Techniques for end-to-end operation between devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for techniques for end-to-end operation between a first wireless station (STA) and a second STA via a wireless access point (AP). Some aspects are more particularly directed to indicating one or more Quality of Service (QoS) parameters to the AP, sharing a Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) between the first STA and the AP, or both. In some examples, a first STA may identify one or more QoS parameters, and may send an indication of the one or more QoS parameters to an AP such that the AP may configure the one or more QoS parameters to a second STA. Additionally or alternatively, the first STA may obtain the TXOP and may share the TXOP with the AP such that the AP may use the shared TXOP to forward messages received from the first STA to the second STA.

Description

Technology for end-to-end operation between devices

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 484,994, filed October 11, 2023, entitled “TECHNIQUESFOR END-TO-END OPERATIONS BETWEEN DEVICES”, which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more specifically to techniques for end-to-end operation between devices. Background Technology

[0004] Related technical descriptions

[0005] 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.

[0006] In some WLANs, an AP can establish a first communication link with a first STA and a second communication link with a second STA, forming an end-to-end connection to enable communication between the first and second STAs. However, the first and second communication links can be associated with different independent channels, thereby increasing the latency of communication between the first and second STAs. Additionally or alternatively, the first STA can communicate a message to the AP based on a Quality of Service (QoS) threshold for forwarding to the second STA. However, the AP, the second STA, or both may be unaware of the QoS threshold and may fail to meet it due to this lack of awareness. Summary of the Invention

[0007] 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.

[0008] One 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: establish an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first wireless device and a third wireless device and a second communication link between the third wireless device and the second wireless device; send to the third wireless device one or both of a shared Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) reservation request or a Flow Classification Service (SCS) request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and wherein the SCS request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more Quality of Service (QoS) parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first and second communication links; and send a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the SCS request.

[0009] 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: establishing an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first wireless device and a third wireless device and a second communication link between the third wireless device and the second wireless device; sending to the third wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or an SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and wherein the SCS request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; and sending a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the SCS request.

[0010] 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 establishing an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first wireless device and a third wireless device and a second communication link between the third wireless device and the second wireless device; components for sending to the third wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or an SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and wherein the SCS request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; and components for sending a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device in accordance with the shared TXOP reservation request or the SCS request.

[0011] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication by a first wireless device. This code may include instructions executable individually or jointly by one or more processors to: establish an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first and third wireless devices and a second communication link between the third and second wireless devices; send to the third wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or an SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and wherein the SCS request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first and second communication links; and send a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the SCS request.

[0012] Some examples of the methods, wireless devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: receiving an acknowledgment message from the third wireless device in response to the first message; and sending a control frame to the third wireless device in response to the acknowledgment message indicating that the shared TXOP can be transferred to the third wireless device.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, wireless devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for receiving a second message from the third wireless device in response to the control frame, confirming that the shared TXOP can be transferred to the third wireless device.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, wireless devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein, the shared TXOP reservation request may be sent based on the determination that the third wireless device wants to forward the first message to the second wireless device via the second communication link for an end-to-end connection with the second wireless device.

[0015] 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: establish a first communication link with a second wireless device; establish a second communication link with a third wireless device different from the second wireless device, the first and second communication links forming an end-to-end connection between the second and third wireless devices; receive from the second wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and wherein the first SCS request indicates an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters common to packets transmitted via the first and second communication links; and forward messages received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the first SCS request.

[0016] 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: establishing a first communication link with a second wireless device; establishing a second communication link with a third wireless device different from the second wireless device, the first and second communication links forming an end-to-end connection between the second and third wireless devices; receiving from the second wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and wherein the first SCS request indicates an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters common to packets transmitted via the first and second communication links; and forwarding messages received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the first SCS request.

[0017] 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 establishing a first communication link with a second wireless device; components for establishing a second communication link with a third wireless device different from the second wireless device, the first communication link and the second communication link forming an end-to-end connection between the second wireless device and the third wireless device; components for receiving from the second wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and wherein the first SCS request indicates an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters common to packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; and components for forwarding messages received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device in accordance with the shared TXOP reservation request or the first SCS request.

[0018] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication by a first wireless device. This code may include instructions executable individually or jointly by one or more processors to: establish a first communication link with a second wireless device; establish a second communication link with a third wireless device other than the second wireless device, the first and second communication links forming an end-to-end connection between the second and third wireless devices; receive from the second wireless device one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request, wherein the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and wherein the first SCS request indicates an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first and second communication links; and forward messages received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the first SCS request.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, wireless devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for: receiving the message from the second wireless device; sending an acknowledgment message to the second wireless device in response to the message; and receiving a control frame from the second wireless device in response to the acknowledgment message indicating that the shared TXOP can be transferred to the first wireless device, the message being forwarded to the third wireless device based on the shared TXOP being transferred to the first wireless device.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, wireless devices, and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for sending a second message to the second wireless device in response to the control frame, confirming that the shared TXOP can be transferred to the first wireless device.

[0021] 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

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of example wireless communication networks that support technologies for end-to-end operation between devices.

[0023] Figures 3 and 4 show example signaling diagrams supporting technologies for end-to-end operation between devices.

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates an example process flow that supports technologies for end-to-end operation between devices.

[0025] Figures 6 and 7 show block diagrams of example wireless communication devices that support technologies for end-to-end operation between devices.

[0026] Figures 8 and 9 show flowcharts illustrating example processes that can be performed by or at the first wireless device to support technologies for end-to-end operation between devices.

[0027] Similar reference numerals and names in the various figures indicate similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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).

[0029] The various aspects generally involve communication between corresponding wireless stations (STAs) via an end-to-end connection through a wireless access point (AP), for example, where the AP can act as a relay between two or more peer-to-peer wireless STAs. Some aspects more specifically involve sharing transmission opportunities (TXOPs) between the transmitting STA and the AP. Additionally or alternatively, some aspects involve instructing the AP on one or more Quality of Service (QoS) parameters associated with a message, where one or more QoS parameters can be applied when the message is forwarded to another STA. In any case, the described techniques can achieve reduced latency across end-to-end connections.

[0030] In some examples, a first STA can establish an end-to-end connection with a second STA via one or more APs, where the end-to-end connection includes a first communication link between the first STA and the AP and a second communication link between the AP and the second STA. The first STA can obtain a TXOP (Transmission Request Block) for sending messages to the second STA via the AP (e.g., via a reservation message), and the first STA can share the TXOP with the AP, such that the AP can also use the shared TXOP to forward messages received from the first STA to the second STA. Here, a shared TXOP can refer to a TXOP that enables message transmission by two or more devices, such that after a first device sends a message during the TXOP, the TXOP has sufficient remaining time for one or more other devices to send other messages during the same TXOP. In some cases, a shared TXOP may be referred to as a long TXOP or some other term. In some implementations, the first STA can implicitly transfer ownership of the shared TXOP to the AP based on the transmission of control frames (such as a shared TXOP reservation request) to the AP. Additionally or alternatively, the first STA may explicitly transfer ownership of a shared TXOP to the AP upon the transmission of a control frame, such as a TXOP transfer message. For messages transmitted from the second STA to the first STA via the AP, the second STA may use the same or similar techniques for reserving a shared TXOP for use by both the second STA and the AP.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the first STA may identify one or more QoS parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link, and may send a Flow Classification Service (SCS) request to the AP indicating one or more QoS parameters, enabling the AP to configure one or more QoS parameters for the second STA. The SCS request may also include information identifying the second STA, such as an identifier associated with the second STA (such as a Media Access Control (MAC) address or another identifier). Based on the received SCS request and the indication of QoS parameters, the AP may apply one or more QoS parameters when forwarding messages from the first STA to the second STA. In some aspects, the AP may install QoS parameters at the second STA, and the second STA may apply one or more parameters to the transmission of messages from the second STA to the first STA (via the AP). When sending data to the first STA via the AP, in some examples, the second STA may send an SCS request including information identifying the first STA and one or more QoS parameters.

[0032] Specific aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, sharing of TXOPs for transmissions via an end-to-end connection allows the AP to avoid performing independent channel access to obtain a channel to forward messages received from the first STA to the second STA. Avoiding independent channel access at the AP can reduce latency in communication via the end-to-end connection between the first and second STAs. Additionally, by indicating one or more QoS parameters to the AP, the described techniques can allow the AP and the second STA to apply one or more QoS parameters to subsequent transmissions to or from the first STA, which can ensure efficient prioritization of packets, such as packets associated with latency-sensitive applications. Here, prioritization achieved by installing one or more QoS parameters and applying one or more QoS parameters to transmissions via the end-to-end connection can reduce and / or minimize latency in communication via the end-to-end connection between the first and second STAs.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network 100. 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.

[0034] Wireless communication network 100 may include a number of wireless communication devices, including at least one wireless AP 102 and any number of STAs 104. Although only one AP 102 is shown in Figure 1, 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, Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP)) or another type of equipment or apparatus included in a radio access network (RAN), including open RAN (O-RAN) network entities such as central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs).

[0035] 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.

[0036] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the respective AP 102. Figure 1 additionally illustrates an example coverage area 108 of AP 102, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of wireless communication network 100. The BSS can be identified by STAs 104 and other devices through a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which may be the 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 a corresponding communication link 106 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”) with AP 102 or maintain a communication link 106 with that AP. For example, the beacon may include an identifier of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 or an indication of that primary channel, as well as a timing synchronization function (TSF) for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with the AP 102. The AP 102 may provide access to external networks to each STA 104 in the wireless communication network 100 via the corresponding communication link 106.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 relatively large 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] XR is a technology with the potential to become a dominant product in the personal electronics sector over the next decade. In some examples, XR technology can include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and more. In some examples, XR technology and its corresponding data communication can be associated with a variety of parameters, use cases, and conditions that make the technology susceptible to challenges, including device weight, processing complexity, latency thresholds, and power consumption. For example, some XR devices may be relatively heavier than regular glasses, and some may not be suitable for extended-duration or portable use. Battery weight may be relatively limited to reduce the overall weight of the XR device. Processing complexity and power consumption may be relatively limited due to the reduced heat dissipation capabilities of XR devices. For example, the heat dissipation capabilities of XR devices can be relatively smaller than those of handheld wireless devices, as the heat dissipation capabilities of XR devices can be proportional to the surface size of the XR device (such as goggles, glasses). For some XR devices (such as smart XR wearable goggles), power consumption may be limited to a few watts (W) due to limited heat dissipation capabilities. In some cases, data traffic associated with XR applications may be subject to relatively stringent latency thresholds because the various movements, actions, inputs, and other characteristics associated with XR application data (such as image data, video data, etc.) can be time-dependent and latency-sensitive. Additionally, power consumption can be limited to allow lightweight batteries to provide the target battery life. Given the relatively heavy processing demands supporting some XR applications, constrained battery weight, processing complexity, latency, and power consumption present significant challenges. According to the techniques described herein, XR traffic (and other types of data, such as traffic from one peer STA to another transmitted via another device (such as an AP)) delivered via end-to-end links can meet one or more latency thresholds to ensure relatively reduced latency and efficient communication.

[0042] 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 (via the corresponding communication link 106). These standards define WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical (PHY) and MAC layers. 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"). PPDUs can be equivalently understood as Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) protocol data units.

[0043] 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.

[0044] AP 102 and STA 104 in wireless communication network 100 can transmit PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum including 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 may also communicate in other 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 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 specified: FR1 (410MHz–7.125GHz), FR2 (24.25GHz–52.6GHz), FR3 (7.125GHz–24.25GHz), FR4a or FR4–1 (52.6GHz–71GHz), FR4 (52.6GHz–114.25GHz), and FR5 (114.25GHz–300GHz).

[0045] Each of these frequency bands can 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 can 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 can 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.

[0046] The wireless communication network 100 may support techniques for sharing a TXOP between a transmitting STA 104 and one or more APs 102. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication network 100 may support techniques for the transmitting STA 104 to indicate one or more QoS parameters associated with a message to one or more APs 102, wherein the one or more QoS parameters can be applied when the message is forwarded to another STA 104. The described techniques supported by the wireless communication network 100 can achieve reduced latency across end-to-end connections.

[0047] In some examples, a first STA 104 may establish an end-to-end connection with a second STA 104 via one or more APs 102, wherein the end-to-end connection includes a first communication link between the first STA 104 and AP 102 and a second communication link between AP 102 and the second STA 104. The first STA 104 may obtain a TXOP (Transmission Request Point) for sending messages to the second STA 104 via AP 102, such that the first STA 104 may share the TXOP with AP 102, allowing AP 102 to also use the shared TXOP to forward messages received from the first STA 104 to the second STA 104. As described herein, a shared TXOP may refer to one or more TXOPs that enable message transmission by two or more devices, such that after a first device sends a message during the TXOP, the TXOP has sufficient remaining time for one or more other devices (such as one or more APs 102) to send other messages during the same TXOP. In some cases, a shared TXOP may be referred to as a “long TXOP” or some other term. In some implementations, the first STA 104 may implicitly transfer ownership of a shared TXOP to AP 102 based on the transmission of a control frame (such as a shared TXOP reservation request) to AP 102. Alternatively or additionally, the first STA 104 may explicitly transfer ownership of the shared TXOP to AP 102 based on the transmission of a control frame (such as a TXOP transfer message). For messages transmitted from the second STA 104 to the first STA 104 via one or more APs 102, the second STA 104 may use the same or similar techniques for reserving shared TXOPs used by both the second STA 104 and one or more APs 102.

[0048] In some examples, the first STA 104 may identify one or more QoS parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and the second communication link, and may send an SCS request to the AP 102 indicating one or more QoS parameters, allowing the AP 102 to configure one or more QoS parameters for the second STA 104. The SCS request may also include information identifying the second STA 104, such as an identifier associated with the second STA 104 (such as a MAC address or another identifier). Based on the received SCS request and the indication of QoS parameters, the AP 102 may apply one or more QoS parameters when forwarding messages from the first STA 104 to the second STA 104. In some aspects, the AP 102 may install QoS parameters at the second STA 104, and the second STA 104 may apply one or more parameters (via the AP 102) to the transmission of messages from the second STA 104 to the first STA 104. When sending data to the first STA 104 via the AP 102, in some examples, the second STA 104 may send an SCS request including information identifying the first STA 104 and one or more QoS parameters.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network 200 supporting techniques for end-to-end operation between devices. Wireless communication network 200 may implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, or may be implemented by these aspects. For example, wireless communication network 200 may include AP 102-a, which may be an example of AP 102 described with reference to Figure 1. Wireless communication network 200 may also include two or more STAs 104 (such as STA 104-a, STA 104-b, etc.), which may each be an example of STA 104 described with reference to Figure 1. Wireless communication network 200 may support techniques for establishing a shared TXOP at the receiving device and / or installing QoS parameters to reduce latency in end-to-end connections, such as connections of one or more devices including forwarding and / or relaying communication between wireless devices.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, AP 102-a can establish communication link 106-a with STA 104-a (such as a first peer device) and communication link 106-b with STA 104-b (such as a second peer device). In this specific implementation, at least communication links 106-a and 106-b can form an end-to-end connection between STA 104-a and STA 104-b. In other words, communication links 106-a and 106-b enable STA 104-a to send messages to STA 104-b via AP 102-a (and vice versa), which can be referred to as end-to-end communication.

[0051] Examples of communication between STA 104-a and STA 104-b (such as XR communication) can be associated with one or more latency thresholds. For example, communication between STA 104-a and STA 104-b (via AP 102-a) can be associated with one or more end-to-end one-way latency thresholds. In such cases, communication from STA 104-a to STA 104-b (or vice versa) may be affected when communication does not meet one or more end-to-end one-way latency thresholds (such as when communication may require some end-to-end one-way latency). For example, a latency threshold can be associated with a median latency threshold of 5 milliseconds (ms) (such as a 5-ms end-to-end one-way latency). In such examples, if the latency is less than 5ms, the delay between the transmission of message 210 (such as a data packet, data frame, or data message) by STA 104-a and the reception of message 210 by STA 104-b (or vice versa) may be successful. In another example, the latency threshold could be associated with the 95th percentile latency of 10ms (ensuring that 95 percent of one-way messages are received within 10ms of transmission). In any case, a relatively limited (short) latency threshold can pose challenges in wireless communication networks 200, particularly where end-to-end connections may involve corresponding links between different wireless devices.

[0052] In some cases, communication links 106-a and 106-b can each be associated with independent channel access (such as two independent channel accesses). For example, STA 104-a (such as glasses or a computing device) can access a first channel on communication link 106-a and can send message 210 (such as a packet, data packet, data frame, or data message) to AP 102-a. AP 102-a can access a second channel on communication link 106-b and can forward message 210 to STA 104-b (such as a computing device or glasses). In other words, STA 104-a and AP 102-a can each independently access the channel for sending message 210. Performing independent channel access for each communication link 106 may result in increased latency for end-to-end communication from STA 104-a to STA 104-b (or vice versa) via AP 102-a.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of STA 104-a, AP 102-a, and STA 104-b may be unaware of the priorities associated with performing end-to-end communication between STA 104-a and STA 104-b (e.g., STA 104-a or STA 104-b may be legacy or general-purpose computer or mobile phone equipment). For example, message 210 sent by STA 104-a may be associated with QoS (such as application QoS), however, STA 104-b may be unaware of the QoS. Therefore, STA 104-b may be unaware of or attempt to satisfy the QoS. In some examples, channel access performed by STA 104-b associated with communication link 106-b may default to a certain access class that does not support satisfying the QoS requirements of data / application services, such as a "best-effort" access class. That is, access categories such as "best-effort" access categories may increase latency in the presence of other services, making it impossible for STA 104-b to meet or satisfy QoS requirements.

[0054] Therefore, STA 104-a, STA 104-b, AP 102-a, or any combination thereof, can employ end-to-end TXOP technology, end-to-end QoS technology, or both to reduce latency in end-to-end communication via AP 102-a. In the first example, STA 104-a can employ end-to-end TXOP technology to send message 210 from STA 104-a to STA 104-b via AP 102-a to reduce latency in sending message 210. In such a specific implementation, STA 104-a can obtain TXOPs (such as uplink TXOPs) and can share TXOPs with AP 102-a, such that AP 102-a can use the shared TXOPs (such as the same TXOPs) to (such as on the downlink) forward message 210 (such as one or more MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) or PPDUs) from STA 104-a to STA 104-b. That is, according to the described technology, the shared TXOP can be used for both uplink and downlink messages and can be used by multiple devices, such as various devices associated with end-to-end connections between peer wireless devices.

[0055] STA 104-a can send a control frame 205 to AP 102-a that includes a shared TXOP request, where the shared TXOP request is associated with a TXOP reserved for end-to-end communication from STA 104-a to STA 104-b. In other words, the TXOP can be reserved for a first transmission from STA 104-a to AP 102-a and a second transmission from AP 102-a to STA 104-b (e.g., AP 102-a may not be permitted to use the TXOP for transmissions to devices other than STA 104-b). In some implementations, control frame 205 may also include one or more parameters (such as new information) associated with STA 104-b, allowing AP 102-a to forward message 210 to STA 104-b based on one or more parameters. Therefore, STA104-a can send message 210 to AP 102-a during the first part of TXOP, and AP 102-a can forward message 210 to STA 104-b during the second part of TXOP.

[0056] In the second example, STA 104-a can employ end-to-end QoS technology to send message 210 from STA 104-a to STA 104-b via AP 102-a to reduce the transmission latency of message 210 (e.g., compared to not employing end-to-end QoS technology), as described with reference to Figure 4. In such an implementation, STA 104-a, knowing one or more QoS parameters associated with message 210, can send an indication to AP 102-a for one or more QoS parameters (e.g., to establish QoS with AP 102-a), so that AP 102-a can apply one or more QoS parameters to the forwarding of message 210 (e.g., to apply one or more QoS parameters to downlink access of message 210), can configure one or more QoS parameters to STA 104-b (e.g., for uplink access of IP data flows specified by STA 104-a), or can perform both of the above operations.

[0057] For example, STA 104-a may send a control frame 205 to AP 102-a including a first SCS request. The first SCS request may indicate the identifier of STA 104-b and indicate one or more QoS parameters associated with message 210. In other words, the one or more QoS parameters may be shared by packets (such as MPDUs) sent via communication link 106-a and communication link 106-b (such as via an end-to-end connection between STA 104-a and STA 104-b via AP 102-a). AP 102-a may send a second SCS request to STA 104-b to configure one or more QoS parameters on STA 104-b. In other words, STA 104-b may install one or more QoS parameters (at STA 104-a) based on receiving the second SCS request. Additionally, STA 104-b may send a first SCS response to AP 102-a indicating the status of the installation or configuration of one or more QoS parameters at STA 104-b. AP 102-a can send a second SCS response to STA 104-a indicating the successful installation of one or more QoS parameters at STA 104-b. Therefore, STA 104-a can send message 210 to AP 102-a based on one or more QoS parameters, and AP 102-a can similarly forward message 210 to STA 104-b based on one or more QoS parameters.

[0058] In the third example, STA 104-a may employ both end-to-end QoS and end-to-end TXOP technologies to send message 210 from STA 104-a to STA 104-b via AP 102-a. In this example, the control frame 205 illustrated in the example of the wireless communication network 200 may include or refer to a single control frame or multiple control frames. For example, STA 104-a may send a first control frame 205 to AP 102-a including a first SCS request, such that AP 102-a can configure one or more QoS parameters indicated via the first SCS request to STA 104-b. Additionally, STA 104-a may send a second control frame 205 to AP 102-a including a shared TXOP request (or include it in the first control frame 205), such that STA 104-a can share the TXOP with AP 102-a. In other words, STA 104-a can send SCS requests and shared TXOP requests (such as TXOP transfer requests or shared TXOP reservation requests) via different (control) frames, or via different fields or elements of the same (control) frame. Therefore, STA 104-a can send message 210 (such as a data packet, data message, or data frame) to AP 102-a in the first part of the TXOP and according to one or more QoS parameters, and AP 102-a can forward message 210 to STA 104-b in the second part of the TXOP and according to one or more QoS parameters.

[0059] In some implementations, STA 104-a and AP 102-a may communicate (e.g., send or receive, or both) one or more management frames, which include information indicating an identifier of STA 104-b and one or more QoS parameters. In such implementations, the one or more management frames may be associated with (e.g., communicated according to or otherwise as part of) negotiation between STA 104-a and AP 102-a regarding the identifier of STA 104-b and one or more QoS parameters. Based on such negotiation of the identifier of STA 104-b and one or more QoS parameters, AP 102-a may choose (e.g., detect, identify, or otherwise determine) to forward message 210 to STA 104-b based on a TXOP reservation request (e.g., a shared TXOP request or a TXOP transfer request) received from STA 104-a. For example, based on this "pre-negotiation" of the identifier of STA 104-b and one or more QoS parameters, when AP 102-a receives a shared TXOP reservation request, AP 102-a may choose (or otherwise know, detect, identify or determine) to forward message 210 to STA 104-b.

[0060] Although described in the context of STA 104-a sending message 210 to STA 104-b via AP 102-a, this should not be considered a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, end-to-end TXOP and end-to-end QoS technologies can be similarly used for message 210 sent from STA 104-b to STA 104-a via AP 102-a. Additionally, although described with reference to AP 102 and multiple STAs 104, this should not be considered a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, any one or more types of wireless devices can support end-to-end TXOP and end-to-end QoS technologies.

[0061] Furthermore, although the example of wireless communication network 200 is described in the context of transmitting one or both of a shared TXOP request (such as a TXOP transfer request) or an SCS request via one or more control frames 205 (which may include control frames with extended MU RTS or dedicated to transmitting information associated with a shared TXOP request or SCS request), STA 104-a may additionally or alternatively transmit one or both of a shared TXOP request or SCS request via one or more other frames, messages, or packets. In some specific implementations, for example, STA 104-a may transmit one or both of a shared TXOP request or SCS request via the header of message 210 (such as a MAC header) (such as via the header of an MPDU or PPDU including message 210). In other words, message 210 can be understood as an MPDU or PPDU (such as an uplink MPDU or PPDU) or as the data payload portion of an MPDU or PPDU, and in any case, STA 104-a may use one or more fields or bits of the MPDU or PPDU header to indicate or otherwise convey one or both of a shared TXOP request or SCS request. In some examples, STA 104-a may include information indicating one or both of a shared TXOP request or SCS request (or the request itself) in one or more Aggregate Control (A-Control) fields of the MAC header of the uplink MPDU or PPDU. Additionally or alternatively, STA 104-a may include information indicating one or both of a shared TXOP request or SCS request (or the request itself) in the TXOP Transfer Control field of the MAC header of the uplink MPDU or PPDU.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates example signaling diagrams 300 (such as signaling diagrams 300-a and 300-b) that support technologies for end-to-end operation between devices. Signaling diagrams 300 may implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, wireless communication network 200, or both, or may be implemented by these aspects.

[0063] First example signaling diagram 300-a illustrates an end-to-end TXOP technique associated with implicit TXOP ownership transfer. Second example signaling diagram 300-b illustrates an end-to-end TXOP technique associated with explicit TXOP ownership transfer. In both signaling diagrams 300-a and 300-b, STA 104-c can establish an end-to-end connection with STA 104-d via AP 102-b, wherein the end-to-end connection includes a first communication link between STA 104-c and AP 102-b and a second communication link between AP 102-b and STA 104-d.

[0064] In the first example signaling diagram 300-a, STA 104-c can acquire TXOP 325-a (such as a shared TXOP 325) and can share TXOP 325-a with AP 102-b, wherein STA 104-c (such as without explicit indication) implicitly transfers ownership or use of TXOP 325-a from STA 104-c to AP 102-b. For example, STA 104-c can send a control frame to AP 102-b including a shared TXOP reservation request 305 (such as TXS-Rsv), wherein the shared TXOP reservation request 305 can utilize the implicit transfer of ownership to configure or establish TXOP 325-a. TXOP 325-a can be referred to as Long TXOP 325, or TXOP 325 supporting a first transmission from STA 104-c to AP 102-b and a second transmission from AP 102-b to STA 104-d. Long TXOP 325 can also be referred to as End-to-End TXOP 325. In some specific implementations, the control frame can be a Multi-User (MU) Request Transmission (RTS) 330 with extensions (such as new extensions, such as extension fields or elements) indicating a shared TXOP reservation request 305, or it can be a control frame (such as a new control frame) dedicated to the shared TXOP reservation request 305. In other words, the shared TXOP reservation request 305 can be implemented using a MURTS frame with extensions (such as extension elements or fields) to indicate a TXOP transfer request.

[0065] AP 102-b can send a shared TXOP reservation response 310 (such as TXS-Rsv-Resp) to STA 104-c in response to a shared TXOP reservation request 305. The shared TXOP reservation response 310 can confirm the sharing of TXOP 325-a. Receipt of the shared TXOP reservation response 310 can indicate that the channel between STA 104-c and AP 102-b is reserved (e.g., for sending one or more messages). Instead of exchanging the shared TXOP reservation request 305 and the shared TXOP reservation response 310, or in addition to exchanging the shared TXOP reservation request and the shared TXOP reservation response, STA 104-c and AP 102-b can support the exchange of RTS-enabled transmission (CTS) frames associated with TXOP 325-a established by STA 104-c. For example, STA 104-c can send RTS frames, and AP 102-b can send CTS frames associated with RTS frames (such as in response to RTS frames).

[0066] Additionally, STA 104-c may send PPDU 315-a (in the form of uplink PPDU 315, which can be equivalently understood as a data packet, data message, or data frame) to AP 102-b during the first part of TXOP 325-a, and may receive block acknowledgment (BA) 320-a from AP 102-b in response to PPDU 315-a, wherein BA 320-a indicates successful reception of PPDU 315-a. In some specific implementations, such as those where STA 104-c and AP 102-b (where the shared TXOP reservation request 305 and shared TXOP reservation response 310 are communicated in separate frames prior to PPDU 315-a) to establish RTS-CTS frame exchange associated with TXOP 325-a, STA 104-c may include a field in the header of PPDU 315-a (or in the header of the MPDU associated with PPDU 315-a) to transfer ownership of TXOP 325-a to AP 102-b. For example, STA 104-c may indicate a TXOP transfer to AP 102-b via a TXOP transfer control field in the MAC header associated with PPDU 315-a. Ownership of TXOP 325-a can be transferred from STA 104-c to AP 102-b based on STA 104-c sending PPDU 315-a or based on STA 104-c receiving BA 320-a. AP 102-b can forward or send PPDU 315-a (in the form of downlink PPDU 315) to STA 104-d based on sending BA 320-a. STA 104-d can send BA 320-b to AP 102-b in response to receiving PPDU 315-a.

[0067] In the second example signaling diagram 300-b, STA 104-c can acquire TXOP 325-b (such as uplink TXOP 325) and can share TXOP 325-b with AP 102-b, where STA 104-c transfers ownership or use of TXOP 325-b from STA 104-c to AP 102-b via explicit signaling. For example, STA 104-c can send a control frame to AP 102-b including RTS 330, where RTS 330 can configure or establish TXOP 325-a. In other words, RTS 330 could be a shared TXOP reservation request 305 (such as TXS-Rsv). TXOP 325-b could be a long TXOP 325.

[0068] AP 102-b can respond to RTS 330 by sending CTS 335 to STA 104-c. CTS 335 acknowledges the sharing of TXOP 325-b. In other words, CTS 335 can be a shared TXOP reservation response 310 (such as TXS-Rsv-Resp). Additionally, STA 104-c can send PPDU 315-b to AP 102-b during the first part of TXOP 325-b (in the form of an uplink PPDU 315, which can be equivalently understood as a data packet, data message, or data frame), and can respond to PPDU 315-b to receive BA 320-c from AP 102-b, where BA 320-c indicates successful reception of PPDU 315-b. STA 104-c can send TXOP transfer 340 to AP 102-b based on receiving BA 320-c, where TXOP transfer 340 indicates a transfer of ownership or use of TXOP 325-b from STA 104-c to AP 102-b. In some implementations, TXOP transfer 340 can be a MU RTS with an extension (such as a new extension) indicating TXOP transfer 340, or it can be a control frame (such as a new control frame) dedicated to TXOP transfer 340.

[0069] Therefore, AP 102-b can send a TXOP transfer response 345 to STA 104-c in response to TXOP transfer 340, acknowledging the transfer of ownership of TXOP 325-b. AP 102-b can forward or send PPDU 315-b (in the form of downlink PPDU 315) to STA 104-d based on sending the TXOP transfer response 345. Additionally, STA 104-d can send BA 320-d to AP 102-b in response to receiving PPDU 315-b.

[0070] Although described in the context of STA 104-c transmitting PPDU 315 to STA 104-d via AP 102-b, this should not be considered a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, end-to-end TXOP technology can be similarly used for PPDU 315 transmitted from STA 104-d to STA 104-c via AP 102-b. Additionally, although described with reference to AP 102 and multiple STAs 104, this should not be considered a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, any one or more types of wireless devices can support end-to-end TXOP technology.

[0071] Furthermore, although the example in signaling diagram 300 is illustrated in the context of STA 104-c initially sending a message to AP 102-b to initiate an end-to-end relay between STA 104-c and STA 104-d via AP 102-b, AP 102-b may optionally provide an uplink trigger to STA 104-c, and STA 104-c may, in association with receiving the uplink trigger (e.g., in response to receiving the uplink trigger), indicate a request to forward PPDU 315 to STA 104-c for AP 102-b. Additional details related to this uplink trigger-based mechanism are illustrated in Figure 4 and described with reference to Figure 4.

[0072] Figure 4 illustrates an example signaling diagram 400 supporting technology for end-to-end operation between devices. Signaling diagram 400 may implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, wireless communication network 200, signaling diagram 300, or any combination thereof, or may be implemented to implement these aspects. Signaling diagram 400 illustrates an example where AP 102-b can provide an uplink trigger to STA 104-c, and STA 104-c can, in association with receiving the uplink trigger (such as in response to receiving an uplink trigger), instruct a request to forward a PPDU to STA 104-c for AP 102-b.

[0073] For example, AP 102-b may send an uplink trigger 405 (such as a trigger frame or a MU RTSTXOP share (TXS) frame, either or both of which can be understood as an uplink trigger frame) to STA 104-c to solicit uplink transmission from STA 104-c. In some aspects, uplink trigger 405 may solicit a PPDU 410 (such as an uplink PPDU, which can be equivalently understood as a data packet, data message, or data frame) from STA 104-c. In some aspects, uplink trigger 405 may explicitly or implicitly share AP 102-b's TXOP 425 with STA 104-c. In connection with receiving an uplink trigger 405 (such as a trigger frame or a MU RTS TXS frame), STA 104-c may request transmission (such as SIFS forwarding or relaying) to STA 104-d within a Short Interframe Space (SIFS) using the header of a solicited PPDU 410 (which can be understood as a trigger-based (TB) uplink PPDU) or the header of an MPDU associated with the solicited PPDU 410. In some examples, STA 104-c may request transmission to STA 104-d within a SIFS using the MAC header of PPDU 410 (such as via the HE A-control field or a frame). A request for SIFS transmission can be understood as a request to forward, relay, or otherwise transmit the corresponding data packet within the SIFS or Point Coordination Function (PCF) Interframe Space (PIFS) segment of an associated BA (such as BA 415).

[0074] In connection with the receipt of PPDU 410 (e.g., in response to the receipt of PPDU), AP 102-b may send BA 415 to acknowledge successful reception of PPDU 410. In some aspects, BA 415 may be further used by AP 102-b to indicate acknowledgment of a request to SIFS sent to STA 104-d. In some examples, AP 102-b may attempt to extend the duration of TXOP 425 (e.g., via CTS-to-self (CTS2self) frames) based on the receipt of a request to SIFS sent to STA 104-d (e.g., if AP 102-b determines, identifies, or otherwise discovers that the remaining duration of TXOP 425 may be insufficient to accommodate the SIFS transmission of the request to STA 104-d).

[0075] AP 102-b can receive PPDU 410 from STA 104-c and forward or send PPDU 410 (in the form of a downlink PPDU 410) to STA 104-d in connection with and in response to a request to send SIFS to STA 104-d. Additionally, in some aspects, STA 104-d can send BA 420 to AP 102-b in response to receiving PPDU 410.

[0076] Figure 5 illustrates an example process flow 500 supporting a technology for end-to-end operation between devices. Process flow 500 may implement aspects of any one or more signaling diagrams of wireless communication network 100, wireless communication network 200, signaling diagram 300, signaling diagram 400, or any combination thereof, or may implement the process flow to implement these aspects.

[0077] In the following description of process flow 500, operations (such as reporting or providing) may be performed in a different order than those shown, or operations performed by the example device may be performed in a different order or at different times. Some operations may also be excluded from process flow 500, or other operations may be added to process flow 500. Furthermore, although some operations or signaling are shown to occur at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may actually occur simultaneously. Process flow 500 illustrates end-to-end QoS technology in a scenario where STA 104-e establishes an end-to-end connection with STA 104-f via AP 102-c, wherein the end-to-end connection includes a first communication link between STA 104-e and AP 102-c and a second communication link between AP 102-c and STA 104-f.

[0078] For example, at 505, STA 104-e can send a first SCS request to AP 102-c. The first SCS request may indicate the identifier of STA 104-f and may indicate one or more QoS parameters, wherein the one or more QoS parameters are shared by PPDUs or packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link. Additionally or alternatively, the first SCS request may include one or more parameters associated with STA 104-f, such as an identifier indicating the identity of STA 104-f.

[0079] At point 510, AP 102-c can send a second SCS request to STA 104-f based on the receipt of a first SCS request. The second SCS request can configure one or more QoS parameters on STA 104-f. In other words, STA 104-f can install or apply one or more QoS parameters based on the receipt of the second SCS request. The installation of one or more QoS parameters on or at STA 104-f can be used for uplink access of data flows (such as IP data flows) specified by STA 104-e. In such a specific implementation, STA 104-f can support AP 102-c in configuring one or more QoS parameters, or support AP 102-c in installing uplink packet filtering (allowing STA 104-f to be version 11be or higher).

[0080] At 515, STA 104-f can send a first SCS response to AP 102-c based on the receipt of a second SCS request. The first SCS response can indicate the configuration or installation status of one or more QoS parameters at STA 104-f.

[0081] At 520, AP 102-c can send a second SCS response to STA 104-e based on the receipt of the first SCS response. The second SCS response can indicate the successful configuration or installation of one or more QoS parameters at STA 104-f.

[0082] At 525, STA 104-e can send a PPDU as an uplink PPDU to AP 102-c based on receiving a second SCS response.

[0083] At 530, AP 102-c can forward PPDUs as downlink PPDUs to STA 104-f based on QoS and the state of PPDUs received from STA 104-e, based on the configuration of one or more QoS parameters at STA 104-f, or based on both. In other words, AP 102-c can apply one or more QoS parameters (specified by STA 104-e) to downlink access to forward PPDUs to STA 104-f (based on a first SCS request). In such a specific implementation, AP 102-c can avoid applying one or more QoS parameters to other PPDUs or packets to be forwarded to STA 104-e via other communication links, from other STA 104s, or similar entities.

[0084] In some implementations, STA 104-e can indicate or certify to AP 102-c that STA 104-e is receiving uplink PPDUs or packets from STA 104-f (as opposed to another STA 104 requesting AP 102-c to install parameters on STA 104-f). Additionally or alternatively, STA 104-e, AP 102-c, STA 104-f, or any combination thereof can support or use random MAC addresses. In such implementations, AP 102-c can identify STA 104-e and STA 104-f based on their MAC addresses.

[0085] In some implementations, STA 104-f may not support AP 102-c configuring one or more QoS parameters on STA 104-f, or it may not support AP 102-c installing uplink packet filtering (allowing STA 104-f to be a version prior to 11be). In such implementations, AP 102-c can use triggered uplink access to serve STA 104-f to support the application of one or more QoS parameters (to satisfy end-to-end QoS).

[0086] Although described in the context of STA 104-e transmitting PPDUs to STA 104-f via AP 102-c, this should not be considered a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, end-to-end QoS technology can be similarly used for PPDUs transmitted from STA 104-e to STA 104-f via AP 102-c. Additionally, although described with reference to AP 102 and multiple STAs 104, this should not be considered a limitation of this disclosure. In this respect, any one or more types of wireless devices can support end-to-end QoS technology.

[0087] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless communication device 600 supporting technologies for end-to-end operation between devices. In some examples, the wireless communication device 600 is configured to perform the process 800 described with reference to Figure 8. The wireless communication device 600 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 the wireless communication device 600 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, the 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, allowing the wireless communication device 600 to transmit information output from the chip. In such an example, the second interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a receiving component, allowing the wireless communication device 600 to receive information passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface may also acquire information, such as from the transmitting component, and the second interface may also output information, such as to the receiving component.

[0088] The processing system of the wireless communication device 600 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 may herein be individually referred to 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 herein may herein be individually referred to 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, individually or collectively, processor-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, configures one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, 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, or be coupled to, 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). 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.

[0089] In some examples, wireless communication device 600 may be configured for or be configured for use in an STA such as STA 104 as described with reference to Figure 1. In some other examples, wireless communication device 600 may be an STA including such a processing system and other components including multiple antennas. Wireless communication device 600 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, wireless communication device 600 may be configurable to or be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more wireless communication protocol standards in the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, wireless communication device 600 may be configurable to or be configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3GPP specifications, including specifications for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, wireless communication device 600 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to such application processors, which may be further coupled to one or more other memories. In some examples, wireless communication device 600 also includes a user interface (UI) (such as a touchscreen or keypad) and a display, which may be integrated with the UI to form a touchscreen display coupled to the processing system. In some examples, the wireless communication device 600 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.

[0090] Wireless communication device 600 includes an end-to-end connection component 625, a control component 630, an acknowledgment component 635, a TXOP sharing component 640, and an SCS component 645. A portion of one or more of the end-to-end connection component 625, control component 630, acknowledgment component 635, TXOP sharing component 640, and SCS component 645 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the end-to-end connection component 625, control component 630, acknowledgment component 635, TXOP sharing component 640, and SCS component 645 may be implemented at least partially by at least one processor or modem. In some examples, a portion of one or more of the end-to-end connection component 625, control component 630, acknowledgment component 635, TXOP sharing component 640, and SCS component 645 may be implemented at least partially by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0091] Wireless communication device 600 may support wireless communication at a first wireless device according to examples disclosed herein. End-to-end connection component 625 may be configured or configured to establish an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first and third wireless devices and a second communication link between the third and second wireless devices. Control component 630 may be configured or configured to send one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or an SCS request to the third wireless device. In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and the SCS request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more QoS parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first and second communication links. In some examples, end-to-end connection component 625 may be configured or configured to send a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the SCS request.

[0092] In some examples, the acknowledgment component 635 may be configured or configured to receive an acknowledgment message from a third wireless device in response to the first message. In some examples, the TXOP sharing component 640 may be configured or configured to send a control frame to the third wireless device in response to the acknowledgment message, indicating that the shared TXOP has been transferred to the third wireless device.

[0093] In some examples, the acknowledgment component 635 may be configured or be configured to receive a second message from the third wireless device in response to a control frame, acknowledging that the shared TXOP has been transferred to the third wireless device.

[0094] In some examples, control component 630 may be configured or configured to communicate with a third wireless device one or more management frames including information indicating an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more QoS parameters, wherein the one or more management frames are associated with negotiation between the first wireless device and the third wireless device regarding the identifier of the second wireless device and one or more QoS parameters.

[0095] In some examples, the TXOP sharing component 640 may be configured to receive an uplink trigger associated with the first message from a third wireless device and send one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or SCS request via a header including the MPDU or PPDU of the first message (or via the header of the first message itself).

[0096] In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request is sent based on the following: determining that the third wireless device wants to forward the first message to the second wireless device via a second communication link for an end-to-end connection with the second wireless device.

[0097] In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request also includes one or more parameters associated with the second wireless device. In some examples, one or more parameters include the identifier of the second wireless device.

[0098] In some examples, the TXOP sharing component 640 may be configured or be configured to receive a shared TXOP reservation response from a third wireless device, which reserves a shared TXOP for the first and second transmissions, the first message being sent in response to the shared TXOP reservation response.

[0099] In some examples, the SCS component 645 may be configured or be configured to receive from a third wireless device an SCS response indicating successful installation of one or more QoS parameters at a second wireless device, the first message being sent upon receipt of the SCS response.

[0100] In some examples, the SCS request includes one or more parameters associated with a second wireless device. In some examples, one or more parameters include an identifier for the second wireless device.

[0101] In some examples, one or both of the shared TXOP reservation request or SCS request are sent via a control frame, or via the header of the MPDU or PPDU that includes the first message (or via the header of the first message itself).

[0102] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless communication device 700 supporting technologies for end-to-end operation between devices. In some examples, the wireless communication device 700 is configured to perform the process 900 described with reference to Figure 9. The wireless communication device 700 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 the wireless communication device 700 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, allowing the wireless communication device 700 to transmit information output from the chip. In such an example, the second interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a receiving component, allowing the wireless communication device 700 to receive information that is 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.

[0103] The processing system of the wireless communication device 700 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 may herein be individually referred to 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 herein may herein be individually referred to 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, individually or collectively, processor-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, configures one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, 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, or be coupled to, 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). 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.

[0104] In some examples, wireless communication device 700 may be configured for or be configured for use in an AP such as AP 102 as described with reference to Figure 1. In some other examples, wireless communication device 700 may be an AP including such a processing system and other components including multiple antennas. Wireless communication device 700 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, wireless communication device 700 may be configurable to or be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more wireless communication protocol standards in the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, wireless communication device 700 may be configurable to or be configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3GPP specifications, including specifications for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, wireless communication device 700 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to such one or more application processors, which may be further coupled to one or more other memories. In some examples, the wireless communication device 700 also includes at least one external network interface coupled to a processing system, which enables communication with the core network or backhaul network implementing the wireless communication device 700 to obtain access to external networks, including the Internet.

[0105] Wireless communication device 700 includes a link establishment component 725, a control component 730, a forwarding component 735, an acknowledgment component 740, a TXOP sharing component 745, and an SCS component 750. A portion of one or more of the link establishment component 725, control component 730, forwarding component 735, acknowledgment component 740, TXOP sharing component 745, and SCS component 750 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the link establishment component 725, control component 730, forwarding component 735, acknowledgment component 740, TXOP sharing component 745, and SCS component 750 may be implemented at least partially by at least one processor or modem. In some examples, a portion of one or more of the link establishment component 725, control component 730, forwarding component 735, acknowledgment component 740, TXOP sharing component 745, and SCS component 750 may be implemented at least partially by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0106] According to the examples disclosed herein, wireless communication device 700 may support wireless communication. Link establishment component 725 may be configured or configured to establish a first communication link with a second wireless device. In some examples, link establishment component 725 may be configured or configured to establish a second communication link with a third wireless device different from the second wireless device, the first and second communication links forming an end-to-end connection between the second and third wireless devices. Control component 730 may be configured or configured to receive one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request from the second wireless device. In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request is associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and the first SCS request indicates an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more QoS parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first and second communication links. Forwarding component 735 may be configured or configured to forward messages received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device according to the shared TXOP reservation request or the first SCS request.

[0107] In some examples, the forwarding component 735 may be configured or configured to receive messages from the second wireless device. In some examples, the acknowledgment component 740 may be configured or configured to send an acknowledgment message to the second wireless device in response to the message. In some examples, the control component 730 may be configured or configured to receive, in response to the acknowledgment message, a control frame from the second wireless device indicating that a shared TXOP has been transferred to the first wireless device, which is then forwarded to the third wireless device.

[0108] In some examples, the acknowledgment component 740 may be configured or be configured to send a second message to the second wireless device in response to a control frame, acknowledging that the shared TXOP has been transferred to the first wireless device.

[0109] In some examples, control component 730 may be configured or configured to communicate with the second wireless device one or more management frames including information indicating an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more QoS parameters, wherein the one or more management frames are associated with the negotiation of the identifier of the third wireless device and one or more QoS parameters between the first and third wireless devices. In some examples, TXOP sharing component 745 may be configured or configured to receive a shared transmission opportunity reservation request. In some examples, forwarding component 735 may be configured or configured to select whether to forward a message to the third wireless device based on the shared TXOP reservation request and the negotiation of the identifier of the third wireless device and one or more QoS parameters.

[0110] In some examples, control component 730 may be configured to send an uplink trigger associated with the first message to a second wireless device, and receive one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or SCS request via a header including the MPDU or PPDU of the first message (or via the header of the first message itself).

[0111] In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request includes one or more parameters associated with a third wireless device. In some examples, one or more parameters include an identifier for the third wireless device. In some examples, the TXOP sharing component 745 may be configured or configured to send a shared TXOP reservation response to a second wireless device, reserving a shared TXOP for the first and second transmissions, the message being forwarded based on the shared TXOP reservation response.

[0112] In some examples, the SCS component 750 may be configured or configured to send a second SCS request message to a third wireless device to configure one or more QoS parameters for the third wireless device. In some examples, the SCS component 750 may be configured or configured to receive from the third wireless device a first SCS response indicating the state of configuration of one or more QoS parameters at the third wireless device, the one or more QoS parameters being applied to a message forwarded to the third wireless device according to the configuration state.

[0113] In some examples, the SCS component 750 may be configured to, or be configured to, send a second SCS response to a second wireless device, indicating the successful installation of one or more QoS parameters at a third wireless device, depending on the configuration status, the message being received upon receiving the second SCS response.

[0114] In some examples, the forwarding component 735 may be configured to, or be configured to, apply one or more QoS parameters associated with the message to forward the message to a third wireless device in accordance with a first SCS request.

[0115] In some examples, one or both of the shared TXOP reservation request or SCS request are received via a control frame, or via the header of an MPDU or PPDU that includes the first message (or via the header of the first message itself).

[0116] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 800 supporting a technology for end-to-end operation between devices, which can be performed by or at a first wireless device. Operation of process 800 can be implemented by means or components thereof as described herein. For example, process 800 can be performed by a wireless communication device (such as wireless communication device 600 described with reference to Figure 6) operating as a wireless STA or within a wireless AP. In some examples, process 800 can be performed by a wireless STA (such as one of STA 104 described with reference to Figure 1).

[0117] In some examples, in block 805, the device can establish an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first and third wireless devices and a second communication link between the third and second wireless devices. Operation of block 805 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 805 can be performed by an end-to-end connection component 625 as described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0118] In some examples, in block 810, the device may send one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or an SCS request to a third wireless device. In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request may be associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and the SCS request may indicate the identifier of the second wireless device and one or more QoS parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link. Operation of block 810 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 810 may be performed by control component 630 as described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0119] In some examples, in block 815, the device may send a first message to a second wireless device via a third wireless device based on a shared TXOP reservation request or SCS request. Operation of block 815 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of operation of block 815 may be performed by an end-to-end connectivity component 625 as described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0120] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 900 supporting a technology for end-to-end operation between devices, which can be performed by or at a first wireless device. Operation of process 900 can be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 900 can be performed by a wireless communication device operating as a wireless AP or within a wireless STA (such as wireless communication device 700 described with reference to Figure 7). In some examples, process 900 can be performed by a wireless AP (such as one of the APs in AP 102 described with reference to Figure 1).

[0121] In some examples, in block 905, the first wireless device may establish a first communication link with the second wireless device. Operation of block 905 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 905 may be performed by link establishment component 725 as described with reference to FIG7.

[0122] In some examples, in block 910, a first wireless device may establish a second communication link with a third wireless device, different from the second wireless device, forming an end-to-end connection between the second and third wireless devices. Operation of block 910 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of operation of block 910 may be performed by link establishment component 725 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0123] In some examples, in block 915, the first wireless device may receive one or both of a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request from the second wireless device. In some examples, the shared TXOP reservation request may be associated with a shared TXOP for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and the first SCS request may indicate an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more QoS parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link. Operation of block 915 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 915 may be performed by communication component 730 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0124] In some examples, in block 920, the first wireless device may forward messages received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device based on a shared TXOP reservation request or a first SCS request. The operation of block 920 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 920 may be performed by the communication component 735 as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0125] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses: Clause 1: A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: establishing an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first wireless device and a third wireless device and a second communication link between the third wireless device and the second wireless device; sending to the third wireless device one or both of a shared transmission opportunity reservation request or a flow classification service request, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is associated with a shared transmission opportunity for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and wherein the flow classification service request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; and sending a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request.

[0126] Clause 2: The method according to Clause 1 further includes: receiving from the third wireless device an acknowledgment message in response to the first message; and sending to the third wireless device a control frame in response to the acknowledgment message indicating that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the third wireless device.

[0127] Clause 3: The method according to Clause 2 further includes: receiving a second message from the third wireless device in response to the control frame confirming that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the third wireless device.

[0128] Clause 4: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3 further comprises: communicating with the third wireless device one or more management frames including information indicating the identifier of the second wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters, the one or more management frames being associated with the negotiation of the identifier of the second wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters between the first wireless device and the third wireless device.

[0129] Clause 5: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4 further comprises: receiving an uplink trigger associated with the first message from the third wireless device; and sending one or both of the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request via a header of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the first message.

[0130] Clause 6: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is sent based on determining that the third wireless device wants to forward the first message to the second wireless device via the second communication link for the end-to-end connection with the second wireless device.

[0131] Clause 7: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request further includes one or more parameters associated with the second wireless device.

[0132] Clause 8: The method described in Clause 7, wherein one or more parameters include the identifier of the second wireless device.

[0133] Clause 9: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, the method further comprising: receiving from the third wireless device a shared transmission opportunity reservation response for reserving the shared transmission opportunities for the first transmission and the second transmission, the first message being sent in accordance with the shared transmission opportunity reservation response.

[0134] Clause 10: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, the method further comprising: receiving from the third wireless device a flow classification service response indicating successful installation of the one or more quality of service parameters at the second wireless device, the first message being sent upon receipt of the flow classification service response.

[0135] Clause 11: The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the stream classification service request includes one or more parameters associated with the second wireless device.

[0136] Clause 12: The method described in Clause 11, wherein one or more parameters include the identifier of the second wireless device.

[0137] Clause 13: In accordance with the method described in Clauses 1 to 12, one or both of the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request are transmitted via a control frame, or via the header of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the first message.

[0138] Clause 14: A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: establishing a first communication link with a second wireless device; establishing a second communication link with a third wireless device different from the second wireless device, the first communication link and the second communication link forming an end-to-end connection between the second wireless device and the third wireless device; receiving from the second wireless device one or both of a shared transmission opportunity reservation request or a first flow classification service request, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is associated with a shared transmission opportunity for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and wherein the first flow classification service request indicates an identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; and forwarding a message received from the second wireless device to the third wireless device according to the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the first flow classification service request.

[0139] Clause 15: The method according to Clause 14 further includes: receiving the message from the second wireless device; sending an acknowledgment message to the second wireless device in response to the message; and receiving, in response to the acknowledgment message, a control frame from the second wireless device indicating that the shared transmission opportunity is transferred to the first wireless device, the message being forwarded to the third wireless device according to the shared transmission opportunity being transferred to the first wireless device.

[0140] Clause 16: The method according to Clause 15 further includes: in response to the control frame, sending a second message to the second wireless device acknowledging that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the first wireless device.

[0141] Clause 17: The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 16, the method further comprising: communicating with the second wireless device one or more management frames including information indicating the identifier of the third wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters, the one or more management frames being associated with an agreement between the first wireless device and the third wireless device regarding the identifier of the third wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters; receiving the shared transmission opportunity reservation request; and selecting, based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation request and the agreement regarding the identifier of the third wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters, to forward the message to the third wireless device.

[0142] Clause 18: The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 17, the method further comprising: sending an uplink trigger associated with the message to the second wireless device; and receiving one or both of the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request via a header of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the message.

[0143] Clause 19: The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 18, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request includes one or more parameters associated with the third wireless device.

[0144] Clause 20: The method according to Clause 19, wherein one or more parameters include the identifier of the third wireless device.

[0145] Clause 21: The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 20, the method further comprising: sending to the second wireless device a shared transmission opportunity reservation response that reserves the shared transmission opportunity for the first transmission and the second transmission, the message being forwarded based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation response.

[0146] Clause 22: The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 21, the method further comprising: sending a second stream classification service request message to the third wireless device to configure the one or more quality of service parameters to the third wireless device; and receiving a first stream classification service response from the third wireless device, the first stream classification service response indicating a configuration status of the one or more quality of service parameters at the third wireless device, the one or more quality of service parameters being applied to the message forwarded to the third wireless device according to the configuration status.

[0147] Clause 23: The method according to Clause 22 further comprises: sending a second flow classification service response to the second wireless device, based on the state of the configuration, indicating successful installation of the one or more quality of service parameters at the third wireless device, the message being received upon receiving the second flow classification service response.

[0148] Clause 24: The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 23, the method further comprising: applying the one or more Quality of Service parameters associated with the message to forward the message to the third wireless device in accordance with the first Stream Classification Service Request.

[0149] Clause 25: In the method of any one of Clauses 14 to 24, one or both of the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request are transmitted via a control frame, or via the header of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the message.

[0150] Clause 26: A first wireless device comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code, thereby enabling the first wireless device to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13.

[0151] Clause 27: A first wireless device comprising: a processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless device to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13.

[0152] Clause 28: A first wireless device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13.

[0153] Clause 29: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the code including instructions that can be executed individually or jointly by one or more processors to (or to cause the first wireless device) perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13.

[0154] Clause 30: A first wireless device comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code, thereby enabling the first wireless device to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 26.

[0155] Clause 31: A first wireless device comprising: a processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless device to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 26.

[0156] Clause 32: A first wireless device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 26.

[0157] Clause 33: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless device, the code including instructions that can be executed individually or jointly by one or more processors to (or to cause the first wireless device) perform the method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 26.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and therefore, "determine" can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, searching (such as by searching in a table, database, or other data structure), reasoning, probing, measurement, and similar actions. Additionally, "determine" can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in memory), sending (such as sending information), etc. Furthermore, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, obtaining, choosing, building, and other similar actions.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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: A processing system, including processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code, is configured to cause the first wireless device to: establish an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first wireless device and a third wireless device and a second communication link between the third wireless device and the second wireless device; send to the third wireless device one or both of a shared transmission opportunity reservation request or a flow classification service request, wherein: the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is associated with a shared transmission opportunity for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and the flow classification service request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; and send a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request.

2. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive an acknowledgment message from the third wireless device in response to the first message; and, in response to the acknowledgment message, send a control frame to the third wireless device indicating that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the third wireless device.

3. The first wireless device according to claim 2, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive from the third wireless device a second message acknowledging that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the third wireless device in response to the control frame.

4. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: communicate with the third wireless device one or more management frames including information indicating the identifier of the second wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters, the one or more management frames being associated with negotiation between the first wireless device and the third wireless device regarding the identifier of the second wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters.

5. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive an uplink trigger associated with the first message from the third wireless device; and send one or both of the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request via a header of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the first message.

6. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is sent based on determining that the third wireless device intends to forward the first message to the second wireless device via the second communication link for the end-to-end connection with the second wireless device.

7. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request further includes one or more parameters associated with the second wireless device.

8. The first wireless device according to claim 7, wherein one or more parameters include the identifier of the second wireless device.

9. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive from the third wireless device a shared transmission opportunity reservation response for reserving the shared transmission opportunities for the first transmission and the second transmission, the first message being transmitted in accordance with the shared transmission opportunity reservation response.

10. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive from the third wireless device a flow classification service response indicating successful installation of the one or more quality of service parameters at the second wireless device, the first message being sent upon receipt of the flow classification service response.

11. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the stream classification service request includes one or more parameters associated with the second wireless device.

12. The first wireless device of claim 11, wherein one or more parameters include the identifier of the second wireless device.

13. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein one or both of the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the stream classification service request are transmitted via a control frame, or via the header of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) including the first message.

14. A first wireless device, the first wireless device comprising: A processing system, comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the first wireless device to: establish a first communication link with a second wireless device; and establish a second communication link with a third wireless device different from the second wireless device, wherein the first communication link and the second communication link form an end-to-end connection between the second wireless device and the third wireless device; Receive one or both of a shared transmission opportunity reservation request or a first stream classification service request from the second wireless device, wherein: the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is associated with a shared transmission opportunity for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and the first stream classification service request indicates the identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; And, based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the first stream classification service request, the message received from the second wireless device is forwarded to the third wireless device.

15. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive the message from the second wireless device; send an acknowledgment message to the second wireless device in response to the message; and receive, in response to the acknowledgment message, a control frame from the second wireless device indicating that the shared transmission opportunity is transferred to the first wireless device, the message being forwarded to the third wireless device according to the shared transmission opportunity being transferred to the first wireless device.

16. The first wireless device of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: send a second message to the second wireless device in response to the control frame, confirming that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the first wireless device.

17. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: communicate with the second wireless device one or more management frames including information indicating the identifier of the third wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters, the one or more management frames being associated with an agreement between the first wireless device and the third wireless device regarding the identifier of the third wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters; receive the shared transmission opportunity reservation request; and, based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation request and the agreement regarding the identifier of the third wireless device and the one or more quality of service parameters, forward the message to the third wireless device.

18. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the shared transmission opportunity reservation request includes one or more parameters associated with the third wireless device.

19. The first wireless device of claim 18, wherein one or more parameters include the identifier of the third wireless device.

20. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: send a shared transmission opportunity reservation response to the second wireless device, the message being forwarded based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation response.

21. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: send a second stream classification service request message to the third wireless device to configure the one or more quality of service parameters to the third wireless device; and receive a first stream classification service response from the third wireless device, the first stream classification service response indicating the configuration status of the one or more quality of service parameters at the third wireless device, the one or more quality of service parameters being applied to the message forwarded to the third wireless device according to the configured status.

22. The first wireless device of claim 21, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: send a second stream classification service response to the second wireless device, according to the configured state, indicating successful installation of the one or more quality of service parameters at the third wireless device, the message being received upon receiving the second stream classification service response.

23. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: apply the one or more quality of service parameters associated with the message to forward the message to the third wireless device in accordance with the first stream classification service request.

24. A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: Establish an end-to-end connection with a second wireless device, the end-to-end connection including a first communication link between the first and third wireless devices and a second communication link between the third and second wireless devices; send one or both of a shared transmission opportunity reservation request or a flow classification service request to the third wireless device, wherein: the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is associated with a shared transmission opportunity for a first transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device and a second transmission from the third wireless device to the second wireless device, and the flow classification service request indicates an identifier of the second wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first and second communication links; and send a first message to the second wireless device via the third wireless device according to the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the flow classification service request.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: Receive an acknowledgment message in response to the first message from the third wireless device; And in response to the confirmation message, send a control frame to the third wireless device indicating that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the third wireless device.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: In response to the control frame, a second message acknowledging that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the third wireless device is received from the third wireless device.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising: The third wireless device receives a shared transmission opportunity reservation response for the shared transmission opportunities of the first transmission and the second transmission, wherein the first message is sent based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation response.

28. A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: Establish a first communication link with the second wireless device; A second communication link is established with a third wireless device that is different from the second wireless device, and the first communication link and the second communication link form an end-to-end connection between the second wireless device and the third wireless device; Receive one or both of a shared transmission opportunity reservation request or a first stream classification service request from the second wireless device, wherein: the shared transmission opportunity reservation request is associated with a shared transmission opportunity for a first transmission from the second wireless device to the first wireless device and a second transmission from the first wireless device to the third wireless device, and the first stream classification service request indicates the identifier of the third wireless device and one or more quality of service parameters shared by packets transmitted via the first communication link and via the second communication link; And, based on the shared transmission opportunity reservation request or the first stream classification service request, the message received from the second wireless device is forwarded to the third wireless device.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising: Receive the message from the second wireless device; Send an acknowledgment message in response to the message to the second wireless device; And in response to the confirmation message, receive from the second wireless device a control frame indicating that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the first wireless device, the message being forwarded to the third wireless device according to the transfer of the shared transmission opportunity to the first wireless device.

30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising: In response to the control frame, a second message is sent to the second wireless device acknowledging that the shared transmission opportunity has been transferred to the first wireless device.

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