Wireless network channel usage

Abstract

The present disclosure describes an access point that coordinates infrastructure communications and non-infrastructure communications. The access point includes one or more memories and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories. One or more processors determine that an access point of an extended service set is avoiding using a first channel, and transmit a first beacon to a first device, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to communicate directly with a second device.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 580,603, filed September 5, 2023. The entire contents of the above-identified related patent application are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments presented in this disclosure relate generally to wireless communications. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless network channel usage. BACKGROUND

[0003] Access points provide wireless access to network deployments, which can also be referred to as enterprise networks or infrastructure networks. Devices in the vicinity of an access point can form a peer-to-peer (P2P) network (which can also be referred to as a non-infrastructure network), which devices use to communicate directly with each other (e.g., bypassing the access point). The infrastructure network and the non-infrastructure network can achieve their own quality of service (QoS) goals through independent scheduling and coordination processes. However, when the infrastructure network and the non-infrastructure network happen to use the same channel, this independent scheduling and coordination can result in failure to achieve the QoS goals. For example, some infrastructure networks can reserve a channel for critical traffic that is subject to QoS requirements. A non-infrastructure network operating in the vicinity of the infrastructure network can interfere with the channel and cause the critical traffic to not meet the QoS requirements. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure describes an access point that coordinates infrastructure communications and non-infrastructure communications. According to one embodiment, the access point includes one or more memories and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors determine that the access point of an extended service set is refraining from using a first channel and transmit a first beacon to a first device, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to use to directly communicate with a second device.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method includes determining that an access point of an extended service set is refraining from using a first channel and transmitting a first beacon to a first device, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to use to directly communicate with a second device.

[0006] According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more memories and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories. The one or more processors receive a first beacon from a first access point, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that a first channel is available for non-infrastructure communication, and based on the first beacon, transmit messages directly to the apparatus using the first channel. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features described above, reference can be made to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate typical embodiments and should not be considered limiting; other equally effective embodiments are conceivable.

[0008] Figure 1A An example system is shown.

[0009] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A Example access points or devices in the system.

[0010] Figures 2A to 2C It shows the result of Figure 1A The example operation performed by the system.

[0011] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A Example messages in the system.

[0012] Figure 4 It is by Figure 1A A flowchart of an example method executed by the system.

[0013] Figure 5 It is by Figure 1A A flowchart of an example method executed by the system.

[0014] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to denote common elements in the figures. Elements disclosed in one embodiment are expected to be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific reference. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This disclosure describes an access point for coordinating infrastructure and non-infrastructure communications. Generally, the access point identifies unused channels by access points within the infrastructure network (e.g., access points located in the same Extended Service Set (ESS) or nearby access points within the same ESS). The access point can then transmit messages (e.g., broadcast beacons, probe responses, association responses, or reassociation responses) including a channel usage element identifying the channel, which indicates to nearby devices that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communications (e.g., peer-to-peer communication). These devices can then use the channel to directly transmit messages to each other (e.g., bypassing the infrastructure network).

[0016] Furthermore, the access point can identify another channel that should be reserved for critical services subject to Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. The channel usage element in the message (or another message) can also identify this channel to indicate that it is reserved for critical services. The devices can then use this channel to transmit critical services with the access point.

[0017] In some embodiments, the access point offers several technical advantages. For example, it reduces interference from non-infrastructure communications to infrastructure communications, and vice versa. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood that critical services will meet QoS requirements.

[0018] Generally, "infrastructure communications" refers to communications that first reach a local (usually fixed) access point or networked device, and typically provide connectivity to an intranet and subsequently the Internet. Non-infrastructure communications do not use local (usually fixed) access points or networked devices. Non-infrastructure communications include peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, which involve direct communication to other endpoints or devices, and typically, P2P communications do not provide further connectivity. Furthermore, the Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) is an 802.11 architecture that includes access points, and the Infrastructure BSS can be used for both infrastructure communications and non-infrastructure (e.g., P2P) communications.

[0019] Figure 1A An example system 100 is shown, which can be a network deployment providing wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi communication). Figure 1A As shown, system 100 includes one or more access points 102 and one or more devices 104. Generally, access point 102 detects channels not used for infrastructure communication and notifies device 104 that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communication. Device 104 can then use the channel for their non-infrastructure communication (e.g., P2P communication).

[0020] Access point 102 facilitates wireless communication in system 100. Device 104 can connect to access point 102. Access point 102 can then facilitate wireless communication of device 104. For example, device 104 can transmit messages or data streams to access point 102. Access point 102 can route messages or data streams to their destinations. As another example, access point 102 can receive messages or data streams for device 104. Access point 102 can direct messages or data streams to device 104.

[0021] Access points 102 in system 100 can belong to the same Extended Service Set (ESS). In this configuration, access points 102 operate together to form a wireless network, which appears as a single, seamless network to device 104. Each access point 102 can provide coverage for a different physical space, effectively extending the network's coverage area. Device 104 can move or roam freely within the area covered by access points 102 without losing its connection to the network.

[0022] Access point 102 may implement or provide different channels through which it communicates with device 104. Each channel is a frequency range used by access point 102 and / or device 104 to send and receive signals and messages. Access point 102 may analyze the channels to determine which channels access point 102 in the ESS (or a nearby access point 102 in the ESS) is using for communication, and which channels access point 102 in the ESS (or a nearby access point 102 in the ESS) is not using for communication.

[0023] In some embodiments, system 100 includes a network controller 105 that manages or controls access point 102. For example, network controller 105 may coordinate communication from access point 102. As another example, network controller 105 controls access point 102 to use certain channels and avoid using certain channels. In this way, network controller 105 may free up certain channels for non-infrastructure communication. Network controller 105 may also notify access point 102 which channels are not being used by the access point and can support non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102 may then notify device 104 of these channels.

[0024] Access point 102 can then notify device 104 of channels in the ESS that are not being used by (nearby) access point 102, so that device 104 can use those channels for non-infrastructure communications (e.g., QoS-constrained services and / or non-QoS-constrained services). Figure 1AIn the example, access point 102 transmits or broadcasts message 106 to device 104. Message 106 can be a beacon, probe response, (re)association response, etc. Message 106 can identify a channel in the ESS that (nearby) access point 102 is not using for infrastructure communication, which can signal to device 104 that the channel is available for device 104 to use for non-infrastructure communication (e.g., P2P communication). In some embodiments, access point 102 transmits multiple messages 106 (e.g., beacon, probe response, and (re)association response) to notify device 104 of the channel.

[0025] Then, devices 104 communicate directly with each other using the channel indicated in message 106. For example, devices 104 can use this channel to bypass access point 102 and directly transmit message 108 to each other. By using the indicated channel for non-infrastructure communication, devices 104 avoid interfering with infrastructure communication on other channels. In some cases, access points 102 in the same ESS that are far from devices 104 can still use the indicated channel because these access points 102 are too far from devices 104 for non-infrastructure communication between devices 104 to interfere with these access points 102. As an example operation, the first device 104 listens for message 106 and initiates a BSS on the channel indicated in message 106. The second device 104 scans the first device 104. If the second device 104 hears message 106, the scan of the second device 104 can prioritize one or more channels indicated in message 106. When the second device 104 detects a transmission (e.g., a beacon or probe response) from the first device 104 on a channel, the second device 104 connects to the first device 104 on the channel of the first device 104 (which is one of the channels listed in message 106).

[0026] In some embodiments, message 106 from access point 102 also indicates a channel that device 104 can use to transmit QoS service 110. QoS service can be infrastructure communication that includes services subject to QoS requirements (e.g., video conferencing, virtual reality, etc.). Device 104 can analyze message 106 to determine the channel for QoS service 110. Device 104 can then use the indicated channel to transmit the QoS service with access point 102.

[0027] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A Example access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 in system 100. For example... Figure 1B As shown, access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 includes processor 122, memory 124, and one or more radio frequency devices 126.

[0028] Processor 122 is any electronic circuit, including but not limited to one or a combination of a microprocessor, microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP), and / or state machine, communicatively coupled to memory 124 and controlling the operation of access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105. Processor 122 may be 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit, or any other suitable architecture. Processor 122 may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for performing arithmetic and logical operations, processor registers for providing operands to the ALU and storing the results of ALU operations, and a control unit for fetching instructions from memory and executing instructions by directing the coordinated operation of the ALU, registers, and other components. Processor 122 may include other hardware with operating software to control and process information. Processor 122 executes software stored on memory 124 to perform any of the functions described herein. Processor 122 controls the operation and management of access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 by processing information, such as information received from memory 124 and radio frequency device 126. Processor 122 is not limited to a single processing device, but may encompass multiple processing devices contained in the same device or computer or distributed across multiple devices or computers. If multiple processing devices jointly perform a set of functions or actions, processor 122 is considered to perform the set of functions or actions even if different processing devices perform different functions or actions within the set.

[0029] Memory 124 may permanently or temporarily store data, operating software, or other information for processor 122. Memory 124 may include any or a combination of volatile or non-volatile local or remote devices suitable for storing information. For example, memory 124 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or any other suitable information storage devices or combinations thereof. Software refers to any suitable set of instructions, logic, or code contained in a computer-readable storage medium. For example, software may be contained in memory 124, a disk, CD, or flash drive. In certain embodiments, software may include an application executable by processor 122 to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Memory 124 is not limited to a single memory and may encompass multiple memories contained in the same device or computer or distributed across multiple devices or computers. If multiple memories jointly store a set of data, operating software, or information, memory 124 is considered to store that set of data, operating software, or information, even if different memories store different portions of that set of data, operating software, or information.

[0030] Radio frequency (RF) devices 126 can use different communication technologies to transmit messages or information. For example, access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 can use one or more RF devices 126 for Wi-Fi communication. Access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 can use one or more RF devices 126 to send messages and receive messages. Access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 can include any number of RF devices 126 to communicate using any number of communication technologies.

[0031] Access point 102, device 104, or network controller 105 may include any number (e.g., one or more) of processors 122 and memories 124. Generally, one or more processors 112 are considered to perform (or be configured to perform) an operation if (i) at least one processor 122 performs each step of the operation individually, or (ii) multiple processors 122 perform steps of the operation jointly (e.g., if one processor 122 performs the first half of the operation and another processor 122 performs the second half). Furthermore, one or more memories 124 are considered to perform (or be configured to perform) an operation if (i) at least one memory 124 performs each step of the operation individually, or (ii) multiple memories 124 perform steps of the operation jointly (e.g., if one memory 124 performs the first half of the operation and another memory 124 performs the second half).

[0032] Figures 2A to 2C It shows the result of Figure 1A The example operation performed by system 100. Generally, access points and devices (e.g., Figure 1A The access point 102 and device 104 shown perform these operations to coordinate infrastructure communications and non-infrastructure communications.

[0033] Figure 2A Example operation 200 performed by access point 102 and devices 104A and 104B is illustrated. Access point 102 initiates the reception of service 202. Service 202 may be transmitted by access point 102 and / or device 104 in the system. Access point 102 may receive service 202 from a device or another access point. In some cases, access point 102 receives service 202 by scanning and analyzing signals in the network or space.

[0034] Access point 102 analyzes service 202 to determine various information about service 202. For example, access point 102 can determine whether service 202 includes infrastructure communication (e.g., involving access points in the network) or non-infrastructure communication. As another example, access point 102 can determine the channel used to transmit service 202. By analyzing service 202, access point 102 determines that access points in the ESS are not using channel 204 for infrastructure communication. For example, access point 102 can determine that service 202 includes infrastructure communication, and no infrastructure communication is being transmitted through channel 204.

[0035] In some embodiments, the network controller (e.g., Figure 1A The network controller 105 shown can determine the channel to be used for non-infrastructure communication. The network controller then instructs access point 102 (and other nearby access points in the ESS) to reserve the channel for non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102 can then avoid using the channel for communication and can indicate to device 104 that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communication.

[0036] In some embodiments, access point 102 may use service 202 to discover nearby access points. Service 202 may include beacons, neighbor discovery packets, etc., from nearby access points. Access point 102 then notifies the network controller of the nearby access points. The network controller may then instruct access point 102 and the nearby access points to reserve the channel for non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102 and the nearby access points may then notify device 104 that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communication. If no nearby access point is available, the network controller may instruct access point 102 to reserve the channel, and access point 102 may notify device 104 that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communication.

[0037] Access point 102 can then determine that channel 204 is available for non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102 generates a message 206 indicating channel 204. For example, message 206 may include an identifier or frequency range of channel 204. Message 206 may also include an indicator that channel 204 is available for non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102 transmits message 206 to notify devices in the system that channel 204 is available for non-infrastructure communication. In some embodiments, message 206 is a beacon, a probe response, or a (re)association response, and access point 102 broadcasts message 206 to multiple devices in the system.

[0038] Device 104A can receive message 206 from access point 102. Device 104A analyzes the content of message 206 to determine that message 206 indicates that channel 204 can be used for non-infrastructure communication. Device 104A can then generate message 208 including non-infrastructure communication and bypass access point 102 to transmit message 208 directly to device 104B using channel 204. For example, message 208 could be P2P communication between device 104A and device 104B. Similarly, device 104B can use channel 204 to send non-infrastructure communication directly to device 104A. In this way, devices 104A and 104B can send and receive non-infrastructure communication without interfering with infrastructure communication at access point 102, which improves system performance.

[0039] In some embodiments, device 104A may first activate the BSS and send a discovery message (e.g., a beacon) using or within channel 224. Device 104B may receive the discovery message and learn about the BSS and channel 224. Devices 104A and 104B can then use channel 224 for non-infrastructure communication.

[0040] The access points and / or network controllers in the system can also indicate to each other that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communication. Figure 2B Example operation 220 performed by access points 102A and 102B and devices 104A and 104B is illustrated. Access point 102A begins by generating message 222, which indicates that channel 224 is available for non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102A may have determined that channel 224 is available for non-infrastructure communication by analyzing traffic and determining that access points in the ESS are not communicating via channel 224. Access point 102A forwards message 222 to access point 102B to inform access point 102B that channel 224 is available for non-infrastructure communication. Access point 102B may be located in the same ESS as access point 102A, and access point 102B may provide coverage for areas different from access point 102A. Message 222 may be a beacon, probe response, (re)association response, etc.

[0041] Access point 102B receives message 222 and forwards message 222 to devices in its area. For example, access point 102B may broadcast, multicast, or re-associate message 222 as a beacon, probe response, (re)association response, etc. In some cases, access point 102B may generate a new message based on message 222 and broadcast it. By forwarding message 222 (or a new message), access point 102B notifies devices in its area that channel 224 is available for non-infrastructure communication. In some embodiments, access point 102B verifies that no access point near access point 102B is using channel 224 before sending message 222 to device 104. In this way, access point 102B verifies that non-infrastructure communication will not interfere with access points near access point 102B. In some cases, if access point 102B is using channel 224 when receiving message 222, access point 102B may clear or retain channel 224 for non-infrastructure communication (e.g., move communication on channel 224 to another channel).

[0042] Device 104A can receive message 222 from access point 102B. Device 104A analyzes the content of message 222 to determine that message 222 indicates that channel 224 can be used for non-infrastructure communication. Device 104A can then generate message 226 including non-infrastructure communication and bypass access points 102A and 102B to directly transmit message 226 to device 104B using channel 224. For example, message 226 could be P2P communication between device 104A and device 104B. Similarly, device 104B can use channel 224 to send non-infrastructure communication directly to device 104A. In this way, devices 104A and 104B can send and receive non-infrastructure communication without interfering with the infrastructure communication of access point 102, which improves system performance. As in the previous example, device 104A can first initiate the BSS and transmit a discovery message. Device 104B can receive the discovery message and learn about the BSS and channel 224.

[0043] As mentioned earlier, the access point can also notify the device of the channels that the device can use to transmit services subject to QoS requirements (such as video conferencing services, virtual reality services, control services for automated manufacturing, etc.). Figure 2CExample operation 240 performed by access point 102 and device 104 is illustrated. Access point 102 begins by determining channel 242 available for a QoS-constrained service (which may also be referred to as a QoS service). For example, access point 102 (or the network controller) may have already reserved channel 242 for the QoS service, or access point 102 may have already established channel 242 to prioritize the QoS service. Access point 102 generates message 244 indicating that channel 242 is available for the QoS service. Access point 102 then transmits message 244 to device 104. For example, message 244 may be a beacon, probe response, (re)association response, etc., broadcast by access point 102 to devices within its coverage area. In some embodiments, other access points located in the same ESS as access point 102 can determine from message 244 that channel 242 is available for the QoS service. These access points can then use channel 242 to deliver the QoS service. In another embodiment, other access points located in the same ESS as access point 102 can determine from message 244 that channel 242 is reserved for the QoS service. These access points can then avoid using channel 242 and can find another channel that is not being used by other nearby access points and use that channel for QoS services.

[0044] Device 104 receives message 244 from access point 102. Device 104 analyzes message 244 to determine if channel 242 is available for device 104 to transmit QoS services with access point 102. When device 104 has QoS services to transmit, device 104 generates a message 246 including the QoS services and transmits message 246 to access point 102 using channel 242. Then, access point 102 receives message 246 through channel 242 and directs message 246 to its destination. When access point 102 has QoS services to transmit, access point 102 generates a message including the QoS services and transmits the message to device 104 using channel 242. Then, device 104 can receive the message through channel 242.

[0045] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A Example message 206 in system 100. As described above, the access point transmits message 206 to indicate that the channel is available for non-infrastructure communication. Generally, the access point uses the channel usage element in message 206 to indicate channel availability. Figure 3As shown, message 206 includes a channel usage element 302, which occupies a portion of message 206. Channel usage element 302 includes an element identifier field 304, a length field 306, a usage mode field 308, and a channel entry field 310 indicating one or more channels. The element identifier field 304 may be an octet, including a value that identifies the element as a channel usage element. The length field 306 may be an octet, including a value indicating the length of the remainder of channel usage element 302. Message 206 may include multiple channel usage elements 302, each including a separate and / or different element identifier field 304, length field 306, usage mode field 308, and channel entry field 310.

[0046] The mode field 308 can be used to indicate the usage of the channels identified in the channel entry field 310. An access point can use the value in the mode field 308 to indicate: a) one or more channels identified in the channel entry field 310 are available for non-infrastructure communication, and it is not specified whether one or more channels are shared with other nearby APs in the ESS; b) one or more channels identified in the channel entry field 310 are available for non-infrastructure communication, and these one or more channels are not shared with other nearby APs in the ESS; c) one or more channels identified in the channel entry field 310 are available for infrastructure QoS communication, and / or one or more channels identified in the channel entry field 310 are available for non-infrastructure QoS communication. For example, a value in the mode field 308 can indicate that a channel is available for non-infrastructure communication, and no (nearby) access point in the ESS is operating on that channel. As a result, this value indicates that the channel is available and well-suited for non-infrastructure communication. As another example, a value in the mode field 308 can recommend a specific channel for critical services (e.g., QoS services) of an infrastructure AP. An access point can send multiple channel usage elements, each with a different value in the usage pattern field 308 to indicate the availability of one or more channels for different types of communication or services.

[0047] The channel entry field 310 can identify one or more channels. For example, the channel entry field 310 may include a list of tuples, each tuple identifying an operation class (e.g., a frequency band) and the channel number for that operation class.

[0048] In some embodiments, message 206 includes a Message Integrity Check (MIC) field 312. Generally, the MIC field 312 prevents message 206 from being subjected to bit-flip attacks, thus improving the security of message 206. Access points can add the MIC field 312 to implement the MIC. If included, the access point calculates the content of the MIC field 312 based on the content of message 206. The MIC field 312 can be included in a beacon, making the beacon a source of trusted information. Therefore, by including one or more channel usage elements 302 together with the MIC field 312 in message 206, one or more channel usage elements 302 become sources of trusted information.

[0049] Figure 4 It is by Figure 1A The flowchart shows an example method 400 executed by system 100. In some embodiments, the access point (e.g., Figure 1A The access point 102 shown executes method 400. By executing method 400, the access point indicates that the channel can be used for non-infrastructure communication.

[0050] In block 402, the access point determines that it is avoiding using channels. For example, the access point may scan or analyze traffic in the system to determine channels used by access points located in the same ESS as itself. As another example, the network controller may notify the access point that other (nearby) access points in the same ESS are using these channels. The access point can then use this information to determine channels not used by access points in the ESS. Alternatively, the network controller may notify the access point of channels not used by access points in the ESS. These channels may be used for non-infrastructure communication (e.g., communication between devices using independent BSSs) or infrastructure communication (e.g., QoS services using an infrastructure BSS).

[0051] In block 404, the access point transmits a beacon indicating one or more of these channels. The beacon may include a channel usage element indicating that these channels are available for non-infrastructure communication. For example, the channel usage element may include a channel entry field identifying these channels, and the channel usage element may include a usage mode field containing values ​​indicating that these channels are available for non-infrastructure communication. The access point may broadcast the beacon to devices within its coverage area to notify these devices that the channels are available for non-infrastructure communication.

[0052] Figure 5 It is by Figure 1A A flowchart of an example method 500 executed by system 100. In some embodiments, the first device (e.g., Figure 1AThe device 104 shown executes method 500. By executing method 500, the first device establishes non-infrastructure communication with the second device while minimizing interference with the local network infrastructure.

[0053] In block 502, the first device receives a beacon from an access point that is part of the local network infrastructure. The access point may have already broadcast the beacon to the first device. The beacon may include a channel usage element that indicates that a channel is available for the device to use for non-infrastructure communication. For example, the channel usage element may include a channel entry field identifying one or more channels, and the channel usage element may include a usage mode field that includes a value indicating that one or more channels are available for non-infrastructure communication. Alternative or additional channel usage elements may also be present, which may include a channel entry field identifying one or more channels, and the channel usage element may include a usage mode field that includes a value indicating that one or more channels are available for non-infrastructure communication (where an AP in the ESS (nearby) that is not yet transmitting is operating). The first device may apply additional rules and heuristics, such as one or more of the following: a) determining that the beacon originates from an AP with trustworthy characteristics; b) determining that all (or at least multiple) nearby APs are on the same (or at least non-empty cross-connect) channel recommended for non-infrastructure communication; c) prioritizing recommended channels operated by (nearby) APs in the ESS that are not yet transmitting; d) prioritizing recommended channels with relatively low channel utilization or sufficiently low channel utilization compared to other channels; e) excluding recommended channels used for P2P communication if the client (or its intended peer) has hardware or regulatory barriers; f) prioritizing recommended channels with sufficient bandwidth and a relatively wide range of rates. Given these rules and heuristics, the first device may then select a single channel from the recommended channels.

[0054] In block 504, the first device transmits a discovery message (e.g., a beacon) to the second device using or within the channel. The first device may initiate a BSS on the channel and transmit the BSS beacon using or within the channel. The second device may receive the BSS beacon to discover the first device and / or learn the channel.

[0055] In block 506, the first device uses a channel or transmits a message (e.g., data) directly to the second device within a channel. This message bypasses access points in the infrastructure. The message is non-infrastructure communication between the two devices (e.g., peer-to-peer communication). In this way, the first device avoids messages interfering with or causing congestion in infrastructure communication.

[0056] In some embodiments, the channel width can be a punched 20 MHz / 40 MHz / 80 MHz / 160 MHz / 320 MHz. Data communication can use the entire 20 MHz. 320 MHz, but the first device can only use 20 MHz (e.g., primary 20 MHz) to transmit discovery messages (e.g., beacons) so that the second device can learn the channel.

[0057] In summary, access point 102 coordinates infrastructure and non-infrastructure communications. Generally, access point 102 identifies unused channels by access points within the infrastructure network (e.g., access points located in the same ESS as access point 102). Access point 102 can then transmit messages (e.g., broadcast beacons, probe responses, or (re)association responses) including a channel usage element identifying the channel (and possibly other channels) that indicates to nearby device 104 that the channel (and other channels) is available for non-infrastructure communications (e.g., P2P communications). Device 104 can then use this channel (and / or a subset of other channels) to directly transmit messages to each other (e.g., bypassing the infrastructure network).

[0058] Various embodiments have been referenced in this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments specifically described. Rather, any combination of features and elements described, whether or not associated with different embodiments, is contemplated as an embodiment contemplated for implementation and practice. Furthermore, when elements of an embodiment are described in the form of "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B," it is understood that embodiments including only element A, only element B, and including both elements A and B are contemplated. Moreover, while some embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether a given embodiment achieves a particular advantage does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages disclosed herein are illustrative only and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly referenced in the claims. Similarly, references to "the invention" should not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein, nor should they be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly referenced in the claims.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, embodiments can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, which are generally referred to herein collectively as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments can also take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media containing computer-readable program code. As an example, a computer-readable medium carrying computer-readable instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causes any of the methods described herein to perform.

[0060] The program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0061] Computer program code used to perform the operations of embodiments of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet through an Internet service provider).

[0062] This document describes aspects of the disclosure with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments presented in this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0063] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing comprising instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0064] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment to perform a series of operational steps on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other equipment, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other equipment, provide a process for implementing the function / action specified in one or more blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0065] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in a block may not appear in the order shown in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified functions or actions, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0066] In view of the foregoing, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An access point, comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, communicatively coupled to the one or more memories, are configured to: It has been determined that the access point for the extended service set is avoiding the use of the first channel; and A first beacon is transmitted to a first device, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to use for direct communication with the second device.

2. The access point according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to transmit at least one of a probe response, an association response, or a reassociation response, including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to use for direct communication with the second device.

3. The access point according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The channel usage element includes a channel usage mode field, which indicates that the first channel is available for the first device to use for direct communication with the second device.

4. The access point according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to transmit a second beacon to the first device, the second beacon including a channel usage element indicating that a second channel is available for the first device to transmit services subject to quality of service requirements.

5. The access point according to claim 4, wherein, The channel usage element also indicates that the second channel is available for access points of the extended service set to transmit services subject to quality of service requirements.

6. The access point according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive from the network controller an indication that the access points of the extended service set are avoiding the use of the first channel, wherein the avoidance of the first channel by the access points of the extended service set is determined based on the indication.

7. The access point according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to include a message integrity verification field in the first beacon.

8. A method comprising: It has been determined that the access point for the extended service set is avoiding the use of the first channel; and A first beacon is transmitted to a first device, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to use for direct communication with the second device.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The transmission includes at least one of a probe response, an association response, or a reassociation response of a channel usage element, the channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for the first device to use for direct communication with the second device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The channel usage element includes a channel usage mode field, which indicates that the first channel is available for the first device to use for direct communication with the second device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: A second beacon is transmitted to the first device. The second beacon includes a channel usage element that indicates that the second channel is available for the first device to transmit services subject to quality of service requirements.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The channel usage element also indicates that the second channel is available for access points of the extended service set to transmit services subject to quality of service requirements.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising: The network controller receives an indication that the access points of the extended service set are avoiding the use of the first channel, wherein the avoidance of the first channel by the access points of the extended service set is determined based on the indication.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising: The first beacon includes a message integrity verification field.

15. An apparatus comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, communicatively coupled to the one or more memories, are configured to: Receive a first beacon from a first access point, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel can be used for non-infrastructure communication; and Based on the first beacon, messages are transmitted directly to the device using the first channel.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive from the first access point at least one of a probe response, an association response, or a reassociation response, including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for non-infrastructure communication.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The channel usage element includes a channel usage mode field that indicates that the first channel can be used for non-infrastructure communication.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive a second beacon from the first access point, the second beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the second channel is available for services subject to quality of service requirements.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The one or more processors are further configured to receive a second beacon from a second access point in an extended service set of the first access point, wherein the second beacon indicates that the first channel is available for non-infrastructure communication.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The first beacon includes a message integrity verification field.

21. A method comprising: Receive a first beacon from a first access point, the first beacon including a channel usage element indicating that the first channel can be used for non-infrastructure communication; and Based on the first beacon, messages are transmitted directly to the device using the first channel.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: The first access point receives at least one of a probe response, an association response, or a reassociation response, which includes a channel usage element indicating that the first channel is available for non-infrastructure communication.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein, The channel usage element includes a channel usage mode field that indicates that the first channel can be used for non-infrastructure communication.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: A second beacon is received from the first access point. The second beacon includes a channel usage element that indicates that the second channel is available for services subject to quality of service requirements.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising: A second beacon is received from a second access point in the extended service set of the first access point, wherein the second beacon indicates that the first channel can be used for non-infrastructure communication.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein, The first beacon includes a message integrity verification field.

27. A computer-readable medium carrying computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the method of any one of claims 8 to 14 and / or 21 to 26 to be performed.

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