may additionally or alternatively involve clearing energy in the direction of other receiving devices. To perform SU beamforming or MU-MIMO, the transmitting device (called a beamformer) transmits a signal from each of the multiple antennas. The beamformer configures the amplitude and phase shift between the signals transmitted from the different antennas such that these signals are constructively added along a specific direction toward the intended receiver (called a beamformer receiver), or destructively added in other directions toward other devices, to mitigate interference in the MU-MIMO context. The way beamformers configure amplitude and phase shift depends on the channel state information (CSI) associated with the wireless channel on which the beamformer is designed to communicate with the beamforming receiver.

[0085] To obtain the CSI required for beamforming, the beamformer can perform a channel sounding process with the beamforming receiver. For example, the beamformer can send one or more sounding signals (such as in the form of empty data packets (NDPs)) to the beamforming receiver. An NDP is a PPDU without any data field. The beamforming receiver can then target all corresponding transmit and receive antenna pairs associated with the sounding signals. x Each of the sub-channels performs a measurement. The beamforming receiver generates a feedback matrix associated with the channel measurement and typically compresses this feedback matrix before sending the feedback to the beamformer. The beamformer can then generate a pre-decoding (or “guide”) matrix associated with the feedback for the beamforming receiver and uses this guide matrix to pre-decode the data stream to configure the amplitude and phase shift for subsequent transmissions to the beamforming receiver. The beamformer can use the guide matrix to determine (such as identification, detection, probing, computation, or arithmetic) how to transmit a signal on each of the beamformer's antennas to perform beamforming. For example, the guide matrix can indicate the phase shift, power level, etc., to be used to transmit a corresponding signal on each of the beamformer's antennas.

[0086] When beamforming is performed, the transmit beamforming array gain and and The ratios are logarithmically proportional. Therefore, within other constraints, it is generally desirable to increase the number of transmit antennas when performing beamforming. This can be done to improve gain. It may also be possible to more accurately guide transmissions or nulls by increasing the number of transmit antennas. This is particularly advantageous in MU transmit contexts where reducing inter-user interference is especially important.

[0087] To improve the spatial multiplexing capability of AP 102, AP 102 may need to support increased NSS (such as up to 16 spatial streams). However, supporting additional spatial streams can lead to increased CSI feedback overhead. Implicit CSI acquisition techniques can avoid CSI feedback overhead by leveraging the assumption that UL and DL channels have reciprocal impulse responses (i.e., channel reciprocity exists). For example, implicit channel probing procedures such as implicit beamforming report (BFR) techniques (such as where STA 104 transmits NDP probe packets in the UL while AP 102 measures the channel) can be used to reduce CSI feedback overhead, since no BFR is transmitted. Once AP 102 receives the NDP, the AP can implicitly evaluate the channel for each STA in STA 104 and use the channel evaluation to configure the steering matrix. To mitigate hardware mismatches that may compromise channel reciprocity on the UL and DL (such as baseband to RF chain and RF to baseband chain not being reciprocal), AP 102 can implement calibration methods to compensate for the mismatch between the UL and DL channels. For example, AP 102 can select a reference antenna, transmit pilot signals from each of the AP's antennas, and estimate the baseband to RF gain relative to the reference antenna for each of the non-reference antennas.

[0088] In some examples, multiple APs 102 can simultaneously transmit signaling or communication to a single STA 104 using a distributed MU-MIMO scheme. Examples of such distributed MU-MIMO transmissions include coordinated beamforming (CBF) and joint transmission (JT). With CBF, a signal (such as a data stream) for a given STA 104 can be transmitted by only a single AP 102. However, the coverage areas of adjacent APs may overlap, and a signal transmitted by a given AP 102 may arrive as an OBSS signal at a STA in an OBSS associated with an adjacent AP. CBF allows multiple adjacent APs to transmit simultaneously while minimizing or avoiding interference, potentially creating more opportunities for spatial reuse. More specifically, using CBF, AP 102 can beamform a signal onto a STA 104 within its BSS while simultaneously creating nulls in the direction of the STA in the OBSS, ensuring that any signal received at the OBSS STA has sufficiently low power to limit interference at the STA. To achieve this, an inter-BSS coordination set can be defined among adjacent APs, containing identifiers of all APs and STAs participating in the CBF transmission.

[0089] Using JT, a signal for a given STA 104 can be transmitted by multiple coordinating APs 102. For multiple APs 102 to transmit data concurrently to STA 104, all APs 102 may require copies of the data to be sent to STA 104. Therefore, APs 102 may need to exchange data with each other to send to STA 104. Using JT, the combination of antennas of multiple APs 102 transmitting to one or more STAs 104 can be considered as a large antenna array (which can be represented as a virtual antenna array) for beamforming and signal transmission. Combined with MU-MIMO technology, the multiple antennas of multiple APs 102 can be able to transmit data via multiple spatial streams. Therefore, each STA 104 can receive data via one or more of the multiple spatial streams.

[0090] In some specific implementations, AP 102 and STA 104 can support various multi-user communications; that is, concurrent transmissions from one device to each of multiple devices (such as multiple simultaneous downlink communications from AP 102 to the corresponding STA 104), or concurrent transmissions from multiple devices to a single device (such as multiple simultaneous uplink transmissions from the corresponding STA 104 to AP 102). As an example, in addition to MU-MIMO, AP 102 and STA 104 can also support OFDMA. In some respects, OFDMA is a multi-user version of OFDM.

[0091] In the OFDMA scheme, the available spectrum of a radio channel can be divided into multiple Resource Units (RUs), each comprising multiple frequency subcarriers (also referred to as "tones"). Different RUs can be allocated by AP 102 at specific times or assigned to different STAs 104. The size and distribution of RUs are referred to as RU allocation. In some examples, RUs can be allocated in 2MHz intervals, and therefore, a minimum RU can include 26 tones consisting of 24 data tones and 2 pilot tones. Thus, in a 20MHz channel, up to 9 RUs (such as 2MHz, 26-tone RUs) can be allocated (because some tones are reserved for other purposes). Similarly, in a 160MHz channel, up to 74 RUs can be allocated. Other tone RUs, such as 52-tone, 106-tone, 242-tone, 484-tone, and 996-tone RUs, can also be allocated. Adjacent RUs can be separated by empty subcarriers (such as DC subcarriers) to reduce interference between adjacent RUs, reduce receiver DC offset, and avoid leakage of the transmit center frequency.

[0092] For UL MU transmissions, AP 102 can send trigger frames to initiate and synchronize ULOFDMA or UL MU-MIMO transmissions from multiple STAs 104 to AP 102. Such trigger frames thus enable multiple STAs 104 to concurrently transmit UL services to AP 102 in time. The trigger frame can address one or more STAs 104 via a corresponding Association Identifier (AID), and can assign one or more RUs to each AID (and thus to each STA 104), which can be used to transmit UL services to AP 102. AP can also specify one or more Random Access (RA) RUs that are contentious for by unscheduled STAs 104.

[0093] In some wireless communication systems, AP 102 can allocate or assign multiple RUs to a single STA 104 in OFDMA transmissions (hereinafter also referred to as "multi-RU aggregation"). Multi-RU aggregation, which facilitates puncturing and scheduling flexibility, can ultimately reduce latency. With emerging standards such as the IEEE 802.11be revision supporting 320MHz and the IEEE 802.11bn revision supporting 480MHz and 640MHz, various combinations of multiple RUs (multi-RUs) may exist. Values ​​indicating various multi-RU combinations can be provided by appropriate standard specifications, such as one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family that includes the 802.11be revision.

[0094] Since Wi-Fi is not the only technology operating in the 6 GHz band, combining channel puncturing with multiple RUs enables the use of large bandwidths, making high throughput possible, while avoiding transmissions on locally unlicensed frequencies due to existing operations. Punching can also be combined with multi-RU transmissions to enable the establishment of wide channels using discontinuous spectrum blocks. In such examples, a portion of the bandwidth between two RUs allocated to a specific STA 104 can be punctured. This improves spectral efficiency and flexibility.

[0095] As previously described, STA-specific RU allocation information can be included in the signaling fields of the PPDU preamble (such as the EHT-SIG field for EHT PPDUs). Preamble puncturing enables wider bandwidth transmission in the presence of interference from existing technologies and other wireless communication devices, thereby improving throughput and spectral efficiency. Because RUs can be allocated individually in MU PPDUs, the use of the MU PPDU format can indicate preamble puncturing for SU transmissions. While puncturing in the IEEE 802.11ax standard revision is limited to OFDMA transmissions, the IEEE 802.11be standard revision extends puncturing to SU transmissions. In some examples, RU allocation information in the common fields of EHT-SIG can be used to allocate RUs individually to a single user, thus avoiding punctured channels. In some other examples, U-SIG can be used to indicate SU preamble puncturing. For example, SU preamble puncturing can be indicated by the value of the EHT-SIG compression field in U-SIG.

[0096] Figure 5 An example of an enhanced signaling diagram 500 supporting RTS and CTS switching is shown. Signaling diagram 500 can implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, and PPDU 400. For example, signaling diagram 500 may include RTS frame 505 and CTS frame 510, which may be included in reference [reference missing]. Figure 4 An example of a frame in PSDU 404 of the described PPDU 400.

[0097] Wireless devices (such as STAs or APs) can communicate on a primary channel 540 (such as a primary 20MHz channel). In some examples (such as for downlink RTS), a first wireless device (such as an AP or STA) can send a beacon frame 550 to a second wireless device (such as a STA), and the beacon frame 550 can establish a primary channel 540 for channel bandwidth 535. The beacon frame 550 can instruct the second wireless device to monitor the first frame (such as RTS frame 505) on the primary channel 540. In some examples, the beacon frame 550 can explicitly indicate the primary channel 540. In some other examples, the second wireless device can receive the beacon frame 550 via the primary channel 540 and can determine that the primary channel 540 is the primary channel for communication, or can determine the first frame to monitor on the primary channel 540 based on receiving the beacon frame 550 via the primary channel 540. In the case of uplink RTS, the first wireless device can determine that the second wireless device is on the primary channel 540 and can predict that it will receive the first frame (such as RTS frame 505) via the primary channel 540. The first wireless device may receive the first frame from the second wireless device via the primary channel 540. The RTS frame 505 may schedule communication via one or more channels. For example, the RTS frame 505 may schedule communication via the primary channel 540, via the secondary channel 545-a, via the secondary channel 545-b, or via other channels with a channel bandwidth of 535.

[0098] The STA receiving RTS frame 505 can check the CCA state of each secondary channel 545 during PIFS 520 before the start of RTS frame 505 transmission. To check the CCA state, the STA can establish an active CCA in channel bandwidth 535 (e.g., perform CCA on each channel) in either listen mode or receive (Rx) mode. Channel bandwidth 535 may correspond to the full Rx bandwidth associated with the STA. Therefore, the STA can operate on the full channel bandwidth 535 (e.g., activate antennas) before receiving RTS frame 505 (e.g., for a significant portion of the STA's wake-up time), which can result in greater power consumption compared to the STA operating on the primary channel 540. In some examples, the STA can provide outdated CCA states by performing CCA during PIFS 520. For example, the channel state of each channel in channel bandwidth 535 during PIFS 520 before RTS frame 505 may differ from the channel state of each channel during SIFS 525 after RTS frame 505.

[0099] In some examples, the STA (such as a UHR STA) may perform a CCA during SIFS 525 after the end of the RTS frame 505 addressed to the STA (e.g., when the RTS frame addressed to the STA is completed) to check the status of each secondary channel 545. By performing a CCA during SIFS 525, the STA can provide the TXOP owner that sent the RTS frame 505 with the latest CCA status. For example, the CCA status may be more accurate or up-to-date relative to the CCA status of the secondary channel 545 during PIFS 520. The STA may perform a similar CCA status check during SIFS 525 if it receives an MU RTS trigger frame. The STA may monitor only one or more primary channels 540 in listen mode before receiving the RTS frame 505. For example, during PIFS 520, or at any other time before receiving the RTS frame 505, the STA may monitor one or more primary channels 540 and avoid monitoring the secondary channel 545 of channel bandwidth 535, which can reduce power consumption and increase battery life.

[0100] Upon receiving RTS frame 505 (which the STA can receive via primary channel 540), the STA can extend its RF front-end (RFE) to channel bandwidth 535. Channel bandwidth 535 may be associated with RTS frame 505, and in some implementations, RTS frame 505 may indicate channel bandwidth 535. The STA may begin extending RFE upon verifying that the receiver address (RA) of RTS frame 505 includes the STA's MAC address. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may begin extending RFE upon determining that the L-SIG length field of RTS frame 505 is 20 octets (which may correspond to the length associated with the RTS frame). RFE extension may be completed within SIFS-aCCATime following the RTS frame, where aCCATime is the time associated with the STA performing a CCA (such as energy detection (ED) CCA) in secondary channel 545.

[0101] In some examples, the STA may send a CTS frame 510-a after SIFS 525. CTS frame 510-a may be in response to RTS frame 505, and the STA may send CTS frame 510-a within zero or more channels that are idle as indicated in the RTS frame (e.g., some or all of the bandwidth indicated in the RTS frame that is idle and therefore available for transmission). The STA may determine the idle bandwidth based on CCA (such as one or more channel measurements) performed for each channel indicated in the RTS frame within SIFS 525. The STA may send CTS frame 510-a indicating that bandwidth of the same size as or smaller than the bandwidth 535 associated with the RTS frame 505 is available. For example, CCA may indicate that zero or more of the secondary channels (such as secondary channels 545-a and 545-b) may be busy (e.g., unavailable) at the STA, or that the STA may be operating in a reduced bandwidth mode. That is, CTS frame 510-a may indicate that at least a subset of the channels requested in one or more RTS frames 505 are available at the STA, and this subset of channels may be at least a subset of the channel bandwidth 535 requested in the RTS frame 505. Based on CTS frame 510-a, the STA may receive data 515 (such as one or more data packets) from another wireless device (such as an AP, a peer STA) via the subset of channels indicated by the STA in CTS frame 510-a.

[0102] The RTS frame 505 may indicate a time duration, such as the NAV 530. The NAV 530 may start after the RTS frame 505 is received. The NAV 530 may indicate to other wireless devices the time duration during which a wireless communication session (such as a TXOP) is occurring between the transmitting wireless device indicated by the RTS frame and the receiving wireless device indicated by the RTS frame 505. Thus, the NAV 530 may indicate that one or more channels of the channel bandwidth 535 are busy, and other wireless devices may avoid transmitting on the one or more channels during this time duration. In some examples, the receiving wireless device (such as an STA) may dynamically extend or reduce the duration of the NAV 530 via the CTS frame 510-a. In some examples, the CTS frame 510-a may indicate a longer time duration than the time duration indicated in the requesting RTS frame. The indication of the longer duration may be subject to (such as not exceeding) the TXOP limit. In such examples, the transmitting wireless device and the receiving wireless device may use the duration (such as the remainder of the TXOP) for low-latency exchanges, relay operations, or other signaling. In some other examples, the CTS frame 510-a may indicate a shorter time duration than the time duration indicated in the requesting RTS frame, which may be beneficial in examples such as coexistence (such as the STA being unavailable after X ms, where the RTS may indicate a NAV with a time duration of Y ms, where X < Y)), an upcoming silent time of the receiving wireless device, or a restricted target wake time (R-TWT) service period (SP) of the receiving wireless device, etc.

[0103] In some examples, the transmitting wireless device may use the RTS frame 505 to probe the availability of an STA. One or more wireless devices (including the STA) may receive the RTS frame 505 and may ignore the NAV 530 indicated in the RTS frame 505, or may disregard the NAV 530 indicated in the RTS frame with respect to determining the availability of the channel bandwidth 535 associated with the RTS frame 505. The RTS frame 505 may not schedule any communication (such as any transmission of data 515). Instead, the RTS frame 505 may probe the availability of the STA, and the STA may transmit a CTS frame 510-a, an ACK, or some other frame that includes an indication of the availability of the STA for wireless communication via the channel bandwidth 535. In some examples, the RTS frame 505 may include bits indicating to ignore the NAV 530 or indicating that the RTS frame 505 is probing the availability of the STA and thus the channel is not otherwise reserved for transmission. Additionally or alternatively, the RTS frame may indicate to ignore the NAV 530 or indicate that the RTS frame 505 is probing STA availability based on the duration value of the RTS frame 505 (such as the NAV 530) or the duration of the TXOP meeting a threshold or other condition.

[0104] Using RTS frame 505 to probe STA availability enables low-latency data delivery unaffected by basic NAV settings. For example, by performing STA availability probing using RTS frame 505, the wireless device can satisfy RTS / CTS switching conditions (such as RTS / CTS requirements or prerequisites) for data / ACK switching, and the wireless device can perform data / ACK switching to equalize fields associated with wireless communication. In some examples, the transmitting wireless device can utilize QoS empty / ACK switching or data / ACK switching to probe STA availability. In such examples, the transmitting wireless device may have a non-HT repetition mode.

[0105] In some implementations, the receiving radio device (such as the STA) may send a delayed CTS frame 510-b. For example, the STA may send CTS frame 510-b after the expiration of NAV 530 indicated in the RTS frame. In some examples, instead of CTS frame 510-b, the STA may send a trigger frame that enables the transmitting radio device to send data 515 (such as uplink data). In some examples, the STA may indicate to the transmitting radio device when NAV 530 (such as basic NAC) is expected to expire. For example, the STA may send CTS frame 510-b when NAV 530 expires or at a threshold duration prior to the expiration of NAV 530.

[0106] In some examples, the techniques described herein can be implemented to enhance RTS frame 505 and CTS frame 510. In some other examples, similar enhancements described herein can be applied to other frames, such as control frames, management frames, or data frames. For example, the first frame described herein with reference to RTS frame 505 can alternatively be a MU RTS frame, and the second frame described herein with reference to CTS frame 510 can be a CTS frame. MU RTS frames and CTS frames can be examples of control frames. In some examples, the first frame can be a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) triggered frame, and the second frame can be a QoS empty frame carrying a Buffer Status Report (BSR). The BSRP triggered frame can be an example of a control frame, and the BSR frame can be an example of a data frame. In some other examples, the first frame can be a Beamforming Report Polling (BFRP) frame, and the second frame can be a compressed Beamforming Report (BFR) frame or a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) frame. BFRP frames can be examples of control frames, and compressed BFR frames or CQI frames can be examples of action frames, which can be subtypes of management frames.

[0107] Figure 6An example of an enhanced signaling diagram 600 supporting RTS and CTS switching is shown. Signaling diagram 600 can implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, and PPDU 400. For example, signaling diagram 600 may include service field 605 and PSDU field 610, which may be to be included as referenced respectively. Figure 3 and 4 Examples of fields in the described PPDU 300 or PPDU 400.

[0108] A transmitting wireless device (such as a STA or AP) can send a PPDU to a receiving wireless device (such as a STA), and the PPDU may include a service field 605 and a PSDU field 610. The PSDU field may include an RTS frame (such as a reference frame). Figure 5 The RTS frame described is 505. The transmitting radio device can use the service field 605 to indicate bandwidth extension, dynamic puncturing, non-primary channel access, or a combination thereof. For example, the transmitting radio device can extend the signaling in the service field 605 of a PPDU (such as a non-HT (repeated) PPDU) carrying control frames (such as RTS frames or CTS frames). Therefore, the service field 605 can indicate bandwidth extension, dynamic puncturing, or non-primary channel access to be applied to RTS / CTS frames to achieve TXOP protection for wider bandwidth and dynamically punctured frame switching.

[0109] EHT STA supports bandwidths up to 40 MHz in 2.4 GHz wireless networks, up to 160 MHz in 5 GHz wireless networks, and up to 320 MHz in 6 GHz wireless networks. Compared to the bandwidths supported by EHT STA, UHR STA can support even larger bandwidths. For example, UHR STA can support bandwidths up to 480 MHz or up to 640 MHz (such as in 6 GHz wireless networks). Therefore, it may be advantageous to implement signaling with bandwidths up to 640 MHz for the exchange of RTS and CTS frames, and the transmitting or receiving device can use the service field 605 of the PPDU to indicate the channel bandwidth supported by the respective device. As shown in Table 1, bits B5-B7 of the service field 605 can indicate the bandwidth used for communication between the transmitting and receiving wireless devices (such as bandwidths between 20 MHz and 640 MHz).

[0110]

[0111] Table 1

[0112] Therefore, the transmitting wireless device can send an RTS frame indicating the channel bandwidth, and the receiving device can send a CTS frame indicating confirmation of the channel bandwidth or indicating a second channel bandwidth with a different channel bandwidth. In some examples, the 480MHz bandwidth can be associated with two candidate 320MHz bandwidths (such as 320-1 or 320-2). In a specific implementation where the transmitting wireless device indicates the 480MHz bandwidth, the transmitting wireless device can indicate which 320MHz bandwidth to use (e.g., the lower 320MHz of 480MHz or the higher 320MHz of 480MHz). By using the service field 605 to indicate bandwidth (such as bandwidth extension relative to a 20MHz channel), the described technique supports backward compatibility with control frames in non-HT (copy) PPDU formats, enabling PPDU support for both UHR STA and non-UHR STA. In some examples, the transmitting wireless device can use a combination of smaller values ​​to indicate a 640MHz bandwidth (such as by indicating 240MHz and 400MHz). Indications of 480MHz or 640MHz bandwidth can be used in 6GHz wireless networks.

[0113] In some examples, a transmitting or receiving wireless device can indicate a puncturing mode to indicate that a subset of the channel bandwidth (such as the bandwidth indicated by Service Field 605) is available at the respective wireless device. For example, a puncturing mode can puncture (e.g., disable, turn off) busy channels within the channel bandwidth. Any of the reserved service bits in Service Field 605 can be used to indicate a puncturing mode. For example, bits B8-B10 of the Service Field can indicate up to seven puncturing modes. Thus, a transmitting wireless device can send an RTS frame indicating one of the puncturing modes, and a receiving device can send a CTS frame indicating a second puncturing mode that confirms the mode indicated in the RTS frame or indicates a different puncturing mode. More bits in the Service Field can be used to indicate puncturing modes (e.g., additional bits can be used to support a larger number of modes, such as 36, 48, 64, etc.). The indication of puncturing modes using Service Field 605 can be used in 6 GHz wireless networks.

[0114] In some examples, the main channel (such as the reference) Figure 5 The described primary channel (540) may be busy, and RTS / CTS frame switching may occur on a non-primary channel. In such examples, the transmitting or receiving wireless device may indicate the location of a temporary primary channel. For example, the transmitting wireless device may use a secondary channel (e.g., Figure 5Channel 545-b) in the table is designated as the temporary master channel. The transmitting or receiving wireless device can use bits in Service Field 605 (such as an indication of a puncturing mode) to indicate the location of the temporary master channel. In some examples, the puncturing mode may indicate that the master channel is busy or may indicate the location of the temporary master channel. In some other examples, a beacon frame or probe / association response frame may indicate the location of the temporary master channel before the RTS frame. In such examples, the transmitting wireless device may send an RTS frame to the receiving wireless device via the temporary master channel, and the RTS frame may indicate the puncturing mode relative to the temporary master channel. In some examples, for either or both of preamble puncturing or non-master channel access, the receiver STA may be in 20-MHz listen mode, and the master channel may be part of a non-HT (repeated) RTS transmission.

[0115] In some examples (such as specific implementations in the 5GHz band), the wireless device may avoid overloading the service field 605 to prevent misinterpretation of the service field 605 (such as by a non-UHR STA). In such examples, the wireless device may include an aggregation control (A-control) field (as referenced) in the RTS or CTS frame. Figure 9A and Figure 9B (More detailed description) to indicate bandwidth, puncturing pattern, or location of the temporary primary channel. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device may use an MU RTS trigger frame to indicate such information. In such implementations, responding to a CTS frame can offer increased flexibility. For example, the CTS frame can decouple the scrambler value from the scrambler value of the MU RTS trigger frame (as in implementations where the MU RTS trigger frame is addressed separately). In some other implementations, the receiving wireless device may respond to such an MU RTS trigger frame by sending a different type of control response frame than the CTS frame. For example, the receiving wireless device may send an enhanced CTS (eCTS) frame that includes added control information, such as A control information. In implementations of MU RTS trigger frames, the location of the temporary primary channel can be directly indicated in the RU allocation field of the user information field itself.

[0116] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Examples of enhanced signaling diagrams 700 and 720 supporting RTS and CTS switching are shown. Signaling diagrams 700 and 720 can implement aspects of wireless communication networks 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, and PPDU 400. For example, signaling diagrams 700 and 720 may include RTS frames 705 and CTS frames 710, which may be included in references... Figure 4 An example of a frame in PSDU 404 of the described PPDU 400.

[0117] exist Figure 7AIn this context, the transmitting wireless device can indicate bandwidth extension to the receiving device via RTS frame 705-a. Beacon frames (such as reference frames) Figure 5 The described beacon frame 550 may indicate a channel bandwidth 720-b for communication between the transmitting and receiving devices. For example, the beacon frame may indicate one or more primary channels 725-a, and the primary channels may occupy channel bandwidth 720-b (such as 20 MHz). The RTS frame may indicate an extension of the bandwidth for wireless communication with the receiving device from channel bandwidth 720-b to channel bandwidth 720-a (such as 320 MHz) (which may be greater than channel bandwidth 720-b).

[0118] In some examples, wireless devices can use dynamic punching of RTS or CTS frames (as shown in the reference). Figure 6 (More detailed description) to support interference avoidance. At the transmitting radio device, secondary channel interference may exist at the secondary channel 730-a of the channel bandwidth associated with RTS frame 705-a. Therefore, the transmitting radio device may indicate in RTS frame 705-a that one or more secondary channels are unavailable via a first puncturing mode. The first puncturing mode may indicate that a first subset of the channel set within channel bandwidth 720-a is available at the transmitting device and that secondary channel 730-a is punctured. The first channel subset may include primary channel 725-a, secondary channel 730-b, secondary channel 730-c, and secondary channel 730-d.

[0119] At the receiving radio device, secondary channel interference may exist on secondary channel 730-b within channel bandwidth 720-a. The receiving radio device may indicate a second puncturing mode, different from the first puncturing mode, via CTS frame 710-a. The second puncturing mode may indicate that a second subset of channels within the channel set within channel bandwidth 720-a is available at the receiving radio device and that secondary channels 730-a and 730-b are punctured. The second channel subset may include primary channel 725-a, secondary channel 730-c, and secondary channel 730-d. The second channel subset may be a subset of the first channel subset. Based on CTS frame 710-a, the transmitting radio device may transmit data 715-a to the receiving radio device via the second channel subset. The transmitting radio device may transmit data 715-a on discontinuous channels within channel bandwidth 720-a. For example, the transmitting wireless device may transmit data 715-a on the primary channel 725-a, secondary channels 730-c and 730-d, skipping secondary channels 730-a and 730-b. In some examples, the receiving wireless device may be in a primary channel listening mode (such as a 20MHz listening mode). In such examples, the transmitting device may transmit RTS frame 705 via at least the primary channel 725-a, enabling the receiving device to read RTS frame 705-a.

[0120] exist Figure 7BIn this context, the transmitting wireless device can indicate bandwidth extension to the receiving device via RTS frame 705-b. Beacon frames (such as reference frames) Figure 5 The described beacon frame 550 may indicate a channel bandwidth 720-d for communication between the transmitting and receiving devices. For example, the beacon frame may indicate one or more primary channels 725-b, and the primary channels may occupy channel bandwidth 720-d (e.g., 80 MHz). The RTS frame may indicate an extension of the bandwidth for wireless communication with the receiving device from channel bandwidth 720-d to channel bandwidth 720-c (such as 320 MHz) (which may be greater than channel bandwidth 720-d).

[0121] The primary channel 725-b may be busy. For example, the primary channel 725-b may be unavailable at the transmitting wireless device. The transmitting wireless device may indicate via RTS frame 705-b that the primary channel 725-b is unavailable via a first puncturing mode or via an indication of a temporary primary channel. In some examples, RTS frame 705-b may designate secondary channel 730-e as a temporary primary channel for communication between the transmitting and receiving wireless devices. The first puncturing mode may indicate that a first subset of the channel set within channel bandwidth 720-c is available at the transmitting device and that the primary channel 725-b is punctured. The first subset of channels may include secondary channels 730-e, 730-f, and 730-g. The receiving wireless device may receive RTS frame 705-b and may acknowledge the puncturing mode (such as indicating a second puncturing mode identical to the puncturing mode) via CTS frame 710-b. For example, a second puncturing mode may indicate that a second subset of channels within the channel set within channel bandwidth 720-c is available at the receiving device and that the primary channel 725-b is punctured. The second channel subset may include secondary channels 730-e, 730-f, and 730-g. Therefore, the first and second channel subsets can be identical. Based on CTS frame 710-b, the transmitting radio device may transmit data 715-b to the receiving radio device via the second channel subset.

[0122] Figure 8 An example of an enhanced signaling diagram 800 supporting RTS and CTS switching is shown. Signaling diagram 800 can implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, and PPDU 400. For example, signaling diagram 800 may include RTS frame 805 and CTS frame 810, which may be included in references... Figure 4 An example of a frame in PSDU 404 of the described PPDU 400.

[0123] In some examples, the receiving radio device can update the NSS used for performing wireless communication via RTS / CTS switching. Updating the NSS can benefit from reduced power consumption, reduced NSS during low-throughput periods, providing intra-device coexistence, supporting antenna sharing with other devices (such as Bluetooth devices, LTE devices), enabling dynamic resource management, and transferring resources from one link to another during inactive periods (such as enhanced multi-link single radio (eMLSR) operation, enhanced multi-link multiple radio (eMLMR) operation, link enable / disable), and other benefits. In some examples, the STA can dynamically adapt the Rx NSS by transmitting an Operation Mode Notification (OMN) frame or an MPDU containing an Operation Mode Control field. Changes to the NSS can take effect after a TXOP occurs following the OMN or MPDU. Changes to the NSS can be based on the receiving radio device's preemptive participation in updating the NSS. For example, the receiving radio device can notify the transmitting radio device of the NSS change within a time threshold.

[0124] In some examples, events that might trigger an NSS switch at the receiving device can be unpredictable. The receiving STA may determine that an NSS update is needed, but the update may be too late to provide any benefit. The receiving STA may fail to notify the transmitting device (such as a peering STA or AP) of the NSS update, for example, due to channel congestion, disabled EDCA, or unavailability of the transmitting device. Such events that trigger an NSS switch can be frequent (e.g., antennas shared across multiple links or technologies). An inefficient NSS switch by the receiving device may result in the receiving device declaring a conservative NSS value, potentially leading to underutilization of resources, or it may cause the receiving device to fail to receive communication associated with a higher NSS, potentially resulting in data loss. Therefore, an inefficient NSS switch by the receiving device can lead to reduced throughput, increased latency, and increased power consumption.

[0125] In some examples, to support efficient updates of the NSS at the receiving device, the transmitting and receiving wireless devices can exchange RTS frames 805 and CTS frames 810, and either RTS frame 805 or CTS frame 810 can update the NSS used by the receiving wireless device to communicate with the transmitting wireless device. The transmitting and receiving wireless devices can use service fields (such as service field 605, as referenced) Figure 6A subset of reserved service bits (as described) is used to indicate the NSS. For example, a transmitting or receiving wireless device may use bits B11-B14 of the service field to indicate the NSS to be used at the receiving device (such as during TXOP 820). In a 6 GHz wireless network, the wireless device may use the service field to indicate the NSS at the receiving device. Additionally or alternatively, additional control fields may be added to RTS frame 805 or CTS frame 810 (as described in more detail with reference to Figure 9) to indicate the NSS at the receiving device.

[0126] Before receiving RTS frame 805 (e.g., in default mode), the receiving device may use a first NSS (e.g., an NSS) to listen to the channel (e.g., RTS frame 805 monitoring the primary channel). The transmitting radio device may instruct via RTS frame 805 to request a second NSS used by the receiving radio device during TXOP 820, which may be the same as or different from the first NSS. The receiving radio device may confirm the requested NSS or indicate an available NSS for TXOP 820. That is, the receiving radio device may indicate that a third NSS (e.g., X NSS, where X is a positive integer) is available, and the third NSS may be the same as (e.g., to confirm the second NSS) or may be different from the second NSS.

[0127] After transmitting CTS frame 810, the receiving radio device can switch from the first NSS to the third NSS. The receiving radio device can remain in the mode associated with the third NSS until TXOP 820 expires. The receiving radio device can receive data 815 via the third NSS. By supporting dynamic indication of the NSS via RTS frame 805 and CTS frame 810, the transmitting and receiving radio devices can support reduced power consumption, coexistence, and increased throughput.

[0128] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Examples of enhanced RTS frame 915 and CTS frame 900 supporting RTS and CTS switching are shown. RTS frame 915 and CTS frame 900 can implement various aspects of wireless communication network 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, PPDU 400, and signaling diagram 500. For example, RTS frame 915 and CTS frame 900 can be respectively as shown in the reference... Figure 5 Examples of RTS frame 505 and CTS frame 510 are described.

[0129] In some examples, an RTS frame may have a length of 20 octets, while a CTS frame may have a length of 14 octets. The receiving radio device may obtain the length of the RTS frame via the L-SIG field of the PPDU or via another field of the PPDU. In some examples, it may be advantageous to extend the length of the RTS or CTS frame to include additional control information. A transmitting radio device sending an RTS frame 915 or a receiving radio device sending a CTS frame 900 may use the additional control information to perform bandwidth expansion or dynamic puncturing (as per reference). Figure 6 As described), dynamic instructions for NSS (as referenced) Figure 8 (as described), link adaptation signaling, or indications of interference statistics, and other processes.

[0130] Figure 9A An RTS frame 915 with a format that supports including additional control information into the RTS frame 915 can be shown. The RTS frame 915 may include a control information field 905-a that includes additional control information. In some examples, the control information field 905-a may be an A-control field. The control information field 905-a may appear before the FCS field and after the transmitter address (TA) field.

[0131] Figure 9B A CTS frame 900 with a format that supports including additional control information into the CTS frame 900 can be shown. The CTS frame 900 may include a control information field 905-b that includes additional control information. In some examples, the control information field 905-b may be an A control field. The control information field 905-b may appear before the FCS field and after the transmitter address (TA) field.

[0132] The length field of a PPDU (such as the L-length field) can indicate the length of an RTS frame or a CTS frame, and the type field or subtype field of a PPDU can identify whether the frame is an RTS frame or a CTS frame. The length field of an RTS frame 915 can indicate a length of more than 20 octets, which indicates that the RTS frame 915 is an A-RTS frame (such as an RTS frame including an A-control field), and the length field of a CTS frame 900 can indicate a length of more than 14 octets, which indicates that the CTS frame 900 is an A-CTS frame (such as a CTS frame including an A-control field).

[0133] In some examples, RTS or CTS frames may be transmitted within control encapsulation frames that include additional control information. For instance, a control encapsulation frame may include an RTS or CTS frame along with control information (such as an HT control field) including additional control information. RTS or CTS control encapsulation frames may replace RTS or CTS frames in RTS / CTS exchanges between wireless devices. In some other examples, control frames other than RTS or CTS frames may be exchanged to convey additional control information (such as MU RTS trigger variants or different subtypes of control frames, etc.) between the transmitting and receiving wireless devices.

[0134] Figure 10 An example of an enhanced process flow 1000 supporting RTS and CTS switching is shown. Process flow 1000 can implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, and PPDU 400. For example, process flow 1000 may include wireless devices 1005-a and 1005-b, which can be as shown in the reference... Figure 1 Examples of STA 104 or AP 102 described herein. In the following description of process flow 1000, operations between wireless devices 1005-a and 1005-b may be transmitted in a different order than the example order shown, or operations performed by wireless devices 1005-a and 1005-b may be performed in a different order or at different times. Some operations may also be omitted from process flow 1000, and other operations may be added to process flow 1000.

[0135] At 1015, wireless device 1005-a can receive a beacon frame that instructs the first wireless device to monitor the first frame of a first channel, which schedules communication via one or more channels (such as an RTS frame). The first channel may be the primary channel for communication between wireless device 1005-a and wireless device 1005-b (such as a 20MHz primary channel). The first frame may schedule one or more data packets to be transmitted by wireless device 1005-b. At 1020, wireless device 1005-a can monitor the first frame of the first channel based on the beacon frame.

[0136] At 1025, wireless device 1005-a can receive a first frame from wireless device 1005-b, which indicates the channel bandwidth (such as indicating the extended channel bandwidth used for communication, as referenced). Figure 7A and Figure 7B(Described) and indicates one of several available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth. A puncturing pattern may be associated with a first subset of a set of multiple channels for the channel bandwidth. For example, a puncturing pattern may indicate that a secondary channel of the channel bandwidth is busy. In a specific implementation of non-primary channel access, wireless device 1005-a may receive RTS frames via a secondary channel, or the puncturing pattern may indicate the location of a temporary primary channel, or both. In some examples, the first frame may request an NSS for wireless device 1005-a to use during TXOP.

[0137] At 1030, wireless device 1005-a may perform CCA on each channel in a first subset of the set of multiple channels indicated in the first frame. For example, wireless device 1005-a may perform CCA during SIFS, which occurs between the reception of the first frame and the transmission of at least one second frame. Based on the CCA, wireless device 1005-a may determine that a subset of the first subset of the set of multiple channels is available at wireless device 1005-a.

[0138] At 1035, wireless device 1005-a may send at least one second frame to wireless device 1005-b, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available. The second subset may be at least a subset of the first subset. In some examples, the second frame may indicate a second puncturing pattern that confirms the puncturing pattern indicated in the first frame, or may indicate a puncturing pattern different from the puncturing pattern indicated in the first frame. In some examples, the second frame may indicate a second NSS that confirms the NSS indicated in the first frame, or may indicate an NSS different from the NSS indicated in the first frame. At 1040, wireless device 1005-a may monitor one or more data packets of the second subset of the set of multiple channels based on at least one second frame.

[0139] At 1045, wireless device 1005-a may receive one or more data packets from wireless device 1005-b based on at least one second frame via a second subset of a set of multiple channels. In some examples, wireless device 1005-a may indicate reception of one or more data packets via a feedback message (e.g., an ACK message or a negative ACK message) sent by wireless device 1005-a to wireless device 1005-b.

[0140] Figure 11 A block diagram of an enhanced example wireless communication device 1100 supporting RTS and CTS switching is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1100 is configured to perform respective references Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14The processes described are 1200, 1300, and 1400. Wireless communication device 1100 may include one or more chips, SoCs, chipsets, packages, components, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or include a processing system. The processing system may interface with other components of wireless communication device 1100 and typically processes information (such as inputs or signals) received from and outputs information (such as outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting or transmitting information, and a second interface for receiving or acquiring information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a transmitting component, enabling wireless communication device 1100 to transmit information output from the chip. In such examples, the second interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a receiving component, enabling wireless communication device 1100 to receive information, which is then passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface may also, for example, acquire information from the transmitting component, and the second interface may also, for example, output information to the receiving component.

[0141] The processing system of the wireless communication device 1100 includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or more processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), or digital signal processor (DSP)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuits (all of which are generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “processors” or “processor circuitry”). One or more of these processors may be individually or collectively configurable to perform the various functions or operations described herein. The processing system may also include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements, or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as random access memory (RAM) or ROM or combinations thereof (all of which are generally referred to herein individually as “memory” or collectively as “memory” or “memory circuitry”). One or more of these memories may be coupled to one or more processors and may store processor-executable code, individually or collectively, which, when executed by one or more processors, configures one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more processors may be pre-configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein without software configuration. The processing system may also include one or more modems (such as Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE compliant) modems or cellular (e.g., 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modems), or be coupled to such modems. In some embodiments, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more modems. The processing system may also include, or be coupled to, multiple radio components (collectively, “radio components”), multiple RF chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled to one or more antennas. In some embodiments, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radio components, RF chains, or transceivers.

[0142] In some examples, the wireless communication device 1100 may be configured for or configured for use in an AP or STA (such as reference STA). Figure 1This is used in the described AP 102 or STA 104. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1100 may be an AP or STA that includes such a processing system as well as other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 1100 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 1100 may be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1100 may be configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3GPP specifications, including those for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1100 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to one or more application processors, which may also be coupled to one or more other memories. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1100 also includes a user interface (UI) (such as a touchscreen or keypad) and a display that may be integrated with the UI to form a touchscreen display coupled to the processing system. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1100 may also include one or more sensors, such as one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors coupled to the processing system. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1100 also includes at least one external network interface coupled to the processing system, which enables communication with a core network or backhaul network that allows the wireless communication device 1100 to access external networks, including the Internet.

[0143] The wireless communication device 1100 includes a beacon frame component 1125, a first frame component 1130, a second frame component 1135, a data component 1140, a beacon frame manager 1145, a first frame manager 1150, a second frame manager 1155, a data manager 1160, and a CCA component 1165. A portion of one or more of the beacon frame component 1125, the first frame component 1130, the second frame component 1135, the data component 1140, the beacon frame manager 1145, the first frame manager 1150, the second frame manager 1155, the data manager 1160, and the CCA component 1165 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the beacon frame component 1125, first frame component 1130, second frame component 1135, data component 1140, beacon frame manager 1145, first frame manager 1150, second frame manager 1155, data manager 1160, and CCA component 1165 may be implemented at least partially by at least one processor or modem. In some examples, portions of one or more of the beacon frame component 1125, first frame component 1130, second frame component 1135, data component 1140, beacon frame manager 1145, first frame manager 1150, second frame manager 1155, data manager 1160, and CCA component 1165 may be implemented at least partially by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0144] According to the examples disclosed herein, wireless communication device 1100 may support wireless communication. A beacon frame component 1125 can be configured to receive a beacon frame that instructs a first wireless device to monitor a first frame on a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels. A first frame component 1130 can be configured to receive a first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth. A second frame component 1135 can be configured to transmit at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset. A data component 1140 can be configured to receive one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0145] In some examples, the first channel is associated with a second channel bandwidth that is less than the channel bandwidth.

[0146] In some examples, the first frame component 1130 can be configured to monitor a first frame of a first channel based on a beacon frame. In some examples, the data component 1140 can be configured to monitor one or more data packets of a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels based on at least one second frame.

[0147] In some examples, the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

[0148] In some examples, the first channel is the primary channel for communication with the second wireless device, and the second channel is the secondary channel for communication with the second wireless device.

[0149] In some examples, the first frame indicates the first NSS associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

[0150] In some examples, at least one second frame indicates that a second NSS is available. In some examples, one or more data packets are received via the second NSS.

[0151] In some examples, the second NSS is the same as or different from the first NSS.

[0152] In some examples, at least one of the first frame or at least one of the second frames includes an A-control field containing control information.

[0153] In some examples, the first frame indicates a first duration associated with a wireless communication session with the second wireless device. In some examples, at least one second frame indicates a second duration different from the first duration.

[0154] In some examples, at least one second frame includes an indication of the first wireless device's ability to conduct wireless communication via a first subset of a set of multiple channels.

[0155] In some examples, at least one second frame is sent after the time duration has expired, which begins after the first frame is received and is associated with the NAV of the channel bandwidth.

[0156] In some examples, the punching pattern indicates that the first channel is punched.

[0157] In some examples, CCA component 1165 can be configured to perform CCA on each of a set of multiple channels based on a first frame, wherein a second subset of the set of multiple channels is based on the CCA.

[0158] In some examples, CCA can be performed during a short inter-frame interval that occurs between the reception of the first frame and the transmission of at least one second frame.

[0159] In some examples, the first wireless device is a first wireless STA or a first AP, and the second wireless device is a second wireless STA or a second AP.

[0160] Additionally or alternatively, according to the examples disclosed herein, wireless communication device 1100 may support wireless communication. A beacon frame manager 1145 can be configured to transmit a beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels. A first frame manager 1150 can be configured to transmit a first frame to the second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth. A second frame manager 1155 can be configured to receive at least one second frame from the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset. A data manager 1160 can be configured to transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the set of multiple channels.

[0161] In some examples, the first channel is associated with a second channel bandwidth that is less than the channel bandwidth.

[0162] In some examples, the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

[0163] In some examples, the first channel is the primary channel for communication with the second wireless device, and the second channel is the secondary channel for communication with the second wireless device.

[0164] In some examples, the first frame indicates the first NSS associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

[0165] In some examples, at least one second frame indicates that a second NSS is available. In some examples, one or more data packets are sent via a second NSS.

[0166] In some examples, the second NSS is the same as or different from the first NSS.

[0167] In some examples, at least one of the first frame or at least one of the second frames includes an A-control field containing control information.

[0168] In some examples, the first frame indicates a first duration associated with a wireless communication session with the second wireless device. In some examples, at least one second frame indicates a second duration different from the first duration.

[0169] In some examples, at least one second frame includes an indication of the second wireless device's ability to perform wireless communication via a first subset of a set of multiple channels.

[0170] In some examples, at least one second frame is received after the expiration of a time period that begins after the transmission of the first frame and is associated with the NAV of the channel bandwidth.

[0171] In some examples, the punching pattern indicates that the first channel is punched.

[0172] In some examples, the first wireless device is a first wireless STA or a first AP, and the second wireless device is a second wireless STA or a second AP.

[0173] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1200 that can be executed by or at a first wireless device that supports RTS and CTS switching is shown. Operation of process 1200 can be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 1200 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as reference 1200) operating as a wireless AP or wireless STA, or within that wireless STA or wireless AP. Figure 11 The described wireless communication device 1100 performs this operation. In some examples, process 1200 may be performed by a wireless AP or a wireless STA (such as reference 1100). Figure 1 (The description of either AP 102 or STA 104) is executed.

[0174] In some examples, in block 1205, a first wireless device may receive a beacon frame that instructs the first wireless device to monitor a first frame on a first channel, which schedules communication via one or more channels. Operation of block 1205 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1205 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The beacon frame component 1125 described herein is used to perform this action.

[0175] In some examples, in block 1210, a first wireless device may receive a first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of a set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth. Operation of block 1210 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1210 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 11 The first frame component 1130 described is executed.

[0176] In some examples, in block 1215, the first wireless device may send at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset. The operation of block 1215 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1215 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The second frame component 1135 described herein shall be executed.

[0177] In some examples, in block 1220, the first wireless device may receive one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels. Operation of block 1220 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1220 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The data component 1140 described is used for execution.

[0178] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1300 that can be executed by or at a first wireless device that supports RTS and CTS switching is shown. Operation of process 1300 can be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 1300 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as reference 1300) operating as a wireless AP or wireless STA, or within that wireless STA or wireless AP. Figure 11 The described wireless communication device 1100) performs the procedure. In some examples, the procedure 1300 may be performed by a wireless AP or a wireless STA (such as reference 1100). Figure 1 (The description of either AP 102 or STA 104) is executed.

[0179] In some examples, in block 1305, the first wireless device may receive a beacon frame that instructs the first wireless device to monitor a first frame on a first channel, which schedules communication via one or more channels. Operation of block 1305 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1305 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The beacon frame component 1125 described herein is used to perform this action.

[0180] In some examples, in block 1310, a first wireless device may receive a first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of a set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth. Operation of block 1310 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1310 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The first frame component 1130 described is executed.

[0181] In some examples, in block 1315, the first wireless device may perform CCA on each of a set of multiple channels based on the first frame. The operation of block 1315 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1315 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 11 The described CCA component 1165 is used to perform this.

[0182] In some examples, in block 1320, a first wireless device may send at least one second frame to a second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of multiple channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset, wherein the second subset of the set of multiple channels is based on the CCA. Operation of block 1320 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1320 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The second frame component 1135 described herein shall be executed.

[0183] In some examples, in block 1325, the first wireless device may receive one or more data packets from the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels. Operation of block 1325 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1325 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The data component 1140 described is used for execution.

[0184] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1400 that can be executed by or at a first wireless device that supports RTS and CTS switching is shown. Operation of process 1400 can be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 1400 can be implemented by a wireless communication device (such as reference 1400) operating as a wireless AP or wireless STA, or within that wireless STA or wireless AP. Figure 11 The described wireless communication device 1100) performs the procedure. In some examples, the process 1400 may be performed by a wireless AP or a wireless STA (such as reference 1100). Figure 1 (The description of either AP 102 or STA 104) is executed.

[0185] In some examples, in block 1405, a first wireless device may transmit a beacon frame that instructs a second wireless device to monitor a first frame on a first channel, which schedules communication via one or more channels. Operation of block 1405 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of operation of block 1405 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The beacon frame manager 1145 described is used to perform this.

[0186] In some examples, in block 1410, a first wireless device may transmit a first frame to a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern from a set of multiple available puncturing patterns for that channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of the set of multiple channels for that channel bandwidth. Operation of block 1410 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1410 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The first frame manager 1150 described is used for execution.

[0187] In some examples, in block 1415, the first wireless device may receive at least one second frame from the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset. Operation of block 1415 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1415 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The second frame manager 1155 described is used to execute this.

[0188] In some examples, in block 1420, the first wireless device may transmit one or more data packets to the second wireless device based on the at least one second frame via a second subset of the set of the plurality of channels. Operation of block 1420 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1420 may be as described in references... Figure 11 The data manager 1160 described is used to execute this.

[0189] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses: The following provides an overview of the various aspects of this disclosure: Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: receiving a beacon frame indicating that the first wireless device is monitoring a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; receiving the first frame from a second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern among a plurality of available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of a plurality of channels of the channel bandwidth; transmitting at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and receiving one or more data packets from the second wireless device at least in part based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the plurality of channels.

[0190] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, wherein the first channel is associated with a second channel bandwidth that is less than the channel bandwidth.

[0191] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 2, the method further comprising: monitoring the first frame of the first channel at least in part based on the beacon frame; and monitoring the one or more data packets of the second subset of the plurality of channels at least in part based on the at least one second frame.

[0192] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

[0193] Aspect 5: According to the method of aspect 4, the first channel is the primary channel for communication with the second wireless device, and the second channel is the secondary channel for communication with the second wireless device.

[0194] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the first frame indicates a first NSS associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

[0195] Aspect 7: According to the method of aspect 6, wherein the at least one second frame indicates that the second NSS is available, and the one or more data packets are received via the second NSS.

[0196] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 7, wherein the second NSS is the same as or different from the first NSS.

[0197] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the first frame or the at least one second frame includes an A-control field having control information.

[0198] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the first frame indicates a first duration associated with a wireless communication session with the second wireless device, and the at least one second frame indicates a second duration different from the first duration.

[0199] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the at least one second frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is capable of wireless communication via the first subset of the plurality of channels.

[0200] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the at least one second frame is transmitted after the expiration of a time duration, the time duration starting after the first frame is received and associated with the NAV of the channel bandwidth.

[0201] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the puncturing pattern indicates that the first channel is punctured.

[0202] Aspect 14: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, the method further comprising: performing CCA on each of the plurality of channels at least in part based on the first frame, wherein the second subset of the plurality of channels is at least in part based on the CCA.

[0203] Aspect 15: The method according to aspect 14, wherein the CCA is performed during SIFS, which occurs between the reception of the first frame and the transmission of the at least one second frame.

[0204] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein the first wireless device is a first wireless STA or a first AP, and the second wireless device is a second wireless STA or a second AP.

[0205] Aspect 17: A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: transmitting a beacon frame, the beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; transmitting the first frame to the second wireless device, the first frame indicating a channel bandwidth and indicating a puncturing pattern among a plurality of available puncturing patterns for the channel bandwidth, the puncturing pattern being associated with a first subset of a plurality of channels of the channel bandwidth; receiving from the second wireless device at least one second frame, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; and transmitting one or more data packets to the second wireless device at least in part based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the plurality of channels.

[0206] Aspect 18: According to the method of aspect 17, wherein the first channel is associated with a second channel bandwidth that is less than the channel bandwidth.

[0207] Aspect 19: According to the method of aspect 18, wherein the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

[0208] Aspect 20: According to the method of aspect 19, wherein the first channel is a primary channel for communication with the second wireless device, and the second channel is a secondary channel for communication with the second wireless device.

[0209] Aspect 21: The method according to any one of aspects 17 to 20, wherein the first frame indicates a first NSS associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

[0210] Aspect 22: According to the method of aspect 21, wherein the at least one second frame indicates that the second NSS is available, and the one or more data packets are sent via the second NSS.

[0211] Aspect 23: The method according to aspect 22, wherein the second NSS is the same as or different from the first NSS.

[0212] Aspect 24: The method according to any one of aspects 17 to 23, wherein at least one of the first frame or the at least one second frame includes an A-control field having control information.

[0213] Aspect 25: The method according to any one of aspects 17 to 24, wherein the first frame indicates a first duration associated with a wireless communication session with the second wireless device, and the at least one second frame indicates a second duration different from the first duration.

[0214] Aspect 26: The method according to any one of aspects 17 to 25, wherein the at least one second frame includes an indication that the second wireless device is capable of wireless communication via the first subset of the plurality of channels.

[0215] Aspect 27: The method according to any one of Aspects 17 to 26, wherein the at least one second frame is received after the expiration of a time duration, the time duration starting after the transmission of the first frame and associated with the NAV of the channel bandwidth.

[0216] Aspect 28: The method according to any one of aspects 17 to 27, wherein the puncturing pattern indicates that the first channel is punctured.

[0217] Aspect 29: The method according to any one of Aspects 17 to 28, wherein the first wireless device is a first wireless STA or a first AP, and the second wireless device is a second wireless STA or a second AP.

[0218] Aspect 30: A first wireless device, the first wireless device including a processing system, the processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless device to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 16.

[0219] Aspect 31: A first wireless device, the first wireless device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 16.

[0220] Aspect 32: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code, said code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 16.

[0221] Aspect 33: A first wireless device, the first wireless device including a processing system, the processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless device to perform the method according to any one of aspects 17 to 29.

[0222] Aspect 34: A first wireless device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 17 to 29.

[0223] Aspect 35: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code, said code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 17 to 29.

[0224] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and therefore, "determine" can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, estimation, investigation, searching (such as by searching in a table, database, or other data structure), reasoning, probing, or measurement, among other possibilities. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in memory), or sending (such as sending information), among other possibilities. Additionally, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, obtaining, choosing, building, and other similar actions.

[0225] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” or “one or more of” refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc. As used herein, “or” is intended to be interpreted as inclusive unless otherwise explicitly stated. For example, “a or b” could include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase referring to “one” element means one or more of such elements that act individually or collectively to perform the stated function. Additionally, “set” refers to one or more items, and “subset” refers to less than the entire set, but not empty.

[0226] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated, “based on” is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, “based on” may be used interchangeably with “at least partially based on,” “associated with,” “associated with,” or “according to.” Specifically, unless the phrase in the context means “based on only one” or an equivalent, whether it is “based on one” or “at least partially based on one”, it may be based solely on “one” or based on a combination of “one” and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

[0227] As used in this article, depending on the context, "meeting the threshold" can mean a value greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, etc.

[0228] The various exemplary components, logic units, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the examples disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. This interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been generally described in terms of its functionality and exemplified in the various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether this functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0229] Various modifications to the examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but are to be granted the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0230] Furthermore, the various features described in the context of individual examples in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple examples. Thus, although features may be described above as functioning in a particular combination, and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations of sub-combinations.

[0231] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the diagrams, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the accompanying figures may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of flowcharts or flow diagrams. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the schematically illustrated example processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the examples described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all examples, but rather should be understood as meaning that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated in multiple software products.

Claims

1. A first wireless device, the first wireless device comprising: The processing system, including processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the first wireless device to: Receive a beacon frame, the beacon frame instructing the first wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; The first frame is received from a second wireless device. The first frame indicates a channel bandwidth and indicates a punching pattern among a plurality of available punching patterns for the channel bandwidth. The punching pattern is associated with a first subset of a plurality of channels of the channel bandwidth. Send at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; as well as One or more data packets are received from the second wireless device at least in part based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the plurality of channels.

2. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the first channel is associated with a second channel bandwidth that is less than the channel bandwidth.

3. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: The first frame of the first channel is monitored at least in part based on the beacon frame; and The monitoring of one or more data packets of the second subset of the plurality of channels is based at least in part on the at least one second frame.

4. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

5. The first wireless device according to claim 4, wherein the first channel is the primary channel for communication with the second wireless device, and the second channel is the secondary channel for communication with the second wireless device.

6. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the first frame indicates a first quantity of spatial streams associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

7. The first wireless device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one second frame indicates that a second number of spatial streams are available, and The one or more data packets are received via the second number of spatial streams.

8. The first wireless device of claim 7, wherein the second quantity of the spatial stream is the same as or different from the first quantity of the spatial stream.

9. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first frame or the at least one second frame includes an aggregated control field containing control information.

10. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein: The first frame indicates a first duration associated with a wireless communication session with the second wireless device, and The at least one second frame indicates a second duration that is different from the first duration.

11. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the at least one second frame includes an indication that the first wireless device is capable of wireless communication via the first subset of the plurality of channels.

12. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the at least one second frame is transmitted after a time period has elapsed, the time period starting after the first frame is received and associated with the network allocation vector of the channel bandwidth.

13. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the punching mode indicates that the first channel is punched.

14. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: An idle channel assessment is performed on each of the plurality of channels based at least in part on the first frame, wherein the second subset of the plurality of channels is based at least in part on the idle channel assessment.

15. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the idle channel assessment is performed during a short inter-frame interval occurring between the reception of the first frame and the transmission of the at least one second frame.

16. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless device is a first wireless station (STA) or a first access point (AP), and the second wireless device is a second wireless STA or a second AP.

17. A first wireless device, the first wireless device comprising: The processing system, including processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the first wireless device to: A beacon frame is sent, the beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; The first frame is sent to the second wireless device, the first frame indicating the channel bandwidth and indicating a punching pattern among a plurality of available punching patterns for the channel bandwidth, the punching pattern being associated with a first subset of a plurality of channels of the channel bandwidth; Receive at least one second frame from the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; as well as One or more data packets are sent to the second wireless device, at least in part, based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the plurality of channels.

18. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein the first channel is associated with a second channel bandwidth that is less than the channel bandwidth.

19. The first wireless device of claim 18, wherein the beacon frame indicates a second channel within the channel bandwidth to monitor the first frame.

20. The first wireless device according to claim 19, wherein the first channel is a primary channel for communication with the second wireless device, and the second channel is a secondary channel for communication with the second wireless device.

21. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein the first frame indicates a first quantity of spatial streams associated with wireless communication with the second wireless device.

22. The first wireless device according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one second frame indicates that a second number of spatial streams are available, and The one or more data packets are sent via the second number of spatial streams.

23. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first frame or the at least one second frame includes an aggregated control field containing control information.

24. The first wireless device according to claim 17, wherein: The first frame indicates a first duration associated with a wireless communication session with the second wireless device, and The at least one second frame indicates a second duration that is different from the first duration.

25. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein the at least one second frame includes an indication that the second wireless device is capable of wireless communication via the first subset of the plurality of channels.

26. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein the at least one second frame is received after a time period has elapsed, the time period starting after the transmission of the first frame and associated with the network allocation vector of the channel bandwidth.

27. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein the punching mode indicates that the first channel is punched.

28. The first wireless device of claim 17, wherein the first wireless device is a first wireless station (STA) or a first access point (AP), and the second wireless device is a second wireless STA or a second AP.

29. A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: Receive a beacon frame, the beacon frame instructing the first wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; The first frame is received from a second wireless device. The first frame indicates a channel bandwidth and indicates a punching pattern among a plurality of available punching patterns for the channel bandwidth. The punching pattern is associated with a first subset of a plurality of channels of the channel bandwidth. Send at least one second frame to the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; as well as One or more data packets are received from the second wireless device at least in part based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the plurality of channels.

30. A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: A beacon frame is sent, the beacon frame instructing a second wireless device to monitor a first frame of a first channel, the first frame scheduling communication via one or more channels; The first frame is sent to the second wireless device, the first frame indicating the channel bandwidth and indicating a punching pattern among a plurality of available punching patterns for the channel bandwidth, the punching pattern being associated with a first subset of a plurality of channels of the channel bandwidth; Receive at least one second frame from the second wireless device, the at least one second frame indicating that a second subset of the plurality of channels is available, the second subset being at least a subset of the first subset; as well as One or more data packets are sent to the second wireless device, at least in part, based on the at least one second frame via the second subset of the plurality of channels.

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